Happy Summer.

Friends recently gathered to celebrate a birthday, and learn a little more about the art of wine tasting. It was the perfect combination of weather, food and company that made for a memorable summer night. I hope there are many more to come. Happy summer! Cheers.

Cake!

I love cake. There, I said it. It's one of my favorite elements of a wedding day. I love the decadence, the (often) innovative designs, and a sugar rush at the end of a long day. I won a cake decorating lesson at a silent auction. I was curious, and my friend Caroline joined me. Julia taught us how to: level the cakes, frost, and add colorful accents. We had a laissez-faire style and, in the end, our cakes had a Dr. Seuss quality... colorful, a little wacky, and fun. I have an even greater respect now for those elegant towers of confection.

Laundry Lass...

There's a tiny laundromat nearby that I've always wanted to use as a backdrop for photos. I'm often amused by the unlikely combinations found in fashion magazines...carefully coiffed models seemingly stranded in a small town, waiting for their car to be fixed... in each shot they have a new designer outfit and hair style. Instead of absurd wardrobe changes, I gave absurd direction: "You're Canadian"  "You are reading the Economist and wondering if your shoes are tied"  "You're perfectly comfortable in this cart"  We had a grand time. 

Desert Dreaming...

Last week I attended WPPI for the first time. WPPI, you ask? More than 15,000 photographers gathered in Las Vegas for one of the industry's largest trade shows. Hopped-up on caffeine, sleep-deprivation, and creative inspiration, I made my way to the desert for the "We Bring the Sun" event (With Etiquette).  On the bus ride, I met Lynn (Lynn in Love Photo). We had an impromptu portrait session in the early light. Then we listened to Jesh de Rox, Kelli Schaefer, and The Ravishers. Excellent and incongruent. A rare experience of visual and auditory beauty with an intimate crowd.   So good.