No Eye Has Seen Photography » Blog

About 2.5 years ago I made the decision to relocate back to my home state of Connecticut. I had been living in Denmark for 5 years teaching leadership classes, and leading teams to various parts of the world to do relief work. It was my heart, my passion, and my love. I thought it is what I would spend the rest of my life doing but I couldn’t shake this unmistakable feeling I had that it was time to move home and…start taking pictures? I was, honestly, very confused by it because photography was not my passion, merely something I enjoyed a great deal. But, like I said, the feeling was unmistakable and unshakable. I just knew it was what I was supposed to do. So I did it, and I haven’t looked back since. These last 2.5 years of running a business out of my home state have been so much more fun and fulfilling than I ever could have dreamed. The clients and vendors I’ve had the honor of working with have helped change the way I view life and love. They’ve inspired me, given me hope, and encouraged me. From the start I made the decision to prioritize relationships in my business and to make sure I’m never in this just for the money or the fun. It had to be something that had lasting value, beyond the obvious value of capturing timeless images of your wedding day. And from the start, I’ve said I wanted to tie my passion and love for traveling and relief work into my business. Almost exactly a year ago we announced our partnership with Thirst Relief International who, through YOUR support, has been able to build numerous wells and water filters in 2011. That partnership and support will continue through 2012 but I have now decided to take it a step further. So here it is, our big announcement for 2012:

No Eye Has Seen Photography is going to Ecuador, and we want you to come with us!

Yes, you read that right! You have all followed my travels for a couple years but this time I want to take you with me! I’ve led quite a few teams to third world countries before and every time it has been a life changing experience for each team member. I decided a few months ago that it was time for the clients and vendors we have worked with to experience first hand what it is like to help out the less fortunate and see, up close and personal, what goes into building a water well. So from March 24-31 we will be taking a team of 10 people to Ecuador where we will work with an orphanage, build a well that provides clean water, and have a little bit of fun adventurous as well.

Some more details:

There are a ton more details that I want to share about weather, language, what to pack, what to expect, etc., but it’s too much for one blog post. If you are interested in going on the trip at all, please email me. If finances are a concern, still send me and email because I have a packet of easy and fun fundraising ideas that other teams I’ve led have used. If you are scared and not sure if you are up for this, still email me. I promise to help you every step of the way to make this the trip of your life. Trust me, you aren’t going to want to miss it!!

I can’t wait to hear from you and especially can’t wait for you to join me on this trip!

To see pictures from my last trip of this type, click here.

When I was a kid I had a full time hobby of making plans. I would draw sketches, timelines, and goals for every part of my life. While the other kids were playing Nintendo or nerf tag, I would sit with my journal in hand, scribbling down an exact blueprint for my life.

One of the most important plans that was very carefully thought through was to be married by 20 and start having kids by 23. I wanted 3-6 kids, preferably with a set of twins thrown into the mix. And I was determined, at all costs, to make than plan happen.

Little did I know that my life would not go according to plan. At all. In any way, shape, or form. I never planned on not finishing college. I never planned on moving overseas, for five years nonetheless. I never planned on being a photographer.

Around the same time I started planning what my life would look like, I also planned how I wanted my family to be. I envisioned myself as the super cool mom, the one whose kids didn’t make her drop them off for school 2 blocks away. I fully intended on throwing a football around with my boys and having tea parties with my girls. Because I also planned on being done with the whole pregnancy and birth thing by 27 years old. 28 if I were to give myself buffer time. And being a mom at that age, I would obviously still have all the same energy I had when I made these plans…at age 7-15.

Except that things didn’t go according to plan.

I am almost 28, not yet married and no where near being ready to have kids. But somehow, I think all along God knew that this is exactly where I would be at this point in my life.

Today I layed on my sleeper sofa with some of my favorite people in the world. Three kids who have rocked my world and have captivated my heart. I didn’t conceive them or give birth to them. I’m not even biologically related to them. But laying there with 30 other toes spread across my sofa bed, I thought about all the plans I had for my life that never happened. And how every time, without exception, God has far exceeded the plans I had for my life with his own plans. We watched Christmas movie after Christmas movie. We giggled. There may have been some tickling (of which I was, of course, the victim). We made a gingerbread nativity. And we loved life, together.

I’m not sure what life would have looked like had things gone according to my plans, but what I do know is that right now…being ‘just’ a big sister to these three amazing kids is so much more fulfilling than I ever thought mothering would be. I know my time to be a wife and mom will come eventually, and I’m sure that at that point the love I feel now will pale in comparison. But for right now, in this sweet moment on Christmas eve morning, I have all the love I need with these 30 toes beside me.

I want a yacht and, really, that’s not a lot. Been an angel all year.

Ok, so maybe asking for a yacht is a bit much, especially considering that I live in Connecticut, but I know for a fact that Santa (aka, My parents and Adam) still have some shopping to do. They insist that I am extremely difficult to buy for, and I insist that they are crazy. Jewelry, shoes, cooking gadgets…and BAM, just like that I’m happy. But in case they get a brain fart and forget I’ve told them that…eh…a million and two times, I compiled a board of some of the things I’d love to unwrap this year. You know, since photographers make boards instead of lists…

1. Ticket to Ride – Nordic countries. Last year when we were in Montana visiting friends, they introduced us to TTR and we have since become addicted. I’d love the Nordic countries version, though, because…well, one of the stops is Copenhagen.
2. A new ski jacket. Last year I used Adam’s shell, which was great, but I think this year I want a sick looking jacket to match my sick skills on the slopes. Ok, ok, so the truth is that my skills need just a bit of improvement so I figure that if I’m wipe out a ton, i might as well look cute while doing so.
3. Chocolate fountain. Must have for any entertaining enthusiast, of which I consider myself. You could be a boring as heck hostess but if you have a chocolate fountain, your guests will always come back. Truth.
4. These boots from Anthopologie. ‘Nuf said.
5. When we were in Singapore we were appalled that there was literally a Rolex store on every corner. They were more common than 7-eleven. Along with every other high end watch brand out there. While my taste isn’t so high end as Rolex, I did fall in love with this watch from Skagen. Major bonus points that it is Danish design.
6. I’m totally guilty of talking on the phone while driving, so I think having a bluetooth would help rid me of my drivers guilt.
7. Compatibility. My parents had this game when we were younger and I remember it being so much fun. I’m a bit of a board game fanatic and would love to add this one to my collection.
8. Kitchen aid accessory set. Again, any cooking or baking gadgets are A-ok in my book. Would love to get this dough hook and whisk.