Downey Family | Palmer, Alaska

I took Senior Portraits for an adorable red head last summer. Then a few weeks ago I was thrilled when she contacted me about doing a Family Session this spring. We had a great time at Matanuska River soaking up the sunshine and laughing. The day couldn't have been nicer and the subjects more photogenic.

Thanks for the fun afternoon, Downeys!

Here are a few favorites. You can view the entire slideshow here.

Escalate 2010

I am in Newport Beach, California tonight. I came down for a photography conference with some amazing wedding and portrait photographers. The speakers are amazing and I have met some fantastic photographers from around the country, Canada, and Mexico. I listened to Dane Sanders, Becker, Jasmine Star and Julianne Kost today. I know many of you won't know who they are, but they are some pretty big names in the who's who of wedding photography... well, except for Julianne Kost. She is an Adobe Evangelist and has some serious Photoshop skills. I chatted with Becker at a book signing tonight and he wanted to see my drivers license because I was from AK. He was rather impressed that I share a birthday with Bono. Who knew?!

Tomorrow is another full day before heading to the airport. It will be fun to see what tomorrow brings.

The weather is very un-California like and that is rather disappointing. I actually walked to the conference in the rain this morning. Isn't it supposed to always be sunny in Southern California? But tomorrow I head to AZ where I am promised hot, sunny weather. I plan on having a nice tan when I go back north.

Another Year

Happy anniversary to me! I am a few weeks late, but this has been floating around in my brain for awhile. It is hard to believe that I have spent so much of this year building my business. I have learned so much and anticipate that this knowledge is only the tip of the iceberg, so to speak. What a year this has been. So many new friends, so many memories with old friends. Laughter, tears, frustration, anticipation, joy, wondering, dreaming and LIVING.

One year ago I had very little idea about how my business would look today. I hoped it would be growing. I hoped that I would be able to do it full time. I hoped that I would be a better photographer. I hoped that the business side of things would come easier. I hoped that I would have wonderful clients that loved my images. I hoped so many things. And I can look back and see all of these taking shape.

My business is growing. I have been able to work full time in photography. I am only getting better as a photographer. The business side of things is only getting easier. I have wonderful clients that love my work. It is happening and I can't tell you how overjoyed I am to see how far I have come. But I still have a lot to hope for and work towards.

Thank you to all of you who have cheered me on, spoken encouraging words, given me wisdom, and stood beside me in this crazy adventure. Thank you from the warmest, most genuine place in my heart. You are my heroes and I don't know what my life would be with out you!

And we must have a new image. This is the last day we had a beautiful snow... April 15th.

Lael and Boyd's Engagement | Arctic Valley

A beautiful afternoon of sunshine and blue skies. It was a perfectly perfect day for an engagement session. We met at Alpenglow ski area and started our session there. This will be the location of the wedding this summer. Then we ventured down to some great views overlooking Anchorage. Thanks for being such great sports and finishing off in the water! You guys are awesome!

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

Ruth and Jonathan Enagagement | Beluga Point

The morning didn't look promising. But it wasn't raining so we decided to go ahead with our plans for Ruth and Jonathan's Engagement Session. By the time we reached Beluga Point the weather was perfect! A little breeze and some gorgeous clouds were the perfect accessories to our shoot. Climbing around the rocks, soaking in the spring sunshine and laughing with new friends... what a perfect way to spend an afternoon.

Thanks for a great afternoon, Ruth and Jonathan. I can't wait for your wedding!

Here are some favorites. Click here for the slideshow.

Casey's Senior Photos | Hatcher's Pass

It was gray and gloomy in the Valley, but once we got to the top of Hatcher's Pass it was GORGEOUS! A Wednesday afternoon is the perfect time to go up there if you don't want to have company. I laid in the road for about 20 minutes to get some of these shots (because, really if I haven't laid on the ground at some point during a shoot, it isn't over). I didn't have to move for a single car. Casey was awesome and so relaxed in front of the camera. I think he thought I was crazy when I told him to ride as close as he could to me as I laid in the middle of the road. But we had a great time and I love the shots we got on the beautiful spring day.

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