I have been interested in personal branding portraiture for a long time. As someone who has taken big chances and followed a few dreams, I love talking to others about their own stories. What drove them to take the leap? What about their business moves their hearts and their souls? What is their favorite part of the creative process? The people and ideas that have inspired them? What is their WHY?   

I will be forever grateful to my friends who have let me try my hand at this, including Amanda. Manda has been my friend for about 25 years (right??). She has a teacher's heart.  She is a creative writing professor, a yoga teacher, and has taught me so much about friendship and individuality over the years. In 2015, Manda decided to visit Colorado, and I was so HAPPY to spend time with her. We spent a beautiful rainy afternoon at the Shambhala Mountain Center, wandering the grounds, sitting before the Great Stupa, talking about life, and taking photographs for her website. I treasure my memories of that day and miss this girl so very much.

(Plus, she let me shoot some Ektar 100 FILM. Bless.)

One of the things that struck me about this place was the many offerings people left at a small statue of the Buddha in the woods, and at the Great Stupa. Little pieces of themselves. Their dreams, hopes, treasures - or perhaps some money for luck. Those of you who know Manda and I will be able to spot our offerings in these photographs. I noticed a cross was given as an offering at the Great Stupa - a sign to me that the people who come to this place may be diverse in beliefs, but not all that different at heart.  

Amanda teaches yoga near Bowling Green, Ohio. You can learn more about her approach on her website, and keep up with her on Starfish Yoga Therapy's Facebook page.  

And the Ektar 100... this film is just amazing for bright sunlight!!!