to a wild rose

I wish you could smell them

right through your computer screen.

newborn portraits

The nice thing about doing your own photography

is that you can take as much time as you want.

I enjoyed being able to break up

Baby's newborn portrait session

into several small sessions on different days

so that neither one of us got too tired and cranky.

The following are my very favorites:

There were a few ideas I had hoped to try

that I just didn't get to.

I may still try; we'll see.

When it really comes down to it,

I'm pretty pleased with what I already have,

and my motivation is waning

along with Baby's sleep-through-anything stage.

Handmade Christmas 2012

I'm not even sure if this really counts as a handmade gift,

Since I'm being extra easy on myself this year,

and I have a hard time figuring out what to make for Benjamin,

I'm counting it.

Benjamin gets "hand taken photos" in his stocking this year

to replace the outdated ones he has in his office at work.

Little Man has been camera shy lately,

but he consented to pose

after I explained what the pictures were for.

He's so excited to be in on this gift for his dad

and has done a very good job of keeping it a surprise.

friend photo session

Way back in October when we visited Utah

I had the chance to take some photos

of my sweet sister-in-law

and her two best friends from high school

who both happened to be visiting at the same time we were.

These girls were so much fun to hang out with.

We had a great session;

the following are a few of our favorite shots.

more family photos

I love it when one of my clients

can hook me up with a gorgeous location on private property.

It's always fun to work in a new and different place.

Last week I had the chance to take family photos for some friends

on the ranch where he is employed.

First we took indoor portraits of the baby,

then we moved outside for their family photos

to a gorgeous lake-side location

with breathtaking mountain views on every side.

Too bad it was windy and chilly,

and their little lady had soon had enough--

I could have stayed for an hour.

sibling photo session

You may remember these fun siblings from last year's photo session.

I was excited to take their photos again,

and this year's shoot was just as fun as last year's.

At 9 degrees Fahrenheit, it was a cold session,

but I have to admit that it was the perfect excuse

to tramp through the pristine snow,

freshly fallen the previous night.

family photos

'Tis the season for family photos!

I often do more photography in October and November

than in the entire rest of the year.

A few weeks ago I had the chance

to meet and photograph this adorable family

thanks to some kind word-of-mouth advertising.

I was pleased that I was able to snap some great shots

in spite of the two-year-old's tired and shy state.

more photo sessions to come...

August's Project MCP

Tired of being late on the challenges in which I'm participating,

I decided to discipline myself to not over think

and stretch my creativity

by taking as many challenge-related photos

at one time of one subject

as I could.

Here is August's installment of Project MCP.

Challenge #1

The Olympic rings represent the union of the five continents

and the meeting of athletes from throughout the world.

 Take a photo illustrating repetition–bonus admiration for circles!

While sharpening them,

I decided to make the boys' colored pencils

the subject I would take as many challenge photos of as possible.

Challenge #2
It's all about sports.
Capture a sports themed photo.

Benjamin on his sports bike is sports themed, right?



Challenge #3

It’s a multi-cultural event.

There are 193 countries participating in the 2012 Summer Olympics.

 Capture a photo which captures the essence of your country

I almost panicked and over thought this one

but succeeded in capturing something simple

that conforms to the theme.

Challenge #4

Everyone wants to bring home the gold.

Take a photo of something “gold”.

"Golden yellow" labeled with gold writing?

Perfect!

July's project MCP

Here are my July photos for

the Project MCP challenge.

Challenge #1-It's the 4th of July

Capture the meaning of the word "independence" in a photo

Brother is usually a little clingy and timid in new situations.

Imagine my surprise when he took off all on his own,

exploring the splash park we visited with friends.

So independent.

Challenge #2-Still feeling patriotic?

Take a photo of something red, white, and/or blue

For this photo I was inspired by the similar sheen

of completely unrelated objects:

Benjamin's first guitar, my phone, and a string of pearls.

I was fascinated by how

they clash while fitting together.

Challenge #3-Try a new technique-take a bokeh photo

This was a frustrating challenge

and did not turn out quite how I wanted.

You know those really cool star bokeh photos?

That's what I was after.

However, after trying and trying (maybe it wasn't dark enough),

this was the best I could get.

And I have to say that in spite of my disappointment,

that big, phantom star on the right is pretty nifty.

Challenge #4-Summer is in full swing!

Take a photo of your favorite summer activity.

I way over thought this one.

The problem is that there are so many things about summer I enjoy!

It's impossible to choose one favorite.

Boring as it may be, 

I really love the fact that in the summer

I don't have to bundle myself and my three children

into layers and layers of protective warmth

every time we want to venture out of the warmth of our home.

This summer favorite is represented

by our much-loved sandals.

to Bannack

The first territorial capital on Montana

is now a ghost town,

a state park,

a not-too-tourist-trappy local attraction.

We took Benjamin's parents

to see it while they were visiting last weekend.

We couldn't have asked for more perfect weather

or nicer company. : )

(Yes, that's Benjamin. No, I wasn't driving while photographing.)