Photography by Alana

Cars

2012-01-12T12:36:00.000-07:00

I really have a love for old cars. I want to collect enough photos that I can publish a coffee table book just on old cars. Here are a few new ones for my collection.
~Alana

Karlee

2010-01-10T22:36:00.000-07:00

My emotions run high as I write this. Many of you will remember the special experience that I had last June while taking prom pictures for Karlee, Quade & Chase. (See earlier post). I just found out from Quade's mom, that Thursday evening Karlee lost her battle with cancer and died in her fathers arms at home, right where she wanted to be. My heart is extremely full for her and her family at this painful time. She was such an amazing person. I only knew her for just a brief time, and yet even so, I was overwhelmed with her spirit. She has touched so many lives. One person really can make a difference. What an inspiration. The more I learn about her the more I am amazed. I just want her family and friends to know that they are with us in our prayers and I am so thankful to have been a part of such a special night in Karlee's life. Thanks for sharing her with me for a brief moment. May God continue to watch over and bless your family, and Karlee, we will always remember you!

Alana

Sunset Over the Tetons

2009-11-08T23:01:00.000-07:00

I've been so busy lately that I'm really starting to go through withdrawls from my photography. So, tonight I took a few moments from my day to edit a photo from this last summer. We took the kids over to see the Tetons in Grand Teton National Park outside Jackson Hole, WY and happened to catch a killer sunset! I was so happy. Anyone that knows me knows I LOVE sunsets.

Meadow Lake

2009-10-14T23:20:00.000-06:00

Things have been totally crazy with our hunting ranch. This is the time of year I totally disappear off the map it seems. I really needed some photo therapy tonight, so I popped in to edit and post a shot of Meadow Lake that I took back in August. We went with my brother in law and his family and took our kids up here fishing. We had a blast. I'll post more later, but for tonight here is my therapy session and its all I have time for right now. Don't give up on me they'll be more later I promise! :)
Alana

Junior Prom

2009-06-09T11:49:00.000-06:00

A few weeks ago, I had an incredible experience. I got to take pictures for a special Junior Prom. A fantastic young man named Quade asked a sweet girl named Karlee to their Junior Prom. It was to be her first date. She is 16 and is fighting off her 2nd battle with two types of cancer. She has had several tumors removed. As it got closer to prom, she found out she was going to have to be in the hospital undergoing another round of Chemo during the prom. Quade decided he and his friend Chase would go visit Karlee that night in the hospital. As plans progressed, they decided to take prom to Karlee. They both rented Tuxedos, bought flowers and got their moms to help out with dinner. Karlee's mom got her a wig and a beautiful prom dress. The hospital chipped in and helped out with a nice classroom that they decorated and put a backdrop and the kitchen help even dressed up to serve them dinner. The doctor gave her a pass so she could leave her hospital room and they were allowed to go across the street to the city park. I came along to take pictures and we were able to do a nice photo shoot both in the hospital and then a bunch of fun pictures at the park. This was an amazing bunch of youth. The boys were so polite and gracious, giving her many compliments and taking such good care of her. They really tried hard to make it a memorable night. Karlee has an amazing strong spirit she is doing all she can to beat this thing. You can really sense what an amazing person she is. Karlee had lost so much weight that they had to put a feeding tube in to help her eat enough. Her mom asked me if I could photo shop the tube out, so it is missing in some of the pictures. She has sores all over in her mouth and throat from the tube and from her white blood count dropping so low. So it was painful for her to talk a whole lot. She managed quite well in spite of it all and was even able to eat some with the boys. I think this will be a night they will always remember. I know I will and I was just there shooting photos. I feel so privileged to be asked to document such a special night. Here are just a few of my favorites from the night. Thanks so much Quade, Chase & Karlee for asking me to be there.

The New Look

2009-05-30T01:13:00.001-06:00

I just had to make a quick shout out to Meegan and say thanks for helping me with a major overhaul to my blog. (You know I couldn't wait long to get it changed up!) I have been wanting to really showcase my photos on this blog and never felt like it did them justice...well, now I know how. Thanks Meegs you're the greatest.

History Lesson in Early Photography

2009-05-26T08:02:00.000-06:00

Today's post is a little history on early photography and the first published female photographer. Anna Atkins.

Collection History
Photographs of British Algae is a landmark in the histories both of photography and of publishing: the first photographic work by a woman, and the first book produced entirely by photographic means. Instantly recognizable today as the blueprint process, the cyanotypes lend themselves beautifully to illustrate objects found in the sea.

The New York Public Library's copy of British Algae originally belonged to Sir John Herschel (1792-1871), inventor of the blueprint process, among his many other photographic as well as scientific advances. One of thirteen known copies of the title, Photographs of British Algae was acquired in 1985 at auction directly from Herschel's descendants.

Background
"The difficulty of making accurate drawings of objects as minute as many of the Algae and Confera, has induced me to avail myself of Sir John Herschel's beautiful process of Cyanotype, to obtain impressions of the plants themselves," explained Anna Atkins in October 1843. Mrs. Atkins (1799-1871) was an amateur botanist especially interested in scientific illustration and taxonomy. Her goal in producing Photographs of British Algae was to provide a visual companion to William Harvey's pioneering but unillustrated 1841 publication Manual of British Algae; to that end, Atkins's specimen titles follow Harvey's nomenclature.

Through her father, scientist John George Children (1777-1852) whose Royal Society circle included Herschel and William Henry Fox Talbot (1800-1877), Atkins was aware of the group's experiments with photography. Talbot's "photogenic drawing" technique involved placing a flat object against a light-sensitized sheet of paper (sometimes pressed beneath a sheet of glass to prevent movement and ensure a sharp image) and exposing it to sunlight until the area around the object began to darken. Herschel devised a chemical method to halt the darkening and "fix" Talbot's silver-salt image - the basis for all photography until the digital era.

Hershel experimented with other light-sensitive metal compounds in addition to silver, and in 1842 discovered that colorless, water-soluble iron salts, when exposed to sunlight, form the compound known as Prussian Blue; unexposed areas remain unaffected and the salt rinses away in plain water, leaving a blue 'negative' image. Inexpensive and easy to use, the blueprinting process, or cyanotype, is familiar today as an artists' medium.

Atkins used Talbot's "photogenic drawing" method, arranging her specimens on sheets of glass for easier handling for repeat exposures, and adopted Herschel's blueprinting process, to generate the multiple copies of specimen plates comprising Photographs of British Algae. She also used this same method to produce title pages and contents lists instead of having them conventionally typeset.

Atkins issued the work in parts, distributing them privately between 1843 and 1853. Following the conclusion of British Algae, Atkins explored the cyanotype medium for more personal expression, creating assemblages of flowers and plants in elegant and sometimes whimsical designs. In some of her scientific plates one catches a glimpse of her ability to compose an arrangement in defiance of anything found in nature.

Spring Flowers

2009-05-19T13:25:00.000-06:00

I love my yard in the spring. Probably because the flowers all come up and I didn't have to do a thing. You gotta love bulbs. I haven't done anything with my macro lens in soooo long, I decided to dig it out today and capture a few shots before the flowers all die off. Enjoy.

Momma Moose

2009-05-14T00:40:00.000-06:00

So a few months ago, we looked out the side door of our house and there was a mother moose in our yard. The kids thought it was awsome. What a treat to see one so close. I immediately grabbed my camera that was laying on my desk and started snapping away. Here are 2 of my favorites. At least I got some good pictures since she busted out 3 sections of our vinyl fence.

Self Portrait

2009-05-12T10:27:00.000-06:00

Sweet Blue Eyes!

