Tropical Alaska

I was amazed at the variety of flowers in this part of the state. This was one of many little beauties that caught my attention.

I am Beary Beary HOT!!!

If you aren't in Washington right now let me just say that it is pushing 100 DEGREES!!!! If you are one of the many suffering without AC right now, let me just tell you I feel your pain, or at least can smell your perspiration (I think I have lost five pounds just in water weight today :)).

We are back from another trip filled with Alaskan adventures. This year the itinerary consisted of taking a bush flight out of Dillingham to the first of four lakes that we canoed down (with the help of an outboard motor, thank goodness!!). I think it was close to 80 plus miles total over a week. We saw 20 brown bears at various distances, all of which had me wishing I had purchased a decent zoom lens, but I did what could with my 28-135mm kit lens.

I have TONS more to share, but have yet to even start going through them. Meanwhile let me introduce you to the first bear of our trip. This is a small male that visited us in camp several times during our one night stay, but was kind enough to let us watch him from our canoes for quite sometime.....I could watch these amazing animals all day if they would let me :)!!

Alaska Bound!!

Hi everyone!! I just wanted to let you all know that I will be away from my computer Monday July 13th-July 26th, as we are headed up north for our annual Alaska trip. We have great adventures planned, including a fly out trip out of Dillingham, paddling through 150 miles of fish filled lakes. I am looking forward to using my new tripod and shooting my son's first Alaskan adventure. Wish us luck for a safe return :)! Also I am almost completely booked up for August. I have one spot left, and September is filling up, so please contact me if you are interested in booking a session in the next few months!! Have a great few weeks!!

Timeless!!

This photograph to me is timeless, it tells a story that has been playing out for centuries across our great nation. If you or someone you know is anticipating a homecoming of your loved one, please contact me for a special discounted rate, and document these priceless moments that you will cherish for a lifetime!

My Favorite Picks of the Day....

I promised to post my favorites from my last session, and I have to tell you I love them all, but I did narrow it down a little.... If you did and would still like to (I will be taking it down soon), check out this LINK of their photo gallery :)!!

Waving to Dad while he was still on the ship.


They were allowed to talk via their cell phones while they waited, SO cute!!


Manning the Rails


I can just feel her relief in this shot.


I love this..."Dad, is it finally really you?"


MOOWAA!!


We were packing up the bags and she couldn't help but latch back on to Daddies leg.


Together again :)!
PS: I am a detail sort of gal, and I love the things that others might consider imperfections....Can you spot the thing that I LOVE about this picture?.....I will give you a second.....

Did you guess her dirty little bare feet? Simply adorable, and tells a story about this amazing moment :)!

I have one more that is my new all time favorite that I will post in a few days, with a big announcement so stay tuned :)!! Thanks again "Z" family for such an amazing day!!

What the 4th of July is REALLY about...

Let me just start off by saying that the Fourth is a HUGE deal here in Port Orchard. I think people started lighting off fireworks three months ago in anticipation for the big day :). However, personally this year has taken on a whole new deeper meaning to me as to what the 4th of July is really about. On Monday I was asked by another local photographer Kelly Zaiko to spend the day with her and her two small children documenting their reunion with her Navy pilot husband who has been deployed for the past six months. I jumped at the opportunity, and I am so glad that I did. It was an emotional day filled with anticipation, joy and relief. It was also very humbling to be reminded of the ENORMOUS sacrifice so many families give on a daily basis so that my little family can be safe and free.

For those of you in active or inactive duty, and the families that support them, both past and present my words can not express my deep feeling of gratitude!!

If you have a little time please check out their Photo Gallery, which takes you through the day of waiting (I think it was three hours before he was let off the ship), and the much anticipated reunion.

PS - They were allowed to communicate on their cell phones while they waited, so all of the phone shots are them talking to Daddy on the ship :)....

I will post my Favorites of the big day in a few days :)!