My New View!

I'm so excited this will be my new view from my kitchen window and covered patio! What a beautiful sunset!

Mom, PUHLEEEZ stop taking my picture!

So you have DSLR, now what?

I've received a few requests for help on how to work cameras, specifically DSLRS (or digital single-lens reflex camera)...the kind with manual functions and changeable lenses. I'm so excited when people are willing to take the time to learn how to use their equipment well. There is something so special about a photograph's ability capture memories so why not capture them as best as you can.



To help those of you eager to learn the full capabilities of your cameras, I've compiled a list of internet resources to get you started.



Check out Me Ra Koh's awesome DVDs and workshops for aspiring photographer moms. Me Ra is a world famous photographer who lives in Seattle and travels around the world photographing glamorous weddings with her husband.



Take a peak at the Pioneer Woman's Photography section (as well as the other sections for great inspiration). You'll receive lots of tips on how to work your camera as well as how to process them in Photoshop. She's also got some fantastic free Photoshop Actions on her site.



I haven't read all of this, but check out the plothera of photography tips and topics at Digital Photography School blog on how to use a DSLR--that should keep you busy for a few hours!



I'm also going to try to post a few photography tips here and there on this site. Let me know if there is a specific question or topic you'd like covered in the comments below and I will do my best to answer your question in the near future.

New Feature on the Blog

Sooo--normally when you want to leave me a comment on a post or read the comments, a new window pops up for you to do that.

Well, I've changed that up a bit and now the comments are embedded under the posts...meaning when you click on the comments they show up on the same page, right under the post.

Hopefully this is a little easier and less cluttered! Go ahead and try it if you like--it is quite pleasant!

As this is a new feature, please let me know if you experience any difficulties. Thanks!

Rascal Lee

I'm so sorry for the lack of posts this month! Between our house happenings, catching up on print and album orders, the Northwest Washington Fair and a bazillion other things, I haven't made it on here lately! The good news is that I've been taking pictures of everything along the way and you'll be seeing it all eventually!! Thanks for being so patient!

For your entertainment tonight I couldn't help but post these pictures of my horse, Rascal. I love taking beautiful photographs of horses, but sometimes it is fun to stick on a wide angle lens and play around distorting shapes and sizes--here's Rascal with a little extra emphasis on his head!

PS--Somebody is behind on his shaving...that is some serious stubble!

Joe & Laci

In July I had the opportunity to photograph Joe and Laci's beautiful wedding on board "Shawmanee" a 65 foot sail boat. Joe has been our friend for quite some time and I was so excited to be part of their wonderful day! The weather turned out perfect and the bay was the perfect backdrop for a wedding ceremony and reception. Thanks again Joe and Laci! I hope you had a wonderful time on your honeymoon!

The beautiful bride!

The very handsome groom!

The sky opened up and behaved very well for these shots!

Joe and Laci did a sand ceremony instead of a unity candle, signifying two becoming one. I have to admit--this is the best sand "holder" I've seen yet! It was so pretty nobody wanted to hold it after the ceremony for fear of breaking it!

Check out these awesome plates on the boat--they hold your glass for you! Maybe I don't get off the farm enough, but I've never seen anything so handy!

Remodel Update

"So, you need to call me back at noon and tell if we're going to tear down the house or not," Brandon said.

"Ummm...I can't make a decision like that in two hours!! Who just tears down their house!?" I exclaimed.

"Well, you make the decision and call me back at noon. I gotta go, love you. Bye." Brandon rushed.

Two hours later...

"Hey honey, I thought about it. I kinda think we should tear down the house...are we crazy?" I stammered.

"Yeah, I think it is the best thing to do."

Two weeks later...

WE ARE GOING TO TEAR DOWN OUR HOUSE!! Too much structural damage under the house, too many repairs to make, too much money to dump into an old (1919) house with no redeeming qualities. She's going down and a new house is going up!!!

We are working on finalizing a house plan, starting the permit process and seeking temporary shelter (any one have a travel trailer for sale?). We might be crazy but to us it makes the most sense. Please say a few prayers for our stress levels as we sort through all of this!

A remodel before and after...here is what my kitchen looked like--sorry for the mess on the counters, I was in a bit of hurry after shopping!

Here is what our kitchen looks like now...by the way, did you know you can BBQ fish sticks? They turn out great! Oh, and that is our wood stove there in the middle.

Dara & David

Dara and David's wedding was absolutely beautiful! They celebrated their marriage at the gorgeous Evergreen Gardens which made for a stunning backdrop to an emotional ceremony and fun-filled reception. Dara and David were fabulous to work with because they were up for anything...we had a great time checking out all the awesome photo locations around the property. Thanks so much for sharing your special day with me! You two, your families and friends were so gracious to me--thank you so much for the great time.

Dara's dress was amazing and fit her so well!

Dara's bouquet was so bright and cheerful--I loved the colors of the day!

Dara and David were so cute together--they fit each other perfectly! They chose to see each other before the wedding which gave them the opportunity to enjoy the afternoon together and also allowed for lots of relaxed portrait time to play.

Behind the wooded area is an amazing wheat field--the sky and golden color of the wheat was perfect. I could have photographed them in this field all day!

My favorite wedding party image ever--these guys were awesome to work with!

These two little cousins were so ADORABLE!! Dara and David have some awesome nephews!

A little post-ceremony sunflare magic--yummy!!

A first dance moment--Dara got to share her first dance with her Dad and husband with a special song her Dad played--I love it when a Dad is obviously so loving and thoughtful for his daughter.

The night ended arounded the fire pit with smores and laughter--it was a great ending to a beautiful day!