Moving Forward

About 4 years ago I decided to step away from doing portrait photography. My life was in turmoil and I need to take some time for myself. I had only planned on taking 1 year off. But one year turned to 4 before I'd even realized how much time had passed. Now I find myself wanting to once again build my portrait photography business. My first step was to re-build my website. I'm excited to announce my website will also be the new location of my blog. This will be my last post on this platform. To continue to follow my photography you can see my updated blog on my new website.

Kailie

It's been a few years since I've taken senior photos. So I was excited when Kailie asked if I would take hers. I'd taken her sisters senior photos 4 years ago. It was a lot of fun to meet up with this family again.

Kailie is looking forward to her senior year being over. I don't blame her since she gets to go on a cruise with her grandparents next summer. That along with a trip to Hawaii with a friend, Kailie has a lot to look forward to this year. 

A Trip to Oceanside

In an effort to meet some local photographers I joined a Meetup group dedicated to hiking and photography. I joined this group because I wanted to explore more than just the tourist locations I know so well. I also wanted to make some new friends while exploring. It took me a while to build up the courage to actually attend one of the meet ups. My school and work schedule got in the way a few times. But in truth a little social anxiety played a role in my delay as well. 

When they planned a trip to the coast, I know it was time for me to join. I knew the Oregon Coast well enough, I at least knew what I was getting into. And though we were going to an area I'd never been, I was comfortable enough to join. 

We got up super early so we could be on the beach before the tide came in. Much of this part of the beach is only accessible during low tide. Even though I had to get up at 3:30am, I'm so glad I went. The group was friendly and the location beautiful.

I've always wanted to see actual starfish outside of an aquarium. But I've never found them on the coast. Now I know why. They are all on a small stretch of beach outside of Oceanside. There were tide pools and starfish everywhere. Not to mention waterfalls and caves. I will definitely need to go back to Oceanside.

                                 For some reason the above photo feels like a scene from a fantasy movie . . . like it doesn't really belong in this world.

                                                                             I think this photo of the starfish is one of my favorites of the day.

                                                2 minutes after I took this photo the starfish and the rock it's attached to were completely under water.

 This was the only picture I got from the caves. The water was dripping off the walls and I found the water drops more interesting than the caves themselves.

A Compliment From My Nephew

Last fall my nephew came to me and asked me to take pictures of him playing football. I took that as a great compliment. My nephew thinks I'm a good enough photographer to capture him playing the sport he loves. How could I say no to that?

As a sophomore my nephew (#52) played his first year of varsity football! To say I'm a proud aunt would probably be understating things a bit. :)

Turns out sports photography is a lot of fun! There is a lot of energy, running up and down the field and the thrill of catching my nephew sacking the quarterback! I hope he asks me to photograph his next football season. :) 

                                         This is what happens when you ask your photographer aunt to take football pictures . . . artsy football shots!

                                                                               These 3 pictures are of my nephew's first quarterback sack!

                                                                                                   My nephew is a beast! LOL! :)

                                                                                                           Another quarterback sack!

 This is one of my favorite tackles. In the top picture you can see my nephew wrapped himself around the guy and threw him to the ground. In the bottom picture my nephew is getting back up while the guy he threw to the ground is still falling. I find that very amusing!

Sunset at the Tulip Fields

There is something so peaceful about watching the sunset. And I will never cease to be amazed how no two sunsets are alike.

Columbia River Gorge

I love the Columbia River Gorge. It is so beautiful. The sweeping panoramic view of the Columbia River, the multiple waterfalls, the forest, the trees, the charming old bridges, all give me a sense of peace and adventure. Whenever life or school gets too be to much, I grab my camera and drive the old scenic highway that runs through the gorge. It's become my playground. While looking through the viewfinder of my camera at the stunning landscape, the world and my troubles melt away.

 I love capturing the smaller details found in nature. We are always so busy looking at the larger picture in front of us, we often don't stop to take in the little details.

Brianna

I first met Brianna a few weeks ago when I took photo's of her, her siblings and her cousins. It was a fun shoot, so I was excited when I was asked to take Brianna's senior photos.

Brianna is a wonderful young lady . . . . and a busy one! Besides starting her senior year she's playing soccer and participating in drama. In fact she'll be directing her school's production of Thumbelina this year.

Brianna, I enjoyed working with you. You can sure bring the attitude when needed. Take some time this year to relax. :)

                                   My absolute favorite photo!!!