Photo Devoto

New blog home!

2009-06-22T16:00:00.003-06:00

It's been fun here, but it's time to go.

Please bookmark: www.karapearson.com/blog/

Make sure to join the RSS feed and visit often!

James and LaDawn

2009-06-19T09:46:00.003-06:00

James and LaDawn were all smiles all day long. I don't think I have one photo of LaDawn not smiling! They held their ceremony in Hawaii about a month earlier, and decided to have a reception in Denver for everyone to help them celebrate their new life together. Can I say their two little boys totally melted my heart. Sooo cute!

The family was game for anything as we took portraits in the park, which makes everything more fun. We avoided getting the bride and groom doused by the sprinklers just as we were setting up for their last portrait.

I do have to apologize to LaDawn and James - Sorry that I didn't eat at your reception, the food looked amazing, but sometimes it makes me sleepy, and sleeping on the job wouldn't be good :) Congrats to you both and to your new family!!!

Bridgette and Daniel's Wedding - Phipps Tennis Pavillion

2009-06-15T11:36:00.005-06:00

Bridgette and Daniel's wedding was held the same day as my own. A week after they decided they wanted me to shoot their wedding, I had to change my own date to a week later than originally planned, which landed me right on their own date. So, we discussed some options, and they decided to stick with me and I would find photographers, Scott Cejka, and Kristy Rowe, to shoot under my name for the day. They did an awesome job! From the photos, it looked like a really fun wedding. I laughed my way through editing these.

Daniel has a 1000 mega-watt smile ... always!

I had never heard of this - all the bridesmaids signed the bottom of Bridgette's shoe for good luck.

She looks like an old time movie star here

One of my favorite photos of the whole shoot
Love all the expressions!
So sweet - as they walk down the aisle.

Sneak Peek of Bridgette and Daniel's Wedding

2009-06-07T14:45:00.005-06:00

More to come soon! If you'd like to be notified when their web gallery is up, email me: kara@karapearson.com

Thank you Kristy Rowe and Scott Cejka for shooting this wedding for me!!!

Bridget and Daniel - Engagement

2009-05-07T10:18:00.011-06:00

These two were such a pleasure to take pictures of - they are so comfortable with each other and with the camera. You can see why the camera likes them - they are beautiful!
We joked around Civic Center Park as the sun sunk lower Tuesday night, taking pictures wherever we wanted. They were game for anything. I am so sad that I won't be there to take their wedding pictures (we share the same wedding date!), but I know Scott and Kristy will do a wonderful job. Now on to the photos....

University of Denver Law Review Board

2009-04-13T22:12:00.004-06:00

Had about 20 minutes to shoot some portraits of the 2008-2009 University of Denver Law Review Board. Most were pretty standard shots, but they were up for some fun photos at the end. Look for some of them on the Supreme Court in 20 years... :)

Snow day!

2009-03-27T14:09:00.004-06:00

In need of braces.
After a foot of snow fell yesterday, Tucker was begging to play outside. So as I shoveled, I threw snowballs for him to catch. He loves water ... in any form.
Tucker in the 1970s.
He's so overexposed...

House remodel

2009-03-10T10:50:00.004-06:00

Shot these photos for a contractor who remodeled almost the entire home in Denver. Beautiful work. It seems the recession doesn't affect some people. Wow!

New postcards

2009-03-03T09:56:00.004-07:00

I just got these postcards printed up and I'll be dropping these around town at cafes, restaurants, businesses that will let me.

On the back it says: Bring the postcard with to our first meeting, and if you book a wedding, you'll receive a free engagement photo shoot. If you book a portrait session, you'll receive a free 8x10 print.

Would you like me to send you one? Lemme know!

I'm a'twittering

2009-02-25T16:00:00.003-07:00

I've jumped on the bandwagon. Yikes, I feel like a lemming. I'm still feeling my way around, so bear with me. But if you look to the right, you can follow me on twitter. My twitter name: KaraPearsonFoto

FREE engagement sessions

2009-02-23T10:42:00.004-07:00

If you book with Kara Pearson Photography sometime during February, March or April 2009 you will receive a free engagement session. Just a little more bang for your buck during these hard times.

