I wanted to post this blog because I find great joy in capturing these kind of photos. These faces tell countless stories, and I am blessed to hear an ounce of them. Our faces show so much of where we’ve come from and where we are going. The universal theme throughout these pictures is happiness. There’s spunk, sassiness, pure joy and laughter radiating throughout these shots. I hope one day to do this my entire life. I love making people feel known and heard. I desire to know their stories — because everyone’s story is unique and beautiful. Stories of redemption, heartache, love, triumph, and everything else in between. 2019 has been an incredible year, but I am real excited to see what 2020 has in store. Thank you to everyone who has followed and supported my journey this far. I truly couldn’t have done it without you. The Lord is GOOD, y’all.
Enjoy 19 of my favorite portraits I have taken on the race to end 2019!
19. Ty from Nicaragua – sweet boy really stole the show infront of the camera.
18. Our neighbor friends in Ethiopia. She would run and jump into my arms anytime she saw us. She has such a beautiful smile!
17. Sweet Maria… you melted my heart. We met in Panama!
16. The kiddos in Morocco loved the spotlight, even if they didn’t smile. This picture was taken at an English speaking Christian school.
15. Pulled over on the side of the rode in Ethiopia and these boys ran up to our car and wanted to hang. They giggled their little butts off when they saw these pictures.
14. It’s animal mask making time in Morocco!
13. Alli enjoying fresh cut pineapple in Bouquet, Panama. This picture just makes me so happy!
12. Fedassa is one of the sassiest, snot covered, cutest kids I have ever met. We were enjoying each others company at HOPEthiopia.
11. Sweet mama and her baby wanted a picture taken. The look on her face was precious when she saw (maybe for the first time) a picture of her and her son.
10. The SWEETEST smile you ever did see. We met in India at the Golconda Fort.
9. This spunky boy ran up while I was trying to take a picture of my mom, and this was the outcome.
8. Panama, this smile is going to change your country.
7. He’s smiling at his cookie.
6. Damon and I sitting over lunch in Georgia during training camp. He has had a long life but he’s still smiling. I am glad I met him.
5. “Ma’am! , Ma’am!” is how she addressed me. But I won’t forget her sweet hand holds during church. I miss this girl already.
4. J O Y
3. Golconda Fort strikes again with sweet smiles.
2. This boy worked the fields close by to where we were staying in Ethiopia. He was so nice when we interacted. This photo is one of the best pictures I think I may have ever taken. I’m glad it could be of his sweet face.
1. Are you surprised that this photo ranked #1??? Good, me either.
I hope you smiled while looking at these pictures. Happy New Year!
p.s. I’m coming home in 120 days for anyone that’s counting down.
much love!
– Lauren
