Horse Whisperer

Last night I had the opportunity to spend the evening on a farm with a quiet and beautiful senior and her feisty horse, Tango. They say opposites attract and you could definitely feel the love between these two. Perhaps more aptly named "foxtrot", I managed to sneak a few shots before Tango got bored with us....audibly heard by the snorts and stomps of his hoofs! Yet these two shared a special bond, deepened over the last decade together. I'm sure this year will be bittersweet....

Mackinac Island Day 2

Well today is our final day on the island. We will be heading back home tomorrow. This morning was a beautiful sunshine blue sky start to the day. We decided to hike up the back side of the island see what we could find. We ended at the stables where all the carriage horses are boarded and had ice cream for lunch. That's right....the kids are with grandma so it was okay! This evening we took a 45 minute carriage ride up to Stonecliffe where we had an incredible dinner watching the sunset and overlooking the straits. I'm posting pics from our day:


The east bluff overlooking St. Anne's Church


Little Red Barn in the woods


These carriage horses work a long and hard 6 hours every day

Mackinac Island

If you are reading this, you probably know me enough to know that I was married on Mackinac Island. If not, now you do! Anyway, Sunday, August 24th was our 12th Anniversary. We have a tradition of spending every anniversary on the Island...which is from where I'm posting this blog. So, after a photography seminar all day Saturday, we drove up and intended to stay in Mac City and head over Sunday. Well.......between the Corvette show and the Pow Wow, we finally found the last room available...in St. Ignace (across the bridge). So, at 3:00 a.m. we hit the sack. But I'm happy to say we are now on "our" island in our cozy room at Harbour View Inn (where we married). We even met a couple on the ferry who were celebrating their 50th anniversary! I look forward to that day myself....... Here are a few shots I took tonite overlooking the Straits of Mackinac.

Grillin' n Groovin'

Saturday, August 10, our church, River Rock, in Rockford, MI, hosted its annual Festival, "Grillin' n Groovin'." It was so much fun. Hundreds of pounds of BBQ ribs & chicken, desserts, snacks, ohhhh the food! Dancing, music, classic cars & motorcycles, games, inflatibles, and more. I just finished putting together a slideshow, so here's a peek...

WINNING PHOTO

I've been to a couple PPWM (Professional Photographers of West Michigan) meetings and August was my first time attending as an official member. Each month PPWM holds a print competition with a different theme. August's theme was animals. As a new member, I eagerly anticipated submitting a piece to see how I would compare to the more seasoned professionals. I agonized over what to photograph and several opportunities came to mind. However, while leaving a session in downtown Rockford for a friend of mine, we were crossing over the Rogue River when my six-year old daughter pointed out a mama duck and her three babies perched on a rock in the river. I started snapping a few photos from the bridge when I realized this was my opportunity! I hurried over the bridge and "parked" the kids (and stroller) at the top of the embankment and slid down the side to the bottom edge of the river (it really was an adventure). The mama duck had her head buried in her wing so I threw a few rocks to get her attention. The kids were worried I was throwing them at the babies! In any event, I was able to snap a photo and submitted it and lo and behold, I won!

The winning print.....

Charlevoix in the Summer

This weekend I had an opportunity to shoot another wedding with Theresa of TAK Photography. We drove up to Charlevoix to shoot at Castle Farms, a VERY cool venue. The day was picture perfect. Because I was stationed as a "sniper" at the top of a castle turret, I had the opportunity to climb down the stairs to shoot the ceremony from inside the tower literally inches from the couple! At the end of the ceremony, the bride and groom release a box of butterflies. But the sweetest part of all, was when they were photographed with Grandma & Grandpa who were also celebrating THEIR 62nd wedding anniversary!

Mommy, want to take MY picture?

After a few days of marathon photo sessions, my sweet little girl bats her eyelashes and asks and I would like to take pictures of HER! How could I resist? So we tried out my "poofy skirt" and had some fun mother-daughter time.

Amazing Grace

It was another long day at work, followed by a family/senior shoot. As I was driving home, I glanced up and witnessed the most Rembrandt of skies painted by the Master Himself! Wow! It was absolutely breathtaking. I pushed the gas pedal a little harder anticipating the perfect pull-off spot (because of course I had my camera with me since I was just leaving a shoot). So, behind "The Score" and "Family Fare" on Northland Drive, I photographed the sunset over the little quarry lake. An unlikely spot for beautiful photos, it makes me think of how God can take the most unlikely souls and use them for His good works. In this trash laden back alley, there was something beautiful happening. Even in the midst of pain and suffering, God can create something wonderful.

Love, Exciting and New......

OK, so it wasn't exactly the love boat, but there were all kinds of crazy characters at this weddings this weekend! One in GR and one at the lakeshore, both beautiful. Makes me wonder how I got to twelve years and three kids already......

Four! Actually, three....

This little guy has one heck of a swing! I photographed a good friend's grandson and he was all over my son's golf clubs! I suspect his daddy may have something to do with that! I absolutely LOVE his big brown eyes. AND, he's going to be a big brother soon! I can't wait for the opportunity to meet his new baby brother, just weeks away.....