Carrie Lambing Photographic

Meagen an Dave's Wedding | Palmer, Alaska

2012-01-26T17:29:00.000-09:00

What a day for a wedding! I love Alaska. I even love winter in Alaska. But I also love that winter goes away and gives us glorious summer in Alaska. Back to winter... I love the bright clean, sparkly, freeze-your-nose kind of cold days that we get in January. That was just the kind of day Meagan and Dave got for their wedding. I love these two! What an honor to be a part of their day.

Meagan smiled the first "from the heart' smile of the day as soon as she saw Dave.

They always laugh together.

Guess who isn't from Alaska.

Doesn't this just melt your heart? We needed a little extra heat that day!

Keller Family | Wasilla, Alaska

2011-12-28T17:27:00.002-09:00

These are some of my favorite people and it was truly an honor to get to photograph them this week. We had to push our way through the deep snow, but it was worth it! Even the kids were up for the adventure in the cold. Our reward in the end was hotdogs over the bonfire. What a great memory! Thanks, Kellers! I loved every minute of it!

Here are a few favorites. Click here for the entire slideshow.

Ross Family | Palmer, Alaska

2011-12-01T14:13:00.001-09:00

Before you ask...yes, it was really cold! But the Ross family was awesome to work with. They were up for the adventure on this chilly day. Julie asked for some fun, vintage style processing and I had a lot of fun playing with their images. Thanks for braving the temperatures with me, Ross family!

Here are some favorites. Click here for the entire slideshow.

Adriane and Brittany | Palmer, Alaska

2011-11-29T15:41:00.001-09:00

Adriane contacted me months ago with her idea for this photo session. When we met to talk about her ideas, it was like talking to an old friend about a great idea. I am so glad that we were able to make it happen for you! It might have been freezing, but you will never know it by the cool expressions these beautiful women pulled out for me.

Thanks for such an amazing afternoon Adriane and Brittany!

Here are a few favorites. Click here for the entire slideshow.

Stewart Family | Palmer, Alaska

2011-11-22T16:34:00.001-09:00

Yes, it was cold! But the Stewart family was amazing. They don't even look like they are cold! I love it when I have adventurous clients that are willing to brave the cold for some unique images. Thanks, Stewarts!

Here are some favorites. Click here to view the entire slideshow.

Shelley Family | Wasilla, Alaska

2011-11-09T14:11:00.001-09:00

It was the perfect snowy morning for a winter shoot! Lindsey made it so fun with her creative ideas for capturing the family doing things together. I loved her ideas for the the family reading together, cooking, and sharing a cup of hot cocoa. Thank you for such a great wintery shoot, Lindsey, Peter and Izak!

Here are a few favorites.

Jordan J's Senior Session | Palmer, Alaska

2011-10-26T20:47:00.001-08:00

Jordan is such a beautiful girl inside and out. It was an honor to photograph her on a blustery fall day. She was so easy to work with. If only the wind had been as easy. Thanks for a fun afternoon, Jordan and Kimberly!

Here are a few favorites.

Heather and Alfred's Engagement Session | Palmer, Alaska

2011-10-17T16:30:00.001-08:00

Heather contacted me months ago about photographing their Engagement Session. She wanted the fall colors. And for those of you who have experience with Alaskan weather, you will know that these colors and the weather can be illusive. The day finally came for the shoot and we still had some leaves, but the wind came that day. In spite of Mother Nature, we got some awesome shots for them. Thanks Heather and Alfred! I had a blast with you!

Here are some favorites. Click here for the entire slideshow.

Mitch's Senior Photos | Palmer, Alaska

2011-10-10T13:22:00.000-08:00

Mitch was a great to work with! I had a great time making him laugh and getting to know him a little. Thanks, Mitch!

Here are some favorites.

Michaela's Senior Session | Palmer, Alaska

2011-10-05T12:18:00.001-08:00

I loved my afternoon with sweet Michaela! She was so wonderful to work with. Thanks, Michaela, for spending the afternoon with me!

Here are a few favorites.

Magnan Family | Hatcher's Pass, Alaska

2011-10-04T13:19:00.000-08:00

The Magnan family met me up at Hatcher's Pass on a beautiful fall day. I had a great time photographing and laughing with them. What a fun family!

Here are a few favorites.

Lauryn's Senior Session | Palmer, Alaska

2011-09-30T11:22:00.001-08:00

Lauryn and her mom spent one of our beautiful fall days with me. It was so much fun working with them to create these amazing images! Lauryn has some awesome hair and it was fascinating to watch her work it in all the shots. Thanks Lauryn and Lanette for such a fun afternoon!

Here are some favorites from the afternoon.

Nikki's Senior Session | Palmer, Alaska

2011-09-27T11:43:00.000-08:00

Nikki and crew met me in Palmer on one of our glorious fall days. It was the perfect day to create some amazing images. Thanks for the fun afternoon, Nikki!

Here are a few favorites.

Emily's Senior Session | Palmer, Alaska

2011-09-22T13:50:00.000-08:00

I loved my afternoon with Emily. She is always ready to laugh. I enjoyed getting to know her and capturing these beautiful images of such a beautiful girl

Thanks for the fun afternoon, Emily. Here are a few favorites.

Novak Family | Palmer, Alaska

2011-09-20T13:34:00.003-08:00

I love this family! It was so much fun to get to spend the evening with my long-time friends. The kids were amazing. They were having so much fun running around and exploring.

Thank you for such a fun evening, Novaks!
Here are a few favorites. Click here for the slideshow.

