Storied Life Pictures

08/05/2026

And don’t forget the wine.
It is Italy after all.

Photos made on assignment with ROAM Yoga Retreats at Locanda del Gallo

08/04/2026

“But how was the food?”

Not one conversation I’ve had about my trip to Italy with ROAM Yoga Retreats has not included this question. So, can we talk about the food for a minute?

Fresh, delicious and abundant.
Served with care.
Surrounded by joyful conversations.
Delivered in the most beautiful space.
In one word: fantastic.

This place fills my dreams.
Photos made on assignment with ROAM Yoga Retreats

07/30/2026

Some days are better spent than others.

Took my 90-year-old dad to visit his 93-year-old brother.
They are 2 of 16 kids.
2 of 5 still here.

07/29/2026

07/23/2026

In this life I’ve become a fan of yoga pretty much anywhere, but yoga in the Italian countryside? Yes, please.

There’s something just so right about bookending a day with a yoga session; a reminder to be present and grateful in this amazing space, on this beautiful planet.

Photos joyfully made on assignment for ROAM Yoga Retreats in Umbria, Italy. Up next - Mallorca, Spain! 💃🏻💃🏻🧘

07/22/2026

Some places leave me without adequate words. This is one of them.

From the moment we pulled up I knew this place was going to be special. Tucked into the Umbrian countryside of Italy, Locanda del Gallo is full of the little touches the make an experience travel with you for always.

What joy to discover the world on assignment with Laurel Van Matre of ROAM Yoga Retreats
As I’m sure you’d expect, more to come.

07/15/2026

Today it was 93 degrees in Minneapolis. Maybe that was the impetus I needed to finish off this behind-the-scenes look at a polar plunge I documented way back in March for YMCA YMCA Camp Icaghowan …an effort that was interrupted by the need to upgrade my computer as the good old laptop couldn’t handle the 360 video editing.

As a photographer, sometimes you just have to go there. Take the plunge. Run around in your swimsuit and a pair of Uggs in 20 degree weather. It’s always worth it.

04/30/2026

One should always bring a teacher / coach to assist at a photoshoot.

Fun fact: I’ve known Coach Brown since we were something like 9 years old. In high school, we were self-proclaimed “twins” and often called by each other’s names in spite of our 8” high difference. AND, this is not the first time she assisted me with photos as she was by my side calming my nerves and throwing down some coaching energy at the first wedding I photographed many years ago. I’d take her anywhere.