NOMO part II

2009-02-17T10:07:00.006-07:00

So here's more photos from our little impromptu photo shoot and during their concert. Unfortunately, it was already dark when we wanted to take pictures, and I was only armed with one flash. What a great group of people and musicians - check them out - www.nomomusic.com

here's Elliot:

NOMO

2009-02-16T10:45:00.002-07:00

Every so often a good friend of mine, Elliot Bergman, pops up in Colorado when he's on tour with his band NOMO (http://www.nomomusic.com). We hang out, I catch their show and leave totally in awe. They've been featured on NPR, various magazines and music sites. They are totally unique and super talented, playing instruments they create that you have no idea what they are. Last time they came into town, we did a little photo shoot and I am embarrassed to say that this has taken WAY too long to edit this shoot, but here's a little sneak peek. El-I promise the rest to come really soon.

Marisa and Alex Wedding - 12.27.08

2009-01-08T23:53:00.005-07:00

As I said in my last post - their sneak peek - Alex and Marisa are the sweetest, kindest couple you could ever hope to meet. Their wedding was on a beautiful, albeit windy, winter day. We tried doing some portraits outside of Mount Vernon Country Club, but if we would have stayed out any longer, we might have lost our fingers and toes to frostbite.

Marisa's bridesmaids were her two sisters, and Alex's groomsmen were his two brothers. It is very apparent that they both come from very close families. It is also very apparent how in love these two are. Thank you so much to Alex and Marisa for letting me be there on your important day. Congrats!

And thank you sooooo much to Kristy Rowe of Moodeous Photography for second shooting with me.

Sneak Peek of Marisa and Alex's wedding

2008-12-27T21:23:00.003-07:00

What a great wedding to end the year on! Marisa and Alex are about the sweetest people I've ever met. Here's two photos I couldn't help put up as I was storing their photos. Keep coming back, more to come in the near future (about two weeks). Also, if you'd like to be alerted when their photos are up on a web gallery to view, please email me at kara@karapearson.com, or leave me a comment here.

Merry Christmas!

2008-12-23T15:02:00.002-07:00

To all those who didn't get a Christmas card from me - here it is:

“And the Grinch, with his Grinch-feet ice cold in the snow,

stood puzzling and puzzling, how could it be so? It came without ribbons.

It came without tags. It came without packages, boxes or bags.

And he puzzled and puzzled 'till his puzzler was sore.

Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn't before.

What if Christmas, he thought, doesn't come from a store.

What if Christmas, perhaps, means a little bit more.

State football

2008-11-30T16:14:00.007-07:00

The newspaper where I worked for four years called me up to cover the Class 3A state football championship game Saturday afternoon in Aurora: Glenwood Springs vs. Fort Morgan. It was a perfect day for football - crisp, sunny and full of excitement. It was fun to see this senior class who I had been following through their entire high school career win the title. Here are some shots. For the stories, click here

Little Edyn Rose

2008-10-25T12:57:00.005-06:00

At almost three months-old, Edyn was one happy baby. With a full belly, she smiled and giggled throughout the shoot as her mom, Erika, dad, Nathan, and big brother, Noah, kissed her and hugged her. She is one loved baby. And too cute too boot.

Grand Lake

2008-10-21T10:30:00.002-06:00

Bryan and I took our fourth annual fall colors road trip and we decided to go to Grand Lake this past weekend. The colors definitely weren't at their peak, but it was still a pretty trip. The dog sure loved swimming in the lake and hiking in the woods. We took Trail Ridge Road through Rocky Mountain National Park on the way back. We saw some elk and deer, and a lot of tourists on our drive. After this weekend, I now can feel your planning pains, brides! :)

Samantha & Kelly are married! - Keystone Ski Tip Lodge

2008-10-02T10:27:00.007-06:00

I didn't have a chance to meet with Kelly and Samantha before the wedding since they live in Texas, but as soon as I met them on their big day, I felt totally at ease. It was drizzling on and off throughout the day, but they were totally relaxed and just enjoying their time with their friends, family and 6-year-old son, Collin (one of the cutest, sweetest, most respectful kids I've met).

Their ceremony and reception was at Keystone Ski Tip Lodge and the sun came out just as the ceremony was beginning and then the rain came back just as we were finishing portraits. What luck! Collin was a part of the ceremony and did a great job. Here are some of my favorites. Congrats you three!

Tears were in abundance that day - love it!

Too sweet.

