If you know me even just a little, then you probably know that next to photography, traveling is one of my greatest passions. I could even go as far to say that traveling was my first love. Photography, second to that. Before I wanted to be a photographer I wanted to be a journalist. So I could travel the world and tell the stories of others. It's funny how even though life takes you down a completely different path, you sometimes end up doing exactly what you were always meant to do.
part I
I have had a lot of people ask, what were you doing in Alaska!? So here's the answer. A wonderful friend and fellow photographer, Leah Adkins had reached out to see if I wanted to do a photography workshop a few years back in North Carolina. Unfortunately it didn't work out with our schedules but ever since then we have been keeping our eyes peeled for a workshop that both of us felt connected to and most importantly, it lined up with both of our schedules. For two wedding photographers in the middle of wedding season, this was no easy task. Until of course, we finally came upon Find Your North. With Jess Hunter and Levi Tijerina (two incredibly talented wedding photographers!) heading the workshop and well, because Alaska... it was a no brainer for us.
Here are some photos I took from the first day we arrived in Alaska. Leah and I spent the entire day exploring and pulling over on the side of the road every quarter mile to take photos. I'll be honest, although it was refreshing to take photos of just the surrounding landscapes, I was out of my element after 4 years of having only people in front of my lens! Thankfully the moose showed up.
part II
Along with tons of presentations and education, Jess and Levi had two shoots set up for this workshop. Both in amazing locations, both with real couples. The first shoot was at Hatcher Pass. What an incredible day this was with Jaclyn and Ben. These two were on their final days of being engaged and tied the knot just a few days after this shoot! All the love to all the amazing contributors.
DRESS// a & be bridal shop FLORALS// That Feeling Co. MODEL// Jaclyn Beasley WORKSHOP// Find Your North
part III
If you look up a packing list for a trip to Alaska, a raincoat is likely to be at the top. We got lucky and had great weather for the first couple of days but rain was inevitably going to arrive at some point. The truth is, I was't even mad about it! I loved the feeling it gave this shoot. Thankfully it was only a light rain and our hike at Whittier was still amazing. Huge shout out to Addison and Krista for being ridiculously adorable even in those conditions.
A FEW THOUGHTS
Traveling always humbles you and this was no exception. I just want to say that I am so thankful and appreciative that this is what I get to do for a living. I'm thankful for the incredible stories and couples I encounter. And on this trip I am especially thankful for the photography community that surrounds me. I cant wait to take everything I absorbed and learned while I was there and apply it to the future of my business. Hanging out with other creatives is inspiring enough but to do it in a place like Alaska was more than I could have asked for. I loved everyone I met and I only wish we could have stayed a little longer. All the love <3
- Sarah