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Photo 101, state park etiquette

2010-10-18T23:14:00.000-07:00

I went to shoot a family this past Saturday morning at Cherry Creek State Park. It was such a gorgeous day and the leaves were so pretty in their graceful way of dying with dignity. I met the family at a designated location, we drove in and payed our $7 park fee. And now in retro spect, I don't think the rangers get paid nearly enough for harassing small business owners.

We pulled off to a gorgeous location and I got my lenses ready for a great shoot. It was a busy day at the park. Lot's of people out running and biking. There are serious athletes out here. I am sure none of them have a sponsor. They act like they do, but pretty sure they are posers. Anyway, a park patrol officer stopped

behind me and asked what we were doing? Kindof like a curious preschooler. "Whatcha doin?"

ME: "I am taking pictures of this family."

Ranger: "Is this your business?"

ME: uh oh, what am I going to say? "Yes."

Ranger: "Do you have a business card, a business license?"

ME: "I have lots of them, call me if you want to schedule something, here in the park." I fan the cards at her like a deck. Daring her to pick one.

Ranger: "You aren't allowed to shoot in the park without a permit."

ME: "A what? I just paid to get into the park. And it is a state park, so tax dollars pay for this park too. Are you telling me that even though this is my park, I cannot take pictures here?"

Ranger: "Yes. May I see your ID?"

ME: "No you cannot see my ID. I was unaware of this rule. May I please continue with my shoot and then grab a permit after. The light is starting to get really hot and I don't have a lot of time."

Ranger: "I cannot let you do that."

ME: I answer I am sure with the attitude of a teenager, "Really?"

Ranger: "Yes."

Enter my client, "We have had this shoot scheduled for a month. Can we just take the pictures and then work it out after?"

ME: "I really do not understand why we cannot take pictures in a state park."

RANGER clearly out of her league speaks into her walkee talkee, "Can I get some help here? We have some people who don't understand why they cannot do a photoshoot in this park." I am sure she wanted to add, "whom are too stupid to understand..."

ME: "I am going to start to shoot while your help arrives."

I was so rattled and embarassed. I told the clients to forget about paying me for this shoot. It was on me. I got into my shooting groove, and it is a groove. It makes your shoots flow.

Enter RANGER BOSS: "Is there some confusion about the operation of a business out of this park??

ME: "Yes. Are you telling me that I pay taxes, I pay to enter this park and I cannot do a photoshoot here for this family? In fact I need a permit to do so?"

RB: "Yes. We need a chance to investigate your business, make sure you aren't shooting nudes for a calender and a small fee is required. You are making money off of scenery provided by our park. That isn't free. And can I see your ID?"

ME: "No you cannot see my ID. Do I look like a criminal? I am a small business owner trying to make it in this world and you guys are sticking it to me with a fee in a state park that I paid to enter?"

RB (totally visibly angry): "You are breaking our park rules. I can write you a ticket, I can take you to our office for obstucting our job or you can give me your ID."

ME: "What are you looking for?"

RB: "We have to investigate anyone we speak to in the park when they are in violation."

ME (admitting my defeat, changing my demeanor and totally changing tactics, putting my tail between my legs): "Alright, I will get my ID. I am so sorry I didn't know your rules about a permit. I would have grabbed one had I known. Would it be possible for me to finish my shoot here and move to a couple more places and then take this up with you after? I also want a card with your name and phone number on it."

RB: "You can finish your shoot here, you may not move to any other locations."

ME: "OK. Thank you." Power monger jerkface park ranger. Don't people crap the reservoir, shouldn't you be going after them?

My clients are ready to fight the boss ranger off. They would bust me out of jail or hang onto my legs as I was drug off. Thankfully it never came to that. I really liked it that they had my back nonetheless.

I finished my shoot. It was amazing and we did move to a different location, across the street from our first location.

After we staredt walking back, the ranger and his "deputy" met us halfway.

Ranger Boss asks, "Did you get what you wanted?"

ME: "Yes, Did you get what you wanted?" I smile wryly.

He seriously doesn't know what to make of me.

ME: "May I have my ID back?"

RB: "Sure."

ME: "So to avoid breaking the law in the future, whom do I need to speak with about getting a permit?"

RB "Mr. so and so, he is out, his wife just had a baby."

ME: "Really, now you know a photographer. Could you give them my card? You know, put in a good word for me?"

RB: "Sure." He replies completely stone faced:

ME: I am pouring on my best charm, "Listen, I really appreciate you allowing me to shoot without a permit. I apologize that I didn't know the rules coming into this park. Quite honestly, I have never heard of this before. I am not into shooting calenders with naked people, it's just not my gig."

RB: "Well then I won't explain those rules to you."

ME: "Thanks, do you have anything else you need from me?"

RB: "No, do you have any questions for me?"

ME: "No, thank you again."

We shake hands and go our separate ways. I waved to them wildly as I passed them on my way back from turning around in a designated turn about.

FOR THE REALS! Have you EVER HEARD OF SUCH A THING? EVER? Take my license and treat me like a criminal. Charge me money for shooting on state property to which I am pretty sure we all pay tax money. As far as I am concerned, if those guys are that well versed with the rules of the park, they should get a pretty hefty raise. I was waiting for him to start quoting articles and sections and subsections.

You know what I am going to do now, write him a thank you card for again letting me shoot illegally and apologize for being a total smart mouth. Then I will include a few business cards just in case they need a photographer for their Park Rangers Yearly Calender. What do you think?

Happiness is...

2010-10-11T09:33:00.000-07:00

This is my sister. I love photographing her. She is beautiful, she is tall and she is so funny. I could seriously dish on this girl.

Celeste was the cutest girl growing up. She was always referred to as the "beautiful one" by my neighbor. I was referred to as the "smart one." I guess I didn't have the looks but at least I wasn't the "fat one."

She was asked to Prom no less than 4 times in one year. I think she went to three of four different proms in one year. There was also this guy whom liked her so much, he gave her not a dozen but 100 roses to ask her to prom.

She drives like a grandma. This is not an insult, by the way. She has never been in an accident and never, NEVER gotten a ticket. I got three last year, and one last week. Being a grandma driver has its benefits.

She has three boys whom I love as my own.

She is married to Brian, the only man who is good enough for her. He didn't even have to bribe her with roses, 100 of them. They are a great couple.

When you are born, you don't get to chose where you go. You don't get to chose whom is in your family and you don't get to chose whom goes first. If you believe any of that. I am so thankful everyday, each and every day for this gorgeous girl sharing parents with me.

I loved shooting your family Celeste. Thank you for making this event an epic experience.

We shot our families in tandem and we should do it again, really soon. Really like next year.

Heart Strings

2010-10-07T08:25:00.000-07:00

I have known these feet since I wanted to push them down the stairs when they invaded my monopoly on my parents. Here is a sneaky peak of one of my most treasured friends, my sister and her crew.

more to come!

Serissa...aurora, colorado maternity photographer

2010-10-03T08:00:00.000-07:00

Pregnancy, it is a rough and beautiful process to experience once, maybe twice. I personally favored the four times experience and look, I am still sane...

barely.

I met Serissa and her gorgeousness a week before she was to deliver another little precious baby girl. I was expecting someone to look like I did at 39 weeks pregnant. Swollen in the face, wincing when they walk because their sciatica was so bad, or stopping every few minutes because they are feeling braxton hicks contractions. I can honestly say Serissa was none of the above.

She was practically regal in her walk and appearance. She made me consider having a fifth just to attempt to look as beautiful in a pregnant state as she did. But then I remembered, I hate being pregnant... so that thought left and my husband is speaking to me again.

That little baby was just a basketball, a small one in her belly. Serissa looked amazing.

Her husband and daughter were so doting and sweet that beautiful morning in Wash Park.

I love this next series of shots, they are so expressive...

This shoot was special to me for many reasons, one of which was because my niece Taylor came along with her DSLR to shoot as well. It was so fun to hang with my 14 year-old niece experience something I love, photography.

This was the perfect shoot for teaching purposes. I had the best subjects imaginable, gorgeous, kind, and great with child. I couldn't have asked for a better shoot.

This next image epitomizes that last week of motherhood and all it's grace and waiting. This picture makes me think of the nobility in carrying a child and giving birth. It makes me think of the patience and long waiting that goes into being pregnant. Serissa bore this burden with grace and beauty.

Her sweet daughter waited to. Waited to become that big sister we all dream of. The one who will love and glare at the intruding precious baby all at the same time.

Thank you Serissa for taking my breath away with your beauty and elegance in your maternal state. Thank you Taylor for shooting with me. I had the best time.

Kayla in style

2010-09-23T07:00:00.000-07:00

As a photographer, one of the things I have to do is to get people to feel comfortable in front of the camera. This isn't easily done sometimes. I know for me personally, I hate having my picture taken. There are only a few angels that really work with my face. Otherwise my nose looks too big, my teeth are showing too much, etc... But once in a while, I get someone who is at ease in front of the lens.