Abe's Senior Session | Hatcher's Pass, Alaska

2011-09-16T14:47:00.000-08:00

Abe and crew met me up at Hatcher's Pass in the evening. It was fun working with Abe and his ideas for shots. My favorite moment of the evening was when Abe waded into Summit Lake as it began raining at the end of the shoot. Thanks for your willing attitude, Abe!

Here are some favorites.

Chelsea's Senior Session | Eagle River, Alaska

2011-09-16T14:35:00.000-08:00

Beautiful! Chelsea is just as beautiful on the inside as the outside. I had a fun afternoon with Chelsea and her mom in the fall colors of Eagle River Nature Center. What a breath-taking location. I loved every minute of it! Thanks for such a wonderful afternoon Chelsea!

Here are some favorites from the day.

Meagan and Dave's Engagement Session | Palmer, Alaska

2011-09-16T14:01:00.000-08:00

Meagan and Dave were so much fun. They adore each other and adore laughing together. A great combination! We had the most beautiful fall day to take their engagement photos in Palmer. And to finish off the session, we went to the Alaska State Fair for a few fun shots. Thanks, Meagan and Dave, for such a fun evening.

Here are a few favorites. Click here for the slideshow.

Dave and Aimy | Palmer, Alaska

2011-09-09T17:29:00.000-08:00

Dave got the husband of the year award. Sorry, guys, you missed it. Dave asked me to do a photo session for his wife's 5 year anniversary gift. Their wedding photos were not what they hoped because of pouring rain and Aimy was always a little sad that she didn't get portraits outside.

We watched the weather closely for days before we did our shoot. And God was good to them and granted sun for their day. Aimy, because I love you, you get the out-takes (some pretty funny ones) and waaaaayy too images that most to choose from.

Here are a few favorites Click here for the slideshow.

Chancie's Senior Session | Hatcher's Pass Alaska

2011-08-31T13:47:00.003-08:00

Chancie and crew met me up at Independence Mine in Hatcher's Pass. Between movie quotes and side comments, I am not sure I have been so thoroughly entertained on a shoot. Thanks for the great afternoon!

Here are a few favorites.

Dustin's Senior Session | Palmer, Alaska

2011-08-31T13:20:00.003-08:00

I had the pleasure of shooting Dustin's Senior Photos in Palmer. It was a great time of laughing and getting to know Dustin a little better. Thanks Dustin!

Here are a few favorites.

Alyssa's Senior Session | Independence Mine, Alaska

2011-08-30T17:51:00.003-08:00

Alyssa and crew joined me this blustery afternoon up at Independence Mine. It was fun to get to know Alyssa and laugh with her. She wasn't so sure I would get any good photos, but I think we did pretty well.

Here are a few favorites.

Garrison's Senior Sessio | Wasilla, Alaska

2011-08-29T15:25:00.004-08:00

Alaska summer at it's finest! We had a gorgeous day to do Garrison's Senior Session at the Museum of Alaska Transportation and Industry near the Wasilla, Airport. Thanks for the fun afternoon, Garrison! You were awesome!

Here are a few favorites and a slideshow.

Tyler's Senior Session | Hatcher's Pass Alaska

2011-08-29T13:35:00.003-08:00

Laughing with my clients is one of the best parts of a photo session! I had such a good time with Tyler. He was great to work with. And his crew that came along were tons of fun. Thanks for all your amazing work, Tyler!

Here are a few favorites and a slideshow

Missy's Senior Session | Palmer, Alaska

2011-08-26T15:30:00.000-08:00

Missy, I love these! A lovely day for a shoot with another lovely senior. Missy asked for some extra creative processing for her session. So I was able to have a little fun while editing. The photos were great to begin with, so it just made it all the more amazing. Thanks for a fun afternoon, Missy!

Here are a few favorites and a slideshow.

Aja's Senior Session | Hatcher's Pass, Alaska

2011-08-26T11:45:00.000-08:00

Aja's Senior Session was one of the fastest I have done. As we began with her session, the weather started getting blustery, rainy and cold! Aja was awesome as she tried not to look cold. She did great and we got some really great images.

Thanks for braving the weather with me, Aja!

Here are some favorites and a slideshow.

Hannah's Senior Session | Wasilla, Alaska

2011-08-25T15:28:00.003-08:00

What fun to photograph Hannah after photographing her brother's senior photos last year! We had a beautiful afternoon in a lovely location. When I get to work outside on days like these, I am thankful that I live in Alaska where the perfect backdrop is everywhere AND that we don't have snakes. Thanks for a great afternoon, Hannah crew!

Here are a few favorites and a sweet slideshow.

Tim and Fernanda's Wedding | Quito, Ecuador

2011-08-24T17:04:00.000-08:00

Last month I dusted off my passport and hopped on another plane. I flew south to Ecuador for the wedding of two amazing people. Tim and Fernanda asked me to fly down to to Fernanda's hometown of Quito to photograph their wedding. It was by far the furthest I have traveled for a job. But it was so worth it! I loved photographing the gorgeous hacienda that hosted the wedding. Everyone from the wedding party to our bus driver, was warm and welcoming. Fernanda and her mom did a pretty amazing job of coordinating this beautiful day from half way around the world. Thank you, Fernanda and Tim, for the honor of being a part of your wedding!

Here are a few favorites and a sweet slideshow.
PS a shout out goes to Peter for his guest shooting during the ceremony. Thanks!

Jordan's Senior Session | Palmer, Alaska

2011-08-11T13:29:00.005-08:00

It was a beautiful sunny day and Jordan was ready. We spend a fun afternoon in Palmer getting some great Senior Photo images for her to choose from. I think it might be a tough one to choose a favorite.

Here are a few favorites and her slideshow.

