New Views - Shines On

Sneak (Red Rock) Peek!

2012-03-08T20:53:00.000-08:00

Let's try to do a photo of the day... maybe... :)

haha... sneak peek of the AMAZING road trip Jeff & I recently went on!

Jeff working - Monkey Bar Right @ Red Rocks, Nevada

Climbin' Kiddos!

2012-03-02T13:52:00.000-08:00

Hey there! Long time no see! I have been slacking...well, and... ON THE ROAD! Jeff & I left last friday (February 24) to drive WEST! So, naturally... I have not been near (nor wanted to be near) a computer! :) But, now we are slowed down in a coffee shop in Sacramento, taking a climbing break so he can get some studying done and I can catch up on the internet..stuff. :)

I will have shots from our trip coming soon. Most likely I will be working on them on Monday while he is at work! (Monday is my birthday! Woo hoo!) I have a feeling 25 will be even more awesome than 24! And 24 was pretty incredible...I mean, c'mon... it is starting out in Cali!

So, without further a du - here are some shots from about a month back - Jeff came into Nashville and we met up with his sister Jaime & her husband Todd - to take the kiddos on a climbing adventure! Grace & Aubrey are naturals, Jack is trailing right behind them! Unfortunately Aubs wasn't feeling too hot this day, so we don't have any photos of her... but we will soon!! Enjoy these gorgeous kiddos and their climbing awesomeness! :)

thank for reading!!

steph :)

Stay light - Stay happy!

2012-01-30T13:28:00.001-08:00

In returning to town, I have learned that my Durango is almost impossible to sell, & my tax pay-in is outrageous (for me anyways) . News no one would want to hear. My response? Initially upset, of course. Not what I had hoped to hear. I am ready to have this Durango as far away from me as possible... And there are much better things I would like/need to spend my money on than... Taxes. But... Nonetheless ... Life is great. This news to me a few months ago... Would've been so much more devastating ...my reaction would have not been ideal. I may have panicked more than I would like to admit. And this current change (in reaction) sure isn't because I have more money to spare ... Quite the contrary... But the change is because... I have had so much mental growth over this past month... Days by myself with no distractions... Just time to think.. Get things in perspective... Appreciate the things that may have become hidden in the day to day life madness... Re-direct attention to more important and solid things rather than the other things that may have seemed to be a bigger deal or most important....
Anyways... Point is.. Stay light... Keep a light heart... With the amazing things in mind... Stay happy. Soooo much easier said than done of course... But so worth it. Things are good. Remember that! And SMILE!!!

Much love
Steph

Time Killer

2012-01-26T12:31:00.000-08:00

I've had a lot of time on my hands during these (almost) 3 weeks in Michigan....not near as much free time as I had anticipated...but still, lots of time. It's been good for my mind... and my photography.
Today I decided to revisit some of the photos of Savannah from our shoot at the end of last year... I must say, these are quite a bit edgier than how we are used to seeing Savannah!! She is a woman of many many looks....I love it (& her!)! Enjoy!

Savannah - "the doll" ;)

steph

Focus on the Ladies!

2012-01-25T13:06:00.000-08:00

Something struck me today - an inspiration - for a series of photographs that will tell stories of the strong, adventurous ladies out there. Those of you reading this, surely know by now how important climbing is to me. At times it consumes my life. I enjoy photographing all parts of it... from the beginning of the day, squeezing into those shoes - mid/end of the day where everyone looses their minds and finds EVERYTHING hilarious - to the chill time at the end of an amazing day/session - enjoying the people you are surrounded by.

I have been in Michigan for 2 weeks now... and every day I have either climbed, and/or read about climbing, watched climbing videos, edited climbing photos...and today - had a very exciting idea:

Focus on the Ladies of CLIMBING!

Now, to introduce this series that I hope to quickly add to over time - I decided to show some photos of one of my closest friends/road/climbing buddies - Annie. I wanted to show some of our amazing adventures to begin this series of amazing strong women! I added a few photos of myself in this series - shot by the amazing Annie :) I look forward to seeing this series turn into something big.

If you are reading this and want to get involved... please contact me! shinesphotography@yahoo.com

Super obsessed climber? Always wanted to climb? Terrified of everything about climbing but want to be a part?? Hit me up!! I look forward to hearing from you bad!?! ladies!!

crash-pad-lovins

Gotta make sure to get your brush on!

Getting creative while moving the gear to the next spot!

Red Rocks Canyon, NV

Flagstaff, Colorado

I hope you enjoyed the introduction to this possibility... I am super excited about it. Hope to hear from you awesome ladies (& dudes!) out there!

steph

Finally...INSPIRED!

2012-01-24T19:08:00.000-08:00

I had the privilege of heading up north to the UP this past weekend - talk about a change of scenery... It was exactly what I needed - especially photographically speaking...I haven't been this inspired in so long!

