Well we've had some beautiful weather here in Colorado for the last week. Of course the weather can and will change back to Winter I have no doubt. But it does excite one into looking forward to the beauty of being outdoors. What it does for me is get me fired up for my annual pilgrimage... Yosemite National Park!

        

This month's issue of the Sports Turf Managers Association industry trade magazine features their 2009 incoming President, Abby McNeal. Abby has worked with the Denver Broncos on Invesco Field and is currently the Turf Manager for The School of Mines in Golden, CO. The campus and fields for The School of Mines is at the base of the Rocky Mountains along the banks of Clear Creek and a rock's throw upstream from the famous Coors Brewery. 

        

This seems like a common enough occurrence for me that I decided to post something and address the issue. More than a few times a year I'm approached to take some "Pictures of me in my dress" after the wedding has come and gone. This happens regardless if I shot the wedding or not... but more often not. In this case I did not shoot the wedding and poor Josie's wedding day was outdoors at a popular Colorado Wedding Venue however it was extremely windy and she wasn't able to get any nice portraits of her in her dress. So we scheduled some studio time and got her what she wanted. Often this kind of shoot is pre-meditated so we can get Grooms & / or family in the photo as well.

        

Well I don't think the timing was quite right for a January 1st baby but Jen & I did cut it a little close on her Maternity Portraits. A friend of a friend on Facebook, Jen & I hooked up in December and quickly scheduled a Maternity Shoot as she is expecting the first of January. As of this posting I don't think baby is here, but soon. Congratulations Scott & Jen!

        

Lisa Wagner is one of those favorite clients we all dream about. She has a fun little business called "Two Go Boutique" that has a bunch of very cool clothing. Recently Lisa brought some of her girls into the studio to shoot some of her latest fashions and we just turned it into a little Glam Party. What a blast! The ladies had a great time as did I. 

        

When people ask me what kind of photography I do my standard answer now is "I shoot people". Typically this meant "I shoot people who are in the process of getting married" however for the last year I've been shooting much more than just weddings. Fortunately the commercial Photography has opened up doors that lead to other referrals and opportunities in the same arena, unlike weddings where I typically get referrals for other weddings. Weddings are almost always a good party and I'm not one to pass up a good party so I will always welcome the opportunity to shoot them. 

        

Fellow Shutterfly extraordinare Tim Benko shoots for the University of Colorado. Earlier this season I volunteered my services to shoot with him if he ever needed an extra hand at a game. Of course being the consummate nice guy he told me to take my pick, and of course I picked the Alma Mater, Oklahoma State! Saturday night November 15th, 2008 at Folsom Field in Boulder, CO. Temps in the 40's and no wind to speak of. A packed house cheered for a Buff upset over #13 BCS ranked OSU; unfortunately for those in attendance it was not to be. Being on the field as a professional I did not show my exuberance, but truth be told I'm really impartial now that I live in Boulder and I fully expect my 4 year old son to be Quarterback for CU 14 years from this writing! I can honestly say that CU Football at Folsom Field ranks up there for good times. The stadium, the natural grass, the Flatirons and the enormous student section that never sits and sings the fight song countless times throughout the game make for an electric experience not to be missed. Maybe if you were tuned in to the game on ABC you might have caught a glimpse of me a couple of times. You know... I looked like every other photographer on the field with a large lens sticking out of my face. However I did place myself on the strong sides near the end zone pylons hoping to get plowed over by 3 or 4 200+ pounders running 4.2 forties grasping for the little pigskin which brings them such gratification. Close on three accounts but no cigar, I am alive, well and walking today thank you very much.

        

Earlier I posted some images of some exterior shots I did for ABRA Auto Body & Glass. ABRA has 14 locations in Colorado alone and additional locations in several states. Like most of my commercial clients they are in the process of updating their website with new, polished professional images. Currently I am shooting the interior of their brand new Colorado Springs location. On a personal note I couldn't speak highly enough of ABRA. They are a preferred collision center for all of the major insurance companies; they have state of the art facilities with the highest quality and trained personnel from top to bottom.

        

'Tis the season for the Fall Family Portraits and what a great Christmas gift or in the least images for the Christmas card...

        

I am a bit of a gear head and when I was a boy my Dad use to take us to the big races at Laguna Seca in Monterey California. At a few of those races Mr. Paul Newman and his teams were there and was always available and personable in the pits. Throughout the years I've had a couple of opportunities to shake his hand and talk about racing. In 2005 Denver hosted its last Denver Grand Prix for the Champ Car Series and I had the opportunity to shoot the race and mingle backstage if you will. I'm not a Star crazy kind of person but my experiences with Mr. Newman were always warm and friendly, I never asked for an autograph and respected his time and space with his business at hand. I will say that I am glad for what he has done for motor sports and more importantly charities throughout the years. In my opinion simply he was a good guy. Thanks and RIP Mr. Newman.