Breken's Senior Sessin | Hatcher's Pass, Alaska

2011-08-11T12:50:00.005-08:00

Breken is definitely quiet. But you can see a lot in her eyes. I love her beautiful blue eyes! We had such a great time 'thinking warm thoughts' up in Hatcher's Pass. Thanks for braving the goose bumps, Breken.

Here are a few favorites and the slideshow.

Kalah's Senior Session | Palmer, Alaska

2011-08-09T17:24:00.004-08:00

Kalah is a homegrown Palmer, Alaska, girl. She loved being in the center of town to do her photos. We had such a great time creating her images. She is just so adorable inside and out. I can't wait to see where this girl goes in life!

Here are a few favorites. Click here for the entire slideshow.

Justin and Elizabeth's Wedding | Big Lake, Alaska

2011-08-08T13:10:00.000-08:00

It turned out to be a perfect day for a wedding on Big Lake. Elizabeth and Justin went all out for this celebration of a lifetime. It was fun to watch them laugh and enjoy the day with their friends and family.

Here are a few favorites and the slideshow.

Kadee and Anthony's Engagment | Palmer, Alaska

2011-08-03T20:17:00.004-08:00

Kadee and Anthony made my job so easy! The afternoon I spent with them made me love my job even more. I loved watching them laugh together. What a great way to start life together... through laughter. I can't wait for their wedding!

Here are a few favorites. Click here for the entire slideshow.

Tawni's Senior Session | Palmer, Alaska

2011-07-27T14:18:00.000-08:00

Tawni's Senior Photo Session was a lot of fun. She tracked down that location she was hoping for and made it all happen. The beautiful summer evening provided some amazing light for us. What a great shoot! Tawni, you made my job so easy!

Here are a few favorites and a short slideshow of our session.

Erin and Ob's Wedding | Ft. Richardson, Alaska

2011-07-26T11:06:00.007-08:00

Everything about Erin and Ob's wedding was fun! From the moment you saw Erin's face you knew it was going to be a great day. I loved the colors, the bouquets (lollipops), the wedding party, and the family. Everyone was having such a great time celebrating Erin and Ob. They had the best vows I have heard at a wedding and you knew that they meant every word of it, including the funny parts. And it was fitting that we caught a little frog during the bride and groom portraits to add a little more fun to the day. Thank you for the honor of being a part of your day, Erin and Ob.

Here are a few favorites and a little video of the highlights.

Traveling in Ecuador

2011-07-18T17:11:00.003-08:00

Last week I dusted off my passport and hopped on another plane. I flew south to Ecuador for the wedding of an amazing couple. It has been a whirlwind week of new sites, sounds, and experiences. I knew very little of Ecuador before I came. Here are a few of my observations: My Spanish is more than rusty. This was proven when I went to Burger King to indulge my craving for french fries and ended up with 2 #2 combo meals with some sort of fruit punch soda. Quito is on the equator, yet is just as cool as Alaskan summers (surprise, surprise!) I love watching the clouds play at the tops of the Andes mountains that surround the city. The Ecuadorians don't understand Japanese. Their national currency is the US dollar. Juan Valdez has coffee shops here,and I thought he was Colombian.

Today was my "be a tourist" day. I booked a day trip to the rainforest nearby. I was picked up at my hotel at 6:30am and driven 2 hours west to Bellevista lodge where we were treated to breakfast in the jungle treetops. Then we put on rubber boots and hiked into the jungle for 3 hours looking for birds, bugs, and plants with our guide. We splashed up a creek,scaling small waterfalls with ropes before coming to the big waterfall. Then it was quite a climb out of the jungle and back to the lodge for lunch. Humming birds were everywhere. It was such an amazing sound to have them diving around you. I spent most of the day with a family from Surrey, England. And was more than a bit jealous when they headed off to the treetop zip lines and I headed back to Quito. Next time....

Tomorrow is my day for shopping, packing and meeting some new friends.

Luanna & Chad's Wedding | Big Lake, Alaska

2011-06-23T11:52:00.005-08:00

What a beautiful day for a wedding of two amazing people. It was such an honor to be a part of Luanna and Chad's wedding day. I loved the location that they chose and all the sweet details that went along with their day. But by far the best part of being around them that day was to see how they looked at each other. It was so obvious to see the love and respect that they have for each other. It was breath-taking. Almost as breath-taking as Luanna in her gown walking down the isle on a sunny Alaskan summer day.

Thank you, Luanna and Chad, for the honor of being a part of your day.

Here are a few favorites and a sweet slideshow.

The Cyphers | Palmer, Alaska

2011-06-14T19:04:00.004-08:00

It was so fun to get to be with these siblings. They aren't all together very much anymore, so it was great to get a chance to spend a couple of hours with them. Oh the laughter!

Here are a few favorites. And you can check out more in the slideshow at the bottom.

2012 Senior Models Vintage Style | Wasilla, Alaska

2011-06-02T19:38:00.006-08:00

Last week was one of the best shoots to date! Eight awesome 2012 High School Seniors spent the afternoon with me. We took a little time for some more traditional Senior Photos. But the real fun started when we went vintage. Check out a few shots. I would say favorites, but I really can't choose favorites because they were all so awesome!

Watch the slideshow below to see all of the vintage shots. Or visit Carrie Lambing Photographic Seniors on facebook.

">

Memorial Day | Ft Richardson, Alaska

2011-06-02T18:33:00.004-08:00

Memorial Day has never been sad to me. It was a long weekend that meant school was over and camping season had begun. It was a time to get the first sunburn of the year and celebrate long summer days to come. In college I remember going out with my grandparents to put flowers on the graves of relatives I had never met or who were just faint childhood memories. It wasn't sad to me. Cemeteries have never been a sad or scary place. I have always found them somehow fascinating. Each headstone had a mystery, a story that someone once told. It was tangible history that piqued my imagination.

