capturing subtleties

new blog!!!

2010-02-05T22:19:00.002-05:00

Please visit my new blog for new & exciting updates! I will now be posting all new posts there :)

http:/www.capturingsubtleties.com/blog

Thanks all!

maternity leave

2010-01-18T21:36:00.007-05:00

It's a pretty bold statement considering I've seen some pretty great photos in my life, but I have to say that this is my ultimate favorite. :) It's an ultrasound picture of our baby boy - his little mouth and waving to the camera (he better get ready for more cameras!) I'm going to be on "maternity leave" for the next month or so, so don't be surprised if the blog is a little more quiet than normal! The little guy is due to come in the beginning of February so we're taking it easy until he arrives :)

I'm still available for client meetings and bookings and will continuously be working on some things behind the scenes - so this Spring will be full of excitement, new things and of course - photography! :) I also can't wait to introduce you to our new addition when he decides to join us!

the year of 2009 : in squares

2010-01-03T21:41:00.003-05:00

I thought this weekend was a good opportunity to pull together a few of my favorites from 2009. :) What a great year! I've had the opportunity to meet such wonderful people, make new friends and learn (so much) more than I ever thought possible! I remember every single photo session with such happiness - it was incredibly hard to choose the few I did for this montage! If I could (and I actually tried) I would post the longest picture montage you've ever seen (seriously... for some reason blogspot wouldn't take something that long). But, luckily, I was forced to cut it down to a one pager... ;)

Thank you to all for your encouragement through the year. I can't wait for 2010 - more learning (I hope it never stops!), more experiences... and all the new exciting things that are still to come!!!!

merry christmas :)

2009-12-21T22:40:00.003-05:00

I should be baking, wrapping presents, and... well, sleeping? But instead... I'm tromping around outside in the snow with camera in hand - taking in the wonder of winter :)

Wishing everyone a happy, wonderful and magical Christmas :)

morrow christmas card: outtakes

2009-11-29T21:37:00.004-05:00

"Sandy! What do you want to do today?" -Mike
"Oh, I have the BEST idea..." -Sandy

I have a feeling Mike will never dare ask me this question again... as my fantastic idea included taking him, the tripod and the camera - to a local park for our Christmas Card photos in a cornfield/wheat field! To me, of course, this is an extremely normal thought. Yet, to people passing by... or my dear husband... probably not as normal. But I must say, the tripod did a pretty good job being our photographer for the day.

Clearly, my hat did not evoke holiday cheer, but more holiday craziness...

Wait... tripod! I'm not ready!

Now I think Mike is really getting into this whole wreath thing ;)

And yes, I am 6 months pregnant in these photos - to those of you who are wondering... where is that belly coming from!? :)

A pensive shot...

Obviously I wasn't quite aware yet that the hat was making the wrong statement...

The end! One of these will actually be used, so they're not all outtakes... but I'm still deciding which road to take... crazy, silly, or normal. :)

paige: senior pictures

2009-11-17T22:25:00.002-05:00

Last week Sunday, Paige, her mom Kyle and I headed out to Grand Haven to take her senior pictures. And yes - you read right - Grand Haven BEACH in the middle of November! It was a 65 degree day and we definitely took advantage of it! We had such a great time walking around the beach and enjoying the day!

I hope you both enjoy the preview. I had SO much fun hanging out with you both!

Paige is beee-autiful! Even in the first (yes this was our FIRST shot) of the day, I knew we were going to get some great pics :)

I love the "beachy" feel of this next vintagey photo...

Oooo a log - can't pass that up!

Next we headed up to some beach grass... these might be some of my favorites! Look at her blue eyes!!

So, yes... it was 65 degrees outside. But the water? In November? Probably 30 degrees? Okay - maybe 40 degrees - but seriously! Paige was awesome! She climbed right into that water, clothes and all and took some GREAT shots in the water!

She doesn't even look cold! :)

After we dried off and changed clothes, we had a few minutes to grab some extra shots in downtown Grand Rapids!

So pretty :) :)

We had a great afternoon and I'm so glad we took advantage of this WARM November weather! Thanks again to both Paige & Kyle!

colleen+jeremiah

2009-11-12T23:05:00.004-05:00

Meet Colleen & Jeremiah!

