August and After

Friday nights.

2012-01-27T18:55:00.000-08:00

Hitched in a little home, this couple seems pretty rad. Looks so much like Portland, I'd be surprised if it wasn't the city. So with this, my friends, I end the week. Tonight you'll be able to find me sipping on a drink, editing images from a wonderful wedding, Tucker boy curled up underneath the desk by my feet, listening to the music my husband creates drifting through the vents up from the basement. Hope you all enjoy your weekend, adieu until Monday. (But you can always find me on twitter, here.)

{Tin Sparrow}

Laurel Deer Crafted

2012-01-26T11:34:00.000-08:00

I admit, I'd totally make this if I had free time to craft right now. I love it! Lauren Elise put together an awesome tutorial, check out the full post here. I love her style in general, isn't it great?

Rescued

2012-01-25T08:35:00.000-08:00

We received the good news last night, she's coming home safe! It's a battle far from over, but for now at least there's two people that are heading back to their homes, and I know their family and friends couldn't be more any more thankful for the chance to see their loved ones again.

TimeScapes by Tom Lowe

2012-01-24T16:15:00.000-08:00

These are insane. Incredible. Breathtaking. I want to get lost in them, project them on all four walls of a room and live in it. I don't know how this guy has captured these, but I think I've found my new favorite artist. Full screen HD it, there's no other worthy way of viewing.

TimeScapes 4K from Tom Lowe on Vimeo.

TimeScapes: Rapture from Tom Lowe on Vimeo.

Sequin Glamour

2012-01-23T10:59:00.000-08:00

I couldn't resist posting this. I know it's made it's way around the blogosphere, but this is one of my favorite wedding dresses I've seen. Period. And I can't get over the last shot (or any of the shots for that matter). Found via Wedding Chicks, photography by Scarlet O'neill.

Dress found here!

Twitter, you're doing it wrong.

2012-01-21T13:27:00.000-08:00

Hehe.

Family Portrait

2012-01-19T14:12:00.000-08:00

This holiday we didn't really get a family picture that worked. Other than our DIY christmas photo shoot that ended in an all out brawl (therefore no pics, but one of our best fights yet), I was mostly behind the camera rather than in front of it. When I handed my camera to my mom to snap one when we were in Tucson to remedy this, my Grandmother snuck this one from the side. It turned out being my favorite, I love our strange little family.

And yes, I am aware I'm holding my dogs hand.

Q+A

2012-01-18T13:12:00.000-08:00

The images above are little glimpse from our trip. I'm now back in California, I have been back for a few days but I've been busy catching up with work and dealing with a back/muscle/rib problem that's been pretty debilitating. Forgive me if this post is a little screwy (a word my grandmother would say), but I've popped a few pills today. This was only after I went to the chiropractor two times and tried to go the natural route, but sometimes the western medical world is just the way to go.

Instead of trying to write something (already did, you should of seen the mess), I decided to do a little tagged thingy sent from Ruthy to my cousin Calista, who then sent it to Sarah Nadine (another one of my ladies now hitched and having a BABY) and a few other gals including myself. The first time I've actually done one of these... but I thought it'd be a nice change.

I'm going to be lame and not pass it on, I'm just going to answer the questions. Because that's all my brain can really handle right now.

1. I’m giving you $20,000 to do with as you see fit. What would you do?
I was just talking about this the other day. I would invest in my business and travel to Europe. Halvies.
2. What’s your favorite book?
Umm... I can't answer this. In my senior year of highschool I was sick the majority of it and had just transfered to a new school, so I read about 3 books a week. There's NO possible way I could choose a favorite. I just want it to be fiction, be a story I get lost in, and be really long. Series get bonus points.
3. Can you drive a stick shift? If so, how did you learn?
My dear father taught me how to drive stick by parking his little toyota truck in a big empty parking lot next to the lake and saying 'have at it!'. He then proceeded to take the dogs down to the beach for a nice swim. At least I had it better than my sister, she had to learn on a logging road in an old 70's land cruiser if I remember correctly.
4. Do you have an Instagram account? What’s your handle?
How do you find that? Wait, just figured it out. It's corinnekrogh.
5. What would be your dream job?
A traveling photojournalist with a continuous assignment that speaks to my heart and pays for my husband to come along.
6. What is your favorite piece of art?
A piece called The Great Blue Heron by Evon Zerbitz. My sister picked it out for me for my 18th (17th?) birthday.
7. What new band did you discover in 2011 that really got you dancing? Or at least toe-tapping?
So many. A secret one is Lykke Li, don't tell my husband.
8. What’s your favorite condiment?
Ketchup. It's what I order fries for. Yum.
9. What’s your favorite piece of jewelry?
My wedding ring.
10. What’s one thing on your “to-do” list for 2012?
Book 25 weddings...
11. Do you use powder or liquid laundry detergent? Why?
Liquid. E had a bad reaction to powder detergent. Not using that again.

Whew! I'm going to go take a nap now.

Back in North Carolina

2012-01-09T09:39:00.000-08:00

It's been almost exactly a year since we packed up and moved out of the Asheville area, and now we're back for work and it couldn't feel more weird. It's hard to not get really sentimental about it, we always struggle to figure out which place feels most like home and this is only one of them. I haven't been able to get out with my camera yet, but this image taken by Derek Olson pretty much sums up the beauty of this mountain city. For now I'm cozied up in our friends wonderful little home in the woods 45 minutes away from the city, working on editing a wedding while everyone works. Rain falling down, a sleepy little pup, music playing, the sound of a creek outside, light pouring in from every direction... it does my heart some good. I'm so much happier in a place where I feel connected to the land around me.

Pig on a Zipline

2012-01-06T09:55:00.000-08:00

Can you guess where this is? Geico's new commercial that's just hitting the screen was filmed at our course in Wrightwood! My hubby kicked ass helping to create it, so proud of our whole crew that was involved. It's so much fun (and kind of weird) to see Maxwell zipping in a familiar place!

Right vs. Left

2012-01-04T09:37:00.000-08:00

Just cause I like it, not sure where it came from.