This year was different. Memorial day was the perfect hot day that brought my first sunburn of the year. But that sunburn came while in a cemetery with several hundred other people. Some of them important, some of them sad, some were soldiers once, and some, like us, who were new to this tradition of honor and grief, but all of them to honor the brave men and women that served our country. I kept thinking how much Dad would have loved all of it. Even the somewhat humorous and anti-climactic fly-over by a lone DeHavilland Beaver. It made me miss him.

The flags and the bugles were some of my favorite memories of the day. Here are a few photos.

Wedding Albums

2011-05-05T16:14:00.005-08:00

This week I received two wedding albums for my clients. They turned out beautifully! I LOVE how they turned out!

Both albums chose this beautiful leather cover with thick pages.

They also chose to cut the pages for this clean look.

LauraBeth and Ryan chose to inset their favorite photo and imprint the front.

Brianne and Jeff chose to place their wedding details on the first spread.

Look at that beautiful binding!

And the albums came elegantly packaged and 'green' in recycled packaging.

Fleming Family | Palmer

2011-04-19T10:24:00.005-08:00

Saturday was gorgeous! The perfect day to make new friends and bring along my camera. Erin, Zach and Madison are so adorable. They made my job easy. Their home, surrounded by trees and mountains, was a beautiful backdrop for some great outdoor shots. Thanks for the fun morning, Erin and Zach!

Here are some favorites. Click here for the entire slideshow.

Daniel's Senior Portraits | Palmer, Alaska

2011-04-04T12:14:00.005-08:00

Daniel and his assistants drove out from Anchorage this weekend. Not only were they all amazing people, but they braved the Palmer wind for these great shots. Daniel also has the significant title of being my very first Bartlett High School Senior. Thanks for making the drive out from Anchorage!

Here are a few favorites. Click here for the entire slideshow.

Baby Aoife

2011-03-29T14:16:00.003-08:00

Saturday was a perfect day to meet a new friend. Little Aoife (pronounced eefie) was adorable and definitely a cherished member of the family.

Here are a few favorites of my new friend. Click here for the entire slideshow.

There and Back Again: Part 4

2011-03-23T09:01:00.001-08:00

One of the most surprising things about this journey is how much World War 2 history I learned. I wasn't expecting that to be a topic or focus. But I enjoyed the learning and discussions of its impact on SE Asia and the Philippines specifically. These photos were taken at the US Cemetery in Manila. There are 17,202 graves of servicemen and a memorial of 36,285 servicemen missing in action. Most of these men died in the Philippines and New Guinea. A beautiful and sobering memorial.

There and Back Again: Part 3

2011-03-22T09:55:00.001-08:00

Yesterday was Ancient Cambodia. Today is more Modern Cambodia

There and Back Again: Part 2

2011-03-21T09:36:00.000-08:00

Today's photo journal: Cambodia

There and Back Again

2011-03-20T18:02:00.000-08:00

Like Tolkein's lovable Bilbo, I have had an adventure. As I try to talk about my travel I feel a little like Bilbo trying to explain to his hobbit hole-loving people that there is a big, rich world out there that I wish you could see, taste, smell, and experience. How do I share the richness of these things?

There were things on my journey that were planned and happened just as expected. But there were also unplanned, colorful, surprising, and life-enriching experiences. I think that these unexpected things are what make each journey unique.

My goal in this blog is not to give you a play by play of my 3 week adventure. I just want to give you a little visual taste. Maybe you will be inspired to have your own adventure. To leave your hobbit-hole for a few days and embrace the unplanned and unexpected things that make an adventure rich, laugh-worthy, and retell-able.

Today's visual travel journal is the Philippines.

Cambodia

2011-03-01T17:30:00.002-09:00

Oh where to begin...
Jenny has been a great tour guide and we were fortunate enough to benefit from her 6 months of knowledge, experience and study. She has definitely jumped in with both feet‎. I am not sure we would have had such a rich experience with out her language skills.

The first day here we were treated to a traditional Khmer breakfast of rice and pork. It was simple but good. Jenny took us to a local market area where you could buy just about anything in the 3 story warehouse building with tiny isles piled high with foods, clothes, dishes, soap, electronics, and many unknown items. After a snack of fruit, some new some recognizable, we took a ferry across the river to walk around in the country side. We waved at the kids shouting hello to us along the road and explored mango and rice fields. After a shower, we went to a restaurant with a group of Jenny's friends to have tarantula. Yes, deep fried tarantula. I ate a leg. It was hairy and the consistency of a stale potato chip.

The next morning we were up early to catch a bus to Siem Reap... the jewel of the Cambodia. 5 hours later we arrived in the afternoon to a very nice guest house. A guest house is more like a budget hotel/hostel/inn. Our late lunch was an amazing burger and fries. Then we took a Tuk Tuk... a covered, open air carriage that fits 4 people facing one another and pulled by a motorcycle - and one of my favorite things about Cambodia... to a temple ruin that is famous for watching the sunset over the jungle. We climbed up and stood on top with several hundred of our friends from around the world. I LOVED being surrounded by at least a dozen languages being spoken at once. (especially hearing and understanding the Japanese tourists :) We lingered at the top and had to be shooed down by the guards as it got dark. Back to town, which by the way, was very much about the tourists and night life. We had a little Mexican food to round out our meals for the day. Then stopped for a foot and back massage next to our guest house. We slept well that night!