This is one of the most unique photo sessions I’ve done yet, so I’m really excited to share them on the blog! Colleen and Jeremiah are such a genuine and creative couple. I met Colleen a few years ago when we worked together - she worked in graphic design and I worked in marketing. I can still remember the fun we had together at work – creating marketing materials especially. I remember us laughing and laughing as we created marketing postcards to advertise (of all things) filing cabinets.

Colleen also introduced me to the love of paper. She honestly helped to inspire my wedding invitations from that paper love when I got married. So, to see her planning HER wedding to Jeremiah is nothing short of amazing! The details and thought that she is putting into the entire wedding process (from invitations to the wedding location) makes me VERY excited to shoot her upcoming wedding this June!

I took a lot of liberty to add some funky details to her engagement photos as I wanted these to suit them as a couple – so be prepared as I really had a lot of fun processing these a little “different” than my normal style!

We started out at her and Jeremiah’s house, where we had fun capturing all the details of their normal activities. Such as… chilling on the couch reading & playing video games. Kyrie (her beautiful cat) wouldn’t cooperate and sit on the couch WITH them, but she certainly posed for a picture!

Their house is beautiful & eclectic. This was my favorite room with the two corduroy chairs and sweet looking rug!

They both have phones to match the exact colors of their wedding. I thought this was so great! We’ll definitely have to incorporate this into the wedding photos somehow!

Who has a CHALKBOARD in their house as a piece of “artwork?” Colleen & Jeremiah do!!! We completely took advantage of this and I think these may be some of my favorite photos!

Onto their kitchen, where I couldn’t pass up this adorable kitchen set… and a little goofy arm wrestling!

Love the rug. LOVE!!!

I also love Jeremiah's inquisitive expression here...

This is right outside their house under the mailbox - and has special meaning to both of them as it was their first “house” creation.

Next we moved onto the wedding location – her parents backyard! They are getting married right before this bridge, so we had to get a few photos of them on the bridge. The trees and atmosphere were amazing even though the trees are bare – I can’t WAIT to see this in the early summer. The pics will be magical!

Another special spot – Colleen’s parent’s front porch, where her and Jeremiah would end their dates! Trying to sneak in a kiss before she sneaks inside the house – I have a feeling was something that happened a lot during their early dating years! 

I may have forced them down this path to a beautiful field to grab a couple of romantic shots (crazy Sandy the photographer – can’t get away from them COMPLETELY – I can’t help it)! Can you tell that this field was also filled with pointy and pricking weeds? We braved through it! The sun was high in the sky which usually doesn’t work in my favor – but for this I think we really made it work.

Onto the Ionia Library for a few more shots… Jeremiah was uber excited to find Superman to read for these next few pictures ;)

Stealing a kiss (and a few laughs) among the shelves of books!

Colleen & Jeremiah - thanks for the great day! I had so much fun and can't WAIT for your wedding! It's going to be amaaaazing!!!

wedding: tiffany & jeremy

2009-11-01T12:27:00.017-05:00

Tiffany and Jeremy were married on October 17th at Hope College. I was Mindy's second shooter and we had a blast! The details of the day were so beautiful, that it was incredibly hard for me to pick just "a few" photos to post (thus the somewhat lengthy blog post)!

We started out the day at the salon in downtown Holland...

I love the details of the salon... very eclectic!

Just a few miles to the beautiful Hope College campus, where the wedding ceremony was. It was a gorgeous day and the chapel was probably one of the most beautiful I've been in...

Tiffany was the most laid back bride I've ever met. She sat patiently waiting for me to take some detail shots of the dress, and about 10 minutes before the ceremony, zipped it on and looked absolutely stunning!

Look at that chapel! Wow...

The weather was chilly, but sunny and beautiful for some great group photographs around Hope's campus...

SO cute :)...

I love catching Mindy in action - trying to get those boys to laugh!

I thought the wedding party looked amazing with all black dresses & punches of red and orange bouquets against Hope's historic buildings. Tiffany & Jeremy did a great job coordinating all the details to make this wedding what it was!

The girls were so much fun. We spent a lot of the time just laughing!

Adorable ballet slippers. I should have asked her where she found them, because I love them!