Meet Kayla...

The moment I met Kayla I knew she was going to be a great shoot. She is gracious,

she is confident and has an air of direction in the future. It's like she knows who she is and she knows where she is going. I didn't know that until after I was married.

(this one is my favorite)

She is a pom at her high school, performing for a lens wasn't a big deal, it was a BLAST!

And as a fellow shoe whore, I was drooling over her shoes.

Her mother wanted her to have images made with a golden shirt. Just like she did when she was in high school. What a fun tradition. Getting pictures taken in a similar color as your mother, I would love to see them side by side.

Sometimes, you just luck out as a photographer. You get the people who make your job such a pleasure and a treat, it's not work, it's all play.

Thank you Miss Kayla. I know you will do amazing things with your life. You are just that way, stylish, confident, kind, and gorgeous! Best of luck to you!

Bodacious Brittany, Aurora High School Senior Photographer

2010-09-15T06:38:00.000-07:00

This is Brittany.

She is awesome.

I met her several years ago when marriage brought her and my family a little closer together. I didn't realize we were getting a grand prize out of that marriage. Britt comes with a sister named Kylee and a brother named Nathan. They are beloved to my family. We think of them as our own and are so grateful to have this link.

She is not your average teen. She is kind, she is funny, and she doesn't take herself too seriously. Ever.

I could hang out with Brittany for hours and feel like a million bucks. She is. that. great.

She is graceful and classy.

Our shoot was a little spontaneous. We decided to go and find a painted wall on Colorado Blvd. The lighting that evening was tricky with cloud cover. I really wanted some warm sun for Britt, but instead we got so much more. I asked her if she wouldn't mind standing on the median of a busy road and we could have the lights of the cars add to the photo? She agreed and we lived to tell about it. I especially liked the red-tail light highlight in this image.

We also wanted some grungy graffiti to contrast her feminine look. We found this. I love this image.

Day two did bring us sunshine and sassiness. This is another of 100 of my faves of Britt. She has the haircut I wish I could pull off. But alas, she makes it look so brilliant and amazing.

And finally some negative space in the color red. This picture makes me smile. I asked for sun, I got sun. But I think Britt made the pictures what they are, simply gorgeous. Thank you for being my niece Brittany and my friend. You make me laugh and feel good. Thank you for being so good to my kids whom love you to pieces. Thank you for letting me shoot you! And please Britt, when you are done exploring the world after high school, don't forget us and how much we absolutely adore you.

Do you blame us?

Senior Preview...Brittany

2010-09-13T15:12:00.000-07:00

Introducing, Brittany. She's a senior. She's my Niece. And she is also GORGEOUS. Makes taking pictures a snap! I thank the good lord every day we are related. More to come!

Karen...My sister in motherhood

2010-09-09T11:11:00.000-07:00

Karen and I share so much in common. Mostly we share the fact that we are the only dominant estrogen holders in our households.

Karen, like me, is the mother of all boys. She is one of the first people I met when I came to my kids' school. You know how hard it is going to a new place where you don't know anyone? Karen was a friendly face with a slight southern accent. I love a southern accent. It makes the world a little friendlier.

Her brood is made up on boys and a doting husband.

These boys remind me so much of my family. So many different personalities and a mom to hold it all together.

Karen and Rich's oldest, Richard, is off to college for his first year at Duke. Woo hoo! Ahhhh, freshman year, I remember it well. It was good, it was bad and it got ugly. But I really valued that first time away from home. I also failed a cross country skiing class, yep that was the bad part. Breakups suck!

The other brothers, Will and Robbie are two peas in a pod. The pod being Robbie. He is seriously one of the nicest, kind-hearted middle children I have met. A true peacemaker.

It's too bad when kids actually do grow up and leave and spread their wings....and fly. My heart aches at the thought of them leaving. I asked Karen how she was doing with it. She said, as she was cleaning out drawers and things, "It's going great but sad at the same time."

I think growing up is bitter sweet. I am so glad I was able to capture some moments with this dear family. They are close to my heart because they are like my personal time machine I am peering into, in like 10 years.

Thank you dear Herbst family for spending some "quality time" with me capturing you at your finest. That finest being just who you are, and being that together.

Good luck Richard at Duke. I am sure no luck is needed and you will have the greatest time ever. And then you will come home and realize how brilliant your parents really are. It's o.k., I realized the same thing. They are freakin' geniuses.

Whitney Darling...

2010-08-26T11:52:00.000-07:00

Anytime I hear the name Whitney, I think of a friend I made last summer when I went to visit my friend Kamee. Whitney is her name and she is a really great EVERYTHING. She's a great person, she is hilarious and she is also a fantastic photographer. Her business name is Whitney Darling. Not too long after, I met a new Whitney. We instantly became friends. Even facebook friends. That's when you know the relationship has gone to the next level. right? This Whitney has a rockin' style and always makes me think of my dear Whitney Darling.

So without further adeau, Whitney "darling" and her darling family.

Firstly, let's just say that that little boy instantly made me want to have, just. one. more. I mean, what's the big deal, a 5th child in the mix? This baby Carson is so squishy and cute, I could snuggle and kiss him all day.

Whit and Adam are enjoying this first go around as parents quite nicely. They have known eachother for a few years, got married and now have this cherubic kid to oogle over all the time. Not a bad way to go into parenthood.

Not only is Carson cute, but rumor has it that he is an excellent baby. I think this is probably true.

Another great thing about Whit, she is a rockin' hair therapist. Yep, she styles and colors like nobodies business.

I don't think I have ever seen her as happy and she is now with that baby, that sweet baby Carson. Whit, you make great babies and motherhood suites you oh so well. Thank you for the fun afternoon with your family. It was a privilege.

Oh Stella!

2010-08-23T13:16:00.000-07:00

After I met this little girl, I decided I had to use the name somehow in my life. Stella makes the world go round. She is what most would refer to as a character. I refer to her as sunshine.

She has an equally adorable brother. Such a lady killer at age 1.5

I met the Colsons not too long ago. Chadlee, the hot momma I have known since we were prepubescent. She is one of those girls I always wanted to be like. I always wanted beautiful hair, a gorgeous smile, and freckles. Chadlee is all that and a bag of chips. She is so gorgeous and has a really fun personality to go with it. She is charming and fun to be around. Her husband completely scored when they married.

Her and her husband are getting ready for a big change. No she is not pregnant again. But he is in his last year of his schooling. He will be going into practice medicine as a pediatric GI doc. Yep, they have been in school FOR-EVER. At the end such schooling, I can only imagine how exciting it is to be DONE.

I always admire families that go through such rigorous schooling and training. They deserve all the respect and bucks they get. You have more than earned it.

I love the light in this picture. The Colsons photograph so well. I am going bananas over these images.

Dear Stella, Chadlee and Colson men. I had such a great time with your family. Your daughter is so cute I had to use her name on something. So I decided to name my favorite new tree after her. Stella will always be out my front door, looking all sassy and beautiful. Reminding me of a cutie pie little girl with lots of personality.

Best of luck to you wherever you end up. That region will be getting a great doc and a precious family. Lucky lucky them.

Maria + Bill = Married, Denver wedding photography

2010-08-11T09:28:00.000-07:00

This wedding changed my life as a photographer. Before I shot this wedding, it was a rule that I shot weddings with a second shooter. Before this wedding, I packed a pack of pepto in my camera bag for "nervous knots." Before this wedding, I found weddings too much and would always swear to never shoot them again. So where am I going with this? During this wedding several things happened:

I did not bring a second shooter. Instead I had two cameras with different lenses on them and shot in tandem. This isn't to say I won't use a second again, but you do what you gotta do with what you have. Right? I passed the pepto onto my sister whose camera and lens she so kindly let me barrow.
I also discovered I LOVE photographing weddings. I love being a part of a joyous event. Making a commitment in front of your friends and family, in front of God and the law is significant. Witnessing this signifigance made me all teary eyed and I felt so honored just to be there. I am not even a cryer, ask my husband. He might accuse me of being a robot. But not here, I felt so happy for Maria and Bill and all the witnesses to this event.

I cannot wait to shoot another wedding. I am itching to feel the energy, the vibe, meet the peeps and document a happy time in people's lives. They will (hopefully) look at these images and feel happy time and time again. That is what this is all about. Making art out of life for other people.

This isn't a job, it is a passion.

Could Maria have picked better colors for a summer wedding?

I think not! This was straight out of a classy wedding magazine. Red white and blue. Cherry red, vibrant blue, and accents of white everywhere.

There wasn't this feeling of Americana, there was this feeling of romance and love with these particular color combos. I had never seen it before like this.

