I guess I'm legit and I guess I need to share my images somewhere! So many things have happened the past two years that have helped me have the courage to start Masami Photography. After my camera broke down for a couple months in 2015, I took the opportunity to learn. I went to a photo conference with a broken camera and soaked it in. I saw more than one speaker who helped me see that there might be a place for me in photography. This led me to take workshops from some of these inspiring photographers. More than whether my photos were good enough, I was exposed to photographers who were able to have a business on their own terms, doing what they love. These photographers totally knock my socks off- Mae Burke, Liz Labianca, Elena Blair, Jesh Derox, Emily Mitchell, Allison Winteroth. Inspiring and genuine- Fo' real.

So, I decided to try. I wanted to use my name but apparently I have a pretty generic name. There were a lot of photographers and real estate agents all over any business name or website I could use with my first and last name. Which led me to my middle name- Masami. Named for my grandfather, Masami is Japanese for "true beauty". I may have thought it meant 'hard-headed'- I'm pretty sure my mom told me that! Just kidding . . . maybe.

I remember not wanting to be in the pictures because I didn't lose the baby weight or hadn't showered yet . . . details. I wasn't in a lot of photos. Really, I wasn't in 99% of the photos. Hiring a photographer pushed my self-depricating booty into the frame with my kids and I couldn't be more thankful to have those. I hope that families in any stage of their life take the time to document their lives because it goes too quickly. Whether with a photographer or a cell phone selfie, do it! Then keep those photos close to your heart.

So here I am. I'm sharing some of my favorite photos. I love that I have these and really thank my hubs for always seeing the value in having quality photos of our family and seeing how happy making them makes me. They might not be perfect but I have them. I see the true beauty in every moment I may have otherwise forgotten.

Wish me well in this endeavor and I promise to do my best!