I've written. Deleted. Re-written. Deleted. And here we are.
The following photos, taken at the Wichita Mountain Wildlife Refuge, capture the essence of the very being of Ashley Garza Herrin.
The woman who exhibits grace under pressure, has a mean locker room dance, laughs from the pit of her belly and sets the standard as a wife and mother.
She's never too proud to ask for help, lend an ear to a friend or simply be present.
I'm honored to capture Ashley ... and her twins, Harper and Grayson. Humbled and honored.
Senior Sisters: Makenzie + Jordan
Brought together by marriage and united by an inexplicable bond, Jordan and Makenzie are quirky, confident, hilarious, smart, important and kind.
To document this significant transition into adulthood, we sought locations that would truly capture the essence of the duo.
Although it's not standard practice to split my attention between two clients, this duo was the perfect exception to go against the grain.
Stay gold, Pony Boy.
My word, Jordan. You're stunning.
Hey girl, can I have your number?
You're who Pinterest boards dream about, Makenzie.
Wishing you both the best as you graduate from Elgin High School and MacArthur High School!
Locations
Forest: Parallel Forest; Wichita Mountain Wildlife Refuge
Graffiti: Abandoned building; Lawton, Okla.
Lake: Lake Lawtonka
Three reasons your kids should join FFA
It's National FFA Week, which means 579,678 FFA members representing 7,570 chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands are celebrating the agriculture and food industries in recognition of George Washington's birthday and his legacy as an agriculturist and farmer.
Agriculture shaped who I am as a person. As a farmer's daughter, agriculture is not only part of my DNA, but also part of my future. As an alumna of Oklahoma State University with a degree in agricultural communications and a master's in international agriculture, agriculture paved my path as a communicator, designer and photographer.
While I took my tenure as an FFA member all the way to the stage at the National FFA Convention to receive my American FFA Degree, I understand going all in may not be for everyone. I get it. As a mom to a tiny human myself, I'm already learning how difficult it can be to juggle all the schedules.
However, FFA instills more life-long skills in our future leaders than many other organizations. And, for that, I'm eternally grateful.
Three reasons your kids should join FFA
You don't need to be a farmer or rancher to be an FFA member.
FFA is equal-opportunity. Whether you're rural, urban or suburban, you enjoy photography, science, nutrition or engineering, FFA supports your goals and ambitions.You learn by doing.
Through the more than 30 career development events such as horticulture, agricultural communications, farm business management and more, members learn through hands-on, industry-focused, real-world events.It's a family affair.
As an FFA alumna and ag teacher's wife, I can speak for the moms, dads, aunts, uncles, grandparents and community leaders who build up FFA members and support their projects. From volunteering countless hours at county livestock shows to driving hundreds of miles to national convention, an entire community supports tomorrow's leaders.
And, while we're at it, a bonus reason: because your kids just might meet the friends they carry with them for the rest of their lives.
The Walker Family
On a beautiful January Monday, the Walkers brought their big personalities to the ranch for their first official portraits as a family of four. And, boy, I'm so glad they did.
Zane is a heartbreaker, and a ham of an entertainer. And, Zabrey ... well, she's completely adorable.
Thanks for playing, Walkers.
Tori + Jeremiah
On a dreary Oklahoma morning, Tori and Jeremiah rolled up to the ranch - horses and cow dogs in tow - for a perfect, punchy portrait session. I've been over-the-moon to serve as Tori's official photographer since she asked me last fall, since, of course, she's little sister to one of my favorite humans.
The orneriness and love between Tori and Jeremiah was just a joy to capture. They made my job easy, man.
Patricia + Brandon
Thanks to Oklahoma FFA, the Brothers Womack and I have known each other for years. From alumni leadership camp to state chorus, and then on to Oklahoma State {go pokes!}, and careers that cross paths... we're buds. Homies even.
So, when Brandon first asked me to be he and Trish's photographer, on my birthday, I said yes with no hesitation and no details.
The fall day dawned with the promise of golden sunlight, and beautiful fun.
My P-I-C for the day was Stacy Oldenburg of Stacy Oldenburg Photography.