I was so excited to meet them and find out their story. They have been together since college and are now graduated and professionals in their own right. The next step was naturally to tie the knot. Both families were ecstatic and their friends were happy to see this occasion come to fruition.

Maria is a girlfriend's friend. She knows how to have fun. I think people love her the instant they meet her. She is truly magnetic.

Bill is the dry sense of humor, nice guy. And I got the feeling this day he truly felt like the luckiest man alive. His bride was something of a dreamy prize in a spectacle of happy onlookers.

Location, location, location. In City Park, there is this A.mazing Pavillion.

It made for some spectacular backdropage for photos.

Bill and Maria are two peas in a pod.

Their cake was super rad. It was a three tiered treasure, the top being a cake and the rest being cupcakes. But to call them cupcakes is really not doing them justice. They were works of art.

Cheers to Bill and Maria. Your wedding could not have been more perfect. Thank you for letting me be a part!

Sunshine

2010-08-09T07:33:00.000-07:00

After taking pictures of this precious family, I felt alive. It was a long day and I was feeling a little less than me. I also realized why it is I am destined to be a mother of boys. They make me laugh. The world is one big huge playground for them. Their eyes are always filled with amazement and wonder. They are crazy and unpredictable and discover the things we don't even notice.

And they are always looking for that thing they missed.

I had such a pleasant time with the Sunstroms. They were beautiful, sweet to eachother. It was the perfect shoot. And the sun was kind to me again.

When Joseph slowed down enough to enjoy the sunshine and the breeze, he got a little love from his sweet baby sister.

Can you believe her eyes? She was such a happy baby.

Kindof a cute whimsical shot. Nothing like dad's scratchy face combined with some kisses to make a baby tingle all over.

Kate, it was so fun to be with your family on that warm and sunny afternoon. Thank you for asking me to snap some shots of your family. It was my pleasure and fueled my tired soul. Thank you thank you!

Abby and Sydney

2010-08-05T14:26:00.000-07:00

Have you ever read Good Dog Carl? It is such a great and well-illustrated book about a dog whom is the most awesome nanny to a beautiful baby girl. In the book the mom goes to the market and leaves Carl to tend the baby. They play games, they jump on the bed, they dance, they get a snack. They even go for a swim in the fish tank.

I seriously fell in love Carl. I love what a great care taker he is to the baby. He even slides the baby down a laudry chute. Carl gives the baby a bath and has the baby back in bed before the mom gets home. I always wanted a dog like that. I know it's fiction, but what is wrong with dreaming.

I met a dreamy duo a while ago...Sydney and Abby.

It's hard being the older "sibling" of sorts. I know it's creepy and strange when people refer to their pets as their kids. But to the owners, this is family. And this family is darling.

I feel lucky in this profession. I get to meet people I like the minute I meet them. I am permited to document their happiness and joy. Stephanie is one of those people whom is brilliant and engaging. She is so talented in her skills as a very excellent Martha Stewart. Observe...

The nursery for this little doll is off. the. hook! I want to have a sleepover.

Stephanie made the valance and the toe shoe lamp. And her dad, yes her dad, made the cowboy boot lamp in the picture on the left. And he is from Texas! A man who knows a good pit bar b q when he sees one and can make gorgeous little girly lamps. I like him already.

Jeff is one of those dads who freely gave his new daughter his heart strings the minute she graced the world with her presence. He is joining the ranks of many men who will do anything for their precious daughters, freely and fully aware. All the daughter has to do is and twinkle and dance around a little. Sydney, I see a nice convertable in your future.

I love this one!

I like this candid moment too. And smiley grandma in the background.

Details and perspective.

And so we conclude out little time with a precious baby and an equally precious dog. I think they will have many adventures together. Maybe they will take a ride down the laundry chute when Stephanie and Jeff are not looking. Who knows, but I think whatever adventure they write, it will be a good one. A very good one indeed.

Sunkissed Burrells

2010-07-12T09:35:00.000-07:00

I love it when I go to a shoot and feel like, even though I have never met these people before, I am meeting old friends. And Holly is one of those people you instantly like and know you have a friend for life.

And yes, she is getting ready to have their fourth child. If this one is anything like the others, that baby is going to be beautiful and fully of personality and spunk.

I love this little guy. He reminds me so much of my own little Jack. They could be twins. In looks and personality.

My favorite shot of this session. Carson is just barely falling off and still having a great time. The landing wasn't terrible either.

These next few show nothing short of this families' darling personalities. All unique with a little bit of attitude.

Baily's face cracks me up in this one. And Devanee, just so girly smelling the dandelion.

Congrats and the next baby Jack and Holly. It was a pleasure to meet you. Cannot wait to see you in a few weeks!

Kamee June Workshop is coming to Denver!!!!

2010-07-08T06:38:00.000-07:00

ALL IMAGES ON THIS POST ARE FROM the creative mind of KAMEE JUNE

I wasn't always a photographer. And I find it funny that I even call myself one. I mean, don't you have to take a test in some building and develop film with one hand tied behind your back?

Let me tell you about why I LOVE PHOTOGRAPHY. The kind of photography that immortalizes people and their memories.

First I was a clueless college student, then I was a microbiology major and a business minor and a chemistry minor. While I was majoring and minoring, I met someone who inspired me. She was so fun to be with. I felt like I had met a kindred spirit. The thing is, I think everyone feels that way when they meet her.

She was a teaching major with something Spanish in there. We became friends even when I was a psycho pregnant woman.

This friend and I kept in touch over the years. I ALWAYS looked forward to their Christmas cards because the letters were funny and the picture was AMAZING. Then the wheels started turning. I wondered, "Where did she get those done? How did she do it?"

Turns out, she did them herself. She had something, a spark of creative talent that I could maybe skim. People started asking her to take pictures for them. Go to her blog, it is one of the best reads. She is whitty and amazing with the camera. Her prose is fun and touching all at once.

From there the rest is history. The line is long for people to still get Kamee June to take pictures of them. You have brides who call to reserve Kam before they are engaged, babies who reserve a day before they are born, and families who plan vacations around when Kam can shoot. She is that good.

She is not only an amazing photographer, but a stellar teacher. When you combine those two forces you have the perfect storm for learning how to take a picture and make it amazing. Kam is coming to Denver in September.

If you want to learn about how to shoot better, how to run your business better, what inspires you, this is THE workshop to go to. Don't take my word for it, go to her facebook page. 700 + fans cannot be wrong. Go to her website and get a slice of some beauty before you start your day. Want to become a better photog? Come with me to her workshop. I have my ticket and am counting down the days. Can't wait!

Congrats Tara!!!

2010-07-07T10:15:00.000-07:00

Tara is the winner of my facebook contest. If you would like to participate, tell your friends and build my "like" base. I could randomly choose you. You could also indicate by commenting on my facebook page or this blog.

Congrats Tara. This post is for you.

Sometimes, I feel a total craving for the beach. I want to feel the sand between my toes, I want to smell the humid salty sea and see the birds flying. But when you are in a landlocked state, the closest I am ever going to get to that pipe dream is Cherry Creek Reservoir.

And yet there is a little gem of faux beach right in the middle of nowhere Aurora, the Aurora Reservoir. This shoot went just like Buttah!

The girls were perfect. Kennedy, Chloe, and Eva. Oh they made me pine a little for some pink around my house. They are so beautiful in their own unique way.

This family is so gorgeous. They were so easy to work with and so fun to be around. I love girls who don't mind doing silly things for me. I also like a little impromptu posing. Thank you Kennedy.

As I go through this journey of Photography, I fall more in love with it each time I shoot. I love the subjects, I love the angles, and I LOVE THE EYELASHES you can catch with a good lens. Ho hum. Thank you Eva and Chloe for your eyelashes.

And then there are the parents. Still got it I have to say. Still gorgeous, still like eachother and still make it all look so great.

Yep, if I were to have a photoshoot of my family done, this is exactly how I would want it to look. Simply gorgeous! Thank you Tara! I loved spending time with your family. You guys made the pictures amazing. I was lucky enough to be clicking away as the scene undolded.

It was so fun for me.

Sometimes beauty is so easy to see...Keeley

2010-06-18T13:42:00.000-07:00

This shoot was poetry, pure poetry.

Keeley is that poet. She made everything come together for this shoot and was a perfect subject. She reminded me that I really love this journey of photography.

It's so endless in possibilities.

It makes me smile and feel happy all day at the thought of creating something no one has seen before.

I am not saying I am this stellar creative genius, but I like to think that an image of someone I take, is something they haven't seen of themselves before.

The minute photography stops being this way for me, that is when the party is over. I hope the party is never over!

Thank you Keeley! Best of luck to you at College your first year. I am sure you will charm everyone with your looks, your smile and your amazing voice. You belong on the show Glee. But not a scandelous character ;)

Natasha and Ryan Geddes= Mawidge (Princess Bride speak)

2010-06-15T23:01:00.000-07:00

Natasha and Ryan, I have been waiting to shoot these guys for like six months. And FINALLY, that day arrived. I know, the photog being anxious about the wedding is totally obnoxious and nothing compared to the anticipation of the bride and groom, but seriously, I love to shoot weddings! Love it oh so much.