Looks like a scene from... Romeo & Juliet? Pride & Prejudice? Not sure, but absolutely gorgeous either way :).

Onto the reception... and look at this food! It makes me hungry just posting the pictures :).

They had a live band, which really got the kids up and dancing around!

Love this last shot - so romantic of their first dance together as husband and wife :)!

Thank you, Mindy for asking me to join you with Tiffany & Jeremy's wedding!

fall's serenade

2009-10-29T23:00:00.003-04:00

summer turning into fall is absolutely breathtaking!

family: katie, chris & ella

2009-10-24T16:39:00.014-04:00

Last week I had the opportunity to do a family shoot for my dear friend Katie's family. Katie introduced me to my now husband - twin brother of her husband, Chris!! So to do a photo shoot of her, Chris and Ella was so much fun for me. The colors were beautiful and we had lots of fun playing in the fall foliage. Here are a few of my favorites...

I love how Ella is holding onto both of their hands... so adorable!

We're learning how to walk! Ella just turned one a week ago!

Ella's not 100% sure why I'm standing on a lion statue to take this picture... at least Katie & Chris didn't think I was crazy (at least, they didn't say so)...

Okay, okay... I know guys - this isn't an engagement session - but I couldn't resist! This is one of my favorite photos of the whole day! :)

How do I pick favorites!? Look at how happy they are! SO CUTE!!!

Loving Ella's expression here...

I did NOT pose this! This hand pose is completely natural :) Can you tell they're family?!

We were pushing our luck - almost an hour past eating time, but I had to get a shot of them on their front porch and their amazing house!!

Thank you Katie, Chris & Ella :)

ceremony : danielle & dave

2009-10-15T18:53:00.012-04:00

Last week Saturday, I had the opportunity to help Mindy (from Mindy Leigh Photography) for a few hours with a wedding she was shooting. I came for the ceremony only, and I was so glad to be there! The church was in such a beautiful setting (surrounded by cornfields!) and the ceremony was lovely.

Please, please take a minute to check out Mindy's blog for the entire wedding day - especially for some great portraits of the couple and wedding party!

Here are a few of my favorite images from the ceremony...

Congratulations, Danielle & Dave! You are an amazing couple!!

artprize : grand rapids

2009-09-30T22:04:00.005-04:00

This weekend, Grand Rapids was buzzing with ArtPrize... the entire city was filled with all kinds of amazing artwork from local, national, and international artists. We went downtown on Saturday to check it out. Here are only a few of the many, many pieces of art...

A close up of an amazing canoe mimicking a guitar... it was beautiful.

This was right next to the canoe... beautiful colors.

A popular favorite, Nessie, emerging from the waters of the Grand River. I captured a young girl taking in the sights in a vintage tone.

I was amazed at how crowded it was downtown... I've never seen this many people outside of the museum before.

This "sharing tree" had leaves was made from recycled bottles! We met the artist and he was a great person. Definitely voted for this one! Notice, my mom's favorite part - the tree's face. :)

Ladders as... art? :) I decided to mess with it in Photoshop a little more to make it look even better (or worse, depending on your viewpoint, but that's art for you)!

According to Michelle DeSelms from Fox 17 News... 300,000 votes already! It'll be interesting to see who the winner is!

wedding: annie & eric

2009-09-13T18:14:00.011-04:00

On Saturday, I got the opportunity to second shoot a wonderful wedding with Mindy from Mindy Leigh Photography. What a great experience! I learned so much and had a great time capturing Annie & Eric's special day. Here are a few of the photos that were my favorites!

Beautiful Annie before the wedding...

I got the chance to capture a lot of detail shots. The church was gorgeous!

I think this picture is so sweet - the way Annie is looking at her dad, and the way he's holding onto her hand :)

Look closely... and you'll see Annie & Eric getting married! :)

Alright!!! Married... first kiss :)

While Mindy was taking some great family photos, I captured these two cuties...

Then it was off downtown to grab some post wedding shots!

These two were so adorable, and so in love...

Mindy, in action... I'm so excited to see her photos!

And then it was off to the reception...

Congrats to Annie and Eric! And thanks Mindy, for asking me to second shoot. It was an amazing & beautiful wedding!

a break

2009-08-08T09:38:00.005-04:00

It's been awhile!