2009-04-13T23:24:00.000-06:00

Small & Simple Things

2009-04-04T00:00:00.000-06:00

There is so much beauty in small and simple things. How many small interesting things will you pass by today and never notice?? Stop and notice some detail today. Of course all of these photos are better up close, so feel free to click on each one to see the finer detail in a larger version.
Alana

Joy to Everyone

2008-12-09T21:45:00.000-07:00

I found this neat song & slide show and wanted to take a minute and spread some peace & joy to everyone this Christmas season. Click on the words "Joy to Everyone" below to watch. It is amazingly well done! May you carry the spirit of the season in your heart and remember what it is we are celebrating.

Joy to Everyone

Alana

Lovin Rusty!

2008-11-20T21:35:00.000-07:00

Here's a fun little shot of the logo on the side of an old car. I love old rusty things. I'm not exactly sure why, but I think they make good art subjects. I'm pretty nostalgic, so maybe that plays into it hmmm. Hope you enjoy!
Alana

New Temple Picture

2008-11-15T23:22:00.000-07:00

I have wanted to create my own picture of the temple with textures. The other day there was a real storm brewing and I happened to have my camera with me. The sun was setting and it cut out from under these black clouds. Naturally an impressive rainbow formed across the eastern sky. I have had the idea of getting a neat rainbow shot with the rainbow landing on/near the temple. When I saw it, I raced to get there in hopes of capturing the shot. The light was so fleeting I knew I wouldn't have much time. Once the sun set, the rainbow would disappear. I did get a few rainbow shots in, but it was beginning to fade by the time I got there. After it was gone, the sky still black was such sharp contrast to the beautiful white temple all warm and glowing with the evening sun. It was truly stunning. Here was the peace and safety in contrast to the perils of this world. Please click on it to see it larger. I would love some honest feedback on this if you could please leave comments.
Alana

Dalan

2008-11-12T00:41:00.001-07:00

Dalan is one of my most favorite nephews! We had such a fun time during this shoot taking his senior pictures. Thanks Dalan so much for your cooperation and indulging me as I drug you all over for these pictures. I hope I was able to capture your personality and get some shots you are pleased with. It was really fun to try out some new locations. Once again I had too many favorites, so bear with me. I figure since I haven't posted in a while, I'd give you several to look at.

Alana

Autumn

2008-10-21T22:43:00.001-06:00

Isn't Autumn just a fantastic time of year? I love all the vibrant colors, the crispness in the air, and the changing of the scenery around me. We are so blessed to live in a place that changes. When it comes to weather, Idaho is famous for changing quickly, but I think its good. I was pondering over what it would be like to live where everything was more or less static all year long without the definite seasons, and I'd have to say I don't think I'd like it. I love the variety. Today, I'm grateful for the changing seasons. (I took this picture the other day up on our ranch. You should definitely click on this one to see it bigger.)
Alana

Its' been Crazy!

2008-10-15T22:58:00.000-06:00

Wow! those that know me know that Sept-mid Nov. is the time that we just basically disappear off the map since that is hunting season for us at the elk ranch. This year has been even crazier with some medical problems and a little drama added on top just for fun. I am doing much better now though. Thank you all for the love and prayers they were definitely felt! Also my internet has been down since last Saturday since some farmer got a little too close to the tower and tore it down and they have been trying to get the parts and get it repaired. I was overjoyed tonight when I finally had my computer back. I think I've been going through withdrawls. Hmmm this is starting to sound like a long list of excuses. So without further adieu, here are some pictures that I finally got finished (Sorry guys for the delay) and I have another Senior shoot that I'm editing right now too. These are my gorgeous neice and nephews. This was a fun quick shoot. Thanks to any of you who still check back with me once in a while on this blog to see if I'm still alive.

Alana

Wild Flowers

2008-08-27T21:23:00.000-06:00

I love taking pictures of wildflowers. I'm not entirely sure why, but it probably stems back to my childhood. My dad was way into flowers and everytime we went places he was always teaching us the names of flowers and quizing us on what their names were. I definitely took it for granted as a kid, but I love having the knowledge now. Everytime I find some new flower, I always think of him. So documenting them in photographs is somewhat like preserving those memories a bit. Anyway, they bring me joy, so I hope some of you out there like them to, if not well then check back later for a post on another subject :) Here are a few fun ones from this summer.
Alana

Wild Strawberry!

Tomlinson's Finished

2008-08-19T00:41:00.000-06:00

I am finally finished with Tomlinson's Family shoot. Sorry it took so long guys! Thanks for your patience. Here are a few final favorites.
Alana

Martin's Cove

2008-08-05T16:44:00.000-06:00

I am going to appologize right up front for this enormous post, but it will explain my absence from my blog lately. Between preparations and being gone for 4 days, I've been very busy. I just got back from the most profound experience! I just had to share a bit even if it is a travel log. Words can't really describe nor can the photos really, but I thought I'd share a few pictures with you. We went on a trip with the youth in our church to do a re-enactment of the pioneers who came across from Europe and settled in Salt Lake City, Utah; particularly the Martin & Willie Handcart Companies. During their trek form Iowa City, Iowa to Salt Lake City, in 1856, members of the Martin and Willie Handcart companies suffered one of the greatest tragedies of early pioneer travels to the West. Stranded by a blizzard in Oct & Nov. of 1856, the Martin company huddled in a cove for 4 days seeking shelter from the snow and sub zero temperatures. While the company waited for the snow storms to pass and rescuers from Salt Lake, many people died from exposure and starvation. Many miracles happened to sustain those who survived the impossible. We got to go on this sacred ground and walk the trek where they walked and struggle and stretch ourselves beyond what we thought we could stand and it was still nothing in comparrison to what they went through. It was one of the hardest things I have ever done myself. Because of some health issues and I sprained my toe the night before we left, I really had a tough time. All total we hiked over 26 miles (17 in one day!) on injured and blistered feet! It was super hot, dusty and very windy, but we endured and the sacrifice was worth it. We had a fantastic time and there was huge personal growth for all of us. I am so grateful for my pioneer heritage and the sacrifices of others who have gone before us to ensure that we live in such a fantastic nation with the freedoms we enjoy. Wow, what a week. Words don't really explain it. If you want to know more, I'd gladly give more details. I got to go as one of 3 official photographers to document our journey. That was really fun for me. Most of what we did were pure snapshots to document what we did, but there were a few fun things I was able to shoot too.

The Sweetwater School

Fort & Visitor's Center at Devil's Gate, Wyoming

Handcarts

Another view of Devil's Gate, a major trail crossing in the west. The Pioneer trail went through Rattlesnake canyon just East of the gap and so did the Oregon trail and the Pony Express Trail. Virtually anyone crossing the plains went right through this area.

Remnants of an old wagon

The Sweetwater River

Martin's Cove

The pioneers huddled between the hill in the center and the granite mountains in the back trying to have some semblance of shelter from the raging storms out on the open plains. They had to cross the Sweetwater river before moving up into the cove.

When the pioneers arrived at the banks of the Sweetwater River, they were exhausted and food rations were running out. They had just crossed the North Platte River 19 days prior and 13 people died from crossing that river in the frigid temperatures. When they realized they were going to have to do another crossing, they sat down on the banks of the river and cried. They just didn't have the strength to go on. 4 young men got into the river with the ice chunks floating by and one by one they carried the entire company across other than a few of the strongest men who pushed the handcarts across. There was 500 in their group when they started, several had died, but they said the boys spent the entire day in the water taking others across. Later all 4 died from the effects of their sacrifice in the water that day. Wow what an emotional place to be. We too pulled our handcarts across here, but under much more favorable circumstances. In honor of those boys several of the other boys carried some of the girls across and then we pushed our carts across the river.

