This project came at exactly the right time.
Too many quick-paced challenges happened too fast, and burnout was right around the corner.
Brooke Shaden announced the Sony Alpha Female 52 week challenge, and I joined.
I had no idea if I would be able to participate in every week, but I set the intention to try.
After week one, I was intrigued. After month one, I was locked in.
Twelve months and 52 portraits later, I am so glad I challenged myself to slow down, and create for myself.
Below, you will find the images made during this project.
1. Beginnings are always interesting. For the first image of the project, I wanted to create something simple. The rosebud represents the start of something beautiful, and the reflection acts like the reminder to examine myself. Was this going to be something I could actually complete? We would find out.
2. I had recently learned the history behind red lipstick, and felt the need to use it as inspiration for this portrait. Red lipstick became popular during the Woman's Sufferage Movement, and has stuck around as a symbol of resistance since WW2.
3. Light brings interest and intrigue. Bending, shaping, and enhancing light brings so much interest to a scene. Playing with fog and a creatively punctured board, the light rays add a layer of curiosity.
4. Fantasy books are my favorite genre. I love the intricacies of the scenes and characters. Sometimes, I get sucked into the worlds, and forget I live in reality. A few times, those stories have teleported me to lands so far away, I miss my stops.
5. When I started photography, I wasn't thinking about making photos of people. Nature and landscape were where I was happy. It wasn't until I went on my first photo walk that I started dabbling in portraiture.
6. I have read Scott Westerfeld's Uglies series more times than I can count. It's my comfort series, my starter series, it's what I reach for when I'm in a slump and want something I know is good. When he announced he was releasing a new set within Tally's universe, I got so excited. These covers are so inspiring, and I knew what I was going to pick as soon as this theme came up. Mirror's Edge is such a beautiful piece of this rebellious story.
7. Childhood memories are some of the sweetest. There are just a handful I reminisce on. A few days before this prompt was due, I learned of the untimely death of a childhood friend. One of my favorite memories with this kid involved the scraggly tree in his backyard. I will never forget the times I got to spend with him.
8. Capturing the multiple facets of my creativity was so much fun! I had never made anything like this before, so challenging myself to making something so complex was so rewarding! And for it to come out how I had imagined was even better!
9. This image was made around the five year anniversary of moving my little family to Denver. Five years of seeing the mountains, of watching the Denver skyline pass by, of living my dream. It's still so surreal waking up every morning in such a beautiful space. After riding public transit for so long, I felt it was fitting to document my ride that day.
10. Inclusivity means everything to me. When I first started in the salon out here, I knew I wanted to help make the space a safe one for all. I have loved helping people discover their perfect outward appearance, and ensuring they feel like themselves. It's been a beautiful experience helping others discover that vision, and bring it to life.
11. Memory Loss is terrifying. There aren't many relatives who have shown signs of memory loss before they passed, and that brings a layer of unknown into my thoughts. I dont have many memories I can recall from my younger years without referencing photos, which is why I bring my camera everywhere. I want to be able to remember the moments of joy shared with people I love.
12. While we were out in the Redwood National Forest, I couldn't help but think of all the scenes from both Jurassic Park and Star Wars that were made in these same woods. When we turned the corner and saw this mass of roots leading to this mossy tree, I had to stop. It was such a surreal experience being among some of the largest trees in the world.
13. When hiking the Grove of Titans, I found a sliver of peace among all the turmoil that is the world today. Being privileged enough have the freedom to explore is not lost on me. I know there are some who can't take the time or spend the resources to go see such gorgeous spaces. I am grateful for the ability to escape reality for a few days (or in this case, a couple weeks) to rest, recharge, and refuel the soul. Being amongst these giants was such a surreal experience.
14. Self portraiture has become such a vital piece of my creative process. I love getting to try new things, experimenting with creative ideas, and capturing myself in real time. I've watched myself grow and change over the years. I've challenged myself to get out of my comfort zone, push my boundaries of creative ability, and learn how to create freely. I'm so grateful for the gift that is self portraiture.
