some days are a little bit extraordinary.

how i did not know about this amazing beach when i lived in los angeles is beyond me. is it not extraordinary? these photographs were captured this past november during my 3rd trip back to california since the move. and while i could kick myself for not discovering this beach sooner, i am beyond grateful that this family continues to choose me to create artful memories of their children. i will never forget watching the brilliant pink sky from the parking lot as we said our good-byes. this beach day was a breath of fresh air for all of us - a deep, long exhale - and if i could have paused time, i certainly would have.

it's because of times like these, there will always be a piece of los angeles that feels like home to me.

beautiful ordinary moments, indeed.

"Twinkle lights are the perfect metaphor for joy. Joy is not a constant. It comes to us in moments – often ordinary moments. Sometimes we miss out on the bursts of joy because we’re too busy chasing down the extraordinary moments. Other times we’re so afraid of the dark that we don’t dare let ourselves enjoy the light. A joyful life is not a floodlight of joy. That would eventually become unbearable. I believe a joyful life is made up of joyful moments gracefully strung together by trust, gratitude, and inspiration."

- Brene Brown

When I first reviewed the photographs from my NYC portrait sessions, the irony leapt off the screen… my favorite images were not captured amidst extraordinary Central Park landmarks or sweeping cityscapes. The photographs that instantly grabbed my attention and tugged at my heart were the quiet moments when an honest glance seamlessly intersected with the click of my shutter. Upon this wise mom’s request, I was honored to document a simple glimpse of their “everyday.” Afterall, it is inside their fleeting childhood bedrooms and on the bustling city streets where life actually happens. Beautifully ordinary moments, indeed.

What is happening in your daily life right now that you never want to forget?

a perfect day for dinosaurs..

there's really nothing better than documenting kids being exactly who they are today.

i absolutely adored these two boys on this beautiful September day. major props to this 3 1/2 year old big brother who kept this photo session a secret for almost 3 weeks! these photographs were planned as a special anniversary gift for his dad.. and i was honored to be a part of the surprise!

Plant Good Seeds / Awear Yoga Clothing

Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate.  Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, "Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented and fabulous?"  Actually, who are you not to be?  - Marianne Williamson

.    .    .

Meet Jill:

a kind-spirited, deeply inspiring, and soulful yoga teacher and fashion designer who founded Awear Yoga. i recently had the honor of photographing her unique yoga clothing line: locally-made, organic, inspiring designs.. many of which are handmade and all of which are truly beautiful pieces to wear on and off the mat.  a portion of her profits are also donated to various charitable organizations.. jill is doing all sorts of good!

i just happened to meet Jill within days of moving to Grand Rapids at the first yoga class i attended here, nearly a year ago.  our friendship has been blossoming ever since and i am beyond grateful that our paths have crossed..

A huge thank you to the lovely models who spent their day with us in and around Grand Rapids!  This yoga community is a pretty special one - I'm so proud to be a part of it  :)

Follow Awear Yoga on Facebook

summer days in michigan..

love... this family. loved seeing how much these 3 little ladies have grown up, how much they love their michigan summers, the big swing, the land, their horse. grateful that they asked me to come down for the evening to capture the girls as they truly are. love that this mom appreciates my approach to photography and shares my love for genuinely beautiful moments as they unfold on a regular day.

this last photograph is one of my favorites. it was the very last image taken, as we awaited the massive storm that rolled through and cut our session a bit short. so, we ate dinner, made brownies, and caught up in the kitchen til the day turned to night.

Bali Travel Photography: Hotel Tjampuhan / Ubud, Bali / pure bliss.

as i look out from our porch, i see nothing but green upon green upon green.  our room is called Beji 2 and you enter through the squeaky, traditional Balinese carved doors, which lock from the inside with a simple piece of wood.  i feel like i am someplace at another time entirely.  someplace imaginary.  from the labrynth of stairways leading you every-which-way to the river rushing below, i certainly could never have dreamed of a place quite like this.. -excerpt from my travel journal

(the photographs below were taken during our stay at Hotel Tjampuhan, a magical place and the first hotel in Ubud - built in 1928.)

Hotel Tjampuhan; Ubud, Bali; Bali Travel Photography

Hotel Tjampuhan; Ubud, Bali; Bali Travel Photography

Hotel Tjampuhan; Ubud, Bali; Bali Travel Photography

Hotel Tjampuhan; Ubud, Bali; Bali Travel Photography

Hotel Tjampuhan; Ubud, Bali; Bali Travel Photography; Balinese Prayer Offering

i recently entered a series of my documentary Bali photographs in the One Life Photography Competition.  i hope you'll take a moment to view my entry (click image below).  if you feel compelled, you may vote once a day.  thank you!! 

One Life Contest PDN Magazine - Bali Documentary Photographs by Teri Genovese

All Images Copyright 2011 Teri Genovese Photography. May not be used, posted, or published without consent.