It’s graduation season! The memories of achievement that come along with this special moment are empowering. What better way of cherishing them for life!
Check out some of my favorite shots from Umarah’s graduation shoot! So proud of her for finishing off law school!
It’s graduation season! The memories of achievement that come along with this special moment are empowering. What better way of cherishing them for life!
Check out some of my favorite shots from Nesi’s on campus shoot!
Honestly, the best part of this photo shoot was dressing up in a disguise. After having met Jessica a couple times, I was nervous about being spotted by her before the proposal even happened! Luckily, it wasn’t hot outside so I bundled up with in a hoodie and sunglasses to stay hidden. The hardest part was waiting for the moment and expecting when the proposal would happen! Max was a great client though and signaled at me when he was ready to take a knee.
Take a look at some of my favorite shots from that morning!
Finding your passion within photography is hard. You sit there knowing you love capturing moments, but honestly sometimes those simple everyday moments get boring.
The artistic side in me always screams creativity. And finding an individual who’s willing to do a creative shoot isn’t easy. So I’d like to thank my models, present and future for working with me to create something beautiful!
On to the story: So, for sometime now I have wanted to depict the story of a Runaway Bride through my pictures. It’s not something you see often, but you hear about in the movies all the time. Somewhere out there in the world it must happen. The sad, confused bride who isn’t sure if this is what she wants with her life. When the day arrives, she has no choice but to runaway and hide within a path of uncertainty. Here’s my first interpretation of a Runaway Bride.
PS. Thanks, Maliha for your dedication!
Any comments/feedback, let me know!
-A
Today, I feel like I’m losing patience. With a job that is emotionally draining, it becomes hard to reset yourself the next day. Because those verbally abusive people you left there yesterday, will be calling you again tomorrow. The same complaints, the same screaming, the same disrespect.
Recently, my grandfather told me that the ground will never refuse your feet. As I sat confused, he explained that in the times of struggle, the sand will mold to your feet and you must be patient as you move forward. This is your path.
He’s lived through a lot in his lifetime and will continue to see more iA. For anyone who knows him, knows he’s a fun and happy individual. He’s one to make the most of what he’s got. He’s the grandpa that will get up and dance at parties and weddings, even with a cane in one hand.
On a recent United flight, I sat in a seat next to my mom which was a couple rows behind my grandpa. He had the whole row of seats to himself, so I decided to go keep him company. He immediately began telling me stories of his past and things he’s been through.
Eventually, he told me the physical pain in his feet went away for the moment because I was sitting there with him and talking to him. He didn’t even realize that 3 hours had passed. Pure happiness was radiating from his smile. I knew that these rare moments have significant meaning to him. Especially, the moments he spends with his grandchildren. I hugged him attempting to show how much love I have for him.
I have always had a special bond with my grandpa and I grew closer to him on that airplane ride. I could feel his joy and happiness just because of my presence. A type of happiness, I did not know even existed. And his happiness means the world to me.
He’s the one that taught me how to ride a bike, he’s the one I used to drink tea with, he’s the one who taught me how to make pancakes, and he’s the one that took me to Circle K for candy. My sweet Dadoo has done so much for me and I will never take that for granted. I am glad to be a part of his most precious memories as iA he will continue to be a part of mine.
As I sit here today stressing and losing my patience, I am thinking of him and his wisdom. He may be across the country in California, but his words are now cemented in my brain. My grandpa says if you are patient, you will be happy.
Thinking of his smile and laughter, I know I can be happy if I am patient like him.
With love,
A
Sometimes, it’s hard to find inspiration or even comfort. In today’s global society, it’s hard to even tell yourself everything will be okay. Scary things happen, people are rude, you may even be miserable in your current situation.
And now the bad things are the sparkly and shiny diamonds that everyone notices immediately. That is what society likes to point out, that’s what is on the news everyday. The bad is gossip that spreads like wildfire. The good just hides behind closed doors like it never existed. And sometimes you have to go out of your way to prove to others you’re worth the struggle or you’re one of the good ones.
And trust me, it’s not easy. You struggle within yourself and try to hide your ‘flaws’ from yourself by staying behind that closed door.
One day you may randomly meet someone or see something that portrays the goodness in people. Or even just hope for humanity.
This weekend, I witnessed a man who gave me that hope. A man who appeared to have no worries in the world. A man who loves to read. A man who sees the joy from smiling and happy humans. A man who was alone. He spoke to himself, observed mother nature, and stated “Wow, it’s beautiful.”
My friends and I were amazed by his character, by his joy, by his appreciation. Though I don’t know the man on the beach, I was inspired and appreciative of his demeanor towards humanity.
May the world be full of peace and let there be hope for humanity.