We went camping last week... it was so nice and relaxing! I'd love to live in a forest and be just a walk from the beach every day...

capturing subtleties : the website!!!

2009-06-11T20:50:00.008-04:00

An exciting day here at capturing subtleties ... the launch of my website! I've been a little quiet in the past few weeks because I've been diligently working on getting the website up and running.

Visit the website here!

Because I've been such a quiet person lately, I'm going to make it up by announcing an introductory deal! Be on the lookout! :)

on the farm

2009-06-07T00:54:00.004-04:00

I'm busy making updates and as I was looking through all of my photos, stumbled upon this one. I like it.

Look forward to some exciting updates very, very soon :)

a wedding to remember :)

2009-06-02T20:59:00.008-04:00

Today, work was a little different and quite enjoyable.

Here is a preview of our "Little Day" ... an impromptu wedding that we threw for two of our co-workers that are (really) getting married on Friday. We completely surprised them with a wedding, reception and photo shoot. Aren't they lucky? They were great sports throughout the entire "wedding day"...

Mystic Lady

2009-05-31T18:17:00.005-04:00

Mike went out to pick up a plane a week ago or so, and took the camera with him. He came back with some great photos, so I thought I'd post a few. If you ever need a portrait of your plane... looks like he's the man for the job. :)

memorial day weekend

2009-05-27T21:27:00.005-04:00

My husband and I headed up north this weekend to hang out at the cottage with family. It was relaxing and nice to take some photos of family and the nature surrounding us :) ... plus the weather was amazing!

We started the weekend out with a little golfing... well, me taking pictures of Tom, Mike and his mom golfing :) Per her pleading, I did not take any pictures of her golf swing. Although, I think it was pretty good!

Mike didn't want me to take a picture of this ball... he likes Titleist balls better ;)

Back at the cottage, I talked Grandma and Grandpa into a few portraits...

I think Grandpa likes Grandma. :)

Also in great abundance up north... puppies!!! dogs!!! lots of action and lots of fun...

Mona, beautiful Mona.

Tanner came to visit...

With a lot of love from Tom!

And we cannot forget the birds!

Mike, rowing around, while Maggie spent some time cleaning the pond.

I spotted Grandpa coming back from a hike!

Mike and Uncle Mike doing a little fishing :)

Whew... Mia and Mona were tuckered out.

But not Mike... he was trying to get an antenna to work so we could watch the hockey game. The umbrella... didn't work. The golf club... also didn't work. Bummer. Good thing we had wireless internet... that's right. We were really roughing it :)

And... my darling husband took us on a little rowboat ride right before we left... look at how handsome he is with his long hair! He cut it yesterday :).

up north : preview

2009-05-26T22:15:00.005-04:00

A little snippet of Memorial Day weekend. More to come. :)

christin

2009-05-23T10:41:00.006-04:00

Wednesday, a co-worker and I took Christin out for her senior photos. Well, as close to senior as we'll get... she's going to hand out wallets at work of her wonderful senior photos ;) I took these pictures at a beautiful park in Rockford that Christy knew about... it was fabulous! I'll definitely head back to take more photos here!

Look at this girl... she is gorgeous!!!!!

We started out by a pretty stream and bridge...

And we had to get a shot of Tiger. Isn't he adorable? I think he loved this experience WAY more than Christy did... he couldn't stop jumping, running, swimming... lots of fun for a cute dog :)

Who can resist a swirly slide? Not us!!! We had to jump on and have some fun...

A little attire switcheroo, and we're ready for the next few images... love these and the contrast of her black dress against the rocks, and the way the sun is shining on her!

Next, into the beautiful woods we go...

Capturing the dropping sun behind the trees... this is one of my fav's!

Thanks Christy :) You were a fabulous senior model... and I know you'll want to order wallets after this!!

horse love

2009-05-19T22:11:00.008-04:00

Sunday, I had the honor of visiting Chelsea and her horse, Pearl, for a mini photo shoot - and the chance to witness Chelsea getting on Pearl's back for the very first time! Pearl is 5 years old and Chelsea is training her... she's doing a fantastic job, as Pearl is most likely one of the nicest horses I've ever met! I was in heaven...