My Favorite Place on Earth

2012-01-04T07:00:00.000-08:00

Home. But a home that doesn't belong to me anymore, and that I can never have again. See that island right there in front? I'm buying it someday with my sister, whether she knows it or not. Then we're going to build a fortress. Surprise dear husbands! You had no idea what you were getting yourselves into when you married us, did you?

View Larger Map

I had a pretty awesome playground growing up, and thanks to satellite imagery I can revisit it whenever I want.

A Wedding Anniversary

2012-01-03T11:21:00.000-08:00

Okay.. so I've been gone for AWHILE. Due to the holiday madness combined with work deadlines, I took a couple weeks off the blog unannounced. But I'm back, and I have something awesome to share with you to start off 2012! One year ago my sis got hitched, and this is a little peek of their day. An awesome New Years Eve wedding in Ouray, Colorado.

Thanks to Chris West for creating such a gem, he was the creative mind behind our wedding video too! He's killing it, so if you're looking for someone to document your day make sure to get in touch. When I watched the full video I bawled like a baby, I love having such talented friends.

Photography by Sarah Neal

Circus Performers

2011-12-15T14:25:00.000-08:00

I'm in love with these images of circus performers taken during the 40's and 50's. I wish I could sit down and listen to all their stories. I may hate circuses but I love the idea of adventure.

Via retronaut, from The Circus Book: 1870-1950.

Arrival of the Birds - Address is Approximate

2011-12-13T06:00:00.000-08:00

On a whim I wanted to see if anyone had created anything with one of my favorites songs of all time, Arrival of the Birds by The Cinematic Orchestra. Well, they did... and it's pretty amazing. Grab a drink, turn the lights down, take a seat, and spend a few minutes seeing the world through a lonely toy's eyes.

Also pretty awesome, go to Rainy Mood and then play the song in another window. Amazing! I can't ever get enough of this song.

Address Is Approximate from The Theory on Vimeo

The Goodwin Project

2011-12-12T12:12:00.000-08:00

I stumbled across The Goodwin Project through Elizabeth's blog The Littlest (who is partner to the The Flashdance). After living on the constant ebb and flow of the ocean in a lifestyle of simplicity and adventure, I'm always excited to see when people are chasing a similar quality of life. When I first started watching this I was in love with the filming style, editing, music, and words. Then I got jealous of the amazing adventure they're having, and then I became inspired that we have the ability to create whatever story we want to for our own family. It's something you just have to make happen, otherwise it'll slip away in complacency.

They're traveling the world and documenting their story. Follow them by visiting their website here, and make sure to watch the below in HD. Mind blowing.

My children will have no youth spent experiencing a modern society through technology, instead they will explore the world around them through touch, smell, sight, taste, sound, and appreciation for the beauty it holds and the stories of the people that inhabit it.

Playlist for a Saturday

2011-12-10T16:00:00.001-08:00

This playlist is so damn good! Mumford and Son's cover of Wagon Wheel? I'm going to be listening to it on repeat all day long. The cover of 99 problems may be a problem though in certain company, so don't play it around your grandmother. (Except mine, she's cool.)

8tracks delivers, once again.

Dribbble

2011-12-08T09:58:00.001-08:00

I hadn't heard of dribbble before, but now I'm hooked. It's like a show and tell for designers, and you can browse tons of awesome work. It's perfect for finding inspiration for that next design, or finding someone to design it for you! Looks like I just found another way to procrastinate.... just what I needed.

(december, scoop, smog monster, alaska)

Desert Morning

2011-12-06T19:04:00.001-08:00

We went out to the desert with friends and spent the weekend relaxing. Even better, we didn't have to pick any cactus out of TBR. Score. He liked it out there, if you can't tell.

With a Leather Jacket

2011-12-05T13:26:00.001-08:00

The color of this dress matched with an edgy leather jacket. Yes please.

{via here}

Finding Oregon

2011-12-01T10:23:00.001-08:00

They just keep getting better and better. Which doesn't help my predicament at all.

Missing Oregon again today, isn't she a beauty?

Alaskan Wedding

2011-11-30T12:03:00.001-08:00

The wedding I shot in Kodiak is finally on my photography blog. Go check it out to see the full post, it was pretty awesome thing to shoot. Isn't crazy to think I shot my first real photo gig just a little over a year ago? You guys have been so damn encouraging, thank you for giving me a pat on my back when I still don't think I'm producing images that are good enough. You're the best, as always.

Portraits

2011-11-30T11:53:00.001-08:00

I want to go back up north, travel around, and take portraits like this. Problem is, when I was up in Kodiak and had the opportunity to do it I was too shy. Gotta break that somehow. I want to make raw photos, without the fluff. Via here. Thanks to Callee for pinning it.

Sweet Potato (and Marshmallow) Biscuits

2011-11-29T12:40:00.001-08:00

I'm trying to be very good about what I eat and how much of it. That's why I won't be making these anytime soon. But my GOD don't they look amazing? Sweet potato marshmallow biscuits. Check them out here on Smitten Kitchen.

Okay, actually I lied. I will most likely be making them tonight in the kitchen with a bottle of wine. How can I resist now after looking at them AGAIN. Although I'm not sure if I'll include the marshmallow part... might be too sweet. What do you think, would you try it?

Dreaming of Portland

2011-11-28T10:55:00.001-08:00

Right now with the airlines having their sales we could get up to Portland for $200 roundtrip total. For both of us flying. Even though it'll be cold, dark, and most likely raining, we're thinking of going there for our holiday vacation instead of other options like NYC or Hawaii. Are we out of our minds? Yes. But it's home to us even though neither of us are even originally from the area. Maybe if I find someone needing a wedding photographer or a portrait session we can seal the deal. So spread the word, will you? I'll travel for free for a January gig. :)

I just know every inch of this city by heart, there's no other like it. This video is awesome, and it successfully makes me homesick.

Shakey Graves

2011-11-26T12:33:00.001-08:00

The southern twang, simple production, singing from the soul. I can't get this album out of my head. Now that I just found this live recording I'm in deep. Just watch it, you ladies will understand.

