Up late...yes, sleep can wait...

Typically, I promise my clients at least two to three weeks before they will get their pictures. Of course the second I get home I download them, copy them and make sure they're safe and protected. I find it nice to to let my mind take it easy for a few days and rest before I get to the process of going through each image and deciding which ones to keep or delete. By the way, the percentage of keepers is usually around 97%.

For good reason, this week, as a matter of fact, first thing on Monday I began the process of "post work". You see, Chris, the groom will be going into the Army reserves next Monday. Chris had no expectations of seeing the pictures before he left, however, I felt it very important that he does see them.

If Chris can dedicate his life to serving our country, than I can certainly leave my comfort zone and push to get these pictures finished so he can enjoy them before he leaves. Frankly, it's the least I can do.

Wedding on the Horizon

Tomorrow I'll be shooting my first wedding in the Carneros region of Napa Valley. The venue is right smack in the middle of vineyards with some interesting (at least to this photographer) trees, stairs and even a rustic white woodshed.

In the midst of preparing my equipment my mind is contemplating creative shots that will bless the bride and groom with fond (and fun) memories and my heart is seeking the Lord for wisdom and guidance.

I may have mentioned this, but my husband and I never had a big wedding. Fact is we got married (30 plus years ago) at a justice-of-the-peace in Chandler, Arizona (we lived in Flagstaff), who (except for God) would have imagined I would be a wedding photographer!

God does have a sense of humor...and He uses it well.

In a whimsical kind of way, I get to live the wedding I never had over and over and over again. Yes, I do get teary-eyed when the bride first appears with her dad and my heart melts when I see the groom look at his bride and the first kiss of their marriage always stings my heart.

The best part however, is this... because I'm the photographer I get the best seat in the house--right up front!

Yes, every wedding is exciting to me and I have to confess...I LOVE MY JOB!!!!