Puppy Love - Gwen

Is there anything sweeter than a puppy? Meet Gwen, 11 1/2 weeks of Pugly love. Soft, soft puppy paws and a jaw that could crack a walnut. I wonder what she thought being asked to sit a hundred times when she doesn't even really comprehend the meaning of the word yet.

Puppies, like babies change so very fast. I met Gwen two weeks ago and I swear she was half the size. Capturing a puppy moment is as rewarding as making an image of tiny fingers and toes, it's capturing a moment that can never be found again...and makes great wall art, too.

Got a furry child of your own? Take the next step from cell phone pictures and schedule a professional portrait today...you'll be glad you did.

A Little Something For You

How's that desktop of yours...ready for a new picture? Then download this and install on your computer for a new look.

It's time for a little something scary. This month's desktop image is my Halloween gift to you. Please feel free to download and enjoy.

Keep checking back for new images. A little something different, but something always for you.

Gifts of Appreciation on FaceBook

Hi! Hey, it's me, your intrepid photographer....I wanted to tell you about something I do each year and invite you to join me. Each year on my Facebook Studio Page I have a month long Holiday Party. Virtual eggnog, Christmas cookies, maybe some mistletoe, too. Real presents...yup, real presents. Each weekday I pick a name from my list of people who 'liked' me and give a gift. What kind of surprises are given? Coffee gift cards, movie passes, portrait sessions and more.

This is your official invitation to join me. The more the merrier, I always say, and it'd be fun to have you be a part of our page. So, if you like to have fun, like to win prizes and think it's cool to talk photography, just click here. Hope to see you on the page, soon ;-)

Is Your Halloween Green?

Halloween is one of those great American traditions. It's also an opportunity to help our families think green. Here is a short list of things you can do make this Holiday both fun and eco-friendly.

* Intersperse Halloween themed stoneware with color coordinated dishes for a scary look that is re-used year after year. My favorite coffee mug says Eek! in black, yellow and orange allowing me to mix it and a couple other Halloween themed pieces with the dishes I already have.
* Give the kids black colored gift bags to collect their tricks and treats. That plastic pumpkin usually gets thrown away after one use, so why not try a gift bag in basic black that can be used later with a few embellishments for an elegant holiday wrap.
* Recycle your Halloween Party invitations. Write your invitation directly on a brown paper bag and ask your guests to bring the bag to the party. Drop an LED candle light into each one and - Voila! Instant luminarias!
* Give out candy with a conscience. Sweets like Endangered Species Chocolate Halloween Treats are made of sustainably-grown and 100% ethically traded dark or milk chocolate, unbleached beet sugar (for sweetening), and only all-natural ingredients.

Empty Bowls

Some things just help you to feel grateful....for me, gratitude is an emotion that wells up in me each year when I go to Empty Bowls. Thankful for the roof over my head, the food in the kitchen, that when I go hungry it's by choice and disorganization, not by circumstance.

Yesterday I drove to the Arizona Center, stood in line and selected a bowl...then stood in line again to accept a couple scoops of pasta, as much as someone who goes hungry might have in an entire day. I sat on a step in the shade and gave thanks for the life that I have and not the one that I might have, if a different road had been taken.

Empty Bowls is a personal way to make a difference. The artists make the bowls that represent the one meal a day many homeless have, and spending $12 for a bowl filled with a simple meal is a way to help and experience making a difference.

You can participate at select AJ's Fine Foods today from 10:30am to 2pm.

Congratulations Scottsdale! Parents Magazine's #1 Pick!

That's right! The November issue of Parents Magazine has named Scottsdale as the best city in the U.S. to raise a baby. To celebrate, we are photographing Scottsdale's babies (Phoenix and surrounding areas, too) and adding a 10x10 canvas wrap to every order [$250 value]. Bookings are limited and the party ends 11-15 so be sure to book yours now. 480.366.4476.

Photographing Tara Sutphen

I recently had the privilege of photographing noted author Tara Sutphen at the Center for Creative Life in Sedona. Tara is the author of Blame it On Your Past Lives and Soul Agreements, numerous DVDs and is the host of Transformations With Tara, a weekly radio show on Contact Talk Radio in Seattle, WA.




Photographing Tara was for a very special project. Tara was recently asked by the Alaskan Elders to be the spokesperson for Awakening Spiritual Unity, an Alaskan Tribes Project to help re-establish The wellness, wholeness, and dignity of the Alaskan Native Americans utilizing the traditional ancestor's teachings. For more information about Awakening Spiritual Unity, write to: AlaskaASU@yahoo.com.

Tara can be enjoyed on Fridays at 9am on Contact Talk Radio and will be speaking at the Conscious Children's Network Conference April 2nd and 3rd 2011 in Tempe, AZ at Arizona State University.

Tara, thank you. I so enjoyed our time together as well as our friendship. Wishing you much success with Awakening Spiritual Unity and your dedication to the Alaskan Tribes.

It's Back! Our annual Fall Portrait Special with an added twist. 2 Events, 2 weekends. Your choice, bring the fam to the park or invite me to your home. Create a new family memory, update your family portrait and tackle that big item on your Naughty List, your Holiday gift shopping. All this and save money, too. Hurry, some dates have already been booked and the rest will go fast.

Can't wait to make a memory with you and your family this Fall.