Saturday was our big tourist day. We were up early for breakfast and our Tuk Tuk ride to Angkor Wat. One of the 7 ancient wonders of the world (depending on which list you look at). We saw 4 different temple ruins in different states of jungle invasion and restoration. We climbed impossibly steep stairs to the tops. We did have a guide hired for the day. He told us a lot of the religious influences, superstitions, modern and ancient history, and lifestyles of the kings that built the imposing structures. It was a good day and I have a lot of photos to share once I get home. That evening we decided to do the 'fish massage'. We sat on the edge of a large tank that had 2-4 inch fish in it and let them nibble our feet. They are supposedly eating the dead skin off our feet. I am not sure bout that, but it did tickle like nothing you have ever felt! It was a fun way to end our day.

Sunday we slept late and did a little shopping in the market before our 5 hour bus ride home.

Monday we slept in a little before tackling the silk vendors in the market. We had a specific list of fabrics to get and were on a mission. We spent hours sweating in the market haggling with vendors. It was fun and exhausting. Interesting note, the Cambodians accept US dollars and the Cambodian currency interchangeably. At home we had Indian food ... loving the curries here! Then watched The Killing Fields to have some more context for going to the killings fields the next morning.

Tuesday Jenny went to work and we went out side of Phnom Penh to a famous extermination camp. A sobering morning of viewing the evil man can do to other men. One of the most amazing things is that this is modern... only 30 years ago. We went back to Jenny's office, met her co-workers and sat in on their daily prayer time. Then lunch at a cafe called Daughters that trains and helps girls who have been trafficked in sex trade. There are a lot of amazing NGO's here that are working to train, support and give skills to victims. Jenny went back to work and Nate and I went to the royal palace for the afternoon. Jenny met us at FCC, where journalists used to hang out before the Khmer Rouge in the 70's. There we sat high about the city and watched people and the river with our drinks. Then on to traditional Khmer dinner.

Today we will pack and relax a bit before we catch our flight to Manila tonight.

"No, life cannot be understood flat on a page. It has to be lived; a person has to get of his head, has to fall in love, has to memorize poems, has to jump off bridges into rivers, has to stand in an empty desert and whisper sonnets under his breath....We get one story, you and I, and one story alone. God has established the elements, the setting and the climax and resolution. It would be a crime not to venture out, wouldn't it?" Donald Miller

This morning while catching up with the facebook world I read this quote that my aunt posted. It made me stop and think. Think about how I am sitting in an apartment in Cambodia having walked in ancient temples, eaten strange foods, learned so much about a people and their history, seen the evil that can control men, stood in the middle of a incredibly unfamiliar place, but in it all felt as if I were experiencing, seeing and feeling things God had set out for me. I am so glad that I was brave enough to venture out.

The Beach

2011-02-20T20:01:00.003-09:00

Living in Alaska in the wintertime creates a severe longing for the sun. This can manifest its self in many ways. Most Alaskans wing their way to sunny Hawaii at least once during the winter. It is the closest and warmest place to escape. Many conversations turn to the number of daylight hours we are loosing or gaining, the warmth of the sun, the lack of sunshine, and dreaming of warm places. It really isn't that we don't love living in Alaska, the beautiful mountains, or the snow. We do love a beautiful new snow as much as a sunny warm day. We just feel the need for sun more when we don't have it.

So this winter I began planning my sunny escape. This included some very dear friends across the Pacific. Zach and Jane Keller and their 3 kids have been living in the Philippines for 8 months now. Zach is a pilot who will be flying a helicopter to support missionaries in hard to reach tribal locations. Since they arrived they have been living in Manila and working hard to learn Tagalog.

It has been wonderful to see a little piece of their life here. They have been so generous to spend their time taking us around Manila, talking to us about the people and culture, and doing special things just for us. It is fun to watch them share the things that they have learned to love.

We were the perfect excuse to go exploring. Jane found a Filipino resort on a beach a couple hours away. Armed with a map, the new-to-them van, and our beach gear, we headed south. Winding our way through small villages we arrived at a beautiful beach. It was the perfect place to escape the city... the warm ocean, cool breezes, snorkeling, massages, beaches to comb, and the sun. We felt so spoiled by such an amazing place. The only downside was the sun burn and water-logged iphone. Other than that, it was a perfect vacation.

Check my facebook for a few photos...

On Wednesday we will hop on another plane to fly over to Cambodia to visit another amazing person. But more on that later.

Valentine's Day

2011-02-13T23:23:00.003-09:00

Sunday we went to the Mall of Asia. Think of the Mall of America only bigger and partially open air. It was materialism at it's finest. Just a few miles down the road we passed shocking living conditions clinging to the side of the road. It is hard to reconcile such poverty and wealth living side by side. So many living with so little. I never quite know what to do with sights like these. I know it exists, but how does this change how I live? But aside from these sobering sights, we had a great time walking along Manila bay enjoying the breezes and learning a little more about this culturally complex place.

This morning was more about day to day life. Jane took us to a local market for some fruits, vegetables and shrimp. My favorite thing was watching Jane asking questions, learning new words and enjoying the people she met. Our walk to the market gave a pedestrian view of the crazy traffic. Hundreds of busses, jeepneys, and cars clogging the road. Yesterday's journey was in the family's new van that they are enjoying. The passenger view is just as crazy, by the way.

Happy Valentines Day!

The Journey

2011-02-12T05:10:00.000-09:00

One of my favorite things about my life is that I get to travel. Another wondeful thing is the amazing friends I have honor of knowing. This month I get to savor both of these wonderful things. For the next three weeks I will be traveling to the Philipines and Cambodia. Both are new countries for me and I am excited to learn a little more about them and their cultures. Then there are the fantastic people that I get to be with while there. Amazing people called to serve across the Pacific. But I will tell you more about them another day. Today it is about the journey.

