M E E T L J
I am the most talkative, tall lady you might ever meet. I lean towards the glass being a touch more full and hope that when I leave a conversation that your cup is running over. I love telling stories and hearing them, writing them on paper or sitting around a table laughing and crying at the memories that I carry and hearing the ones that others around me hold close to their hearts. I married my high school sweetheart just days after we graduated from college and the two of us haven’t stopped going after each other’s crazy ideas since. We have sustained our chaos with finding every opportunity to laugh (mostly watching endless episodes of The Office) and eating loads of pizza delivery. We are excited to meet our first child January 2019 and are certain that the best is yet to come.
Photography, to me, is another way I get to tell a story. Meeting a family and discovering their personalities, is such an honor. It’s more than a picture in a frame to me, it’s getting to capture a moment, the way your little girl looked when she laughed or how your son smiled when he ran through a field. A picture tells the stories that sometimes only our hearts can remember. I’d love it if I could tell yours.
Where is home for you?
Montgomery, Alabama! I was born and raised here.
Married or kids?
Married to my high school sweetheart Cody Bell. We are expecting baby #1 in January 2019
Why/What got you started in photography?
A few years ago I wanted so bad to learn how to take good pictures, so I bought a little canon rebel and took a class that was actually started by our very own Josh Moates called Shoot Fly Shoot. I learned a lot about shooting on manual from that. I never knew that a few years later I would actually get to work with him and Kim and learn even more!
What are you other passions besides photography?
I love writing. I found it as a huge outlet after college. A way to write out these stories and ideas that were swirling around in my head and I ended up figuring out I was halfway good at it in the process. It’s a fun way to express yourself and really take your thoughts from your brain to paper.
What animal would you be and why?
I would probably be a giraffe but that may be because growing up people always said if I was an animal I would be a giraffe #tallgirlprobs
What can we catch you doing in your spare time? Hobbies?
I love long distance running (I have even attempted to keep it up in pregnancy, although its a poor attempt) and I love spending time at my family’s cattle farm in North Alabama, there is just something about being in a place with a much slower pace and being surrounded by acres of land. It tends to clear my often cluttered mind!
What is your favorite tv show?
Thats tough.
If you spend any amount of time with me, I constantly quote The Office, Friends, and Parks and Rec. Those are the best to wind down a day with and get your mind thinking happy thoughts.
If we are talking current TV shows it is definitely This is Us.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given?
That’s tough, I feel like I have been surrounded by so much wisdom in my life, Ill share a few! maybe some of these things can inspire someone else.
From my Dad: Don’t ever start feeling sorry for yourself, when you do, it’ll kill you. It’ll kill your creativity, your confidence, your drive, your happiness. When you want to feel sorry for yourself, just stop think how to help someone else.
From my mom: Whenever your mind wants to travel down a road of “what if”, stop and think on what is actually true about your situation.
My Grandfather: At every opportunity you have, shut your mouth
Which store would you like to max out your Credit Card?
Seeing as me and my husband are Dave Ramsey enthusiasts, I don't own a credit card.
Did you have a childhood nickname?
Nickname as a little girl was “Laura Lou” which was shortened by my parents to “Lou.” I’m actually naming my daughter Emmy Lou Bell, Lou stemming from my nickname.
Name meaning: A renowned warrior.
Any strange phobias?
I am TERRIFIED of outer space.
It is very strange (i know) , and I truly believe it is due to my sisters being obsessed with Armageddon and Deep Impact in the late 90s, but I am TERRIFIED of outer space.
I cannot watch movies that have anything to do with someone flying in outer space.
It literally makes me want to gag. Sometimes I do.
#thesearemyconfessions
What is one thing you cant live without?
Jesus (obvi) but seriously, Jesus.
My super hot/ridiculously thoughtful husband.
I used to think AC , but this summer proved me wrong and I successfully went 6 months preggo without AC in my car.
Name a few of your favorite things?
I got a soda stream from my husband for my birthday and I am obsessed with it.
I am pretty low maintenance, so just give me a coke and french fries and I am your best friend.
The more I answer these questions the more I realize how strange I truly am.
I hope this has been a source of entertainment and enlightenment into who I am.