To celebrate going full-time photographer (officially!), I decided to take a photo trip out west. If you've been following along, you already go to see a few of the photoshoots I was able to capture while there. These are some of the behind the scenes while we traveled. My mom was nice enough to come along so that I didn't have to travel alone. She made a great photography assistant!

Donevon & Marlene met me early in the morning by the famous 'Fabulous Las Vegas' sign. When I pulled in to the lot, the sun hadn't even come over the horizon yet. They gave me the best recommendations for what to do in our limited time in Vegas. The Park on Fremont was the best  restaurant we went to (thanks guys!). 

As most of you know, I've been out west traveling and exploring the state & national parks within driving distance from Vegas. One of my goals was to get some beautiful couple's sessions in while I was out there. Peyton & Levi were kind enough to wake up at the crack of dawn to meet me for a sunrise session right outside of Red Rock Canyon. When we got there, the sun still wasn't over the horizon. 

Taylor and Christian had an amazing wedding day at the Carnegie Museum of Natural History. How can you go wrong when you get married in the Hall of Architecture!? Plus, photo opportunities with the dinosaurs and in the Music Foyer are beyond amazing. 

Allison & Ron's session was a little uncertain, because we wanted to focus on downtown & PNC Park, but the North Shore kept getting flooded! Luckily, by the time their shoot rolled around, there were only a few puddles left on the sidewalks (and lots of mud). We ended up with a bright & sunny day to explore - and explore we did! We walked all over the North Shore, downtown, and even drove up to Mt. Washington to end the night. 

Miya put a call out on her facebook page looking for a photographer to participate in this challenge, sometimes called the Hobby Lobby Challenge, or the Michael's Challenge. It has been all the rage lately, and I'm sure you've seen it done before. Michael's craft stores actually put out an announcement welcoming the influx of photographers & models to participate

Laughter, smiles, hats, bubble gum, night shots, and a smoke bomb!? How much more magical can a senior portrait session be? Emily could not stop grinning from ear to ear during her shoot. She is one of the happiest, bubbliest people I've ever met. She had me smiling the whole session. Check it out!

Carlyn had the picture perfect fall day for her senior portraits. We started off at Phipps Conservatory & Schenley Park, walking all around the outdoor scenic gardens. I adore the maroon and red tones of her chosen outfits - they went perfectly with the fall leaves and golden hour lighting.