Wednesday, October 2, 2013

Summer trip to the Pacific Northwest

I had such a fun summer - how can it be over already? We had a couple of great family vacations. Usually I don't haul my "big camera" with me on vacation, but this time since I was also doing wedding photography, I had the pleasure of lugging 20 lbs of camera and lenses around. And since I had it, I also had some fun doing photography projects along the way. Unfortunately I am very inconsistent in my personal photography... there were boys along on our trip, but they hardly showed up in any pictures. :) (They were not very interested and I didn't want to press unwilling models into service!)

We spent a couple of perfect days on Orcas  Island with family. We loved it! We kinda want to move there - they get a lot less rain than the rest of the area. It's not practical though, especially with the whole no job there thing. :) But it was beautiful!

This one is always happy to pose for pictures. Run through the grass? Okay!
Professional artistic photo of pretty little girl in nature Albuquerque

It's a small island, but we had no problem finding fresh fish sold out of someone's shed/barn. Some of the cousins were brave enough to try oysters.
Professional photo of teen boy having fun Albuquerque

Professional artistic photo of pretty tween girls Albuquerque

Professional artistic photo of pretty tween girls Albuquerque

Cousins that wish they could spend more time together! I can't believe how big they are getting.
Professional artistic photo of pretty tween girls Albuquerque

The view from Mount Constitution was INCREDIBLE. It was pretty clear - not quite clear enough to see all the way to Mt. Rainier, but close.
Professional landscape photo of Mt. Baker from Mt. Constitution

We ran up & down these stairs a lot of times. So cool!
Professional landscape photo of Mt. Constitution

And here's Mount Baker. We used to have a view (of the other side) from our front window growing up.
Professional landscape photo of Mt. Baker from Mt. Constitution

My in-laws live in sort of paradise (if you are okay without too much sun). They have an amazing yard, lots of room, and my mother in law is such a great gardener. As a photographer I wish I could use their yard every day! So beautiful. The kids loved the grassy hill. :)
Professional photo of kids having fun - lifestyle photography Albuquerque

Professional photo of kids having fun - lifestyle photography Albuquerque

What a sunrise! It made an early morning drive a little easier!
Professional photo of a beautiful sunrise

Grandma helped the girls dress up and we used a corner of her yard for some pretty pictures.
Professional artistic photo of pretty girls with antique style Albuquerque

The girls especially loved Grandma's hats!
Professional artistic photo of pretty tween girl Albuquerque

Professional artistic photo of pretty girls with antique style Albuquerque

Professional artistic photo of pretty girl in nature Albuquerque

She wanted the serious face because it's more old-fashioned that way. I guess she is right, right?
Professional artistic photo of pretty girl with antique style Albuquerque

Professional artistic photo of pretty girl with antique style Albuquerque

Professional artistic photo of pretty girl in nature Albuquerque

Definitely my most enthusiastic model! She was so happy.
Professional artistic photo of pretty girl in nature Albuquerque

Professional artistic photo of pretty girl with antique style Albuquerque

It was also the 4th of July and I really love fireworks pictures! Sparklers were especially fun.
Professional photo of kids having fun with fireworks Albuquerque

A little Harry Potter action.
Professional photo of kids having fun with fireworks Albuquerque

Writing her name in sparks. Nice that she is not afraid of them this year!
Professional photo of kids having fun with fireworks Albuquerque

Professional photo of kids having fun with fireworks Albuquerque

Professional photo of kids having fun with fireworks Albuquerque

Professional photo of kids having fun with fireworks Albuquerque