I always love the chance to photograph a newborn baby, but it is especially fun after I have done the pregnancy portraits. Then I get to see the real bond that forms between Mom and Baby! Kimm's cute pregnancy pictures with her first little guy, Oscar are on my blog a few months ago. And here's baby August at just about 2 weeks old. Isn't he sweet?
In the midst of wedding season, I often go in search of inspiration on my favorite design and photography blogs. The last couple of nights I have been curled on the couch with my laptop drinking Kevin's banana milkshakes lost in cyberspace. It actually reminds me of planning my wedding and the endless hours of idea hunting. So for all you brides out there in search of inspiration to make your wedding unique and stylish, here are some blogs you need to check out.
Design Sponge - plug the word wedding into the search box and lots of fun stuff comes up. this site inspires me to just live an artful life. i am currently working on designing a wall in my dining room with old family photographs and art.
Style Me Pretty - really great ideas for color schemes and unique touches. love the inspiration boards featured on the site. you could try making one for yourself that describes the vibe you want to create for your wedding.
Something Old Something New - get inspired by stylish new york weddings and be prepared to spend hours checking out all the links to other cool wedding sites.
Colleen and Burl own this incredible property in the mountains and dream of building their life together on a sustainable farm. It was the perfect place to exchange their vows. I was honored to be the only witness to the beautiful wedding ceremony they created that incorporated elements of nature and their personal gifts to each other. The afternoon we drove up to the property it was raining and cloudy and the two considered rescheduling. That is the beauty of a private ceremony after all. But in the end they decided they were not going to have a fair weather marriage and so the ceremony would happen rain or shine! And it was perfect. Just check out the light and the clouds in these photographs.
I have been kind of obsessed with tandem bikes lately. It is one of my new favorite things. So, when I was preparing for an engagment session with Morgan and Cody, the first thing I thought of was a tandem bike. They are so fun and playful. They rode up and down the alley laughing while I took pictures. If it hadn't started to rain, we would probably still be out there. Can't wait for their wedding in July!
PHOTOGRAPHY PLAYDATE
What: This event is perfect for Moms who love photography and want to learn some tips and tricks from a pro. Appropriate for all levels from the point and shoot to the Digital SLR. We'll let the kids play and Moms will take pictures and get tips on composition and technique. Bring your camera, kids and questions.
When: June 12th 10-11:30am
Where: Julie's studio in Boulder
Reservations: This event is FREE, but space is limited so please send me an email if you are interested in joining us.
The Next Step: If you are looking for a more in depth class in photography, check out Photocamp. Dates and description below.
Most of the maternity sessions I photograph are in the studio where I can control the light and create something simple and artistic. But, every once and awhile a Mom-to-be comes along that that has the right personality for location portraits. And with a three year old who likes to run and pick dandelions, the park was the perfect place for Kimm.
Traveling to Santa Barbara is the way I hope to open every wedding season! I missed the sand in my shoes and a sun burn on the back of my neck. Thanks Judith and Paul for inviting me to photograph your gorgeous day and for ordering up the sunny 80 degree day!
Press Release:
It began as a fundraising idea: hold a silent auction with abstract images of the cast of the Vagina Monologues in the nude. But it ended in an experience that has changed the lives of the women involved. A woman's body image is dramatically affected by societal pressures. With images of Barbie, Super Models and celebrities, women and girls are told what is an acceptable body. Furthermore, sexual assault can destroy a women's positive view of her body. Empowerment will be the first phase of a photography project about sexual assault survivors. Local photographers Julie Afflerbaugh and Peggy Dyer will be leading the project, with the guidance of Moving to End Sexual Assault's (MESA) Development Director, Deirdre Moynihan.
" The photoshoot was one of the best experiences I've had when it comes to self expression. It put me in an unshakable mood for days...hell, I'm still smiling about it. It's something I'll never forget because it gave me an opportunity to show myself some love and acknowledge how amazing this body and mind are."
" I know you've heard this tons today, but this was probably one of the biggest transformations of my life! I really feel liberated by the experience, and I hope that the image I chose will help others feel the same way."
To preview the Empowerment Exhibit, you can attend the benefit production of the The Vagina Monologues at the Boulder Theater on Wednesday, April 2 at 8pm.
I just made my first trip to WPPI (read: huge convention for those photographically obsessed). I was so lucky to have my friend and fella photographer Ashley Davis to ride this roller coaster with me. We laughed and talked about a million miles a minute for 4 days straight. We kept each other grounded in who we are and where we want to go with our businesses (it is easy to be led astray at these things!)
This was my first time attending the convention and I was blown away by the energy, creativity, inspiration, and connection. I learned SO much and there are so many things I would like to do right NOW. Tonight I will be making a list.
