Love Bugs

These cute little guys were a gift to my son from his Nana. My daughter got a ladybug version but there’s something about these little ants that are so cute! They are perched on top of a little green pedestel, with a button on the bottom that makes the ants go limp when you push it. But if you only push it partly down, they can dance so gracefully! They’re like sweet little love bugs. I have to say my favorite part about these little guys is the way their rear-ends stick straight out to the sides. Aren’t they funny? So now that you know that I spend way too much time thinking about little toy ants, I better dig up something really great for your viewing pleasure. How else will I save my dignity?

I have a couple of projects on the horizon, but the one I’m most excited about is a project involving commercial photos for my favorite Seattle restaurant Cafe Piccolo! I am really looking forward to this, and I’ve already begun coming up with ideas. I hope to do a little bit of everything – portraits, interiors, food shots – you name it! I hate to disappoint you, but there won’t be any little dancing ants in this project. Stay tuned . . .

Coffee Anyone?

When we first moved to Seattle I knew Starbucks was big, but was quite surprised to find a stand-alone Starbucks directly across the street from a strip-mall Starbucks in Mercer Island. Later, on the East Side, I discovered two Starbucks stores in the same strip mall across from Factoria mall. I found it quite appropriate when a flight attendant from Southwest Airlines once said “Welcome to Starbucks” upon our arrival in Seattle. It really is out of control! I haven’t been over there in a while to see if those stores are still in existance, but since Starbucks has been struggling, and even started offering *gasp* instant coffee . . . I started reminiscing about life in Chicago. Here in Seattle the “other” coffee place seems to be Tully’s (I haven’t been there, so it’s hard for me to say); something I had never heard of before moving here. But out in Chicago, there was a great coffee company called Caribou Coffee. They had great coffee shops with comfy seating, cozy fireplaces, and that cabin in the woods atmosphere. I haven’t thought about it for quite a while, but I have to say it’s something I miss. I think the last time I went to a Caribou Coffee shop was with my great friend Amy after one of our soccer games. I hope I can get there again some time – that is if the economy doesn’t shut them down first. As for the soccer, while it is a really fun game, our team had 6 players for 5 positions on an indoor field. I don’t think I was ever cut out for that! Just a latte and some chocolate covered coffee beans would be enough to relive the memory!

Maternity Models Wanted!

In case you haven’t noticed, the pickings are a little slim in the belly department. I want a larger maternity portfolio with more variety! Are you pregnant? Contact me before March 31st, 2009 to schedule an appointment during your third trimester, and receive a $50 credit toward your session!

Going Commercial

I put together a little macro studio for product shots today. It was so easy, and really fun! I started with a cardboard box. It’s small; probably about 12x12x18 or so. I cut out three of the sides and taped parchment paper across each opening to act as diffusers and reflectors. From there, I placed a strip of posterboard inside the box for a backdrop and voila! A strobe aimed at the diffuser on one side is all I needed other than the ambient light from a nearby window. I could have gotten out a second strobe, but I was itching to start shooting so I stopped at one. If you’re not the photography type, you might be surprised to know I spent about an hour photographing this tiny little bottle of whiskey! There are so many ways to practice good techniques without much fancy equipment. A little creativity can go a long way. Perhaps I’ll post a picture of my creation in the near future. It’s not very pretty, but it does the job. I made sure to photograph a few objects while I was at it. You’ll have to stay tuned to see those. Who says photography equipment has to be intimidating? Do you think I could get a family of 4 into one of these? Oh . . . I get it . . . that’s what studios are for!!!

Travel Plans

It’s that time of year again! Time to plan my travels. This summer I will be heading out to the midwest once again. I will be scheduling appointments in both Chicago and Iowa City in the near future. If you’re interested in booking an appointment, contact me as soon as possible! No flights have been booked on my end, so I might be able to accommodate your travel plans. Last year’s travels were great fun, and I was able to create a lot of memorable photos. Keep your eyes out for upcoming details.

This was one of my favorites from last year’s trip to Iowa City . . .

Recession or no, the babies still GROW!!!

Time keeps ticking, and children keep growing. I just love watching how they change almost into different people over time. It’s just amazing. Photographs can tell the story of your life. Beauty, wonder, and joy all wrapped up in an image without any need for explanation. Simply being. Words can cause trouble, or lack the meaning you wish to convey. I hope that families will continue to put a few dollars aside for high-quality photographs. There is no substitute. I know I will.