The day after Christmas, I skipped out on the monumental task of cleaning the tornado of paper and boxes and bows, happily leaving it to my minions, and instead spent the most fantastic morning with Kay and her mom, who came down from Canada for the holidays.  I worked with Kay in another lifetime and we’ve stayed connected through my work and life changes, so I was over the moon when she asked if I would come photograph the two of them.

And not only did I come away with images of two beautiful women…and Cleo the cat…I also had the pleasure of documenting some most delicious dumpling making, something they enjoyed doing together when Kay was a wee lass up north.

So to Kay and her mom and all of the other beautiful souls I’ve had the honor of photographing over this past year, I’ve run out of words to express my gratitude for your support that has enabled this dream of mine to thrive.  From the bottom of my Bend-bound toes to the top of my parka-covered head, I want to thank you + wish you all a Happy New Year!

And now for some photos of two people I adore.  And Cleo.

Julie contacted me by way of another photographer, Stu Mullenberg, an a-mazing commercial photographer I had the honor of working with this summer.  *I am ohsograteful for the generous and supportive nature of Portland photographers!  So I spent a wonderful morning with these two beauties, in the company of many Disney Princesses and Princess dresses, enjoyed a tea party hosted by Miss Addison, then a very un-princess, but equally fun, run around their neighborhood park.

Did I happen to mention I love my job? What’s that you say?  Oh.  Well, it bears repeating.

Until last weekend, the only family photographs that included me were those of the “self portrait” variety.  You know, the ones that involve turning the camera on yourself and stretching your arm out as far as it will reach and hitting the shutter button.  To begin with, like a lot of photographers I know, I’m not a huge fan of photos of myself (yes, I get the irony)…and these really don’t lead to the most flattering of images.  So for the sake of any future generations who may wonder if my children were raised by a camera instead of a mother, I have our dear friend and insanely talented, creative photographer Michael Schmitt to thank.

And because I know that my style of photography isn’t the right style for every family, I’m very happy to support my friend and fellow lover of all things camera related in spreading the word about the “Portrait Experience” he’s hosting this weekend in his Pearl District studio.   Follow the link to his blog for more details.