The weekend was full of firsts for me...

-most snow I have ever seen

-coldest weather I have ever experienced ( & it wasn't bad at all)

-ice fishing

-hangin' in a fish chantey

-driving a snowmobile
-sauna time!

-SNOWBOARDING

....plus just tons and tons of amazing memories... I can't wait to go back!

First time on a snowboard - Nubs Nob
Only took one fall for me to strap that helmet on...ha!

He was just as excited as I was for my first time on a board! I'd like to believe that my old skateboarding days came in handy!

Terrible iphone shot.... but ... ya get the idea!

Didn't know it was possible to be SO hot in SUCH cold weather.. I couldn't get the layers off fast enough!

Love Love Love these two!!

Now... the views...

Please head on over to my website to Experience the U(pper) P(enninsula) - I was able to capture some images that I am super proud of... the UP definitely inspired me in a way I have not been inspired photographically in a long, long time.
I hope you enjoy! I would love to hear what you think about them! Drop me a line!
Thanks again for checking out the blog :)

steph

Snow day!

2012-01-19T15:22:00.001-08:00

Just a quick post today...

Oh, Michigan :)

For my own amusement...

2012-01-16T18:26:00.000-08:00

Please, oh please, do not take this video seriously. I (obviously) have no idea how to edit videos, but it was fun to play with...
I sent this project back in October - A Face In the Crowd - V7...and just haven't had the time to play with the video, and take out the 3 or 4 minutes at the end of me repeating myself with excitement.... so, had a little spare time while in Michigan, figured I'd mess with the video! Thanks for checking it out :)

much love
steph

Changes....oh changes...

2012-01-11T17:20:00.000-08:00

I have a feeling... this blog is going to turn into more than a photography blog.
Hm, who am I kidding, it's already making that transformation...into a... life blog? Adventure blog? Sure!

On that note, I am going to be very honest here, and say... I am hoping this blog will help being me out of a photo-funk. Yikes. That's not fun to admit.
I am feeling quite uninspired in the world of photography. So sad to say it, but it is true.
Traveling helps, of course. Something I have been doing a lot of lately :)

So, bare with me while this blog figures out what it really is. It is possibly (more than likely) going to be taking over the "facebook connection". Follow me here! :)

Okay, okay, enough rambling, on to some things...

I recently made a super secret trek to North Carolina to surprise my love (which went amazing! Thank you Elisha & Paul!!) And in the trip, made some amazing friends!! I am going to share a few photos from that trip at the end of this blog...
But first...
One of these new friends, has a blog also. CHECK IT OUT! Kiss My Smash
I ventured over to her blog after getting back to Tennessee & read her post on New Years Resolutions ....and I must say, it caught my attention & made me smile... She mentions that she doesn't have a lot she wants to change in her life, because... simply put, she loves her life.
After reading this, I kept thinking...wow, ME TOO!
Of course I have some things I want to get done this year... such as (finally) move, find some answers to some personal questions regarding goals and such...but really, when it boils down to it...
I LOVE MY LIFE!
I have an amazing family, amazing friends, an absolutely INCREDIBLE man (& friend), an absolutely incredible support system...I am constantly traveling...I realize more & more reasons, every day, as to why I didn't move in 2010 like I had so surely planned. I wouldn't be where I am now, with the majority of the people I have in my life right now. I can't imagine not having these people!
Okay, on to the photographs... I just really wanted to share my thoughts on how great life is right now... and my friend Ashley's blog!

LRC - CLIMB!

2011-12-28T20:03:00.000-08:00

A couple of Saturdays ago, I scooped up Jeff from the airport with my buddies Anna Claire & DJ... and we hit the road to Little Rock City, to take Jeff climbing outside for the first time! It was an absolutely beautiful day, perfect weather, tons of laughs.... amazing day! Here are some shots from the day :)

keep those nails trimmed!

haha!

Shotgun work :)

He will have it next go, v6...!?

Deej's favorite problem.. hahaha not!

they formed a band....:)

"turtle world" ;)

so handsome.......!!!

yeah!

LOVE THEM!

Ha!:)

:):) happy!

xoxoxo:)

wow:)

My favorite Red Head

2011-11-13T10:01:00.000-08:00

A little too often we get so wrapped up in day to day hectic madness that we forget to slow down and enjoy what we...well, enjoy doing! I am super guilty of this with photography at times. I don't force myself to slow down enough, to 'play'. I tend to be at a fast pace with everything I do...