21 hours of flight, 11 hours of layover, 4 flights, the international dateline, sleep in a kiddie playground, and many naps sitting in an airplane seat. It seemed as if we saw midnight at least 3 times. It was a long day. The flights were easy and nearly all on time. We left the dark cold arctic on a Wednesday night and walked off the plane near the equator engulfed by the warm moist air on a Friday night. International travel can be a whirlwind and as we often commented, quite surreal. I love it!

Watch my Facebook for photos... Unless I can figure out how to upload from my iPhone.

Kroon Family | Wasilla, Alaska

2011-01-27T16:38:00.005-09:00

I am painfully aware that my blog has been neglected for quite some time. I do apologize to all my faithful readers. I hope to be more consistent.

And to start off our new year... the Kroon Family! All very dear to me and so much fun to be around. It was one of the darkest days of the year and very nearly one of the coldest. But as true Alaskans at heart, they braved the frigid temperatures for a family photo in their backyard.

Here are some of my favorites. Click here for the entire slideshow.

Leavitt Grandkids | Wasilla, Alaska

2010-12-17T10:32:00.000-09:00

What a joy to be able to photograph these beautiful kids! The Leavitt family adopted me a long time ago. Now with 6 kiddos in the family, it is more than busy. I love being Auntie Carrie to this little gang.

I love you guys!

Here are some of the favorites. Click here for the entire slideshow.

Elodie and Marina's Senior Session | Palmer, Alaska

2010-12-16T11:49:00.005-09:00

I don't know how I could have had more fun with Elodie and Marina. It was such a fun shoot to get adorable twins that are amazing in front of the camera. The beautiful frosty landscape was a perfect backdrop for them.

Thank you for the fun afternoon, girls!

Here are a few favorites. Click here for the entire slideshow.

Elizabeth and Justin's Engagment Session | Hatcher Pass

2010-12-15T12:31:00.003-09:00

It was cold that day and the dogs added some unexpected drama to our shoot. But I had a great time with Elizabeth and Justin up in Hatcher's Pass. A soft snow had fallen the night before and everything was dusted. I love the winter wonderland feel of this shoot. I am so excited to shoot their wedding this summer.

Thanks Elizabeth and Justin!

Here are some favorites. Click here for the entire slideshow.

text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_6Ye6-nRoijU/TQk1m3VNcnI/AAAAAAAAC_U/mSp-szXeqP8/s400/IMG_9552.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5551026957515059826" />

Sande Family Session

2010-12-09T20:09:00.000-09:00

Such a fun family! I love these guys and had such a blast photographing them. They even braved the chilly December afternoon for some beautiful snow photos. You guys are the best!

Here are some favorites. Click here for the entire slideshow.

RaeAnne's Senior Session - take 2

2010-12-08T17:49:00.004-09:00

My poor neglected blog! I can't believe that it has taken me so long to get RaeAnne's second Senior Session up.

I LOVED everything about this session! When I came up with this fun concept with her toe shoes, she didn't hesitate to try it. I love how they turned out. Thanks for being willing to ruin your shoes for me, Rae! And then she pulled out the sweater, scarf and hat! You are amazing!

Here are some favorites. Click here for the entire slideshow.

The Brown Family | Alaska State Fair

2010-11-05T12:36:00.008-08:00

The Browns are some of my all-time favorite people. It was an honor to get to take their family photos. And a bonus to get to do them at the Alaska State Fair! We had a lot of fun wandering the fair and taking photos.

Thanks for the great memories!

Here are some favorites. Click here for the entire slideshow.

The Short Family | Wasilla

2010-10-06T18:27:00.005-08:00

It turned out to be a beautiful day to take advantage of their gorgeous view. But we had to work fast to keep little brother from "quitting" the family. Which, according to his mom, happens several times a day. I had a great time working this beautiful family. Thanks for a fun afternoon.

Here are a few favorites. Click here for the entire slideshow.

The Fuller Family | Wasilla

2010-10-05T11:15:00.003-08:00

I had a great time with the Fuller family. They are such a fun family. I enjoyed getting to know them and laugh with them on a chilly Saturday morning. I think that little brother's facial expressions are some of my favorite of all time. And the sweet sisters were all smiles.

Thanks for a great morning, Fullers!

Here are a few favorites. Click here for the entire slideshow.

Madeline's Senior Session | Hatcher Pass

2010-10-01T17:22:00.004-08:00

There were actually snow flakes falling during Madeline's Senior Photo Session. She was great as I had her put on and take off her jacket in the frigid air. I have to say that Madeline's car was one of my favorite things about her. I had so much fun using her vintage station wagon as part of our session.

Thanks for the fun afternoon, Madeline!

Here are some favorites. Click here for the entire slideshow.

The Davidson Family

2010-09-28T12:53:00.003-08:00

I was immediately charmed by the two dark eyed beauties that greeted me when I arrived this bright autumn Saturday morning. It was a lot of fun getting to know this beautiful family. Thanks for such a fun morning!

Here are a few favorites. Click here for the entire slideshow.

Baby David's One Year Session | Independence Mine

2010-09-28T09:35:00.000-08:00

It is hard to believe that he is already one year old! But he still has those beautiful blue eyes that just melt your heart. I had such a blast following little David around the blueberry bushes at Independence Mine. What a fun location for baby shoot.

Here are some favorites. Click here for the entire slideshow.

Cody's Senior Session | Palmer

2010-09-27T13:47:00.004-08:00

Cody and I met for his senior session on one of the last warm days of fall. It was a perfect day for some fun photos. It was a blast working with Cody. He made my job easy. Thanks for a great afternoon.

