I'm begging you. . .

If I could only photograph one thing for the rest of forever, what would it be? I read this question last week and the voice in my head shouted: Weddings! Because they are exciting and magical and romantic.
But then my heart chimed in with a quiet, yet strong "Families."

I think the greatest work I ever do, which makes the most impact on humanity, is family portraits.
This belief was reaffirmed just this weekend when I viewed a beautiful family portrait including the father of a dear family who was taken home too early.
I am begging you. Save these moments! Get a family portrait taken! Do it now. Do it soon. Do it often. Take them with any camera you have or hire a professional. And then, print them! Make them real.
Our families are just too precious not to.

 

Twin Falls Engagment Photography

I have been so blessed to relocate to Twin Falls! I'm pleased to present my first engagement shoot since moving back to Idaho. This is a fun couple - and, may I say, VERY in love!! Congrats, you two! I can't wait to shoot the wedding!

 

 

I Miss My Sister!

Whenever I have a crazy idea for a shot and need a gorgeous model, my little sister is always game! I miss her and am pretty sure she should move to Idaho and live in my office. I would even blow up an air mattress for her! Yep. That spot right there in the corner is all her's!

Day 4

 Pretty good. Straight out of camera looks good. Bumped up the highlights and we have one ADORABLE Oreo monster!

SOOC, f/2.5, 1/100, ISO 200, 50 mm

Highlights increased in Lightroom

Day 3

If you are up making cookies at 12:30 am, that counts as a new day, right? I am taking small 8-10 minute power naps between each dozen (thank you trusty microwave timer). Totally worth it though. BEST COOKIES EVER! Seriously though. They are.

SOOC, f/2.0, 1/60, 800 ISO, 50 mm

Film-less Day 2

Because I felt like redeeming myself, here is gorgeous shot #20. I'll get this snow thing yet!

Last night, snow fell. It is still coming down. I haven't taken a picture in the snow for a year, so sure, let's give it a go!
No peeking photo #1 was a tragic failure! I will not be posting that one.
But, #2 wasn't too bad I guess. Overexposed for sure but I was going for that "WOW you live in a winter wonderland (or frozen tundra)" effect.

#2: SOOC, f/2.8, 1/200, ISO 200, 50mm

#2: A little Photoshop burning and I'd say salvageable.

#2: And finally, some extra love in Lightroom.

Cute boys, yes? And homemade too!

Project: Film-less

I dusted off my film camera yesterday. It felt good in my hands and I began to crave the dark room. Remember when you couldn't see the results instantaneously? When you really only had one shot and you'd better get it right? So, wondering if I was still capable of loading a roll of film, I went to Walgreen's to buy a battery. They are pretty pricey -- more than I remember them being nine years ago (Shut up! It has NOT been that long, has it?!) -- so I left it there. It is for the best. I can't afford film right now either. Also not exactly sure where I would find film without a little internet hunting.

Then I had an idea! Just shut off the display on the digital. 100% manual. And no peeking! I tried it and it was hard not to check my exposure meter (although I'm not sold on that being off-limits yet). I chose my settings, composed the image, and took ONE picture.

SOOC f/1.8, 1/60, ISO 200, 50mm

I'm not gonna lie, I'm a little disappointed. And, because apparently I have an addiction, I went ahead and edited it after the upload.

Brighter is Better!

So, this year's project: every day I'm going to take a photo - just ONE - of something I am doing. 100% manual, no display. Just like in the "old days." Think more, shoot less. It's a goal, anyway:). We'll see how this goes.

How long should unpacking take!

Well, we did it! My sweet, wonderful husband graduated. I am now married to . . . A DOCTOR! Woo Hoo! Sadly, that also meant I had to leave Texas, a place I did not expect to fall in love with. But, on the up side, (definitely the up side!) my honey got a real life job and we have returned to gorgeous Idaho! Also a place I did not expect to love when I was first transplanted in Rexburg 5 years ago from sunny AZ.

So, I'm STILL unpacking. The cameras made it out first, but have seen little action and I'm dying to get reacquainted with shooting in the snow. Quick! First senior shoot $50 off! (did you see how I buried that little coupon in the middle of the paragraph? Sneaky, huh :)

I did get a chance to play a bit over the holidays. I am working on developing a line of fine art for sale on canvas. Currently I'm editing my first -- a top secret shot my models haven't even seen yet -- but since I honestly don't have much to show off right now (with the packing and the unpacking and such) here is a sneak peek. It is still a work in progress, but should hopefully be available for sale in the next month or two. Can you guess what it is?

Baby Ryker

Once again my family has been blessed with a beautiful, healthy, happy baby! We are so grateful to welcome my nephew, Ryker, to this big, crazy family. Good to meet you baby boy!

RJ

This weekend I had the privilege to work with one of the most beautiful, wonderful, fun girls I know -- and her baby RJ. This was my first-ever photo shoot with horses and was so much fun. She even convinced me to hop up and take a ride - my first time on a horse in over ten years! (My mother would be so ashamed!) Thank you for sharing your afternoon with me. It was a blast!