Reach For The Sky
The Cycle Of Success
“Success works as a cycle – growth and contraction, balancing and unbalancing – all while you’re encountering hurdles that get higher and higher over time.”
— Julien Smith
We can all feel that growth and contraction … that balancing and unbalancing no matter what we do in life and/or work. It can be challenging to remember and trust that these hurdles get us higher and higher over time.
“There’s calm in each and every day, we just need to practice reaching out for it.”
— Ron Baratono
Let’s have a discussion 🙂
Comment below or visit HERE to enter the conversation
- What steps are you taking to achieve success (in anything in life)?
- What hurdles are you currently encountering (in any area of life)?
- Are you feeling balanced or unbalanced at this time?
- What helps you to feel more balanced?
- What do you reach for when needing to find calm in your day?
I am a photographer and dating strategist specializing in natural-light portraits that feel confident, approachable, and genuinely reflective of who you are. Whether I’m shooting a Dating Photos That Work™ session or a high-level personal branding project, my goal is to create images that are honest, not performative.
My Approach
Rooted in emotional intelligence and over 16 years of experience, my process is designed for the “unphotogenic.” I believe the best photos happen when you feel comfortable enough to be yourself and seen enough to trust the process. A strong image isn’t about vanity—it’s about clarity. It is the first impression that shapes how the world perceives you before you ever say a word.
The Personal Side
My journey includes a decade of single motherhood, entrepreneurship, and a national CBS News feature on the psychology of first impressions. But perhaps my favorite “proof of concept” is my own: I met my husband on Bumble at age 42. I’ve seen firsthand how a strategic, authentic online presence can transform your life and lead to real, aligned connection.
The Relocation (Dallas & Minneapolis)
End of April 2026, my family and I officially relocated to Dallas, Texas. While I am now locally serving the DFW Metroplex, the Twin Cities will always be a part of my story. I continue to offer my signature photography experience in Minneapolis–St. Paul through exclusive quarterly residency sessions.
When I’m not behind the lens, you’ll find me with my husband, my son, and our beautifully blended family, soaking up our new Texas life (and probably hunting for the best patio in Dallas).
If you’re here because you’re ready for photos that actually feel like you, you’re in the right place. I’m so glad you found your way here.
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I think it is interesting who supports the "ups" versus the "downs." Some people I would expect to support the "ups" seem to be bigger fans of the contraction. Almost as if to keep me in my place – or the place they perceive appropriate. I like the keep on keepin’ on mantra through the ebb and flow.
Well said Debbie!! Well said!! I couldn’t agree with you more. I too fhope me it interesting when other choose/support/are bigger fans if the contraction. In my speculation it seems as though they subconsciously enjoy that place or perhaps that is how they learned to deal with things in their home environment growing up.
The best thing about our brains is that they can be "rewired", new paths can be formed if we want it to happen… one needs to make a conscious effort to make a different choice.
And DING DING with your comment in "almost as if to keep me in my place" !!! Again, I couldn’t agree more! I believe we are all mirrors for each other 😉
I too work on maintaining a keep on keepin on mantra 😊
Thank you for your comment!
Sorry– correction: "I too find it interesting"
Beautifully written
Thank you Rene!!! 🙂