Erin & Adam-Hudson Gardens

2008-09-20T12:29:00.006-06:00

The skies cleared just in time for Adam and Erin's wedding at Hudson Gardens in Littleton. I might have asked for a little more cloud cover for pictures :) There were a good number of laughs at the ceremony - her father as flower girl, Adam saying he was Erin, and the flower girl wanting to be held by Erin in the middle of the ceremony. Those are the things that make the day's memories! Erin and Adam seem so comfortable with each other, and they should be - they've known each other since they were little kids. Congrats Erin and Adam! Have fun on your honeymoon.

Uh-oh - the garter search!
The bridal party was down for anything.

Erin's unique dress - she said all white was too boring
Bubbles blown at the end of their ceremony.

Their first dance at Erin's parents' house.

Sarah and Sean - Pearl St., Denver

2008-09-10T14:21:00.006-06:00

Sean and Sarah had such a great, unique wedding. Everything took place on Pearl St. in Platt Park - from hair and make-up to getting married at the gelato shop, Nosh, to dinner at Gaia, and then back to their house for the reception. With about 35 people in attendance, Sean and Sarah seemed so relaxed and happy, which made for great photos. What a great, fun couple. I had a lot of fun shooting their big day.
Abby is one of Sarah's best friends and she also married them.
Sarah, Abby and Logan walked through the alley so guests wouldn't see her.
En route to Gaia after portraits at Wash Park.
Pre-ceremony glossing.

Sarah's mom and dad.

Sarah getting ready
Sean grabbing some gelato before the ceremony.
Sarah waiting for the ceremony to begin with the Logster.

One of my favorite portraits from the day.

New wedding albums!

2008-09-09T15:34:00.006-06:00

I was like a kid at Christmas this afternoon when I opened the box from Finao Albums. These are the new albums I am offering as part of my wedding packages. They are modern looking and the color printing is right on.

cover:
The one I ordered has a metal cover with a photo printed on it, and silver leather bound.

The inside pages offers a variety of designs that I layout myself.

The binding is solid and the pages are sturdy.

After the wedding, couples are able to choose what photos they would like in the album, and can choose what kind of cover (material, color, etc) they would like.

Matt & Dara - Boulder

2008-09-09T10:57:00.011-06:00

I helped Kevin from KB Photography shoot Dara and Matt's wedding on an unseasonably cold September afternoon last Friday. His wife and photography partner in crime, Jessica, is due any moment, so she was at home, resting. Dara and Matt's ceremony was at the Sunrise Amphitheater and their reception at Rembrandt Yard - both in Boulder. They and their guests rolled with the punches and enjoyed the ceremony and warmed up by dancing later on in the night.

Both of Dara's parents were so emotional - when they first saw her, they both burst into tears. So cute!

DNC Denver

2008-08-30T15:02:00.003-06:00

I was able to get a ticket from a friend (thanks Spencer!) for Barack Obama's speech Thursday night at Invesco Field. I had to take pictures of some delegates for a newspaper before the speech, which was a bit hectic, but I got it done and then was able to take a seat and watch the excitement before the speech. Here are some pics from my point-and-shoot from the stands throughout the night.

There's no such a thing as reasoning with a 1 1/2 year old

2008-08-25T15:51:00.004-06:00

While on vacation in Minnesota, Bryan's aunt asked if I would take a group shot of her four grandkids. Generally it's not my style to plop everyone down and say cheese, but with four kids under the age of 10, I did what I could. Plus I had only 20 minutes to work with since it was almost dinnertime, and we were quickly losing light. But probably any more than 20 minutes and I would have totally lost their attention. They were all ready to quit after 10. Hopefully next summer, the littlest one can be reasoned with and we can do some fun shots of them all playing together.

Little Kingsley

2008-08-22T00:13:00.008-06:00

Really grainy, but I liked the moment.

So I got to visit one of my bestest friends, Meredith, in NYC a week or so ago. While I was there, we did a little photo session with her husband, Scott, and their two-month old little girl, Kingsley. Of course we waited until the last day to do it, and it poured. So - no park - we were confined to their teeny apartment. I used mainly window light which explains all the grain (which I love in some instances). It was a lot of laughs, especially when Kings peed all over Scott. Well, at least it was funny to Mere and me.

Kingsley kicking it in the sink.

Although this photo isn't really in focus, I love it.

Jes & Dave are married!

