Sneak peek for Mom!

Rain? What rain?

Outdoor shoots are always chancey - and this one in particular had me worried. Big black clouds had been looming all day and just as I left to meet the Beckum clan at the park, it started to rain. I was really disappointed, had my best pout on, and was steadily cursing my luck when I got to the park. That didn't last long though, because as soon as the Beckums got there, their contagious laughter and playfulness completely reversed my gloomy mood, and the rain stopped! I had so much fun following them around and watching them interact with each other I almost forgot I was there to work. Here's a peek at some of the fun we had, and there's more to come on my website soon!

Love, Hope and Brady

One amazing couple (the "dynamic duo", if you will), childless, and seemingly content to spend the rest of their lives together with their canoes and their cats, and at an age when most parents are seeing their children graduate from high school. Add a lot of love, a little hope, and along comes Brady. Thanks, guys! It was well worth the wait!

The Reason Why

Someone recently asked me why in the world I left a lucrative full time job to pursue my "frivolous" part-time job. Didn't I realize there was an economic crisis and that the unemployment rate was nearly double digit? Well......take a look at the images of Amy and Kevin when they saw each other for the first time on their wedding day this past Saturday. To be a part something so special, so unique, so once-in-a-lifetime..... well, that's my reason why.

Little Girls, Like Butterflies, Need No Excuse

What a sweetie! Little Miss "T" was only 10 days old or so when she and her mom came to see me. She was such a good sport, too, and didn't mind at all when we put her in all the fun places we came up with. These are a few of my favorites.

Mr. and Mrs. Morris

What a great couple - you know all the old cliches - match made in heaven; made for each other, etc - well this couple brings them to life and gives them all new meanings. You can't help but feel good around these two - my face hurt from smiling all day! This gig was more fun than work.
As we were leaving the park where we shot some images before the after party, I mentioned Rick's truck. He and Janet both remarked about how much he loves it, and then he said something that keeps coming back to me and I had to add it to this photo of Rick and two of his great loves.

And then, to top off this already great day, this huge, brilliant rainbow appeared after a rainshower on the way to the after party. We happened to meet in the parking lot and I just had to document this sign of good luck that I hope will follow these two for the rest of their lives. :) Oh, and kudos to Canon, by the way. In the mad dash to get the rainbow photo, my Canon 5D MKII and attached speedlight took a nasty drop to hard concrete and slid under a car in two different directions. And even though the speedlight's insides are now hanging outside, it still works! And the camera - well except for a few battle scars (which I think gives it character) it's good as ever. Thanks to Canon for making their products so durable!

I Do, Almost

Janet and Rich were married this past Saturday, and the love between these two was almost a tangible thing - it touched everyone of us around them. These images are from the rehearsal the night before - a sneak peek at some of the wedding photos coming soon!

"PURINA". It's not just for dogs anymore.

And just where were Duke and Lucy while this brazen thievery was taking place?

Horsin' Around

Once again, one of my animals insisted on a place in the spotlight. This time it was Splash, my spotted saddle horse. My subject, this handsome young guy, was instantly distracted and lost all interest in the photo session when Splash wandered up to the gate. After introductions and some shared oatmeal cookies, Splash proceeded to show his affection for his new-found friend. After several more minutes of bonding, I finally pursuaded my young friend to resume the session, but only after promising that he could come back and visit Splash anytime. And I'm not sure who will be the happiest when he does!

It's Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas

Gidget Goes Glam

Here's Gidget in her new winter jacket - a dramatic black and pink concoction, stylish yet warm enough to keep a girl from shivering in the cold. The planes of the stiff black fabric combined with
the pink fur fluff intersecting across the back, gives the jacket a very modern and glamorous look. The cut is extremely flattering——showing off the shoulders, neckline and legs. It's a must-have for all fashion conscious girls this winter!

Gidget is a 10-month old Chihuahua, the best friend of a good friend of mine. She posed prettily for her first portrait, but not for long. The excitement of the camera clicking and the strobe flashing got to be too much for her, and she jumped off the table and hid under the sofa. After some coaxing and with the temptation of a cookie proving too much for her, she finally joined us again. We decided by the dirty looks she was giving the camera that we were lucky to have gotten the photos that we did and gave up for the night. It's not good to upset a fashionista!

Oh Joy!

Little Miss "M" came with her mom this weekend to get some images for their Christmas cards. What a cutie! She just turned three, but she seems older and wiser and was a joy to work with. It just seemed so fitting to let her play with those letters - and without any prompting or suggestions from either her mom or me, she knew exactly what to do. I have a feeling at least one of these images is going to be on their cards this year, and I'm pretty sure they're going to be spreading quite a bit of Joy!

This Crazy Little Thing Called Love

There is nothing I can say that these

images don't already convey. Oh to be

young and in love!

Feline Mystique

This image of Misty makes me think of a

poem by Richard Garnett:

She moved through the garden with glory because,

She had very long claws at the end of her paws.

Her neck was arched, her tail was high,

A green fire flared in her vivid eye,

And all the Toms, though never so bold,

Quailed at the marital Marigold.

-- Richard Garnett