Merry Christmas!

I had grandiose ideas of catching up on all my blogging by doing the 12 days of Christmas (a blog post for each day). Instead, here I am still burning the candle at both ends (my eyes are burning as I type this) and all you get is this virtual Christmas card :) I will return in the New Year. Until then, I will be busy in Santa's workshop and eating enough calories to sustain a herd of elephants. 'Tis the Season!

Two Birds of a Feather Part: 1

I have a six year old daughter that I am told is my mini me. It is hard for me to see the physical resemblances because it is hard to REALLY know what I look like. I spend far more time looking at those close to me than I do myself. I could tell you how my husband has a dimple/crease next to his mouth that only shows when he chews or tries to hold back a laugh. But, what I look like when I laugh, is always a surprise when I see a photo or video.
Though I can’t see the similarities that are more obvious to others, I can see my daughter’s inner workings that I recognize. There are certain looks she gets on her face in different situations that I know EXACTLY what she is thinking, because I was thinking the exact same thing at her age. You would think it would be comforting to know what is going on in your child’s head, but then you remember the life’s lessons you had to learn and realize she will most likely make many of the same mistakes. Though I must say, this girl has a much greater sense of conscience than I did at her age. When I was lying my way in and out of situations, she is confessing her every action :)

'Nuf Said.

There really isn't much to say about these photos, you can see for yourself that this girl is beautiful and full of personality. The only thing you can't see, is that her mom is one of the most beautiful people I know, inside and out :)

Thank You Mafi/Larsen Family!

Who knew I would complain about a sunny day in the PNW? But, after this shoot I did! We had MONTHS of overcast and gloomy days and that was what I had planned for when scheduling this shoot, overcast skies. But instead, I got a bright full sun afternoon. Normally this can still be worked with, but somehow with a large group and scattered trees, I had a difficult time finding a place evenly lit to accommodate them! After countless hours of processing the images and numerous cuss words, I was able to turn a result that I could be proud of.

The sad thing with all my complaining is, they were an AWESOME family to work with! I can't tell you how much I love and admire the Mafi family. Heidi is one of the most talented/artistic people I know, which added to my need to produce great results. Talk about pressure! (self induced of course). Thank you Mafi & Larsen families for entrusting me with your family portraits.





*Objects on blog are sharper and bolder than they appear.

Photo Booth

The day before we left on a mad dash to UT, I did a photo booth for my niece's birthday party. The kids had a blast and I got a huge kick out of what they came up with. Check out these kids' creativity, genius! Happy Birthday Kaylee-Bug!

The Cave

Despite this post's title and my lack of posting in general, NO, I am not hiding in a cave. Though living in the dark Pacific Northwest in a home with North facing windows and NO natural light, it can feel that way :)

I have been enjoying my little ones and wondering where the last year went. I blinked and my baby is turning one next week! I have been spending my time doing a lot of self improvement and reflection. With this rejuvenation, I have been brainstorming ways to carry this into my business. I have some great project ideas up my sleeve and am excited to share them with you as they become a reality. Stay posted.

Lastly, I am OBSESSED with this song! For those who know me personally and know my whole story, will know how PERFECT it is! I can relate to every word! I love its message of hope, triumph and finding oneself. ENJOY!



Lyrics to The Cave :
It's empty in the valley of your heart
The sun, it rises slowly as you walk
Away from all the fears
And all the faults you've left behind

The harvest left no food for you to eat
You cannibal, you meat-eater, you see
But I have seen the same
I know the shame in your defeat

But I will hold on hope
And I won't let you choke
On the noose around your neck

And I'll find strength in pain
And I will change my ways
I'll know my name as it's called again

Cause I have other things to fill my time
You take what is yours and I'll take mine
Now let me at the truth
Which will refresh my broken mind

So tie me to a post and block my ears
I can see widows and orphans through my tears
I know my call despite my faults
And despite my growing fears

So come out of your cave walking on your hands
And see the world hanging upside down
You can understand dependence
When you know the maker's hand

So make your siren's call
And sing all you want
I will not hear what you have to say

Cause I need freedom now
And I need to know how
To live my life as it's meant to be

I am happy to say, no children were harmed in the creation of these images! Yes, I shot these photos of my kids with my husband absent and we actually had FUN doing it! There wasn't the stress that usually accompanies shooting my own children. I was worried because I have been planning this shoot in my head for months and I had a deadline to shoot it (which I missed, oh well! The Grandmas will get their Valentine's Day cards late this year) I hope you enjoy them and know that I LOVE that you stopped by to check them out. Happy Valentine's Day!

PS. Yes, you have to hear me complain again! These photos have totally lost their sharpness and quality that I spent so many hours getting just so. Something was lost in the translation from my originals to the blog. I am hoping to have a new blog in the near future and with it, no more flat lack-luster images.