I have said I wanted to host an art exhibit. A lot comes with planning and hosting one. So, I decided to create a mini digital one with a few pieces to get my feet wet a little first. My first one titled: "Bloom". Blooming, like a flower, is a metaphor for our journey towards individuality; each one unique and beautiful in its own way. We start small, gather experiences, and finally blossom into who we truly are.

Few genres of art are as captivating and powerful as photography. It can capture moments in time and preserve them for posterity, telling a story that never fades away. With this in mind, we’re delighted to introduce you to “Through the Lens” – our very own series that explores visual narratives captured by yours truly! The premise behind “Through the Lens” is simple but effective– each series will bring viewers an intimate look into the lives of individuals, families, and communities; creating an intimate portrait of what makes us who we are. We’ll explore their journeys, get a glimpse at what drives them, learn techniques,— capturing the essence through my lens that evokes emotions through expressions and personalities. We've worked hard to plan themes that appeal to mature audiences featuring men, women, families, etc., so there's something for everyone!

The New Year stands before us like a blank canvas, offering the opportunity for a fresh start of rebirth and the transformative journey that comes with it as we step into the dawn of a new year. Before we can embark on a journey of rebirth, it's essential to pause and reflect on the chapters of the year gone by setting intentions for personal and professional growth. What do we aspire to achieve? What dreams have been waiting in the wings? By envisioning our goals and aspirations, we lay the groundwork for the transformative journey that lies ahead. This could involve stepping out of our comfort zones, trying new experiences, or pursuing passions that may have been dormant. May this year be a canvas upon which we paint our dreams, a journey in which we rediscover our strength and a chapter in which we write the story of our transformation. Here's to a year of growth, resilience, and the beautiful process of becoming the best versions of ourselves. Happy New Year!

I had the opportunity to meet and photograph caring, strong faith, and humbling, Ms. Newton. She is the Property Manager of duplex community and CEO and Founder of Pamela Newton Modeling Academy where she's a Model Coach and teach Etiquette, Building Self Confidence, Pose, Posture, and Runway to ages 6 and up. Her biggest achievement is being recognized as one of the Black Business Leaders in Kansas City for Building Self- Confidence and sharing Etiquette skills to new and seasoned models. She lives by her motto "Your life is how you make it and don't let anyone make your day. Always pray and you will make it through. Keep your head up, because you are somebody." Her goal write a book about Building self-confidence and etiquette.

I met this young lady a few years ago through an old friend and have had the honor to work with her as well. I can definitely say that she is God-sent, humble and sweet. So this month I chose to spotlight Ms. Kim Lloyd! Read her story below. "I came a two family home where we were raised in church. I now have three beautiful daughters that I raised in church. Although I had them out of wedlock they are my gifts from God. I was in two abusive relationship where the man abused me mentally and physically. I can remember telling my kids that this not how a man is suppose to treat a women. I told them I loved them daily. I have always been a go getter and made sure that we always had somewhere to stay, clothes and food. To be completely honest most of my friends make more money than I do but my girls had just as much as other kids. I always said that I love myself but then I thought, "Kim how could you love yourself and allow a man to put his hands on you." My mom had a dream and she told me in the dream I had two faces. Of course when you in the mist of your sins you can’t see it. I got up upset with her but when I came out of the situation I understood because I had to be one person at work/around others but when I got home I was in a dark place that I hid from everyone. Working with children on a daily basis surely I couldn’t enter the doors broken, depressed and not consider that a child may need me to be that light in darkness they may have been encountering. When I tell you that it is so true that God has a plan for your life and my past life way not his plan. I am a living testimony that God is true to his word because I made it out meaning I didn’t die in the situation but God has allowed me to minister to women, young ladies and even children that may not have gone through it but knew someone who did. Today I am living my best life! My oldest daughter has graduated with a Business/Marketing degree. My middle daughter will be entering the LPN program and my baby daughter is a Freshman in high school and God is still good. We lost our house to a fire in July and it didn’t break me because the God in me knows that ALL THINGS WORK TOGETHER FOR THE GOOD OF THOSE THAT LOVE THE LORD AND ARE CALLED ACCORDING TO HIS PURPOSE. God said he will put more on you than you can bear. I’M STILL STANDING and I owe it all to God!"

