Happy Fall!!!!

Wishing you all a safe Halloween..........

Benefit Auction

I was fortunate to be able to donate a photography package to the auction that was held for the families of the 4 Lakewood police officers that were shot and killed last November. This generous family donated and won a few different items, including pictures with me. And I'll tell ya, these guys had me at hello! They won my heart from the second I met them! They reminded me why I do what I do!

It's All in the Family!

Can I just tell you how much I LOVE what I do!!! I can't believe I get to do something that is so much fun! These girls hold a special place in my heart. I grew up with their mama - she's basically my sister, without all the "belonging to the same family" stuff - but what does that matter.....across the street is close enough to be in the same family! So, these girls are kinda my nieces. They are both truly amazing girls.....er, um teens! They have the kindest hearts and are really a joy to be around. And I get to be their photographer! How lucky am I! And this location was AWESOME! Everything I've been looking for - tall grass, old red barn, old pick-up truck, old little school bus.... they even had an old-fashioned fire engine! I was in vintage heaven!! The owners were kind enough to let us invade their property for our fall shoot. Thank you, thank you, thank you! I'll be back to take pictures of Scooby!

Tots Illustrated Bathing Suit Issue

My niece turned three this summer and wanted to do a bathing suit photoshoot! I think she only has about 10 different bathing suits! So, here she is, doin' her thang..... Watch out Sports Illustrated models!

Then we moved outside for a couple of shots.........

Featured in Rangefinder Magazine!!

I am totally honored to be featured in the August issue of Rangefinder Magazine. Rangefinder is a premier monthly magazine for professional photographers. I can't wait to get my issue every month in the mail! I sit and read it cover to cover as soon as I get it in the house! It's full of inspiration and amazingly talented photographers. So, when I was told they were going to do a feature story on me for this month's issue, I about fell out of my chair....... and then I called my husband and asked if he was sitting down!

You are welcome to read the article here. (It's now in the archives, so to read it, just find my name in the list on the left-hand side on their website.) Bill Hurter is the editor of Rangefinder Magazine and has published some great books on photography that I have read and re-read. He is who I have to thank. Thank you, Bill!!

Jack!

This is my ADORABLE nephew, Jack! I had a blast taking his pictures. He was bringin' it BIG TIME! He's taking guitar lessons and is already crankin' out Cream's "Sunshine of Your Love". He has the most amazing green eyes and I love his long curly blonde hair! A very fun subject! Oh! And someone just happened to graffiti the name "jack" on a post that I didn't even notice until I was editing his pictures. So, his name is in one of his shots! I know he is anxiously awaiting to see these - here ya go, buddy!

Kayla's Bridals

Kayla just celebrated her 2-year anniversary! And two years after her wedding day, she decided to put her dress on again for a bridal session. How fun!!! I loved the idea! Who says we have to box up our dresses and put them away forever after our wedding day is over! You go girl! She is absolutedly beautiful, and I love her dress! Happy Anniversary Kayla!

Sarah & Adam's Engagement Session

When Sarah called and asked me if I'd be interested in doing their engagement session, I said, "YES!" of course! Then she told me their idea.............. Adam is a Surface Warfare Officer for the U.S. Navy and they just brought back the old uniforms from the 60's. In fact, he now wears his father's uniform that he wore when he served in the Navy in 1962 (the Vietnam era). How cool is that!? So, they were thinking a retro engagement session with his father's/his uniform and her flight attendent uniform!!!! My little brain went, "Did she just say retro!!!??? Oh my gosh! My most FAVORITE kind of session eva!!" So, a little lightbulb went off in my head and I asked her if they were up for driving 2 hours to Fort Worden to do them!!??? And guess what she said, "YES!" Fort Worden is where they filmed "Officer and a Gentlemen". Perfect location? Oh yeah! And did we have fun! They were up for anything I wanted them to do!

Did I mention they were up for anything??? I asked them if they wanted to try this shot from the April issue of "W" Magazine with Jennifer Aniston and Gerard Butler, photographed by the amazing Steven Klein......... They rocked this shot! Rawr!

Travis and Mariah - Port Gamble, WA

I had the pleasure of shooting my niece's wedding. They got married up in beautiful Port Gamble on the Olympic Peninsula. The weather started out sunny and warm and we crossed our fingers that it would stay that way. As soon as they started seating people..........drip, drip, drop! And by the time the ceremony started, it was pouring! But, somehow the rain made it magical! They decided it was tears of joy from the loved ones that were watching from above. Congratulations Mariah and Travis!!!

One thing I love most about Mariah and Travis is that they are always joking and laughing together! And their wedding day was no different. Here's a few outtakes!