Head on over to bandcamp, listen to the album, and if you like it as much as I do name your own price to make it yours.

I need to start hooking up with awesome artists like this and to do epic photo shoots with them. I need to creatively shoot creative people! So I'm moving to Austin. Or Portland. LA just doesn't have my scene.

Kidding. Not moving. Obviously.

Happy Thanksgiving Holiday!

2011-11-23T12:44:00.001-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving holiday! My parents are coming into town to stay through the weekend and I'm excited to see them since this time around the course won't just be opening and we'll actually have time to relax! (By the way, Evan and I are on the homepage slideshow, can you spot us a couple slides in?) I'm looking forward to sipping a few drinks over a table of cards while our puppy dogs play. We've already gotten snow here and TBR and I went up to hike in our favorite spot on the PCT. I took a panoramic shot with my iphone, click on it to see it bigger! Insanely beautiful, right?

Peaceful except the fact Tucker kept trying to eat any living creature he saw/smelled, regardless that if he ever actually caught anything he'd probably be terrified and lose his mind. He does love hamming it up for the camera though, at least he's good for something.

It felt awesome to do some trail running, even though I was wearing tennis shoes and everything was melting off. (Note to self: get winter boots and snowshoes STAT. Common sense darling.) I'll definitely be bringing the folks up here, too beautiful for them not to see.

So my friends, what are your plans for the holidays? Spending time with family, friends, or just you and partner? Is it important for you to get out and enjoy some fresh air or are you happy just couching it up? Wait.... that's what people do on this holiday isn't it? I forgot, silly me.

--

P.S. - If you need some chill background music make sure to check this playlist out. Lasts forever and has a bunch of our favorites!

Cinemagraph

2011-11-22T11:18:00.001-08:00

via {here}

Why couldn't I have thought of this? Such a simple way to join two arts into one.

I will be making my own version, which is I'm sure just what they want to hear.

Yosemite Family Portraits

2011-11-21T12:29:00.001-08:00

There's something about film that's so magical, the way it pulls colors out and puts a gentle wash of light over everything. This Yosemite family session is nothing short of amazing, it makes me want to make some babies and go running north for Jill to capture us. Go to her blog to see more!

all images via Jill Thomas

Dark Side of the Lens

2011-11-11T08:48:00.001-08:00

"If I ever scrape a living, at least it'll be a living worth scraping."

Light love.

2011-11-09T13:44:00.000-08:00

Playing with my flash, using the only model I have: the boy when he's busy playing guitar. I dropped the shutter speed down too low and this is what I got before he was bored with me. I apparently was spoiled to grow up with a sister who would spend hours doing this kind of stuff with me. Guess I'll have to move on to the dog, poor thing has no idea what he's in for. If only my childhood pets could fill him in on what his future modeling career will be like.

Desert Sun

2011-11-07T12:58:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I did an engagement session with a couple that lives in the Wrightwood area. I've known Chrisie since we moved to town last year and I was super excited when she asked me to shoot her January 2012 wedding. When I'm not on here blogging (which hasn't been a lot lately), this is what I'm doing. Working with amazing couples, in amazing locations, with amazing light. And then editing. Actually, I'm more so editing all the time and shooting sometimes. So much so, that when I got out from behind my desk and did a wedding Saturday and this shoot Sunday, it literally kicked my hiney. I'm so sore I can barely move, but it was all so worth it. For the camera techies out there this was shot with a Canon 5DII and the magical 85/1.2. It's all I need, it's a total love affair.

I hope you all had a great weekend and enjoyed creating something of your own! I'm a believer it's one of the healthiest things we can do for ourselves, no matter how big or small the project. Also exercising, which I obviously really need to do.

Have a great Monday!

Swing Swag

2011-11-04T14:19:00.000-07:00

The perfect playlist for when you have your fanciest clothes on and are hitting the town.... a modern twist on the sound of oldschool swing. When I live in a city and can get back into dance, I'm totally hijacking the studio's sound system and plugging this in. So. much. fun. For now it'll accompany me with a bottle of wine, snow outside, and weddings to edit. Classy, I know. I was definitely born a few decades too late.

On the Edge of Insanity

2011-11-01T10:12:00.000-07:00

"When I first started teaching her I remember telling her, you know, the rules of base jumping, the facts. You jump long enough, you will break bones. You're in this sport long enough, you're gonna watch people die. And then third, it's kind of a pointless thing to talk about but you're gonna die too. Do this long enough, it's gonna kill you. If you can't deal with that, don't get into BASE jumping."

-20 Seconds of Joy

Not sure if the rush would ever be worth the risk, but I get why they do it. The guy at 2:43 on the other hand has just completely lost his mind. Completely.

Super impressed at the quality of this video. Watch it fullscreen HD, the artist behind the lens would thank you.

Song for a Sunday

2011-10-30T16:15:00.000-07:00

Manchester Orchestra released a new album this spring, and to be honest I hadn't really listened to them much beforehand. Their newest project, Simple Math, was created as more of a concept album. It follows Andy Hull, the lead vocalist and song writer, as he questions life, love, and religion. Apprehension is my favorite track, but this video is story to get lost in. You can listen to the whole album here or by using the player below.

*Seriously, watch this video. Two days later and I still can't get it out of my head.

Helpless

2011-10-26T12:15:00.000-07:00

I can't really blog anything inspiring today, the knowledge of someone I know being in this situation makes everything else seem a little less important today. Reading the comments after the article is infuriating, ignorant people tucked away safely in their homes spouting out their own opinions for the good of absolutely nothing. That's the hardest part, you can't do any good in this situation, you can't do anything at all. My family is close with her sister, my heart goes out to her and their community of family and friends. I know we all wish we could do something.