These monuments are near the Sweetwater River Crossing. I was so moved by the Father carrying his baby and toddler as well as the feet wrapped in rags. Most of their shoes were worn out by now from walking so far. They wrapped their feet in rags in an attempt to protect them from the cold and snow!

An Antelope buck

We saw so much wildlife I was very surprised!

Peek-a-boo!

A baby fawn deer hiding in the sagebrush just off the trail.

A female deer

A baby rabbit

It was so windy, my bonnet just smashed against my face, so I ended up wearing my straw hat most of the time. The wind just blew through the holes. I was so glad I got it last minute before we left. That Wyoming wind is brutal. Setting up tents was like turning into a human kite. We were just glad it died down at night so we could sleep.

The nights were pretty much cloudless, so not spectacular sunsets, but the first night there I did manage to get a few good shots. These are some of my favorite from the trek.

Going over Rocky Ridge.

The Willie company finally met the first rescue wagons from Salt Lake. They had been out of food for 2 days. They ate one meal with them and sent the wagons on to reach the Martin company that were several miles behind them as there was more wagons on their way. They had to make one last major hike for 17 miles or so up over Rocky Ridge to reach the next wagons. They walked for 24 hours not daring to stop or they knew they would freeze to death. They finally met the supply wagons and got food and warm clothes and were able to ditch the handcarts and travel with the wagons back to Salt Lake. Even after getting food and warm dry clothes, 15 people still died after help arrived because of the prolonged conditions they went through!

My feet with a sprained Rt. Big Toe and multiple blisters all wrapped up. We found that wrapping the hot spots with duct tape prevented the blisters from forming. (We found this tip out from some other groups who had done the trek many times before.) It really worked. I caught several spots where blisters were starting to form and after wrapping them in duct tape, I never got blisters there. Who would have know. Duct tape is good for everything. I just wish we would have known that the first 2 days when I got the 2 huge blisters on my heels. They were so painful and formed before we did the major 17 mile hike. It was one of the hardest things I've ever done, but I did it and didn't quit in the middle. I'm so proud of myself!!!

Braxton

2008-07-25T12:36:00.000-06:00

Braxton thanks for being a good sport. Here are a few of my favorites, even if you wouldn't smile with your braces:) I hope you like them.
Alana

More Tomlinsons

2008-07-21T00:27:00.000-06:00

Here are a few more from the Tomlinson shoot. Enjoy~ click to enlarge for detail.
Alana

Clutter & the E.E.E. plan

2008-07-16T14:08:00.000-06:00

I've been thinking a lot lately about ways to de-clutter and simplify my life. I hate the unrest that is caused by things not being organized and I fell like a mess all the time. I ran across this blog article about organinzing. She employes the E.E.E. when cleaning. This basically consists of tackling a drawer, a closet any space and take EVERYTHING OUT, put only the ESSENTIALS BACK IN, and then the EXTRAS GONE means to donate or share the rest with other. She tries to keep only 50% of what was there and give out the rest to others. The one thing she said really struck me. "I want to live "leaner"and "nicer"without the encumbrance of over abundance that constantly threatens peace and perspective." I am going to try and implement this a little each day and see how it helps the peace in our home. Just a thought that maybe strikes you too. You can read her whole article about E.E.E. at: http://houseoforder.blogspot.com/2008/06/eee-plan-everything-out-essentials-in.html

Alana

Tomlinson's

2008-07-14T23:33:00.000-06:00

Tomlinson's have been such good friends, it was a real honor to be able to take their family photos. I adore them all and think they are one very good looking family! We had so much fun and they took me to some awsome new locations. I will definitely shoot there again. I saw many more places that I would like to shoot another time in this same area. I will be playing more but for now, here is a just a few I've been working on. Thanks guys, you're all awsome! (Be sure and click on the individual pictures so you can see them large. The small ones don't so them justice.)
Alana

Textures

2008-07-14T17:36:00.000-06:00

I finally got an opportunity to play a bit with some textures and yes I love them. They are very fun indeed! I know Teri is dying for a preview, so here's one I don't even think she knew I took. Her son just left to serve a 2 yr mission for our church and they wanted to take family pictures before he left. After we were all through, mom gave him a huge hug to say thanks and I caught this impromptu shot. I know she's really missing him this week, so Teri, this one is for you. Hang in there you'll hear from him soon and I'll have more to preview soon.
Alana

Macro Monday!

2008-06-02T23:11:00.001-06:00

I got to play a little more with my macro lens. Here are some of my favorites so far. My yard is plastered in tulips and so it was a handy subject to experiment with. I love the bee ones. Isn't his legs just packed with pollen!! Click on each individual picture because these are definitely better large.

I was taking a picture of this ladybug and all of a sudden in my lens, I see this finger enter and the lady bug climbed right on. My 6 y.o. son had stuck his finger out to catch the lady bug when he saw what I was photographing. Aren't these just fun?

Alana

I GOT my new MACRO Lens!!

2008-06-01T22:55:00.000-06:00

When I went to UT to attend those photography classes, I got a new Nikon 105mm Macro lens that I have been saving for months to get. I am so excited. I just started trying it out. I am going to have a blast with this. It is a bit different to get used to, but I can see the possibilities. Here is one of my first attempts. There will be many more to follow. Can you guess what kind of flower this is?

Yep its a basic Dandelion. Did you ever have any idea that there are little curly things all over in the center of a Dandelion?? I didn't ever pay that much attention even after all the many times my kids have picked them for me. Its amazing the world you can uncover when up close in a different perspective. In fact the other day I went on a walk and my 6 y.o. came with me. He started picking Dandelions for me each time he would try to find a bigger one to replace the one I put behind my ear. I couldn't believe he kept succeeding. Each time I thought this was going to be the biggest one yet, he would find one even bigger. I think he really liked the hunt. It was a fun moment to share together. I know he really loves me and it was so sweet because he wanted so bad for his mom to have the biggest one ever. I think they are the sweetest weed ever!
Alana

def: A Boy: A Noise with Dirt on it!

2008-05-28T10:28:00.000-06:00

We went to the cabin the other day and the boys found a big muddy spot where a snow drift was melting and boy did they indulge themselves. It was all I could do to keep from freaking out. Jeff just said get your camera! That helped me because I knew later the pictures would be really funny. I took these in the morning and then I locked the doors to the cabin and made them stay out side all day. At lunch time, I took a mop bucket of soapy water outside and said here wash your hands in this and then handed them a plate of hotdogs and some sodas and went back inside and locked the door. :) I actually got a lot of cleaning done since they were outside all day. The mud just went from bad to worse though the longer they played in it. I should have taken more pictures at the end of the day. Eventually you couldn't even tell what color their clothes were. They took them off and just played in their underwear making a mudslide. It was incredible. They had so much fun though. I'm glad I just let them be boys. It was just so hard to relax and let them get sooooo dirty. I hope they remember this day. At the end of the day we had a real hosing off! Wow. I thought their clothes would be ruined, but thankfully, they weren't too bad. All the mud dried though and they said it was hard to blink. Zack said he was wearing a mud helmet because he had so much mud in his hair. It will make a good scrapbook page at least.
Alana

Still Life

2008-05-20T12:43:00.000-06:00

I had such a fun time the other day. I just went out and shot for fun. I think I love this kind of still life/nature/landscape/macro photography better than anything. It allows me a lot of latitude with being creative. I love being able to find artistic and graphic angles/lines in the world around me and I especially love old things. Here are a few fun shots I got just milling around my yard. I have been so excited about these. Maybe no one else has an appreciation for this type of thing, but I guess I just do these for me. I hope you can enjoy them and see something artistic in them as well. I'd love to hear your comments on them. (You can click on any picture to see it larger)
Alana

Spring has finally Sprung!