Isn't she beautiful?

So, first, we have to show the fantastic pictures of Chelsea, riding Pearl, for the very first time! I had a ton of shots and only chose a few, but it was so much fun to watch. Chelsea says that Pearl's walk was somewhat of a "drunken sailor..."

A little play...

A lot of love...

And beautiful fields (fresh for chomping... which was hard to get Pearl to stop doing)!

Thanks, Chelsea! You both are absolutely adorable :) :)

welcome to my new layout!

2009-05-18T22:55:00.008-04:00

It was time for a small upgrade... bigger photos, new watermark... and official launch of capturing subtleties! I'm excited for all of the photos to come and moments to capture :)

cattails

2009-05-16T19:02:00.006-04:00

And, a new watermark test drive. :)

Stay tuned. More changes coming soon!

A downtown portraiture

2009-05-12T21:23:00.009-04:00

Last night, Mindy (of Mindy Leigh photography - check out her work! It's beautiful!) and I took a photographic journey downtown. We were both shooting pictures (I'm sure you'll notice our cameras and camera bags in select photos) and enjoying exploring what downtown has to offer.

Look at her hair blowing in the wind! Gorgeous :) :)

Capturing her... capturing a shot!

So pretty!!!

Trying to work it on the railroad tracks...

We had a blast! I can't wait to do it again! Happy Birthday, by the way, Mindy :)

Alivia Florence

2009-05-09T22:42:00.008-04:00

Today I had the honor of visiting my friend Julie and her beautiful daughter! It was my first time meeting Alivia, and I can't tell you how much of a joy she is. What a gorgeous, loving and happy child! Julie and Alivia together are the cutest... they both have the same mannerisms as far as laughter (they both have this adorable crinkle in their eyes when they smile... so genuine and pretty)!

Here are a few of the images I captured of the two of them. Perfect for Mother's Day tomorrow :)

Look at those little tootsies! Great shot idea, Julie :)

Baby kisses :)

I love, love, love when babies hold onto big people's fingers... so adorable!

Look at the expression in her eyes!

Okay... okay... I couldn't resist. Adorable cat, too!

And who can forget her? She was growling at me, but didn't seem to mind posing for a shot...

These two... so cute!!!

Thanks again, Julie! It was great catching up and I had a blast practicing with you and Alivia!!

the tale of two lenses

2009-05-04T23:10:00.005-04:00

Soooooo excited, because today my hubby and I brought home two lenses to play with. One telephoto and one wide angle makes for a perfect pair. :)

I had to chase this guy around, but here's lookin'' at 200mm...

Mike, holding onto one lens... and me, using another.

Vice versa...

I was really like two feet away from him. I looooove this wide angle!

Sorry. Lens excitement... a little dorky, I know. Can't help it. :)

i know, i know

2009-04-30T22:40:00.006-04:00

How many flowers can a person blog? I can't help it... this Spring weather is bringing me back to life. Everywhere I turn, there's a photo opportunity... how can I resist? I went on a long walk tonight, right after a fresh rainstorm... and found these blooming alongside the road.

Tomorrow is May :) Happy May Day! (didn't that used to be a special day for some reason?)

welcoming spring

2009-04-28T22:44:00.005-04:00

...with open arms. :)

today i was enamored with my shoes.

2009-04-27T21:25:00.005-04:00

to frolic

2009-04-26T23:15:00.005-04:00

frolic : to run and play in a lively way

the great gig in the sky

2009-04-24T21:47:00.005-04:00

I could probably take photographs of the sky every day. It's always changing and ever so beautiful.

I was in my kitchen... I forgot what I was even doing, but I looked out the window and dropped everything. "This HAS to be photographed," I told myself! And off I ran in the middle of the street, capturing the sunlight filtering through the clouds. Reminds me of something my friend Libby told me long ago... those who know her will remember. :)

earth day 2009

2009-04-22T19:58:00.008-04:00

To officially celebrate Earth Day 2009, a group of us from work went on an Earth Day hike to plant some seeds on the trail behind our office! I love Earth Day :)

First planting... this is serious stuff, with a stick as a shovel. I think these seeds were marigold seeds...

