Last weekend here in Phoenix, there was quite a bit going on with the summer temperatures starting to rise so is the activity in the city.  I learned about the Phoenix Mural Project from a facebook " Things to do" in Phoenix, considering it was the weekend of "Cinco de Mayo" I figured this would be a good time to get out and see what the local creative minds had to offer my venturing spirit.
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Not going to lie i was not ready for just how hot it was going to be over the course of the weekend but I was highly impressed to see some many local artists still continue to push through the heat to meet the deadline of the Mural Project. For those of you who are not to familiar as to what this is, The Phoenix Mural Festival hosts this project. This year it took place May4th -6th.

There were a total of 85 Artists that participated and 50 New murals that were added inside of one weekend. It started out with a kick off on Friday @ Unexpected Art Gallery  In downtown Phoenix off of Polk Near 7th.

Since the Arizona heat was in full effect on Saturday and Sunday when I had headed out to check out the "Live Murals", I clearly took cover via my vehicle. There were a few artists I was lucky enough to meet and discuss their amazing work, along with what they do here in Arizona. Most of the Artists I spoke with were local, expect for one.  ​

I was driving down a main street and caught Collins, Mural out of the corner of my eye and literally made it a point to turn around and come back, I was not upset for a second that I did. Collin was one of four Artists that are actually not Arizona locals, after talking with Collin I had learned that they had chosen 4 to bring in just to be apart of this amazing project.
Collin is one of those people whose creative side just vibes with you. Collin is a self-discovered artist based out Los Angeles, California. Originally he is from Colorado but in the stories of places he has been to share his work will leave you in complete amazement ( as if his work does not already do that ). He shared where his inspiration comes from and that he mainly works off the interactions he has and sees take place around him. I dont want to be biased, but I am crazy about his work, check him out on IG and follow him @collin_salazar! I am without a doubt, hands-down, stoked that they chose to have Collin share his work on our Walls here in the streets of Phoenix.

          Also while out hunting for the next mural in progress, I came across one that was full of so much color. It was the best representation of the desert in regard to how the colors blended, the colors chosen to be used for the cactus or the clouds. As I pulled up to the mural the scene felt familiar almost as if I have seen the artist work before, however I never expected to see a familiar name ... Kelly Birg. I had seen some of Kelly's work years prior when we had worked together in the education industry. I learned back then just how talented she was but this mural piece was just another reason to add to why I love her art pieces. She is such a wonderful individual and a very talented artist. While visiting over at the gallery I had seen more of her work, some familiar and some new, feel free to head on down to Unexpected Art Gallery as well to check out more of her work along with some artist information.
You can check out more of Kellys work on IG @Kellybirg

        There are so many local artists that I could write about however there just is not enough time for this busy photographer. I hope that if you are cruising the streets of phoenix that you do take time to look around and see what the city streets have to offer you.

My, my it has been such a busy year so far! I cannot believe that we are officially in April but I am looking forward to seeing what Spring is going to have in store for this beautiful state I live in. I have been lucky enough that I have been able to squeeze in a few travel weekends to chase what I love the most, capturing those moments in time that we as humans adore the most.

Spring break this year made for a good time, I spent it with some good friends down in Mexico! Tons of tequila, tacos and crazy college kids that is for sure. Some of the most beautiful moments took place at sunset. Arizona has always had some of the most beautiful sunsets I have ever seen but there were some nights in Rocky Point when the sun sparkled across the water before kissing the night.

Even though my travels out of the country made for a good time, coming back home sure was a swift reminder of just how amazing the state I live in is. On the way back into the country, I traveled through Why, Arizona. While it makes for awesome taglines for jokes, the small town in itself actually holds some pretty awesome history along with it.

I often hear the question, "why on earth would you want to live in Arizona?" Well as silly as it sounds, Why, Arizona actually does the speaking for itself (yes, that pun was intended. ) with the interesting town history, a few gas stations an incredibly good Mom and Pop cafe and views of those mountains for miles. The view really is something to make one want to come back just to take in this picture perfect desert scenery. Perfect enough to get some local artist to leave their own mark.

I came out to the location thinking I could adventure on my own but the feeling you get out here, in the middle of no where, in these crazy looking buildings well Ill admit I was scared. So when the crew and I returned, I was much more confident to explore way more than I did with the first visit. The story behind the location is pretty awesome and really cool to learn about then experience. You can learn more If you are interested in the history of  "The Domes".

So many changes took place through the 2017 year, all good ones as a result of growth. I am excited to be able to share that many changes are coming for the business aspect of products with the photo sessions I offer. I am lucky enough to be able to link up with some great third party sources that work awesome with my photos on their products!

​So to my future, prior and current clients, keep an eye out for all these great things! I am excited to be able to offer them and I am looking forward to the feedback that comes with it.

I am blessed to get to spend my holiday seasons up in the northern part of Arizona where the wild things love to come out and play in the beautiful desert cold weather. Having the opportunity to watch nature and the animals in their nature habitat has me geared up and ready to throw my thirst for wanderlust into full effect!

I wanted to share a little bit of what 2017 looked like, I know that when you see results, its amazing how your perspective on all the work, time and passion you poured into making your dreams a reality is incredible. I cannot believe how far I have come, the things I have learned along the way but most importantly those who stay through the high and lows. Those who take time to understand the struggle of the start up, building, networking, marketing, branding and somewhere in the mix not losing yourself.  I'm pretty excited about what I have in store for 2018 already. Thank you again to all that have given amazing support, I am truly blessed to have such a great fan base.​

I am incredibly excited about the location that Amanda and Brandon have picked for their small intimate Wedding at the beautiful Poco Diablo. I have attended so many weddings at this location it truly is one of the most breath taking spots for photographers.   ​