Mininger Family ~ Buckley Family/Senior Portraits

Well, the crazy and more typical weather of spring around here tried to cause us to reschedule this session, but fortunately, we bumped it up a couple of hours and so this past Sunday afternoon, I had the pleasure of meeting the Mininger family. Mom, Mischelle, had contacted me about family photos and senior photos for her son, Aaron. As we began our session, it was overcast, some mixed clouds and the sun seemed to peek out occasionally, but by the end, the rain and winds were knocking at the door, but we finished and didn't let a few raindrops deter us from wrapping up the session.

The family are avid and accomplished ATV riders (D.A.M. Racing) and so part of the session involved this along with some of the awards that dad, Dale, and son, Alex have won. It was obvious during the session that they are very passionate about their sport and when I asked if they would like to share anything for this entry, Dale and Mischele sent the following:

"D.A.M. Racing our Sponsors keep us moving! S & S Motorsports gives us that extra horsepower to win those hole shots. HMF for the great exhaust system it keeps the decibles down & the animals in the woods happy. Maxxis tires for all those traction needs. Everyone knows we would go no where without being able to see & that is what are Spy goggles do best in all kinds of weather & conditions. There is nothing like going out & pounding some woops with our Fox shocks they make the off road feel like pavement."

It was my pleasure to meet this family, who are delightful people and it was obvious they are close and enjoy one another's company. They are great sports and the weather didn't bother them a bit, but then again, I guess they probably encounter even more "weather" when they are riding their quads! Thank you, Dale, Mischele, Aaron and Alex!!

Dale and Mischele are celebrating their 25th wedding anniversary this month...

Congratulations, that's something to be quite proud of!!

Brothers...both tried to be serious, but we managed to get a smile...and later on,

we couldn't get Alex to keep a straight face!!

Dale and Alex are both accomplished ATV riders and obviously love this sport.

Aaron, a nice young man, who is about to embark on a new

chapter of his life...the future is open to endless possibilities!!

Whoo Hoo...the next time that Aaron tosses his cap, it'll be the real thing...we figured

he might need to practice this! Best of luck in the future, Aaron!

Photo Award...

Just wanted to share that a photo I entered in a contest at BetterPhoto (http://www.betterphoto.com/) has received a second place award. This photo has a special place in my heart as it is a photo of my granddaughter who was at her first ballet class and was a bit nervous about joining the other students, so stood by her mom until she was ready to join the others. She is now quite comfortable in the class and fits right in with the others!

Beautiful Kate: Maternity Photographer Puyallup

What's more beautiful that an expectant mother...well, maybe a brand new mother, but they are both pretty close! Earlier this week I had the pleasure of  photographing Kate who is 36 weeks along in her pregnancy and looking forward to the arrival of her son. I must admit, I was a bit nervous about this session as Kate has been on bed rest for several weeks and I would imagine the doctor wouldn't consider maternity photos as part of that "bed rest"...so please don't tell her secret that she didn't quite follow strict orders that day!! Also included in the session was her adorable daughter, Payton, and I can only imagine how cute her little brother will be - if he follows in his sister's path with the beautiful red hair and dazzling blue eyes...their parents will have their hands full as these children become teenagers!! Here's a peek at what the session was about...

One week to go...

What can I say, I've got some great fans and followers...it's one week before March ends and I'm just 7 fans short of my goal...that's just one fan a day! You guys ROCK!!! As promised, anyone who had a session booked this month will get a free set of wallets (you just have to book during March, it can be next month or even later). And, as promised, if I go over my goal, there will be more "extras" for those who have sessions booked. And, another little challenge, if we can add an extra 25 over my goal, that would be 185 fans...I have something that I'll give away to one lucky fan...so stay tuned, tell your friends to join in and let's see what we can do in the next week!!

Vegas....baby!

It's been a week since we've been home from Vegas where we attended the WPPI...a large photography convention. This was my first time attending and WOW...it was amazing. The talented photographers, incredible information they shared and SO inspiring... Classes were offered by a variety of experts in various fields related to photography, a very large trade show was amazing and overwhelming and the energy of it all added up to a wonderful experience. With all the great new products and ideas I learned about...I'm eager to get busy and photograph, photograph and photograph!

Back home and guess what...we have SUNSHINE! YEAH...it's not quite spring, but it sure looks like it around here...this is something I can handle...spring is my favorite season...so bring it on!

Here are a few photos from the trip to Vegas...how could I resist some shots of the strip...LOVE the lights there, especially at night! ENJOY!

My husband and I, enjoyed a walk around the waters in front of the Bellagio.

Couldn't resist a photo of this building...it's still under construction, but is just wild! It's for a new brain health center...I can't help but think that many patients might need more help after arriving at this facility...and I can only imagine what it's like inside...interesting to look at, but what was the architect thinking?!??

A Challenge...

I'd like to ask a favor of you...I'm trying to "bump" up the number of fans on my FACEBOOK page and would like your help. If you are already a fan, GREAT, then could you share my site with your family and friends...and if you're not a fan, then head on over and sign up! Well, it's not really "signing up" it's all a matter of a click and you've got it! My goal is to add 100 fans by the end of March and IF I can get there, then I'm offering every client who books a session during March a set of free wallets. Now, you just have to book the session in March, you don't have to actually have it in March. So...let's see what we can do...I know that with every one's help, it's possible and I'd be forever grateful! Also...if by chance we go over that...well, then, there will be even better things for those who book this month! I have 60 fans now and my goal is 160...let's get started!!!!

Beautiful Girls, Wonderful Products

I have the pleasure of working with a couple of talented gals who are not only moms (a tough job in itself), but also running a home business between the two of them...and this is called Kiwi and Kiki (http://www.kiwiandkiki.com/). Kerry and Kristin are sisters and have some really fun products and it's obvious they are quite talented. We sort of "met" last summer when I purchased a couple of items from them, one being a great tutu that I have used a few times with my little girls! These gals remembered me when I returned to look at more of their creations and I told them I'd share some photos...and from that...a working relationship evolved! We've used their adorable daughters the past couple of sessions and I must say, they are AWESOME models and so much fun. Here are a few examples of what we got last week...be sure to go check out their website...and I promise you, you'll love their stuff!

Beautiful little Lily turned FOUR the day after this session...she's going to break hearts when she gets older!!

Lily is Abby's big sister...and she's very caring and attentive.

Maddie...oh, my she's such a sweet heart and those eyes, WOW...she's definitely a charmer!

And this is Abby...or is it Abner...I'll never tell!! :~)