Cycle-In Cinema

2011-10-22T14:00:00.000-07:00

E and I are both home sick this afternoon, so most of our day will be spent lounging around aimlessly, movie watching, and trading off with our occasional pity parties. No matter if I'm sick or feeling great, a day in front of the TV always makes me feel lazy. This on the other hand, makes way too much sense. What's more genius than pedaling you way through a movie while generating all the power for the show? I'm totally on board for this when it hits the states, although I'm sure Portland will gobble it up first. Cycle-In Cinema, I can't wait for our first date. I'll bring the beer.

imgs via inhabitat

Little Seal: Notes From a Dragon Mom

2011-10-21T13:17:00.000-07:00

img found here

I would walk through a tunnel of fire if it would save my son. I would take my chances on a stripped battlefield with a sling and a rock à la David and Goliath if it would make a difference. But it won’t. I can roar all I want about the unfairness of this ridiculous disease, but the facts remain. What I can do is protect my son from as much pain as possible, and then finally do the hardest thing of all, a thing most parents will thankfully never have to do: I will love him to the end of his life, and then I will let him go.

Ronan has Tay-Sachs disease, a rare genetic disorder that causes the body to slowly regress into a vegetative state. He's expected to die before his 3rd birthday. Emily's strength is something I can't even begin to fathom.

Everyone needs to take the time to read this, you can find the entire piece at The New York Times. To read more of Emily words, you can find her blog at Little Seal.

Birthday.

2011-10-19T13:44:00.000-07:00

Happy birthday to my hubby. I love your capable and adventurous soul madly.

Bear in a Grocery Store

2011-10-18T13:19:00.000-07:00

So... where I grew up there's an abundant amount of wildlife. No lack of it, at all. We were a little town with less than 40 miles of road put into the Alaskan wilderness, so it was a pretty common interaction. But I never thought I'd see this happen. This video was posted on Facebook a few days ago by my grade school teacher, and I was just able to find it on youtube. A little bear cub walked in to one of Ketchikan's grocery stores and headed straight for the produce, and the poor thing is tiny. Really small for this time of year, but at least he knows where to get the good stuff. They put him outside and let him go, so here's to hoping momma bear found him and they're traipsing through the woods and getting into peoples garbage as we speak!

Tiny Houses

2011-10-17T09:38:00.000-07:00

I can't help it, lately I've been caught up in the idea of owning a home and the dream land we'd have it on. I'm a fan of the Tiny House Blog and they're always finding the best ways to live off the grid. Granted, the homes are small and most of them would require a huge change of lifestyle, but finding a happy medium is something both E and I are searching for. This one for example, who wouldn't want to make a cozy little home in this space? Put enough windows in and I don't really care what size it is. It's nowhere near in the future (it would help to live in a place we were going to stay put in first), but I'm crossing my fingers it's not too far off. It's strange when where you live is completely dictated by who you work for. Isn't it normally the other way around?

P.S. Did I mention my sister already lives in a tiny home? She's rad like that.

via treehuger

Sunday's Song + Playlist Poll

2011-10-16T14:15:00.000-07:00

Some songs are created just right to sooth the soul. This (in my opinion) is one of them, and is on top of the list for my favorite October tunes. Since I work from home I'm always on the hunt for new music to keep me company during the day. If anyone is interested in hearing my favorites, let me know in the poll below! Otherwise, I'll continue to keep them to myself and share only by singing to Tucker all day long. Believe me, he could use a break.

Quizzes by Quibblo.com | SnapApp Quiz Apps

Bon Iver: Part II

2011-10-12T09:29:00.000-07:00

I know I've posted about it before, but Bon Iver put out a new album a few weeks ago and it's been singing me to sleep and waking me up ever since. If there's a time I'm not listening to it, then I'm probably listening to remixes like this one. Here's one of my favorites, just discovered the video and can't believe I haven't seen it before. Pretty magical.

Love him.

2011-10-11T15:51:00.000-07:00

From the weekend. Sometimes it's hard to get a photo together (imagine that), but it's worth the hassle.

Idyllwild

2011-10-09T12:18:00.000-07:00

We went over to Idyllwild for the weekend to celebrate and photograph a friends wedding. It was pretty incredible, and I can't wait to share their campground bash with you. This week I'll be editing, sleeping inside so I'm warm and cozy, not drinking (at all.), and doing nothing else as often as I can. Hope everyone enjoyed their weekend as well!

Brutal Hearts

2011-10-05T14:32:00.000-07:00

Bedouin Soundclash - Brutal Hearts (ft. Coeur de Pirate)

Trust me, it's worth the listen.

Laura Ingalls Wilder

2011-10-04T15:40:00.000-07:00

Umm... this Lauren Moffatt collection was inspired by Little House on the Prairie? I'm in.

*Psh... who am I kidding? I don't even do fashion. Discovered via Frolic.

Breathtaking

2011-09-30T16:32:00.000-07:00

From a session that almost didn't happen, this is one of my favorite images to date. The beauty of Alaskan scenery mixed with the simple joy of a family being together. No matter how hard the job can get, being a photographer is worth it every. single. time.

To my southeast AK girlies.

2011-09-30T10:18:00.000-07:00

I can't tell you how much I love the cleverness.

If you don't get it, click here.

Etsy Love: Little Owl Design

2011-09-27T11:44:00.000-07:00

I want to buy this and put it on my wall. One of my white walls, because the walls that have wood siding in living room are horrendous and were a serious lapse of judgement when chosen by the home owner. Our ceiling, on the other hand, is gorgeous. Vaulted, beamed, the whole nine yards. Too bad I can't put pictures on that.

Typographic Map found here.

Dream Office

2011-09-25T08:39:00.000-07:00

found here

I'm just going to pretend I'm sitting at that desk all day editing. Would it be a dream? I hate editing at the little desk in our dark living room, but it's really the only spot for it. Maybe this winter it'll seem cozy... until then I'll just keep staring at this picture.

Self Portrait

2011-09-23T06:00:00.000-07:00

I went out to do a self portrait and this is what I came back with. Some days are not my best.

Where we are...

