Photography

We use a Sony a6000 and are total beginners to photography. However, we absolutely love the camera itself. It is mirrorless (thank you technology) = lightweight and easy to take it with us on our travels.

However, sometimes I feel like there is a bit too much advancement of tech involved, as it knows and auto adjusts all settings. For example, it adjusts to "infant" or "landscape" depending what we're shooting. It is a bit of a glorified point and shoot (aka phone) but the quality is just so much better it's worth it to us. We also have a zoom lens and a tripod, nothing else fancy, yet! We do minimal editing, and we try to take the best initial shots possible. If we do edit, it is with the built in "edit" functions on our phones for Instagram or on our desktop for other pics.


Okay the real reason you're here. Who takes these fabulous photos of me? I have to give a big shout out to my friend Kristin of Kristin Ariel Photography. When I am not the one behind the camera, she is the one taking snaps of me.

She is a stunning photographer who constantly reminds me that I am beautiful. She is an amazing support system for me while living in Hungary and is just a joy to be around! We talk and giggle and when we're not making homemade "freakshakes" (overly obnoxious delicious milkshakes) we drive around the country for hours, looking for the next place to shoot. Sometimes I'm her model, sometimes I'll be her assistant. While she builds her portfolio, she is helping me build my self esteem. She has some gems of me looking oh-so-glamorous when I first stepped in the front of the camera (read: awkward. Comical.) I suppose I'll share a few so you can see for yourself.

And now drumroll please, for the best lineup of awkward photos you've ever seen!

Me acting "normal"

Another acting"normal" and probably saying "I don't know how to do normal!"

My first shoot, and I didn't know how to be "serious"

 Now if there is any laughing during a shoot, she takes some snaps of me just being a total goof and sometimes the pics come out really cute!

Well this I can do normal! You don't have to see my face!

Now here's where I was getting progressively more and more comfortable and sometimes I was even  LOVING it!

During the time I've gotten to know her personally, she has exemplified grace and true friendship. She has made me feel comfortable in my own skin and I can't thank her enough! Through being her model, she has reminded me of the true beauty within us all. That being said, I love to showcase her handiwork! Most of the photos of me on this blog are courtesy of her patience and skill. How many photographers can make you feel truly unique and special?

Whenever the occasion arises that you need your picture taken whether it's graduation, a wedding, or even a snap to remember a family dinner, don't you feel a bit of pressure to look your best? A certain way? It can just be downright awkward sometimes! With Kristin, she makes you feel simply comfortable. After all, that is the point in getting your photos taken. To be yourself and capture your own unique beauty. Kristin just helps that along.

Get in touch with her at Kristin Ariel Photography or follow her on Instagram @kristinarielphotography 

You're beautiful, babes!