Rylee Paxton

One of the reasons that I fell in love with photography was because it gave me the gift of capturing special moments - freezing them in time so that they’re always there to look back on.

I love being able to do this for my self, as I’m a sucker for nostalgia, but the greatest joy comes from being able to gift this to other people. Being trusted to portray a season in someone’s life, in a way that honors the experience in just a single photo, is what keeps bringing me back. Knowing that I gave people a forever memory, it doesn’t get better than that.

Was so incredibly lucky to spend time with this stud and his parents in the days before their little family unit welcomed its newest addition. The sweetest moment before he earned the title of big brother.

One year in Bellingham.
One whole year in my little northwest corner.
I was just starting to get to know this town, before it had to shut down. I’ve barely seen Bellingham at its full capacity, especially because the six months I was here before the pandemic, it was the dead of winter and got dark at 4pm.
And yet, I couldn’t love this place more. My sweet home. The first place I’ve lived where I don’t have an escape plan - because for the first time, I don’t need one. A place I’d like to settle in for awhile. Where the mountains are just a short drive away and my office overlooks the bay (miss that place).
I’ve really had to learn to trust myself this year. Every place I’ve moved before Bellingham, I knew at least one person going into the move. Moving here, I had Bernie in the beginning, but once I no longer had her as a crutch connecting me to my life before moving west, I had to figure out what this place meant on my own.
With every year that goes by, I’m amazed by how much I continue to grow. This year in Bellingham is no different. I’ve laid to rest versions of me that no longer suit me, set free things that weren’t mine to hold on to, dusted off pieces that had been hiding out for far to long, and celebrated the parts that are awakening for the first time. I’m so proud of this season of life and the progress I’m making.
So cheers to a year, BHAM. Can’t wait to celebrate quite a few more.

you’re so golden ✨

re-edit from awhile back

camping brews brought to you by

blessing your feed and your Monday with this b&w moment