The Sneaky Fiance

On Tuesday I got a text message from my sister Siobhan's boyfriend, Dave. Our conversation went something like this:
Dave: Any chance you are available at some point tomorrow for a photo shoot?
Me: What kind of photo shoot?
Dave: The kind where I propose to your sister, and you take photos?

Turns out, I was available.

Dave and I have been plotting this event for months, and it was originally meant to take place on the waterfront some time in April. I helped Dave select a ring, gave him my parents' phone numbers, and waited.

But apparently a combination of the gorgeous snow storm and the ring burning a hole in his pocket was enough to kick things into high gear. So I texted Siobhan and said "What are you doing with your day off tomorrow? I would love to go take some photos of the snow down at Oakledge Park, would you like to come?" She did. Conveniently, Dave and my husband decided to join us.

We walked through the snow and gazed across the lake. We traipsed through the woods to get a better view of some amazing icicles on the rock cliffs. And then, while Nick and I hung back (so I could "get a better view"), Dave wrapped Siobhan in his arms and started his speech. I don't know exactly how he had it planned out, because Siobhan interrupted him to point out something she thought I would like to take a photo of. But Dave got back on track (with ring in hand) by saying "You also might want to get a picture of this."

And I did.
I got several.

I love my sister dearly, and I love my future brother-in-law.

Siobhan and Dave, I am so excited for you, and I can't wait to see you wed. I wish you so much happiness, love, and very long and healthy lives together.

xoxo,
E

Another January Gone

Today is the first of February, and I can't believe we are a whole month into 2013 already. I started a new photo project at the beginning of the year, but I haven't shared very many of the photos on my blog, so I thought I would take this opportunity to do a sort of January review. The following are a few of my favorite "photos of the day" from the past month. Enjoy, and have a great weekend!

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I just got my first iPhone, and I'm in love. I have been lusting after my friends fancy smart phones for years. Even my dads have had iPhones for a while now, and I just upgraded from a phone with actual number keys! You couldn't accomplish anything by touching the screen, and you had to hit buttons multiple times to get different letters! And now I have, not just an iPhone, but an iPhone 5! It's like I've gone from driving the back roads of Vermont in a beater, to cruising the German Autobahn in an Italian sports car.

I have also discovered Instagram, and I'm hooked. There is a lot of discussion among photographers about Instagram. There are many who feel it isn't "real" photography, and some who are concerned about fact that the terms include the agreement that Instagram can use the photos you post for anything they like. But I say, come on. We stopped complaining about Facebook making the same terms ages ago. And the camera in my phone has twice as many megapixels and is far more advanced than digital cameras from 10 years ago. I love that it allows and encourages me to photograph my life and surroundings at any moment, and making art everywhere I go feels pretty awesome.

A few years ago I did a photo a day project, and posted cell phone photos to my blog daily. I have said ever since that I would repeat the project when I got my first iPhone, so here goes. In approximately one week of owning this phone, I've already got 25 photos on my Instagram (eh2photo). I started my account on New Years day, and I'm going to post a photo somewhere-either on my blog, my Facebook, or my Instagram, every day this year. I'm sure there will be days when I won't want to-when I'm sick, or grumpy, or exhausted, and I'll grumble a bit when Nick reminds me to post a photo. But those are the days I will need it the most, because making something beautiful always makes me feel better. 

Happy, healthy, creative 2013 to you all. I look forward to creating and sharing a year filled with beauty. Starting now. 

The Most Important Holiday

Okay, kids. It's here. The Most Important Holiday of the Year. It may not be the most fun, but it sure can be exciting. (I personally find it far more stressful than hosting Thanksgiving dinner.) This particular one only comes every four years, so I hope you are all planning on celebrating. Lets show our appreciation for the democratic process and the rights we are lucky enough to have in this country, and get out there and vote!

Kristin & Dan Are Expecting!

My friends Kristin and Dan are expecting a baby in December, and I recently had the pleasure of photographing the happy couple out in Boulder, Colorado, where we all used to live. We went to a few of my favorite places, including downtown Boulder, and Chautauqua Park. It was a perfect day for photography, as the sky was a little bit overcast, but without the threat of rain. This was especially lucky, considering we were all in town for only 2 days, and Boulder tends to be overwhelmingly sunny.

I am sad that I will not be able to meet and photograph their daughter right when she is born, as Kristin and Dan live in Texas, and I am currently in Vermont. I hope I am able to visit when they are settled into family life, and perhaps share some photos of the new addition with you.  

Feature Friday--Fairy House

This week I want to share a piece of art I am working on. I don't know if it is complete, but I am enjoying the process. It began with a trip to the park when visiting Boulder with my husband earlier this week, and I am excited about some of the ideas that have come up since I've started working on it. I am hopeful that it will lead to a series of portraits. Anyone want to play with me?