Why I ...

Hey there!

January was promised to bring changes to the studio and technically it's still January so we're good right?

As I mentioned in my last post this business was never meant to be another 'perfectly-posed'  photography business. I have felt called for years now to use the few talents God has blessed me with to spread the love of Christ( I use talents loosely because they're all mediocre at best. )
7 years ago I placed my teaching career on hold to take on a new job as Mama and wife.  My hobbies have dabbled in writing - a couple long lost blogs out there-  running, and photography... but my JOB day in and out is being a mother to three little humans and military wife. When someone asks what I do the word " photographer" doesn't ever fall out of my mouth naturally. What I DO is hardcore MOMing ALL day with a few miles of running  and snaps of a camera thrown in there. I have friends that are beautiful photographers, artists, creatives and to them I bow down! They are the real deal. I however am not. I just love life and want to create images to show that pure vision of love to others.

From here on out Believe Studio is going to be filled with not only photographs but also the journey behind them . Hopefully by summer we'll have some prints and work up for sale too! I will always still take new clients so if my style is something you are interested in ,  all that information will continue on my website Believestudio31.com

To kick off this new path I'd like to share the beginning of my journey as a believer . If you've heard my testimony a handful too many times... NOW IS YOUR chance . Click away while you can! You've heard it all so come back next time .

In the fall of 2012 I found myself in one of the most challenging places of my life. My heart and arms were filled with two very busy little boys 6 months old and newly 2. The love of my life had just left for a 12 month deployment to one of the most dangerous war zones in our continuing battle overseas. We lived near family temporarily meaning my surroundings were very civilian, no friends could grasp our situation. We had lost friends to this war, friends that left behind beautiful STRONG families. Besides the obvious fear of what could happen 'over there' the daily struggle of parenting alone had worn me to complete exhaustion. Now I was raised in a Catholic home. My parents met at a Christian University, were married- had baby me- divorced. Both remarried quickly and both to Catholics... you could say I was raised in a fairly "religious" enviornment. We  attended mass on Sundays and CCD Monday nights.  I knew the stories of the bible and memorized the entire hour long service of when to stand, words of the prayers etc. As I grew older and went to college it was just never of importance to me truthfully. My life was pretty perfect and the idea of religion just seemed abstract and unnecessary. Fast forward to 2012 and naturally the first place I knew to turn when my world was crumbling was the church. There I am juggling my two young children , alone, trying to entertain them through an hour long mass while ignoring the multitude of dirty looks and irritance of others. It took everything in me to not yell out " MY HUSBAND IS DEPLOYED! I NEED SOME KIND OF HOPE TO GET THROUGH THIS!" but instead I remember going home and just sobbing. There had to be something more. And oh how there was...

My Grandparents lived nearby at the time as well. Papa being a retired Air Force fighter pilot and Grandma the quintessential officers wife of the 50s... these two have always been my rock. They had been attending a non denominational church there for years and incessantly invited me to attend with them and finally threw in   " THERE IS CHILDCARE! " so I had no excuse at this point. I will never forget walking into that place, trusting these kind people with my boys ( something I rarely had done ) and sitting in those seats next to Papa and Grandma. The worship music was powerful and like nothing I had heard before, the pastor was relatable, and for the first time in my life I felt the love of Christ. I had to go back. For the first time in my life the Holy Spirit was moving in me and I slowly learned what it truly meant to be in a relationship with Jesus. Religion had taught me the words of the bible but this church, THIS CHURCH,  and it's people taught me that Christ is alive and moving in every one of us whether we know it or not. My life completely changed from that moment forward. Since then my kiddos and I have belonged to 3 different churches around the country and each one has moved us and shown the same love in unique and amazing ways. Suddenly every person that came into our life was on some path as a believer. Everyone had a story of faith that moved my soul in incredible ways, stories that I constantly want to share with others.

One year after inviting me, Papa went home to be with Jesus.  On a beautiful winter afternoon in Arizona he was honored in a memorial service fitting for only an incredible American Hero such as he. Our pastor mentioned how Papa had brought me to the Lord as one of his last missions  and those words ring through me frequently with so much truth. The life I live today is completely because of my decision to follow Jesus which never would have happened without that first push from my Grandparents. There is not a doubt in my mind that he had a huge part of us being here in Alaska.

There have been countless days of joy and sadness over the past 4 years that have lead me here today. Being a Christian doesn't mean you have it all together... it means that you can admit you don't. I am a complete mess of a human most days but the JOY of the LORD reminds me that it's ok because immeasurable grace has been given to all of us over 2,000 years ago.

That's just a little insight to where I come from, why I am here.



I know a life away from Christ and a life with him.