2011-09-22T13:50:00.000-07:00

(click to enlarge the glory of Wrightwood)

While taking a break from editing today (okay, so I haven't really started yet...), Tuck and I went on a walk to one of our favorite spots. About a mile away from our house (and yes, I drove there if you're wondering) is a little dirt road that goes out to an overlook. You can look both ways and see out to Victorville, and then the other direction to the Fontana/Rancho Cucamonga area. Then I wasted more time by illustrating it for you. An hour and half outside of downtown LA, one hour to the beach (not close enough), and three and half hours to Las Vegas. We live on a mountain, in the middle of a desert, in Southern California. Kind of a cruel joke if you ask me, but it's burnt up dry beauty is starting to grow on me. Just in time for another winter.

Finally!

2011-09-21T10:48:00.000-07:00

It's finally Fall, and I couldn't be happier. Summers are hot in Wrightwood, especially when you don't have air conditioning and work from home. Fall is now my new favorite season, so I'm hoping it decides to stick around for awhile. Doesn't that sweater look insanely comfortable?

found here.

Shotglass Lens Set

2011-09-19T11:41:00.000-07:00

Found at Photojojo Store. LOVE them.

Baby Mason

2011-09-18T14:43:00.000-07:00

This is who we hung out with on our weekend (which actually took place Thursday and Friday).
Such a cutie. Too bad he's going to be corrupted by his Uncle E.

The World Above

2011-09-17T10:45:00.000-07:00

By Conceptional Fine Art Photographer Brooke Shaden. This lady puts out some awesome work, I love the world she sees. This one is my favorite.

Dream Room

2011-09-15T12:39:00.000-07:00

I would love to work in this room everyday as my office. Big windows, tons of light, hardwood floor, and the perfect place to have afternoon brainstorming sessions.

found here

Such Singing in the Wild Branches

2011-09-14T14:57:00.000-07:00

Such Singing in the Wild Branches

It was spring
and finally I heard him
among the first leaves -
then I saw him clutching the limb

in an island of shade
with his red-brown feathers
all trim and neat for the new year.
First, I stood still

and thought of nothing.
Then I began to listen.
Then I was filled with gladness -
and that's when it happened,

when I seemed to float,
to be, myself, a wing or a tree -
and I began to understand
what the bird was saying,

and the sands in the glass
stopped
for a pure white moment
while gravity sprinkled upward

like rain, rising,
and in fact
it became difficult to tell just what it was that was singing -
it was the thrush for sure, but it seemed

not a single thrush, but himself, and all his brothers,
and also the trees around them,
as well as the gliding, long-tailed clouds
in the perfectly blue sky - all, all of them

were singing.
And, of course, yes, so it seemed,
so was I.
Such soft and solemn and perfect music doesn't last

for more than a few moments.
It's one of those magical places wise people
like to talk about.
One of the things they say about it, that is true

is that, once you've been there,
you're there forever.
Listen, everyone has a chance.
Is it spring, is it morning?

Are there trees near you,
and does your own soul need comforting?
Quick, then - open the door and fly on your heavy feet; the song
may already be drifting away.

-Mary Oliver

---

This little bird put me to sleep every night of my childhood in Southeast Alaska. I've always thought of getting a hermit thrush tattooed somewhere on my body, but haven't ever been able to find the right design or place. Today I came across this poem, and it made me speechless. Not only was it about my little bird, it put into words the magic I felt and still feel when I go back to the place I spent my youth. Just small moments where I'm surrounded by untouched, pure beauty and simply am. It's what made me who I am and what I constantly need to chase. I can't really describe it, but somehow Mary Oliver did.

---

Chalkboard decal found here.

Electric Feathers

2011-09-14T11:17:00.000-07:00

I think I'm in love with this dress. Found at Stuart & Wright. And again, way too expensive.

At least I have good taste... right?

Can you believe your eyes.

2011-09-13T11:03:00.000-07:00

That's a real person, not a painting. Pinky swear. Go take a look.

Outlines of the Past - Remembering 9/11

2011-09-11T09:57:00.000-07:00

Outlines of the Past by artist Fynn Sloyan. Found here.
Still so heartbreaking.

Friday Treats

2011-09-09T13:38:00.000-07:00

An amazing video, showing 100 years of East London style in 100 seconds. I wanted it to last longer! So rad.

An Alex Winston Take Away Show. The live versions are so much better than her recorded music. Has there really been no questions asked about the difference in her voice? Because to me, it's a little obvious. And annoying.

I'm picking up this girl from the airport today. Excited for a weekend of relaxing, Wrightwood showing, Navitat zipping, beverage drinking, good food eating, and old time movie watching.

I joined the Pinterest party train, and am now obsessing about tattoos. Another way to procrastinate when I'm working... just what I need. It's a little out of control, see?! Need.one.soon.

I may pop in to tweet, but other than that I'll be enjoying a break from the computer!

Have a wonderful weekend!

A Vibrant Wedding Dress

2011-09-08T11:57:00.000-07:00

Holy moly. Right? Go now to see more of this homemade beauty! (That for once wasn't a styled wedding.)

Oh dear, again.

2011-09-07T22:14:00.000-07:00

I crave the simple life. So bad. Found here.

P.S. How did they build that to be stable on the water and cozied up to the shore?! I need to know.

The funny ones.

2011-09-07T15:16:00.000-07:00

This made me laugh until my belly hurt. A prime example of why I love my husband and our friends. Sometimes I'm okay with not being so clever and just sitting back to enjoy the show.

Can't tell we're music snobs at all.

Team Coco came zipping.

2011-09-07T10:17:00.000-07:00

The Conan show came out a few weeks ago with some of their actors to film a segment of them zipping on our course. It aired last night so I popped on to watch the clip online since we don't have cable. A little anti-climatic but fun nonetheless! Now to get Conan himself out here...

Ira Glass on Creative Work

2011-09-06T12:28:00.000-07:00

This is why I spend hours working on one photograph. I need to hear this least once a day.

For the traveler in all of us...

2011-09-06T11:51:00.000-07:00

I like this scarf, a lot. Too bad it's $395.

Joyous Whale

2011-09-02T13:39:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Snippet and Ink for sharing. I bawled like a baby. So unbelievably beautiful and heartbreaking at the same time. This happens far too often. When I was growing up I had an encounter with a humpback and it was magical. Been crushin' hard ever since.

