When There's Nothing Left to Burn

What the hell happen in 2016? It got to me too. I basically spent this year half ass fulfilling all the promises I made when I was feeling really good in 2015. That's really lame but it's honestly the only way I can describe this past year. A true struggle. But with everything awkwardly hanging in the balance, I have felt a lightness. I also felt this need to start over; to start from the beginning. So I took a long break to think and work on different creative endevors and new trades.

When it came down to it, photography is everywhere for me. I can't get pictures and scenes out of my head. My memory is strong and I feel like photography helps that. I want so badly for people to see things the way I do. The beauty is everywhere. It's in the streets, in the woods, in you and me. I think we really need to see that right now.

So yeah, here I am. The best way to get out of any funk is self portraits. It's funny doing self portraits now because I'm far more self aware. I think it's all this time living in the "selfie generation" and knowing you could be forced into one any second.

Stay Gold

Let me level with you...

I spent a lot of this year losing and finding myself. What do I want to do, what am I going to do about said do, etc. I stumble upon some crippling self doubt at times and ride it out and it's never done me any good so I'm doing something about it. 

My goal is to double my shoots every year at least until I found my stride.  This is the first year I've failed at record low for me. I don't know what happen and maybe it was just life in general getting in the way, but was disappointed coming into November. 

But then I got inspired in a new way and have built my confidence by challenging myself. So far, I am very happy with the results! I see myself becoming better and more fierce with every passing day. 

The point is that I'm ready to make this my full time thing and that's what I'll be pursuing in the next year and a half. As every year, I plan to shoot more and be better but I also plan to go places and see a lot more. 2015 is all about coming out a stronger photographer. 

I'm planning to see a lot more of this place. 

Just Like Heaven

A little over a month ago, I got the honor of taking pictures of my good friend and ex coworker, Callie! She's so fun and adorably pint sized so I jumped at the chance of getting to take her picture. These pictures make me think of how warm it was that day and failed attempts to keep cool in between outfit changes. I've always been so drawn to her punky style (normally she's in far more black). Her first look instantly made me think of The Cure...I mean, it's all about the hat. 

I can't wait to make a trip up to Denton soon to see her! 

The Swan

Last month I got the pleasure of seeing Kat for a day or two as right before she went off to Houston to start Grad School!! I'm so incredibly proud of her and everything she's done so far. Plus, I mean, Houston is basically down the street compared to Wyoming. More then anything, I'm excited to see her perform which is something I've been dying to witness over the years and distance. (behind the scenes in video below is worth the watch! Kat is enchanting.)

I can't wait to have some fun in Houston with you soon, Kitten xoxo

Kat Cordes from Jade Wright on Vimeo.