2008-05-18T21:57:00.000-06:00

After all the snow and the long winter, Spring is finally here! It is so nice to see the trees all budding out and starting to turn green. All the color has been sorely missed! One of my most favorite parts of spring is seeing our pussy willow bush blossom. My mom had one when I was growing up, so it reminds me of spring in my childhood. They are such fun plants. Their soft fuzzy buds are so unique. My boys always take a branch of them for show and tell each spring. I really wanted to capture some photos of them this year before they went to seed. I have thought of taking pictures of them every year for the past few, but I would get busy and then when I took time to go out, they were all gone. This year, as soon as I noticed they were blooming I made a photo date with myself and I went out in my yard to document the coming spring. I love the new awakening of the world around me. It really feels like a miracle after everything has been so frozen and dormant for so long.
Alana

I'm Back!!!

2008-05-10T22:40:00.000-06:00

I just got home from some fabulous training in Salt Lake City, UT. May is National Photo Month so every year Inkleys (Ritz Camera) in SLC does a photo education week to celebrate. The best part is it is 4 days of classes that are absolutely FREE! I love it. I have been down about 4 years now. I always look forward to them. They bring in company reps from companies like Nikon, Cannon and always have local professionals (and I do mean professionals) come present. This year we had 2 master photographers back to back that were absolutely phenomenal. I am always amazed at how willing other photographers are to share and teach. Everyone I meet seems to be so willing to share and give back and tell any "secret" that there is that might help me become a little better. I am so grateful for all the help I've received so far in my path of learning. Wow. I am charged, excited and ready to go take some more pictures. It was very motivational and I fall in love with photography and its potentials everytime I go. I have also met some great friends there. Hi Julia! I got on the trip with a camera that was basically out of batteries and I left my charger home so I didn't take any pictures on this trip, but I told Julia I'd post a few I took last year while I was at this same conference. I found this awsome little sign behind the building where we have our classes. I'm travel weary and glad to see my little boys again but the break was good.
Alana

Trains...

2008-05-05T21:39:00.000-06:00

I really have a thing for trains...I guess because it seems around here that they are quickly becoming obsolete. I've actually ridden a real train but it wasn't in the states. We rode trains around Italy (Total blast!) And when I went to China we went in a train over night with a sleeper car so we actually slept on a train. Now that was cool. I love old things like barns, tractors, farm machinery, so I think trains just kind of fit in that category. They were always a bit of a mystery to me as a kid. Seeing them pass by, counting the cars waiting to be the first one to see the caboose.... But never actually getting to ride one or climb on one. So, when I get the chance, I love being close up to them. Just the other day, my son and I stopped extra long at an intersection just to stay and watch the train go by hear its loud whistle and count the cars. Afterwards, my son said, "Mom, thanks so much for staying just so we could watch the train." I guess they still hold some wonder to my kids too.
Alana

Is it winter? fall? Spring? What season is it!!!!

2008-05-01T23:41:00.000-06:00

Ok mother nature which is it? We had finally started to have a day or two that was somewhat nice and then all of a sudden we wake up to snow all over the ground!!! It had already started to melt though when I finally got outside to document. May day or Thanksgiving day... you decide.
I just have spring fever so bad we have just got to get some good weather soon! Ugh
Alana

I can't stand it! I just have to post some more...

2008-04-29T00:02:00.001-06:00

Jessie's Getting Married!

2008-04-28T00:41:00.000-06:00

Many of you may remember Jessie from when I did her Senior pictures. Well, she's captured the man of her dreams and she is head over heals in love. She will be getting married in June. We are so excited for her. I was thrilled to have the chance to shoot some engagement photos for her and Tyrel. Posing ended up being a bit of a challenge since he is 6' 5" and she is only 5' 2", but thanks to a fun little stool her mom sent with them, we did ok. Here is just a sneak preview of a few of my favorites. I'm sure I'll post more before I'm finished editing. But at least for now, Jess, here are a few.

Alana

Graduation approaches

2008-04-28T00:32:00.000-06:00

I haven't posted for a while because I've been working on senior announcements for past clients and doing a few photo shoots. Here is one of my favorites announcements that I've done.

My brother!

2008-04-08T23:17:00.000-06:00

My brother and his family came home for a visit after Christmas. They wanted a few family shots while they were here, but luck would have it and Idaho winter was in full force. The wind was blowing top speed and it was barely above 0 degrees in the day time. They were so brave and we went outside to find a few spots that were sheltered from the wind. Needless to say, coats never came off, but we did manage to snag a few cute shots and even a few smiles despite the cold. They have been dying for a bit of a preview. So here it is, sorry it has taken me so long to get this processed. My computer has been down, but its back and functioning better than ever. I'm so excited!!! Love you guys.
Alana

All that Fog!

2008-03-29T14:16:00.000-06:00

We have had tons of foggy days this winter. I'm not sure why the increase, but I couldn't help but grab a few shots while out running my kids to preschool and gymnastics the other day. These were taken about noon believe it or not. The fog was very thick. I just thought I'd make a try at photographing an unusual weather condition. Now I'm just ready for spring. I can't believe we were actually out of school on Thursday for a snow day and here it is the end of March! Only in Idaho....
Alana

All things Old Fashioned...

2008-03-28T22:24:00.001-06:00

I'm still having fun with some of the old antique things at the Thompson Farm where Lindsay's reception was. I love antique old and rustic things. Here are a few signs that were there. The bread one just makes me smile. What a different era! Oh, and don't you just wish the price of gas was still .22? I hope you enjoy these too.
Alana

These are so much fun!

2008-03-26T00:15:00.000-06:00

I just loved Lindsay's shoes. I don't know how she wore them all night walking around on cement. The things we girls will do in the name of fashion! The table centerpiece mats made the perfect background for these gorgeous shoes. This really was so much fun. Thanks again Lindsay for letting me take these.

A few more highlights

2008-03-25T00:01:00.000-06:00

Lindsay here's a few more fun shots from the reception. I should be done with them all soon. Thanks for your patience! Enjoy
Alana

Location, Location, Location

2008-03-23T01:04:00.001-06:00

One of my favorite things about shooting Lindsay's reception was the location. There were so many fun things there to shoot. Of course I love old antique things, so this was a fun venue. Here are a few of my favorites outside the old barn where the reception was held. Thanks again Lindsay for such a great opportunity.
Alana

I'm sick! :(

2008-03-21T12:17:00.000-06:00

I've just spent the last 2 weeks doing trade shows for the elk ranch. One in Phoenix and one is Salt Lake so my schedule has just been swamped. Upon returning home on Monday, I started getting sick and by Tuesday afternoon I had a fever and the flu. Its been awful. Its now Friday, I haven't so much as hardly moved since Tues. night. My fever broke this morning for a bit so I could start to think again, so I thought I'd drop a note to let you know I'm still alive and recovering. It should start to go up from here. I've got a ton of photo editing to do, I've just been too sick to even sit at the computer. I've decided I have really taken for granted the fact that normally my body regulates its own temperature. This hot and sweating one min. and then freezing the next for almost 3 days is driving me insane! And Lindsay, I'll try to get to more of your photos this afternoon. I haven't forgotten you I promise!

Well enough misery for now. Here is a great inspiring video I thought I'd share.

Lindsay's Wedding Reception

2008-03-05T11:57:00.000-07:00

Lindsay just got married in Costa Rica (how romantic!) and had a reception here afterwards. I was honored that she asked me to take her reception pictures. They chose a neat old rustic barn to have the reception in. It was fantastic backdrop for pictures. There will definitely be more to come, but since I'm leaving town today for 5 days, I just wanted to leave you with a few. Lindsay here's your sneak preview! I hope you enjoy. See you when I get back!
Alana

What a drift!

2008-03-04T10:19:00.000-07:00

The snow at the cabin was so deep the kids had a ball. My brother in law and his family came with us and after oohhing and aahhhing at the sunset over the inverted clouds, the kids got their sleds and hiked up to the front door. You can't even see the stairs up to the front of the deck, so that drift is about 10 ft. high. The slope was perfect and they would go for a really long ways. They kept sledding until after dark by the lights of the cabin. I love the full moon in the last shot although its kind of hard to see in these small pictures. So much enjoyment over such a simple thing.
Alana

INVERSION

2008-02-27T14:42:00.001-07:00

We snowmachined into the cabin last weekend. The weather was very foggy and dark. As we neared the top of the mountain, all the fog started to clear and it was evident that we were experiencing an inversion. We broke through the clouds just as the sun was starting to set. Wow! Talk about feeling like we were in heaven. There was just a blanket of clouds below us as far as you could see in ever directions. Way off in the distance to the west, you could see the tips of the mountains sticking up in this sea of fluff. It was so gorgeous. We couldn't have timed it any better.

"I am careful not to confuse excellence with perfection. Excellence I can reach for; perfection is God's business."
~Michael J. Fox

Love

2008-02-09T11:05:00.000-07:00

"Love -- real love is beyond definition, priceless. You can't even begin to define something so delicate, so beautiful, so enrapturing, so complex. It is a tapestry of emotion and thought all woven together into a perfect pattern. The ones in love know of it. They are feeling the uniqueness of their love. Others can sense the energy. They are drawn to it. It radiates...it is fierce beyond imagination."

Another 14" !!

2008-02-06T22:42:00.000-07:00

Wow, so I thought it was bad two days ago. Yesterday we got everything plowed and cleaned out. We shoveled off our deck & balcony and even shoveled off a good portion of the roof on the house because things were piling up so much. Then....we wake up this morning to another 14" at our house! It was amazing once again. I told Zack to run out on the balcony and stand in the snow as a reference point to show how much snow had fallen just last night. So here he is playing in the snow. He went out to help his dad do a bunch of shoveling. He is really getting to be a great help.

GET READY....

GET SET ....

GO !!!!!!!!!

Here's an old antique wagon in our side yard.

And the picknic table from 2 days ago is almost non existant!

We have really needed the water so I guess all of our prayers have been answered. We're supposed to get another big dump tonight, and again on Sat & Sun. I'll keep you posted :)

Snow, Snow and More Snow!

2008-02-04T15:13:00.000-07:00

It probably doesn't come as any surprise to most of you, that we have tons of snow this year, because I think everywhere has had more snow this year than we have had in the past few years. I just thought I'd take some pictures in our yard to remember how much snow we have gotten. We also are expected to receive a bunch more snow this evening and tomorrow. I'm happy that we have so much snow in the mountains, but I'm ready to be done with it on the roads. I'm not much of a winter person, so today I'm totally celebrating the SUN. We haven't had much sun lately, and I'm feeling deprived. I just want to sit in the bay window and curl up in the sun with a good book. Maybe I'm half cat... I don't know.
Alana

Here's looking out at our front yard and the drift that is almost to the top of the fence.

Here is our swingset in the back yard.

Our picknic table has at least 2 1/2 feet of snow on top and is almost unrecognizable.

Appologies

2008-01-31T11:49:00.001-07:00

Wow, I can't believe I've slipped away from my blog for so long. After the holidays, it was a mad rush to get ready for our first big trade show for our Elk hunting ranch. We made it through our first one. We went to Puyallup, WA from Jan 22-29th. It went very well and we are excited about all the new people we met. I love to talk, but I was definitely ready to be done talking at the end of each day. You really get tired of saying the same little speach each time. But all in all it was fun. We will be going to Phoenix in March for our next show. The worst part was the terrible roads on the way home. Thats a long way to drive if you are only going 45 mph! All the truckers had chains on so the road was very bumpy, slick and the visibility was terrible. What should have been a 12-13hr drive, took us from 7pm on Sunday evening until 10:00pm on Monday evening! Whew - I'm just glad to be back home. I really missed my kids. Here's some pictures of our booth. I'll try to get some more pictures posted soon.
Alana

Merry Christmas

2007-12-23T22:32:00.001-07:00

One of our favorite traditions is going to the mountains and cutting our Christmas tree. This year we went up near our cabin scouting out trees. The snow was already getting deep, so I'm glad Jaden, my little 2 y.o., fell asleep in the truck so I didn't have to drag him around in snow up to his waist or carry him everywhere. The rest of us had a great time picking out that perfect tree.

We parked the truck and headed up the hill to scout out the trees.

Payton found one, but I think its a little tall.

Zack is just thrilled to catch snowflakes on his tongue, laugh and sing Christmas songs.

We finally found a perfect one for the house. Lumberjack Jeff gets out the chainsaw to cut our great tree.

Because we were so close to the cabin and we are having our extended family Christmas party there, I talked Jeff into cutting one to put up at the cabin too. I can put a real tall one there. After a little more searching, I found the one I wanted and Jeff went to work cutting #2.

Ta da! Isn't it just perfect? Now to drag them down to the truck.

I got the 2 boys to pose in front of Dad for a quick shot.

I actually thought to hand Jeff the camera and get a couple of shots with me and the boys.

I definitely need to remember to have more pictures taken with me in it. Especially with the kids. I know I'm not recording enough of us together in pictures. I love this shot fogged up glasses and all. It really captures their personalities and the fun we had. I sure love them with all my heart. They are very special to me. I'm so lucky to have the wonderful family that I do. At this time of year I think they are especially in my thoughts. I hope that you and your families have a very Merry Christmas!!!

Old Fashioned

2007-12-20T23:19:00.000-07:00

I love taking pictures of old things. Here 2 shots (of different tractors) that I really like. They just have so much character. What a different time that must have been.

I have been thinking a lot about all the people I have worked with this year in my photography business. I just want to say thanks to all of you for your support and your trust to let me experiment and learn and hopefully you all got some pictures that you like out of the deal. I know my photography has grown a ton this year and I hope to be able to take it to the next level this coming year. I really want to spend more time learning and doing and challenging myself. Also thanks to everyone who lurks and watches my blog. I love it when people comment. It helps to have critique and I love knowing what people like (and don't like) about my work. I wish you all the best and hope you have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!!!
Alana

Fall Never Last Long Enough!

2007-12-18T22:01:00.000-07:00

I love the fall colors in all their brilliance, they are just gone too fast. I shouldn't complain though, this year especially we got to enjoy a lot more of them than usual spending so much time in the mountains. I am really grateful for the time we were able to spend there. There's always a trade off, like everything else that piled up at home, but I'm not sure I would trade it. There is a special feeling that comes when you immerse yourself in nature. I understand why God sometimes used mountains as temples to communicate with people on earth. There is almost a sacredness or a closeness to God that is unlike any other place on earth - at least for me. Maybe their pure awsomeness reminds me of how small I am and that there is a much bigger plan playing out than my little troubles. It seems very cleansing to spend time there. I feel very grounded and renewed. When I'm there, I feel like my whole soul relaxes. I know the renewing energy was greatly appreciated and desperately needed this year. Today I just wanted to express my gratitude and appreciation for all the beauty and incredible diversity that God has created for us on this amazing planet!
Alana

Editing Frenzy

2007-12-17T20:55:00.000-07:00

I'm finally starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel. I have been so far behind, for so long, I'm not sure what normal life is like anymore :). I decided to take a few moments to myself today and since I'm in an organizing mood, I started going through all my photos from this year. I realized there are tons that I wanted to edit that I haven't even gotten to yet. (a lot of my kids that I haven't even touched yet). What started as an organization project, turned into a photo editing session and I cranked out a bunch. Here's the proof that even though I was somewhat absent from my blog this summer/fall, I really did take some pictures during all the chaos. So you'll note that by the weather and seasons of the pictures, they are are from a while back, but I still thought I'd share some of what I have been working on today.
Alana

The Grand Tetons

2007-12-16T23:34:00.001-07:00

Here are a few of my favorite shots from my Mother in law's front steps on Thanksgiving. Wow What an amazing view! It is always amazing to watch the peaks change as the light changes throughout the day. I only wish the moon would have come up right behind the peaks instead of over to the north. It was such a crystal clear day, I couldn't help but dig out the camera for some shots. Enjoy!
Alana

Logan's Sneek Preview

2007-12-15T22:59:00.000-07:00

I know Logan is dying to see a sneek preview of his senior photo shoot we did recently. Logan has worked for us for quite a while and is always so dependable. He loves our kids and is always a fun to be around. It was a pleasure to be able to take his senior photos. He put in so much time this summer up at the cabin working for us, I was glad he chose to do his senior pictures there - very fitting. Logan I hope you like them and there is more coming. Here's your preview with a few of my favorites so far.
Alana

Our Stellar Jay

2007-12-09T23:36:00.000-07:00

What a beautiful morning. These photos were taken after one of the first snows we had. There were still some yellow leaves on the aspens, but we woke up to snow. There was a beautiful sunrise and it was lightly snowing. The flakes highlighted like diamonds by those first beautiful rays of sunshine as they spread across the mountain tops. It was just spectacular. This gorgeous Stellar Jay hangs out in a pine tree right off the deck of our cabin and I have loved watching him. This particular morning as he was out flitting about, I decided I just had to get some photos of him. His black head contrasts so beautifully with the brilliant blue body. In the third picture it is actually snowing but you can't tell in a photo this small. Hope you enjoy.
Alana

One of my Favorite Quotes

2007-11-15T11:45:00.000-07:00

"...Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small doesn't serve the world. There's nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we're liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others."

~ from "A Return to Love" by Marianne Williamson

Our Elk

2007-11-08T09:42:00.000-07:00

Here are some more shots of what I've been busy with. We had some tremendous elk this year and it was so fun being able to get such good photos of them. Here are some of my favorites I thought I'd share. They are such magnificent animals! They are very regal and pround. It is just fascinating to watch them. I never get tired of watching them or hearing their haunting bugles as they echo down the canyons. I'm already looking forward to next fall to listen and watch them again.

Busy Beautiful Fall

2007-11-05T16:48:00.000-07:00

It has been such a beautiful fall. Especially since we have been able to spend so much time at the ranch hunting. The season has gone so well. We have met some of the most outstanding people. We couldn't have been more lucky. I have thouroughly enjoyed it all. We have been terribly busy, but I just wanted to pop in and show you a few of my favorite shots. We are almost done with our hunting season. I promise I will blog a bunch more when we are done. Thanks again for supporting me and viewing my blog. If you're stopping by for a peek, click below the post on the word comments and leave me a note, I'd love to hear from you.
Alana

Garret's Senior Photos

2007-10-22T22:57:00.000-06:00

My cousing Tela brought her family to visit a while back and we had a blast taking her son's Senior photos. He was such a great sport letting us drag him all over for photos. Sorry its taken me so long to get these up so you can have a preview. I just hope your as excited as I am about them as I am. Here are just a few.
Alana

More of Kaden

2007-10-04T18:43:00.001-06:00

Here are some more of my favorites from my senior shoot with Kaden. I told you there was more to come! There were just so many good ones. We really had a blast shooting these. Thanks again Kaden.

Alana

Meet Kaden!

2007-09-23T19:03:00.000-06:00

I finally took a time out and did a senior photo shoot last week. We had so much fun. Kade was so much fun to shoot; a regular GQ model. He was easy to work with and has a fantastic smile. We really had fun keeping him laughing. Thanks mom for all the antics! I know you all are dying for a preview so here's a sneak peek at what I'm working on. There will definitely be more to come. There were so many great photos I'll be editing for quite a while. Here are a few of my favorites so far.
Alana

Rocky Mountain Elk Ranch Debute!

2007-09-23T17:05:00.000-06:00

First an appology to all who frequent this blog. This summer has been the craziest schedule I have ever had. I have really neglected my blog, but not out of choice. I have had terrible internet service as of late and have been down more than I've been up. We're back up for now, but we'll see... I am making a new commitment to catch up and post more regularly.

I actually have been doing a lot of phtography this summer, just not very many of people. Opening this elk ranch has taken a ton of time and any computer time I've had, I was working on our website. All my photography time was spent taking pictures of the elk and for the website. I would hope that you would take a minute to check out our new website. It is now live for the world to see!!! visit us at http://www.rockymountainelkranch.net/ Any an all feedback on the website/photos is welcome. I'd love to hear your oppinion. This was my first attempt at a website and thanks to bludomain, I think we pulled it off.
Alana

What does your Birthday mean?

2007-07-27T18:16:00.000-06:00

So I saw this on Meegan's blog and I thought her's was so on that I thought I'd take a stab at it myself. Check it out. What does your birth date mean? Everyone have a fabulous weekend!!!
Alana

Your Birthdate: December 7

You are an island. You don't need anyone else to make you happy.
And though you see yourself as a loner, people are drawn to you.
Deep and sensitive, you tend to impress others with your insights.
You also tend to be psychic - so listen to that inner voice!

Your strength: Your self sufficiency

Your weakness: You despise authority

Your power color: Maroon

Your power symbol: Hammer

Your power month: July

What Does Your Birth Date Mean?

Jodi & Company

2007-07-26T13:55:00.001-06:00

Jodi and her family were so fun. Their family is full of vibrant energy. We struggled a bit getting some of the shots we wanted because of the wind, but we may try again on a less windy day for the family shots. I was very pleased at how the individual shots worked out for the kids. They are such beautiful children. So here's your sneek peek Jodi. Thanks for letting me work with your family. I look forward to doing it again.
Alana

AAAACCCK I've been down!

2007-07-26T13:50:00.000-06:00

I am so sorry for all of you who follow my blog. I went on vacation for a week and then when I got home I didn't have internet for a week while it has been down. I've been hasseling my internet provider and it took them forever to get it up and running. When they hooked it up they showed me a whole bunch of viruses that I have so I will be backing everything up and reformating my hard drive!! Puke! I hate that part of maintaining a computer. Well, on a more positive note, here is a nice cheery flower to brighten your day! I'm grateful I am up and running. Many photos are forth coming.
Alana

Little details

2007-07-14T11:31:00.001-06:00

In your daily travels don't forget to stop and check out the little details. Sometimes the smallest of things can be the most interesting. I love these little pictures of a dragon fly I spotted while at Bear Lake recently with our family. I think family and friendships are just the same. Sometimes its the little details that really make a difference in our lives. The little smile, a word of encouragement, a little note, a simple phone call, the words "I love you" can really make a difference. So at least for today, don't forget the little things.
Alana

Fire in the Sky

2007-07-05T22:46:00.001-06:00

"And that desire--the strong desire to take pictures--is important. It borders on a need, based on a habit: the habit of seeing. Whether working or not, photographers are looking, seeing, and thinking about what they see, a habit that is both a pleasure and a problem, for we seldom capture in a single photograph the full expression of what we see and feel. It is the hope that we might express ourselves fully -- and the evidence that other photographers have done so-- that keep us taking pictures."
- Sam Abell

Here are a few that inspire me and keep me taking pictures. I hope they touch you as much as they did me.
Alana

The Big Boys

2007-07-05T11:27:00.001-06:00

Opening this elk ranch has been quite the project. I really needed to get some good pictures for our website, so we went out with the big bulls the other night to get some pictures. They are such magnificent creatures. When they run they throw their heads back mouth open and they just prance with their noses in the air like they are superior to anything else around. They just reek of royalty. They are so fun to just watch. Despite the stress we are having a lot of fun with these elk. What an awsome experience to be able to be so close to animals that are so elusive in the wild. Meet the Big Boys!
Alana

We have a new BABY!!!

2007-07-03T09:57:00.000-06:00

The kids were so excited (and I must admit I was too) to wake up and find our new baby colt. He is just a doll. These pictures were taken within about 2 hours after he was born. Isn't new life so exciting! I just had to share.
Alana

Early Morning

2007-06-26T21:49:00.000-06:00

Those who know me best know I am not a morning person. Knowing that early morning light is magic in the world of photography, its surprising I'm not more motivated to get up earlier. I think I need to try harder to get up and see the world at this most beautiful and peaceful hour. Hmmm... something to work on. Well, I did make it up early the other day. It was the first night we stayed in our new cabin and I awoke early and went outside. I immediately had to run back in and grab my camera. The world takes on such beautiful highlights and shadows as the new light creaps across the landscape. Here are a few of the wildflowers outside our door. Enjoy.
Alana

Our Dream is Alive!!!

2007-06-26T13:19:00.001-06:00

Ok, so here is some of the explanation of why I've been so busy. We have been building a new lodge up the mountains. We started digging the foundation May of 2005 so this has been a long project that has consumed a lot of our time. We are finally almost finished. We just have to dig the well this next week and finish up a bit of plumbing and hang the last few light fixtures. My husband and I are opening a new ranch business called Rocky Mountain Elk Ranch. We will be renting out the lodge and offering guided trophy elk hunts this fall. I am currently building our website and it has also taken up a lot of my computer and photography time. I am so excited. I'll post the website address when I get it finished in case anyone is interested. There are tons of details to work out, but we are excited. This has been a dream a long time in the making. If you can dream it and believe it, anything can happen. Here are some of my most recent shots of our cabin.
Alana

Finally a Post!!!

2007-06-26T13:08:00.000-06:00

My appologies to all those who follow my blog. I have been EXTREMELY busy this summer. I did however manage to squeeze in a family shoot recently and have several more to do. Here are some of my latest. I am also excited as I got my new WACOM pen tablet and this was the first batch of photos that I got to edit with it. I am really in love and hopefully it will be easier on my wrist. All the edit time was giving me carpal tunnel symptoms :(.
Alana

Welcome to Spring in Idaho

2007-05-29T23:09:00.001-06:00

We woke up several days ago to snow again all over my lilacs!! I missed getting photos of them covered in snow before it all melted. (Too much going on with the kids to slip outside.) But it reminded me that I had taken these photos May 4th, 2007 of all my gorgeous spring flowers loaded down with snow and that I hadn't taken a minute to edit them. We tend to have dramatic temperature swings in the spring and fall. I hope you like this unique view of my favorite spring flowers. Like they always say here, "If you don't like the weather, just wait 10 minutes and it will change!" I'm just glad it's supposed to be in the 80's this week... YEAH!
Well, here's to finding beauty in any kind of weather.
Alana

Explore. Dream. Discover.

2007-05-21T00:30:00.001-06:00

"Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn't do than the one you did do. So throw off the bow lines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the tradewinds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover." ~~~Mark Twain~~~

I Love Vintage!

2007-05-19T16:55:00.000-06:00

I love old things. They have so much character and history behind them. I have found a new way to look and junk and find beauty. Here are some of my most recent favorites. I hope you enjoy them too.
Alana

Photography classes

2007-05-13T15:55:00.000-06:00

Just a quick note to let you know why I've been away for a bit. I had an awsome opportunity to attend some great photography classes in SLC. I have been there for the past 4 days learning and learning. It is so inspiring to see great work and hear such good ideas and instructions from master photographers. I am more excited than ever to take my photography to the next level. I'll be posting soon. Thanks Jim Schmelzer and Bill Fortney for giving so much to others.
Happy Mother's Day to all you mothers out there!
Alana

~ Whatever you can do or dream you can begin it. Boldness has genius, power & magic in it.~
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

More of Paul & Mandy

2007-05-07T15:32:00.000-06:00

I've finally finished editing Paul & Mandy's photo shoot. Here are some more of my favorites. Good luck choosing guys. It was so hard to narrow it down to a few for the blog. (Obviously I didn't do too good and keeping it a few :)
Alana

Paul & Mandy

2007-05-03T23:57:00.000-06:00

I shot this engagement shoot last week with Paul & Mandy and had such a great time. They are so easy going and definitely in love. Here is a sampling of a few of the shots we got. (Mandy we found some green!) There will be more to come.
Alana

Final post for Jess

2007-04-23T00:39:00.000-06:00

Here you go Jess. Here are the final postings from your shoot. I hope you like them as much as I do. Thanks again for being such a gorgeous model.

More from Jessie's Senior Shoot

2007-04-22T01:18:00.000-06:00

Jess and I did a 2nd photo shoot trying some more locations and a day that wasn't so windy. Here are the first few that I have processed. There will definitely be more to come. Jess, I love your eyes!!!! This was so much fun.
Alana

For Kim

2007-04-21T01:22:00.000-06:00

Since Kim has gone home to take care of the wedding details and is several states away, I'm posting more of their pictures for her and Brian to proof. I hope you don't mind seeing so many of this great couple. Good luck with the wedding plans. You guys are awsome!
Alana

More of Brian & Kim

2007-04-20T00:26:00.000-06:00

I've been so incredibly busy lately, but I stayed up late tonight and finally got some more from the photo shoot with Brian and Kim processed so I wanted to share some more.

Jessie's Senior Shoot

2007-04-12T21:56:00.000-06:00

I had a great time with Jess braving the weather for some senior photos for her graduation announcements. There were so many good ones...so sorry for the long post. Its hard to choose and with eyes like that every picture just draws you in. I think she could be a model if she wanted to be. I've known Jess a long time and she is as beautiful on the inside as she is on the outside what an outstanding person!

Artsy Mood

2007-04-11T09:44:00.000-06:00

Jessie and I had a great photo shoot last night despite the wind and cold. She is such a good sport. I have tons of great ones to post, but I was in a real artsy mood last night while processing these. Here is one of my favorites.

Brian & Kim

2007-04-07T22:48:00.000-06:00

Here are a few from my recent photo shoot with Brian and Kim. They were so fun to photograph. I really appreciate the experience. This was the first time I have done a shoot with people that I didn't really know. They were great. They just couldn't quit looking into each other's eyes. Their love for each other was apparent from the moment I first met them. I hope I have captured some of their closeness. Brian and Kim, I hope you like them.

Looking for the Unique

2007-04-01T23:30:00.000-06:00

Mexico was a fun place to look for unique things. Here are just some random things I ran across that caught my eye and jumped out at me. It is a fun challenge to see beauty in things that get passed by without a second look.

Sunsets over the Ocean!

2007-04-01T23:20:00.000-06:00

Wow! The sunsets in Mexico were amazing. It was so fun to watch the sun set over the ocean instead of behind the mountains as I'm used to. It was like the sun just slipped into the water to cool off. I took photos several nights in different locations and these were my favorite ones. I don't think I could ever get sick of watching sunsets. I've always liked taking photos of them even when I was a little girl with my first camera. They change so quickly- just before your very eyes. Especially over the ocean, it seemed like we only had just a few quick minutes and it was all gone. What a show. I hope you enjoy them too.

Rustic Mexico

2007-03-31T00:48:00.000-06:00

Sorry I haven't posted in a while. We have been out of the country in Mexico. What a fantastic time! It has been hard to return to normal life. I was so excited about several of the photos I took there. Here are the first few I had a chance to edit. I just love old rusty things and the old and rustic were plentiful there. I could have spent hours shooting if my family wasn't in tow. Everywhere I looked there were neat things I wanted to shoot. So I will definitely be posting more. Stay tuned....