Inspiration: Andrea Galvani

2011-09-01T20:17:00.000-07:00

Found here.

Inspiration for my next personal photography project, hopefully to go down in the desert flatlands with one of my favorite Wrightwood ladies. (Yes April, that's you!) Can't wait.

A Getaway

2011-08-31T12:32:00.000-07:00

A few frames from our anniversary trip on the photo blog. Check them out over here!

2 Years

2011-08-28T11:29:00.002-07:00

I'm posting this a day early because I don't like scheduled posts and Evan informed me that tomorrow we'll be in San Luis Obispo to celebrate our 2 year anniversary. Can you believe it's 2 years already?! That means I started this blog over... well, okay, not much over 2 years ago since we got married like it was going out of style. But it feels like it's been years longer in the best way possible. I love you like mad Evan Allen! Can't wait for all the years to come.

Picture by the beautiful Sarah Neal, of course. Design by me.

Dog Days

2011-08-26T12:04:00.001-07:00

We went climbing out at Devil's Punchbowl last weekend. When we climb, Tucker whines. It's not a little whine. It's an out of control OHMYGOSHIHAVETOGETTOYOURIGHTNOWORI'MGOINGTODIE whine. So we bought him the Ruff Wear DoubleBack harness, hooked him up, and let him have the experience first hand in hopes of stunning him into silence. Needless to say, he enjoyed the ride home more than the actual climbing experience. But he's also whined less ever since.

All images shot using my iPhone.

A Bird's Eye View

2011-08-25T11:37:00.003-07:00

Hey Discovery Street, look! I think our wedding venue saw a better year when we got married. Look how dry and dead everything looks. Poor Flagstaff.

Thanks to my dad for snapping this photo when he flew over it the other day. Even though he was probably flying and picture taking at the same time... those pilots.

Banff on Holga

2011-08-24T11:23:00.000-07:00

Lake Louise and Moraine Lake, taken on a Holga by Mocking Bird. I ~~want~~ need to go.

I Carry Your Heart

2011-08-22T14:46:00.002-07:00

This wedding is beautiful as a whole, but it was this frame that stopped me in my tracks. I've always loved this poem by E.E. Cummings, and it couldn't be more perfectly displayed. Just those few words, just like that. I know it's kind of backwards to be tooting other photographer's horns, but this guy captured some beautiful images. Check it out here.

Slow Motion Baby

2011-08-20T09:33:00.005-07:00

Mesmerizing.

Floating Retreat

2011-08-19T15:17:00.003-07:00

If you've followed my blog at all for the past couple of years you may have an idea of how I grew up. Although I miss it everyday I've come to accept it's not a lifestyle I'll probably ever be able to have again. That's why when I come across things like this I die. And I start to think, what if it's really possible to wake up on the water every morning again? I'm holding onto the hope it'll happen someday.

Find out more about this floating home here.

Bokja

2011-08-18T13:16:00.003-07:00

Aren't these amazing? I discovered them this morning through Honestly WTF and am in LOVE. I would absolutely love to have a piece like this in my home... but it also really makes me want to learn how to reupholster so I can make my own creations! Then I'd feel more artsy anyway, and being artsy makes me happy.

From Erica: "These exuberant pieces of furniture are the fruits of Beirut-based Hoda Baroudi and Maria Hibriall‘s labor. Working alongside artisans, the design duo reupholsters furniture using vintage Middle Eastern and Central Asian textiles. Gemma of Line Shape Color recently visited their store in Beruit and shot these amazing photos."

Beware, the website might make your dog go crazy if you have your volume up.

The Desert

2011-08-16T15:23:00.003-07:00

I was headed in to clean our bedroom (you know to start that whole making my house a home thing?), when I came across this video. I think I found it in the stop and check your email pile. Whatever they're doing in this video, I want to do it. Even though it looks like you might come out with a serious case of whiplash after you're done. The whole piece is really well done, but the action starts past 1:00 if you get impatient like I do.

Yikes, right?! Would you ever give something like this a go?

Sisters in Kodiak

2011-08-15T14:00:00.009-07:00

Sisters in Kodiak. With a dog that ate sand, naps in the sunshine, whale watching from the shore, lunch around a campfire, surfers waiting to catch waves on the lazy swelling sea, and being together with our blond headed boys. I didn't want to leave.

Making My House a Home

2011-08-14T12:40:00.007-07:00

After living in our house for over 7 months, I still haven't moved in. The boxes are unpacked and things put away (most of them, on a good day), but I haven't really moved in, nested, made it a home. When I was single and shared houses with roommates I'd make my space as homey as I could. I'd rearrange everyday until I got how I wanted it, and then I'd do it again just for kicks. I'd hang all kinds of unnecessary shit on the walls and have photos of my adventures and loved ones all over the place. Now just a few weeks short of being married for 2 years, Ev and I have already lived in 3 different homes, and it's embarrassing to say there's has never been one of my photographs on a wall. Which is funny, since that's what I do for a living. You know, take pictures ALL the effing time. I don't know if I'm just too lazy to print them out, don't want to spend the money, or hate trying to mat and find frames, but regardless it's pathetic. I call myself an artist and my home is a blank slate.

I think part of the problem is that I'm expecting to pack up and move again. I'm ready to pull those boxes out, load up the vehicles, and move... cause that's what I've been doing for the past 6 years. But in the meantime, I've lived in a house for 7 months that doesn't feel like a home. A house that I work from, that I almost go crazy in everyday because I don't care to be in it. So that's my challenge. I have no idea how long we're going to be here, when we're going to move again, where we might move, or if we might move at all, but I need to accept that I live in Wrightwood and start trying to enjoy it. I need to take resources from this wonderful blogosphere around me and learn how to make my house a home on a budget. Starting with getting some pictures printed out. And cleaning up my floor closet and making it a closet that's actually in a closet. And finding a bedspread I like, which unfortunately is hard because I have expensive taste. Of course I head straight to Anthropologie, realize with a gulp the number's I'm looking, and quickly type in Ebay like I was that budget saavy smart all along. I like this one best so far, with the chalkboard wall. Rad!