Here are some favorites. Click here for the entire slideshow.

Kathryn's Senior Session - take 2 | Palmer

2010-09-23T21:53:00.003-08:00

Kathryn's second Senior Session took on a totally different look from her first session. I loved playing with the sun on this bright day! Kathryn is so easy to work with, definitely a natural in front of the camera. Thanks for the great day, Kathryn and gang!

Here are a few favorites. Click here for the entire slideshow.

Abby's Senior Session - take 2 | Independence Mine

2010-09-23T07:39:00.001-08:00

I love how dramatic these photos turned out. The wind and rain swept through during the middle of our session and it was perfect! We had a lot of fun exploring the mine buildings. Abby came with some fun ideas and lots of clothes to choose from. But I have to say that I am a HUGE fan of the Paris coat!

Thanks for the adventure, Abby!

Here are a few favorites. Click here for the entire slideshow.

Wade's Senior Session - take 2

2010-09-22T14:01:00.001-08:00

This really should be called Wade's Senior Session With Other Cool People. It was fun to have his best friend and sister along on his second shoot. Thanks for all the laughter!

Here a few favorites. Click here for the entire slideshow.

Wes' Senior Session | Hatcher Pass

2010-09-21T12:19:00.004-08:00

Wes and his mom met me at the top of Hatcher Pass on one of the beautiful sunny fall days we have been having. I loved working with Wes' skis. Then we drove to a favorite spot down the Old Knik road where the light was fantastic and the trees were amazing.

Thanks for the fun afternoon, Wes and Angela.

Here are a few favorites. Click here for the entire slideshow.

Sean's Senior Session | Hatcher Pass

2010-09-21T11:10:00.004-08:00

Sean met me up at Hatcher Pass for his session. The rain clouds came through briefly and gave us the rainbow shot. I had a lot of fun using his truck and working with the fall colors.

Thanks for the great afternoon, Sean.

Here are some favorites. Click here for the entire slideshow.

Ryan and LauraBeth's Wedding | Wasilla

2010-09-16T20:19:00.000-08:00

Beautiful LauraBeth, it didn't rain! Many prayers had been sent regarding the weather for this particular day. And the sun shone (unlike most days this summer)! It was such an honor to be apart of LauraBeth and Ryan's wedding day. I love photographing weddings of long-time friends. And this one was no exception. It was a perfectly perfect day.

Thank you LauraBeth and Ryan, for such fun memories.

Here are a few favorites. Click here for the entire slideshow.

Troiane's Senior Session - take 2

2010-09-12T21:52:00.004-08:00

We decided to shoot Troiane's second session despite the rain. And I am so glad that we did! I love these images up at Independence Mine in Hatcher's pass. Thanks for braving the rain, Troiane and Tyler!

Here are a few favorites. Click here for the entire slideshow.

Julia | Eagle River

2010-09-08T17:42:00.005-08:00

This beautiful little bundle arrived a few weeks ago. I had the pleasure of spending a little time with her. She wasn't convinced that she should sleep while I was there.

It was a pleasure to meet little Julia and her parents. What a love-filled home!

Here are a few favorites. Click here for the entire slideshow.

Kelsie's Senior Session | Palmer

2010-09-08T15:34:00.001-08:00

We had a beautiful sunny day for Kelsie's Senior Portraits. It was fun to spend the afternoon laughing and hanging out in the beautiful weather with this beautiful girl.

Here are a few favorites. Click here for the entire slideshow.

Olivia and Brian | Moose Pass, Alaska

2010-09-07T16:43:00.000-08:00

When I was contacted by Olivia, I immediately wanted to be her best friend. Olivia and Brian found Moose Pass online and feel in love. These Georgia natives wanted to do something a little different for their destination wedding. Alaska was the perfect fit. She contacted Karla Delong of Karla Delong Weddings, and was off in a frenzy of plans for a small intimate wedding in the mountains of Alaska. Tern Lake Inn provided an awesome location and delicious catering, while Karla did an amazing job of bringing elegance to the rustic backdrop. This was a beautiful wedding for some incredible people. I will definitely be stopping by their restaurant to visit when I am in Athens.

Thanks Olivia and Brian for allowing me to be a part of your beautiful day!

Here are some favorites. Click here for the entire slideshow.

I have been dreaming of these next two shots for a long time and I love how they turned out! Putting a beautiful bride in the Alaskan swamp spruce... I love it!

Doner Family | Clam Gulch

2010-09-01T17:46:00.001-08:00

We have been planning this photo shoot since Christmas. This is one of my favorite families, the Doners. We didn't have a lot of time because it was almost time to get the nets in the water AND it was Peter and Heidi's birthday celebration. So it was a quick 30 minutes of hopping in and out of boats and rolling on the waves.

Thanks so much for the amazing lunch and a memorable shoot!

Here are a few favorites. Click here for the entire slideshow.

Lydia's Senior Session #2 | Palmer Hay Flats

2010-08-31T18:19:00.001-08:00

Lydia's second senior session was so much fun! She had some new ideas, an umbrella, and one awesome hat for this session. I love it when my clients have props and ideas that bring out their personalities. Thanks for bringing the hat!

Another great afternoon!

Here are some favorites. Click here for the entire slideshow.

Tim and Fernanda's Engagment | Anchorage

2010-08-30T17:20:00.006-08:00

I met Fernanda and Tim downtown Anchorage on one of our few sunny afternoons this summer. It was fun to explore downtown with a camera. I am so glad I got the opportunity to do it with this beautiful couple. Fernanda is just as charming as she is beautiful. I wonder if everyone is like that in Ecuador. She may be from a tropical place, but she will tell you of her love for all things Alaska...including Anchorage native, Tim.

