Ecclesiastes 3:11a

So much for complaining about the coastal weather!.... Take a look at what I got to enjoy tonight after a family session. This inspired me to sing one of my daughter's favorite hymn "For the beauty of the Earth" all the way home as I thanked God for the beauty he blesses us with daily.
"True, God made everything beautiful"
- The Message; Ecclesiastes 3:11a

Richwine Family

Fun, adventurous, Active, Loving, Examplary, Faithful, Servants. As I sat down to blog about the Richwine family those are the first words that came to mind. Ken is just a hoot. When I first met him, I couldn't tell when he was joking and when he wasn't as he has to tease- and I always buy into his sarcasm. Robin is constantly serving her family and our church. On top of all this is she very active in our small community serving everyone she interacts with. Together they make an amazing team in raising their four children. Together the six have a strong bond that can only come through their commintment to the Lord as he draws them close to one another in his love and grace. I hope I was able to capture that in their family portraits.... thanks Ken and Robin, it was a true privilegde photographing your family!

Little Lucas

I love living on the Oregon Coast. It's an amazing place with beauty all around. However, it has it's downfalls- at least photography wise- when the fog rolls in and you have to cancel a family photo shoot it stinks! I try not to have a bad attitude and be greatful for the beauty around but I also hate having a wonderful family have to cancel plans (after spending much time getting ready in the first place!)
It is in these times that I have to remind myself to keep things in perspective- with all that's going on throughout the world mine is a pretty small problem. Little Lucas was a good reminder of that. Seeing his sweet personality come forth in film was enough to stop my pitty party and remember to embrace life and everyday we are given. As I head out to play with my sweet kiddos, I hope sweet Lucas brings a smile to your morning today!

Leaving a Legacy

I had the opportunity to meet the Basso family via the Internet. I 'met' Marcia first when she contacted me with a vision for a generational shot- her whole family was to traveled from different states into Oregon to enjoy the beautiful Northern Coast line. The 'kids' were celebrating with mom and day their 50th anniversary! It was privilege to share in their memories of this celebration and I trust I was able captured their vision and deep bond..... Basso family, this tribute is for you. For the love you share is so obviously displayed in your everyday encounters. Thank you for being such amazing clients!

Vacation!

As Village Missionaries we find that it is crucial to have a time of rest. A time to recharge and refocus but most importantly to just "be". An extended Sabbath of sorts. This year we attended VM Family camp (beautiful view, no?)
We had a wonderful time of rest with fellow pastors and their families. At the camp we were told that the local game park had baby lions and leopards..... how could we resist? When we arrived at the park the kids just had to pet every animal in sight.....
THIS WAS ONE OF THE FIRST GUYS THE KIDS LOVED ON:
NAOMI TRYING TO KEEP UP WITH THE HERD....

NAOMI SAID THIS GUY WAS SAYING "CHEESE!"

HE WOULD'NT DO IT ON COMMAND THOUGH! =)

I HAD TO WALK AWAY WHEN BOTH THE KIDS WANTED TO CUDDLE THE POSSUM.... YUCK!

WE ALL HELD THE LION CUB ON OUR LAPS!



THIS LINX WAS FIESTY AND KEPT SWATTING PEOPLE!

After camp we headed back home slooooowly and spent the night in Newport. We walked and explored about town, had chinese (even though Josh said it must be a sin to skip on seafood in Newport!), bought some treasures and best of all had quality family time. The kids' highlight was the Oregon Coast Aquarium where they saw all sorts of MARINE LIFE,



WERE SURROUNDED BY SHARKS ON ALL SIDES IN THE 'PASSAGES OF THE DEEP' EXHIBIT,

AND THE BEST PART OF ALL, PETTING SHARKS AND STING RAYS!


My favorite part?
I found a great shooting location! Friends told us to visit the 'pirate cove' near the aquarium. I found some props (but I will save that for another post) and some bright buildings. I was so inspired and bummed that I had left my trusty Nikon at home. I used my husband's point and shoot to take these shots of the kids.
MY HANDSOME SON

MY BEAUTIFUL DAUGHTER

Gallery Wraps bring the art gallery look home!

Gallery Wraps are now available. You can now get the same look as an art gallery in your home with a quality that will last a lifetime. Our gallery prints are printed on quality canvas, wrapped around 1.5" width wooden stretcher frame and arrives ready-to-hang. Gallery wraps bring the art gallery look to your home! Sizes range from 16x20 to 20x30. Be on the lookout for some special prices come September!

Tillamook County Fair

This year I decided to enter a few images into the county fair. I have never entered my work in any sort of 'contest' so all of this was new to me. From trying to narrow my selections to the sick to my stomach type feeling awaiting the judges results. That was the worst as I had to wait an extra day to find out the results since we couldn't make it into the fair until the second day! Overall I was pleased with the experiance. I received a First premium in the professional children's exhibit and a second premium ribbon for my portrait entry.


~First place is Nicole Bishop- Junior Miss Rodeo Oregon 2009
~Second place is Katie Fisher's Senior portrait

Ryan & Sadie

A little bit more of Ryan and Sadie's engagement session: