Some people just HAVE it.  You know, the elusive “IT” factor–that thing all stellar people possess.  Well, this darling young woman has “IT” by the buckets.  Shelby has such an inCREDible voice!  And lucky for me (and those in the Olympia area) Shelby will be playing at my studio –The Steam Plant (113 Thurston Ave NE, Oly) on Friday, April 26th during ArtsWalk.  Make sure you come by for a listen… time well spent, I promise : )  Look forward to seeing you soon!  Cheers to you Shelby!

What is it about grafitti art?  What compels artists to create temporary installations?  I have always loved the vibrant and rebellious street art pieces.  So much that I decided to bring them indoors!  I am a board member for POSSCA http://www.possca.org/ and we are looking to raise awareness as well a scholarship funds, so the canvases will be auctioned off!! Hooray!  Your very own grafitti canvas.  Come on downtown this evening (October 7th) to join in on the silent auction.

Hope to see you…

I fell immediately in love with Daniel and Brittney when we met last summer. I was so honored when they asked me to photograph their wedding. They are heading into their senior year of college and are the most lovely college sweethearts. I love working with creatives–she’s into visual art, he’s into music, and I’m just in heaven : ) We spent a perfect afternoon playing around downtown Olympia and creating such fun and playful images. Thanks you guys! I can’t wait for August!

I am loving the busy senior season, the autumn wedding season, the back to school schedules, heartier fall fare and SOUPS!  This is absolutely one of the busiest times of the year for me.  To keep creative, it’s important to rev up that inspiration with special projects, something that pushes you.  That’s why I was thrilled to collaborate with Erin Gillet of http://www.shopsweetlife.com/ Sweet Life Boutique in Olympia this week, creating her fall/holiday look book. We had a fabulous model, Nani Poonani of the Tush Burlesque troupe–she was completely adorable and such fun to work with.  Make your way into Sweet Life  to get the look book, which will be available in a few weeks– but since I know waiting is difficult, here is just a little taste of the goodies you can find in her store.  Ridiculously beautiful clothes!  I wouldn’t wait to outfit yourself in holiday finery though–she carries limited selection–which is why you’re guaranteed to have unique pieces.  But don’t wait!

I love alleys.  There is something a bit clandestine, maybe secretive, and very  private.  The alleys of downtown Olympia have their own personalities–some are urban and edgy, others have an old world feel,  but all of them make for perfect photo scenarios.    Emily and Austin were perfectly happy to wind through the alleys, tucking in and out, and stealing a kiss or two along the way.  Soon, they will be heading to the sunny land of Cali as Austin pursues his dream of flight.  These two smarties–one an engineer the other a psyche major have the world opening up to them.  So sweet to see lovely couples in love forging new lives together.  Good luck you two!

This was a fun week for birthdays! Emily, joined by 5 of her best girls, celebrated her 13th birthday with a studio session. What a lovely group of girls–they were one of the sweetest group of 13 year old girls I’ve been around in ages! I’ve never been thanked so many times in one session. Lovely girls with lovely manners–just my favorite clients! Studio birthday sessions are quickly becoming the rage! I can’t imagine having more fun though–hanging with your friends, looking fab, listening to tunes, fans blowing your hair, snacking on treats. Summertime birthdays ROCK! Thanks to Emily, Maddy, Lexi, Helen, Hannah and Nikki for coming in–you guys were completely awesome : )

Guess what teachers do while on spring break? They wander the rainy streets of Olympia, smiling at one another… At least, that’s what Yonkela and Cassandra did for ONE of their days off. I first met Yonk when I was photographing a wedding at Alderbrook Resort last spring. He was a fellow teacher friend of the bride. I soon met his lovely bride-to-be, Cass, not long after as they began planning their own wedding. Cass and Yonk are warm and open, with both their smiles and their spirits. I can only imagine what incredible teachers they must be. And what lucky students are sparked by their love of learning. As we wandered the rainy streets, we talked of places travelled and of future destinations on our lists. Travel has to be one of the most relevant educational experiences, and one of my absolute favorite things. To immerse oneself in a place–the food, the people, the feeling of the place–the overall experience, love, love, LOVE it! I know they’ll enjoy their honeymoon in Mexico. Hmmm, I wonder if they need photo coverage of that…? ha!