For me, art and photography have been my lifelong loves. It started with pencils and markers at my Grandma's desk, filling notebook after notebook with drawings. From there it moved on to watercolor, acrylics and taking every art class my high school counselor would let me.
I got my first camera for Christmas in sixth grade. I took pictures of mountains on our vacations, flowers, my brother....you name it. I loved capturing the moments, the colors and the light.
As I got older I would pour over art and photography books. At first admiring others work and then later studying their techniques so that I could create the visions bursting in my head.
Fast forward to 2005 and starting my own photography business. I am now blessed to be putting my love for art and photography into creating memorable portraits for my clients and their families. My style is simple, no fuss, no props. Only great locations and natural light, capturing my subjects in creative, memorable portraits.
I LOVE to cook. Something about it always fills me creatively. Growing up, I remember watching Julia Child, when she would be on Good Morning America. I loved seeing what she would make and hearing her unique voice. The story of how she became a chef shows what can happen with just a little courage. When I saw the preview for this movie I was sooo excited–can’t wait to see it!
Enjoy!
alison
Well, we are now settling back into our daily routine after a wonderful, relaxing week in Colorado. As I was going through all the pictures I couldn’t help but relive all the funny little memories and adventures we had. I have been going to Colorado for summer vacation for as long as I can remember. You would think that might get boring, but amazingly enough it doesn’t. My boys have helped me see this place I love in a whole new way. That something as simple as playing in the river or looking for a walking stick can be an adventure. That it doesn’t take big and flashy to make a great vacation…just family and being in the moment.
First up–Rocky Mountain National Park. We spend alot of our time in the park when we are there. Hiking, looking for animals and climbing rocks. This area is at the top with amazing views and a 158 step climb (yes we counted) to get there, but oh so worth it.
**did not photoshop the sky, it actually photographed this blue. I was amazed!
Next is Sprague Lake…
This is a great, family friendly hike we found a few years back. Much different from the full day hikes Bret and I used to do pre-kids, but each year the boys can go a little farther. We are looking forward to the day they can do some of the longer hikes to see more of the mountains and falls.
Henry and his ‘hiking hat’ and as usual, shoes on the wrong feet. :)
The all important rock climbing…
Relaxing back at the cabin. Funny enough as we had all these plans of things to do the boys just wanted to hang out at the cabin and play in the river. Everytime we went out somewhere they would start with the ‘but when will we go back to the cabin, we just want to play there’. It was nice actually to know we didn’t need to have alot of entertainment lined up, that they could just be happy playing in the rocks.
The walking stick…finding one of these was pretty much Sam’s goal for the whole trip. After much searching he found the perfect one and Grandpa was good enough to carve his name in it to officially make it his (and yes, it did come home with us.)
And finally, the meadow. This is one of my favorite places to photograph in the park. The light that filters through is like nothing I’ve ever seen and hard to explain except to just say BEAUTIFUL! The evening we were there the rays of sun were coming through the clouds like spot lights shining down.
And in case you were wondering I was able to get a picture of all three boys that evening (mission impossible), but I’m saving it because I think it has serious Christmas card potential. ;)
Have a great weekend!
alison
Home. As we pulled up in front of our cabin last week I told my husband that coming here feels like coming home. I have spent many summer vacations visiting the mountains. Some might think that doesn’t sound adventurous, but to me it is what a vacation should be. Relaxing on the deck with your husband, playing with the boys in the river, searching for the best rocks to take home, eating supper every evening outside with my parents and hearing that perfect sound of the wind as it blows through the evergreens.
As much as I love it there it feels good to be back here too…
Just one picture for tonight, more to come in a day or two. First I need to unpack…do some laundry…go to the grocery store. Well, you get the idea. :)
alison