15. Symbolism is in everything. Balance and symmetry are major pieces of everyday life. This image and how it was made is a real-time representation of just that. It wasn't what I had originally set out to create, but decided to then go with whatever came of it.
16. Joy was found everywhere on our trip to California. Sitting on the beach, listening to the waves. Walking on the sand, feeling the warmth on my feet. Driving through fog-covered forests, and hiking through some of the tallest trees I've ever seen. Lounging in sea caves, and searching for the prettiest of rocks. Wading in tide pools and making friends with the sea stars. Ending the whole adventure with stargazing on the salt flats. Joy was everywhere.
17. - Inspired by another Artist - Brandi Nicole has been a massive source for inspiration. Her photography is so full of magic and whimsy. Over the last decade and a half of knowing her, she has encouraged me to dive deeper into the possibilities creativity can bring.
18. I recall at one time in my life being given the explanation for where my name came from. Ericaceae is a low-growing flowering shrub that blooms int he spring. They had originally wanted to name me Erica. When they learned the baby in the next room had been named that, they decided to pivot and name me after the fall flowering shrub, Heather. I have been on the hunt to find true Heather for years.
19. These hands are important. My last 15 years have been spent touching lives. As a hairstylist, nail tech, and creative, my job is to touch. I spend so much time working with people, helping them realize their true self, and has changed not only their lives, but mine as well. The network I have built with the people who sit in my chair has given me some amazing opportunities.
20. Art class was always fun. Sitting in a dim room with a table full of fruits, vases, and other random objects was one of my favorite parts. Trying to figure out how to pull together the idea of still life and a portrait was interesting. I've wanted to do something like this for a while, and finally pulled it all together. This set was so much fun, and healed a part of me I didn't know needed some love.
21. Nature is where I am meant to be. Living in a big city has been fun, but I need to find more time to get outside. We did spend two weeks this past summer exploring natural spaces in the west, but I want to explore more of the natural world closer to me. Getting out on the trail was difficult last year after a knee injury, but now that I'm recovered, it's time to find new paths.
22. Most of my life has involved photography in one capacity or another. As the years go by, I'm so grateful to have picked up a camera so many years ago, diving headfirst into such an organic creative outlet. the way different Hindu and Buddhist gods and goddesses are depicted with multiple arms symbolizing their super-human powers and the ability to perform many different tasks simultaneously was the inspiration to this image. All these different tools all have the ability to capture your life, your adventures, and your memories for eternity. And I think that's a pretty cool superpower.
23. Of course I had to feature my feathered friends in a portrait when I found out wildlife was the theme. I know I live in a space abundant in native and natural creatures, but trying to find some animals in the mountains I can take a portrait with is not quite the easy task. And why spend the extra energy and time when I have these adorable chonks of fluff right here?! Pigeons are such a friendly bunch. A few of them have started to recognize me and approach when I get off the train. If you've never learned of the history of pigeons, please go educate yourself.
24. Sometimes life feels like it's spinning out of control. I feel so dizzy. Spinning and spinning, the outside world is a blur as I go around faster and faster. There are too many things I want to do, and not enough time or energy to do any of them. Every weekend full of errands and activities, spending time on life maintenance. I hadn't had the time to spend on me. So I changed my salon schedule, and have given myself a day to choose for me. The merry-go-round of life will slow down.
25. Summer flew by, just as quickly as the sunset fades. Spending time on the California coast, watching the sunset over the ocean was a core memory for sure. Getting to experience them with my little family made them even more magical.
26. Just as the seasons of the year changed, so did the season of vehicles. We had been driving a small commuter hatch for the last three years, meaning it was more difficult to get to some of our favorite spaces. That changed when we traded it in for a larger SUV. Being able to get back into the mountains, traversing some rough roads, made me so happy. I hadn't had a good fire-cooked meal in so long. I'm grateful for this new season, and the possibilities that come with it.
27. Fine art is such an interesting theme. It could literally mean anything. To me, that means everything but your classic headshot. It's always so fun using a mirror when i make portraits. All the creativity comes to life. Where to focus, where to look, how to place the hands, all the things! Art has become such a beautiful outlet for my mind and body. Being able to use this medium to express my thoughts has given me the ability to explore.
