Every year we take a trip to our cabin in Eastern Washington to enjoy some snow and winter fun.  This year, I took along my film slr to capture some memories in black and white.  I don’t pretend to know much of anything about shooting film.  It is a new frontier for me but I am enjoying the challenge.  When I look at black and white images of film photographers, there is just something so magical.  The grain, the depth, the range of tones… I love it all.   As for my images, they are simple snapshots of our trip but as always, I hope they capture the fun we had and preserve the memories of our time together.

When I think back on my favorite moments of 2010, I have one that jumps right to the top of the list.  I was so lucky to have two of my very best friends come visit me from Arkansas and New York this last summer.  Both of them are amazing photographers that I have met along the way and I couldn’t believe it when we were able to arrange a trip for both of them to visit at the same time! Allison had visited once before when we attended a workshop together in Seattle last year, but this was the first time Raye had been to the Pacific Northwest. We spent time in Seattle shopping and then spent some time just visiting and hanging out here in the valley.

But the highlight of the visit came when Raye, who is an amazingly talented photographer from the Fort Smith area in Arkansas, photographed my family.  I now have something that I will treasure for always.  Always the one behind the camera, I have so very few photos of me with my children.  These images of me with my babies, being who we are at this very moment in time, are honestly the best gift anyone has ever given me.  Our smiles, our laughs, our cuddles, our love…    thank you, Raye.   You honestly made my year.   xoxo

Here are just a few of the moments she captured..

Raye and Allison, I can’t wait to see you both again this summer in New York for Allison’s family session.  It will be amazing.  Love you both so much. xoxo

Him.  I love him.  This little boy who taught me how to be a mother is growing up.  On most days, his cowboy hat and imaginary horses are traded for footballs and baseball bats.  He no longer needs me to tie his shoes or pour his milk.  His favorite “hunting tree” where he spent hours scouting for bears in our backyard sat empty for most of the summer.  He is growing up…

This image was shot with film.  Trying something new (old)….  that’s a whole other Love List post… coming soon…