2008-08-18T00:25:00.007-06:00

I met Jes and Dave first while doing their engagement portraits, and they were such a great laid-back couple, I was excited to shoot their wedding. Jes was all smiles all day - so photogenic. And what a kiss! They were married August 9, 2008 at the Denver Tennis Pavillion. Rain threatened all day, but it never fell so we were able to do some portraits in the gardens after the ceremony.

Dave needed help getting dressed, and his groomsmen got right to it.

Someone's flash lit up Jes and her dad perfectly while I was trying to get a different shot from outside through the window. Thanks for the help!
Luckily, no one was hurt in the catching of the bouquet.

I've been traveling and shooting since my last post, so much more soon to follow from other events.

Jeff and Denise

2008-07-27T21:58:00.004-06:00

I helped Ken Miller with Ken Miller Photography twice in one weekend. This was from Jeff and Denise's wedding at Wild Basin Lodge in Allenspark, Colo. What a beautiful place, and the day was nice and cool.

Alissa and Geoff!

2008-07-25T14:20:00.006-06:00

I helped Ken Miller with Ken Miller Photography shoot Alissa and Geoff's wedding last week in Boulder. They both were so full of emotion, laughter and tears. It's great to be a part of that - capturing that emotion in photographs.

Ummmmm.....whoa!

2008-07-23T17:23:00.006-06:00

So excuse this post - it's really only for family and friends (but who knows, those are probably the only ones who read this blog!)

This is the new casa, with the current owners' furniture. Hope to move in by September some time.

Driveway.
Detached garage.
Front porch.
Backyard.
Basement living area.

Basement bedroom.
Basement bathroom.
Desk in kitchen area.Bathroom on ground level.Master bedroom and closet.

Living room.
Living room/kitchen/eating area.

Kitchen.

Blowin' smoke

2008-07-17T11:35:00.003-06:00

Caught this woman taking a break on the lawn before I left a wedding recently. The light attracted me to it, and then the smoke made me pick up my camera.

Soooo hot

2008-07-15T17:06:00.003-06:00

Just chilling in front of the fan ... Tucky's new favorite past-time.

While Cash likes to bask in the sun.

Tim and Becky's Wedding

2008-07-13T16:54:00.003-06:00

I helped Kristy Rowe shoot Tim and Becky's wedding at Hudson Gardens in Littleton for Encore Portraits last night (Saturday, July 12). It was fun, and Kristy is easy to work with. The gardens are a beautiful place. Wow! I am shooting another wedding there in September and am looking forward to it. Here are some shots from last night. Congrats Tim and Becky!

SoCo Music Fest

2008-07-10T17:37:00.004-06:00

A week or so ago, I shot the SoCo Music Fest for Complex Magazine - it was a seven hour free music event that was headlined by Gnarls Barkley (he was super entertaining - go see him). It was a loooong, hot day filled with pretty good music - a lot of it local.

The Klumps big day

2008-07-07T22:29:00.007-06:00

It was kind of nice going to a wedding where I had no responsibility to shoot photographs. I focused just on my friends, and of course the B&G. It was in Clarkston, Michigan - couldn't have asked for more perfect weather for the fourth of July weekend. I was exhausted coming home from spending a weekend with everyone, but oh was it fun.

Leah & Aaron

2008-07-02T14:54:00.006-06:00

Leah and Aaron were such an easy couple to shoot - so laid back and fun. It was supposed to rain all day, but luckily cleared up about an hour before their ceremony. They danced the night away to a bluegrass band from Jackson Hole and were married at Devil's Thumb Ranch in Tabernash, Colo. - a beautiful spot that practices sustainability.

Colfax Luv

2008-06-10T08:28:00.004-06:00

I went on a "post-modern safari photo hunt" along Colfax Avenue in Denver two Saturdays ago. There sure is a lot to take photos of - interesting stories and characters. The gallery opening of Colfax Love is at Neopolitan Gallery June 14 at 7.

When doves fly

2008-05-27T13:27:00.003-06:00

Covering a Memorial Day celebration - this man released doves as a bag piper played "Amazing Grace."

New website!

2008-05-21T22:10:00.004-06:00

Since I haven't shown you anything new lately - here's an assignment I received from the Glenwood Springs Post Independent on Akim Gama - a Zimbabwean who had been in jail for more than 8 months. Read the story here

Looking for a dress?

2008-05-04T21:10:00.001-06:00

This was passed on to me - it's for a good cause, and you might find the dress you want!

