“You may live in the world as it is, but you can still work to create the world as it should be.” —Michelle Obama

For the month of February, my model was my dear friend Angy. We met in the fifth grade and became instant best friends. I’m grateful for her endearing trust in me, her incredible ability to always push forward, and her steadfast faith. She’s been the friend who always believes in big visions, reaches out when things are impossible, and never gives up on herself or others (me included).

Despite having a dreamy location, Red Rock Canyon outside Las Vegas, I struggled with light. We arrived just a bit too late and worked hard until I couldn’t see to take another shot. I brought my new flash, but I didn’t know how to use it. You’ll see an accidental shot at the end, and the effect is cool, but I couldn’t recreate it if I wanted to. Not yet! I’m looking now for an online class to take on tricky lighting. I’d love to abandon grainy shots for good.

Preparing for this shoot, I took a posing class, and Angy was a fantastic model. She trusted me to guide her through poses, even if they felt a bit awkward at times. I’m learning a lot about angles and creating triangles in my poses. It felt good to lead her and pretend confidence, even when I wasn’t sure we were getting usable images. What do you think? Do you have a favorite?

• January: Lola

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What makes you proud?
The depth of my relationships, and the quiet privilege of sitting in the audience and witnessing my daughters step into who they are becoming.

What makes you feel brave?
That flutter of butterflies in my stomach is my compass. When something feels both thrilling and terrifying at once, I know I am standing at the edge of something meant for me.

What gives you hope?
Every morning the sun rises quietly, without announcement or applause, offering the world another chance to begin again. And I hold a steady faith that, beneath it all, people are inherently good.

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• The photos above were taken with my Olympus E-M1 MarkII, using a 14-150mm lens and edited with Lightroom Classic.