Alek, Kati & little Phillip November 27, 2008

 

Just check out this gorgeous family!!  We got lucky and had yet another rain-free fall day last weekend.  Kati really wanted a holiday feel, and the Redmond Town Center just competed their Christmas decorations.

 Their goal was to capture a shot for their annual Christmas card, but I think we achieved so much more!  We got some beautiful individual portraits, and I got Phillip in a full-bellied laugh.  I met this family first while working with them at little gym in Bellevue for Phillip’s birthday party, and I am so glad I got the opportunity to photograph the entire family!  Happy Holidays, and your pictures will be ready for review in a few short days on Pictage.com!

Gratitude Journal Entry November 24, 2008

Sometimes, it is hard to be grateful for something that is also painful.  I hear breast cancer survivors for example, say that they are thankful for the cancer because it caused them to look at life in a whole new way.  Or people who lose their jobs, only to find that the next job they got was far more fulfilling.

This gratitude journal, has made me think on a weekly basis, of something that I have been overlooking.  It has made me be positive, every single week, about things in my life.  Today, I want to talk briefly about my grandfather.

His name was Larry Johnson, although most that knew him called him LJ.  He was an amazing gracious, kind, generous, talented, smart, caring, romantic man.  I had the pleasure of having him in my life until a year and a half ago.  He became much more like a father than a grandfather to me.  He taught me how to play the sax when I was in fifth grade, and I continued on through high school playing in the concert, marching, and jazz bands.  He was a music teacher at my high school until my teacher took over (also a past student), and his love of music touched hundreds and hundreds of lives.

I miss him more than words can express.  But I am grateful that I got to know him, and he got to know me.  I am grateful for every memory that we made together, and as a family.  I am grateful for the space in my heart that he will always remain.

If your heart is moved, please share a story about something difficult in your life that is truly a blessing.  By sharing, you continue to heal, and may help someone along in their healing journey.

Kelly, Josh, Jake and Ryan November 20, 2008

I got the chance to work with Kelly and Josh’s family for the first time this past weekend.  Kelly and I counted our blessings many times over for the beautiful, rain-free not too chilly fall day.  Due to the recent flooding we decided not to head down near the river where I usually like to go in Snoqualmie.  Instead, we stayed up near the tracks, and used the gorgeous little train depot and surrounding area.  Kelly and Josh’s two boys were absolutely adorable!  They were talkative, friendly, and the whole family did a great job!  Your pics will be up on Pictage in the next few days, and I look forward to seeing which are your favorites!

Boudoir Party November 18, 2008

It is official:  the boudoir party was an absolute success!  I had four brave women all ready to bare a little, and in some cases a little more… all in good taste and good humor.  What began as gifts for husbands/significant others, turned into gifts for the women themselves.  I’ve even posted a few pics on my site under boudoir just to give you an idea of what to expect.  The group of four was great, but afterwards one of the ladies mentioned that she really wished she had had a close friend as well to help cheer her on.  It turned into a really fun bonding experience for all of us, and I can see how she missed out on sharing that with someone close to her.  “The ladies left feeling empowered and beautiful.”  I think a boudoir part would be a great way to kick off a bachelorette party, or of course just a really fun way to bond with a few close girlfriends while creating the gift of a lifetime for your man.  Let me tell you… there are going to be some very big smiles come Christmas!!!!  Please contact me if you would like more info on this very fun, new addition to Summer Dawn Photography!!  www.summerdawnphotography.com

Today I am grateful for… November 18, 2008

Today I am grateful that I had a mini revelation.  I have been a bit of a Negative Nellie!  I have been feeling a little worn out and down about my business, but just last weekend I had one of those famed “aha” moments.  I have been working on a consistent basis, I am moving my business in the direction I want it to go in, I am learning and growing both as a business owner and as a photographer… ALL GOOD THINGS! 

And yet, when people ask how the business is going, lately I’ve been saying, “oh, you know, okay.”  What was I thinking??? 

What are you missing out on in your life?  What are you ho humming about that you could turn into a more positive response?  Think about how you respond to questions about your life/marriage/job/health and find the most positive outlook before the words come falling out of your mouth.  You change how you think, and that changes how you act, feel, and look.  Start on the inside and watch as the outside just gets better.

Boudoir Shoot November 13, 2008

I am so very excited for the three (maybe four if we can talk her into it, you know who you are!) women who will be joining me on Sunday for a boudoir Photo Shoot.  I am not sure yet if I will be able to post any here, although they will all be in good taste, they are a very private matter and we’ll just have to see how everyone feels once they are done.  Plus these are surprises for their significant others, and I wouldn’t want to ruin anything. 