-A
I always enjoy capturing happy moments. Especially those that come from people you care about the most. Meet my beautiful Moroccan friend, Mattou.
-pics taken in Fayetteville, GAThe day Mattou turned 21, the 1 flew away and she remained a 2 year old at heart.
xoxo,
Gossip Girl.
jk
You’re at the point where you’re considered an adult. You’re required to make your own moves and own decisions. And of course, you become responsible for all your actions.
But you may not even know how to be an adult. You seek advice from friends and family. You turn to them in times of need and confusion. Hell, you may not even know how to handle an auto insurance claim yourself. But there’s the one friend you always turn to, they’re the adultier adult out of all you adults. They’ll help you get your life together or at least support you through hard times.
They may have seen more in their lifetime than you, may have encountered more crossroads than you, and they still may make errors of their own. But, they will always be your adultier adult and they’ll always have your back.
Cheers to my adultier adult and thanks for always slapping the sense back into me.
Love,
A
Sometimes it’s crazy reminiscing on memories. You’ll look back 5 years and think of how quickly time flew. But then you’ll sift through those memories in your mind. You’ll run through those folders over and over again trying to remember details, specific events, or accomplishments.
You’ll notice the happy and sad memories rise to the surface in a heartbeat. Those feelings and thoughts immediately come rushing back like waves at the shore. You notice how much time you’ve invested and how much love you’ve given away. But you’ll realize one day that you’re blessed. Because all those years, the same time and love was invested right back in you.
You’ll stumble upon the childish actions that caused dismay. However, those same actions were what brought your blessings to life. And to think you weren’t going to take that one step or notice that one individual. Your life would be different, so different that it scares you.
Everything does happen for a reason and I know I wouldn’t change a thing in my life. The good, the bad, even the ugly. You’ll eventually notice these events make you stronger as an individual and even as a partner.
You’ll need to remember, that you are loved in someone’s eyes. And that love, is what makes your life complete.
I’m blessed, thanks to you.
With love,
-A (your turtle dove)
Last June, my friends and I decided to take a day trip to Helen. We wanted to fit a fun adventure in before Ramadan started. Who knew that a harmless trip could take an interesting turn of events.
We started the morning off climbing Mount Yonah. And definitely did not expect to be climbing over huge rocks and walking on narrow paths. I had a feeling we would give up before we made it to the top. It surely becomes a struggle when 5 different people need breaks at different times. Some of us were dissing nature and all the bugs around us. And it was hot!! Sadly, we really didn’t think this hike through because we even began salvaging the water we had. We hadn’t even made it half way and were soooo out of breath. What else were we to do but to save our water? Obviously, we were not prepared for this hike.
Just when we were ready to quit and satisfied with a semi-pretty view, we encountered this nice couple who encouraged us to continue hike 10 more minutes. They told us we were almost there and that the view was breathtaking. We even met a man who camped out overnight at the top of the mountain by himself!! We had to continue, I mean we drove all this way and struggled enough already. We finally made it. Wow! The view really was breathtaking. I had brought my camera with me and could not stop taking pictures. See for yourself:
So that was that. We had a lot more planned that day. M and I wanted to go zip lining. We went to Zip-N-Time and were convinced to conquer The Thriller Giant Swing. Never again. It felt like we were asking for death, maybe I’ll share the video with you guys one day. The zip lining however was awesome, the drive up the path not so much. It was bumpy and steep going up part of the mountain. M was smart and made an awesome video while zip lining. I however was too chicken and closed my eyes during half the ride . Regret? Yes, only because the view was beautiful!
After this tiring day, we decided it would be nice to end the day with river tubing. A nice relaxing, peaceful ride in the river. HA! If only it was what we hoped it would be.. We attempted to stick together, but M and I lost the rest of our group immediately. We got stuck on a rock and I injured my toes. It hurt like hell, but I didn’t think anything of it. We then got stuck again, I was in the middle of the river crying with cramps in both of my legs. I couldn’t even move and I WAS IN THE MIDDLE OF A RIVER. What are the freaking odds?! M had to let go and promised she wouldn’t leave me there stranded. In attempts to save me, she fell and got a huge bruise on her back.
After what felt like 10 hours, we finally made it to the end. But not before M and I lost ONE shoe each. We found the rest of our crew and found some injuries there as well. We found out one of our friends had drifted away and got lost, a couple actually saved her! Anyways, we were soaked, injured, and so ready to go. My toes still hurt and two of us walked with a limp from injuries. I struggled while driving home with swollen toes, but we arrived safely. After a trip to the doctor and a few x-rays later, I found out that I actually fractured two of my toes, fun!!
This was probably one of the most memorable days of my life. And at least I have a fascinating story to go along with my broken toes!
With love,
A
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