I didn't find photography; it found me. Seriously, I married a photographer. But it's more than just that. To me, photography is a breath of fresh air. This art form has stretched me. It has helped me realize the dreams of the little girl who's been bottled up inside me for so long.

Photography allows me to question and challenge long-accepted ideas and traditions. Why does the color of love have to be red? Why can't it be white or yellow? Sometimes our minds stubbornly hold on to the ordinary, the safe and we don't dare dream. I want to live my life exploring possibilities. What is living if there's no room for possibility or hope? I want to live in hope. The art of photography didn't just find me; it saved me and made me like a child again, free.

A few more things you may (or may not) want to know about me:

- My name is pronounced Doh-mah-neek. (Don't worry, you probably won't get it right, and I probably won't even notice.)

- I like clean, interesting design.

- My ultimate dream house would be a cozy, environmentally friendly home out of Dwell magazine. And the furniture would be handmade by Chance from ideas out of the Ready Made Book. Ah...Bliss.

- I'm a weird to the O.

- Elaine Benes reminds me of myself. Seinfeld is hilarious, and we watch it at least once a day. Serious to the "ness."

- Someday soon I hope to try videography.

- I'm Chance's #1 fan, so don't try and beat me.

- I love to organize, but hate to clean.

- I'm a tree lover.

- My dog looks like a teddy bear.

- I'm an animal lover and animal advocate.

- I'm deeply inspired by people, movies and music.

- I'm obsessed with my Himalayan cat, Geronimo,

- Recently, I've become quite crafty, a development that surprises even me.

- Working on balance is my constant struggle.

- Musicals make me feel like the world is connected.

- I cannot deny my dreams.

- Journaling helps me understand myself, and blogging helps me laugh about it.

- Fashion magazines, Real Simple magazine and Martha Stewart magazines are my weaknesses.

- I'm funnier than Chance, but he's nicer than me.

- I make up words and make up songs, but I don't usually make the bed.

- I love to stare, although I prefer the term "intently observe." Maybe

that's why I love voyeuristic photographs so much.

- Mathieu Chantry James will always have my heart.

- I'm super passionate, which works for and against me.

- I'm super stubborn, which always works against me.

- Ice skating scares me, and don't even ask me to couple skate.

- I wear sunglasses all of the time--even when it's overcast--because my eyes

are so sensitive. I would wear them inside if Chance didn't make me take

them off. (I think I sometimes embarrass him.)

- I will always love "I Love Lucy."

- Jesus saves me all the time.

- I must have lots of ice in anything cold I drink.

- Most of the time, my mouth can't keep up with my brain, a problem which

causes me frequent embarrassment.

- My goal is to obey Christ and strive to love like Him.

- I embrace simplicity.

- Chance and I constantly make up commercials for each other.

- Not everyone understands me, but I'm ok with that.

Special Thanks

Mom-

Who would I be without you? Your giving heart has taught me to love deeply and view the world for more than just what is, but what it's not, and what it should be. By always teaching me to look on the bright side of things, you have helped me develop as a person. You've always pushed me forward in life with loving guidance and wisdom. If I ever become half the woman you are, I'll consider myself a great success.

Dad-

To whom I owe many things, including my offbeat sense of humor, and my "colorful" personality. I'm so blessed that you made laughter such a big part of my life. I thank you for guidance and protection and, of course, comedic relief. I recently realized that I inherited your love for writing, which is exciting and ironic. You are more inspiring than you know.

Brother Jacob-

You're forever my little brother whom I will always love and want to protect from mean girls and scary situations. Time has gone by so fast, and here we are, all grown up. I love that we can be goofy and that you bring out the silly in me. I thank God for a brother like you, and I am proud to be a

sister to someone with such a good heart.

Our Clients-

Chance James Photography would not exist if YOU didn't believe in us. Starting this business was frightening to say the least, but it worked because of YOU. We are forever grateful to you, our clients, for trusting us with your dearest moments. We treasure the relationships we've built with you, and we are blessed to have your support.

Chance-

My dearest husband. You make my heart dance. I admire you for so many things: your talent, your strength, your faith and for constantly believing in me. You believe in me, and in us. Thank you for never giving up and always wanting more from life than the ordinary. Being married to you makes me feel alive, and I can't wait to see where our lives take us.

Jesus Christ-

Without hope, I am nothing. If I don't have Christ, I have no hope. God has loved me truly by blessing me with hope. I would have no confidence without Christ, no self-worth, and no song in my heart. I am His. He gives my life meaning.

2010 CHANCE JAMES PHOTOGRAPHY