And you can imagine my relief when it all came together just like buttah! I met up with Natasha the morning of to get some shots of them getting ready. It is my photography crack, I love the lead up to the big event.

Ryan kept looking in the mirror, repeatedly doing calisthenics, and smiling a lot. He was too cute getting ready to make THE BIG decision in his life. And I got to see it.

A few details from before the main event...I loved the rings and the shoes. I am a true ring lover and shoe whore!

Ryan and Natasha made their entrance and wowed me with their calmness, their kindness, and their sweetness towards one another. Hmmmm....it was a shmoopy moment indeed.

The fams were hilarious in their own respective ways. I especially enjoyed Natahsa's brothers roughing up Ryan a little.

And this is one of my favorite shots of the day. You cannot plan this, it just happens, peoples facial expressions unfolding before my very lens, speaking a thousand works beyond the print.

I have one thing to say about this day that made my shoot successful and fun, MY SISTER. Celeste, she is a God send and a life-saver. Not to mention a rockin' photographer and nerve charmer. I was admittedly nervous about getting it all right. I mean weddings are a handful of good times and guests not wanting to be photographed. You just can't please everyone and it's a fine line to walk. Not to mention, remembering all the shots you want and need to get. And you have to get them right the first time. There are no retakes! Celeste, from the bottom of my humble and nervous heart, THANK YOU so much.

Some shots from Celeste...

I love a good groomsmen shot...

Genius Right?

Natasha and Ryan, congrats on your awesome day. Thank you for sharing it with me and for driving to the middle of nowhere to get some great shots!

The Geddes sign was just icing on the cake!

Twice as Nice

2010-05-17T19:02:00.000-07:00

Sugar and spice and everything nice. That's what little girls are made of. I was so lucky to have a shoot with these sweet girls. I was a little unsure as to how it would all go. These girls are shy, super shy.

So I asked their mom, my friend Lindsay, to see if the girls would be less shy if she wasn't in the same room.

She left and the girls left their shyness behind. We learned about their American girl dolls.

We had a tea party.

And we visited their awesome room. Which has been redecorated in my favorite shade of green. I don't know what you call it, but I like it.

Audrey and Chloe look everything alike and nothing alike at the same time.

I felt so happy to be in the presence of girly girls. Ones who like to play with dolls and wear dresses and whose hair is combed.

This is a complete opposite to my household. My home favors the testosterone on crack persuasion. We live for dirt and matted hair, and even breakfast faces (you know, saving it for later on your face). And don't get me wrong, I crave being with my boys, I LOVE dirt and worms, and puppy dog tails and whatever else boys are made of. But, a little pink and cute and quiet never hurt anyone.

I kept thinking how awesome it is to have a sister that looks like you and understands you.

You may fight and have a few disagreements. You might even say she is a creepy creeper once in a while. But doggoneit if anyone else ever says word one negatively in that beloved girls direction.

I speak from personal experience. I do not have a twin. My sis is tall, dark and gorgeous. People used to think we looked alike when it was cool for me to perm my hair in the early 90's. It's just not cool anymore. But my sis's tresses are timeless. I digress...

Thank you Chloe and Audrey for being so good and letting me get some stellar pictures of you lovely girls. I had fun and cannot wait to hang out again. Now go and hug your sister!

Molly, oh baby!

2010-05-07T09:00:00.000-07:00

This shoot had the feel of being on the prairie. Fields of green everywhere. The sun just setting...children playing in the background. Dogs barking and running and chasing those said children. It was ideallic.

Ideallic with a side of Jack Jack. My youngest son wasn't having anything to do with me letting him go for a second. All of these shots were done with a little one on my hip. A cranky little one.

Yet, these pictures turned out amazing. Thank you Jack Jack for pushing me to be better and ignore things I cannot control. Namely the weather and a tired 2 year-old.

Molly and Brandon are my neighbors about to have their first son, Cash.

They have both been so excited to have this baby. Who isn't when you are 9 mos. pregnant? But who's counting besides Molly? I think I am and was during the shoot.

I have to say I love the images a lens can capture. An emotion is frozen in time, captured forever, and the feeling behind the emotion is imortalized. I felt honored a privelaged to capture this one.

And this one too.

Brandon is a good subject. He doesn't roll his eyes, he does what I ask, and he shows his feet.

A quiet moment with the tummy.

I said to Brandon, "Your wife has the most beautiful eyes, wow."

He just smiled and stared deeply at his Molly and said, "I know. They are awesome."

Molly and Brandon, thank you for spending an afternoon with me. I had a splendid time. And thank you for being sweet to my Owen and Jack.

You are brave souls for embarking on the journey of parenthood. I personally love it, the journey. But it has the riveting effect of rocking your world from day one. Please get lots of sleep now and know I am just a few houses away. I cannot wait to meet Cash, the cowboy. Yee haw!

These boots! Good weather ahead, time to shoot....

2010-05-06T07:32:00.000-07:00

Ms. Jenkins and my niece (Taylor) and myself, just three of us, went out on a beautiful day in April to shoot some pictures for Taylor's school project. I have to say, I felt a little old and Matronly with these ladies, 8th graders. But at the same time, how cool that they wanted to hang out with me! Perhaps not so matronly after all.

Oh wait, it rained the whole time. My lens got a little smudgy and soggy, but we had such a good time. I felt like I could do pictures all day in the rain. It was that fun. Cold...but fun.

Ms. Jenkins was an excellent model. And those boots she wore! The colors were so amazing in contrast to the gloomy day. I fell in love with them instantly and couldn't stop shooting them. The girls were super fun to hang out with too ;)

And speaking of weather, oh it is OH SO NICE OUTSIDE these days. My schedule is getting full, so if you are thinking about family pictures, portraits, babies, weddings, bellies, etc... call me soon!

I am also offerring new package prices to get you what you want, prints and digital copies. Email me or call 720-839-0733.

Weiss Guys, pronounced (wise guys)

2010-05-04T09:30:00.000-07:00

Say hello to the Weiss'. My girlfriend from grade school, high school and reconnected through Old Navy and neighborhood encounters, Lynn has three of the most beautiful children. It is so interesting spending any amount of time with anyone else's children.

Of course, there is the first impression. Jack never fails to make a great first impression.

But then you get to know these kids through the lens and realize what great people they are.

What darling and free spirited people they are. When I went to Lynn's house, I was greeted at the door with a cute blondie girl on a "razor." In the house, a razor. I knew I was in heaven and I also knew that Lynn is my kind of gal. Easy going and laid back.

Megan and Ashleigh are seriously sweet girls. But they have this feisty, tom-boy side to them. Which is perfect for the masterful charmer Jack, their little brother.

Once I told the girls they could go start wrestling after this picture, they hopped to it immediately and had a wrestle fest to be proud of.

From the first impression to the last, I found myself so glad I had kept in contact with this treasured friend of mine, Lynn. She is a gem. Her daughters are dreamy. And Jack, her son, I have a crush on him.

Thanks for the fun Lynn, Megan, Ashleigh, and Jack. Can't wait to play again soon!

Weiss Guys...a peak

2010-05-02T22:48:00.000-07:00

Senioritis

2010-04-21T10:54:00.000-07:00

It's almost May, it's your Junior year and you have the rest of your life ahead of you. I remember what is was like to be that Junior. I felt a lot like Taylor here, just wanted to jump a lot.

Now back in the day, when I was a junior, I was not nearly as gorgeous as these ladies. I had permed hair and a sweet set of bangs to boot. Shelay, you are so gorgeous, thank you for being lovely!

These girls have style. More importantly, they know how to have fun.

I had such a great time at Southlands Mall with these ladies. Taylor, Lori, and Shelay were such great subjects for my Senior shoot. It was windy, chilly, and a little crazy. But, one thing is for sure, these girls know how to have fun.

So the next time you thinking, hmmm.... my senior pictures, what do I want them to represent about me? What do I want them to say about me?

You want them to say, "I was amazing, and gorgeous in every sense of the word."

You want them to say, "I was confident and ready for the what the world was going to throw out at me. Bring it!"

"I have a fun side."

and a serious side...

But mostly, this is who I am at this moment in time. I won't ever be this way again. I won't ever look this way again. I won't ever fit into these jeans again. (that is what I always think when I look at my Senior pictures).

Relish in your senioritis. It is a great time, a fabulous time. Make the most of it. Because after, LIFE REALLY BEGINS!

A Contest and a Party!

2010-04-12T16:03:00.000-07:00

Girls...they are like another planet to me. They are emotional, unpredictable, lots of shades of grey.