Because of that I want to share this beautiful messy life with each and everyone of YOU .



This is my story of why I BELIEVE.



- B



"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope." Romans 15:13

U-turn

Hello Beautiful people!

Welcome to The Believe Studio BLOG. Did you even know this existed? It needs some serious work but hey you can totally check out some cross country adventure photos here because that's all that there is !

I'm here to announce a little change in direction, more like a U-turn actually, of Believe Studio.

 If you are here and don't know me personally... HI ! and WELCOME. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for being here and checking out bits and pieces of my work in progress. My name is Brittany T and I am a proud military spouse, mother of 3 wild things, distance runner, and child of God. We are currently living in majestic Fairbanks Alaska and loving just about every minute of it. 

The idea of Believe Studio poured into my head and heart several years ago in the middle of a worship service held in Southern Alabama. The holy spirit literally drew my logo out with my hands tying in the word Believe with 31 being a bit more bold ( if you look REAL close at the B and the L , like microscopic close) 31 representing proverbs 31. I've always had a love of photography and started learning to work my camera around 2012 . However this place, the studio, wasn't going to be about photography it was to be about sharing the love of christ. It was going to be a place to share my passions and spread the word of the lord in a way that I knew how, through words and images. My name didn't need to be anywhere on this work because it wasn't mine it is about the gospel... it's about BELIEVE-ing. 

With 2017 I am bringing a new light into this business and can't wait to see how it spreads.

Over the next few months I will begin selling prints and wall art that is custom to the studio. Some samples I am working on can be found on our website under the 'store' tab. These prints will be original photographs tying in scripture with a modern format. Growing up my grandfather used to create images with very basic camera equipment, hand write scripture/poetry through calligraphy, and sell his work at craft shows . It has always been a dream of mine to do this in a relatable way that fits into modern homes.

The final element which has been pulled deep from my heart, is going to be storytelling. Capturing posed children and families is such an art and I have serious respect for the masters in the field, a mold that I simply don't fit into.  Writing ( ok maybe speaking )  has always been my strength, long before a camera landed in my hands,  and the idea of telling other's stories through both images and words is simply fitting to who I am. Instead of posing at a random field  let's capture your story where it takes place. Lets sit on your front steps, lounge across the family couch, or hike to a frequented hillside so that your memories are captured with true authenticity.

On a personal level this blog is going to grow but only with your help.  I want to capture YOU in the place where you feel most connected to God... where your passion is. If you're an artist I want to share your story and photograph you as you paint. If your love is gardening I want to sit in your garden, listen to your story, and photograph you in the middle of your blooms. If you have a story of faith to share with others send me a message , I'd truly love to have you be a part of this. Even if you're far away we can still work something out. My goal is to share one story a month starting this January!

So now it's up to you friends...

Roadtrip Alaska Pt 4

We have officially been Alaskans for a grand total of 5 days!

The road trip was epic but we are definitely still adventuring around this new town we call home.

I have to admit, I had very different expectations of Fairbanks. Everyone warns of the extreme temperatures, obnoxious sunlight ( and lack thereof ), nothing to do... but so far it has been nothing but peaceful to be completely honest. Having lived in such a busy city for years left us all aching for some small town living. The people around base on Fort Wainwright and in town have really warmed our hearts in the kindest way. This place is pretty easy on the eyes as well, let me show you around a bit!

My husband was pretty excited to earn the title " Arctic Warrior"

A little peak of what will be our new neighborhood through the bare trees of Alaska springtime

Light shining through the pines first thing in the morning 

There are no shortage of neighborhood playgrounds around Fort Wainwright,

 Trails leading through the forest and along the Chena River are exactly what my running soul has been begging for. The kiddos are really getting used to life outside the desert.

Signs of spring emerging are everywhere. Apparently May is spring in most places ! 

There isn't a huge downtown area but the few shops and restaurants surround the historical area near the river. I love the corners of art tucked all around the city. I mean, really, what how adorable is this  bear and moose dancing under the northern lights ? 

Even when it reaches a warm 60 degrees mid day, these two managed to find the last remnants of snow while visiting their Great Aunts cabin in the woods. 

Because, dirty snow is apparently for eating. 

" A TOILET OUTSIDE ?!?" 

This filthy faced little boy insisted on using the outhouse near the cabin. My Aunt is a talented local artist and every part of their property shows just that. This should win an award for most adorable outhouse in town! 

There were mentions of the last Aurora sighting of the season coming last night which is very uncommon this late in the spring. After setting my alarm and tracking the moving lights, it was just too blurry and bright out still to see anything... what a bummer! Once fall rolls around you can guarantee I will be sharing as many Northern Lights shots as my lens can capture. This purple cloudy night with a little lens flare will have to do for a night shot this week. 

