Outerbike Moab // Commercial Videography

I had the fantastic opportunity of covering Outerbike, Moab. Many people ask, “What is Outerbike?” so I made it a goal to answer that question with this video.

Outerbike was 3 days of filming the best mountain bike companies in the country (world??). This is a consumer demo event where participants demo gear (BIKES, helmets, hydration packs, etc) on the incredible trails of Moab, UT. I myself demoed several bikes that I took out on trails to capture the action. Delicious, healthy meals are provided, as well as a free happy hour and great raffles. It is an incredible time.

This project allowed me to demonstrate many of my strengths. I’m comfortable hiking and biking on trails, know my way around the trails of Moab, and I know how to capture footage to showcase the companies, the bikers, and scenery. I know how to get authentic reactions and joy to show the exciting vibe of this event, and I know this video will bring more people to Outerbike. A huge thank you to the founders of Outerbike, Western Sprit Adventures, for giving me this opportunity.

Cammy and Trevor Whispering Oaks Ranch Moab Wedding {Flagstaff and Sedona Wedding videographer}

Trevor and Cammy were married at Whispering Oaks Ranch, located in the beautiful La Sal mountains above Moab, Utah. I’ve shot at this location many times, and it’s always a wonderful getaway from the scorching summer temps of Moab.

Trevor and Cammy met in high school and even went to a dance together, but didn’t truly find each other until college. The speeches at their wedding were fantastic. Cammy’s father, sister, and best friend spoke, along with Trevor’s best friend. All of them said meaningful, sweet things, and it really reaffirmed in my mind that wedding toasts provide some of the most intimate, tender moments. I firmly believe that we need to express our love, admiration, and support to our favorite people as often as we can, and a wedding is a great opportunity to do this. I realize it’s scary, but usually some of the best moments first have to put us out of our comfort zones.

Another great moment from this wedding was running into one of my previous brides and meeting her two babies!!

Congratulations Trevor and Cammy! Your love for each other is obvious and genuine, and I can’t wait to see what you do together. Preview above, full film below.

Oral History

One night I couldn't sleep, because I had this idea of creating oral history films.  I truly believe that having video of our loved ones after they are gone is absolutely priceless.  And then to have video of that person talking about their childhood, hardships, and joys, would be all the more valuable.  And on top of that, imagine this footage including family young and old.

 So I filmed an oral history of an incredible local Moab women.  I am so proud of this film.  It is one of my finest creations.  However, the family would like it to remain private for a while, and I absolutely understand. So  until I can show it to you, know that it is full of wisdom, love, adorable great grandchildren, admiring grandchildren, tears, and laughter.

Lady Red Devils Basketball Team

I played freshman high school basketball.  It was ridiculously hard and I wasn't very good.  The varsity team won the state championship just a few years before so the program was running fiercely.  During preseason, we ran so hard under the AZ sun that they pulled trashcans on to the track so we could puke in them.  But apparently all that training paid off because we were undefeated that season.  And then I decided I'd rather play soccer, where practice was substantially easier. Even though I only played one season, it had a huge impact on me.  I often have dreams about it and I clearly see the face of Coach Flores in my mind.  High school basketball taught me to push myself physically harder than I ever though possible.  Thinking back, maybe it was one of the things in my life that helped convince me that I could do hard things, that I could run a marathon, climb mountains, do cross fit, maybe even skip the epidural.  

My point in all this is that I think high school sports are amazing and important, especially for girls.  The Grand County High School Lady Red Devils team was so fun to film.  I instantly wanted to cheer and yell for them, but that tends to mess up footage.  They played so hard and cheered each other on. The coaches were obviously devoted to the players and giving them the best experience possible.  It was such a positive experience.   Props to those girls for being willing to play.  To run and sweat. To practice, to take shots, to box out their opponents, to dive to keep a ball in bounds. To cheer and high five.  Go Red Devils!

And a big thank you to James The Mormon for allowing me to use his song in this film.

Moab Dance Company commercial videography

Moab may be a small town, but we have a legit children's dance company!

When I showed up to the dress rehearsal for the Jungle Book, I was instantly floored by the costumes, gorgeous sets, and the number of children involved.  It was immediately obvious that teachers, parents, and children had been working like crazy to make this possible.  There were just over 80 children, ranging in ages 3-14. The sets and props were built by parents. Lighting was mastered by parents. Costumes were had made.  Some of the youngest dancers had porcupine costumes.  Porcupine!! Several of the children had multiple costumes.  Shere Kahn had about the coolest leggings in the world.  There were 19 routines.  I'm not sure exactly how many hours of rehearsals were devoted to this performance, but I know there many weekends and evenings spent on the dance floor.  Serious kuddos to the instructors and parents!

I truly enjoyed filming this event.  I loved being backstage with the kids.  Backstage was this crazy party.  Kids were eating fruit snacks, doing cartwheels, playing tag, chatting, coloring, doing homework, all while their parents were trying to finish makeup and pin on monkey and wolf ears.  And then on stage, the girls and boys were rocking their routines with big smiles, suddenly seeming much older.  

I had multiple parents tell me that they were happy to have me there just so they could sit back and watch the performance without worrying about documenting it themselves.  I am so glad I could do that for them. I've tried many times to film my boys while they play soccer or sing with their class, and it is so tricky to be both in the moment and do a good job filming it.    

