As I reflect on 2017, I’m amazed at the opportunities God put in my path. The ways He moved in my life changed me… spiritually, personally, and professionally. Not only did I get to document an adoption in China (a calling He placed on my life years ago), but I also shot two international weddings, shot a music video in Scotland (which will release this year), spent more time in an airplane than in my car, and wrapped up my 6th year as a full-time creative. I also accomplished a personal goal of reading through the entire Bible for the first time!

God has been so good to me. Just a few years ago I was newly divorced, kinda broken, and not sure how I would provide for myself and my family. Now I get to do something I love that actually means something for others. The one thing I’ve prayed for over and over in the last 5 years is that God would allow me to travel the world and document moments that matter. He definitely came through on that!

This song from Elevation Worship is one of my favorites and it’s carrying me through to 2018! Listen and enjoy while you scroll through some of my favorite images from 2017. Do It Again by Elevation Worship

Grand Canyon taken from a helicopter. Maia Pearl meeting her mom and dad for the first time in Zhengzhou, China.

My oldest looking out over Chicago… he dreams big!

Epic engagement session at Big Bend National Park. Senior session with Tiana in Nashville. Favorite family session in Houston! The Great Wall of China. May 2017. Somewhere near Gulu, Uganda. Near Paraa Safari Lodge in Uganda. One of my favorite people and favorite photos. (I also shot his wedding in 2017!) Brandon Williams Music Cody, Bree, Landry, and Lucy meeting Vincent Chen Ke for the first time. Zion National Park, April 2017. Marfa, TX (Coolest little town you’ll ever visit!)Lucy meeting her mama. Zhengzhou, China. My friend, business partner, inspiration. Shot in Gulf Shores, AL. Golden Gate Bridge, February 2017. The Painted Ladies (Full House house… the kid in me loved this!) Overlooking San Fran. My musician friend, Nadia… shot in Houston. You can listen to her music here. Lifehouse Films owners (and friends!) in Mobile, AL. Mobile, AL Sunset Meeting their son, Jamison, for the first time. Adoption stories give me life! (Houston, TX) Jamison, day 2. Two of mine. Albion Basin, Utah. We accidentally ran into snow! Styled shoot at Zion National Park. Coordinated by Katie Bushnell of Havenwood Design. Zhengzhou, China My best childhood friend with his wife in Galveston, TX. Model Lauren shot in Houston. My BFFs in Edinburgh, Scotland. This lady was cooking in her hut outside of Gulu, Uagnda. Random stroll in Glen Etive, Scotland. 🙂 Ended my Scotland video shoot of TQ with a few portraits at Crichton Castle. My whole crew at Willis Tower in Chicago.

I always have one unhappy kid. [Shrug] The Flatirons, Boulder, CO.

One of the families I took photos of for Show Hope. (Dream gig!) In the middle of shooting “The Kingdom” with TQ. (Photo by April Loyle)

Louisville, KY with my girl! NYC engagement shoot. They are so cute. TQ in NYC to shoot “Little Ghetto Boy.” Wedding in Gulu, Uganda. You can see the whole thing by clicking here. Favorite wedding EVER.

Shooting through a prism. Planning to get even more creative in 2018! African Safari at Paraa Safari Lodge. Standing on the Nile River with my friend, Cheree. (Lifehouse Films) Somewhere over the Grand Canyon. Yvonne (Spoiled Latina) shot in Houston for Ciroc French Vanilla.

I’m learning that I LOVE portraits… Houston, TX.

TQ in DC while shooting his music video for “Freedom.” One of my favorites. Big Bend National Park… using my iPhone as a reflector to get this look. Taking photos for The Green Bone was so much fun. Shot this for their website I designed.

Yes. Those are real lions. And yes, I was very close.

Big Bend National Park.

Gulu, Uganda. I felt so safe walking the streets there! Zion National Park. Nadia. Always nailing the posing.Alcatraz. One of the most interesting tours I’ve ever done!