This party was put on by my friends Lynn Weiss and Stacy Martinez. Wanna party with them? I know I do. They came up with a novel idea. Why take your kids to Chuck E Cheese? Monkey Business? Laser Tag? True those places are fun, but not THAT memorable and they end up costing quite a bit. And let's be honest, when is the last time you conciously decided to go to Chuck E Cheese on Purpose on a Saturday and what were you thinking?

The Who Who's Invited team, bring the party to you. They provide the creativity and the fun. You end up saving money and making more lasting memories. Sounds like a gig I want in my house.

They held this festive event at a neighborhood clubhouse (ding), (I will ding every time I think that item is cost effective and fun).

Hostess gifts included homemade terrycloth spa-pants. Genius! (ding)

I walked in and felt this enormous amount of surging estrogen electrifying the air. There were several stations that you could release your inner 6 year-old. At the end, you got to take home a basket full of funness, and you got to take home your own eye pillow you bedazzled, your own homemade lip gloss, your own bath time sugar rub, and hair bows to boot! (DING DING DING DING DING!!!)

There was a pedicure station, oh how I love the smell of nail polish and remover.

Giggly girls were the cherry on top.

You could also bedazzle an eye pillow (DING),

Make homemade lip goo, all natural and smells freakin' awesome! (DING)

Or make some bath scrub, brown sugar awesomeness! (DING)

Hair scrunchies. What girl doesn't love scrunchies? (DING)

I found I wanted to drop my camera (gently into its case) and start playing. I seriously forgot I was an adult. And the girls, well they loved me (what's not to love?). I would ask them to freeze and then they would say, "Can you help me tie this? Can you help me make this?" I was so stoked to get attention from six year-olds. The only things I get asked to do at home are help with changing bed sheets or tying shoes. I never tie beautiful bows or paint nails (because that might be a little disturbing with four sons).

And don't you love pig tails? Love them!

To end the party, there was a walk on the runway red carpet and paparazzi to make you feel like a rock star! (DING)

There was a kitchen full of yummy treats (DING)

And you got to take home all of your spa loot and a basket of more great shtuff!

Happiest birthday Megan and Ashley! Your mom and her friend rock my spa world.

Check out the contest on my facebook page! If you are not a fan of my facebook page, you should really think about your priorities. I mean c'mon. Wink wink, nudge nudge. My goal is 200 fans. Tell your friends, remind your family. Comment here if you are interested in a photoshoot giveaway. I am giving away two photoshoot packages. Email me for details at rebmorgenegg@gmail.com

Making Parenthood Beautiful

2010-04-06T04:54:00.000-07:00

Whenever I have a newborn baby shoot, I always feel like giving them a regal title. I feel like I am in the presence of royalty. Meet Lady Vivian, daughter to the very lucky Suha and Mike.

I have one word, TRUST. A helpless infant has to depend on her parents immensely. She cannot do anything for herself besides burp, sleep, and relieve herself whenever she wants. Vivian knows her mother. And I think she is madly in love with her father. She wouldn't stop looking at him when he came in her line of sight. I felt like I was witnessing something sacred and special, the bonding of a new little family.

Suha is a friend from long ago, my sisters friend to be exact. Her sister and I tp'd houses when we were younger and had slumber parties. I have long been an admirer of these sisters, they have the most incredible features. They are beautiful. They also make motherhood beautiful.

To see your friends from the past, frozen in time in your mind transformed into adults with infants is a little mind boggling. But you can never stop the march of time, the rhythm of life. And for this, I am grateful Suha asked me to document a moment in her life, her new baby girl, Vivian.

I also have this feeling about Mike. I have a feeling his life will never be the same after the birth of a daughter. I have this feeling her little finger is wrapped with his dear and natural love.

Welcome to the world Lady Vivian. Thank you for being such a good baby. You melted my heart and made me feel full and happy all day. Never forget how lucky you are to have your parents, they are top-notch and will do anything for you. And don't forget to sleep when it's dark, be awake when it's light. And if you really want an extra cuddle, smile, even if it's just a "gassy" smile.

Double Vision

2010-03-23T12:03:00.000-07:00

There is nothing like twin girls whom are so giggly. And silly, and will do anything you ask as a photographer.

Juliana and Rachel are so shy at first.

But you put them in front of a camera and they are putty in your hand.

What do you notice about them that makes you instantly love them? Their undeniable sweetness. You think they look just alike at first. But the best part is, they are slightly different. And Juliana has a little dot on the top of her forehead, kindof like the "dot" on the "i" in her name.

I love this image. It's a little tight on the eyes, but there is something that speaks beyond the edges of the picture.

What can you say about sisters? There is a powerful bond not matched by anything else.

You do everything together. Your parents buy you similar presents. You wear similar clothes and silently envy what the other has. You love together, you laugh together. And occasionally you might have a disagreement (maybe an all out brawl). But no one in this world is a greater ally than your sister.

I thank God at least once a day for my sisters.

And I think I shall thank him for the chance to be reminded of them. Through Rachel and Juliana, there is life and happiness and sisterhood. A wonderful, double combo indeed.

My Addiciton

2010-03-23T08:00:00.000-07:00

MAC cosmetics...an addiction that gets me so excited.
Shopping at Sephora...oh just thinking about perusing the makeup isles makes me a little weak in the knees.
Steve Madden Shoes...shoes, I am a closet shoe-o-phile.

Cannon camera jargon...drool.

I had a revelation the other night. I knew I had truly chosen a field I LOVE. This love can be described in so many ways, but I think the highest compliment I can give to this newfound love is that I get as excited about it as I do about makeup and shoes.

While talking to my friend the other night about his new camera purchase. I found myself getting so happy for him, jealous I didn't have one, intrigued on how to get one and where. These are the same emotions I go through with shoe envy and makeup envy of my sisters and friends.

I ask the same types of questions, "Where did you get those? Can I try them on? Do you think that color would look good on me?" But instead my questions are, "Have you taken it out of the box yet? Do you love it? What lenses did you get with it? What do they do and where can I get them? Aren't you excited it's almost summer?"

I have arrived. I am hooked. Pandora's box is officially opened never to close again. Now, to feed my addiction. All in good time. All in good time.

Snow In March

2010-03-19T09:35:00.000-07:00

For Real....I knew it was going to come. I knew the sun was too good to be true and it was. Here is what I saw this morning at 6:30am.

Welcome back winter for a spell.

Good things are happening here at the Avenue B. Hang tight! More to come.

Oh Baby! My Girl Marci

2010-03-10T11:05:00.000-08:00

I had the honor, no the privelage to spend some time with my friend Marci. Marci, how can I describe her. She is a little like liquid sunshine. You just feel good when you are around her. She is down-to-earth and seriously has this excitement that has never been extinguished with time.

I went to Ft. Lewis College in Durango with Marci. This was our first adventure on our own and away from family. I found that I depended on Marci when life was throwing me huge mud pies in the name of "life changing" decisions, I felt lost sometimes. And to her I am grateful. She was and is always dependable, kind, and honest.

That dear Marci is having a baby, her second!

We cannot for get the dog, Bella!

She did well in marrying the perfect man for her, Marc. You want your friends to marry men who are just that, men, not boys trapped in a man's body.

You want them to marry men who are good enough for them and make them smile and laugh and are at ease with them.

As you can tell, Bella is well loved and nurtured. No neglect here. And yes, the spoon was switched before more ice cream was consumed.

Can you believe they don't know what they are having? They are patiently waiting until they hear those earth-shattering words, "It's a boy! (that's what I always heard)" or "It's a girl! (haven't ever personally heard that one)"

I can't wait to see what genetics will produce for Marci. I picture a darling little girl with strawberry blond hair and her father's kind eyes. Or could it be a sweet boy with a head-full of brown hair, an easy smile like his father and twinkly eyes like his mother?

I guess we shall see. Marci, thank you for the rekindling of a treasured friendship. Marc, I likey! I am so happy for you and cannot wait to see the bambino, or is it bambina? Or is my spanish just embarassing?

Hey Seniors

2010-03-01T08:24:00.000-08:00

Are you a Senior? Do you know any Seniors? (not citizens, although they are welcome too!) I want to shoot you and your awesomeness.

People who refer seniors will be rewarded with hugs, handshakes, atta-boys, and $50 off their own shoot.

The Bust Shot...(get your head out of the gutter)

2010-02-18T13:55:00.000-08:00

I learned to coolest thing yesterday.

I am an amateur photog. Obviously. I don't use studio lights. They scare me. There are so many of them you can use and given 4 years of school I could probably go crazy with them.

But when someone asks me to take their picture in a studio format, I get a little panicky. My flash isn't the greatest. And natural light is key. It's winter, natural light isn't so plentiful right now. However, when my brother-in-law asked me to take some pictures of him for his new job, I thought hey, let's do some nice outside bust shots.

