a note from Alicia Staley Johnson

PHOTOGRAPHY, FINE ART, & LIFE IN BLOOM

THE UNIVERSE SENT BIRD POOP…I Sent Gratitude

This week, as I knelt in the garden planting a clematis, I found myself thinking: good things are coming our way, I just know it — you know that quiet sense of hope that blooms in your chest for no particular reason?

And just as I finished that thought, I felt a sudden splash on my forehead and glasses.

A bird had pooped on me.

So naturally, I had to pause and reevaluate my optimism. Was it a sign that good things are coming... or that the universe has a wicked sense of humor?

Either way, the week kept unfolding in its beautifully chaotic way.

On Sunday, we celebrated all the dads in our family — Dan, my 84-year-old dad, and my son-in-law Evan — and also toasted a belated birthday for my 82-year-old mom (we were still in France on her actual day).

But during the celebration, my mom began to feel unwell and we ended up in the hospital for two days. Thankfully, after a bit of a scare, she’s now home, healthy, and in good spirits. (Phew.)

And because life likes to come in clusters:
— A storm flooded my parents’ basement thanks to blocked gutters
— A huge limb broke off our front-yard tree, landing right on my garden bed and crushing a handful of plants I had just tended to

So yes, I’m beginning to think that little bird was delivering a very literal warning: brace yourself.

But even with all of this, I’m holding onto that original thought. Maybe it wasn’t wrong after all. Maybe good things are still coming — just with a few detours, mishaps, and muddy footprints along the way.

(And maybe next time I’ll plant my clematis with a hat on.)

Here’s to the weeks that test us, stretch us, humble us — and still make room for laughter, love, and second chances in the garden.

THIS WASN’T THE POOL WE ORDERED…

A couple of years ago, we put a fairly sizable deposit down on an in-ground pool for our backyard. When we moved to Our Cozy Compound with my parents, the only thing Dan asked for — and I mean the only thing — was a pool. And honestly, he deserved it. He’s the best husband, father, and son-in-law a family could ask for, and after moving in his in-laws, building our dream studio by hand, and making this multi-generational life work… well, a pool felt like the very least we could do.

But, as life would have it, this became yet another chapter in the “the universe has other plans” section of our story. The pool company we had signed a contract with filed for bankruptcy and took our deposit with them. Just like that, poof. No pool. No refund. Just one more twist in a year already full of them.

In true “make lemonade” fashion, our son Kyle surprised us by buying a big inflatable pool for the backyard — and let me tell you, it’s been a joy. It’s not quite what we envisioned, but it cools you off, holds a drink just fine on the side, and it makes Dan smile.

So if you’re looking for us during this stretch of summer heat, you’ll find us floating around in our blow-up oasis, dreaming of the day the real one finally comes — and laughing while we wait.

Because sometimes life hands you bird poop, basement floods, and broken garden beds…
and sometimes it hands you a backyard full of love, laughter, and the people who make it all worth it.

THIS WEEK AT THE STUDIO

I’ve officially started photographing our summer mini session samples — and I couldn’t be more excited to share a little sneak peek!

So far, we’ve captured two of my favorites: our Vegetable Garden Minis and the magical River Minis. The cutest little models showed up ready to play, explore, and help bring these whimsical sets to life — and they absolutely delivered.

Both sessions are now live on the website and open for booking. If you’re dreaming of timeless portraits that feel like a page out of a childhood storybook, this is your moment.

Come play in the garden. Come float down the river.
Let’s make some summer magic.

Alicia's Photography Summer Mini Sessions Vintage Vegetable Garden Sessions

The cutest little gardeners ever, modeling for our Vegetable Garden Mini Sessions

Alicia's Photography Vintage River Mini Sessions

Alicia's Photography Summer Vintage River Mini Sessions

Ahoy, Childhood! These pirates enjoyed their River Mini Sessions!

LOOKING AHEAD: Farm Dreams And Fierce Seniors

Next week is a full one here at the studio — a mix of senior portraits and branding headshots, with a very special shoot tucked in the middle that I’m especially excited about.

On Thursday, we’ll be photographing our second Senior Model Session for the Class of 2026 — and this one is straight out of an Anthropologie-inspired daydream. We’ll be shooting at a client’s beautiful farm, complete with chickens, goats, cows, and all the charm you can imagine.

Delaney has been busy pulling looks and styling the girls, and she’ll be teaming up with Joanna Santoro for hair and makeup on the day of. It’s going to be magic — rustic, romantic, and filled with gorgeous light.

Of course, these things never come without a few logistical challenges. One of our senior models is flying in just for the day — all the way from North Carolina — and will be flying back out that same night. So I’m hoping (and quietly praying) for good weather, smooth travel, and zero surprises.

Fingers crossed the universe is on our side for this one — because when it all comes together, I know it’s going to be unforgettable.

This weeks Senior Models from left to right: Erin Small, May Jackson, and Avery Milam

ON THE MIC THIS WEEK

This week, I had the absolute pleasure of being a guest on The Distracted Dreamerpodcast, hosted by my dear friend Carlene Bauwens.

I’m not sure what I expected going in… but what unfolded felt more like a soul-nourishing conversation than an interview. We laughed, we cried (okay, I cried), and honestly — it felt like a therapy session wrapped in a warm hug.

I can’t wait to share the episode with you once it’s live — stay tuned, and keep your ears open. I have a feeling this one’s going to resonate.