Wendy Lady

There is nothing more amazing than when a client calls you and says "I have this idea..." Wendy, being an artist herself, concocted this unique scene of amazing vintage/woods/skater/class theme and then asked "Do you think this is cool? Or is that lame?" Ummm...HELLO BRILLIANCE!!!!! I loved it and couldn't wait for today. Upon my arrival, Wendy had been hard at work and did not disappoint. A chandelier! IN THE WOODS!!







While Wendy finished up on one minor task (cutting down a small tree that was directly in the line of sight...ha!), I decided to warm up to her three teenage boys by shooting around while they did what they love best: skating. Doing stuff like this is always fun for me. It allows me to challenge myself beyond my usual portrait techniques and play with my shutter speed, and it allows me to enjoy people in their element and get them used to me clicking away.







And of course, there just happened to be two of the cutest little pups there who I simply couldn't resist. Such willing models in all their sweetness.






All these creative diversions. Happy family, happy life. Always, ALWAYS be willing to share an idea. You never know where it will take you and those around you. Thank you Wendy Lady, her lost boys, and Jenson (who I guess would be Tinkerbell?). You made my day!

Homeless 2 Housing Shoot Out: OSCKANDRIA

Meet Osckandria.



Osckandria is the quietest participant in my class. Often, she'll come up afterwards and whisper her thoughts just for me. Otherwise, she tends to be the quiet observer. But don't let her fool you. She is listening and learning. Sponging up every word and applying it to all of the creativity flowing in her veins. She is patient and focused. Her quiet fortitude speak promise for powerful art as she continues to develop her visions. She is peace.

Welcome Osckandria...gentle observer.

Homeless 2 Housing Shoot Out: JUSIYA

Meet Jusiya.



Jusiya is a sweetheart. Always smiling, quiet, my little fashionista. She knows what she likes and she's not afraid to strut her stuff. I love her confidence and delight in her unique interest in architecture and simple compositions. She is uncomplicated in the very best way. Her spirit shines through and I know she will make big waves in this world.

Welcome Jusiya...my creative diva.

a simple gift...happy thanksgiving

Simple Gifts

'Tis the gift to be simple,
'tis the gift to be free,
'tis the gift to come down where you ought to be,
And when we find ourselves in the place just right,
It will be in the valley of love and delight.

When true simplicity is gained,
To bow and to bend we shan't be ashamed.
To turn, turn will be our delight,
'Til by turning, turning we come round right

'Tis the gift to be loved and that love to return,
'Tis the gift to be taught and a richer gift to learn,
And when we expect of others what we try to live each day,
Then we'll all live together and we'll all learn to say,

'Tis the gift to have friends and a true friend to be,
'Tis the gift to think of others not to only think of "me",
And when we hear what others really think and really feel,
Then we'll all live together with a love that is real.

Simple Gifts was written by Shaker Elder Joseph Brackett, Jr. in 1848.

From my family to yours, a blessed Thanksgiving holiday full of laughter, warmth, love and life.

Crash! Bang! Boom!

The McKinney family. Where to start? Some of our best friends who have walked with us in good times and in bad, a sweet and devoted family with a darn cute little boy. Nothin' left to say except I love them. So when they asked me to do their family Christmas portrait, complete with their three giant dogs, I of course agreed. And then laughed.

Meet Sadie and Madison.




Now meet Crash.



Three big, black family dogs. Pretty similar, right? There is one tiny difference. Crash is only 7 months old. That's right, this behemoth is a puppy. Imagine puppy hyperness, multiply it by, oh...a million, and then add 75 pounds of pure muscle to it. At least. That's Crash. You can guess where his name came from.

Posing a family portrait was anything but simple. Here are a few shots of Matt and Becca working hard to get everybody to behave, complete with stern lecturing from Matt (finger point included) to a very attentive Madison.






And then there was that time that we broke off with just little Matthew to take some solo shots of my favorite tyke. Crouched in the forest, Becca and I were all "mommy-time" with the squeaky squealing "Matthew!!! Hey big boy!!! Smile for Katy! Awwww...so sweet! Look here! Look here Matthew!" We were in the zone. Needless to say, we missed the first plaintive cries for help from Matt who was bravely watching all three dogs on the sidelines. By himself.

You see...Crash had decided he was hungry, so he tried to grab a quick snack. In the form of one very small terrier. For real.

Poor Matt. By the time we heard the final "HEY YOU GUYS! HELP ME!" he was on his knees, bear hugging Crash, Madison running free and Sadie (the wise one) standing by looking at all of us like we were absolutely nuts and she was thoroughly embarrassed to be seen with this bunch.

Long story short, it was quite the adventure. The end result was a real, true life family picture, complete with chaos and Crash. I would ask for nothing more. Love it.


McKinney family. Never a dull moment.

And just for fun, how stinkin' cute is this?!