Happy Wednesday!

I spent much of today with my computer. We are working well together these days. Lots of quality time. Today was spent working on an ad for the Alaska Bride and Groom magazine and a couple of new products that I am getting ready to offer. (more on that soon)

What do you think? (the color is a bit strange do to some mode changing I had to do to get it on my blog)

Celebrating 6 Months

I launched my website 6 months ago last week and I want to celebrate that milestone with you.

I spent a little time this weekend looking back over my blog since that day. So much has has happened. I have photographed breath-taking brides, oh-so-in-love couples, sweet newborns, stylish high school seniors, adorable families, a life-changing business, fun events and a little of my own stuff on the side.

When I look back over the last six months I am in awe of all that I have had the honor of being a part of and photographing. I have been stretched, grown, and changed. Yet I still have a long way to go... a lifetime perhaps.

Things I know:
I still love my job.
Being self-employed is great and hard work.
I have a LOT to learn yet.
I am excited about the future.
I like new gear.
I love it when a client emails me or calls me to tell me that my images brought tears to their eyes.
I can't wait to see what this year brings.
Alaska is still an amazing location to shoot.
I feel so blessed by all that God has given me.
I will continue on this journey.
I hope you will be someone who joins me.

Bacon Bits

What an adorable, fun family! And they are my friends! How lucky am I?! Amanda and Jeremy and clan had me over one evening for a little photo session. They are in the process of adopting and needed some updated photos of the family. We picked the perfect evening because two days later the leaves were completely gone. I had such a blast with their family. Aren't they adorable?!

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





Can I have have some freckles just like these?






LOVE this shot!

One of those days

Ever have one of those marketing days? No? I hadn't either until the last few months as my business has grown and demanded it of me.

I have never been drawn to sales, nor been particularly good at it. Even as a kid I hated the fundraising events where you had to sell wrapping paper to all of your neighbors in hopes of winning a prize of a cool duffel bag or sweatshirt. I never won a duffel bag, cool or lame.

Today I have had one of those marketing days. A day when I am trying to figure out how to convince people how cool my products really are and that they would really love them. I promise.

For example: I offer standout mounts to my clients. I absolutely LOVE the standout mounts. Prints are mounted on 3/4 inch lightweight board. No framing necessary. Ready to hand on the wall. They look so clean and modern. How could you not want one of these, or maybe 6?




The stakes are a little higher than the duffel bag and therefore a bit more motivating. However, my lack of great success in other sales portions of my life experience still haunt me. I wonder if I will ever grow into this part of my business.

Stamoolis Family

This post is long over due. But I had to wait until all of the grandmothers had left the state. If you know either of the grandmothers, don't mention my blog or this photo session. This is the Christmas surprise.

I laugh every time I see these photos. I love this family! Not only are they long-time fabulous friends, but amazingly kind and humble people. I was honored to do a family session with them at Crevasse Moraine one sunny fall morning.

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

A Little Hiking

Last month was a little crazy. Lots of high school senior shoots... which was so much fun! And cramming in as much outside time as possible before the weather turned. One weekend it was so nice that a friend and I headed to Arch Angel Valley for some evening hiking and photography. We had a double rainbow to start the hike. And for those of you that keep telling me that you never see photos of me... I added a few just for you. These are just a few reasons why I love living in Alaska.





An old mine and the industrial garbage left behind.



Yes, that is a Nikon in my hands, Missy... but I was only trying to figure the foreign thing out... so confusing... ;-)

There is a double rainbow in this photo... and a little shadow of me in the lower left.

Lance's Senior Session

We had to reschedule twice before the weather cooperated. But I had a great time with Lance in his amazing backyard. There were even salmon (very past) still swimming in the creek behind his house. Thanks for a fun afternoon, Lance!

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