Recherché Photography

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2009-03-17T18:56:00.003-06:00

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Destination Wedding: Belizean Elopement Photography for Krystal & Chris

2009-03-04T23:24:00.008-07:00

The wait is over Recherche fans! I'm so excited to share these destination wedding images with you! I've stayed up almost all night editing these images here at the resort where we're staying with Krystal & Chris so I can show them my favorite images before Jay & I head out tomorrow morning for our last few days of traveling. I think it was worth the lack of sleep!!

Krystal & Chris's wedding day was spent driving through Belize to the Mayan ruins stopping along the way at some of the most gorgeous (and non-traditional) spots we just couldn't pass up!

They had originally planned to have their ceremony at the ruins but when they were informed they had to have permit which required quite a few hoops and dollars they opted for just a photo shoot. Fortuitously the driver and officiant the couple hired for the day recommended the Blue Hole for the ceremony and we reached it near the end of the day. It was surreal and idyllic. And when finally married to the love of her life, Krystal could not resist a dip in the pool! See slideshow below for my favorite images of this dip! It was a dream to photograph!

By the time we arrived back at the resort we were all spent. And it was dark. So the following night we did an extra little photo shoot on the beach just outside their villa. A perfect ending to their wedding images.

OK, those were just a taste! See the slideshow for the rest of my favorites! And let me know what you think via the comment box!

We're off to Belize!

2009-02-24T01:27:00.005-07:00

There is nothing like the thrill of stashing the passports in the backpack, taking out a wad of cash that is to get us through the next 10 days come hell or high water, and getting dropped off at the aiport at 1am by a loving sister for a red-eye flight! I am a destination wedding photographer heading out with my faithful husband/assistant to shoot the wedding of Krystal & Chris among coastal Mayan ruins...so romantic and exciting!

As always, we're taking the opportunity to travel. And by travel I do NOT mean parking it at a local resort, but actually getting into the country. "But can you afford that?" our parents ask. Of course not. Have we ever been able to afford it? Not really. Therein lies the adventure. Is it possible to do a trip to Belize with less than $1,000? (Assuming photographer's airfaire has been covered by the elopees?) Yes it is! And we're going to do it in the next 10 days! Half of that budget is allocated for the car rental, which I deemed necessary due to the dollar amount and weight of equipment we'll have with us. That leaves$500 for food, lodging and entertainment. A great adventure! Stay tuned...this Recessionista will break down the whole trip for you! (if we can get online... but for sure as soon as we have internet access!!)

Boulder Engagement Photo Session at Chautauqua: Amy & Heath

2009-02-21T21:39:00.006-07:00

When I drove out to Chautauqua to meet Amy & Heath who had just flown in from Virginia for a weekend of wedding planning, I thought it was going to be way too sunny to shoot out in the open hillside and was already thinking of alternative locations. But I should have known better after all these years of shooting outside and my love of sun flare! We hung out right there and shot the whole session on the open space and I'm not sure they really ever noticed I was there. I may be making a quick trip out to their home in Virginia to do portraits of their four horses and three dogs and some documentary work for them. Their dream is a ranch where they can rehabilitate horses and train dogs. It is my dream to document lives like that! But, I'll be photographing their wedding up at Devil's Thumb Ranch this summer and that will be dreamy, too!!

Loved One Portrait of a Grandmother & Grandson

2009-02-20T21:35:00.002-07:00

When Aimee called me to say she wanted to schedule a session as a gift for her mother to have photos with her favorite person, Aimee's son Callum, I was thrilled! And, honestly, a bit nervous. I guess I'm always nervous before I shoot, but somehow grandmother and grandson felt unfamiliar for me. I'm not very good at posing- Would she be stoic? Would it be awkward? Would Callum feel comfortable with me without his parents around? Would Judy be happy about this session or agitated? Maybe.

And maybe all those things were a little true.

But as a photographer I need to just jump on in there and not mind about the awkward, to embrace it, to lighten the mood while not letting it get completely out of hand! Such a delicate balance...in the end I guess it all comes down to my personality and just enjoying every single person I work with.

