Sister Sydney's Graduation

You may remember a few months ago when I wrote this post about my once little sister all grown up. Well, it finally happened. About a month ago she walked across that rickety old stage and graduated from college. It is the first time in our lives that her and I have had the same education level. ...and soon she will surpass me. Curse myself for wanting to change career paths!

Anyway, we all convened to celebrate my sister and her smarts for the whole weekend of graduation. Since for the last year or so I tend to have my camera with me at a lot of events for other people, I find myself wanting to be in the moment instead of taking pictures at my own family events; however, I tried to bring it with me a few different places that weekend. Good times to remember in the future I suppose.

The night before graduation we all met up for a casual dinner at a great local restaurant. If you are in the Spokane area, I highly recommend the Casper Fry. Good food, good atmosphere, and some good company.

My sister's Godfather, Tom, drove into town to celebrate with us. It was so great to have him there and spend some time with him because I really haven't seen him since I was in high school (almost ten years ago). It always makes me a little nostalgic to see people that I used to see fairly often when I was younger. Is this what it feels like to be a grown up?!

And of course the rents made it to town to celebrate as well.

Nabil (my hubby) and his mom (who was in town to visit while we were waiting for my sister-in-law to have her baby ...more on that later) also made the trip to celebrate. It was a pretty epic weekend of family and fun.

The next day we piddled around downtown. We hit up Madeline's (of course) and soon after Sydney kicked my butt running along the waterfront path. Man am I out of shape. Ugh! After I scraped myself off the pavement it was about that time.

No one tripped or fell off the stage and they had great speakers. If I had the program sitting next to me, I would tell you some names. I know one of them was a state representative.... If I can find that program, I'll update the post with some names.

And when the name calling started to drag on a little long, Syd and I texted one another so I could get a very classic thumbs up pic. Nailed it!

These came out a little blurry (my fault for not bringing the good lens), but I love it because I used some big sister peer pressure to convince her to turn around and hold up her diploma after she shook the President of the University's hand. What else are texting and big sisters for if not to provoke and prode the youngsters.

And just look at that pretty face. It's official!

At Syd's school, each of the students decorated their own cap. They can do whatever they want. We saw music notes, spray paint, nursing symbols, etc. Sky is the limit. Syd chose to write a quote from one of my very faves (Man in the Mirror). I mean who doesn't love a little MJ!? And there is a little heart around Tanzania since she spent a semester studying abroad there and will probably go back as part of her grad school program. She also got a lea from one of her friends from Hawaii. They both really help to complete the ensemble, don't ya think?

I knew it, right when you saw that picture (above) you thought "wait, what?! Courtney is being serious in a picture with Syd?!" Don't worry, that quickly faded away. I just can't help myself, silly pictures are so much more fun.

It's official!!!

Congrats Syd! Nabil and I couldn't be anymore proud and excited for you! You have done some amazing things already, and we can't wait to see where your journey takes you next. Love you!!!

Until next time...

Baby Brandski Has Arrived

You may recall, a few months ago when I took maternity photos for the "Brandskis" (If not, this link will jog your memory). The name is in quotes because it's a mix of their two last names. A little Brangelina if you will.

In April, little baby Brandski (Will) was welcomed into the world. Such a handsome boy. I took these photos when Will was just 4 and half weeks old.

I always love these photos of baby in their crib, because they grow so fast, it's fun to see how small they used to be.

And I LOVE LOVE LOVE these of mama and baby. Laurie made such a beautiful pregnant woman, and what and incredible mom she has morphed into. Seriously, she's a natural.

Will has the best room for a nursery. There's a great door that leads onto a big balcony. Perfect for opening the door and rocking baby boy to sleep with a nice breeze ...and some rockin' gospel on Sunday mornings.

One of the great things about doing photography with newborns is that they don't tend to care or even notice a camera in their face. On the flip side, as a photographer, we are at the mercy of the baby. ...but, that sometimes leads to some of my favorite photos.

I've noticed that dads tend to be very nervous the first few weeks of being a dad (understandably so), but it was amazing to watch Mike rock and soothe a cranky Will. He definitely had the magic, calming touch.

Trying so hard not fall asleep.