Nice right? A little oversaturated and the guys at his work pretty much hated it. C'est la vie.

Then we went for the bar look, really crap background for the inside.

Rejected. No one liked it. Yet I still put my name on it. Hmmmm...

Then I went to this site, called my sister for a little tech support, and came up with this...

Much better. I likey and I am stoked I learned how to make a background in Photoshop. Whoo Hoo!

Cheeky kids...

2010-02-16T10:41:00.000-08:00

This is Cute Girl. She is sweet. She is shy. She is precocious.

She out-whitted me one day (perhaps not too hard to do) while in my kitchen filled with kids goodies. There are tupperware containers and plastic utensils right at kids level. They can play with it whenever they want because it is so easy to put it back.

This is my son. He is cute. He is funny. He knows a sucker when he sees one. I am speaking of me as the SUCKER.

What do these two have in common?

They played me like a fiddle.

Oh and in case you are wondering about the the circle "bite mark" on cute girls cheek, my son did that. We are all still friends. Don't worry.

Sweet Cute Girl Took the plastic knives and forks out of my "kids utensil drawer."

I looked at my son Jack and thought, what did you do with the forks and knives?

Then I asked Owen where it went. He smiled his devil smile and said, "I know where it is. It is in Gavin's piano bag."

"Did you see her put it there?

"Yep."

I looked in the piano bag, no utensils.

"Owen, the forks aren't in there. Where else could they be?"

He smiled and said, "They are in Gavin's closet."

I took the bait again and looked in Gavin's closet. No utensils. Then it hit me, Owen wasn't home when cute girl was over. He never saw her do anything because He Wasn't Here! He was teasing me and I fell for it!

I came downstairs and promptly chased him and tickled him as he laughed at me mockingly. A four-year old tricked his mom! The shame!

And as for the utensils you ask? They are safe in the back of the drawer. If you opened the drawer a little more you would see that Miss Cute Girl ramed all the utensils as far back into the drawer as possible.

Cheeky kids I tell you!

Details

2010-02-04T06:49:00.000-08:00

I don't know about you, but I find that when I look at a wee little one, I just shake my head in awe and give God two enthusiastic thumbs up. Can you believe that any of us come out of our journey so well formed? So perfect?

Ears, they are perfect. Made for hearing those sweet sounds of a loving voice. One whom has longed to see that baby.

Fingers, perfect little digits to grab and hold those who love you the most.

Feet! Oh how I love little feet. I can seriously do without big feet. But those little ones are so perfect in every way. Ten toes, they always get counted the minute the baby makes an appearance.

The nose. So tiny, yet so perfect. This nose will know in two seconds if the person holding her is her favorite person in the world, the milk machine, or an irritating stranger. Even if that person is dad.

I know Abigail's parents from back in the day, way back. I remember I served them lunch when I was a waitress at the Olive Garden. Her dad, Jason, went to high school with me. He was my drum major in the super-cool band. I played the drums, he made sure I wasn't making up my own tempo.

We were neighbors when we first moved to Colorado and I remember thinking how awesome Jason's wife Dorothy was and still is. She really has it together. She is kind and patient and has a dear family. Abby is the youngest of seven siblings.

This is one lucky baby to be a part of a family that works. They are happy, they are healthy and they know that their home is a sanctuary of safety and acceptance. I think we all try to create this in our own homes.

Abby, you are one lucky girl to have such kind and loving parents and so many older siblings whom will teach all the good things in life. Things like how to push your parents buttons, how to draw on the walls, how to scare your mother at the park, how to wrap your father around your little finger.

You have it made girlfriend. Welcome to your life. You are a lucky girl indeed.

Tiny Abigail

2010-02-03T14:27:00.000-08:00

New babies are like mannah from heaven. They are perfect and fill a need in a special way. My need is to be around those new little ones. I take the chance when I get it and run with it.

Babies are fun and not so fun. They smell new and fresh, when they don't stink. They are precious and quiet, when they aren't crying. Abigail gave me my baby fix. She was both fresh and precious. More to come.

Beauty in the small things

2010-01-28T09:34:00.000-08:00

When I go to the grocery store, I make a bee line for the floral section and look at the tulips. I remember Seattle and the Pike Street Market. You can purchase tulips and fresh flowers any time of year. I Miss that market, I miss Seattle. I try not to impulse buy. I try to be fiscally minded and tell the tulips I will be back for them another day. And then I think about how nice my kitchen would look with some fresh flowers.

After a usual day, my husband came through the door with a bundle of tulips. Seeing him come through the door lately is like seeing my boyfriend whom I have been pining for all day. Our eyes meet, we are happy to see eachother in that moment and everything is quiet for a second.

I cannot stop photographing them. They aren't extraordinarily beautiful. But they made me feel extraordinarily special.

Thank you my dear husband.

Washington Park in January...Becca and Matt

2010-01-22T08:01:00.000-08:00

Meet Becca and Matt. Being around them was like hanging with old friends. You know the friends whom you don't see often but you pick up where you left off?

And I have to say, there is something about being around people who truly like and love eachother. As an observer of my surroundings, you notice things. The unspoken. The looks. Chemistry.

I think I mostly felt at ease around these guys because they were so easy around eachother.

Becca, who like myself, is a Becca not a Becky. That name works for some people. I have dear friends named Becky, but it has always stuck in my ear like peanut butter. Becca is this amazingly bright and beautiful woman. I think Matt totally scored with this woman!

Matt is one of those people you like in two seconds. He's just nice and present. He also put us to a challenge at the park. He thought it was funny to wear stilettos to the park. I told him there are so many interesting people in this town, I "guarentee" we will find another heal cladden woman, or man, in the park.

Wash Park you disappoint me. Everyone was appropriately dressed. Arggg... We never saw a healed woman or cross-dressing man. Next time we will go to Boulder.

Shoes, what can I say, these next shots make me smile everytime I look at them. The shoephile in me has found a friend.

Becca and Matt, thank you for spending time with me. I was sad when our time ended. It's funny how time stands still for a while, seeminly. I realized that day how much I love this job, if you can call it that. I am so lucky.

Matt and Becca, you guys are the lucky ones though. You have eachother, and you always will.

The red shoes...

2010-01-18T07:00:00.000-08:00

I had the privelage of spending a warm afternoon with Becca and Matt.

We met at Washington Park. You would think the entire city was in on some secret about the gathering at the Park. There were so many people out. So many people running, walking their dogs, playing with their kids. I kept thinking, it doesn't get any better than this. This is what it is all about, the American Dream. All culminated at this park.

These guys wore the best things for a shoot. Sophisticated black. Becca kicked it up a notch with her shiny ruby red shoes. I couldn't stop smiling. I found a kindred spirit, a fellow shoephile. More to come.

The Grahams...Could they be in a rock band?

2010-01-13T12:57:00.000-08:00

I say yes. And what will we call this band, "A Little Bad A**!"

They dressed so sharp the day of our shoot. I love it when people wear plain dark colors to a shoot. It makes everything look crisp, serious, formal. When I juxtapose that with parks and nature, I find an interesting dichotomy in the resulting pictures. It's really a neat effect.

The Grahams and I go way back. When we first moved to Colorado, we were at a social gathering together and Bill and Sheryl thought I was pretty funny. Someone who finds me funny is all right in my book so it was an instant friendship.

We have kept in touch over the years. Their daughter Shannon introduced our family to High School Musical, we love it (don't judge us) and I helped them get started on Twilight. Needless to say, these were both healthy addictions. Will, their son we have respected since he was a "kid" in high school, returned from a couple years in California, and is now married and an AMAZING photographer.

Whenever I ask Will a question about my pictures, he gives me the straight talk and intelligent answers. He's really brilliant. I often refer to him as Master Obi-Won and myself as a Padawan learner.

Will took our family pictures which I smile at daily because they are so beautiful. And when he asked me to take some pictures of his family, I was very honored and a little scared. But hey, it's Will and Peggy, and Bill and Sheryl and Shannon! I had a blast freezing my fingers off. I think they did too. This was a fun time with my dear friends.

The Grahams are so fun. They ALWAYS make me laugh. They are funny. Shannon used to be our babysitter until she grew up and become this hot momma of a young woman. Sheryl is the glue of the family, she makes it all stick together and work in harmony.

Bill is Bill. He's funny, he never leaves you guessing what he is thinking, and deep down, he is just the kindest guy. He is that guy you are glad is on your team.

Jeb and I still shake our heads at how grown up Shannon is. She is so beautiful and spunky. Thank you Shannon for always being the fun sitter for our kids at a moment's notice. Shannon is too good to us.

If the Grahams were in a band, I would have to insist that Bill is the lead singer, he's so unpredictable, Sheryl for sure on Tamborine, Shannon on Drums, Will on lead guitar and Peggy on Bass. We can always try it out on Guitar Hero!

