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Photography: The Sacramento Zoo Dinosaurs

Yesterday, I went to The Sacramento Zoo to see their new collection of enormous animatronic dinosaurs. While the exhibit was fantastic, I struggled hard with my camera. I chose to bring the wrong lens, forgot my glasses, couldn’t get my settings right for anything, and ended up with a lot of bad photos. I’m talking real stinkers.

I’m sharing the ones I sort of liked, as a marker in my journey. These show what I was trying to do: get more varied shots, focus on depth, and play with colors. You’ll see a lot of purposeful blur and my attempts at creative framing. I’ve got a lot of shoots planned in the future, and I suppose each click, good or bad, is a step in my journey.

Let me know if you have a favorite, and if you’re in Sacramento, the dinosaurs are there until October. I know I’ll be headed back again!

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  • These were taken with my Olympus E-M1 MarkII, using a 40-150mm lens and edited with Lightroom Classic.

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Photography: Rainy Day Black & White

The last few days have been rainy and gloomy. I’m not feeling great overall, but I got to spend some time with my darling nephew. During a brief break in the storm, we went outside and took a few photographs together. Let me know what you think of these, both as a collection and as an editing style. Does it tell you a story? Are there enough varied shots? Do you have a favorite? Any constructive criticism is welcome.

Thank you for helping me grow and enjoy the rest of your week.

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  • These were taken with my Olympus E-M1 MarkII, using a 75-300mm lens and edited with Lightroom Classic.

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Photography: Folsom Farmers Market

I went to the Folsom Farmers Market last weekend with my wonderful nephew, Wyatt, who will be turning seven in a few weeks. As his parents sold their beautiful crafts, we wandered around, and I worked on my photography. I think my image quality is improving as I get quicker at adjusting my settings and learn more about the exposure triangle, but it’s slow going. I want to get better much faster than I am, but that’s true of so many things in my life right now.

I’m also in the process of developing my photographic voice, focusing on both how I tell stories and how I edit. I’m drawn toward a vintage, warm tone, and a more photojournalistic style. Close-up pictures are usually my go-to, but I’m aiming for more diverse shots now. Let me know what you think of these and if you have a favorite.

Thank you!

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  • These were taken with my Olympus E-M1 MarkII, using a 75-300mm lens and edited with Lightroom Classic.
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Photography: Coyote Pond Park

Despite a hard week, I rose early yesterday, faced the rain, and spent two hours in a nearby park capturing bird photos. Creeping through the grass without a sound, tucking my camera into my rain jacket for safekeeping during downpours, and focusing only on the birdsong offered unexpected joy. It’s comforting watching the world through a lens, away from anything but the sounds of nature.

Although I’m taking classes right now to photograph people, my first love will always be the outdoors. And while I’m getting better at using my camera in manual mode, I haven’t achieved the crispness I want yet. Let me know if you think these are headed in the right direction and if you have a favorite photo. I hope you have a great rest of your week!

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  • These were taken with my Olympus E-M1 MarkII, using a 75-300mm lens and edited with Lightroom Classic.
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Photography: California Days

Lately, I’ve been inspired by weirdness of ordinary things. For the last few weeks I’ve kept my camera in the car and taken shots around the area. These are the result of trying to edit them cohesive and finding a tone which I thought fit them all. Let me know what you think and if you have a favorite image.

Bonus points if you can name any of these locations.

Have a great week!

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  • These were taken with my Olympus E-M1 MarkII, using a 75-300mm lens and edited with Lightroom Classic.
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Photography: Snow Moon

I’m trying to use my camera’s manual mode more, but it’s not going well. The night of the last full moon, I went to the lake and left in tears. The lighting wasn’t good, and the moon hid behind the clouds. Every image was a mess.

I spent the rest of the night thinking about quitting. I’d secretly been considering making photography my new career. Maybe another year and I could start charging real money for my work and help my family pay down our debt. Failing at the moon photos felt like a rejection—a confirmation that I’m wasting my time.

The next morning, I woke up early and headed to my local park to try again. These photos are the result. I’m still not thrilled with these images, but at least I’m getting better at making fast adjustments. The sky went from totally dark to a bright sunlight in the hour I was there. I had to keep tweaking my settings, popping in and out of light and shadow. But, unlike the previous night, I didn’t let it get to me.

These aren’t the best, not even my best. Not by a long shot. But, I edited them to be cohesive. Some of these shots have potential. I’ve taking a few online photography classes. I’m still going to keep trying.

You should, too.

I believe in you.

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  • These were taken with my Olympus E-M1 MarkII, using a 75-300mm lens and edited with Lightroom Classic.

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Photography: Women Are…

“One day you will look at those photos with much kinder eyes, and say, ‘dear God, I was a beautiful thing!'”—Catherine O’Hara as Moira Rose

Today, I’m starting a new series where I photograph the amazing women in my life. I’m hoping to improve my photography skills while at the same time honoring those who make my life so beautiful.

My daughter, Lola, agreed to be my first model. I’m grateful for her creative spirit, willingness to try new things, trust in my abilities, and endearing vulnerability.

Let me know if you have a favorite and have a great weekend.

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What makes you proud?
Pushing through things and still being here.

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What makes you feel brave?
Sharing my art and performing music.

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What gives you hope?
The kind, beautiful people in my family and life.

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  • These were taken with my Olympus E-M1 MarkII, using a 50mm lens and edited with Lightroom Classic.
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Photography: For You


The news right now is horrific. I watched the video of the second person killed by ICE agents, gunned down on a street in broad daylight, and my heart broke into a million tiny pieces. Again. A powerful sense of mourning for America has overcome me, more than I ever thought possible. I’m terribly sad and angry.

It’s hard to create right now, it’s hard to do anything right now, but something tells me you might need these photos as much as I do. These little tiny pieces of art I crafted for you when I should have been sleeping. Thorns. Flowers. Weeds. Fruit.

These are for you, for me, for all of us.

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  • Photos were taken with an Olympus OM-D1 and edited with Lightroom Classic
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Photography: Anniversary Trip

This past November, my husband and I went to Dillon Beach to celebrate our anniversary. It’s taken me a long time, but I’ve finally edited the photos. I’ve done some experimenting to try and make these more dramatic and engaging. Do you think I’ve gone too far? Do you have a favorite? One that just doesn’t work for you? Let me know. I’m planning to take a ton of photos this year, and I really want to get better at both shooting and editing.

I hope everyone is doing well and staying warm. Have a great rest of your week!

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  • Photos were taken with an Olympus OM-D1 and edited with Lightroom Classic

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Photography: Wolf Moon

Hello, friends! We are already a few weeks into 2026 and I’m finally emerging from a long hiatus to share with you my first moon photos of the year. These are mostly not the moon, as you’ll see, but they are what happens when you head out on a cloudy evening to chase the moon and it hides from you for a long time. 

I’m sorry I’ve been absent from this space for so long. Life has been a bit challenging, beautiful, and messy. I found my creative tank completely drained. However, these photos mark a new start for me. I’m recommitting to growing my skills in all things. My short story collection just got accepted into another book store, my poetry book is starting to take shape, I’ve got three senior portrait sessions booked, and I’m working with an artist on a children’s book.

Life continues to throw curve balls my way, but I’m dedicated to showing up. Let me know if you have a favorite photo and I’m glad you’re here!

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  • Photos were taken with an Olympus OM-D1 and edited with Lightroom Classic