I'm moving to PORTLAND!

Dear Durango,

We didn't get along very well at first, but here we are five years later and damn if I'm not a little nostalgic for the time we've spent together. You have been the backdrop for heartache, finding new love, a lot of mistakes, making a ton of life-long friends, learning to be bold, outdoor adventure, and the place where I truly became an adult and blossomed as a professional photographer. You are one of my true loves, but it's time for a change.

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I'm dusting off the ole blog today to explain to you why it's been so quiet around here. Scott and I have been talking for over a year about making a big move and several weeks ago, after some unexpected changes in work, he and I decided to stop talking about moving and MOVE. We're moving to Portland, Oregon! Once the decision was made and the date was picked, our lives felt flipped over and shaken up. We've been selling everything in our house, finishing up lose ends with clients, working our two weeks for second jobs, having goodbye parties, and planning a MASSIVE ART SALE. It's been busy, to say the least but we're SO excited. SO EXCITED for a change. Look out Oregon, here we come!

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In celebration of the move, I'm offering a few kick-ass deals for my new Portland clients and past clients too! Check it out:

going short

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"Wow! You are SO brave."

This is the most common reaction I get from chopping my long hair into a pixie cut. I always saw bravery as something associated with skydiving, storm chasing, and fighting hand-to-hand combat in a war. I think Cheryl Strayed is brave for hiking the Pacific Crest Trail alone. I think people with no legs who run marathons are brave. I think my sister is brave for talking in front of hundreds of people at live Moth events. (twice!) I think my mom is brave for leaving her marriage years ago. And lets not forget people who get tattoos. (I want one so bad but, ouch!) I never thought I'd be saying this, but it's just hair, people. It grows back. It's not brave, it's called letting go.

So, because I continue to get a lot of questions about short hair, I decided to write a few things about my experience in case you're thinking about taking the leap, or because you want to live vicariously through me and you're too scared to do it yourself! Hopefully this will help you to loosen up and just go for it! I think every woman should do this at least once in her life.

PROS:

I feel more like a woman with hardly any hair than I did with lots of hair.

I don't wash it much. It looks best on day two or three of dirty!

No more hair ties, curling irons, straight irons, or hair dryers. (not even really a hair brush!)

I use less shampoo, which saves $$

Short haircuts highlight your face and eyes

People want to play with your hair and give you more scalp massages

The process is invigorating and liberating! It's literally a weight off of your shoulders that can be very emotionally freeing.

Your boyfriend will probably love it.

Camping friendly.

Bed head has never worked so well in my favor.

Accessories are more fun (scarfs, earrings, and hats!)

If you work in food service, you don't have to pull your hair back.

Personally, I feel like this haircut fits my personality and my face better than all of the hairstyles I've had in the past. Try it, you might be surprised!

CONS:

I have to get my hair trimmed more often, which is expensive. So far, to not look too shabby or to prevent a mullet, I go to the salon every 2 months.

You might get mistaken for a boy if you like to wear flannel and are looking down and sitting a certain way (true story.)

I have to put product in my hair to give it volume and texture. There are many brands, but so far I like this one.

No more braids, curls, top knots, and bouncy ponytails.

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Shannon + Justin | Durango, Colorado engagement

One of the big reasons I include engagement photos in my wedding collections is that it's the perfect chance for me to get to know my clients and vice versa. By the time I shoot someone's wedding we've hung out at least 2-3 times, they are used to me and my camera, and we are friends. Shannon and Justin are no exception.

These two met with me over cocktails last month to talk about their wedding. Justin proposed only a short month before on a backpacking trip and Shannon already had her venue, food, photographer, and a rainy day backup plan booked and checked off of her very organized spreadsheet. Knowing this made me like her immediately (I do like an organized bride!) That, and she is from Oklahoma. (duh!) And Justin, well, he told me he liked my photos so much he couldn't get my work out of his head, plus he surprised me with a can of beer at the end of engagement photos. (bonus points!)

The leaves were just beginning to change the day I took these photos, so we started by the Animas River and ended on a twilight hike up Animas Mountain. This trail is special to them because it's basically in their backyard so they hike, run, and walk their dogs there often. I had such a great time hanging out with these two. I can't wait for their wedding next June!