10 on 10 - September

Another month has come and gone which means it's time for another 10 on 10 post! This last month has been so crazy busy. While we weren't working, we built our own paver patio, tore off half of our roof (before it was re-shingled), and had family on both sides come and visit.

A few weeks ago my sister and step-dad (aka Pops) came out to visit. They were put to work tearing off shingles and tarp paper from the roof, but we also had a chance to take a mini trip to Southern Oregon. Nabil and I have lived in Oregon for the last nine years (wowie, it's gone fast) and up until now, have never been to Crater Lake. It's been on the list of places to visit for a long time, but you know, life gets busy and the list just keeps getting longer. But no more!

Well worth the long drive, and hopefully we will be able to go back again for a longer visit.

Now, go ahead and treat yo self to some more eye candy from all the other photogs participating in 10 on 10. They're coming from all over the country, so you know you're bound to get some good treats.

Anya Elise Photography

Grace Photography

CLB Creative

Twinty Photography
Jamilah Photography

Until next time...

Make A Wish Fundraiser Event

Last week, well, I guess two weeks ago now (darn me for too much working and not enough posting), I had the opportunity to photograph a Make A Wish fundraiser event. Can I first just say that Make A Wish is the best non-profit. I mean there are a lot of great organizations, but I love that Make A Wish focuses on giving the opportunity for kids to just live, to be a regular kid, and to forget about any medical conditions for a while.

During the event, Make A Wish announced that Geanna (pictured second from the right below) and her family would be given the opportunity to go on a trip to Hershey Park in Hershey, PA. Can't you just imagine all that chocolate?!? It's going to be a-mazing!

What an amazing girl and an incredibly strong and supportive family. Her dad is in the back scoping out the candy-YUMMY!

Deb Knapp is one of the anchors for local news stations. She is very active with the Make A Wish foundation in Oregon and was there to speak and show her support.

The man below was one of my favorite speakers at the event. His son was the first kid in Oregon to get his wish granted! While he would have much preferred his son to choose going to Hawaii with the family (admittedly so), his son decided he wanted to meet Erik Estrada from the hit television show CHiPS. (insert audience giggle).

The next speaker had an amazing story, as well. She is a cancer survivor (twice) and she was granted a wish when she was younger. She wished for a horse. She loved and rode her horse and ended up surviving cancer. All grown up, she decided to hike from one end of Spain to the other. On her trip, she met her (now) husband, and they recently had a beautiful baby. In her speech she said she holds Make A Wish personably responsible for giving her the strength to push past her disease and survive. It's incredible what a few days of freedom (i.e. being able to ride your new horse) can do for the soul.

Also, remember my good friend Andrew? I took photos of him and his wife when they were pregnant and then again when baby Gracie was born. His sister was a Make-A-Wish kid. She actually did wish for a trip to Hawaii for their family. Unfortunately, his sister passed away a few years back, but Andrew still donates so much time and resources to the organization. He even planned and raised enough money this year to pass on a wish to another wish kid. It is truly astounding how community members contribute to this organization!

Below is Geanna up on stage when they announced her wish was being granted. You can see her excitement through her lit up face. Such a sweet girl!

A celebratory chocolate vase. 

Here's some behind the scenes action of the staff hard at work. I went to school with Jessica (far left). :)

At the end of the event, they brought many of the people up on stage who are actively involved in helping these wishes come true. Alaskan Airlines has played a huge part in flying families all over the country.

This group of people who attended the event came from all over the country. They are responsible for starting the entire Make a Wish organization by granting the first wish in Arizona.

And that's about it. It was a great event. It went incredibly smooth and I had such a great time hearing the stories and meeting everyone involved. Thanks again Make A Wish. Keep up the good work.

Until next time...

Happily Ever After

A few weeks ago I had the opportunity to do a family photoshoot for a few friends. Nabil and I went to college with both Danny and Erin, and now they have been married for just over two years. I really like shooting engagement photos, but it was a good change of pace to shoot a couple that has been married for a little while. For one, they laughed harder at my (at times slightly inappropriate) marriage jokes. Instead of a "haha, we have to laugh at this but I really don't think it's that funny", I got more of a "HAHA, isn't that the truth"! Needless to say, we all had a good time traipsing about in the chilly, fall weather.

Becuase we are in Oregon, the winter weather is completely unpridictable. The first day that I met up with Danny and Erin it was cold, rainy, and muddy. They were troopers though and we all headed out to brave the weather. ...with a cute clear umbrella for some protection.

We got some great photos, but I wanted to come back when the weather was dry (or at least, not raining) so that we could have a little easier time milling around. So, I came back the next weekend and we got a few more.

I love this area where Danny and Erin live. I mean, you really can't beat that view. ...and those gorgeous, fall colors!

And where else can you find stacks or wine barrels that are being actively used for fermentation?! ...not to mention the cute couple standing in front of them. I love this sequence. Two years in the bag, and still giving cute little Eskimo kisses. ...I hope that term is still PC. :)

Thanks so much Danny and Erin for letting me photograph you and the pups. I had such a great time in such a gorgeous area.

Until next time...

SSSSenior 2013

It's a funny thing being around a high school senior again. All that life advise that I've built up over the last 8 years just comes pouring out. Like word vomit. Must be something about being on the brink of starting such a big (and awesome) next stage of life. Alyssa was this week's poor victim.

No but really, Alyssa was so great, and I tried to keep my words of wisdom to myself. I remember being at that time in my life when the world seems to be right at your fingertips. It's such a unique and exciting time in everyone's life. It's exciting to watch too. See that little twinkle in her eyes.

It wouldn't be a 2013 senior photoshoot without some super cute Tom's

Such a beautiful girl!

Such a great day! Thanks Alyssa for romping around Salmon Creek Park with me. You were a great model, and I'm so excited to see where the next stage of your life takes you!

Until next time.