The Perks of Siblings

When my family moved away a few years ago I thought I'd be okay. I was on my own and for the most part I was flourishing in my own independence.

 I didn't foresee ever really longing for them. But after some time I began feeling a tinge of regret when one started their first day of high school and I wasn't there to spend the whole night picking out their outfit for the first day, or when one was getting bullied and I wasn't there to say any encouraging words, or even when they all went to their first dances. It just felt like something I was supposed to be a part of but I wasn't.

 Now that we live close, happily things are back to normal. I'm really happy that I can call on my siblings to come fix this or help me with that. Photography is no different. When I expressed my desire for a shoot, they practically jumped at the opportunity. I love any time I get to spend with them-but this time I got to capture the moment, as they were that day, to preserve forever.
If that isn't the soul of photography I don't know what is.

xoxo,
Alycia Dawn

Lovely Sunday

Today I had the insane pleasure for shooting two of my friends I've met through my husband. I was admittingly nervous because I wanted to do them justice and quite frankly-I felt rusty.

These two instantly put me at ease. I enjoyed spending the evening laughing with them and catching up. Their love is unique and something I feel like most of us look for in this life. We are all just looking for that one person that we can be completely ourselves with and just weird. Those two definitely have it. Going on 7 years married and they goof around like newlyweds. I loved getting to see this side of my friends and was glad to find they seemed just as nervous as I did. They kept apologizing profusely but honestly-I was just happy to get to know them more.

These photos took my breath away and like a good book I couldn't tear myself away from the computer until I felt I was done editing them.

I truly hope you all enjoy them as much as I do-I just hope I did my friends and their quirky love for each other justice.

Happy Sunday y'all! More good things to head your way this week! <3

xoxo,
Alycia Dawn

Rain Rain Go Away...

Living in the Pacific Northwest I knew it was only a matter of time before I'd have to come against what in my opinion is the least desirable of elements a photographer has to endure..
Rain.
And yesterday it certainly poured.
But I was fortunate enough to be spending my time with Jackie and her soon-to-be-stepson Jaiden. He was cute, quirky, and had so many expressions it was hard to begrudge the weather as we chuckled at all the cute things he'd say. He's an absolute character and I was so happy to take some time out of this rainy afternoon to get to know him and spend some time with a good friend in the process. It was incredible to be witness to the bond they've built and its given me a whole new sense of  respect for step parents in general. I could see the love and caring in each of their eyes when they were interacting with one another, some of my best shots were captured in the middle of their adorable banter.

Ultimately I've come to the conclusion that rain while not my friend, is definitely do-able to photograph in.
Does that mean I'm not going to do absolutely everything I can to avoid it?
...we will see :P

For now, I get to enjoy editing some rainy day photos that a full of sunshine and character.