Photography by Alana

2007-03-18T14:09:00.000-06:00

I have decided to ditch the Lasting Impressions Photography name. I made it up myself and thought it would really be a great name and I still like it, but I keep running into other photographers using the same name (who would have guessed others had thought of the same thing too)...so I have decided to just use my own name. There shouldn't be much copying that. What do you think of the new banner?
Alana

Snow Angel

2007-03-17T22:59:00.000-06:00

We recently went with some friends to stay at their cabin. The kids had a blast playing in the snow. My son finally figured out how to make a snow angel.

I CAN - The World's Strongest Dad

2007-03-14T19:14:00.000-06:00

Sorry I've been away for a bit. We've been painting our cabin and I've been there every spare minute I can manage. I just ran across this story and video and was so impressed, I thought I'd share. I will try and think twice before I say I can't. (Sorry its a bit lengthy for a post, but I do think its worth reading.)

Eighty-five times he's pushed his disabled son, Rick, 26.2 miles in Marathons.

Eight times he's not only pushed him 26.2 miles in a Wheelchair but also towed him 2.4 miles in a dinghy while swimming and Pedaled him 112 miles in a seat on the handlebars--all in the same day.

Dick's also pulled him cross-country skiing, taken him on his back Mountain climbing and once hauled him across the U.S. On a bike….

And what has Rick done for his father? Not much--except save his life.
This love story began in Winchester, Mass., 43 years ago, when Rick Was strangled by the umbilical cord during birth, leaving him Brain-damaged and unable to control his limbs.

When Rick was nine months old the doctors told Dick and his wife, Judy "He'll be a vegetable the rest of his life;'' … “Put him in an Institution.''

But the Hoyts weren't buying it. They noticed the way Rick's eyes followed them around the room. When Rick was 11 they took him to the Engineering department at Tufts University and asked if there was anything to help the boy communicate. ``No way,'' Dick says he was told. “There's nothing going on in his brain.''

"Tell him a joke,'' Dick countered. They did. Rick laughed. Turns out a Lot was going on in his brain. Rick was rigged up with a computer that allowed Him to control the cursor by touching a switch with the side of his Head, Rick was finally able to communicate.

Rick’s first words? “Go Bruins!''… And after a high school classmate was paralyzed in an accident and the School organized a charity run for him, Rick pecked out, “Dad, I want to do that.''

Yeah, right. How was Dick, a self-described “porker'' who never ran More than a mile at a time, going to push his son five miles? Still, he tried. “Then it was me who was handicapped,'' Dick says. “I was sore For two weeks.'' That day changed Rick's life….. “Dad,'' he typed,… “when we were running, It felt like I wasn't disabled anymore!''…….And that sentence changed Dick's life…forever.

He became obsessed with giving Rick that feeling as often as he could. He got into such hard-belly Shape that he and Rick were ready to try the 1979 Boston Marathon.
“No way,'' Dick was told by a race official. The Hoyts weren't quite a Single runner, and they weren't quite a wheelchair competitor. For a few Years Dick and Rick just joined the massive field and ran anyway, then They found a way to get into the race Officially: In 1983 they ran another marathon so fast they made the Qualifying time for Boston the following year.
Then somebody said, “Hey, Dick, why not a triathlon?''
How's a guy who never learned to swim and hadn't ridden a bike since he Was six going to haul his 110-pound kid through a triathlon? Still, Dick Tried.

Now they've done 212 triathlons, including four grueling 15-hour Ironmans in Hawaii …. It must be a buzzkill to be a 25-year-old stud getting passed by an old guy towing a grown man in a dinghy, don't you Think?
Hey, Dick, why not see how you'd do on your own? “No way,'' he says. Dick does it purely for “the awesome feeling'' he gets seeing Rick with A cantaloupe smile as they run, swim and ride together.

This year, at ages 65 and 43, Dick and Rick finished their 24th Boston Marathon, in 5,083rd place out of more than 20,000 starters….. Their best Time? Two hours, 40 minutes in 1992--only 35 minutes off the world Record, which, in case you don't keep track of these things, happens to Be held by a guy who was not pushing another man in a wheelchair at the Time.

“No question about it,'' Rick types. “My dad is the Father of the Century.''

And Dick got something else out of all this too. Two years ago he had a Mild heart attack during a race. Doctors found that one of his arteries Was 95% clogged. “If you hadn't been in such great shape,'' One doctor told him, “you probably would've died 15 years ago.'' So, in a way, Dick and Rick saved each other's life.

Rick, who has his own apartment (he gets home care) and works in Boston, and Dick, retired from the military and living in Holland, Mass. always find ways to be together. They give speeches around the country and compete in some backbreaking race every weekend, including this Father's Day.

This father’s day, Rick will buy his dad dinner, but the thing he really wants to give him is a gift he can never buy.
“The thing I'd most like,'' Rick types, “is that my dad sit in the chair and I push him once.''
And the short video is below...http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f4B-r8KJhlE

Happy Birthday!

2007-02-23T00:20:00.000-07:00

My son had his B-day this last week. We did a construction theme birthday. It was so fun. Everything fit the theme right down to the cake. The boys got to build a ficture frame from tongue depressors and paint it. I took their group photo and we are going to insert it in the frames and return them with a picture in it with the thank yous. They built their own hot dogs with "red paint", "yellow paint", "white paint" (ketchup, mustard & mayo). Buns and chips were served in plastic paint trays. It was all so fun. They colored dump truck pictures and built with block, legos and Kinnex. A tool box with candy tools and tool stickers was their party favors & they got to take home their hard hats and safety vests. It was all pretty crazy. Thanks Meegan for helping! I'm glad we're not doing parties every year. The last picture is his treats he took to preschool to share with the class. Although they had nothing to do with the construction theme, I thought they were cute.

A few more...

2007-02-14T12:53:00.000-07:00

Found a new spot

2007-02-12T00:46:00.000-07:00

While shooting the other day we found a new spot. This is under our hay shed and has always been covered with hay, but after feeding the horses and cows all winter, a large section of this fence was exposed. We took a minute to snap a few. I think I really like this new backdrop. What do you think?
Alana

Tag ... I'm it!

2007-02-08T00:58:00.000-07:00

Amanda tagged me and asked me to list 6 things that make me happy! Here's a quick list:
1) Indulging in a good book
2) V Chocolates almond toffee
3) Music
4) Friends
5) Watching my kids have those "aha" moments when they learn something new & it finally clicks.
6) Taking that great picture that captures a moment worth preserving forever.

So now I'm tagging....Kelly, Meegan, Brenda, Jamie and Christie Tag You're It!!!

Explosions in the sky

2007-02-08T00:52:00.000-07:00

Yesterday my husband called and said, "Quick you better get your camera and go outside now!" I was so burried in the daily routine and stess from the day, making supper, chasing kids etc... I had not even taken a moment to glance outside. I went quickly and saw the sky exploding with color surrounded by a stark winter chill, the river frozen over. Almost a fire and ice effect. It was truly stunning. I only caught the tail end of its ever changing light show. What a treasured view at the end of a stressful day. God does send us bits of beauty and peace if we will but look up and take notice. Thank you for this moment of tranquility.
Alana

Moonlit Night

2007-02-08T00:40:00.000-07:00

The other night I caught a glimpse of the full moon looking down our driveway. It really just had a romantic feel for me peeking through the trees. It was extremely cold outside as it has been below zero for some time. I think this picture really captures the icyness we have all been feeling lately. I'm definitely ready for spring.
Alana