Aloha from the Pacific

Aloha! I’m writing this post from the rocky shores of Maui, Hawaii… and the fact that I’m even writing the word “Maui” in a blog post is absolutely crazy! I never loved traveling until more recently and being away from home for this long is a little out of my comfort zone. I have always been a bit risk-adverse, you know… the rule follower of the group! So hiking up volcanoes, snorkeling in coral reefs, and climbing lava rocks is truly pushing me to embrace a thrill-seeking spirit that I genuinely never thought I had.

Just A Few Instagram Sneak Peeks – Follow along on our Journey!

This trip has already taught me so much about myself… I’m learning to push myself creatively, seek organic sources of inspiration, and discover new passions! And after our shoot two nights ago, I immediately texted my husband and told him… “I just photographed the most incredible shoot of my career. I feel so alive.” — And looking back on how I felt (and feel) about that moment… I realize that a single text sums up this entire trip… I feel so alive.

Traveling & shooting creatively is reminding me what it feels like to be an artist. I’m taking time each morning to breathe, walk around outside, soak up the sunshine. I’ve been journaling again too.

I spent every waking moment for months working during the busy season… Even in my sleep I felt like I was dreaming of all the things that I needed to check-off the to-do list the following day. (Has anyone else ever felt like that?) // My mind was constantly consumed with work and somewhere along the way, I lost sight of who I was. I stopped craving rest and rejuvenation because I forgot what it felt like. I never took days off. (Which is easy to do when you work weekends!) And this trip has shown my just how much I truly need those slower, lets just pull over to look at the view, moments that I so often brush off in the hustle of daily life.

This trip has been incredible. Each new day brings incredible work to photograph, people to meet, and experiences that leave me dizzy with excitement. I seriously can’t believe that today we embark on the last leg of our journey to New Zealand! We have even more shoots lined up while we’re there… but for now, I’ll leave you with this sneak peek from our Maui shoot for Opihi Love!

Get ready for a ton of new posts in February once I’m back in the office! I’m going to be sharing travel photographs from California, Hawaii, and New Zealand + a few more sneaks at the couples and editorial work that we’ve been capturing along the way! Aloha!