The new year is here! No new year, new me new year resolutions for me! I'm guilty of setting them and sticking to them for a solid month or so, then right back to the same ole, same ole. I pray for continued well health-- mentally and physically for me, my family, relatives, and friends. Also more wisdom, knowledge, and understanding. My goal for this year is to be more persistent! Show up and be visible and finish what I start. Which requires more action! Action = Faith. Faith without action is dead. With that being said, it's a great time to take new headshots, book a boudoir session for Valentine's Day, or get family portraits taken. You should not put off taking portraits. Don't let another day, week, month, or year go by! Life is short. If you put them off it might be too late to take them at all. Capture memories to relive . Document your family's growth because time flies. Can you remember your last family portrait session? It could be a smaller piece of a jigsaw puzzle that completes the larger picture of our lives by connecting the present to future generations through photos. I’m so excited to connect with you this year and take your portraits! -XOXO- 

As a daughter, sister, close family member, and friend, I know the important role family plays and how it feels to have that sense of belonging. My mother was raised by her grandmother after losing her mother at a young age, leaving her with very few memories. One of those memories is a single photo given to her by her oldest sister. She also has only one photo of her grandmother, yet many memories and life lessons of her rearing. From my childhood to adulthood, when I look at those pictures the void of not knowing my maternal grandmother and great-grandmother still exists leaving the feeling of incompleteness. Such as their personalities, education, morals and ethics, and sense of belonging by not knowing all my relatives on that side of the family.

Photographs matter because they freeze moments of our lives which seem to have little importance to us at the time. The significance of a photo might not even be ours – instead, it might be for others who search for the person we once were or the places we once knew. Each photo can be a small piece of a jigsaw puzzle that completes the larger picture of our lives. This brings me to the three reasons why you should have family portraits. Document family growth Family photos are a treasure trove of information about our lives - they document the growth and change in the family. They help us remember how much things have changed over time, or maybe just bring joy reminiscing over an old photo! Photographs also provide beautiful keepsakes which can last forever; these memories shouldn't be forgotten. Relive memories Life's too short! Your family's legacy lives on after you're no longer around. Relive memories and exist in photos! Your portraits help you relive memories. Avoid undocumented memories and the possibility of lost digital photos to social media. Capture moments that create memories forever! Connect family lineage Family portraits are a great way to document your family's roots and get an inside look at what makes you who you are. It can also help build connections between generations and find new sources for old information or connect with other family members through social media! #photosmatter 6 reasons why photography matters. Digital Photography School. (2021, January 26). Retrieved March 7, 2022, from https://digital-photography-school.com/6-reasons-why-photography-matters/

The new year is a time for reflection and self-improvement which will lead us down paths towards greater personal growth! What are your goals you want to accomplish? Make sure these ideas become more than words on paper - write down exactly how you plan to make it happen! Be specific! You need to know what steps you need to take for you to reach the results, which will lead to the desired accomplishments. My goal for 2022 is to evolve personally and as a business person mentally, physically, and spiritually. I know that's broad, but I don't want to make this a long post! So, I guess to break it down, clearer and stronger goal-oriented mindset, healthier mind & body and more wisdom, knowledge and understanding spiritually. As for my business, here are 3 of many of my goals: New Style - Purpose goal is to document you and your family in a modern, simple, ornate, and regal way. Download our FREE what to wear style guide today! New Booking System - We are implementing a better booking system to make your purposeful experience stress-free. Book now ! More Social Media Engagement - Keep up with latest news and events. Like us on Facebook and follow us on Instagram @PurposePhotographyMS. Also, visit our website at purposephotographyms.com. May God bless each effort with spiritual wisdom, well health, love, and prosperity as you strive towards achieving your goals.  -XOXO-