I recently took an advanced lighting class with the incredible @lindsayadler_photo, and y’all… it was more than just a lesson in lighting—it was a full-on creative reset.
I walked in feeling nervous (it had been over a decade since I attended an in-person workshop!) and walked out recharged, inspired, and ready to bring some fresh, fiery energy into my studio. 🔥
Like someone plugged me straight into the universe’s power outlet and said, “Go make magic, babe.”

That experience stirred something deeper—it wasn’t just about creativity. It was a wake-up call. A reminder of just how much I’d been operating on autopilot.

Because here’s the truth: so many of us are out here wearing every hat.
Business owner. Creative. Mom. Wife. Friend. Hype woman. Problem-solver. Calendar keeper. Emotional support human.
All of it.
And somewhere in the beauty and chaos of showing up for everyone else, I lost touch with what it means to truly show up for me.

That class? It wasn’t just about color theory and lighting modifiers. It was a nudge.
A wake-up call to step outside the rinse-and-repeat routine and reconnect with what actually lights me up. The joy. The curiosity. The freedom to explore, play, and create—without needing it to be perfect, profitable, productive, or tied to a deadline or expectation.

Let’s be real—burnout isn’t a badge of honor. Somewhere along the way, we started believing that rest had to be earned.

Growth doesn’t come from pushing through empty. It lives in the quiet moments. It comes from breathing room—from moments that spark something in you. From giving yourself permission to try something new, scary, messy, or wildly unproductive simply because it makes you feel alive.

And I want to say this clearly, because it’s something I’ve had to learn the hard way:
You don’t need to “earn” a break. You need it to function.

Refilling your cup—whether it’s through a class, a solo day, a walk in silence, or dancing in your kitchen like nobody’s watching—isn’t a luxury or selfish. It’s essential.

So here’s your gentle (but firm) reminder:
✨ Take the class.
✨ Book the solo day.
✨ Wander aimlessly.
✨ Make something messy.
✨ Sit in silence.
✨ Say no.
✨ Say yes.
✨ Do the thing that feels like you.

Because when you feel full, you show up differently—for your work. For your people. For your joy.
And let’s be honest—that version of you? She’s unstoppable.

Feeling the nudge to do something just for you? Have you been on the fence about a photoshoot?Whether it’s reclaiming your confidence in a boudoir session, capturing your glow in a maternity shoot, updating your brand visuals, or simply celebrating the woman you are right now—this is your sign.
Let’s create something powerful, personal, and completely unforgettable. 💥

Click here to schedule a call—No pressure, no expectations. Just a chat. I’ll be here when you’re ready.

The images included in this post were all taken by me at the Advanced Lighting class I mentioned. Thank you to the amazing people listed below for helping to reignite that creative spark for me.

Creative Direction: Lindsay Adler @lindsayadler_photo

Hair: Linh Nguyen @linhhair

Makeup: Grant @gkarpinmua

Styling: Cannon @thecannonmediagroup

Headpieces: Painted Lotus Designs @paintedlotusdesignsadvanced

Models:

Rosie @cheerachoo

Dan @danrodtv

Migle @miglute_gro