Thank you friends for following along on our big adventure! 

I've loved being able to share some of this beautiful place with y'all and can't WAIT

 to get buisness up and running finally in ALASKA.

Roadtrip Alaska Pt3

GREETINGS from Fairbanks, Alaska!

The plan to share along the journey didn't go as... well... planned . The whole three days without internet and then 2 days through Canada made it a little challenging , who knew? I have to say though it was the most peaceful chunk of time being with such limited technology. Mostly it gave me more time to capture the beauty of Alaska by sea, let me share some of that beauty with y'all.

After months of waiting, hurrying up, waiting some more THIS moment was huge. Getting those tickets in hand to finally get on the ferry was surreal. 

After driving our loaded mini van onto the car deck we happily made the Malaspina our cozy home for the weekend. 

 

 As soon as that ship set sail the winds were intense, of course it didn't stop these crazies from adventuring around the upper deck.

Can't leave out documentation of our little Lady along for the ride! 

Somehow the 10 x 10 living quarters with two bunks and a tiny bathroom was a perfect fit for our family of 4.5... window watching became our favorite past-time ( besides sleeping. AND eating.)

These views though! 

Breakfast at the window 

There really is something about lighthouses. My Grandfather had a thing for photographing lighthouses that I never really understood growing up, maybe it's aging me a bit but Grandpa Squier-  I so get it. One of my favorite worship groups has a popular song called my lighthouse and everytime I see this image the lyrics play over and over in this busy brain...

My lighthouse

My lighthouse
I will trust the promise
You will carry me safe to shore
Safe to shore

I won't fear what tomorrow brings
With each morning I'll rise and sing
My God's love will lead me through
You are the peace in my troubled sea
You are the peace in my troubled sea

Fire before us You're the brightest
You will lead us through the storms

- Rend Collective

A little freezing rain doesn't stop these two. Wind. FREEZING Rain. These two were just prepping for becoming Alaskans ! 

Getting off in Ketchikan was our first stop. What a magical little town that is! We took turns logging miles through town while the other adventured with the kiddos. 

Bald eagles. 'Merica. 

Ketchikan was so beautiful that it even made these two love each other for a little bit ! No prompt necessary.

Later that afternoon while the tiny one napped, this view totally melted my mamas heart. Our little kindergartner reading away 8 star wars books all on his own. 

The last night was spent with a quick stop off in the town of Petersburg Alaska. Such a disappointment only having 20 minutes to spend but we were blessed with a quick driving tour from a fellow NAU sorority sister that has become one of the towns 3,000 locals ! She drove us through the quaint town that her and her sweet family get to call home. Deporting just at twilight left us with twinkly views of the marine station. 

Monday we woke in Haines ready to start the drive into Canada.

Thank goodness for spring because immediately after crossing the border we nearly became ice road truckers in the Yukon. This place was otherworldly! 

  

Our oldest tends to wear this favorite shirt of his more than cleanliness allows. The irony of it as we stopped for treats in the Yukon Terrority almost passed us, sorry Canada. Not sorry. 

One quick night spent in Canada and off we drove straight into Fairbanks after 9 days of adventures!  

I'll have to round out part 4 of Road Trip Alaska with some sights of our new home of Fairbanks, can't wait to take in some of the beauty this town has to offer. There will be no shortage of light to capture as the season of the midnight sun is already here! 

Roadtrip Alaska Pt 2

Hello from the Pacific Northwest!

The past two days have been a LOT of driving, a lot of quick stops to visit friends, and so much green we can hardly contain ourselves. Nothing makes our mountain-loving hearts sing like damp pine in the morning... and a perfect cup of coffee . Remind me why we have never lived here?

This view has not been terrible for the past 4 days. 

Let's be real for a minute... having boys is the best! No idea what we are going to do when adding our little girl to the mix. 

Crossing over from Nevada to Oregon is when the scenery turned awe-inspiring. There really is magic in that sweet sweet state! 

Spending a night in adorable Sisters, OR was such a nice breakup in the trip. The sound of second cousins giggling and playing together probably made our Papa beam down from heaven. 

OREGON!!!  That is all. 

After some quick stops in Portland and Tacoma we made it to the Seattle area to visit some more family. Tomorrow the real Alaska adventure begins! We will spend the morning exploring Seattle and then finally boarding the Alaskan Marine Highway ferry until Monday. The idea of waking up on a boat and looking out into the Alaska waterway is leaving me completely giddy. With no internet or cell service  ( GASP!) There won't be any updates for a few days but I GUARANTEE that there will be some epic documentation of the weekend. 

Have a beautiful weekend friends!