58 years. FIFTY. EIGHT. That’s a whole lot of years to spend loving someone. And yet, there they were. Smiling. I joined Pat and Ward (actually, John, but I love that Pat called him by his last name. When they met, they knew so many ‘Johns,’ it was hard to get the right one to […]

I’ve been using the phrase “simple pictures with big backstories” for a while now. Those 5 words were a 2017 divine download and could not sum up the MARIE in my work better. This has meant less emphasis on well-rounded technical skill and has anchored me in the best way. I’ve let go of trying […]

Sometimes what’s warm and familiar to us is something we don’t SEE. I mean, really see. We’re easily caught up in the doing + prep for the cookies, festivities, gifts for everyone, dinners, and beyond that we can miss feeling the experience itself. I don’t know about you, but holidays aside, I crave more connection […]

Do you feel like you’re constantly censoring yourself when you write about your experiences? You kinda have to, right, or you might sound like an emotional train wreck. My dad likely only has a few good years left. I’m scared to death about what life is going to be like without my parents. I miss […]

There are places from my childhood that when I return to visit, I feel like a little kid again. One of those places is definitely my Grandma’s house. It sits upon a hill, surrounded by woods and filled with memories. As soon as I walk in, I feel like I’m 6 years old. The smell […]

I’ve been slightly reluctant to write this blog, as I’ve had some trouble compiling my thoughts. You see, I just feel like my words could NEVER do this evening justice. Pure magic was in the air. I was greeted with smiles in the lobby as I finally had the opportunity to meet Cindy. We took […]

It’s easy to get lost behind your lens, hunting down your next masterpiece… and when it feels like you’re on the verge of magic (or on the opposite side, the magic feels like a lost cause), it’s easy to feel the need to hold the shutter down… click, click, click, click. It’s like a reflex […]

After working extremely hard for over thirty years, both of my parents retired this year. As a personal project, I followed them around for a couple hours to document what retired life is all about for them. My dad is a lover of all art. He has a workshop in the backyard in which he […]

My heart immediately throbbed. Anyone following me for any length of time knows that all my grandparents have passed away. I have the GREATEST memories of visiting them, having sleepovers, going up north, going to dinner & a show, and more. This genre of shooting really hits home when I think of all of my […]

For more than 15 years, my parents have made gingerbread houses for their grandchildren at Christmas time. As soon as I had children and they were old enough to participate, I was ecstatic! It’s become one of our most treasured Christmas traditions, and one of my favorite holiday activities to photograph. I can only imagine the […]