Introducing Brittany

Not much to say...this beauty rocked her senior portraits like a pro model. When I can walk away with a smile on my face and wanting to shoot more....then you know it was the perfect session.

Check it.....

Best Friends

 I was sitting here tonight editing some pictures of my daughter's best friend Hannah. Yesterday we went out and got a few shots and decided to get some more in today. Along the way, the girls decided they wanted some photos of the two of them, but not your traditional 'best friends forever' pictures. They wanted to have a little fun. Whatever, I was happy to appease them.

Their relationship reminded me of my best friend relationships of my own as a child. Two of my best friends were Tina and Karen. We did some crazy things together and those memories have stuck throughout my life. Thanks to social media, I'm happy to be in an online interactive relationship with both of them now.

Although I can't speak for boys, I'm sure the importance is just the same. Your childhood best friend, especially as a teen is crucial and perhaps one of the most if not THE most important relationship in your life....thus far. Your best friend is your go to person for every decision you make, for every tear you weep, and crush you have. Young girls need their friends.

Hannah is a staple in our home. She stays for days at a time, and has been a constant figure in our home this summer. We adore her.

Cheers to Hannah and Nicole! I love your energy, your wit, sense of humor and zest for life. Thanks for the time warp.

I'm not sure what look they were going for.....

This one I like....

Em......

They really weren't pulling their hair hard.

okay....

I don't get the mustache craze, but they do.

A recent figure skating competition in Vacaville, Ca. 1st place winners.

The lovely Hannah....our stray cat.

I kinda like this one too...

 

My Favorite Subjects

 Without a doubt and it should be no surprise to anyone that my favorite subjects are my children. Each year , just before school starts, I take my kids out for a session.  This year, I took my daughter and her bestie, Hannah. I'm still working on Hannah's pictures but figured I'd throw up a few of my daughter in the meantime.

I'm surprised I was able to get anything given the isolated thunderstorms we worked with. Rain, wind, hail, and more rain. We were either hiding under trees or running to a nearby restroom for cover. Ultimately, we did cut the session short, but planned another one to ensure I get plenty for Hannah. Not a bad start though.....

My 10 year old son, aka, assistant, is under this umbrella playing with his IPOD. I guess I should have offered to pay him more.

 

Who says New Yorkers are rude?

 Let me tell you, Tina and Bill are two of the warmest people I have had the pleasure of working with. It's no surprise, their families are equally warm and inviting. And the best part....all of which are full of emotion and expression, just the way I like it. The way it should be on your wedding day.

 

The Perfect Wedding

 Somewhere out in the desert is a gracious woman and her temple. The perfect setting.

When we arrive, we feel as though we are completely alone out in the desert. It's calm, quiet and serene. Suddenly, softly, this woman appears. The minister. It's as if she just came out of nowhere, oh wait, she did.

There is a gentle breeze and it lifts the heat from our bodies just enough to soothe us.

After a few moments and the confirming of details, the ceremony begins. It's just the 5 of us. My daughter, my granddaughter, my son-n-law to be and the minister. It's exactly the way the couple wants it and it's perfect.

I don't remember much about those few precious moments. I was balling. I was balling, shooting and operating the video camera. Which I failed to turn on,

What I do know is that it was the Perfect Wedding. Just as perfect as holding my granddaughter for the first time, or being there in the delivery room when my grandson was born. (then rushing off to shoot a convention)

These are the moments in life that I take in and hold onto them dearly. How lucky am I that I am able to record every one of those special moments throughout my children's lives?

 

The Art of Downtime-Virginia City, Nv

 When I am feeling the stresses of life, I grab my camera and go. Even when I am not feeling the stresses of life, I grab my camera and go. It's my own personal therapy and it's what keeps me lifted and focused. (scuse the pun)

I don't care how many times I visit Virginia City, I can always find something new to shoot. A nearby fire..or not so near actually, gave me a boost in color and contrast while creating this glow in the sky.

                                                 St Mary's

                                                  

                                                Not sure what they were, but they were new to me. Random old structure. Totally my kinda stuff.

                                              The Bison Fire outside Gardnerville, Nv

                                            Used a different lens to bring in Virginia City

                                                A peek inside St. Mary's. Without a tripod, all I could do was hold my breath, hold my camera on a long exposure, and hope for the best. Which quickly reminded me of a photographer named Tony who recently commented on the use of a light meter and tripod. Infact, his spot on comments rang true to me throughout the day as I fought wind, and lighting issues. Kicking myself all day.

                                              
                                                    So they have this store in VC that sells all sorts of sports stuff. Below is a super duper diahard Steelers Fan. The moment she saw this hoodie, she had to have it. Nevermind that it was 98 degrees.

                                                   Oh yeah, she had to have these too.
                                                             

                                             I LOVE creepy, old houses.

                                              Just when I thought I had taken my last shot for the day, we came upon a herd of wild mustangs.  Thanks so much for making this easy on both of us.

                                         

                                                 I believe this gorgeous palamino is the stud of the herd.

   
                                                And this is The Horse Whisperer...aka Eric Toner.

                                                   Naturally, I had to try and get a decent shot.

                                                Another random building I had to tweak some additional character into.

                                        And lastly, I would like to call this..."United We Stand, Divided We Fall"

 

The Madagascars

Not really. That is not their last name.  Each time I think of Briana and Brian, I think of Madagascar. That's where they are taking their honeymoon. Perhaps the coolest place ever for a honeymoon. But, that's what happens when your clients are super cool people.