Grattitude

After this past Friday's horrible tragedy, I am feeling so grateful that my child is still with me.  I can't even bear to think of what those families of the victims are going through.  My son is the same age as those children who died. 

 Even though 9/11 was horrific, I could wrap my head around it and begin to understand it.  This past event I cannot.

This weekend I did no work and I just enjoyed my family.

We went for a walk and enjoyed the pretty dusting of snow that covered the landscape.

Winter fog // Castle on the hill

The Phoenix {mystic forest shoot with Ode}

One of seven great beauties I spent Sunday with.  Glittering waterfalls, a carpet of golden leaves, and a team willing to literally go to the edge of the earth to make a beautiful shot...somebody pinch me.

Natural habitat

Honey of a thousand flowers {flower inspiration}

 

Really in love with how this florist incorporates berries, dark leaves, and fruit into her work.  

http://www.sarahwinward.com/winter-portfolio-1/

Wedding work {recent adventures}

Be a little afraid when I flash you a big smile and start off a sentence with "I have this idea.....", because it usually means you'll be going for a short hike in the weeds, or in this case, up a slightly rocky hill.   People always have the option to say no to me, but I find most of the time my clients really LOVE creating a picture that's different and unique to their day, so they are willing to give my ideas a whirl and are up for the short adventure.  I would never ask anyone to do anything I felt was dangerous or too strenuous.  So here we are at Liz and Dan's wedding starting to quickly arrange the whole bridal party on this hillside for the big group shot.  Everyone was a great sport about it and I really appreciate them helping me create something special for this sweet couple.  These are going to turn out fantastic.
Thanks for this photograph Brent Hale, you are the best.  I like how big my boots are!
Below:
I can't resist these piglets!   I'm convincing the bridesmaids that the mother pig won't attack us.  If there's any chance of getting an animal to participate in a shot, I'm going to try for it.

Luxe Vixens {session one}

I am really proud of this little book...and of my client!  I'm so glad she picked me to work on it with her. We  put together this anniversary present for her husband, who is clearly a VERY lucky man.  She was the first client I've ever done one of these sessions with and the whole thing was an exciting and empowering experience for both of us... from the planning, to her flying out here for her session, and to the challenge of taking images that spoke to BOTH her and her husband.  One thing I find really interesting is trying to figure out the perspective I should approach these shoots from....who is the book for what does that person like?  Soft and pretty shots, or a little more wild ones?  I thought we had an excellent combination of both  in this book.  By the way, there are many shots of her lovely face in the album.
I have always secretly suspected I might be good at this. 

Part One {Valerie} // Valerie + Bradford

Hey Brent Hale, thanks for shooting this with me!

The Weaver House {they're magic}

 Hannah and Kelty of The Weaver House

These two incredibly talented twins from Portland are going to be helping me give my brand and web presence a facelift this October.   I finally got up the courage to ask them, and they said yes!  Sorry if I sound like a 10 year old fan club girl.  It's exciting.

In my eyes they are the best in the business...everything they touch looks gorgeous.   I can't think of a better team for my job and I am so thrilled I get to get to work with them. 

Check out all of their AMAZINGNESS here.

Design Sponge feature {Carla Caruso}

 

 I was so thrilled when my talented friend Carla Caruso asked me to photograph her Design Sponge feature.  She has a cozy + eclectic little farmhouse in Ashfield that's filled with beautiful art, textiles, and really great color combos.  She has amazing plants about the house and usually there's something in her collections with a bit of sparkle or opalesence to it that catches my eye.  In the feature Carla shares her favorite artists, paint colors, and sources of inspiration.  

Design Sponge / Carla + Tim

Not only is she an awesome decorator, but she makes drool worthy jewelry as well.  She's making a gorgeous wedding band for me...  Check out the rest of her house and the article AND shop around her website!  

Classic.

Dream shoot come true.

Sweet pea

America's next top baby model ...it's in the bag kiddo.  Holy cuteness.