As I begin the new year of 2010, like many friends I know I am looking to make this year revolutionary both personally and professionally, and one of my recent experiences helped to inspire me.  Allow me to share....

   Recently, a few storm systems passed through the greater Tucson area, as with many areas of the United States.  With it brought a great deal of rain, very strong winds, and quite a bit of cold (by Tucson standards anyway).  Trees were snapped, areas flooded, and access to Mt. Lemmon was restricted due to the unusual amount of snow that fell so quickly.

   The morning after the storms passed, I went for a walk in Sabino Canyon which is very close to where I live.  I was awestruck at the absolute beauty of the day.  I can truly say that it was one of the most beautiful days I have ever experienced in Tucson.  I did not have my camera with me, and I was able to take in all the sensory experiences around me:  the sky had never looked so blue, and many birds were singing.

   The experience that morning reminded me of what a metaphor this is for life.  Even when the experiences of our lives are swirling around us, bringing "wind, rain, cold, darkness and hail," what results afterwards can be amazing if we choose to look for it.  Had I chosen to only focus on and tend to the "negative" aspects of what the storm brought with it (cleaning the flooded patio and clearing the branches and leaves that had fallen), I would have totally missed the gift of that day.  I did return later that afternoon to try to capture some of what I had experienced that morning, so that I can remind myself of this lesson.  Hopefully, you are inspired as well...

Happy New Year!!

 

 

 

I had a great time photographing the Miller family...the three boys had BIG personalities!  Out of all the images I created that day, this is my very favorite: you don't see their faces, but it communicates the importance of staying together during life's journey.

Click on image below to view larger.

Some of my very favorite weddings to photograph are events that involve only the very closest of friends and family, and Heather and Lonny's wedding was a very small, intimate celebration.  They chose to be married at the wonderful De Grazia Chapel, with their reception at Hacienda del Sol.  Both locales are distinctly "Tucson", rich in history and charm.  The decor at the wedding was simple and understated, so as not to be distracted by the beauty of the surroundings.

 

 

 

Ceremony location: The Chapel at De Grazia Gallery in the Sun

Reception location: Hacienda del Sol Guest Ranch Resort

Cake by: Busy B's

Flower's by: The Florist at Ventana Canyon

     Many women and families I know have had to deal with the stress and emotional turmoil that cancer, specifically breast cancer, can bring.  In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness month, I will donate a portion of the session fee to the Tucson chapter of the American Cancer Society for every woman's session booked in the month of October. 

     In addition, you will receive a complimentary 8x10 of your choice from your session.  This offer applies to any woman's photography session, including: intimate, maternity, portrait, senior, mother/daughter or commercial.  Please contact me for further information.

I was so honored to have Kelsi come all the way from Colorado to have her senior portrait session with me, as well as meeting me at 6 o'clock in the morning to do it!  Neither of us is a morning person, but her portraits turned out beautifully!  My thanks to her mom and Starbucks for making sure I had my jumpstart to the day...

I don't know if there is any session that can readjust my focus to what really matters in life like a photography session with a baby.

Miss Emily gave me some of the best expressions ever!  As soon as I began photographing her, our souls just bonded, and it reminded me that regardless of age or time, souls really are eternal.

Life really is good, and life is beautiful...