Thanks you my dear friends. I loved every second of it.

Noah Pitt

2010-01-12T06:00:00.000-08:00

Noah and I go back. Way back to the times of middle school. The awkward years. The years when I resembled an ostrich, all legs, odd torso, I hid my head in the ground a lot.

We grew up together. And I am so glad to still call him friend. He is the funniest guy. He has the driest sense of humor and he also has this beautiful family.

I asked Noah, "How did you get such a hottie Noah?"

He just smiles because he knows he scored in the wife department.

And his baby, that precious little girl. She was so good. I contemplated taking her home with me. But then there is the feedings, the diapers, the crying, not so much for me. But I was close.

I don't know why I like this one but I do. It's like the moon rising, it's a head rising over the other shiny head.

When Noah asked me to take pictures of his family. I told him, I was going to do some amazing stuff. I was going to make him look like Brad Pitt. So without further adieu, I present Noah Pitt.

Thanks Noah and Ash for letting me freeze with you guys on that lovely afternoon. I enjoyed so much spending time with you and getting checked on by the police. Anything for a good photo, right?

Baby Sydney, if your dad will allow, you may come over and date my little men when you are old enough. Until then, just come over so I can remember what it's like to have little babies around.

A La Famille...An Honor

2010-01-11T08:02:00.000-08:00

This day was truly an honor. Documenting a moment in time of people I love with all my heart, my husbands' family. The lighting was gorgeous. The location, unexpectedly perfect and trecherous at the same time.

Introducing, my darling family I married into...

These pictures were brought to you by the letter S. S stands for my awesome assistant Jeb, I call him assistant SHNOOKEMS.

I chose to go with a grainy finish on this one, it worked for me, it was also tricky to sharpen.

This tree rocked my world. I could not believe all the leaves were still attached. Can you? I love this next picture.

I love this family. My neighbors, my friends, my dear ones. They are the kindof people that when you are around them, time stands still and you just enjoy the moments. We love them so much we bought a house three houses away. Lucky them...

And here is my attempt at a u2 type of picture. Too bad my f stop was a little low. I will nail it next time. I still love the picture.

My niece London. Without her, my oldest would simply have a boring and pointless existence.

Look at these guys. Jeb's brother and his family. They are from Tennessee and still smiling in 19 degree weather. I love this picture because they are so dear to me and they are so beautiful. Even poor Caris whom was a little colder than most.

I told them the cold was going to put hair on their chests.

I really love this next picture. It's what I expect the best of buds to be like... Sisters, they love and they war. But they are always eachothers greatest ally's.

The nephews, Barrett and Todd. Couldn't you just kiss them? In an aunty with red lipstick kindof way?

Barrett is the first teenage grandson on this side of the fam. He is kind, he is unique and I absolutely adore him. We went shopping and convinced him to get some killer jeans, a jacket, a hat and some sunglasses. Aeropostale was having a sweet sale. The Aviators sunglasses were the best. I did not take pictures of him in them because I knew Beth would most likely kill me.

Todd is my missing child if I had one. He belongs in my gene pool. He looks like he could be one of my offspring. I love his face, his sweet demenor. He is beyond cute and tough at the same time. Another thing about Todd that I love, he sucks his thumb and rubs his ear at the same time. If you are close enough he might grab yours instead.

The people who started all this happiness...Pam and Bruce. Could you ask for better, kinder in-laws? Nope, but I wouldn't trade mine for anything. They are very dear to me.

I married Jeb because I knew some day he would turn into his dad. Bruce is a great man and we are so lucky to call him papa.

And here we are, me and my shmoopy, assistant Shnookems. We had a great, fridged time taking pictures is below freezing conditions. Next time we shoot like that, it will be with coats and snowballs in hand.

Post note: I know it seems like some favoritism for the southerners who travelled so far to be in town with us. I do plan on shooting Tiffany and Michaels family, A LOT :)

Taking pictures of a photographer

2010-01-05T06:46:00.000-08:00

This is a slightly unnerving experience. To be asked to shoot another photographer and his family. It makes me swallow hard and want to meditate on doing my best job possible. And then I come back down to earth and realize a couple of things...

*Chill out woman, it's only Will. You've known him since it was cool to wear high tops with ankle socks.
*You love this family, all of them. They have always made your day with their humor and whit. You feel like one of them. It's a perfect match.
*The photog on the other side of the lense wouldn't have asked if he thought you sucked.

The results...another fun day with Will and his fam. Here is a peak...a little bad a. I say.

A Twilight Photoshoot...

2010-01-02T20:15:00.000-08:00

I have been wanting to shoot these people since I picked up the camera. They are beautiful, they make it all look so good and rich and full. They are my family and I cannot wait to share more!

Merry Merry, Tam and Fam

2009-12-26T06:53:00.000-08:00

Here's to you and yours this most blessed time of year. Tamara, I think you will be pleased with these. I think your family is so amazing. They radiate happiness, excitement for every moment.

There was also something powerful behind the Niewlys, a strong bond of love between husband and wife. Sometimes people don't like posing for kissy pictures, but there is something so powerful in capturing smooches. I feel lucky to witness it. And the sun was very cooperative as well.

I LOVE RED. It is the best contrasting color. I also love Zach. He is such a free spirit.

There is a wonderment in a parent's eyes when they look at their wee ones and think, "I cannot believe you are mine. Thank you for being mine."

Thank you for another excellent time Niewly's. The weather was perfect. The location excellent and the company was fabulous. I wish you the greatest happiness ever in the cold land of the north. Take care and enjoy living closer the family. It is such a joy!

Tamara...a perfect day to shoot

2009-12-21T14:39:00.000-08:00

Here is a peak from my next shoot with Tamara and her family.

It was warm out.

The sun was awesome.

The mountains, so clearly seen.

The Niewly's were splendid.

I got to see Micah again! I got to see Tamara again and her whole gang, it was fun.

More to come.

Tamara and her men...

2009-12-17T13:21:00.000-08:00

You remember Tamara? My giveaway winner!!!! She is my blood sister, she is surrounded by testosterone. And she, like me, loves it! You can tell that her family is her life energy. In spending time with them, I found myself reflecting on my own family.

I looked at Austin, the oldest and thought, what a promising young man. He's so confident. He carries himself like he is ready for life and what is has to bring. When did our babies, our precious sons grow up to be such amazing young men?

And then there is Zach...the ladies man. He was such a bud to me while shooting. We raced, we laughed, he bounced, I followed. To have that kind of energy again, I could be the best mom in the world.

And the precious Micah. His little persona is so sweet and cute. You literally want to squeeze that kid when you see him. He is so easy! Seriously easy. He was chilly but never made a peep. A protest. He moved when I asked him to. He smiled on demand. That's the kind of kid I want in my house. A fabity cutie pie good listener.

Thank you for the fun afternoon. Sorry it was so chilly. I cannot wait for round two!

Julie and Mike and their girls with the eyes

2009-12-08T05:27:00.000-08:00

Julie is one of those women whom I respect. She is courageous, she has spunk, and she can let loose. She has the most beautiful family. Her girls are so beautiful with their piercing eyes. Her husband is the hardest worker I know. He is a medical resident (uggghhh, long hours, no sleep, lots of stuff to learn), but to see them all together is like poetry.

Julie, it was so great to see you so happy with the whole family together. Thanks for spending some time with me. Mike, best of luck on that residency. Fords, Georgia is so much warmer than Colorado, currently 7 degrees outside. I don't think Georgia will ever see those temps.

Happiness is being together

2009-12-07T11:44:00.000-08:00

My girlfriend Julie called and asked if I could take some pictures of the fam while her husband was in town. I was so excited. Her family is darling. Take a peak and you will see why.

My first giveaway WINNER...Tamara you are a rock star

2009-12-03T08:01:00.000-08:00

I instantly feel like a "blood brother" when I meet someone who's offspring consist of males. Tamara and I could be blood sisters. She has three children, all strapping young men. Not to mention a kind and dear husband to boot.

They have some sweet air guitar skills. I kindof have the urge to bust out the Guitar Hero and play with them! Austin, for sure you get the lead guitar as long as you jump like that when you play.

Needless to say, we had an enjoyable afternoon at an old military establishment turned swanky neighborhood. Good times!

This is Happiness

2009-12-02T08:22:00.000-08:00

was contacted by this couple from my friend Laura Neiman. La la girl, you are the best.

Meet the Browns.

This family warmed my heart just being around them. The kids were beautiful and two years-old. Very independent. The Browns, handled this with the up-most grace and patience. I felt like just being in the presence of the kids was a sheer joy to the Browns.

We chased those adorable twins around and posed wherever they were happy. I should have shown up in a blond wig, however, because cute little boy kept giving me the stranger danger look. So I had to sneak up behind him with the lens.

