Troiane's Senior Session | Palmer, Alaska

Troiane asked for more of an edgy look to her Senior Portraits. I love it when my clients ask for something special. I had a lot of fun working with Troiane to create these awesome images.

Thanks for a fun afternoon, Troiane and A.

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

Ruth and Jonathan's Wedding | Anchorage, Alaska

When I met with Ruth and her mom last fall, I was struck by this beautiful girl with the soft voice. On her wedding day she was even more stunning than I had imagined for her wedding day. Jonathan couldn't take his eyes off of her. Her smiles and laughter radiated through the day. Seeing her in her wedding dress surrounded by all those who love her, was sweet to see. She graciously hugged and chatted with everyone but especially the small children that ran to give her hugs every few minutes.

Ruth and Jonathan were married last year before he was deployed to Afghanistan. They decided to wait for their celebration until after his return. And Jonathan's return from a tour in Afghanistan to his bride was something to be celebrated. They were surrounded by friends and family from across the globe and the guys from his army unit as they exchanged their vows with the richest of love and dedication. O'Malley's on the Green looked amazing thanks to the coordination by the talented Karla of Karla Delong Weddings.

It was an honor to be a part of your day, Ruth and Jonathan!

Click here for the entire slideshow.

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

Lydia and her mom met me up at Hatcher's Pass for her Senior Portrait Session. We reminisced about the first time we met when Lydia was in 5th grade. It is crazy how time flies and kids get older. She is so beautiful! We had a fun and managed to dodge most of the rain before we were done.

Thanks for the fun afternoon, Lydia and Camy!

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

Abby's Senior Session

Abby's going to be a senior! My first senior of 2011! Bring on the Seniors! It is going to be a great year!

We had a lot of fun chasing butterflies and blowing dandelion seeds. Thanks for the fun afternoon, Abby!

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

Laura Beth and Ryan's Engagement Session | Beluga Point & Crow Creek Mine, Alaska

I have loads of memories of Laura Beth through her high school years...always beautiful, always kind, always genuine. Only days after her engagement we started talking about her wedding photography. I had yet to meet Ryan, but knew he must be something special. The day we spent together taking their engagement photos was so much fun. And I learned that Ryan is truly a great guy.

Thanks for spending the day with me, LauraBeth and Ryan. I am honored to be a part of your wedding!

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

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.