Summer Fun...

The smell of cut grass is in the air and my ceiling fans are working overtime... it's summer! (almost) This shoot was lastAugust... and so cute I had to post them.  My friend Robin, and her lovely daughter Nalia, were the subject of some mother/daughter photo fun. We (I say "we" very loosely) watered the garden, harvested some Swiss Chard, and played in the fountain at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science.  So much fun! Robin is expecting her second... can't wait to play with the wee babe!  

Monday Matrimony...

Carmen and Brad chose to get hitched on a Monday in the Wellington Webb building. Both sets of parents served as witnesses, and I, their personal paparazzi. It was the most fun I've had in that building. Previous visits always involved parking tickets.

A kiss and a high-five (after swearing "I Do") sealed their union for the State of Colorado. Afterwards, we meandered around Civic Center.  Just two crazy kids in love, their parents, and me ... snapping away... a little love parade.

Good times.

Mother's Day...

"Laughter is carbonated holiness."   - Anne Lamott

I'm honored to have a brilliant cast of women in my life, who play many roles for people in their lives... 

Today I honor all the ways we lovingly tend to each other in our generosity, listening, presence, courage, mindful words, and laughter.  

Road Trip!

I'm back! I've been on a bit of an introspective trip (mostly figuratively) since the new year; a trip where words and time have been elusive. It started in January with a road trip to Truth or Consequences, NM. I met my friend Kira in Albuquerque, where we were ceremoniously blessed by an eccentric proprietor of a Mexican restaurant ("May the Holy Spirit be with you"). It set the tone for the weekend -- absurdly divine & quirky.  We soaked in hot springs under a full moon, battled thorns on a wee hike, had a heavenly meal at BellaLuca, laughed til we cried, and listened to the ripples of the Rio Grande. Here are my fave five from the weekend (yes, I'm obsessed with alliteration). How do I account for the other missing-in-action months?  Let's just say I've been driven to distraction... his initials are...

I've got many new photos to post, so stay tuned!

Happy Holidays...

"Your task is not to seek for love, but merely to seek and find all the barriers within yourself that you have built against it."  - Rumi

This holiday season I've been feeling a little exposed, silly, and off-kilter... much like the first impression of this wee Christmas tree. To my chagrin, I'd started to simmer in the pressure of holiday expectations - drat.  I revisited the sweet shrub, and it was a Christmas miracle! My head and heart softened with the absurdity of it all. I began to wonder about all the people who had lovingly decorated and viewed it (who put on the teeth?!). In turn, I was reminded of my own community who celebrate and decorate life with me - a true gift of brilliant folks who turn the mundane into magic. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

Kate + Jeff...

How I love fall in the Rocky mountains! On September 26th I photographed the lovely wedding of Kate and Jeff at Splendido. It was the perfect fall day... aspen gold, crisp air, bluebird sky, and the smell of pine. They made my day easy, as they are such a fun (and photogenic!) couple.  We laughed a lot, and generally had a grand time. Thanks guys... you rock the party!  

The Black Seeds!

A week ago I had the pleasure of photographing the Black Seeds during their set at the Gothic theater in Denver.  I felt like such a groupie geek as I bantered with them between sets! Alas, I was feeling a bit starstruck and awkward. But they're brilliant musicians and really cool blokes, so they did their best to make me feel welcome backstage. Not my most cool moments interpersonally, but I did get some shots I like. Thanks guys. It was "Sweet-as" 

Lu, these shots are for you. I'm sorry you couldn't be there. XO 

Aiden...

Hanging with a two-year-old definitely puts the world in perspective. Recently I spent some time with Aiden, said 2 yr. old, and his cool dad John. I am always reminded by kids to relax... to chill, and enjoy the moment. There's no agenda... just good times with a ball that's seen better days, a wad of Play-doh, and the silly faces his dad makes. Initially shy, he cheerfully forgot and ran circles around the yard, his dad, and me. 

Good times indeed. 

And he's off! Go, little man, go.

Fountain fun...

Ahhh... Labor Day weekend -- the official salute to the impending end of summer. Fall has always been my favorite season, but I have to admit it's always a bittersweet transition out of the energy of summer. Last week I got to play in the Denver Museum of Nature and Science's amazing (and refreshing!) fountain.  My friend Robin and her adorable daughter Nalia were my playmates. Stay tuned for the fun photos we took. Until then, here's one from the day.

This little guy was having the time of his life! 

Summer stroll...

I love finding treasures in unusual places. One of my favorite things to do is stroll with no particular destination... which usually involves an alley or two. Alleys offer unique opportunities for photographic adventure - garage murals, unintentional gardens, forgotten furniture... a hidden world. Recently, my lovely friend Lindsay agreed to meander on a Sunday afternoon.

Vacation...

Recently, in this busy wedding season, I found a nice chunk of time to visit mi madre. It was time peppered with slow southern things like: sitting on her screened-in porch and watching birds, going through childhood keepsakes, playing in the waves, laughter, visiting family friends, any many (many!) delicious meals. A really lovely vacation. Thanks mom. XO

Yes!

Garden Love...

I had the opportunity to photograph a very cute couple, in a unique spot. These two have been together ten years, but they were so sweet and silly with each other, one might think they've just fallen in love. Their little garden plot, in a Denver community garden, is a special place for them. I was honored to document them doing what they love doing best together... digging in the ground, making each other laugh, and dreaming of the future. Thanks guys, that was fun... tudo de bom!  

New site... finally!

Yeah! It's finally here. My new spot in cyberspace to show my photos, chat with my photography peeps, and generally take on photography in a new way. I have a blog. Woah. Who would've thought? (Todd, I know you had your doubts) Anyhoo, glad to be here. Glad YOU'RE here. So, welcome. Bienvenue.  

I'd like to take this opportunity to officially thank some important (and talented!) people who've helped me get here. Of course, dear family and friends, you've been invaluable to helping support/shape me. Bless you. But, today, I'd like to acknowledge all the photography folks who've helped me with my dream of being a photographer. You've cheered me on, inspired me with your own photography, let me borrow your fancy equipment, answered my (often) redundant questions, and sometimes hounded me to get on with it, and just jump in already!

A heartfelt thanks to:  Judy Holmes (www.judyholmes.com): for your kind words of encouragement, generosity, and practical advice  Rex Keep: you let me tag along to my first wedding, encouraged me, and gave me a few of my first photography gigs  Robin Proctor (www.robinproctorphotography.com): you helped me to relax with your easy style and laughter, and reminded me not to take myself too seriously  M. Todd Thiele (www.strawdawg.com): Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. You've inspired me, pushed me, and also have been incredibly patient. This blog's for you!  Paige Eden (www.paigeeden.com): so glad to know you, grateful to work with you, thanks for everything!

XO, Liz