My next plan? Talk a few lovely ladies into going to one of SoCal's flea markets with me. I've heard they're amazing, I think it's about time to find out for myself.

I hope I'll start enjoying this process a little too much.

Bear.

2011-07-29T23:13:00.008-07:00

I found a bear, he was fishing and being pretty dang adorable while doing it. I've missed this state so much. See more of this guy and Alaska on my photo blog.

I'm in Kodiak for a wedding. Evan and I are up here for a week to capture the Saturday bash and then fly back into LAX on Tuesday morning. Culture shock. And bitter sweet. I need to photograph Alaskan wedding's more often.

Alaska Marine Highway System

2011-07-25T16:08:00.012-07:00

A long time ago I was asked to write a post about traveling through Alaska, my home state. I unfortunately dropped the ball... but this article basically sums up what I never got around to writing. Today on the font page of MSNBC they're featuring the Alaska Marine Highway System, which is pretty much what it sounds like: the highway system of the Southeast Alaska islands. I grew up riding these ferries, actually moving up to Ketchikan on the Columbia with my mom and sister when I was 4 years old. Around that time the captain's were still cool enough to let you up in the bridge area to play with their pet rabbits and the ship's cafeteria food seemed way more exciting. Seeing these pictures and reading through the article makes me feel like I'm looking at home. It takes me back to the discovery of the land I fell in love with, the heartbreak of watching it years later disappear behind as the ship moved south, and the many journey's of finding a way to spend as much time as I could going back. If you want to see the real SE Alaska, skip the cruise ships. Pack up some drinks, good food, a deck of cards, board games, your camping gear, a few good books, and enjoy the ride. There's nothing quite like it.

All images found here.

Productivity is a B*tch.

2011-07-20T17:58:00.004-07:00

I edit, a lot. I sit in front of the computer in my living room for hours on end, the dog sitting pitifully at my side whining, every once in awhile crawling onto my lap chancing the response of a harsh scolding for a moment of my attention. I go a little crazy sometimes spending so much time with myself. If can't get a photo perfect (which in my world is a lot), I instead start compulsively checking my email, changing songs every 30 seconds, or endlessly roaming the blogosphere. When it really gets bad... I spend my time doing things like this:

Yes. Charlie the Duck. I'll admit it was more entertaining when I was 16, in the middle of my teenage angst where I thought anything resembling old school nintendo was cool shit (wait, it still is, right?). And then I realize halfway through the second level I'm suddenly bored. Bored out of my mind. So I check my email again.

Internet kills my productivity. So, my dear friends, tell me all your secrets of staying on task. In exchange, I'll give you this magic link. You're welcome.

Shooting Locations: Southern California

2011-07-20T10:58:00.001-07:00

There are two locations in Southern California (or driving distance from SoCal) I'm dying to shoot at.

This one:

And this one:

I can't wait to meet my adventurous future clients. Aren't these spots rad?

Dutchtub

2011-07-18T11:38:00.001-07:00

The price tag may be around $6,000... but portable? Giant teacup? Woodburning? This obsession with water is getting dangerous for our future bank account balance. Make fun if you'd like, but I think this design is genius. The hardest part for me would just be deciding on which color to pick out.

Find out more here.

Alaska

2011-07-15T12:42:00.000-07:00

Alaska in May. It was so good to be in my home state with my sister for a few short, sweet days. I'm beyond excited to go back in less than 2 weeks and see her again, document a Kodiak wedding, and show my guy more of the state that keeps calling me back home. Here's a few frames I captured, old school style.

All images via {CKP}

Shipwrecked Vintage Beach Wedding

2011-07-12T16:10:00.001-07:00

Holy bejesus. This wedding decor is amazing. I'm sure those of us who are coastal girls can appreciate that they have freaking glass balls tied all over beautiful driftwood with vines threaded throughout, built into a magnificent altar for a morning beach wedding. And then they went swimming, and she kept her garter on. LOVE it. I'm waiting for brides like this to hire me as their photographer. Patiently.

Alright, just go look for yourself, seriously. Green Wedding Shoes.

Calm.

2011-07-11T08:16:00.000-07:00

Crazy beautiful. If you have the need to feel calm, this should do the trick.

(For photo geeks, if you'd like to see his setup click here.)

Manual Photography Cheat Sheet

2011-07-05T09:26:00.000-07:00

{via here}

LOVE this. What a rad cheat sheet for photographers as they struggle to understand the manual side of a camera. Or just to frame and put on your wall, which I'm very tempted to do. Kudos to Miguel for the creation!

Shit is happening.

2011-06-29T20:16:00.000-07:00

A gentle reminder to us all, to get the hell off our computers once in awhile.

Listening to: Foster the People

2011-06-29T12:23:00.000-07:00

Catchy, light, summery days kind of album. Best listened through from start to finish (Redux version), the songs blend together like a soundtrack to one of the happiest, most productive days of your life. It's been getting me through long days of editing and trips into the city, almost stress free. Visit their website here.

Listen to one of their most popular remixed and listened to songs here:

And a little blurb worth reading about some ridiculous censorship and the song listed above, here. (The video could be a little more creative, but I guess everyone enjoys their camera time.) Have a wonderful, productive Wednesday!

Dog Days

2011-06-28T03:00:00.003-07:00

One year ago we taught Tucker Blue Ribbon how to swim. Cool water, hidden swimming holes, the North Carolina beauty. That's the part I miss when I think of Asheville. I don't know how much fun Tucker had, but we had a blast.

Somewhere we must have gone wrong though, because unfortunately he now prefers to do this.

Cuties. Tell me what I'm supposed to do with that.

Salvaged Wood Wall

2011-06-27T10:24:00.001-07:00

I'm totally digging this salvaged wood wall look. Design Sponge has featured a few different ones but this is my favorite by far. Check it out here!