Brides Against Breast Cancer does an annual tour where they sell donated new designer gowns at discounted rates, the proceeds of which go towards finding the cure. Prices range on average from $99-$799 and they even have couture gowns (around 20k) discounted at 25-75%.

The tour comes to Denver May 7-10th at the Ritz Carlton. Thursday night is the VIP sale requiring ticket purchase ($50/bride $25/guest). The Friday and Saturday Sales are free!

Except from the site: "NATIONWIDE TOUR OF GOWNS

“FIND THE GOWN OF YOUR DREAMS AND MAKE A WISH COME TRUE”

"Brides Against Breast CancerTM" gown sales continue to be important fund-raising events for Making Memories. Our more than 32 yearly shows provide brides-to-be with an opportunity to find their dream gown (at an incredible savings) while making wishes and dreams come true for women and men who are losing their fight against breast cancer. "

If you haven't heard about the upcoming dress sale in May check out their website here!http://bridesagainstbreastcancer.org/) They do also have dresses that were donated by brides. They're all cleaned and checked before going on tour for sale! (

Jes & Dave engagement portraits

2008-04-15T21:58:00.003-06:00

Met with Jes and Dave on a beautiful spring day in Wash Park. They wanted to do the shoot there since that was where they got engaged. We did a few shots under the tree where Dave asked Jes and then we went to one of the lakes. What a fun and easy-going couple.

Ayelish and Aziz

2008-04-10T17:35:00.005-06:00

Ayelish and Aziz were married at the end of March in a beautiful chapel in Evanston, Ill. She wore a kick-ass '60s style dress and Aziz was handsome in his suit. The couple were so overwhelmed and grateful by the number of guests who came at short notice. Everyone seemed to have a blast.

Kites

2008-04-07T19:03:00.002-06:00

Had a fun assignment on Saturday. Learning my way around the 'burbs of Denver. Making a lot of U-turns, and putting some extra miles on my car, but still getting to the events nonetheless. This event taught this little boy a little something about patience. He didn't understand why he and his dad couldn't keep the kite up in the air.

Jackson Hole

2008-03-22T13:55:00.004-06:00

Spent five days in Jackson Hole, WY. So relaxing and beautiful. One of the most fun things we did was dog sledding. Loved our musher, Jesse, and the dogs were just as fun to watch as the surroundings.

Then had great food, wine and company at dinner. Can't wait to go back...

Wet nun

2008-02-28T14:36:00.003-07:00

As I am burning all my photos to CDs here at the PI, I came across this image that I made a few months ago while in California for the Rosebowl.

Bryan and I had some hours to kill, so we walked the beach. Such a different feel from Colorado - the wind whipping across the ocean, seagulls everywhere - and nuns. Some walking in the water, some running alongside. This nun was collecting seashells, not caring how wet her clothes became.

Boxes, boxes, boxes

2008-02-26T16:49:00.004-07:00

Almost 30 boxes full of my stuff fill my living room, waiting for Sunday. To be honest, though, if they would all disappear, the only thing I would miss would be the pictures.

I moved out here 4 1/2 years ago with just what would fit in my car. Now I have to rent a 17' U-Haul to move everything.

It's scary leaving this place that I've grown to know so well. My friends, colleagues and the community. But moving to new places is how you grow as a person. You learn things about yourself each time, because, really, all you have to rely on is yourself.

State wrestling

2008-02-25T20:15:00.004-07:00

I spent the weekend shooting state wrestling. Wow am I tired, but it sure is fun to see how intense and passionate the wrestlers are. The coaches are almost as fun to watch - their reactions and emotions. Two 12 hour days and you get a lot of access to the wrestlers away from the mat. Here are a few of the brothers who won state and another teammate.

Rancher

2008-02-20T15:45:00.002-07:00

This was one of those assignments that I was looking forward to, and it was just as fun as I thought it would be. I got to stand up in the truck bed with Joe as his wife drove us through the snow, slushy field. Hay stains covered my pants from leaning against them, and everything smelled so fresh.

Ranching is all Joe knows. It's what he grew up doing, and continued to do in his adult life. It's in his blood. So down-to-earth and friendly. Wish I could have made the rounds with him to his other fields.

