2024 — what an eventful year! This post celebrates the highs, even though the year also brought its fair share of tears and challenges. In just a few months, our lives took a 360-degree turn as we moved across the Atlantic and began building a new life in the US. But through it all, the experiences, memories, and support from family have been our constants, and for that, I’m endlessly grateful. Here is the recap:

Jan: Bought my favorite vintage lens from an auction and invested in advancing my skills in color grading and retouching portraits.

Feb: Was invited to document an event for 150+ people and nailed it (organizers’ words, not mine) by delivering editorial-like portraits that fully reflected the warm atmosphere. Made new friends and reconnected with old ones — my bff visited us in Stockholm and we had a blast! 

Mar: Checked one creative portrait idea off the wish list — artsy Stockholm subway and a beautiful model helped me turn ideas into reality. Celebrated my b-day, hosted wonderful bbq parties/playdates with friends, and witnessed our baby Bella walking at just 9 months!

Apr: Had looots of location scouting around central Stockholm and wonderful photoshoots at the iconic sakura alley. Had a close collaboration with an entrepreneur to capture passion for her craft. 

May: Sakura was in full bloom, so were my photoshoots, for which my models travelled from other cities and even countries! Nourished a wonderful collaboration (and friendship) with a fellow photographer and practiced shooting in studio together. Celebrated my first mother’s day twice (which meant two cakes and lots of sushi haha)— both Swedish and American ones.

Jun: ofc, Bella’s first b-day, which we celebrated in a cabin out on the Stockholm archipelago with friends. Did abundant location scouting, self-portraits, and quality time with our little family. Documented an outdoor event with lots of smiles.

Jul: Several photoshoots with different concepts — historic city center, out in the countryside meadows, and by the sea. 

Aug: Had lots and lots of packing, selling, and giving away. Our little family moved across the Atlantic with 3 personal items, 3 carry-ons, 3 guitars, a stroller, and 10 checked bags. Oh, what an adventure it was.

Sep: We reconnected with our American family. For a month, we breathed out, spent quality time with family, cooked good food, explored coastal Oregon and Montana (even saw Glacier National Park — just breathtaking!).

Oct: Expanded my gear collection with a new Polaroid camera — who knew it would be this much fun to shoot instant film (perfect for my behind-the-scenes). Turned my lifelong dream into reality and flew to Hawaii! I only had to dream about this trip for 20 some years for it to come true. 10 days, two islands, Volcanoes National Park, and 100+ polaroids later, I am determined to come back and see what this paradise has to offer.

Nov: We settled in Portland, Oregon, at least for a while. Registered our business in the US. In the process of completely re-working the website (coming soon!) with husband’s extensive help. Invested in leveling up my photography skills and finding a creative community locally.

Dec: Did more photoshoots, self-portraits, and gained more experience in studio lighting, concept design, and creative direction. Upgraded my gear with new portable lights — am so excited to shoot a broader range of subjects and turn even more creative ideas into reality.