excuses for not blogging.

After a whirlwind couple of weeks, I woke up this morning feeling like Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz. Only instead of awakening to yellow brick roads and sparkly shoes, it was sweatpants, grocery shopping and a refreshing sense of normalcy.

These past few weeks have been insane, and while I've loved every second of it, I'm equally excited to jump back into routine. And my own bed.

Here's a glimpse at what I've been up to, or what I like to call "excuses for not blogging."

First and foremost? Yogurt bars. Obsession doesn't even BEGIN to cover it. Unfortunately, there are none in Grand Island just yet, so in the meantime I've been hitting up every single one I've encountered during recent travels. "It's fat-free, which means this is totally healthy," I say as I pile on every possible topping you can think of. Obsessed.

Speaking of traveling, I recently became well-acquainted with the state of Texas. From Dallas to Houston, the Gulf to rustic back roads, I fell in love with the beauty, the FOOD (!!!) and the people I met along the way.

(forgive the iPhone pictures; I'm slightly addicted to Instagram) 

After Texas, I headed up to Denver to meet the incredible Jasmine Star. For those unfamiliar, she's essentially an A-list celebrity within the photography industry and after stalking following her blog for the past few years, I was ecstatic to meet her. She gave me the kindest, warmest greeting ever and in return? I stammer a hello, compliment her pants, and skip off like a tween at a Justin Bieber concert. Sometimes it hurts being this awesome.

She spoke of the importance of challenging yourself, staying hungry for change, and the value of being connected with those around us. I left feeling absolutely inspired and thankful for such generous people in this industry. Her enthusiasm is contagious and I am now somehow even MORE excited for the 2012 wedding season. 

I'm told another note-worthy milestone these past few weeks was watching Dirty Dancing for the first time. Ever. It's taken me twenty-mumble mumble years to finally watch it, and I have to say, I feel a little more caught up with the times. So much so, that (second milestone...) I was even inspired to finallllly create a Twitter account. (@RachelEbelPhoto if you're so inclined)

Lastly, I visited one of my favorite places on earth, Breckenridge, where some of my favorite PEOPLE on Earth happen to live. The result = an absolutely amazing time of taking in the beauty of Colorado and catching up with old friends.

I'm looking forward to more adventures in the coming weeks, but for now, I'm embracing the calm. 

Happy Thursday!

December highlights!

Three states. Eight cities. One whirlwind month of travel.

To all my clients, old and new, who invited me into their lives these past few weeks, thank you. It was an honor.

Here are just a few favorites from recent sessions. If this is any indication of what 2012 will be like, I could not be more excited for what's in store! 

Happy New Year! :)

  

 

 

 

Reflect. Remember. Rejoice.

It's been a busy ten days. :) 

Ten days of traveling, new clients and new experiences. 

Ten days worth of affirmation, as I find myself falling more in love with what I do with every session and each person I meet.

I returned home last night to a beautiful gift from an incredibly thoughtful client/friend, and I couldn't have asked for a better reminder as I return to normalcy. The new normalcy. (which may involve occasionally working from home in sweatpants :)

Reflect. Remember. Rejoice. The catchphrase of my business. Words that inspire how I shoot. Words I try to live by.

These next few days will be filled with Photoshop, new blog posts, way too much caffeine (gas station coffee made me want to hug my Keurig when I got home) and gratefulness. 

To all my clients and friends, thank you. I appreciate you more than coffee and sweatpants. Combined. 

RE: Chapter 2

• At 5 pm, I will log off my computer, clear out my desk and head back home to start a new chapter in my life.
• This is my very last day working a corporate America job. Tomorrow, I will wake up a full-time photographer.
• Just over two years ago, I was picking out my first DSLR camera and entertaining the idea of one day becoming a professional photographer. It was a pipe dream amidst college classes pushing me towards a safe career. Today, I am closing the door to my safety net and opening one that leads to that pipe dream, now a tangible reality within my grasp. 
• This is a huge leap, but regardless of the outcome, I am at peace knowing I am following my passion and what I feel I have been called to do.
• I look back and I'm amazed. In the midst of the frustrations, the self-doubt, the "what should I do with my life" questions, I can see God's hands in everything, building a framework around me of what would become an incredibly valuable network of encouragement. Friendships would form, doors would be opened, and opportunities would present themselves in such a way that would leave little room to doubt that everything was happening exactly when it was supposed to, and not a moment sooner. 
• I am overwhelmed, appreciative and blessed beyond what I deserve.
• A heartfelt thank you goes out to anyone who has ever booked me, recommended me or simply stopped by this blog. I would not be at this point without you.
• Speaking of my blog, expect a ton of catch-up posts, as well as some BIG marketing and branding changes! :)
• Here's to risk, adventure and chasing your dreams..

**Kicking off the marketing changes is a promotional video created by the ridiculously talented AJ Production Company. The above photo is a still from the video, which you can watch here!

Benefit for Brayden

This weekend I had the honor of meeting the Lewis family. 

At just six months, Brayden has gone through more than what most of us will in a lifetime, but through it all, has kept that big, beautiful smile. 

If you are in the Omaha area, I encourage you to attend the Benefit for Brayden on November 13th; a spaghetti dinner, raffle and silent auction (see link below) I'm thrilled at the opportunity to participate in this auction and hope to see you there! 




http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=251721314878786

Busy, busy busy..

Is it just me or have these last few months FLOWN by! I feel like I blinked and suddenly it's mid-August.

When did that happen and where did my summer go?!

The lack of posts reflects just how busy I've been! I am in serious need of an update, including but not limited to: a gorgeous wedding, lots of cute kids and babies, beautiful families and even a senior session or two...

Thanks for the interest and support, check back soon for new images and soak up the last few weeks of summer! Fall is coming fast; get your Uggs, scarves and vanilla lattes ready for the best season ever! :)

Much love!
Rachel

small town beauty.

It never fails; I always find beautiful locations and even more beautiful families in Ireton, Iowa, which is why it will forever remain one of my favorite places to visit with my camera! Here are a few pictures from my recent trip!

 I cannot say enough nice things about these families, from their gorgeous children to their willingness to brave the heat (and occasional bugs ;) Thank you guys so much..  I had a fantastic time working with you all! :)