Whenever it gets late and I can’t sleep, I go through old pictures. 

I know- SHOCKER!! *if you haven’t picked up on  my sarcasm yet, here is your hint*

But seriously though. It inevitably happens 98% of the time before I am “about to go to bed.” I lay down, I kinda-sorta-but-not-really try to sleep, and then I find myself going through old pictures and smiling at all the memories and growth. 

Tonight’s look-back is someone I love more than anything in the world- my fiance. He’s always been my test subject as I’ve tried out new creative ideas over the years, but these past few months he’s been in front of the lens more than usual as I went full time with my business. 

That all being said, I’m posting these pictures because sometimes when I feel creatively blocked it helps me to go through my old work and track my progress. I’m also posting these pictures because I have really loved watching my best-friend-who-became-my-boyfriend-who-became-my-fiance-who-is-going-to-become-my-husband (say that 6 times fast) grow as I have grown. 2+ years ago when I took his senior pictures, we were both just young dumb kids in love. Now, with our most recent session over Thanksgiving break, we’re still pretty young and super in love, but I look at the man that stares back at me and can’t wait to spend the rest of my life trying to capture who he is on camera. 

It’s pretty amazing when you find something/someone that inspires you so much, and that encourages you to be better. 2 years ago when I captured those images of Mike I was just taking pictures as a side hobby for friends. Now, I am where I always wanted to be; “a professional photographer” and I make a living capturing peoples’ lives. Some days I want to wake up and pinch myself cause it feels like I’m dreaming- like I don’t even deserve this- but I look at Mike and he reminds me of my talent, and I thank God for this best friend of mine and for this life that I live, because it’s almost too good to be true. 

All I can say is this: Let the world around you inspire you, CAPTURE what inspires you, and never stop pushing to reach your goals, and to make bigger ones once you reach those.