The whole group... in the middle of the trail, right before planting some spinach!

And more...

Alright. This was very upsetting to us Earth Day people... WHO is parking their bike in a fire lane?!! At least they rode their bike to work...

Our office is also really in the Earth Day Spirit... generating power from the wind!

Happy Earth Day everyone :)

my sister

2009-04-19T23:14:00.013-04:00

...is beautiful.

(and sometimes, silly...)

cousins in a cornfield

2009-04-13T21:15:00.009-04:00

I hope my family is getting used to me... I've always been weird... but this Easter, I shouted out with excitement as all my cousins arrived at our house "Let's all go take pictures in a cornfield!!!!"

Needless to say, I got a couple of strange looks, but in the end, we all (maybe) enjoyed a trek through the fields of corn (well... corn husks)...

My sister and Terrence in a romantic photo :)

Trying to look vintage...

"Waiting for her to get her tripod set up... what do to, what to do..."

A born model. Strikin' a pose!

Pretend you're from 1862... and holding a corn stalk!!!

Jumping pictures... I need more practice at taking these, but look at Terrence! Some serious air, there!

Hey!! Let's ALL be from 1862... holding cornstalks... STEVE! Stop smiling!

Also, it was Easter, after all... so here are some hot cross buns :) Mmmm...

gasoline

2009-04-07T21:50:00.006-04:00

I found this alongside the road and shot a couple of photographs.

This was my second choice. For my favorite, visit my blip :).

love

2009-04-05T23:01:00.005-04:00

happy anniversary to my wonderful parents.

34 years ... i love them so, so much :)

i am glad

2009-04-04T00:49:00.007-04:00

...that my hot chocolate is supporting a greener future, too.

and that old buildings exist,

and that someone decided to put a super cool bike on their restaurant's sign,

and that doors like THIS exist...

but, most especially I am glad that it's the weekend.

(i still think we should do our work sitting on a grassy lawn...)

sunshiney trees

2009-03-31T06:51:00.004-04:00

welcome, spring

2009-03-26T22:46:00.009-04:00

A walk around my parents backyard always proves to be relaxing, inspiring and photo-worthy.

Look at those little guys... punching right through those fall leaves! Way to go, flowers!

Let the sun shine...

vignette sunshine

2009-03-20T23:23:00.004-04:00

Tonight, I learned how to create a vignette in Photoshop. A small feat, I know, and this photo is a bit over-done - but I'm quite excited. I'm also excited to get back out on that deck and sit in the sun. 60 degree weather, come back!

a sunset portraiture

2009-03-17T21:08:00.007-04:00

This past weekend, Mike and I took advantage of the warm weather and made our way to the beach... the sunset was beautiful!

The fishing must have been pretty good, too!

Look! A fellow crazy photographer team! I just had to capture them.

Poor Mike. I wanted to take some portraits and he was my guinea pig. He's a great husband and a good sport to deal with me and the camera all the time. :)

A skater dude. He caught me taking a picture of him so I ran ;).

Beautiful dock... makes me yearn for the summer. We're almost there!

chicago (part duex)

2009-03-15T01:16:00.006-04:00

Our weekend in Chicago was mainly spent INSIDE due to torrential downpours the whole time... but we were able to get outside during small periods of non-rain and take a few tall building photos!

This was at night, right after the rain had subsided... the fog in the city was amazing. It looked just like Gotham City :)

This is a horrible picture, but I had to show the world what a $14 chocolate order looked like... yes, that's right... $14 for a "sampling" of chocolate. This doesn't include the $17 "wine sampler" ... it sounded like a good idea, until we realized that yes - this was just a piece of chocolate. But, hey, for the record... it was pretty good.

friday the 13th

2009-03-13T22:56:00.002-04:00

What is it about a bus in the mist that seems so spooky?

Either way... Happy Friday the 13th ;)

chicago: part 1 (oak park)

2009-03-11T22:30:00.007-04:00

On our way back from Chicago, Mike and I decided to check out the "Frank Lloyd Wright" district of Oak Park. We went on a little tour and it wound up being the highlight of our road trip. Great, fantastic, and inspiring architecture (and some pretty cool trees)...

This is the Unity Temple...

