Sedona

I just got back from a great little getaway. My friend Jodi turned 50 this weekend and she has always wanted to visit the enchanted land of Sedona, Arizona. So we hopped in the car, and took off on a girlfriend trip. It was amazing. Images of Sedona could never do justice to the beautiful landscapes, sunsets, and red rock country. It was simply stunning and had such a peaceful energy to it that you can't help but fall in love with.

While waiting for a sunset photo op, this beautiful white fluffy cloud rose from the dark rain clouds and was adorned with iridescent colors. As it rose it took the shape of an angel with colors on her heart and wings. It was truly a sign that we were being blessed and protected while there. We later learned that the color phenomenon was actually sun dogs.

A wild jeep ride took us across rocky trails to scenic lookouts where I got to capture a minuscule part of the beauty that we got to witness. Here are just a few of my favorites.

Introducing Nash [Utah Baby Photographer

I'd like to introduce you to Nash, a darling ten pound, chubby, cute as a bug, newborn little guy. He was absolutely precious and so very good while we finagled him in all sorts of poses and props. Here are a few of my favorites from the session.

Sweet Lakyn [Utah Children's Photographer]

Miss Lakyn, a darling, vivacious little sweetie, just turned eight years old. She was so surprised when she was given a kitten for her eighth birthday and just loves him to death. He was pretty cute...but not as cute as his new best friend Lakyn.

Beautiful Korey [Utah High School Senior Photographer]

I have had such great luck lately having clients show up to a session and having them turn out absolutely beautiful. Korey was no exception and I have to admit that she was every photographer's dream client. Am I lucky or what?

Korey had the most wonderful smile, gorgeous hair, killer legs, the coolest mom...and the funnest props and ideas. We spent LOTS of time getting fun, unique, and awesome images. It was so hard to just pick a few to show off, but here is just a taste of how much fun we had. I LOVE, love, LOVE High School Seniors!

The Jenson's [Sevier County Famliy Photographer]

Meet the Jenson's, a darling young family with four beautiful little kiddos. I was doing cartwheels after I called to inquire about what colors they were planning to wear, as it turned out to be brown with blue and orange. Well, I've been dying to use my blue bicycle-built-for-two and a new funky orange chair that my wonderful neighbors gifted to me (thanks Grandma Bown!) I LOVE props! And they worked so well with their cute family.

I hope you guys LOVE them!

Cody [ Utah High School Senior Photographer]

Meet Cody, who I can't believe is already a High School Senior. I've known Cody since grade school as he is my son Carson's age. I had a sudden attack of horror when I realized that Carson is going to graduate this year also. I swear it was just yesterday these boys were playing in the backyard and having sleepovers. Where did the time go?

Well, even though I was in denial about Cody being a Senior, we did get some awesome shots. He was so fun to shoot and was up for anything. I hope you find some you love Cody. I hope your last year of High School is AWESOME!

Sean & Mayra [Southern Utah Engagement Photographer]

Meet Sean & Mayra...a gorgeous and fun couple who have plans to get married next year. I got to meet them at the beautiful Montelago Village in Lake Las Vegas for their engagement portrait session and we had a great time. There were so many different elements at this resort and we tried to use them ALL..fun textures, foliage, architecture, and water. We even wore blisters on poor Mayra's feet...so sorry.

I hadn't gotten to meet either of them before their session so you can imagine my elation when I finally got to see the couple I would be shooting. I LOVE it when they show up and look this HAAWWT, dress this well, and have smiles this awesome! You made my job easy. Congratulations!

The Jensen Children [Central Utah Children's Photographer]

The Jensen's were blessed with a darling new little addition to their family. This little cutie is absolutely darling and oh so spirited. She was not happy being necked, as my youngest calls it, and was just not that into hamming it up for the camera yet. She's a girl, she will grow into it! LOL

I also got the chance to shoot this little new one's brother and sisters. I was amazed at how much the oldest cute girl looked so like her dad, and the youngest cute girl looked just like her mom when she was young. And, the handsome guy...well, he just got the best of both. Can you say lady killer eyes?

Colin [High School Senior Photography]

Meet Colin, a fun loving, easy going, totally awesome high school senior.

Colin and his wicked-awesome baseball team are three time State Champions. He told me to brush up on my photoshop kills so I can add the fourth State Championship Ring when they secure the fourth title! Heck... I think that would be deserving of a re-shoot, don't you?

Colin, thanks for the fun. It was a pleasure to get to know you and I can't wait to see that other ring. Play hard!

BFF + CTR = RWH

Well, if the title is stumping you, let me tell you a little story.

Nick and Jordan are best friends. They hang out together, golf together, scare girls together (yes, I heard the story)...you name it. Well, both these young men have decided to dedicate two years of their lives to serve the Lord by becoming missionaries for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. They will both get the opportunity to learn a foreign language, Spanish, as Nick is headed to Texas and Jordan to Chile. They will spend the next two years of their lives learning to love and serve the people in the areas they have been called to.

It was indeed a privilege to get to know these two fine young men and I so admire their character and willingness to leave their family, friends, and golf clubs behind and set out on an adventure of selfless sacrifice.

So

BFF - Very Best Friends

CTR - Chose the Right

RWH - Return With Honor

Dope, Soap, & Hope...Everyone is a Teacher

I had a friend send me a link for an inspirational video this morning. The video was produced by a fellow photographer, Zach Arias, who had the wonderful opportunity, he says, of opening the door and finding God in the form of a soap salesman. This salesman was truly inspiring and gives hope to those who struggle.

You can find Zach's original blog post here
Zach Arias Blog

I was sincerely touched by how humble, motivated, and eager this salesman was to make his life better, to overcome his bad choices and to set goals and dreams to smile, move forward, and make something of his life.

I'm still amazed how knocking on this one door after having so many closed in his face, just might change his world.

Watch it and see if it inspires you. IT"S WORTH THE WAIT!

And yes...I couldn't help but buy some soap from him.

Sharde [High School Senior Photography]

Let the fun begin! Sharde was my very first high school senior for this year. I'm sure I've mentioned before how much I LOVE love LOVE photographing seniors, and Sharde was not a disappointment. She showed up with the funnest hair color and the cutest curls ( thanks Julia!), and the coolest outfits. We got to try some fun things and had a great time.

I've got a whole slew of awesome seniors on the books for this fall and I can't wait to try out some fun new ideas that I've been thinking about all summer. WooHoo...I love my job!

Brandon & Sara [Central Utah Engagement Photographer]

Brandon and Sara are both avid golfers. In fact, they met on a golf course and now have decided to become a twosome. Their engagement session was so fun to photograph as they both had infectious smiles. You could even tell that they kinda liked each other...just a little...OK maybe a LOT! Congratulations on your engagement guys, I can't wait for your wedding in October.

Cousins [Central Utah Childrens Portrait Photographer]

There is nothing funner than playing with cousins. I can remember the trouble we used to get in at Grandma's house when all the cousins were in town. The parents were having so much fun visiting, that we got to run wild and terrorize the poor neighborhood. Luckily, there were no serious injuries and the neighbors never called the cops! Poor Nella, she always got the brunt of our shenanigans and cousin Davey always got the blame.

I couldn't help but reminisce when shooting these darling kiddos who were cousins and best friends. Their cute smiles and the little spark of mischief in their eyes made me long to be their age again, to spend time at Grandma's house, and to have a new and exciting adventure every day of summer.