It's been a while

2008-02-14T10:38:00.003-07:00

I've been enjoying the snow here in Glenwood - skiing and snowshoeing a bunch. But that's no excuse why I haven't updated this here blog. I'm also in the process of moving down to Denver - so if you know anyone who's looking for a photographer in Colorado - freelance, weddings, etc., let 'em know! Here's a photo to tie you over until the next posting...

Adoption

2007-11-18T09:34:00.001-07:00

OK, long overdue for a new post. This was one of the best assignments in a long time. This kid lost his mom to cancer, and over the past 8 years, has lived in 8 different foster homes - until now. He was adopted yesterday! His new dad decided to adopt him after he lost his wife. He and his wife had talked about adding Christian to the family, and so after her death, he decided to make it official. What a great family.

Wedding bells are ringing

2007-10-21T17:32:00.001-06:00

One of my best friends got married at the beginning of the month. She looked radiant, confident, beautiful. It's fun to shoot a couple who are so relaxed, in love and in the moment.

Choo-choo

2007-09-23T18:32:00.000-06:00

Met an interesting man named Dick Maddock this week. He is enamored with anything to do with trains, and has built a miniature railroad system around his property. I was thinking - wow, to have a hobby where you invest so much time and money into, but then I realized - my job is my hobby and I do the same thing...

Retirement is for me

2007-09-14T16:38:00.001-06:00

A gray, boring Friday afternoon in search of a front page photo - waiting for 7 p.m. to come so the Friday night football game can start and praying for the rain clouds to move on. I happened upon this lady after a friend tipped me off on a fun feature photo. Wish I was retired - I could make any day a lazy one taking a nap with my dog, enjoying the cool weather.

The Big Day

2007-09-10T18:07:00.001-06:00

I really do like shooting weddings. Such an important day in at least two persons' lives - happiness, sadness, nervousness...trying to capture it all is a tad daunting, but when all is said and done, it's pretty humbling – and fun. Here are the new Lark and Jesse Masten!

Linemen and tackles and balls - oh my!

2007-08-25T12:31:00.000-06:00

Just finished the high school football tab. Why does it always feel like it never comes out the way I envision it? The players were super polite, and as always - funny. Portraits are just not my forté. I always feel like it's not unique enough, or the lighting isn't right, or I'm wasting their time or or or...I do want to get better at them, which hopefully will come in time. I can't believe fall is around the corner, and I'm about to stand in the snow covering football games. Brrr...

It's raining cats and dogs

2007-08-16T15:28:00.001-06:00

Every time I have to go to the local animal shelter to do a story, I get worried that I won't be able to leave empty-handed. All these animals looks so sad and pitiful in their kennel and cubby holes. I hate having to see them look at me, saying, "Take me! Take me!" It breaks my heart. Lucky for them, the shelter just got a remodel and it's a bit better. TVs for the dogs in their sound-proof rooms, and the cats have an outdoor atrium area where they can lounge around. Even though I have two pets already, and I would probably get my head cut off for adopting anymore - it still breaks my heart to leave them, closing the door as they bark and meow their little heads off.

Sunset waterskiing

2007-08-13T11:22:00.000-06:00

Back from Minnesota and back to the daily grind. One night after dinner, we went out on the boat as the sun was setting, leaving an orange sky as a backdrop. With the cool air whipping around, and the boat smoothly traveling over the glass-like lake, it was almost enough to put me to sleep.

Ruedi from the sky

2007-07-30T07:52:00.000-06:00

I went on a hike up over Ruedi Reservoir - just what I needed after working 50 hours in 4 days. So, rode with Tucker in the backseat of John's Jeep, freezing our asses off, at 8 in the morning for an hour up to Basalt and the Frying Pan Road. But it was totally worth it. Four hours later, Alyssa, John and I were back in the Jeep, refreshed, tired and hungry. What a great Sunday.

Fire eating Feugo

2007-07-29T18:42:00.000-06:00

Mountain Fair in Carbondale sure is a different event than the regular old festivals around the county. This year I shot the fire dance - where Feugo ate and breathed fire for a few minutes straight. Yuck! Can you imagine the lighter fluid taste in your mouth? But it sure was cool. I'd never seen anything like it. They also threw the fire sticks around, juggling it and flinging it between their legs. Ooohs and aaahs filled the night air.

