Lan Su Chinese Garden

A couple months ago I my friend Dale drove up from California and we spent the weekend shooting everything from the Portland city scape to the coast. Our first stop was the Lan Su Chinese Gardens. I drove to the location expecting to see a garden on the outskirts of Portland when I arrived. Instead all I found was a wall. This walled in garden sits right in the middle of busy Portland. It was an interesting experience to walk through what almost felt like a private garden, all the while knowing people were going about their day on the other side of the walls.

If you'd like to see my friend Dale's fantastic photo's from this location, check out his blog.

                                                                     Dale

                                                                A flower hiding

           Bonsai trees always remind me of the Karate Kid movies :)

                                         This one makes me giggle :)

                                         I love the hidden gardens

                           I loved the light playing on these leaves

                Here you can see the city buildings behind the gardens

 I thought this was a very interesting flower, and I love the color

There were details everywhere . . . even the doors 

Iris Gardens

A couple weeks ago I had the opportunity to hang out with my friend Dale for the weekend. We traveled from Portland to the the beach. One of the many places we visited was the Iris Fields outside Salem. The fields were beautiful, even if we spent most of the time under cover from the rain. Even though we got rained out I managed to capture some great shots. If you'd like to check out Dale's photo's from the gardens check out his blog: http://dalehardin.blogspot.com/2012/05/schreiners-iris-garden-salem-oregon.html

Ben and Sarah

Last month I had the honor of photographing Ben and Sarah's wedding. They have got to be the sweetest couple I have ever met. They were both smiling all day. Now you'll probably say "of course it's their wedding day". But I have a feeling they are always like that. And how could they not be, they are surrounded by wonderful family and friends. Ben and Sarah, it truly was an honor to work with you and to meet your family. Thank you so much for allowing me to be a part of your special day.

A Few Random DC Photos

Visiting Washington DC was so much fun. To be in a place rich in history is beyond amazing. Everywhere you go there is something to marvel over. :)

The Library of Congress is probably the most ornate library I've been in. I wish I'd had more time to wander around. But my sister and I had lunch reservations at a very upscale restaurant. :)

 I saw this on the wall and had to capture a photo. To often in life people don't realize that their actions really do speak louder than their words.

 The archives was one of my favorite stops. To stand in front of the Declaration of Independence created an emotion I cannot describe.

 Walking around DC my sister and I stumbled on a Navy ceremony.

                                                        Even in DC . . . .

                                  "There's no place like home"

 Abraham Lincoln's Top Hat at the Museum of American History

           Outside the Smithsonian's Museum of American History

There were 5 rows of gates in between us and the White House, plus the snipers on the roof!

Mount Vernon

I didn't really know what to expect at Mt. Vernon. However I know I did not expect the size of the place. There were so many buildings for Washington's employee's to work and live in the place resembled a small colonial town. The house inside was beautiful. And they had some of the original furnishings and possessions from the Washington family.

 After seeing the view, I can understand why George Washington loved this place

 Beth was unimpressed with the plantation. She did enjoy playing in the mud puddles :)

 I just had to show this view again . . . this time from George Washington's back porch

DC Memorials

The Capitol Mall is lined with Smithsonian museums and Memorials. On of my favorite to see was the WWII memorial. I knew there was a memorial, but I'd never seen any pictures. So it was fun to go somewhere and capture pictures without having to think how can I see this differently than everyone else. It was also fun to be there and see the Honor Flight veterans and thier sponsors. To see WWII veterans enjoying a memorial to what they did for this country was very cool.

        My neice Beth was mad we wouldn't let her play in the water

 I was so excited to see the Lincoln Memorial. However it was so crowded it was hard to really enjoy it. I will say this though . . . I wonder what Abraham Lincoln would have thought about this building erected in his honor?

 Even thought I've seen multitudes of pictures and video of the Vietnam Memorial, it still wasn't what I expected. Even with the massive crowds it's hard to get past the walls and walls of names.

Arlington National Cemetary & The Tomb of the Unknow Soldier

To visit someplace with so much history can be overwhelming. It's sad to see how many men and women have died for the freedom we all enjoy. But at the same time, it can bring a sense of pride that we live in a country where people are willing to lay down their lives for the safety of others.

I was fortunate enough to see a wreath laying ceremony instead of the regular changing of the guard. Every branch of the military was represented. And watching everything done with military precision was truly a sight to behold.

I found the discoloration on the sidewalk facinating. When the relief guard came I realized the discoloration is because that path has been walked several times a day for years . . . the exact same path. You can even tell where they stop and turn.

I find this tradition very cool. I wish I knew the history behind the placing of rocks on Jewish graves. :)