10-8, Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta

For the 2nd year in a row, my family and I have attended the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta with friends.  Each year the experience was completely different, but there was one aspect that was exactly the same-- the enjoyment factor.  This year was extra special because our kids got to go on their first balloon ride together, and my husband and I got to simultaneously go on a ride in a different balloon together.  (How fun is it that the wife took our kids up in her balloon and the husband took us up in his, right?!)  It was amazing!  The fiesta is such a refreshing experience.  I really have a hard time putting words to it, but the one that keeps popping into my head is "awesome".  I do not, however, have a hard time putting the experience to imagery.  The experience itself is just as vibrant as the balloons.  I look forward to continuing this family tradition for years to come!

Me (picture left) with some of the crew. 

Our kids going up on their first balloon ride.

My son can never again claim, "you don't let me do anything!"
There they go!

10-14, Look at how they've grown!

I only recently discovered this location for sessions.  In one week, I went there three times-- once with my own kids to scout and twice for sessions.  Each visit was vastly different from the company I was with to the weather we experienced (one day, endured....boy was it cold).  This session was actually my last visit of that particular week, and it was a great way to wrap it up.  I hadn't seen all three of these kids together since their session last fall.  I couldn't believe how much each one had grown and matured.  I had to laugh at the one thing that hadn't changed.  When I said, "OK!  I need a model," two of the three came running... like competitively running.  It was awesome.  Although they each clearly wanted that 'job', they were polite enough to concede to the other if they didn't make it to the spot first.  It was so funny and charming.  Most kids (umm.... like my own....) grumble when I ask for a model, I loved that these kids were willing participants.  The littlest one, being only 5, wasn't as enthused as his siblings and the methods used to employ his attention were so funny we were all left giggling.  I hope the images from this session capture the fun we all had together that afternoon.   I know that when I look at these images I will be reminded of a beautiful fall day with the changing leaves and changing children and be thankful for the special reminder of how precious these days are.  

Wouldn't these wall art collections be amazing in their home?!

10-12, Sweet Love

Every 8-10 weeks, this lovely lady whips up her magic to make me beautiful.  Now, the roles were reversed and it was my turn to show her beauty and that of the love with her charming husband.  Still almost newlyweds, the adorable factor on these two was quite high.  The power of their love almost warmed up the 40-degree temperatures we endured for this session.  Whether the smiles are authentic or frozen into place, we'll never know.  But what I do know, is that these two make a beautiful couple-- inside and out.  It was such a pleasure to finally meet the man in her life and spend time with both of them.  I wish the weather would have been a little bit better, but as Coloradans they were up for the challenge and came through with shining colors.  Thanks for the window into your world, you two, it was certainly a beautiful view!

I think any of these wall art collections would look stunning in their home!

And the winner is.....

...... I'm so excited to get these beautiful images up on their walls.

Nothing is as wonderful as a visual reminder of something so special.

Thank you, C & C, for a wonderful session and my own happy memory!

10-13, Corporate Headshot

Lately, I've been looking to expand the headshot aspect of my photography business.  I was thrilled to receive a cold call from someone who had seen my ad in our neighborhood newsletter and was contacting me for headshots.  She was pleased that I was nearby and it was easy to make our schedules mesh.  I was pleased that I was taking a step in the direction on this path I've been wanting to follow.  When she looks at these images, I don't know if she sees what I see but to me it is obvious.  I see confidence radiating from her eyes, professionalism in her bearing, and kindness from her easy smile.  The sum of her parts create her whole, and the beauty she possesses, both inside and out, is transparent in these images.   It was a pleasure doing business with her!

9-24, The leaves, they are a changing....

Enjoy these images of the elusive high country aspen in the Colorado Rockies.

9-16, Power Shot

It was such a privilege to photograph this lovely lady for a headshot session.  I received the referral through my husband and his Navy network.  Tena is active duty Navy about ready to embark on a new professoinal path in the civilian sector.  As a military academy graduate myself and having spent 8 years in the Navy Reserve, I have a special place in my heart for service members-- especially the women.  It takes perseverance to survive and succeed in a male-dominated world.  I can see from the glimmer in her eye and the respect for which she is treated that Tena has come through her military career with flying colors.  I'm so excited for her and her new venture, and I look forward to following her on her next path to success.  This session was remarkable.  Just as her closet is filled with an assortment of uniforms for various occasions, with the change of wardrobe and hair her demeanor and presentation were drastically altered as well.  I love the progression from the first image (as my husband sees her in a working environment) to the last photo (a confident, beautiful woman ready to take charge).  Military woman excel at versatility; they are beautiful on the inside and out whether buttoned up or letting their hair down.  Best of luck to you, Tena, I have no doubt with your experience and confidence you will move mountains!