Just Breathe

Lately I have been working on meditating. This doesn't necessarily mean I have to sit and do nothing. I clear my mind, focus....focus on nothing...emptiness.....
It is so needed while living in a world that constantly barrages me with a force of "you should be this, doing that, looking this way, not that way." This little bamboo plant sits in an old jelly jar on my countertop. It seems content to just be....there. I want to be this, and instead of just proclaiming what I want I will make it so. I will transform my mind into what I feel it is made to be...just present, breath, smile, no past or present.

Rocky Mountain National Park

My husband and I went to Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado this weekend. I was enchanted by the old historic cabins from Never Summer Ranch. This ranch was really popular in the 1920's before it was part of the park. The cabins, grounds, corrals, all of it really, are left intact.

My website is not up and running yet, so I thought I'd put my investment sheet up for those who were asking about it. Hopefully next week the website will be up! (fingers crossed)

Everyone needs a quiet spot. These spaces we call our own help us to clear the head, fill the heart, and get inspired. Here is mine.

I was going through old photos today and just can hardly wait for my new studio equipment! It seems like it is taking forever, though I know it's only been a month since I have worked in-studio. Though I love outdoor and available light, I can get so creative with studio lights.

This is actually a photo my husband took of me, napping on the couch with our "baby". Her name is Chloe', and she is the love of our lives. Hopefully soon she will have a companion, but for now it's just her and the cat.

Cool Cat

Gunther Toody's is my favorite diner-style restaurant. The staff is super cute with 50's speak, and the burgers and shakes are old-school fabulous.

Lately I have been designing some different aspects of marketing. I finally decided on a business card for studio photography for children. I'm happy with it.....for now.

First Try

I was looking back to older files and found these. These were the very first photos I had ever taken, besides "point and shoot" images. I actually still kind of like them. It's weird to look back and see how much I've learned, and am still learning! I try not to get intimidated by others images when I see them. The first thing that comes to mind sometimes is that maybe I'm not talented, or that I'll never get to be as good as some others. This thought process does not a successful and happy person make though. To anyone who reads this: DO NOT EVER let others talent or opinions stop you from your passion, from your goals, from your life! I have many examples of those who ignored criticism from others as well as from themselves to come out the other side living the life they dreamed of. Sounds corny, but is oh-so-true.

As much as I love (and the parents too) those images of baby sitting up, or crawling, in a basket, and in the cutest of poses, sometimes it's nice to get a close-up of their gorgeous faces or cute little feet. They only stay that way so long before the baby fat goes away and they grow up. I think it's a good idea to capture them in this most innocent and fleeting time in their lives.

Red Rocks Ampitheatre holds the best concerts. The rocks gift the musicians with perfect acoustics, and a natural frame around the stage. I love when nature mixes with our modern world. And yet, I have to admit, nature always holds a stronger sense of power and simplicity than we ever can in our constantly changing fast-paced world.
This photo was taken at Red Rocks Ampitheatre during the day, when it is much quieter. I've yet to see a sky so blue as I do at this place.

Light Shimmer

Lately I've been playing around with some different techniques, especially with nature shots. One thing I discovered I love to do is purposefully overexpose an image by quite a bit while taking the shot, then using levels, curves, etc. to bring back the darker areas to the extreme. The result is an inky-looking drawing. Since I in no way have talent in sketching or painting, this is another way for me to get a drawing without having to actually draw or paint! My title refers to the fact that you can almost see light shimmering over the grass and tree.

Portrait session in Black and White

These were some of my favorite images from a photo session in-studio. I love how I can see this pretty girl's personality in these. She was so fun and natural to shoot. No stiff poses!

Boulder, CO nature walk

I was going for images I thought would look great in a simple black frame.