A couple of weeks ago I had the honor of photographing one of my favorite subjects that I have been able to shoot quite a bit over the years. Her senior shots, plenty of proms, family portraits, or just because she's gorgeous and I want to take her photo! My cousin Savannah. We have an absolute blast every time we have a session. She is such a natural at this whole 'being photographed' thing, that it really makes my job incredibly easy. So, finally, I was able to slow down, and just play! We had this session at my best friend, Lindsey's studio - the amazing Lucid Linds Studio

Sometimes when Savannah & I have these sessions, I will hand off my camera to her & let her play - she is just about the only person that can shoot me & me feel 100% comfortable. You'd think it'd be easy, being a photographer - to be infront of the camera, no way! But when this little lady grabs my camera, it works. Thanks Savannah!

Here are some shots from our fun session!

much love!

Michigan Love - Mel & Al's Wedding!

2011-11-03T18:20:00.000-07:00

Wow, I am so behind on updating this blog! I will try my best to keep up with it from here on out! I have so many sessions to post!
I want to start with my trip to Michigan back in September. I was headed up to Michigan on a personal trip & had the honor of being a last-minute-additional-photographer for two amazing people! Mel & Al - you two are so awesome! I look forward to many more times together! Thank you for letting me be a part of your big day!!

The Dude? No.... Jeff ;)

special delivery!

makeshift cooler! haha

JC passing out the goodies...

absolutely gorgeous spot for their big day!

couldn't resist....ha

here comes trouble...

epic

the grooms dad made this!

the entire wedding was catered VEGAN! I was in heaven!!

even the cake was vegan!

Homegrown Family

Thank you Elisha for snapping this!

and this! :)

Cianna....does this look familiar? :)

cutest thing ever.

best reception ever!

yes!

You can view more of these images from their big day here: www.shinesphotography.net

much love!
steph

Versie

2011-09-10T21:15:00.000-07:00

Here are a few from my senior session today with Versie! More to come soon!

life happens.

2011-08-29T23:29:00.000-07:00

wow.
That pretty much sums up our trip to Jerome. From beginning to end. For those of you that are wondering why there hasn't been am update since day one of our trip...well...it went something like this...
About an hour or so after posting the blog about our first day, we headed down the mountain to meet up with some new friends. On the way there we came across this small group of people on the side of the mountain yelling for help. We stopped and they told us they couldn't get their car to start. So, we move our bags into the back of the trunk so 2 of the people can get in. We drop them off and head down the mountain - once we stopped David went to the trunk and proceeded to tell me that his bag with our computers was gone. I didn't believe him, so I stepped back there to look. Sure enough, it was gone. We searched up and down the mountain for hours, finding nothing. We think it slid out at some point and someone picked it up. Nevertheless....it didn't ruin our trip. But it did keep me from being able to blog. So, here you go - be ready for a photo overload!

flatiron cafe - in Jerome - Jalapeno cheddar bagel with cream cheese and homemade pico!!

couldn't resist:)

stayed for an awesome show at The Spirit Room

view from our campsite! see Jerome!!

ta da!

jumping photo time!!

home sweet home ;)

coffee time at flatiron cafe

oh, just filing a police report for our computers :)

the streets of Jerome

David the photographer!

davids grip

this is another apartment I fell in love with!

the view from the apartment

this poor little guy was hurt!

late night random photo session in the Connor Hotel - Thanks Chuck and Bob!

time for portraits! me - self portrait session -- davids portraits - by me

Arizona Stronghold

Cottonwood - Farmers Market

new earrings!

Tina's softball game

Sedona

more jumping pictures!

these guys are huge!

another mix of our mini photo session

HAPPY.

Well, the plan wasn't to have it all be thrown at ya at once, but we did what we could! :) Hope you enjoyed... Stay tuned for more adventures....:)
Thanks so much for watching!

much love
steph

Jerome...home.

2011-08-23T20:15:00.000-07:00

I am here...and the feeling has not changed. It has been amplified. I have found an apartment that I have fallen in love with. I will keep the text short for the day. My brain is totally overloaded with awesomeness of this town. But I will add a quick summary of today:
-wrote a novel on the plane
-david slept
-payless car rental lady wanted us to spend $3,274,583,294,723 and waste 78 hours of our Jerome day. (She lost on both deals)
-We got a free upgrade on our car rental (ooooooh karma)
-oooo'd and awwww'd at the scenic drive (Prescott National Forest) on the way to the best town ever....
-finally got to see the apartment I've been dreaming about
-met the coolest landlord ever (possibly my Dad's twin of some sort)
-went and ate at Grapes - an AMAZING restaurant right in Jerome, also met the coolest bartender ever... Tina!
-tasted some delicious Caduceus wine
-made our way to the Spirit Room...where I ran into Chuck (amazing bartender that Annie and I met back in April... and also saw Bob... the man whom changed mine and Annie's life forever with his comment "Find a place that makes your soul feel good"

I can't express how great it feels to walk into a place that I have only been one time, and be remembered, not only that, but be welcomed with open arms by every person in this town.
I am home.

best.... friends. are fantastic.