More Chicago pics to come. :)

Dorks in Chicago

2009-03-10T22:20:00.003-04:00

This is what happens when it rains... a lot. And there's no outside to tour.

Real pictures to come :)

Here Comes The Sun

2009-03-08T00:01:00.003-05:00

On Friday, my friend & sister Katie and I took a nice walk around East Grand Rapids to enjoy the woooonderful weather we were having!

Look at her lens... that's right... 70-200mm!!!

Ella was very much enjoying the sunshine and not noticing her crazy mom/aunt combo taking pictures of EVERYTHING!

Naked statue lady!!!

I am getting braver at taking pictures of people... these two were great camera fodder. Loved the pants, dude. He was cool.

captivation.

2009-03-03T23:01:00.002-05:00

Molly. Jason.

The Bachelor.

Reality TV.

Yes, I'm hooked.

Blowin' In The Wind

2009-03-01T14:33:00.008-05:00

A Saturday photo excursion lead me to a lot of interesting sights...

Horse friends...

Ice fishing...

Cows and corn...

Overgrown apple orchards...

And a very, very dirty car after driving through this mud...

Wealthy Street Bakery

2009-02-25T20:51:00.001-05:00

A Sunday drive

2009-02-22T21:59:00.007-05:00

Today Mike and I got in the car and headed North. This is what we found on our drive today...

The great Sparta airport...

Farms abounding us!

A coffee shop in Rockford for a foamy, creamy hot chocolate (this, taken by Mike)

I would rather vacation in the mountains. Looks like I am in the minority :)

A fisherman along the waterfalls (is it proper to call this a waterfall? it might just be a fish ladder...)

Oh my goodness! Look at my red nose! Do you think it might be cold?

All in all, a lovely and relaxing drive. :) Here's to another work week... I'm glad we have weekends.

The drive home from work...

2009-02-16T18:43:00.003-05:00

Crazy person. In her car. Outside of her car. Taking pictures on a dirt road... watch out, people. Watch out. :)

PJ Hoffmaster State Park

2009-02-15T19:54:00.000-05:00

Where camping every summer equals good times, great campfires, and fantastic s'mores and hobo pies.

(try a pb&j hobo pie, seriously, the best ever)

The trees are white with snow...

2009-02-14T12:50:00.000-05:00

This morning I awoke to a fresh blanket of snow. Lately I have been wishing I could travel to places warmer than Michigan - dreaming of the warm sun on my face. But today, when I went on a photo exploration in my parents backyard, I rethought my wishes. It's beautiful outside... and I think it's too easy to take the seasons for granted where we live.

Tomorrow, I may change my mind due to vitamin deficiencies of sunshine... but today, I'm going to revel in the snowy wonder that is Michigan.

Plus... what is a Valentine's Day without snow?!!! It just wouldn't seem right :)

February beaches

2009-02-12T19:14:00.000-05:00

This weekend we went to check out Lake Michigan and it's frozen tundra!

I come from a family of photographers, obviously. Look at them!!!

My Dad would only come along if he could bring his binoculars... not so sure what he needed them for. My mom appears to be carrying TWO cameras in this picture :)

That man is not standing on solid ground people. It's LAKE MICHIGAN!!!

My lovely sister all dressed for the weather!

No campers yet... it's still a little too cold.

A celebration of 80 years

2009-02-08T21:47:00.000-05:00

This weekend we had a celebratory dinner for Grandma Lou's 80th birthday. I had the honor of taking pictures of the event and enjoyed capturing all of the special moments between family. Here are a few (or more) images from our dinner at Mangiamo's!

The lady of the hour... Lou Morrow! Look at her beautiful smile :)

Grandpa is very good at giving toasts...

Ella was ready for dinner... look at that drool! :)

The dinner menu was fantastic!

My fellow camera friend!!!

Annie is a fantastic pianist!!

Trees

2009-02-01T20:24:00.000-05:00

Pretty, pretty colors!

Yesterdog

2009-01-25T10:42:00.000-05:00

The best hot dog in Grand Rapids!

Mike, enjoying the ambiance of Yesterdog.

Yum...

(Mike took this picture of me)

Mona

2009-01-24T12:44:00.000-05:00

Meet my new niece!