I’ll have mimosas ready to go, and we have someone coming to assist with makeup and hair as well.  I am very excited to be a part of such a personal experience.  I’m looking forward to working with some new techniques, and subjects who can sit really still    Women of all ages and sizes should take the opportunity to feel and look sexy.  And could there be a better gift for your husband/significant other?

Ladies: I’m putting together a fun package for small groups, three minimum and probably 5 max.  Leave your inhibitions at home, and be ready to look glamorous!  Two “looks” (two outfits/makeup changes) and lots of giggles a must!  Please let me know if you are interested in booking a boudoir party.  I’ll post again after Sunday to let you know how great I’m sure it will go!

Facebook Anyone?? November 12, 2008

So I recently insisted that Ellie join Facebook after a few of her old co-workers asked her to join in order to keep in touch better.  I told her that she should really try to keep up with the times, and advances in technology, etc. etc. etc.  So what does she do?  She joins!

Then she makes me join.  “But I already blog!” I protested.  “Too bad.  If I’m doing it, so are you.”

Day two of facebooking, and I have to admit it is pretty neat.  The network of people who are friends of friends etc. is really neat.  You can look at someone’s profile, or wall I think it is called, and see what they are up to.  You can either write something to them or not, but without too much effort you can get a sneak peek into their lives.  I have a few relatives on, and I’ve even gotten back in touch with a few old classmates.  I will make sure that I don’t go on more than once or twice a day, because I can see how easy it would be to get sucked in and sit on line for hours at a time.  If you are thinking about it, give it a try.  What do you have to lose?

Thankful to be a proud American November 11, 2008

My weekly gratitude journals are proving to be really good for me.  Although I haven’t quite done them every Sunday like I planned, I have been getting them done early in the week, and for that I give myself a pat on the back!

This week, I am most proud and thankful that I took part in the Presidential Election of 2008.  What an amazing historical event!  I got goosebumps watching the numbers come in last Tuesday, and I admit to getting teary when President Elect Obama stepped out on that stage to give his acceptance speech.  Let me also say how proud I am of Mr. McCain for giving the most gracious concession speech I have ever heard.  He has dedicated his life in so many ways to our country, and although I didn’t vote for him, I am proud that he is on “our” team.  History was made on Tuesday, and I am so grateful that our country was able to pull together, come out and vote, and make a difference.  I am excited to see all the change coming our way, and although I think we all know the economy hasn’t quite hit bottom yet, I think we all have a renewed sense of hope.  I know I do.

How has this election brought you hope?  What has it made you grateful for?

Seattle Bride Magazine Spring 09′ November 7, 2008

Take your first look at Summer Dawn Photography’s ad that will appear in the Seattle Bride Magazine’s spring 09′ issue!  This ad features Elizabeth and Dane, a wonderful couple I had the privilege to work with last year.  They had a beautiful reception at the Snoqualmie Golf Course TPC and I got this shot right as they arrived.  If I remember correctly Elizabeth had a little stumble and she and Dane just cracked up.  It was really cute.  Hopefully potential brides will see the emotion come through in the shot.  I’m really happy with it!

Also, a BIG congratulations is going out to Chanel and John, who have been chosen by Seattle Bride as a featured couple.  I won’t know which image the magazine has chosen until the issue comes out, so it will be a surprise for everyone.  Their image and story will appear in what is often called “Local Weddings of Note.”  Chanel and John had a phone interview after I submitted a collection of their images along with their story in their own words a few months ago.  The magazine receives dozens and dozens, maybe even hundreds of submissions so it is very exciting for both of us that they are being featured!  Best wishes to Chanel and John as they begin their married life!  And once again:  CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!

Phillip’s Birthday Party November 4, 2008

I had my first experience with the Little Gym in Bellevue for Phillip’s third birthday.  What a great place to celebrate a birthday!  All the kids (and their parents) got to play on all sorts of equipment, bounce around on an inflated structure, play games, sing songs, and EVERYONE had a blast.  The little kids were so cute, they were incredibly focused and intent on what the teacher was saying, you could hear a pin drop.  The play time was followed by party time, where every child got a racing helmet to go along with the Cars theme.  Phillip’s parents did a great job organizing and planning out this little guy’s third birthday.  It was great to meet all of you, and I look forward to our family portraits next weekend!