The Highlights:
Learning some new ideas for business models from Me Ra Koh. Maybe I'll produce my own DVD with photo teachings for Moms. Hmmm. Maybe I'll grow my little boutique business by hiring a few photographers to work with me. That would be fun! Oh, to have someone to bounce ideas off of besides my husband Kevin sure would be nice (not that Kevin isn't wonderful with his wacky ideas).
I took away so many great tips on composition and editing from Kevin Kubota. But mostly I was impressed with the energy Kevin projects. He clearly loves his work and never stops innovating. I learned more about lightroom and will be creating all new workflow with my digital files using this Adobe software. So exciting!
Was reminded by both the canadiens, who played my new favorite song by Frou Frou during their presentation, and Matthew Jordan Smith how important music is in keeping me energized and happy!
I also had the pleasure of running into old friends and meeting lots of new ones. Here are some of the people who keep me excited about the work I do and I was delighted to see at WPPI. If you are someone who checks out my blog because you have an interest in photography, check these talents:
Jose James Yvette Bryan Andrew Jesh Ashley Travis Joe
I am just a newbie in this field and sometimes I feel completely overwhelmed with all the possibility, but you all keep me grounded in who I want to be as an artist and photographer. Thank you.
Constantly on the look out for artists and photographers who inpspire me, I recently found a new love. Her name is Alicia Bock and she lives in Michigan. I'm from Michigan, too! I love the whimsical, vintage feeling in her photographs. She has inspired me to start playing with photoshop again! Stay tuned!
I recently sent a friend a lovely necklace made by Hot Mama Designs here in Boulder. Shannon, owner of Hot Mama makes all the original pieces engraved with baby names. So fun!
I also recently came across an incredible artist who creates custom collages from your photographs. Such a cool idea. I love her style!
It's the off season so I am collecting inspiration. Not just for my work, but my house, my health, my relationships, and my menus. Here are some fun sites I spend time hanging out at. Thought you might enjoy!
Bethree - created by some amazing women right here in Boulder
Sfgirlbybay- funky style and links to a million fabulous other artists
Decor8- Just fun stuff
Etsy- Ebay for artists. Be prepared to spend hours
Anothergirlatplay- inspiring artists
Foodnetwork - love the shows, love the database of recipes
I have decided that retreats are essential for staying creative and energized and giving me a sense of perspective on my life. I would highly recommend a few days away from familiar spaces and people to get the juices flowing at the start of the New Year. For the first time since I was in college, I took a little solo adventure. I endured the seven hour drive to Santa Fe by listening to Eat, Pray, Love on my ipod and eating pretzels. The intention for my retreat was to stay in a cozy place, eat delicious food and explore town with my camera stumbling on hidden treasures. Thanks to a recommendation from my friend Lee, I landed in the perfect b&b in town, The Don Gaspar Inn. In four days of exploring, I discovered that what I loved most about Santa Fe (besides the vibrant sky and the green chile) was that I could strike up a conversation with a complete stranger and end up chatting for hours! I actually did not take very many photographs because I was too busy drinking tea and making new friends! But below are a few of my favorites. If you are headed to Santa Fe, here are a few of my suggestions:
Is there anything as cool as skiing into a rustic hut at 11,000 feet and enjoying winter in the alpine? We are downhill and cross country skiers, but we gave tele a try to make the most of the backcountry playground. Our friends, Nick and Megan, showed us the ropes and patiently cleaned us up after a few less than graceful falls! If you haven't checked out the 10th mountain huts, I would highly recommend it. www.huts.org. The scenery is unbelievable and you can't beat backcountry snow.
I have to give my husband credit for most of these pictures. I was on vacation!
My 2007 wedding season came to a close photographing a very sweet couple, Nicole and Tim in Santa Barbara, CA. When we talked about the style of photography they envisioned for their wedding, they both said they wanted photographs that captured the romance! They made it so easy!
Sarah and JJ thought of every detail to make their wedding personal and unique. Sarah designed the sea star motif for the invitations, programs and favors. Each of their parents gave words of wisdom during the ceremony. Traditional contra dancing got everyone up and dancing at the reception. I was so excited that they allowed so much time for photography and we were able to shoot at a bunch of locations around gorgeous Santa Barbara before the ceremony. Super talented photographer Chris Humpreys came out to shoot with me which was so much fun. To view the entire slideshow click here.
I have decided these are two of my favorite things. And put them together and it's my photography dream come true. Colleen and Jon were married in Leavenworth, WA in the Cascade Mountains in October. Gorgeous! The couple are two amazing adventurers which came through in every detail of their wedding. Check out the cake! And did I mention how cool it was to shoot at an old barn. Dreamy.
I had the honor of photographing Chris and Shad's commitment ceremony in Denver. We did some fun urban shots a couple of weeks before and we had such a great time. They are both incredible people and it has been such a treat to get to know them. I have never witnessed a ceremony where more people cried and laughed so much. True Joy!