I am very excited with how their highlight film came out.  I loved finding my favorite parts of each routine.  I loved capturing moments between dancers and their parents.  I also love the end of the film where the kids are being congratulated by loved ones.  I hope this highlight screams "This is why we dance!"

family project for my parents

Last October, my entire family was able to be together.  I have three siblings, and we all have families of our own.  Two of my siblings live in AZ, and two of us don't, so having everyone together happens only every few years. On this trip, due to conflicting work schedules, we would have one dinner with everyone together at my parents house, and then in Mexico, we would have literally 12 hours where every single person would overlap.  We will take what we can get and cherish it!!

I knew that I had to bring my camera, and I knew that for Christmas, I was going to make my parents a film or two.  Rocky Point, Mexico is a 4.5 hour drive from Tucson.  It is one of my favorite places on the planet.  I've been going there since before I could walk and I truly think it is a piece of heaven.  We sail, fish, paddle board, kayak, hunt for shells, swim, eat.  It's the best.

I love everyone in this film so much and I am so grateful to be a part of this family.

To see a short film from our family dinner click here. 

CrossFit Moab Testimonials {Moab, Utah commercial videographer}

I am so excited about this video.  In just three days it has over 3,000 views on Facebook.  

I have been working out with CrossFit Moab since July 2016.  Because of my husband's schedule and my young children, I attend the 5:30 am class.  This means I get up at 5:10 am.  5:10!  It really is so early and I'd be lying if I didn't say that some days I feel extra sleepy. But it has been SO WORTH it.  Every day that I go, I feel like I have accomplished something hard, and it is something that can't be undone by messy kiddos. I am stronger than I have ever been and can finally do real pushups and 1 (maybe 2) consecutive pull-ups. I know you're impressed.

Ever since high school, I have had a fear of weight lifting.  I played freshmen basketball and it was overly intense. My coach always told me I was too scrawny and needed to bulk up. We would weight lift and I always felt embarrassed for how little I could lift. I dreaded it.  It's weird how high school events can scar you for life, but freshman basketball kind of did.  I have had no interest in gyms ever since.

These days, I love trail running, but because of small injuries, it had become clear to me that I was lacking in strength training.  I love the idea of working out in a group, and receiving instruction. I  know that if I showed up in one of Moab's other gyms, I would wander around pretending I knew what I was doing.  So I started CrossFit.  After the first few classes, I was impressed with the coaches and the other athletes.  The coaches are committed to your well-being and keeping you injury free.  They spend the time teaching you the essentials and making sure you are using correct form. No one cares how much you lift or how fast you complete your workout as long as you are doing it correctly and giving it your all.  Egos are at the door.  And everything can be modified to fit where you are at.  And sometimes we all whine together and it feels good. It is a great privilege to make a video about something you love. And hopefully because of it, more people will come workout with us!

Moab and Manti, Utah Wedding {Lexi and Taylor}

Lexi and Taylor's beautiful wedding weekend began with an intimate, romantic first look at Pack Creek Ranch.  A few days later they were married in Manti, Utah. The weekend ended with a backyard sunset reception.  

10 best moments from their weekend:

1. Taylor's big grin as Lexi approached him during the first look.  He was EXCITED to see her. 
2. The perfect sunset after a cloudy afternoon. 
3. Since the first look wasn't on their wedding day, Lexi and Taylor were in no hurry and very relaxed. Their romance could really shine.  
4. Driving to Manti and helping a family stranded on the side of I-70.  Good thing we left with plenty of time to spare.
5. The crowd of family and friends that traveled to Manti to support the couple. So much love.
6. Lexi and Taylor's fun couple's session on the Manti temple grounds.  That temple is stunning (finished in 1888!!) and so were the bride and groom.  They were playful and in love, a winning combo.
7. The sprinklers came on during the couple's session.  Lexi kept her cool, and Taylor acted as a shield to protect Lexi.  Luckily it was hot.
8. Eating a burger, fries, and raspberry milkshake on the drive home from Manti.  
9. Filming the bride's dance with her father.  I cry when I film this 100% of the time.
10. The little boy catching the garter and his "what is this thing?" expression.

Photography: Moab Photo Co

Flowers: Forget Me Knot Flowers and Gifts, Moab, Utah

Location:  Pack Creek Ranch (Moab, UT), Manti LDS temple

View fullsize

View fullsize

CrossFit Moab

"Can you meet us at the Moab Rim trailhead, 5:15 am tomorrow to film a promo?" asked CrossFit Moab co-owner, Tonya Curtis.  I was elated.  I love sunrises on the trail and I've had a secret dream of being a pull-up, burpee, push press, squat queen. Right now I'm maxed out at about 3 pushups and 1 pull-up. 

Tonya and Clint Curtis are an inspiration. CrossFit Moab was a dream of theirs. They wanted and worked for it it without giving up, despite numerous obstacles, all while raising a family with Clint pursuing his career in law enforcement. When I was searching for music for their film, I found this song and instantly knew it was perfect.

 And they are also in really good shape.  As was everyone there that morning.  I was grateful that I'd been doing at least a little trail running this summer because I had to hike/jog as fast as I could to keep up and get shots from ahead of the pack.  From behind the camera I was in total awe as they summited the trail, did some stretching and quickly began the workout of the day, which the uneven terrain made even more difficult.

I loved the great energy and positive vibes that seemed to be oozing from the CrossFit Moab crowd.  Everyone was extremely friendly and cheered me on as I attempted a pull up on the cliffside. This group doesn't care how fit you are- they are just stoked to have you there trying.   No egos allowed.  

Visit their website: http://crossfitmoab.com

View fullsize