I heart cowboys

2007-07-28T14:25:00.000-06:00

I love shooting rodeos, mainly because that lifestyle is so foreign to me. Growing up in the 'burbs of Chicago, there surprisingly weren't all that many cowboys/girls around. Found this little guy working on making his rope nice and sticky for the mutton bustin' event. He was back with all the bull riders who were stretching out and getting dressed to compete. He thought he's one of them already - mimicking everything they did. He's never taken home a trophy, but unfortunately tonight wasn't his night once again.

Summer of Jazz

2007-07-25T20:36:00.000-06:00

Shot the last Summer of Jazz tonight. What great music. Rebirth Brass Band. They had everyone off their feet, dancing, despite the ominous thunderheads accumulating above us. I think I am more creative around creative people - whether it be musician, artists, writers, actors, etc. Sometimes I get upset when I have to shoot an event when all my friends can just relax, drink and have fun, but tonight I was ok with that. I enjoyed watching others having fun, dancing and singing. Plus happy people make for happy pictures.

Festival Shmestival

2007-07-23T16:39:00.001-06:00

Covered the Burning Mountain Festival for the fourth consecutive year. These small town festivals crack me up, especially the beauty pageants. It's totally more for the parents (moms!) than the kids. Here's a shot of the youngest girls backstage, getting ready for the crowning.
And then, trying desperately to get something different from past years - something other than a cute kid in a parade - I shot through some stained glass of some old-timers greeting each other in the middle of the park.
Only three more festivals to go ... kill me now.

Hiking with some chicas

2007-07-20T16:35:00.001-06:00

So the sports reporter and I had an assignment to go on a hike with a women's hiking group. We brought along Tucker and Gunner to get them some exercise. What a blast! It was one of those assignments where I thought - I love my job. Hiking along a river, chatting with the gals and shooting pictures - and it was early in the morning so it wasn't even hot yet! Plus the scenery was beautiful. Just happy to have one of those starts to the day that puts you in a great mood.

Piano recital

2007-07-19T16:02:00.000-06:00

I had to shoot a piano recital for the weekly paper here - talk about torture, until this little guy sat near me. He was so nervous and excited because he was about to perform. He kept tightening his tie, pretending to play the piano on the chair next to me and he couldn't sit still. Then one girl got up to play "The Phantom of the Opera." At first I couldn't tell if he was covering his ears or was just relaxing. Looks like he was impatiently relaxing.

Then he played his piece, got up and wasn't sure what he was supposed to do, so he looked to his mom, made a quick bow and ran off stage.

Roy and Twila

2007-07-18T16:18:00.000-06:00

Walking around Bryan's new neighborhood in Denver, I came across Roy and Twila sitting on their front porch. The afternoon wind was whipping around, cooling down the muggy air a bit, as rain clouds hovered above but never released. Roy, in a dirty wife beater, sat in the corner - ivy framing him on the porch. Twila, a small, elderly lady who liked to talk, sat swinging on the porch swing, with her walker resting in front of her. I stopped and talked with them. Twila bought the house 43 years ago with the money she earned working at a rubber factory for 30 of those years. I took their picture, and left before realizing my lens was on manual focus. So - these shots aren't perfectly in focus, but I still liked them, kind of.

X Marks the Spot

2007-07-15T21:13:00.000-06:00

After going to the Farmer's Market, meeting Bryan's new neighbors and dog, helping put his room together and going for a run - I am almost as tired as Tucker.
A little moving in action.

Chaz

2007-07-14T12:22:00.000-06:00

Looking through photos to add and delete from my portfolio, I came across the photo story April and I worked on about this little boy named Chaz, who has a multitude of problems. He was adopted from Cambodia to American parents who didn't know about all his maladies. I think about him a lot. Despite all his problems, he smiles and laughs through it all. Something we probably should all do a bit more.

To read the story:
http://www.postindependent.com/article/20070513/SUNDAY/105130042&SearchID=73287144934954
http://www.postindependent.com/article/20070514/SUNDAY/105140032&SearchID=73287144967344

Too much work, not enough play

2007-07-13T22:51:00.001-06:00

After working almost three weeks straight (which included wildfires, fatal late-night shootings (because when else do they happen?), and mudslides), and shooting a wedding on the 4th of July; and then having my parents and grandma come visit - which was a ton of fun - I am ready to have a real weekend. So, after work tomorrow, I am heading to Denver with Tucker to see Bryan. And then in a few weeks, I have a full seven days up North in Minnesota. This is all I am thinking about...