Cheryl & Family in Keystone

Cheryl and their family headed to Keystone, Colorado for some family vacation time. They used to live in Colorado but now the crew lives in Florida. So while back visiting their old stomping grounds, we took some portraits of them in the snow-covered woods. What a fun family! It was really fun for me to see how well they all got along and genuinely love each other. And you can see it in the photos as well. Enjoy!

New Thumbtack Listing

I just added my business to Thumbtack.
You can see it here:
http://www.thumbtack.com/Creative-Fun-Wedding-Photography-Golden-CO/service/358738
I'm looking forward to see how this works and if I'll get any client inquiries.
Anything know anything about them and have feedback?

Mindi & Family Frisco Portraits

 

 Mindi and her family came from Kansas for vacation in Colorado's Rocky Mountains. We took portraits at the Frisco Historical Park among the old buildings. The weather looked like it was going to be fine and dandy. Not super freezing, a bit overcast (which I prefer for an outdoor studio type of look and consistent lighting). But then last minute- and by last minute I mean pretty much the moment her four young children stepped out of the car- the wind picked up. And I mean PICKED UP. Like blizzard style, assuming there had been any snow in Summit County at all this year (but that's a whole 'nother story...)

After much bundling in blankets and coats and trying to embrace our adventure, we sought shelter in the old schoolhouse. The kids got to warm up for a bit looking at the old trains, and the oldest Michael tried out my camera for a while (camera strap around the neck, of course).

 The kids got a kick out of the old jail cell (below).

Once the kids were all snuggled away back in the van and we managed a few good shots where everyone was looking at the camera and had a look on their face that was passable as content and not crying (Kids! This is how it goes!), we took some good shots of the adults. Turns out kids can keep you from focusing on some good photos of yourselves as a couple. Hope you two enjoy these and had some fun together. I know I did!

Ugh... Spiders

Did I mention I don't like spiders? I mean, it's not like they've ever done anything to me. I think it stems from this one time as a kid when I thought I was going to pick up one of those Halloween spider rings and it unexpectedly ran across the floor. Much hollering for Dad ensued and the hero did not let me down.

However, standing in The Butterfly Pavilion, surrounded by literally walls and walls of spiders, I seemed to be the only adult who was even slightly bothered. What if there was an earthquake and all the tiny baby tarantulas came crashing down on me? What if the tortoise who was wandering loose on the floor munching on lettuce accidentally opened up a cage, or several of the cages of "Rosie," the famous tarantula which is actually in fact hundreds and hundreds of different tarantulas? Ugh. 

But hey, this is my job. Take pictures of things. Make them look good. And my lovely friend Jill from the Denver Museum of Nature and Science had given me this opportunity to overcome my fears. 

So I snapped away. On some "butcher paper" of all ironic things. The museum needed a photo of two kinds of Colorado specific tarantula species, so I took the plunge. 

There was no earthquake.

The spider, 3 inches from my lens and therefor about 6 from my face, did not dash into my hair, up my nose, or up my sleeve. In fact, he/she was very polite. 

I wouldn't say I love the little guys... yet. But I think I got some kick-ass photos for an arachnaphobic over-reacter to spiders who is trying to change her ways. Ugh.

Elise & Dan Engagement Photos in Breckenridge

Elise and Dan are engaged! Okay, okay, you don't know them... but you should! They are adorable. Dan is from Colorado and Elise is from Maryland and they came out to Colorado for a little bit of mountain romance. Even though they were staying in Fort Collins mostly, they headed up to Breckenridge so we could take some outdoorsy, historic-ish, mountainous engagement photos.

We spent a couple hours at different locations - downtown, the Riverwalk Center plaza, outside the visitors center, the awesome rusty wall at the corner of Ski Hill Road and Main Street, and finally we headed up Boreas Pass Road for some snowy goodness.

These two lovebirds met in college at the University of Colorado in Boulder - where I went! Dan is living in Georgia right now (Atlanta?) until he finishes up school, part 2.

Everyone's favorite... the jumping shot!

Everyone's other favorite... the kissing shot!

We saved the snowy ridiculousness for the end. But then... IT WAS ON!!!

Some great historic buildings downtown, from the mining era...

Thanks, Dan & Elise for an awesome and fun engagement portrait session!

Jamie & Family Portraits in Dillon

Jamie and her family came from near and far - Apsen, the Colorado Front Range and Hawaii to be exact - to spend Christmas together in Dillon, Colorado. We took their family portraits at the edge of Lake Dillon (the Dillon reservoir) behind the family condo. It was a beautiful winter morning with lots of sunshine and only patches of snow. The kids couldn't have been better took the opportunity to play outside a bit (which is great for candids). Some of my faves...

The Westminster crew