I swear she looked like Jessica Simpson in this shoot.  From a Colorado tropical pool setting, to a toasty fireplace, and a BLUE CORVETTE, this session promises to top my list in faves.  J, thanks for being awesome and letting me share some of your fabulous shoot!

And, a special thanks to Rachael with Girls and Curls who provided the gorgeous hair and makeup!

In other news, I have lots of blog posts coming.  I have truly been blessed this year with more amazing clients and shoots then I can count on one hand.  My blog on the other hand, has not been exposed to the wedding season madness, so it is coming!  Until then, check out the summer edition of Rocky Mountain Bride Magazine.  It is a phenominal Mountain Wedding Magazine that focuses on mountain weddings.  We are thrilled to be published in an article by the fantastic Debbie Orwat of Save the Date Events and StudioWed Denver.  Carrie and Ben’s Beaver Creek wedding was amazing!

I’m super excited about Toy Story 3 – it will be our first movie as a family … wish me luck!  And – Eclipse is just around the corner – yes, I love Vampires.  I’m anxiously awaiting the new iPhone (seems like I was just waiting in line for last year’s release).  I am loving Summer and hope all of you are too!

In the mean time, you have heard me talk about the amazing Couture Colorado inspiration blog here in Colorado.  I am super honored to have had Holly and Rob’s Grand Junction Wedding featured this week.  You can view more on the Couture Colorado site by clicking HERE! And if you are planning a Colorado Wedding – be sure to check out our favorite wedding planning resources!  StudioWed Denver and Couture Colorado!  I promise – you will LOVE them

Their wedding took place at the Hudson Gardens in Littleton.  The weather was amazing, the light was beautimus (I know, it’s another Karie’ism), and the day was incredible.  I have so many favorites to share – but I had to narrow them down for this post … I hope you enjoy some Monday eye candy.  I loved every second of working with these two!

Sarah was STUNNING!

Their First Look – So romantic

I love this shot – the first time Sarah saw her son. Such a special moment.

The flowers looked amazing!

Sarah looked so happy the entire day … love this shot of her getting her earrings on.

The ceremony took place at Monet’s Place, which was beautiful!

Sarah and Andrew had a cycle taxi that transported their guests (and them) to and from the Reception Location

Thank you Sarah and Andrew!  You had an awesome day!!  Stay tuned to Natalie’s blog for her shots from the day!

Ceremony/Reception: Hudson Gardens

Coordinator: Julie with Bliss Elevated

Hair/Makeup: Rachael with Girls and Curls

Caterer: Cart Dior

Flowers: Flowers Forever Design

Photobooth: Shutterbooth

Absolutely LOVES when something like this happens.  I’m going for the sexy romantic shot – and laughter erupts.  My kind of couple  LOVE LOVE LOVE

Molly – you are gorgeous!!

Their dog Nalls may be one of the sweetest things ever

P.S. I am kind of loving the contrasty black and white images this session  Hugs!

Happy Monday to you all!

It was 2006.  I was working my corporate job.  Daydreaming at my desk about what it would be like if I could do something I really really loved … challenged me … allowed me to be creative – everyday.  For like a real job.  Don’t get me wrong, I actually loved my corporate job in a lot of ways.  BUT – I had been doing photography and photography classes for 10 years.  I was a wee bit obsessed with everything photo.  I knew how to take pictures but I didn’t know how to run a business, or even to make a business out of it.  4 years later, I can say that I have grown, pushed myself farther than I ever thought possible, made a lot of mistakes, made some great business decisions, and am standing where I am today.  Most importantly – I don’t claim to know everything … and I push myself to learn more EVERY single day.  The truth is, I had a few key people in the beginning of my photography career that were actually willing to share {Love ya H}.  The rest were not so willing to share.  Workshops were few and far between, and I had to learn a lot of things on my own.   In short, my business was and still is a LOT of work.  I also know how hard it is to take your photography business to the next level.