During the maternity shoot, we took some shots in front of a great window in mom and dad's room.  We wanted to get something similar with little William. It's hard to believe a full baby was in that tummy just a few weeks before.

Thanks again Mike and Laurie (and Will) for bringing me in to capture such a momentous occasion. You have a BEAUTIFUL family, and I can't wait to see how it keeps growing in the years to come.

Until next time...

10 on 10 - June

What the heck does 10 on 10 mean?! It's fun, it's exciting, and it's never been done before!! I'm just kidding, I'm certain that I was not the first to think of this, but 10 on 10 is a new project of mine.

Remember back when I first started this blog and I used to post nothing but fun weekend pictures? Well, ever since I have been doing photos professionally, I've barely had time to take photos of my own life and my family. Don't get me wrong, I'm not complaining, I LOVE taking pictures for everyone else, but when I do a Christmas time recap, I miss seeing all the photos of stuff we did throughout the year. Enter 10 on 10.

On the 10th of every month, I will be posting 10 photos of one day that month. It could be anything: BBQ with friends, visiting family, making dinner, etc. The only rule is it can only be 10 photos, all ten photos should be taken the same day, and they'll be posted on the 10th. Okay that's three rules, but you get the idea. This will force me to take photos of my own life and also give you all a little glimpse into the life of me. :)

That's not even this best part... There will also be other photographers participating from around the country! This month it is just myself (setting the example), but next month, I will link to a few other photographers that are also participating in 10 on 10, and I highly encourage you all to check them out because they are all fantastic photogs.

Okay, enough blabbing and let's get to the 10 photos. The day I chose this month was just a regular weekend day around our house. It started out with a little yard work. If you've seen our yard you know that we could very easily spend all day, every weekend out here and still have work to do. Slowly but surely though, it's getting better.

And if you are doing yard work at our house, you are probably simultaneously throwing a ball. It's an acquired skill.

...but it often leads to this. A tired dog is a good dog!

Later in the afternoon, Nabil and I had some family in town to visit (more on this later). Please excuse my husbands very dirty shoes...

In the evening, I met up with another photographer from Portland, Sara Adams. We scouted a few locations for future shoots just north of Portland and also took some headshots of one another (also, more to come on this later).

The best part of the evening was the view at the end. Man, I love Oregon!

It was a pretty average weekend day in my world, but I absolutely love these kind of days. Family, home projects, and photography. What could be better?!

So that was the first 10 on 10. I hope you all enjoyed. Come back on by next month on the 10 to get the links to some spectacular photographers around the country.

Until next time...

Ahna and Jeff's Engagement Photos

Guess what?! Two of my very good friends are going to be getting hitched this fall! Guess what else?! They asked me to photograph their wedding!!! I can't even tell you how excited I am to be able to be a part of their big day.

A few weeks ago we had a great engagement shoot at a few locations around town. I love hanging out with these two in the first place, but put a camera in my hand at the same time, and I'm in heaven. The best part about the whole shoot was that I didn't really have to tell them what to do. They are so lovey-dovey and excited for the upcoming nuptuals (...and nervous about the big glass eye staring at them watching their every move) that they just got into place and started giggling. You know me, I'm a sucker for giggley, lovey pictures.

We then left the forest and headed to a small neighborhood park in Beaverton. It's funny because Ahna and Jeff put an off and house and it was accepted the week after this shoot. Their new house is only a few blocks from this park! I didn't even plan that. It's like it was meant to be. Now they will get to stroll through their beautiful neighborhood park on summer nights and reminisce about their super fun engagement shoot. 

I realize that these two look very romantic, but one of my very favorite things about them is their sense of humor. This is Jeff's seductive face. ...and this is Ahna not able to control her laughter.

And then Jeff threw her overboard.

Luckily she dried out fast. ;)

When we thought that we had wrapped up the shoot, we found a beautiful clover field. We couldn't help ourselves. There were bees all up in there, but these kids weren't afraid, and it was worth it in the end. ...and there were no casualties.

A little side note, I've started to add make-up and hair to all of my engagement photoshoots. Make-up and hair (for Ahna) for this shoot was done by Julie Senders.

Until next time...