sara.

I wish I could say I took this picture. If I had, I would have been with my mom and one of her best friend's in the early 70's on a road trip from Evansville, Indiana to Great Falls, Montana. As she wrote on the back of one of the pictures, "camping along the way, deciding where as we went in my '65 Chevy Impala."  :)

I found this picture, along with a few others in a box my mom sent me after my recent move to Colorado. I'd seen most of the pictures before, but I didn't remember this one, and it struck me. There was something about the light, the look on her face, the mountains, and her free spirit that spoke to me. She's about my age in this picture, routing out her own path of discovery and drinking it in.

I immediately pinned it to my bulletin board right next to my computer and can't help but glance at it every day. It reminds me how young I am, how life is an adventure, and to be myself and enjoy it.

She's beautiful, courageous, and smart. I think we would of been best of friends in the 70's, cause we're best of friends now.

Happy Birthday Mom.

Simon.

I've learned in the last couple of months, that it's hard sometimes when you're trying to be a professional photographer, and so is your boyfriend. Especially under tough circumstances. Like paying rent and school loans, supporting excessive eating habits, working two-three jobs, adapting to living in a new city, etc. Tensions can get high. And that is why this blog post isn't entirely about our good friends Amy, Jeremy and their little baby bump, Simon. It's really dedicated to Chad. He was supposed to take these pictures, not me. But due to working jobs that have nothing to do with our photography, he couldn't. And, due to the goodness of his unselfish heart, he gave the job to me. And I am so grateful.

I don't really know very many people in Durango yet, but I'm glad that of the few I do know, Amy and Jeremy are two of them. I went to their home to photograph maternity pictures, not really knowing what to expect. I thought we'd do a few personal, intimate shots in the house and then venture outdoors to a more naturalistic location. We are after all, in beautiful Colorado. Not to mention the two of them are the type to usually be found outside biking, running, climbing, camping, etc. It only made sense. It's a funny thing though. I was there a little over two hours and not once did we leave their house. 

Sometimes, when I photograph...okay...every time I photograph I get caught up in the moment and before I know it the shoot is over. It was no exception with these guys. I found myself enjoying the personal challenge of finding ways to use the house as a backdrop. Their home. It is after all where you collect yourself at night together. It's where you can be you, be messy. And where the baby will spend so many of his first years. I even broke out my flash (which I almost NEVER do) and combined it with a lot of natural light by bouncing it. I needed to be behind my camera again. I needed the challenge. And I needed the laughs. Thanks Jeremy :)

The mural in the nursery was absolutely beautiful...

enjoy!

Special thanks to Daisy and Gus (dogs.) They were excellent troopers. Oh and sorry for the excessive amount of photos. I had a hard time picking out my favorites. These are only a handful. I decided that if I'm ever pregnant, I want to look as cute as Amy...

Thanks for stopping by! Hope you're having a great weekend :)

my spring coat.

I woke up Monday morning and it was snowing. It's late April. It doesn't snow in April where I'm from. I guess that was nature's way of saying, "Welcome to the west."

Either way it was beautiful. Huge, wet clumps of heavy snow. Adorned in my winter boots, pea coat, mittens, and camera- I went exploring. I figured it was maybe the last chance I'd get to wear my favorite plaid thrift store coat and furry suede boots that i waited years to finally let myself buy. But then again, I do live in Colorado now. Maybe I won't tuck them away just yet...

enjoy.

magical.