I'd take this over Tennessee Humidity! haha

Carefree Highway....really...yes please.

free upgrade...yes please;)

this might be it...

streets of Jerome

My Best Friend & My Jerome Guardian Angel

Back to it with a BANG!

2011-08-16T11:45:00.000-07:00

Seeing as though it has been... um... quite some time since I last did one of these....I figured, what better time, than before/during/after what could possibly be one of the most life changing trips I've experienced. (Cross-country back in April being number one.. spawning this idea to go back to the place that stole my heart...Jerome...love you Annie!)

You may be asking, how on earth did this tiny town in the middle of nowhere; population...are you ready for this? 400!! come into my life? Well, it all started with a great big idea that the lovely Annie & I had one day while we were bouldering in good ole Tennessee...it kinda went something like this...
"We should go on a road trip!" "Yeah, that'd be a great idea! I'm pretty sure you may be one of the only people in the world that I could live in a car with for that long!" "Yeah I was thinking the same thing about you!" "I've always wanted to make the drive out West...." "Me too...."
2 weeks later, we were packing up her Mazda with all of the essentials...clothing, food, climbing gear, camera gear, music, journals, an open mind and a yearning for the open road.

(check out a quick photo summary of this amazing trip at www.shinesphotography.net) ;)

Long amazing story - short - we had a plan to go to Maynards tasting room (Caduceus Cellars) which just so happened to be located on top of this amazingly simplistic looking 'mountain'.... topped with a "J".

The drive up the 'mountain' we kept asking each other..."I wonder why he would put this out here in what feels like the middle of nowhere?" This question was quickly answered.
As soon as you 'step foot' into this town, you feel welcomed. You feel the love radiating from the earth, from the buildings, the people walking down the street, you are surrounded by happiness.

I could truly go on for days about this town. As my close friends know... I light up when I talk of Jerome. Annie and I saw some of the most spectacular sights on our cross-country trip... and once we returned to Nashville... all I could think about was Jerome...

I have had the biggest craving to live in California. For as long as I can remember... that's what I wanted. So, when this little bitty town took over that desire, and literally stole my heart... I knew what I had to do.
Which brings us to this blog!
One of my best friends, David (Lee, Leon, Cupcake, Leonard) & I are heading West in less than a week now, to scope out one of the most amazing places I've ever been...to search for a place for me to live. We are flying into Phoenix and making the short 2 hour drive up to Jerome. I am glowing with excitement to see this place again. And to show someone else!
We will be camping, exploring, researching, enjoying and taking it all in, one day at a time.
So, on that note, here are a few photos from mine and Annie's Jerome adventure to hold you over until Jerome Part TWO!! :)

Jerome.... HERE I COME!!

Simply Awesome

2010-09-18T22:24:00.000-07:00

I had the honor of photographing Ron & Dena's special day last Sunday... it was so simple and awesome! You could totally tell how much love these 2 have for each other... they were such a pleasure to photograph! And super laid back! I could ramble on and on about them and how absolutely adorable they are.... but I will just show you instead!

one of my favorites!

when she came around the corner...

Monica & Montel

2010-09-09T12:46:00.000-07:00

I'm very excited about this post.... earlier this week I had the pleasure of photographing Monica, Montel & their future lil' lady! I had such a blast. For one, it makes my job a breeze when they are absolutely gorgeous looking people! And besides that, there were so many precious moments that I feel captured their true excitement for their lil' girl that will be here in November... true smiles, that glow that can't go unnoticed... it was wonderful! Thank you Monica & Montel for letting me capture a special time in your lives! I can't wait to meet the lil' one!

I absolutely LOVE her smile!

Baby J....always makin me smile!

2010-09-02T19:34:00.000-07:00

Today was a very last minute photo session with sweet lil' Jalien - I knew he could make me smile today :) Here are some images from today to make you smile too!

swing time!

oh these eyes!

best laugh ever!

peek a boo!

one of my faves!

i just want kisses!

precious...giggles!

Here goes.....somethin'!

2010-09-02T14:44:00.000-07:00

So, after a long time of fighting it... I have given in to the.... BLOG...

I can't make any promises of how this will go, but I will give it my best shot! Haha

Well, exciting news to my "camera family" ... on Wednesday I received a lovely package from BHphoto.....with my new 50mm 1.4 lens! Out of sheer excitement I couldn't wait to get a subject... so I put my own face in front of the camera (which hasn't happened in a while!)

needless to say, I am super excited about this thing!

I am going to make my best attempt to update this at least once a week. More when possible! I am actually about to head out the door to photograph the handsome Baby Jailen! So.... you may be getting a 2 for 1 today! :)