This summer has been full of spending time in the garden and connecting with the natural world. While I've focused on taking some much-needed time off and expanding my garden I've realized the aspects gardening and documentary photography have in common. You can also learn so many life lessons from listening to what the plants tell you! Through working in the garden I have learned so many life lessons as well as new ways to look at photography, a wedding day, and creative expression.

Things I've learned from the garden that I can apply to my work and life:

Patience: Good things take time and there is beauty in waiting for things to grow and expand.
A little love goes a long way: It doesn't take much to spread love and give care to one another. Pay attention to others' needs and find ways to help.
Life is dynamic and always changing: Change is a constant in life - why not embrace it?! A wedding day is not only a symbol of love, but also a symbol of change and new beginnings.
Embrace the seasons: There are times of abundant growth, and growth that can not always be seen. In the same way, there is time for rest, and time for change. Plants show their resilience and fortitude through it all.
Don't be afraid to start small and grow: From a tiny seed comes a beautiful plant. With care, patience, love & nourishment transformation takes place & something beautiful is created. You just have to start pursuing your dreams and the rest will follow.
Never stop learning: I have just begun my gardening journey and I cannot wait to learn every day from what the plants tell me and my research. This is the same for photography, I never want to stop learning new ways to capture moments.
Timing: Both gardening and photography require a keen sense of timing. In gardening, you must wait for the right season to sow seeds, nurture plants, and witness them bloom. Similarly, in photography, you need to wait for the perfect moment, adjusting lighting, and composition, and waiting for the right expressions or actions. Always observe your surroundings and slow down so you don’t miss something. This is especially key on wedding days- take a step back, slow down, and observe what is around you!
Don't be afraid to simplify: Too much happening in one space can hinder growth and overtake other plants. In business, taking on too many projects, or not defining your niche or ideal client can hinder growth and leave you burned-out and drained.
Creativity and Expression: Both gardening and photography offer opportunities for creativity and self-expression. In gardening, you can create beautiful landscapes, mix and match colors, and experiment with different plant combinations to design unique spaces. Similarly, in photography, you can choose subjects, angles, and perspectives to convey emotions, tell stories, and showcase an artistic vision.

10. Don't overlook the small things: Those can be the greatest moments in life and on a wedding day.