This session was deeply emotional for me, for so many reasons. One of the greatest reasons is because it was my first time seeing photography in an entirely different way then what I was used to. Not only that, but I was seeing it through the eyes of someone I deeply admire…

Anni Graham is an incredible photographer that I have looked up to and been inspired by for some time now. She believes in telling the stories of the people she photographs. She believes in the art of photography. She believes in capturing a place and a moment as it authentically is. These are all principles I myself believe in and strive to live by in my work.

I decided in 2020 that I wanted to do something for myself and for my business that would take me to the next level, while bringing me back to the joy and love that I have for photography. That’s when I decided to reach out to Anni for a one-on-one mentor session.

I had been wanting to visit the Oregon coast for years, but as with many things, life kept getting in the way. This trip couldn’t have come at a better time. I finally got to experience a place I’ve longed to see, while also doing the kind of photography I’m passionate about — with someone I’m incredibly inspired by. I couldn’t have asked for anything more.

I could go on about my story, but this post is about the iconic and authentic images that was able to create, alongside someone I’m influenced by.

We began the session at a secluded cliff trail that Anni had been searching for for awhile. Once she found it, she knew it was where she wanted us to shoot. It was a short hike with spectacular views! Anni and I practiced some compositional techniques and the time flew by! Olivia and Calvin are so easy going, it made our job effortless.

After we hiked back, we headed to Anni’s Airbnb to reset, plan out the next half of the session, and allow Olivia and Calvin to change.

The beach was incredible. It wasn’t the typical “beach day” many of us picture. There was little sunshine, a lot of clouds, and cold. But to me it was perfect. It was moody, emotional, and had a story to tell. That’s what I feel like was captured.

After walking through the sand, taking in the views, and feeling the dry grass between our fingers, we ended the evening with something that holds a lot of meaning for Calvin + Olivia — sound therapy. Calvin pulled out an instrument that I had never seen before then, his RAV Vast (drum), and gave us a sampling of his work. Anni and I took a few photos to document the scene, then put our cameras down and just enjoyed the moment.