mikelle

Here's a weird thing that happened to me.  I got a call one day from a woman in Grand Forks, ND, a friend of a friend of mine, asking if I wold take her daughter's senior pictures.  I was completely floored but really honored and extremely freaked out.   I couldn't say no, but in the back of my head I was thinking, what the hell are you thinking?!  These people are driving like six hours for this.  I gave them the whole "I'm not a professional speech".  I almost said, "you know there are real photographers in ND, right?"  But I didn't, and I'm pretty proud about that, because here's what I learned; I work really well under pressure.  This forced me to take a step that I've been wanting to take for a long time.  I was pushed outside of my comfort zone. I learned a lot and had a great time doing it.  Bonus, Mikelle is a fun and beautiful girl, and her family was truly awesome (yes, the whole fam came on the shoot, even Dad).  It was so great doing something I love so much and having this family trust and appreciate me.

I've been looking at and futzing with these for two weeks now.  I know I still have a lot to learn and would love some constructive feedback.  What do you think?

rocky mountain high

A couple of weeks ago Joe completely surprised me with a trip to Breckenridge, CO.  He had everything arranged...travel, kids, lodging.  He even called my boss to make sure I could get the time off.  He employed the help of my friend Amy, and managed to keep it all top secret.  I was so impressed.  I love surprises!

We had so much fun.  I have been to Breckenridge before, but only in the winter.  I loved it just as much in the summer.  There is something about the mountains that is just so amazing.  We hiked a ton.  Hit the shops, great restaurants and the local brew pub.  The resort we stayed at was awesome, complete with a wood fireplace in our room and about 10 outdoor hot tubs on the property.  Heaven.  The only thing I was disappointed to miss was the concert with this guy doing all John Denver songs.  (I know Carrie can truly appreciate how sad I was about this).

This trip rocked!  Not only was it fun, but just plain relaxing.  We were active and lazy all in one trip.  We had uninterrupted conversations and time to just enjoy the silence.   He gets big points for planning such a great, for no apparent reason, surprise.  Thanks babe ;)

Gondola trip to Peak 8

Top of Peak 8 before the hike down



Midway up hike to Mohawk Lake.

Hiking with a torn meniscus. What a die hard.

It was so pretty at the top.  I want to go back!  Like now.  Right now!

just 'cuz

Just because I haven't picked up my camera in months. Just because it was a warm summer night. Just because Ava and I were home alone and needed something to do after our grilled cheese dinner. Just because I can't believe how much my baby has grown. Just because seeing pictures of her takes my breath away and makes my heart happy. And just because she happily agreed to model IF she could choose her own outfit including crazy high shoes from my closet that she has declared hers once she grows into them. Just because, we took some pictures.





Oh how I love her :)