New Years Day at Point Reyes National Seashore

It was extremely rainy between Christmas and New Year this year, so when we saw that New year’s Day was going to be sunny, we knew we had to make the most of it.

So we made it out to the coast, to one of our favorite places on earth, Point Reyes. If you haven’t been, plan a trip now, it’s beaituful.

While going through the snapshots I took from the day, I started thinking about this year and my own intentions.

Setting Intentions 

I was just speaking with a leading wedding photographer who shared that, while they make a point to use their platform to showcase the best moments on their social media to inspire and entertain, they are not immune to difficult times.  

No one is, despite what we all see on Instagram. 

Why do we feel that pressure to put out a perfectly curated version of life? I’m not saying your instagram shouldn’t be beautiful, but I don’t think that “real” and beautiful are opposites.

Walking in love in ‘23.

As much as I like looking at pretty things, part of the human experience is sharing in both good and difficult. When we share our experiences, we call in others to join us in our journey here on earth.

Life can feel so lonely, but it doesn’t have to. So for 2023, my highest intention is to seek out spaces where I can uniquely connect, uplift and encourage, and doing so.

Technology keeps progressing—look at Chat GPI for example, but real human relationships still matter—more than ever I’d argue.

So whether it’s showing up as a second shooter with positivity and joy and looking for every chance to make life easier on the primary photographer or working with my own clients to craft an enduring narrative of their wedding day, I hope that in 2023, I can make difficult times just a little better for someone else. And hopefully, that comes back around in time. 

I saw a post recently that I felt resonated with sentiment:

“Several years ago, I invited a Buddhist monk to speak to my Senior elective class, and quite interestingly, as he entered the room, he didn’t say a word (that caught everyone’s attention).

He just walked to the board and wrote this: “EVERYONE WANTS TO SAVE THE WORLD, BUT NO ONE WANTS TO HELP MOM DO THE DISHES.” We all laughed.

But then he went on to say this to my students: “Statistically, it’s highly unlikely that any of you will ever have the opportunity to run into a burning orphanage and rescue an infant. But, in the smallest gesture of kindness — a warm smile, holding the door for the person behind you, shoveling the driveway of the elderly person next door — you have committed an act of immeasurable profundity, because to each of us, our life is our universe.”

This is my hope for you for the New Year, that by your smallest acts of kindness, you will save an other’s world."
-John Perricone

May you have a wonderful year as you walk in love. And I hope you enjoy these snapshots from our time in a one of our favorite spots.