Idaho is Beautiful!

A couple of weeks ago, I attended a photo workshop given by two incredibly talented photographers. David Beckstead and Sean Watson who hosted the event. I've never been to the Pacific Northwest and now I want to move there. Wow! Besides its beauty, the people are so friendly. A bit more laid back than people who live in and around NYC. Nice for a change since I seem to thrive on that New York spirit after living there for so many years. We were in Coeur D'Alene on a 400-acre farm that is also an amazing B&B. I highly recommend a stay at Cedar Mountain Farm. Our hosts, Al and Daryl made sure that we had everything that we could possibly need, and then some. It was an amazing experience that I will cherish forever. We ran around the farm and photographed brides on farm equipment, through beautiful forests and even in a vintage car junkyard where the owner had a white wolf. Pretty tasty imagery! I am so grateful to David and Kassandra Beckstead and Sean Watson who made this such an unforgettable experience, and all of the workshop attendees who shared so freely. Great to meet friends from all over the country.

Here are some of my favorite shots. David was such a ham with the camera!















And this is Airika & Gerald, two very talented photographers who let us shoot them!

Happy Belated Anniversary Katie & Fraser

I've just returned from my second photo workshop, where I was so busy that I couldn't get to blogging. Just a year ago, I shot some of my niece's wedding. In truth, I never wanted to be a wedding photographer and in fact, thought it to be far less prestigious (read; lowest form of photography) than my still life and food photography business. When Katie asked me to shoot her wedding, I quickly responded "NO, you need a real wedding photographer who has shot many of them successfully". I did however ask her to tell her photographer that her Aunt was a pro shooter who would be taking lots of photos (I was not going to miss the opportunity to shoot my beautiful niece like crazy, but certainly did not want to step on any ones toes in the process). Wow, did my world change. I never imagined that I would have so much fun shooting. Your at an amazing event, witnessing a couples precious new journey in life. Not to mention the gorgeous setting, flowers, food and all the intricate details that go into making a wedding. I instantly became a convert. I bought new gear and started learning about how to shoot weddings. I've come to see this genre of photography as a fine art. It introduced me to some of the most talented photographers that I've ever met. I am proud to say that I feel a sense of community with these other professionals. Look how wrong you can be. I have shed my preconceived notions about what wedding photography is. I'm now more concerned with making it my art in hopes that others will also see that possibility. So a belated happy first anniversary to you Katie and Fraser! Your beautiful union changed my life. I am blessed!

Go Hug Your Mom!

I am so fortunate to have the most incredible Mom! It seems that whenever I have a problem, my Mom can help me work it through. She is a former school teacher and an amazing Grandmother to her five grandchildren, (four that belong to my sisters). Growing up we started calling her "Mimsey", and that is her title to this day. She is such a great role model and I often wonder if it's possible for me to even be half the Mother to my own son. "Mimsey" suffered a minor stroke last Thursday while I was in Idaho at an amazing workshop,(post to follow). I was literally about to board the plane when I got the call. I think that was the longest day ever. No cell phones allowed on planes and only minutes to try to reach family for details on her condition between flights. She has since been released from the hospital and is off to the races as usual. You just can't slow that girl down! So give your Mom a big hug, or call and say I love you. You never know when a conversation could be your last. I try to tell my loved ones how special they are to me and now, I'm going to be super conscience about expressing my appreciation.

Marianne & George Wedding

Last weekend I had the privilege of working with the very talented Richard Esposito. This was a huge Egyptian wedding that had 10 priests and a Bishop. It was a really different and beautiful ceremony from any that I've seen.

Marianne was all smiles!


The kids seemed to have a great time too!





Thanks for including me Richard! I am packing my bags as I blog to fly off to Coeur D'Alene to attend a workshop with the fabulous David Beckstead . I can't wait to post some of those images upon my return. I am pumped for this one!

Oh yeah, it's time to go to the lake!

First couple of days showed us two different extremes in weather. One minute it's sunny, then you have a lightning storm. I like the changes (so long as my days are sunny mind you), and it's always beautiful.

End of Summer NH Vacation

We always seem to go away on vacation at the end of Summer, just before school starts.
Destination; Wolfeboro, NH and lake Winnipesaukee, "The Oldest Summer Resort in America". Lake Winnipesaukee is the largest lake in New Hampshire. The Native American name Winnipesaukee means either "smile of the Great Spirit" or "beautiful water in high place". This year we ventured to Moultonboro Corner to The Old Country Store . The candy counter is every kids dream and I dug into the pickle jar big time. The store is 225 years old. It must have been the only place to buy everything that you needed back then.