What an honor to witness Julie and Jason's private ceremony in Estes Park, Colorado. I even got to sign their marriage license. How cool is that? Julie wrote each of their intials in blue on the bottoms of her shoes. So cute.
A very special thing happened to me yesterday. My best friend, who I've known since 7th grade, called me from the hospital in Norway to tell me she had delivered a healthy baby boy! It was so good to hear her voice and I am so completey in awe that she just became a Mom. In September, I was able to go and visit her where she lives in Norway. We took all kinds of fun pregnancy pictures. Kris and Dustin had secretly picked the name Drew, so we wrote it in the sand. Now that baby Drew has arrived and everyone know his name, I can post this cute picture. Blessings to kris and dustin and little Drew!
Those who know me well know that the support I receive from friends and family keeps me thriving. It's what inspires me to continue to be creative and chase my dreams. I am lucky enough to have an incredibly spunky husband who never doubts for one single second that my photographs change the world. He is my angel. And there are countless friends for whom I am so grateful. But there is only one person who visits my blog everyday and always leaves a message when there is a new post. My Father-in-law. He writes me little words of encouragement and sometimes just corrects my spelling. For that I felt he deserved a feature of his own. Here he is below doing what he does best. 
Oh, what a gorgeous afternoon wedding. It reminded me of tire swings and fresh lemonade. Erica and Sam and their families were incredibly warm and welcoming. We spent all weekend in the small town of Imperial and felt like locals by Sunday. I think their photographs tell the sweetest story and make me feel like slowing down.
Click here to view the slideshow
This little guy, Oscar lives down the street from me. He has the sweetest little personality. I love hearing stories from his Mom about all the funny things he does. Apparently he likes to push his dump truck down the sideswalk all the way to my house and knock on the door to say Hi! Photographing him reminded me of why I love photography...it is so intuitive. Of course, there is a degree of planning involved to get that great shot, but the real magic happens when you stop planning. I had no idea that I had captured such a range of expression and emotion in Oscar until I looked at the pictures afterwards. I love the surprises my camera brings me!
I am not usually a middle of the night blogger...but today I did something special. I had afternoon tea with three fabulous women at the Brown Palace in Denver. It was absolutely lovely as they say in England. But here I am at 3am writing to you about it on my blog. I guess 2 pots of tea for me was just too much. I wish I had some pictures to share, but I was taking the afternoon off. So instead I will share with you a few shots of sweet Mia. She liked bubbles and when I screamed ( I tried making all the other funny noises I make to engage the little ones, but Mia preferred when I just hollered!)
What an absolute gift it was to photograph Katie and John's wedding in the Napa Valley. The setting was a romantic farmhouse surrounded by vineyards. The details were exceptional and couple was the sweetest! I was loving how much they laughed all night long. And I got to meet Clifford Brunk who is a photographer in San Francisco and came to shoot with me. It was magic. He created the genius night shot of the tent you see below. There was this cool garage on the property filled with old farm equipment, tools and scrap metal...just some rusty old junk that was so fun to photograph. Some of it made it in the wedding collection (details to set the scene!) and some of it might end up on our living room walls. Some on that later. To view a slideshow of the wedding click here.
Summer 07 has been a blast so far. Great couples, amazing locations and so much emotion. I love my job. To view a slideshow of the highlights, click here.
Kevin and I drove to Jackson, WY to visit my brother. We had a great weekend of mountain biking, climbing, camping and floating in the river. On our drive home we passed under the biggest, brightest rainbow we have ever seen. A sign of good things to come.
I met an awesome couple in Boulder who were getting married back in my home state of Michigan. (Turns out the bride's brothers played basketball in High School with my husband!) The wedding was overflowing with that Midwestern charm. Great people and a great party!
I loved Tennesee and Sean's Wedding. It was on her family's ranch near Keystone and the scenery was incredible. Everything about the wedding was authentic and fun.
Kevin and I recently visited our two adorable nieces, Jocelyn who just turned 2 and Noelle who was born in March. They were so fun! We gave Jocelyn a costume box filled with silly costumes which she liked to wear all at once. Noelle is beautiful and so calm compared to the energy of a two year old!
This incredible wedding is Aspen was filled with fun location shoots. We photographed all the wedding party out in a meadow. Here are couple fun ones of the kids "frolicking" for real!
Photographing the first birthday cake craziness is one of my favorites. Little Ben was wary of the cake at first (or maybe it was all the adults staring at him), but you can see he eventually fell in love with frosting.
Amelia and Aaron really know how to throw a party. Their wedding in Breckenridge was so much fun. They had an idea to rent an old photo booth...the kind you cram into and come away with a strip of crazy pictures. Logistically this wasn't going to work, so instead I helped her create a photo booth with studio lights and white background. She provided the awesome props so I can't take credit for that. We captured some hilarious pictures of family and friends workin' it for the camera! If you want to see the slideshow of more pictures from Aaron and Amelia's wedding, click here.