28. I've always loved the moon and stars. Learning about the vast openness felt like a fairytale. The wonders that could be out there, the beauty of the moon, and the amazing things that could be explored has always felt so far fetched. When researching this week's prompt, I learned there are quite a few stories written about the moon. The Brothers Grimm The Moon has such an interesting twist.
29. I will forever find happiness next to a body of water. The ocean, a river, even a small stream brings so much joy to my heart, and steadiness to my mind.
30. There was a point in my life where the darkness almost consumed me. I had never felt so alone. I lived hours away from anyone I knew, taking college courses online. Many close friends had lost their lives, and creativity hadn't been a priority yet. I felt like I was a burden to others, and would be better off without me. Therapy saved my life, and I am forever grateful.
31. My life has always been full of adventure. Wandering around town with my friends, finding all the gravel roads through the river flats, camping in as many different spaces as possible, or hiking the multitude of trails around me. I feel like I hit peak adventurer when we moved to the foothills of the Rockies, and gave ourselves the ability to explore every chance we get. Adventure feeds my soul.
32. We discovered this space a little over five years ago. Back when we had the CRV, we went exploring everywhere that thing would take us. After a while, this specific spot became our go-to. It's perfect for all types of camping. Sometimes, we'll even come out just to cook over the fire, because food made and eaten outside always tastes better. There are plenty of other sites to pitch a tent, but this one is our favorite.
33. Collaboration opens the mind to new things. When you get to brainstorm ideas with another artist, the idea becomes bigger, better, and so full of life. I am so grateful to have met Aliyah (aliyahshaephotography) and formed such a great friendship! I am so excited for the things we will be doing!
34. Building a life with another human can be challenging. It can also be incredibly rewarding. Bryan and I have been together for a little over 13 years now, and have grown so much in that time. Being a part of a partnership with the goal of building a better future has given me the passion and desire to become the best version of myself. Navigating this life with him, with everything that is going on around us, has brought such a calm to my world. I'm so grateful to have found my person.
35. I've always felt a deep connection with the earth. Growing up, I was always barefoot. Shoes were not my favorite, and would end up lost. As I've gotten older, that desire to be more grounded has gotten stronger. Being in nature has a way of soothing my soul, whether its deep in the mountains or a small nature space at the end of the block. The longer I live in Colorado, the more protective of the beauty of the earth I become.
36. I wasn't quite sure how I would capture the theme Post Processing, but I feel like I did alright on this one. I love using double exposure and creative erasing to portray emotions. When we were in California, the fog was so moody. If I could stay there forever, I would. But I love my Colorado mountains more. So instead, I'll superimpose myself in the landscape and dream of fog for the rest of my days.
37. I've played around with a surreal style a handful of times, more with double exposure than anything else. I struggled figuring out an idea for this photo and landed on this. My favorite detail is difficult to see in the full image, unless you know where to look. The glow of the planets in my eyes gives a finishing touch.
38. I've noticed a trend over the last few years and it's all starting to make sense. After the summer solstice, I start to feel the weight of the darkness creep in. The sunrises happen later, the evenings come earlier, and the depression sets in. This shortens my days to a point where I feel useless after the sun sets. Then, December hits, and I start counting the days. The darkest day, the winter solstice comes and I feel my body shift. Every new day holds a few more minutes of those golden rays of warmth and light. Every sunrise comes sooner, evenings wait a little longer. The light of the sun brings a few extra moments of happiness, lightening the weight of the darkness.
39. I was so nervous to start this challenge, because I had hit a wall in creativity. I had felt like I had created all my ideas, and would possibly run out of motivation. As the weeks passed, something wonderful grew. I felt the walls expand instead of collapse. I saw the edges blurring and fading away. I noticed a renewal of inspiration. I felt the desire to create more often, and have been able to act upon it when it does.
40. Resolutions aren't my thing. Why are we trying to change our lives and become completely new people during the coldest, darkest, toughest season? However, I do love starting my year with creativity. In addition to this 52 week challenge, I dove headfirst into Creative January, adding a little bit of intentional creativity to my days.