Thanks for such a fun afternoon, Fernanda and Tim!

Here are a few favorites. Click here for the entire slideshow.

Aimee and Tyler's Wedding | Wasilla

2010-08-24T14:08:00.000-08:00

When Aimee met with me and asked me to photograph her wedding, I was thrilled to be a part of such an important day in her life. The background on my cell phone has been Aimee's smiling face for years now. She and Katie put their self portrait on my phone when they were in high school. I couldn't bring myself to change it. So it was awesome be there to capture this beautiful woman and her chosen groom.

Thank you Aimee and Tyler, for the honor of being a part of your day!

Here are a few favorites. Click here for the entire slideshow.

Jeremy and Macy | Kansas

2010-08-13T10:03:00.004-08:00

Cousins and more cousins! It was so fun to be able to photograph so much family. Jeremy and Macy were my third set of cousins to photography while in Kansas. I felt lucky to get so much time with each of them. Thanks Jeremy and Macy! Can't wait to see you guys again!

Here are a few favorites. Click here for the entire slideshow.

Lisa and Cale | Kansas

2010-08-11T16:45:00.000-08:00

There is never enough time with cousins. So I was excited when Lisa contacted me about doing a session for her and Cale when I was in Kansas for Julie and Sam's wedding. It was fun to spend the evening with them and catch up a little. Thanks for asking Lisa!

Here are a few favorites. Click here for the entire slideshow.

Nancy and Don's Wedding | Seward, Alaska

2010-08-10T16:26:00.000-08:00

I have been looking forward to Nancy and Don's wedding since I first met Nancy and she told me about her plans. Seward is a beautiful place for a wedding. I started dreaming about photos on the marina as soon as I heard about it. It got even better with a red historic church AND a reception at the Sea Life Center. It was a truly beautiful wedding.

Thanks, Nancy and Don, for letting be be a part of your day and for the amazing location to photograph.

Here are a few favorites. Click here for the entire slideshow.

Sam & Julie's Wedding | Kansas

2010-08-05T11:03:00.005-08:00

When Julie asked me to come to Kansas to photograph her wedding I was thrilled! I can't help but have a special place in my heart for my sweet cousin. I heard last Thanksgiving that Julie was bringing her boyfriend to meet the family and I had to call her right away. A boyfriend! What?! But she laughed as she told me their story. They spent their Christmas traveling to visit her family in Brazil and his family in Bolivia. They truly have an international life! I can't wait to visit them one day.

It was a beautiful wedding and a true celebration of some very blessed people! Thank you for the honor of photographing your wedding, Julie and Sam!

Here are a few favorites. Click here for the entire slideshow.

Wade's Senior Session | Wasilla

2010-08-02T17:14:00.000-08:00

Senior Portrait season is in full swing. It is so fun to photograph kids that I have known since they were in grade school. I tend to get quite nostalgic when I think about the fact that this is their final year of high school. Next year... they take on the world.

It was fun working with the view from their back yard and laughing with them. The rain even held off and the sun thought about shining.

Thanks for the fun afternoon, Wade and Connie!

Here are a few favorites. Click here for the entire slideshow.

Kathryn's Senior Session | Palmer

2010-07-30T20:19:00.004-08:00

It was a perfect day for a Senior Session with Kathryn. Her sweet smile and personality were a pleasure to photograph. She definately made my job easy. I had the fun of photographing Kathryn with my good friend Missy. It was just like old times. Thanks Missy ;)

Thanks Kathryn and Mary Kate, it was such a fun afternoon with you.

Here are a few favorites. Click here for the entire slideshow.

Connor's Senior Session

2010-07-29T20:53:00.004-08:00

There are so many things that I love about Connor's photo shoot. The awesome classic truck. The clouds. The location. That Connor had a vision for his shoot. All in all, awesome... just like the truck. We were able to use the UAF's experimental farm for this amazing view. The staff at the farm were so helpful and excited about our using their location. If you haven't been back on their trail system, you need to go!

Thanks Connor and his great assistant, Jordan, for a fun afternoon.

Here are some favorites. Click here for the entire slideshow.

RaeAnne's Senior Session | Palmer

2010-07-29T19:07:00.001-08:00

RaeAnne's senior session turned out beautifully. Not only did we have sunshine, but a beautiful model as well. We went to Matanuska River Park in Palmer. RaeAnne liked the idea of playground equipment in her photos. I think that they turned out sweet.

Thanks for the fun session, RaeAnne!

Here are a few favorites. Click here for the entire slideshow.

Chelsea's Senior Session | Palmer Hay Flats

2010-07-28T19:22:00.004-08:00

It turned out to be the perfect day for Chelsea's senior session. The Palmer Hay Flats were a brilliant green and the Chugach mountains behind were a deep blue. Chelsea did a great job in front of the camera and we had lots of fun.

Thanks for a great shoot, Chelsea!

Here are a few favorites. Click here for the entire slideshow.

Lael and Boyd's Wedding | Eagle River, Alaska

2010-07-28T18:59:00.005-08:00

It was a great day for a wedding! The ceremony was at St. Andrew's in Eagle River. Then we moved on up the hillside for a few portraits before driving to Arctic Valley Ski Area nearby. When Lael told me several months ago that the chairlift was going to be running during the cocktail hour, I couldn't wait. It was such a blast going to the top of the mountain for portraits! My only wish was that the sun could have come out to warm us up a bit. It was fun to watch all of the family and friends enjoy the party and dancing.

Thanks for letting us be apart of your day!

Here are a few favorites. Click here for the entire slideshow.