I love fall! Today after a string of unseasonably warm (though lovely) days, it really feels like fall. The fog, the crisp air, the fall colors, the pumpkin spice latte’s spicy scent filling my car (and belly). I want to put on a sweater and roll in the leaves!…Just like this actually!

The second photo session I had out at the Holland America Tulip farm in Woodland was the beautiful palomino quarter horse mare TVR SugarFrostedPage. What a beautiful horse for this beautiful location!

I missed the blooming season this year, but I’m planning to do more equine as well as people portrait at Holland America next year if everything works out! If you’re interested in an amazing location portrait with your horse a Dream Session might be right for you! Check out my Equine page for more info!

Last week, on a rather windy day, I had an awesome session with Alejandra in downtown Poulsbo. There’s all sorts of cool spots to use for portraits in Poulsbo, I particularly liked the viking mural (the bright turquoise waves in the second to last row). Totally perfect for North Kitsap seniors!

Alejandra brought a couple friends along for the session, which is something I totally encourage anyone doing senior portraits to do! Having friends around totally helps you to relax in front of the camera (I know it can be awkward!). I just love the smiles I caught as Alejandra was laughing at her friends cracking jokes off camera!

I’m now booking 2013 Senior Portraits!  Visit my Senior Portraits Page for more information on the awesome sessions I have available and to schedule your session online!

Quick story to go with the Friday Foto: These were some fireworks that almost weren’t. The fireworks for the July 3rd Poulsbo fireworks show were being stored in a wrecking yard in Belfair, when the owner of said wrecking yard decided to do some target practice and a “stray bullet” hit the container…aka somebody got drunk and thought it would be funny to shoot at at container full of fireworks? What’s the worst that could happen, right? Well…. THIS. I was right down the road from the explosion and somehow missed the whole thing (yes I’m slightly put out). Thankfully the fireworks were able to be replaced and the show went on

I’m kinda cheating reposting this, but it’s been pretty busy, it being Cowboy Christmas and all, and these are still my favorite grand entry photos! So for all my new readers & for those who missed it last year! Enjoy and have a wonderful 4th!

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The opening ceremonies of rodeos are a wonderful slice of Americana; the flags presented in grand fashion, the anthem sang, a prayer said for the safety of the cowboys and livestock. I love it! I’ve been known to recite “America- Why I Love Her” along with John Wayne and well up a little when Old Glory is brought around the arena at a full out gallop. What can I say? I’m a sap So to celebrate our nation’s independence, here’s a collection of some of my favorite patriotic grand entry images from over the years:

Roy Pioneer Rodeo, Roy Washington

Kitsap Saddle Club, Port Orchard WA (ok, it’s not a rodeo, but it’s an opening ceremony and there’s no way I could leave this one out!)

Miles City Bucking Horse Sale, Miles City Montana

Roy Pioneer Rodeo, Roy Washington

Pendleton Roundup, Pendleton Oregon

Miles City Bucking Horse Sale, Miles City Montana

Hope you all have a safe and fun 4th!

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I’m not a Seattle native, but I’m far from a stranger to the city. I was there every day while going to the Art Institute and by the time I graduated I was pretty well over Seattle. But something about my last trip to the Seattle waterfront turned me into a full blown tourist! I think it was seeing the new ferris wheel going up, I had to grab a few iphone photos from the ferry as we pulled in. Once I met up with the stunning Piper McCullough in Pikes Place, I wanted to go to Post Ally (home of the gum wall) & Pioneer Square to shoot. I’m not sure what came over me, or why I thought those locations wouldn’t be jam packed with (other) tourists, but as you can see below, we made it work

I absolutely loved Piper’s vintage inspired look & wanted a cool prop to compliment it. Thankfully Bella Umbrella is located just up from Pikes Place Market and they have a fantastic selection of vintage umbrellas to rent. I waited until Piper had changed into her awesome dress to pick an umbrella that matched perfectly! Many thanks to Bella Umbrella, you’ll definitely be seeing more of their umbrellas in future shoots!

 Aside from being totally gorgeous, Piper is a total sweetheart and was a ton of fun to photograph. I really had a great time on this shoot!

I’m now booking 2013 Senior Portraits!  Visit my Senior Portraits Page for more information on the awesome sessions I have available and to schedule your session online!

A little while ago I went out to Howe Farm in Port Orchard to photograph the lovely Whetanay. I was totally in love with the old barn they have out there and Whetanay was totally adorable! Don’t let the short sleeves fool you, it was FREEZING! Whetanay was a great sport though!

Don’t you love the hat! It belonged to her grandfather and is the real deal (yes that’s a rattlesnake hat band you see there!). I got to wear it while we did shots without it and I didn’t want to give it back!

I’m now booking 2013 Senior Portraits!  Visit my Senior Portraits Page for more information on the awesome sessions I have available and to schedule your session online!

mmm bokeh :-p….

The North West Junior Rodeo roared back into Silver Spurs last weekend with an awesome two day event! Steven G Hall, the NJRA photographer for years and years, stopped by to say hi to everybody. It was cool getting to talk with a seasoned NJRA veteran and get a couple tips on important photographer things like, when/how the heck do you eat? Anyway, on to the pics! I had a little fun with my new tablet pen & added a little commentary to the pics! What do you think?

To see & order photos from all 2012 NJRA events click here!