In the past few weeks, I have gotten a TON of emails from awesome photographers who are looking for answers and eager to learn.  I am eager to help … but I can’t do it through just email  I created the Shoot It day with Yours Truly to help inspire you, teach you about everything from Shooting to Work flow, Business Inspiration to Photoshop.  I am planning a shoot with models too – so we can get our shoot on  Meals {breakfast and lunch} will be included.  In Conclusion – it’s 9 hours of photography talk, business, advertising/marketing, inspiration, a shoot, branding, and getting your business moving.  Again – I don’t claim to be the know it all expert, but I have been shooting professionally for 4 years and can certainly share some information that would have changed my life in 2006

HOW MUCH: $400  a $200 deposit is required to hold your spot

WHEN: Sunday July 11th, 2010 from 9AM to 6PM

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP!

*insert fist pump here*  It’s going to be a blast!

I photographed the boys getting ready at the Omni Interlocken Hotel in Broomfield (which was gorgeous). The boys had to tie a Windsor Knot.  Love this image!

Cruz tying his tie as his brother watches

The First Look:

Amber looked STUNNING!

Amber’s father preparing to give her away during the ceremony

This dance had us all in tears …

I get questions all the time through emails or Facebook.  The question I get asked the most is, “How did you start your business.  I just bought a nice camera”.  This is a loaded question.  There’s not one thing I did or didn’t do, but there was a LOT of blood, sweat, and tears that went in to this business.  Lots of education.  Lots of research.  Huge investments and lots of not fun stuff – which in turn has paid off and given me more than I ever expected it to.  Because I often don’t get to answer all of these questions in detail, I thought it would be fun to answer a few.

Alicia asked, “What is your favorite setting on your camera and how are you able to shoot so quickly?”

I rarely use the automated settings on my camera – in fact, I can’t remember the last time I used one.  I ALWAYS shoot in Manual mode.  If you aren’t shooting in Manual mode – you should make yourself learn aperture, ISO, shutter speed and their components.  The results of shooting in Manual are much more consistent than shooting in a semi-automatic mode where your camera chooses the settings for you!  To answer the rest of this question, I know my camera inside and out!  As a wedding photographer, I have to work in ever changing light situations and catch moments very quickly – or they are gone.  So, I have learned my equipment and can adjust pretty quickly to just about any situation.

Tanya asked, “What is your favorite lens?”

I am currently a Canon shooter.  I love shooting wide and have developed my style by shooting wide.  My favorite lens is probably my 24-70 mm 2.8 L.  It’s also very versatile – which is another thing I love about it.  I also love the 50 mm 1.2 and the 35 mm 1.4.

Alicia asked, “What is the lens that you used in your video, the white one?  I always see it in Sports Center stuff on ESPN.”

I love this one … mostly because I would love to shoot a big game for ESPN  Pardon me for the dreaming moment.  The lens you are referencing is the 70-200 mm 2.8 IS.  I love it.  Canon does offer some longer telephoto lenses that are also white.  The 70-200 is a beautiful lens, but it’s very heavy.  I mostly use it during a ceremony, or if I am outside and want to tell an intimate story without intruding.

Jennifer asked, “What camera bodies do you use? I have a Digital Rebel and like it so far.”

I use the Canon 5d series and like them.  I also own an arsenal of Canon professional lenses. I think that a Digital Rebel is a great camera for learning the ropes.  I had several of them through the years – really all the way up until just before I started my business.  They are great for a serious hobbyist or amateur photographer.

Craig asked, “Do you use a reflector in your outdoor shots or have someone who helps you light the situation?”

I usually have my fab assistant with me for weddings (Thanks Nat), but I rarely use a reflector.  While I sometimes use off camera lighting, I usually use available light.  I have learned to use the sun to help me create a studio situation outside.  I love using available light – and while I also know my flash inside and out, I prefer available light for my particular style.

Sara asked, “What type of computers do you use and what programs do you run?”

I use Mac computers.  I love them.  Really, it is getting out of control  I am kidding, but they are fantastic and reliable.  I run the Adobe Creative Suite and use it the most when editing my images.

Brad asked, “What type of point and shoot would you recommend?”

This is a good question.  I have had several point and shoots in the past few years.  I really don’t have a great suggestion for these.  I often get asked questions about different point and shoots at weddings.  Believe it or not, while I know my own gear inside and out – those little things are so different from camera to camera  I know that the Canon G series is a great point and shot.  I personally have a Canon Elph and like it {It’s very small and fits great in my purse}

That’s all for today – but I will try to do one of these posts once in a while to answer questions  I am also thinking of offering private one on one sessions {that focus on what you want to learn for your business} soon – so stay tuned.