Thank you Browns for the fun afternoon. Thank you for loving your kids so much. As a mother, who loves my kids more than anything, it was so nice to see that you truly felt the same way about yours. It was a picture perfect afternoon. Talk to you soon.

The Browns, A Preview

2009-11-30T12:07:00.000-08:00

This shot gave me a little more faith in humanity. Sometimes when I am watching the news and hear about things that happen to innocent children, I think, "Where are all the good parents out there? The ones deserving children and will treat them awesome?" I met those deserving parents last week.

On my birthday, I had a lovely shoot with the Browns. My "cup felt full" after the shoot. The Browns were so sweet to those darling children. They doted on them. They gave them endless kisses. I looked at those kids and thought, "You guys are so lucky to have such kind and loving parents." And because it was my special day, I am giving them a few prints for free. What can I say? If it's my special day, it should be everyone's special day.

Twins, bow down to their parents!

2009-11-24T06:38:00.000-08:00

Photographing these boys and their family was like watching a comedy. They were so funny.

These boys were precious. They were spontaneous. They are my friends' boys and I have to say I have a little crush on them.

Next time, I will pay my friend just to watch the kids. I give the twins 2 thumbs up and five stars! They were that entertaining.

I asked Eric and Samar, "Oh my gosh, you must laugh all the time when those boys are awake."

Eric said, "Yeah, we laugh. But we also cry."

Touche. I would cry too. You are completely out numbered.

These boys operated on their own agenda.

And you know what? That is fine. Let them be kids, let them be spontaeous! I am just here to enjoy the ride and document it. I really enjoyed the ride. It was wild. I got snow in my shoes. I got snow-soaked shirts and pants. I left feeling a little lighter from all the happiness these kids brought to their family.

The big sister is darling, gorgeous, and really good with the boys. You get a real sense of sibling love. She is a gem of a sister. She was kind and patient. She has the most amazing dimples. Her parents are beyond lucky to have her.

Samar and Eric thank you for letting me document your beautiful lives. Samar, I promise not to post any pictures of slumber parties from freshman year with our gnarly bangs. It was fabulous to see you. I cannot wait to see you again.

Cheers,

These guys NEVER stop...a peak

2009-11-22T17:13:00.000-08:00

Last Saturday I got to meet up with an old high school friend and her family. Can I tell you how fun it is to see your friends' whom you loved growing up lead happy adult lives? It was fabulous for me, and a privelege, to spend a spot of time with Samar's family. She has identical twins. They are boys and they are BUSY. I laughed the whole time. I found that I had a lot of pictures just chasing them. Ahhhh....boys. Thankfully they have a kind and gorgeous older sister to wrestle them into shape.

3730 Meade St Denver, CO 80211

2009-11-18T22:51:00.000-08:00

Click here for a virtual tour of this home.

Virtual Tour of the Gorgeous and Cozy Meade Street Home in the Highlands of Denver. Schedule your appointment to see this house from Dan Wisdom of Wisdom Real Estate. See the beautiful Hard-wood floors, updated kitchen and full basement.

GREAT BUNGALOW IN HOT LOCATION. JUST 5 BLOCKS TO HIGHLANDS SQUARE. NEW CHAMPION WINDOWS, UPDATED KITCHEN & BATH. BONUS THEATER ROOM W EXPOSED BRICK. ALL APPLIANCES STAY. GREAT BLOCK,YARD & BRICK GARAGE. WALK TO SUNFLOWER MKT & 24 HR FITNESS

Subdivision: Highlands

Year Built: 1926

Lot Size: 5,290

County: Denver

Total Square Feet: 1,355

Finished Square Feet: 884

Basement finished percent: 50

Car Spaces: 1

Beds: 2

Beds On Main Floor: 2

Baths: 1

Baths on Main Floor: 1

Style: Ranch / One Story

Property Faces: West

Elementary School: Edison

Middle School: Skinner

High School: North

School District: Denver

MLS#: 827604

9799 Burberry Way Highlands Ranch, CO 80129

2009-11-18T22:44:00.000-08:00

Click here to view the virtual tour.

Check out this beautiful home in Highlands Ranch. Schedule a showing for this home by Dan Wisdom of Wisdom Real Estate. This home has awesome mountain views, a hot tub, 4 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, and backs to a greenbelt. Don't miss it!

Price: $269,900
Property Type: Single Family

Year Built: 1998

Lot Size: 6,534

County: Douglas

Total Square Feet: 1,983

Car Spaces: 2

Beds: 4

Beds On Upper Floor: 3

Beds In Basement: 1

Baths: 4

Baths on Main Floor: 1

Baths in Basement: 1
Elementary School: Eldorado

Middle School: Ranch View

High School: Thunderridge

School District: Douglas

Directions: C470 TO BROADWAY, SOUTH ON BROADWAY TO LUCE NT BLVD TURN RIGHT (WEST) TO TIMBERVALE. F OLLOW TIMBERVALE TO THE 2ND BURBERRY HOUSE IS ON THE CORNER.

MLS#: 827549

Independent Miss Thing...the Claydens

2009-11-18T07:00:00.000-08:00

There is nothing I like more than a girl with a mind of her own. A girl who cannot wait to get to the world because the world looks so awesome when you are 30 inches tall. Here she is on her approach to love my camera. I let her.

And then there is her brother! Wow, those eyes, that amazing face. I was ready to give him my camera...not quite, but close. And why is he smiling? What did mom do to make the world so flippin' awesome?

Mandi and Dave are another one of those easy on the eyes couple. Mandi's smile is so effortless.

Dave has this great, dry sense of humor. Perfect for my personality. I was raised with dry and whitty people.

Go get em Reese.

Thank you Claydens for a supremely fun shoot. Thank you Dave for "letting" me show you about the camera. I know my advice was "helpful."

Sunny Days with Stefanie and Kevin

2009-11-17T07:00:00.000-08:00

The sad finale of my shoot with the McMinns. I say sad because I really like them and want to hang out with them when the lense isn't up their nose. People are coming out of the woodwork saying they know the McMinn's. So, if you are from Idaho, or are a dentist, chances are you know the McMinns. They are the nicest (period). Such kind people.

I love the movement of this next image. It's such a happy image.

I love the breezy energy of this next image. Stef is such a hottie. Really Kevin, do you know what a lovely wife you have?

The Duchess...Baby McMinn

2009-11-12T14:45:00.000-08:00

Do you remember what is was like to hold a new baby? Not too squirmy, not too heavy, just a cloud of heaven in your arms?

How awesome is it to be a parent of something so small and completely dependent on you? About as awesome as realizing that you are completely dependent on that child. Your existance didn't make sense before that little being became part of your life. The transformation from just you to having a baby is indescribable.

I loved being around Stefanie and the duchess McMinn for a spell, it was magic to be in the presence of someone whom you know relishes the precious moments with a little baby.

And the baby has this awesome hair. It is the coolest thing since Aqua Net hair spray. My hair would never have that much body, no matter how much hair spray I use.

Thank you Stefanie for letting me witness your joy. Perhaps a little of your pain with having an independent two-year-old plus a baby girl.

And hey, since when did they start making leg warmers so cute and cozy for babies? I never had those. And my sons didn't either. Admittedly, I would never let them wear leg warmers. Just like I would never paint their toe nails or draw faces on their tummies with lip liner.

The McMinn's After Dark...An experiment

2009-11-11T07:00:00.000-08:00

I turned my clocks back when I was supposed to. I love GAINING an hour of sleep or life every fall. I scheduled a photoshoot I was so excited for. We made plans, worked around the sun and met...IN THE DARK. So we decided to go for it anyway and it was fun, way fun. I got to push my camera to its limits. The McMinn's got to freeze in the crisp evening air and it was a great time.

I decided I have a girl crush on Rylee and want to take care of little Sophie. Sophie is a GREAT baby. Not a peap, not a poop, not a whiney, just a few bubbles was all Sophie uttered. That, my friends, is my kind of baby.

This was the first of three shoots with this family. I really enjoyed getting to know them. They are beyond kind to eachother and to me. I feel like we are old friends. I appreciate how comfy they were in front of the lense. More to come, this time with the sun!

A special giveaway...

2009-11-10T07:36:00.000-08:00

Is it just me? Or do you feel like playing Christmas music already? I know it's like the 10th of November, but this year feels so festive and happy, EARLY to me this year. I cannot wait for my dad's smoked turkey, my brother's laughter and jokes at the dinner table, GG just being there. So why not do a giveaway?

I have many skillz. But none that anyone would try to win in a giveaway. My toilet cleaning skills are mad, my homework helping skills are stellar, my nun-chuck skills are beyond. But who, who I ask you would be willing to try to compete for any of that stuff? I hear crickets churping, silence. But, my photography is, and I am giving away a nice photog package THIS FRIDAY at the Tip Junkie

Do check it out. Tell your friends. Tell your family. Spead the word. I will be shooting someone (with my lense) soon!