I love being a storyteller.  

Describing, capturing, framing and sharing about... reality.

Reality in the smiles.

Reality in the little details.

Reality in the giggles.

Reality in the wrinkled brows.

And even the squinty, half-closed, Asian-looking, eyes.

Here's the catch: as a photographer, I get to choose which reality to share, capture, and frame.

And not all realities are created equal. Not all realities are happy, warm, fuzzy, feelings to remember.

Sometimes I have to wait. And wait. And wait some more.

Until the right moment shows up.

(And... since we live in a real world, sometimes that means waiting until the toddler stops screaming.)

But if we're patient enough...

The right moment always shows up.

But only if you're patient enough to wait for it.

Enjoy your realities and moments today. Happy Friday! :)

When people hire me to do their photos...

What they're really doing is inviting me into their life.

Not in a "Hi, I put on my good face for you today" sort of way...

But a "This is actually what my family truly looks like" sort of way.

And sometimes, those invitations overwhelm me with responsibility.

The honesty...

Personalities...

And REAL moments contained in these shoots...

They're pretty epic. (Just like this picture.)

And they're just waiting to be snatched up and remembered for a lifetime.

But sometimes being real and honest isn't all laughter and hugs and smiles.

Sometimes being real and honest is hard work... and might even require some tears and tender moments.

But the results - one family's entire colorful essence wrapped up in images...

Are always worth it. :)

Mulder family... thanks for inviting me into your life, and for showing me what your family truly looks like. You guys rock. :)