TRAIL 2025 | MARKER 07 Hey Reader, Summer has arrived in full swing, bringing fireflies, thunderstorms, and the delightful chaos of summer break. Instead of settling into my usual slower rhythm, Iāve been bouncing between photo trips, project deadlines, and kiddo adventures. Itās a little wild, but energizing in its own way. In June, I snuck away to the Smokies to photograph the fireflies, then zipped up to speak at the Nature Photography Weekend at Grandfather Mountain. It was my first time...
about 1 month agoĀ ā¢Ā 7 min read
TRAIL 2025 | MARKER 06 Hey hey! How are things going? Spring has been relentless here, in the best possible way. Iāve been doing my best to navigate the ever-wobbly seesaw between family and photography, though it just keeps flying up and down. Thereās no true balancing it, and I think thatās just how itās meant to be for now. A few weeks ago, I had the joy of teaching at the Out of the Great Smoky Mountains conference with Out of Chicago. It was an incredible experienceāequal parts inspiring...
3 months agoĀ ā¢Ā 6 min read
TRAIL 2025 | MARKER 05 Happy World Backup Day! Spring has officially arrivedāthe cherry blossoms are showing off, and the trees are just about ready to trade in their winter sticks for fresh layers of green. Thereās something about this season that always gives me a little boostāa nudge to refresh routines and take better care of the things that matter. March 31st is World Backup Dayāa little holiday (okay, maybe not Hallmark official) to remind us how important it is to protect the digital...
5 months agoĀ ā¢Ā 5 min read
TRAIL 2025 | MARKER 04 Hello March! March always feels like the start of a raceāstretching, warming up, knowing that any moment now, the season will burst into spring greens and vibrant colors across the landscape. Winterās quiet slumber is giving way to signs of life, and Iāve already spotted my first crocuses and snowdrops peeking through on my afternoon walks. Also, happy belated International Womenās Day to all the incredible women! š I recently shared a reel highlighting some of my...
6 months agoĀ ā¢Ā 4 min read
TRAIL 2025 | MARKER 03 I've been deep in preparation for LIVE!, which means long hours at my desk. The temperature took a huge swing into the 70sĀ°F (20sĀ°C), making it tough to stay indoors. But once the weekend wraps up, it'll all be worth it because I'm going to be brimming with creative sparks ready to catch fire. Every year, the energy and camaraderie from the LIVE! conference kicks my photography into high gear, and I know I'll be outside with my camera a whole lot more. In this trail...
7 months agoĀ ā¢Ā 4 min read
TRAIL 2025 | MARKER 02 Winterās quiet beauty has a way of slowing me down and sharpening my attention to the small detailsāfrost patterns forming overnight, the way light transforms a familiar landscape under fresh snow. But these colder, darker days can also test my creativity. Thatās why this month, Iām revisiting an article from the archives all about finding inspiration in winterās stillness. Still, I can feel the creative rust settling in. Thatās why Iām relieved that in less than two...
7 months agoĀ ā¢Ā 5 min read
TRAIL 2025 | MARKER 01 Warm wishes as we step into 2025! The last two months have been a whirlwindāICYMI, we welcomed a new little one in November, and life has felt like a beautiful, messy transformation ever since. This year, Iām bringing that energy into a refreshed newsletter. Each edition will now follow "markers" to guide your photography and creative journey, much like trail landmarks. This month, Iām sharing 25 photography goals for 2025, a quick reminder from the archives on creating...
8 months agoĀ ā¢Ā 4 min read
Hey Reader, How has your photography been shaping up this season? November turned my world upside downābut in the best way possible! My husband and I welcomed a little girl into our family. She arrived a few weeks early, so last month's photography plans had to pause as we focused on family. But good news! Iāve caught up on enough sleep this past week to finish curating this yearās list of Best Gifts for Nature Photographers. And guess what? We're still doing the giveaway, though we've...
9 months agoĀ ā¢Ā 3 min read
Hey Reader, How is the fall color your way? This past week, I took some time to photograph the approaching peak colors in the mountains of Pennsylvaniaāwhere I grew up. I make it a point to return each fall because being surrounded by those autumn hues brings back so many nostalgic memories. Itās the perfect way for me to recenter before all the end-of-year festivities begin. Now that Iām back in the office, Iām excited to dive into finishing some new articles and videos to share with you...
11 months agoĀ ā¢Ā 4 min read