Stock Tank Swimming Pools

2011-06-25T13:33:00.004-07:00

Notice anything different? August and After has a completely new look! I've been wanting to change the blog for awhile now but hesitated at the thought of people not recognizing what I've had up for over 2 years. This morning I decided it was time and whipped this up... and I like it! Same color scheme, just without the cheesy graphics and a little bit more 'me'. If you have suggestions or anything looks funky on your screen, please feel free to let me know! For now, it's a breath of fresh air and is inspiring me to blog more often. Which is great, right? I knew you'd say that.

So, lately it's been hot in Wrightwood. Hotter than I thought it would get and way hotter than people told me it would get. That's no big deal when you have AC and plenty of fans for airflow, but we unfortunately we don't have either. When I came across this idea, I immediately began thinking of how I could convince my landlord that a huge stock tank was absolutely necessary in our backyard. The 5,000 gallons of water? No worries, we'll water the all the neighbor plants when we change it. Yes, we will haul it out with 5 gallon buckets. No, we wont dump it. Heavy? No, not at all. Liability risk? Never heard of it.

Can you imagine how wonderful this would be to slip into after a long, hard day's work? Dying right now. Dying.

Lily at bigBang studio posted this gem which is located in Joshua Tree, and said her friends purchased a short grain silo from a place in LA and sprayed it with black rubber lining. They threw together a filter and chlorine (their first try with salt water didn't work out), and wha-la! The perfect pool. At over 5'6" deep, it's tall enough to swim, stand, dive for pennies, hold a tasty drink, and stay comfortable for at least 4 hours... which is all completely necessary if you're going to have a pool. I did a quick google search and it looks like a lot of people have created similar setups, just using stock tanks instead of silo's. Cheaper, less water, a little more practical... but definitely not as cool.

This is exactly why we need to buy a house, so we can do whatever we want when the fancy strikes us. This would be first on my list, followed by at least 3 hammocks, a full outdoor patio set, bonfire pit with hand built benches, and a wood burning hot tub. Then we could start on the inside. It's obviously all about the priorities.

If only.

Cables and Trees

2011-06-21T13:22:00.000-07:00

This is what we've been doing lately, and as you can see in the first picture, I have the camera glued to my face like usual. The course is going to open to the public in 10 days, which means Evan (above, chillin' in the middle of the line) is working 14 hour days and I'm figuring out the photo system and editing sessions for my own clients. My world right now revolves around cameras and ziplines. We all, including Tucker boy, will be happy when things settle down and we have some time to chill together. But in the meantime, it's a pretty badass business to be adding into the LA area and we couldn't be more excited to watch it explode. Plus, I get to hang out with these girls, who just so happen to be my sanity. (By the way, recognize the middle one? The magic hair doer? And the one on the right? The pretty face of the first engagement and wedding I shot? I try to keep my friends around for awhile.)

I call that one 3 girls and a zipline, it seems fitting. Oh, and did I tell you we're getting a billboard on Sunset Blvd? Well, we're getting a billboard on SUNSET BLVD. Surreal! Annnd, did I tell you that Wrightwood is only 60 miles from downtown LA and 2 hours from San Diego? So if you live in SoCal, you have no excuse not to come see me and see this craziness I'm talking about. And do it soon, because we're 20% off for the first few weeks. Believe me, if I could get all my lovely readers on for free I wouldn't hesitate, but this will have to work for now. Check it out here!

Hope you're all having a wonderful start to the first week of summer!

Breathing

2011-06-08T13:09:00.000-07:00

I grew up spending every single day outside in the fresh air for 8 years. Now I'm a photographer striving to capture the beauty I see in the world around me, but spend most of my time editing images on a computer screen. I love documenting people, the love in their lives, the excitement of diving into a new journey, using how I see the world to give them images that they will relive those moments by, but it's easy to forget to also document my life. Sometimes it's good to just get out, breathe the fresh air, and choose the things I want to capture, exactly how I want to capture them.

Evan came home last night, grabbed Tucker and I, and drove us up to a local spot called Inspiration Point. Usually you can see for miles, both the desert and out to the suburbs of LA, but yesterday evening we were surrounded by clouds rolling around us as we walked through the trails. It was beautiful, and made me feel like I could just breathe again. Relax. See clearly. Remember why I do what I do. Fall in love with it all over again. And spend time with my boys. That's something I never want to take for granted, and a pretty good thing.

Going Home to Alaska

2011-06-06T20:13:00.000-07:00

It's been another crazy few weeks. I'm sitting here at the kitchen table with my behemoth computer in front of me just moved from my studio back into the house (since internet finally came available!), sipping a Corona, listening to Pandora's 'Indie Dance' and looking through photos I've recently taken. Relaxing. I went back to Alaska for my sister's graduation from the university, and it was so good to be back in that state. It was a ladies trip, including only my mom, grandma, myself, and my sis. We explored the forests, drove through mountains, slept snug in a cabin by a river, played card games, sipped on drinks, ate amazing local food, and spent time together... something that four women in four different states rarely get to do. My sister and I had time to just chill and talk in her little dry cabin that sits on the highest point in Anchorage over looking the city, a tiny red structure shared by her man and their oversized puppy dog. It made me miss sharing my life with her so much, something that we really haven't been able to do in a long time because of the thousands of miles that separate us. A week after arriving home, I hopped back on a plane and flew over to Colorado. I shot my cousin's wedding and celebrated the love and family that he had found. Now it's go time for the canopy course, Evan's working crazy hours and will begin to train the new guides and I've been figuring out the photography system that will be best for the company to use. On top of that I'm editing the past few weddings and portrait sessions and getting my new website ready to launch. It's good, through all the busyness, it feels like we're emerging into the light from a very long and dark winter. Although the work will continue to pile on I feel more revived than I have the entire winter. I'll now be able to work from home, be on the course when I need to help out, take care of Tucker dog, and help Evan by doing more of the domestic chores... something I've never really had the desire or time to do. And I'm finally starting to embrace Wrightwood, strange little town as it is. Which is good, since we might be here for awhile.

Here's a handful of pictures from my trip to give you a glimpse of where I was. I hope that you too have started to feel the warmth of the summer light, and that the adventures in your life have been good and made you feel alive. It's the feeling to chase.