Camerasutra

I always have grand plans for Halloween, but my follow through is where I fall short.  Once again this year I had great ideas for costumes, but ended up going as Jess’s grandmother in her Christmas sweater.  Jess went as Sarah Palin in the other Christmas sweater.  “Going Rogue” is better than not going at all.  The Hoskins threw their annual Halloween party again this year.  Everything was going well until I saw my neighbor Jeff in a Wonder Woman outfit.  That costume was not meant for pronounced package.  Washing my eyeballs was not an option…I am scarred for life.  Our teenage neighbor Samantha won my award for best costume.  She sewed her own Pippy Longstocking costume.  My neighbor Anna won the “Best Harry Potter” award.

After the party we headed over to Eli and Juliana’s for drinks and board games.  It is where all those who didn’t costume could go for refuge.  Happy Halloween everyone!

Each year Jess’s school gives the teachers tickets to a CU Football game as a way to say, “sorry we can’t pay you more, but please enjoy the game”.  This year we met up with her co-teacher Laura and her husband Dave for dinner beforehand.  Dave and Laura met their freshman year at CU years ago.  We were also joined by our neighbor Katie, her husband Steve, Ronnie and Anne.  Katie teaches at the same school as Jess too.  They carpool.  You’re welcome environment…

Greg knew full well that Kristen hates surprises.  So, I was surprised when he invited Jess and I to her “surprise party”.  Throughout dinner she thought her 30th would be celebrated in the intimate company of her mother, her husband and the winner of last season’s Top Chef competition.  Meanwhile Jess, Eli and I were huddled up in their kitchen waiting patiently to wish her a happy birthday.  Upon her arrival, we jumped up with our newly acquired beer/wine-induced buzzes and yelled something to the effect of “SURPRISE”.  My camera was also their to catch the night’s events in its full glory.

If I had a dollar for all the dollars I’ve spent on camera equipment in my life, I’d have alot of dollars.  I’ve always wanted to do “more” with my photography, but have always been a bit intimidated at the idea.  Its easy for me to snap a shot of whatever happens to appear in front of my lens, but a much scarier prospect of having to create those situations with more intention.

My friends Mike and Ashley were very kind to me when I first moved to Colorado.  They opened up their home and let me stay for several weeks while I got my bearings and figured out what I was going to do.  During that time they filled me up with amazing food, tasty beer and friendly conversation.  During times of tremendous change, it is always nice to have some roots.

Recently they gave birth to their first child.  As a Thank You, I tucked away my fears of failure and toted my camera gear down to Denver for my first ever newborn photo session.  Their beautiful son was an amazing subject.  There are few things as miraculous as a newborn baby.  I was honored to be able to capture this moment in little Jesse’s life.

Winter continues to make its presence known….often in the form of snow and extreme cold.  Sadie loves it.  We tolerate it.  I am excited for peak ski season though…

Goodbye Summer….Fall, I always wish you could stay longer….hello Winter….sorry we’re unprepared.  We did not expect to see so early.

Fall is so beautiful here in Colorado, but it is also here and gone in the blink of an eye.  The leaves go from green to gold to gone in about a week.  I’ve been fortunate enough to get into the mountains for the past several years to walk (bike) amongst the Aspens.  Sometimes though in my rush to get to the high country, I forgot how amazing they can be down here in the foothills.  This morning Ruby, Sadie and I walked over to Wonderland Lake to remind ourselves of that.  Thanks Sadie and Ruby for suggesting it.