Kelby, Middleton High, senior photography

Meet senior Kelby, a handsome, talented athlete and musician. I had such a great time photographing him. He brought a lot of charisma to the shoot and an almost chameleon-type way of transforming from musician, to athlete, to the handsome guy in a suit. Kelby, you made my job so very easy!

Child Photography, Faces of Kaylee

It's been a while since I have met such a confident, witty, self assured young lady. Miss Kaylee and I had fun taking these photos; she even let me fix her hair in a bunch of different styles. What a great way to spend a Saturday morning.









Check out this cute video of Kaylee's photo shoot. Kaylee, you are adorable!

Family Photography, Making Family Photos Fun

Today I had the opportunity to photograph a long-time neighbor/friend's family and I had a BLAST! Sometimes it can be difficult being creative with such a large group but we managed to get a little bit of humor into the photo shoot. I love taking funny shots!

Camp RiverRun 2009

Singing around the campfire, roasting marshmallows, fishing at the pond, and water balloon fights are just a few of the activities of campers attending Camp RiverRun. Sound like a typical summer camp? Not for these campers. Camp RiverRun is a camp for children with life-threatening diseases and illnesses, children who are unable to attend a traditional camp. Generous donations and many loving, caring volunteers make it possible for these children to experience camping activities, a chance for each of them to "feel normal" if only for one week out of the summer.

I have the honor of being the official CRR photographer, an opportunity that has blessed me abundantly. It is hard to express in words the joy I feel photographing these beautiful, vivacious children. So, here is to you: Jodie, Ryan, Jacob, Kyle, Zachary, Olivia, Madison, Kayla, Colton, Seth, Landon, McKenna, and Wes. Thank you for sharing your beautiful smiles with me!

Snapshots by the River

Sharing your Abundant Blessings

I often hear it is unsafe to keep your car door unlocked during this time of year. You could find your car full of zucchini if you aren't careful. This year I planted 14 zucchini plants. "What were you thinking?!!" you may ask. Well, you see my plan was to pick them everyday when they were small which worked great until I made a few overnight trips away from home, only to return to huge torpedoes. Since my little plan got out of hand I thought it might be nice to set out a container with the fruits of my labor by the roadside with a sign that reads:

FREE Zucchini
Pay it Forward
Share with Others

Not unlike my zucchini, many of us have been blessed in abundance (an extremely plentiful or oversufficient quantity or supply). Perhaps you've been blessed by an abundance of patience, monetary blessings, musical or artistic talent, athletically gifted, or an incredible abundance of love. We have the opportunity to share OUR gift of abundance with others, in fact, in special opportunities, our abundant blessings can be traded. This past week I had the opportunity to trade my photographic blessings (a family photo shoot) for a white water rafting trip down the Payette River. However, Mike (the river guide) got a little extra bonus: a BIG bag of freshly picked zucchini!

Above: Mike and his lovely family, photographed in Eagle by the river (August 10, 2009)

2010 Graduating Seniors

A few years ago Middleton High School, my alma mater, caught on fire and 70 % of the structure burned to the ground. The blaze started at the west end of the building and slowly moved east. Faculty and patrons from the community scrambled to save as many items from the building as they could before the blazes consumed everything. In our cafeteria hung senior photos of all the graduating classes since Middleton High School existed which dates back to the early 1960's. Frame by frame the photos were carried out with the importance of preserving something that could never be replaced, a priceless record of history.

One of my favorite things to do as a photographer is to take senior photos! The one-on-one artistic connection is powerful and I get excited about all the photographic moments that evolve during two hours of shooting. It is my goal to make each of my seniors feel relaxed and comfortable and to capture their unique and individual style. I feel honored to be given the opportunity to be a part of what truly is a priceless moment for our graduating seniors.

This Photo: Capital High senior, Kaylee.

Family Photo Sessions

Family reunions, Great Grandma's birthday, or gathering of the cousins, what better time to get all those kinfolk together for a friendly family photo.
Photos are taken on location at your favorite place and I make the experience painless and believe it or not, lots of fun.

I have some really fun products available this year: playing cards with your choice of image (great for family portraits); DVD's of your portrait session that looks and feels like a movie trailer (this is REALLY popular with my clients).
Don't forget Christmas cards. I have lots of really cool designs to choose from: hip, urban, funky or more traditional.

Give me a shout and let's make visual history together!

A New Beginning

I have never been one to be politically vocal.  In fact my husband, a lobbyist, is amazed that I occasionally fail to vote. Perhaps my political enthusiasm had been dulled with the belief that leadership came exclusively with degrees from Yale, big money, and being in the Good Old Boys Club. The election of Barack Obama has given me a new enthusiasm and renewed belief in politics.  

I am a registered Republican yet I voted for Obama.  His election has brought hope to many people in our nation.  Our spirits are low.  The tough economic times so many are facing has brought doubt and fear among many Americans.  Yet, I can see hope.  A hope that our nation will begin to define American leadership not by race or economic favor, but by dedication and a genuine mission to serve for the betterment of our nation.  Now, that is hope. That is something to get excited about.  That is something to believe in.  I heard this quote this morning and it touched me in a way that impelled me to share it with you: "Rosa sat so Martin could walk.  Martin walked so Obama could run.  Obama ran so our children can fly." 

Mr. Obama,  on this eve of your inaugeration I wish you strength and safety.  May all your goals and dreams for your term in office be fulfilled. May the citizens of our nation regain the hope and belief in themselves as well as their hope and belief in America.  God Bless America.