7-9, Deception Pass

Of all of my vacation photos, this series was the one I was most anticipating the editing process.  These were taken at Deception Pass on our way to Whidbey Island, Washington.  It was the perfect combination of dark and light, sun and fog, and now.....black and white.  I know which two will be going into frames in our house....do you?

7-7, Puget Sound Sunset

I discovered something about myself while I was shooting 300+ images of sunsets over the waters of Puget Sound:  I don't particularly like shooting sunsets.  I was not inspired, I was not motivated, and I was keenly aware that if I looked at the sun through my viewfinder I would blind myself.  After the fact, I'm overwhelmed with the editing options.  I've always been naturally inclined to photograph scenes as they are and not edit them into something they were not.  However, with sunsets, I believe most images you see have been edited to the point of creating an entirely new image hardly recognizable from the scene that was photographed.  So, I've spent my share of time in PS editing these images trying to find the balance between the authentic scene I was capturing and the punch necessary for sunset shots.  The final truth comes down to this: the next time I want to see a beautiful sunset, I'll grab a glass of wine instead of my camera.  I'll leave sunsets (at least for now) to the next guy!

7-3, Oh, Happy Day

A few months ago, I purchased a new Tamron lens, the 70-200mm.  I loved what I saw and went back for more.  Last month, while on vacation, I ordered its complement the Tamron 24-70mm.  I love that we were on vacation with family when I opened up the box from B&H.  What a wonderful excuse to capture my family (who's already tired of having their pictures taken, LOL.....): "I have to test out my new lens."  So, meet my family (at least the ones who were within shooting distance, anyway):

My Dad

My Mom

My Dad and Brother

My Husband

Our Son

Our daughter (notice there are several of her-- she was the least likely to object.  HA!)

Tamron's not Nikon, but from my experience with these two lenses, I'm ok with that!  

6-30, St. Ignatius, Montana

We recently went on a 3.5 week, 3800 mile family road trip.  I couldn't wait for the scenic opportunities that awaited me and my cameras.  These first photos were taken at the St. Ignatius Mission with my Nikon D3100.  It's the 'carry around' camera we bought to take to China two years ago.  The other photos were taken from a viewing area near the Bison Range and from a path in the Ninepipe Wildlife Refuge with my Nikon D300 and Tamron 70-200mm lens.  I have to say that I'm pleased with the results of both camera/lens sets.  It doesn't hurt to have a place as photogenic as Montana to test them out, either!

The St. Ignatius Mission 

The Bison Range Viewing Area

Ninepipe Wildlife Refuge

6-24, Beautiful Baby Girl

I love taking pictures of cute babies (who doesn't, right?).  It's even better when the cute baby is a family member-- and one you haven't met yet!  This adorable little girl is my cousin's baby.  (I remember when my cousin was the cute baby and she looked a whole lot like this!)  I enjoyed every minute of this pre-planned, long distance photo session in my hometown during a recent vacation.  It's not often I get to work with family and meet a new member!  How precious she is!!

The little, red wagon is a perfect prop for a session in Montana!

'Grandma' doesn't look like a grandma, but baby girl definitely knows her special role.

The only thing that would have made this photo even better would have been to have mom included.  I love the generation expanse of this image:  Baby, Grandma and Great-Grandma.

This image was made especially for her Grandpa (who taught my little boy to crawl at that age!).    Surely I can dig up a picture of my uncle demonstrating to my son how it's done.  I have no doubt this was repeated for baby girl!

It's all smiles when she's with her mom......

...... and dad.  What a beautiful, happy family!!

6-14, OT / Model / Author

We were fortunate to meet Britt last year, and our paths have crossed in several ways since then.  Through different avenues, she has been both of our kids' Occupational Therapist (think sensory functioning).  Though we saw her weekly, it seems like we were always learning new things about her.  "Oh, you're an author?  I didn't know that!', "Oh, you were a model?  I didn't know that!" And so the conversations went.  Getting back into photography, I couldn't let the opportunity to photograph a model pass me by.  And needing a new photo for her books and website, Britt was a willing participant.  A win/win for us both!  Britt was as beautiful as ever when we met for our shoot, but these days she has an extra twinkle in her eyes.  She has all these amazing things going on in her life, and now she's a glowing new bride as well.  Thank you, Britt, for all you've done for our family. And thank you also, for sharing your knowledge from the other side of the camera!  You're simply amazing!  We wish you all the best, both personally AND professionally!

'What do a Montana girl and Alabama girl have in common?  We're both easily amused by cows!'
These two were cracking us up.  They followed us along the fence line.  Apparently, they wanted their day to shine, too......
or maybe just to be fed!  LOL.....

Britt will be writing a book about yoga for kids with disabilities, so we took the time to work a few yoga poses into the session.

Namaste!

If you would like to learn more about Britt's professional work, please visit her website:

http://www.sensoryparenting.com/