workshop: fall food styling + photography

I just attended my second food styling + photography workshop and I (still) really loved it.

I love these workshops for multiple reasons, but mostly because it blocks out four hours of my day to just immerse myself in the creative process. Photography, in general, has always been a creative outlet for me but lately hasn’t been sparking much joy. I’ve been feeling stuck in a creative rut, feeling disconnected from being able to express my artistic style. This weekend was much, much needed.

Art, in any form, is a really personal experience for me. While everyone one has an opinion about what looks right or what looks good — I try to dig deeper and see what different people find to be beautiful. We all have different experiences, which in turn gives us a different perception of the world. Images, for example, touch us in different ways. Remembering all this has opened me up to learning more and also forgiving myself whenever the craving for perfection gets the best of me.

I was comparing the photos below with the ones I took from the first workshop and they feel (to me) so different from each other. Maybe it’s because I feel different all together, or maybe it’s just another phase of my evolution. Either way — I’m really proud of how these photos turned out and I’m excited to share some of my favorites below!

oh, seattle.

"When I look at my life I see high-water marks of happiness and I see the lower places where I had to convince myself that suicide wasn’t an answer. And in between I see my life. I see that the sadness and tragedy in my life made the euphoria and delicious ecstasy that much more sweet. I see that stretching out my soul to feel every inch of horrific depression gave me more room to grow and enjoy the beauty of life that others might not ever appreciate. I see that there is dust in the air that will eventually settle onto the floor to be swept out the door as a nuisance, but before that, for one brilliant moment I see the dust motes catch sunlight and sparkle and dance like stardust. I see the beginning and the end of all things. I see my life. It is beautifully ugly and tarnished in just the right way. It sparkles with debris. There is wonder and joy in the simplest of things."

- Jenny Lawson, Furiously Happy

postcards from san francisco

thirty-two years today. the past year has been full of challenges, accomplishments, sadness, happiness, and growth. i’ve always had the notion that reaching thirty would be the pinnacle of my life — but it’s been a harder decade than i imagined. but even on my darkest days, in the moments that feel like the light will never shine again, holding on has always been worth it. the moments that follow make life so beautiful.

my birthday is always a melancholic time for me, but I’m so lucky to have amazing people in my life to keep my spirits up. thanks to everyone who has reached out with warm wishes & birthday love — and for every person that has extended me even the smallest kindness and thoughtfulness throughout my life — it has made more of a difference than i can ever tell you.