41. "Life is no brief candle to me. It is a sort of splendid torch which I've got hold of for the moment, and want to make it burn as brightly as possible before handing i on to the future generations." - George Bernard Shaw
42. All I want is a portal that can transport me to the wilderness. I love the idea of running through a portal into another world, and tried to make it happen with the images I had available to me.
43. I love sitting in my quiet home on a Saturday, sipping on my hot coffee while my family sleeps. When we first moved in, lockdown as in full swing, giving me so much time to myself. The mornings were mine. I would read on the balcony when the weather was nice, or snuggle on the couch with a good video game until someone else woke up to join me. Sometimes I miss those days. Now, I spend those mornings sipping my coffee on the train during my commute to work.
44. Over the last decade, I've made it a point to nurture my creative side by allowing time to dabble in something that brings me joy. In the beginning, I was quite jealous of those i followed who were able to pay their bills with creativity. For the month of January, I wrote out all the ways I can be creative, and tried to follow that. I didn't capture it all, and felt like I wasn't being creative. Then it dawned on me even though I didn't record the process, that didn't negate the fact I had been incredibly creative. My weakness is dismissing the fact I am a full-time creative, and diminishing how creativity absolutely fills my days.
45. My family lost it's anchor on Valentine's day 2003. My dad's parents were killed in a tragic accident along with two other prominent couples in our community. That kind of loss hits the whole area hard, and is remembered every year. What I remember the most is the love they shared with their family, friends, and community around them, most of all with each other. That is the love I wish to have for my future, and I'm so grateful to have found a partner who fills that role.
46. I love when my hobbies collide. Painting has become one of my favorite ways to keep my hands busy while on the go. And having another way to be creative outside photography. Watercolor is a fantastic low energy craft. I've got pages and pages of flowers, washes, and bubbles. The real fun begins when the pen comes out. Adding the details is time consuming, which is the point.
47. That first cup of coffee hits so much better with that morning light coming through the windwos. Coffee is my best friend. When we first moved to Denver, my morning routine consisted of taking a giant mug of coffee, a good book, and a blanket out to the balcony and reading for hours. That routine has changed since going back to the salon. I still start my days with a good cup of coffee, but I take it and my book on the train for my commute.
48. A few years ago, I started making a portrait for my birthday every year. This year happened to line up with the theme Rebirth. I've been on this planet for 37 years now, and am feeling another shift begin. We all have a bit of stardust in us, and will one day return to the universe. Until then, I will continue to experience life through the lens of gratitude.
49. This image was made around International Women's Day. I am surrounded by some of the best women to help guide me through this world, supporting me along the way. In all these years, I have definitely found my power. I wasn't able to see this or understand what I was capable of until recently. Having the experiences I have been through has definitely shaped who I am and what I understand. I am strong. I am resilient. I am capable. I am where I belong.
50. Dancing on the top ledge of Red Rocks Amphitheater during sunset was so incredible. My dress swirling in the wind, the colors of the changing sky ahead, and the overall atmosphere of the space was such a magical experience. The childlike joy I felt healed a small part of me. I was always the child flitting around like a butterfly in flight. Always dancing, twirling, moving through life. Now that I'm an adult, I get to live life in alignment with my joy, and allow others to experience their joy.
51. "Fade in, start the scene. Enter beautiful girl. But things are not what they seem as we stand at the edge of the world." This song helped get me through some of the darkest days of my life. Sometimes the overwhelm consumes every part of your being, and the only thing you can think of is to end it all. When that inner voice of reason steps in, and you allow it to speak, you learn the truth hidden in the pain. There are so many beautiful reasons to live for. Quitting doesn't fix the problem, but creates more for those you leave behind. It takes work. It takes finding your people. It takes courage to continue living through the pain. But it's all worth it. I promise.
52. There were many weeks where i felt uninspired, and others where I had too many ideas to share. There were times I felt like quitting. I'm glad i didn't. Self doubt was strong, the feelings of inadequacy taunted me. Being limited by my equipment and space left me wanting more. But I'm grateful I continued. Over the last year, I learned to set aside time to create for myself, and I am so excited to continue this momentum.