Jessica+New York City

This is a followup to a previous blog I did about the opportunity I had to photograph a bridal session with my son, Nate, in New York City with Jessica. I made the attached video of some of my favorite images of the day. I don't remember having as much fun as I did that morning. Each photography assignment brings new energy, joy, laughter and excitement. But when you get to shoot someone as beautiful of Jessie in a setting like New York City and then to top it off, with one of your favorite photographers--who just happens to be your son--well, that is pure blissfully delight! In capturing beautiful images it is all about light and the light was breathtaking that morning. I'm sure you'll agree. Enjoy!

Oh...be sure and check out Nate's website and blog here. He will dazzle you!

Taylor + the moose-way home

I've known Taylor since his family moved to New Hampshire several years ago.  His older brother, Brandon,  was a good friend of my youngest son, Max.  It was a delight watching Brandon and Max grow from boys to men--a transition that happened in almost a blink.   I've always thought of Taylor as the kid brother, but now he too has crossed that threshold into manhood.   I had so much fun photographing his senior pictures that I had a hard time packing up my gear and calling it a day.  When my sons were young, we had an expression, "Let's take the moose-way home."  It had to do with a children's book where a moose from Maine took forever getting home as he wandered and explored new adventures along the way.  So after our early morning shoot at the beach, I told Taylor we were going to take the "moose-way" home.  He just grinned with much patience as I kept stopping to photograph him at yet another location.

Here are a few of my favorites from the morning.  As you can see, Taylor is an amazingly handsome and photogenic model.  Taylor, I had a great morning.  Thanks for your adventuresome spirit!

Happy Families - Part 2

In continuation of my Happy Family theme below, I want to share another amazing family I have had the privilege of photographing recently.   The occasion was their oldest daughter getting married and wanting to gather everyone together to celebrate the new addition to their family.

Rich and Anne have created a wonderful family culture where laughter and love abound.

One of my favorite shots was capturing Rich and Anne looking on as their children were laughing and goofing off.

And then joining in the frivolity.

Being able to record a piece of a family's history is a sacred honor that I cherish as a photographer.  Being able to take a slice of their life, their love, their laughter and preserving it in time is an amazing experience. Wow!  It doesn't get any better than that!!

Happy Families

I have always been intrigued by the first line in Leo Tolstoy's book, Anna Karenina, 

"Happy families are all alike; 

every unhappy family is unhappy in its own way."

What exactly is it that makes all happy families the same?  As a photographer, you have the privilege of witnessing a family in action.  It is pretty hard to fool the lens of a camera when it comes to happiness.  A lens will capture more than we sometimes want to share, but nonetheless it does.  It was my delight to photograph John and Malinda and their beautiful family.  I will admit that it is often challenging to get everyone focused and looking in relatively the same direction, but when you have the blessing of capturing a happy family, it is a DELIGHT!  To watch them interact in a joyful manner as they share with you the inner workings of their love and connectedness.  It is moments like this that I cherish.

And my favorite of the day...

I am convinced that the "alike" that Tolstoy was writing of was LOVE.  Happy families love each other.    And that is something that is pretty hard to fake if it isn't there.  Over and over again, it is the families that truly love each other that I as a photographer stand in awe of when I witness this sacred, delightful and inspiring virtue.

The Italian Tie

It all started with an Italian tie.  My 20 year old son, Max, who is serving a mission for our Church in Milan, Italy went to Florence on his weekly preparation day.  He took a train ride with three other missionaries for an adventure to soak in the culture, architecture, food, museums and "deals."   In Max's own words,

"One of the best parts of Florence was.....drum roll.....the ties!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  Beautiful silk Italian ties for 2.50!  I repeat 2.50 Euro!!!  Amazing!!!!  Haha, I bought 14!"  

Well, you have to know Max's heart.  He is one of the most generous kids I know.  He can't have the good fortune of getting an amazing deal and not sharing his loot with his family.   So this is the yellow tie that my husband Ken received in the mail a week later.  He wanted me to take a picture of him wearing it to send a thank you to Max.  So, I did a mini photo shoot in our adjoining office.  He looks quite handsome in his token of love from Italy.



Ken has been nothing but loving and supportive as I have pursued my photography dream.  He is always encouraging when I want to buy a new lens or one of my many camera bags (I have 7! --I collect them like most women do purses),  or attend a workshop in Philadelphia, Boston, New York, or Newport Beach.  It has been wonderful to share my learning and growth with someone who so enthusiastically cheers me on.  Huge cudos Ken!  I love you!

And what did my mighty son Max in Italy send me??  Well.....drum roll (as Max would say).....an Italian romance novel that he fished out of the dumpster!  "Sua Maesta Don Chisciotte" -- 293 pages of blissful love.  I'm sure when I figure this one out, I'll let you know-- but for now,  that has to be a story for a another day!

New York City with Nate and Jess

This past weekend was a whirlwind of photography bliss. My son Nate, who lives in Star, Idaho (check out his blog -- he is truly magnificent!), met me in NYC to photograph Jessica on a bridal shoot assignment. We were in heaven as we worked together to capture some great images. Jess is breathtakingly beautiful and has amazing graceful body movement -- making our job much easier. I will post more as I edit, but I couldn't resist sharing just a few. Enjoy!

This is one of my favorite images of the day.

It was fun capturing Nate showing Jessica some of his magic.

Jarom & Kristina

There is nothing like photographying a wedding. The love, the light, the excitement of the day are some of my favorite things to capture as I freeze moments in time. Jarom and Kristina were a delight to be with and it was an honor to share their sacred day in Boston. Here are a few favorites.




























As you can tell, I am really loving black and white images lately. This is my personal favorite of the day -- mostly because it tells such a wonderful story. Perhaps this young girl is dreaming of what her wedding day will be like many years from now. What do you think?

Gracie Angel

When my granddaugher, Gracie, was a little girl and would come for a visit, I would sing to her George Strait's song, "Heaven is Missing an Angel." It became one of our favorite background musics as we baked cookies or made snacks together in the kitchen. This summer I had the delight of watching her at one of her riding lessons and captured a few shots. She was so brave and confident!! Of course, there was no other choice but to put it to the music of "our song." She is growing up so fast, but she will always be my "Angel." This is dedicated to Gracie, my Angel, with lots of love from her Grandma. I hope you enjoy! (Remember to turn off the music below)

New York City....the final chapter

So here is my final chapter on the New York City piece. Just a few of my favorite images to share. Ken and I went for a nice long walk in Central Park and as you can appreciate -- wonderful slices of life everywhere that I wanted to capture. Here are a few. I hope you enjoy.













And finally...my favorite of the day.