This little butterfly was so kind. It sat on this heart shaped flower minute after minute, letting me adjust settings and refocus and have multiple outtakes while I learned in the moment.

I understand that in the grand scheme of things minutes don’t sound like a long time, but as I reset myself and moved closer and changed settings, I kept thinking- I cannot believe she hasn’t flown away yet. What a gift I am being given. As if the universe was encouraging me to keep trying.

 

I had been wanting to capture nature all summer but only had the opportunity to truly slow down during our camping weekend. Not surprisingly, I just now finally had the opportunity to upload, cull and edit those images. I was truly grateful I took the time that morning to go exploring, and actually shocked that I was able to get such a good image from a lens not necessarily meant for this type of photography.

 

A ladybug perched on delicate white wildflowers with a soft bokeh brown background in natural light.
Orange skipper butterfly perched on delicate white wildflowers against a soft bokeh green background.
A small butterfly perched on delicate white wildflowers with a soft bokeh green background.

Through my years of learning photography, I’ve always been interested in how nature is captured. People talk about infants and children being a difficult subject to pin down- but that seems like nothing compared to nature. Each require patience and understanding, can be unpredictable, force you to think on your feet and adjust accordingly as you go. Which, to me, makes the images you do capture in both scenarios so very rewarding. It becomes clear that this moment is unique to this place, time, season and growth- it will likely never look like this again. Which is why it also feels so very important. 


MY MOTHER ALWAYS SAID,

PATIENCE IS A VIRTUE.


It is not a trait that comes naturally for me, but through the years I have found ways to be efficient during the wait. Making the most of some downtime often means looking around and observing what might come next. Realizing that not every moment needs action, some deserve rest, thought, caution or preparation. Clients have complimented how patient I am, and the truth is, that’s the easiest part of my job. These kids don’t necessarily know me, and they already know these pictures are important enough to someone they love. I think in most situations our expectations or fear of the unknown are what cause the anxiety. So, my goal will always be to lead in a calm, comfortable way that includes conversation and a little bit of fun.

An orange butterfly rests on a purple wildflower among green stems and soft pink blooms in a natural meadow setting.

How does this all translate to nature photography and where I am now?


Before I opened Rooted Vision Photography, my favorite moments were walking in nature and capturing the beauty I saw. My kids and I would go for nature walks and I would always get the image of them walking in front of me on the trail with a big open sky, the trees, the field, the water- wherever we were. Many of my personal Facebook page’s cover photos are these images from years ago. They still feel calm, intentional, and caring when I go back and look at them. Nature photography feels like my roots. It feeds my creativity and teaches me to pay attention to the simple joys again.

A few months ago, I was able to host a photo walk with local photographers and creatives that truly reignited my purpose. I began thinking about why I have enjoyed this as a hobby for my entire life.

Two children silhouetted against a vibrant orange and pink sunset while playing in calm ocean waves on a sandy beach.
Two people walk through a golden meadow at sunset, surrounded by tall grasses and trees in warm autumn light.
Red and white fishing boats moored in a calm harbor at dusk with coastal New England town houses in the background.
Two people sitting on a sandy beach shore beside a calm lake surrounded by lush green trees under a cloudy sky.
Stunning ocean sunset with vibrant orange glow reflecting on calm water beneath dramatic cloudy sky.
Tall cattails and a leafy tree stand against a bright blue sky with a shining sun on a clear day.
A wooden boardwalk stretches over a marsh at sunset with dramatic clouds and a figure in red walking ahead.
Two people walking on a paved trail surrounded by wildflowers and lush green trees under a bright blue sky.
Person relaxing on a porch with feet up on white railing, overlooking a scenic green farm with a red barn.
Wet road at dusk with car headlights reflecting on pavement, trees silhouetted against a pink and blue sunset sky.
Outdoor bonfire gathering at sunset with stone fire pit, people working in background, bare trees and cloudy sky.
Two children leaning on a wooden bridge railing, looking at a stream surrounded by lush green trees.
Feet of children and adults standing on colorful fallen autumn leaves outdoors.
Two children silhouetted against a vibrant orange and pink sunset while playing in calm ocean waves on a sandy beach.
Two people walk through a golden meadow at sunset, surrounded by tall grasses and trees in warm autumn light.
Red and white fishing boats moored in a calm harbor at dusk with coastal New England town houses in the background.
Two people sitting on a sandy beach shore beside a calm lake surrounded by lush green trees under a cloudy sky.
Stunning ocean sunset with vibrant orange glow reflecting on calm water beneath dramatic cloudy sky.
Tall cattails and a leafy tree stand against a bright blue sky with a shining sun on a clear day.
A wooden boardwalk stretches over a marsh at sunset with dramatic clouds and a figure in red walking ahead.
Two people walking on a paved trail surrounded by wildflowers and lush green trees under a bright blue sky.
Person relaxing on a porch with feet up on white railing, overlooking a scenic green farm with a red barn.
Wet road at dusk with car headlights reflecting on pavement, trees silhouetted against a pink and blue sunset sky.
Outdoor bonfire gathering at sunset with stone fire pit, people working in background, bare trees and cloudy sky.
Two children leaning on a wooden bridge railing, looking at a stream surrounded by lush green trees.
Feet of children and adults standing on colorful fallen autumn leaves outdoors.

What has changed since making it my career and stepping into being a business owner?


Opening the studio last year changed the dynamic of my business in such an amazing way, but I have to admit that it has taken me a moment to catch up and feel comfortable with the direction I’m heading. I always felt like a dedicated space would be the game changer for me, that I would utilize it in the similar ways I’ve seen on social media – behind the scenes, how-to videos and education. All of these things are still on the agenda, but the whirlwind of this past year has kept me on my toes!


It has been an adjustment to say the least. Which may be why this butterfly feels so important, symbolic and even nostalgic for me. The thought process that every phase of life is essential for growth, and being adept to changes can end up bringing about something truly beautiful. I will do my best to trust the process.


I will remain rooted to the vision I have for my life while listening to my instincts.

Purple wildflowers bloom among dry stems in a golden-hued field at sunset.
Close-up of wild thistle plants with small purple flowers and green foliage in soft natural bokeh lighting.
A monarch butterfly rests on delicate white wildflowers with a soft bokeh green background.
Orange skipper butterfly perched on delicate white wildflowers against a soft bokeh green background.
White wildflowers with delicate umbrella-shaped blooms glow in warm golden sunlight against a soft bokeh brown background.
Golden sunset reflecting on a tranquil lake surrounded by wildflowers and tall grasses in an autumn meadow.