If I could toss all caution to the wind, and spend the rest of my life in a constant state of wanderlust, I would. In a heartbeat. I love to travel - for work or pleasure. Living abroad and international travel have taught me so many valuable lessons about everyday life and the way I view the world.

Traveling has given me an enhanced cultural awareness and a sensitivity to various cultures and customs. It has schooled me in the art of sensitivity - being able to recognize where people have come from or what they may be currently experiencing.

Traveling has enhanced my ability to recognize body language and non-verbal communication skills.

It has taught me the importance of adaptability and flexibility; the importance of organization; the importance of resourcefulness.

Adventuring has taught me the necessity of stress management and has compelled me to learn the value of a healthy sense of humor.

The bottom line is this: traveling has the ability to leave us speechless - but it also has the incredible power to turn us into story-tellers. My international experiences have taught me an extraordinary amount in regards to my role as a photographer and story-teller, equipping me to be more confident in my ability to hold life still in timeless images.

Every time I pick up my camera, whether it's to take images at your wedding, at a lifestyle session with you and your family, or just for fun, my goal is always to preserve moments and experiences in an attempt to describe the world the way I see it.

Enjoy browsing through the travel galleries below!

I SEE SOMETHING SPECIAL AND SHOW IT TO THE CAMERA. THE MOMENT IS HELD UNTIL SOMEONE SEES IT. THEN IT IS THEIRS.
~ SAM ABELL ~

INDIA

PHILIPPINES

FRANCE

TRINIDAD & TOBAGO

THAILAND

THE UNITED STATES

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I absolutely love what I do. But I am not your run-of-the-mill photographer. And so, it'd seem strange taking up this section by telling you all about my photographic endeavors...

About how I stumbled onto photography quite by accident - involving a dear friend, a camera phone and a blog… But, upon picking up my first camera, it was love at first click...

Or all about my philosophy of photography - how it's changed me and stretched me...

About how I've learned to see photography as more than just an art form - but as the art of observation - finding something beautiful in an ordinary place...

About how I've come to find that photography has very little do with the things you see and everything to do with the way you see them… That beauty is all around us - in the unexpected and unforeseen - we just have to be willing to look for it.

Or more importantly, how people are the reason that I do what I do - because usually, each family that I meet, each couple that I photograph, become friends. Friends whose unique personalities I have the honor of capturing- each smile, each tear, the quiet, private moments, the space filled with laughter...

But - I figured that might bore the ever-living daylights out of you…

So, let me tell you about ME…

I currently live in the Central PA area with my husband, Ryan, and my Great Dane pup, Moses. He's pretty much the most adorable thing ever. I'll let you decide if I'm talking about my husband or the dog.

I love cake. A lot. It may be my greatest weakness.

Music moves me. Sometimes to tears. Sometimes to really embarrassing dance moves.

My faith is incredibly important to me. It is my anchor.

I grew up in South East Asia - it changed the way I view the world and gave me an insatiable desire to travel and explore our incredible planet. I come alive when I am able to capture and document other cultures and the beauty that lies in each and every country I have a privilege of stepping foot in. Traveling has softened my heart to the needs caused by poverty, preventable diseases, human trafficking and all the men, women and children affected by these things. I know, without a doubt, that living abroad growing up and adventuring the past few years has directly impacted and changed my photographic style and voice, allowing me to be fully comfortable in any place and any situation.

I have a degree in Counseling. Not in Photography. And I'm constantly amazed at how well those two things work together.

I love adventure. I love trying new and exciting things. It revives my soul. One of my favorite adventures involved jumping out of an airplane.

$DCIM\999GOPRO$

When I'm not chasing beautiful light for photo sessions, or making ridiculous noises in an attempt to get children to smile at the camera, I can generally be found hanging between two trees, journaling, coloring or reading a good book. I've been known to turn my hammock into my office as well - somehow, hanging and enjoying nature makes editing way more fun.

I thrive in high stress situations - which is one of the many reasons I adore wedding photography.

I photograph weddings very differently now that I've been a bride myself. It made me realize, more than ever, that we have a great responsibility to take care of our memories - whether that be weddings, capturing your family the way it is now, or catching memories of life as it is happening.

I absolutely hate to have my picture taken. Ironic, eh? But seriously - I am probably every photographer's worst nightmare when it comes to taking photos. My husband and I will pose for the occasional selfie - but we pretty much draw the line at that. Don't be like us! :)

And as for photography - well, I love it. I come alive behind the lens of a camera. Sometimes, I even gasp taking images of beautiful people. (But really, brace yourselves. I'll be doing a lot of this during your session). I am never more comfortable than when my camera is in both hands, faithfully clicking away, capturing moments.

I picked up my first "professional camera" 10 years ago and have never looked back. My grandpa always told me, "Love what you do, and you'll never work a day in your life…" I am blessed beyond words to be able to do what I love - capturing people's memories - altering their lives by holding it still.

I'd be honored to capture yours.

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Lessons From Abroad