And this pair were easy to enjoy. Judy has such a gracious way about her, so engaged with Callum but at the same time so easily engaged with me. An intelligent childish elegance. Callum was definitely shy to start, but the idea of funny faces with Grandma was just what our session needed!Butterfly kisses...

And my favorite of all time... an Eskimo kiss...

As they were leaving Judy casually mentioned that she has hated every single photograph ever taken of herself. Ugh. Kind of like a punch in the gut. Slight panic. Should I have taken more time? Different angles? Different lenses? What would I have done differently had I known that before she came in??

I shoot very instinctively and nothing is rehearsed, so honestly, I probably would have done just the same but with more anxiety. While I was editing these images I wondered if the photos we have taken of ourselves really about us at all? I may not succeed in being the only photographer on the planet to ever take an image of Judy that she likes. I'm optimistic, but realistic. In the end, I think these images are for Callum to treasure when he is older as a window back to when life was safe and soft. And for all of Judy's family and friends that know and love her keen intelligence and beauty. I hope she can see in these images what the rest of us see the minute we meet her. I hope you love these, Aimee! It was my pleasure to meet and photograph them for you!!

(And I really need to take my own advice and stop deleting almost every single picture ever taken of me!)

I'm a Recessionista!

2009-02-17T16:24:00.006-07:00

I was at a marketing seminar the other day when I first heard the term "Recessionista." The speaker said, "are you someone that thinks that a recession is a good thing? Do you think it is great to be thrifty? Would you prefer to barter or borrow items instead of accumulating and disposing? Do you take pride in finding a good deal?" Everyone else in the room was staring blankly at her while I was nodding emphatically (this is very common at seminars I attend). Lori looked right at me and said, "then you are a Recessionista!"

Ah, to be labeled. To fit into a category. To have a name for the embarrassing excitement I experience over our economic collapse. Perhaps that's a bit too dramatic, but I will admit that I think it is high time we get this ball rolling. We have been due for a hit like this for some time and I'd just prefer to get on with it. What a huge mess this is going to be.

Here's what excites me: things getting real. People feeling real emotion. Dealing with real numbers. Looking at real people. Asking for (and giving) real help. Taking stock of our lives and deciding what is truly important to us. What makes the cut and what doesn't? What are the luxury items and what has true value?

Scary? Yes! Especially when in the midst of all the assessment the question I have to ask is, "Does what I DO have true value...or am I just a luxury item?" For an artist, it's a very fine line to walk.

Everyone assigns value in different places...thats what makes the world an interesting and dynamic place. So while many people will choose to cut photography from the budget, I still choose to believe that the images I create are more than just a pretty picture- they are a sort of glue that holds the good things of our world together. Somehow, photography (a certain kind of photography) can take an emotion, a relationship, an experience, a fleeting moment and make it REAL. Something tangible, evident and permanent.

I pray every time I shoot that God will show me a glimpse of who He created my subject to be, show me the person He loves and revels in. Is there such a thing that is truer than the obvious? I believe so. And I believe that I was created to be a photographer, a truth-teller...the kind of person who points to something beyond the conspicuous and uncovers a deeper layer.

We all know a grandmother loves her grandson. But I'll tell you, when I shot those images of Callum holding his grandmother's face to give her an Eskimo kiss, something took shape. That pure, unconditional, unquestioning love between a grandmother and grandson was no longer just a vague assumption, but a plausible reason for having a child, for sacrificing certain comforts to make space for that kind of love and relationship in the world.

I'll stick to my craft, but will take the time to continually assess...I'll probably make some pretty big sacrifices along the way.

Are photos required for every one of a photographer's blog entries? If so, I'll add a recent photo that Caroline Colvin just shot of me! She did such a wonderful job, and I'm so excited to have a picture I really like of myself!! She's just started shadowing me this winter/spring and I think it will be a great experience for both of us!

Happy Valentine's Day!

2009-02-14T00:01:00.001-07:00

Happy Valentine's Day Everyone!!

Recherche Studio-Gallery

2009-02-12T00:08:00.011-07:00

Today I snapped some shots of the Recherche Studio now that all the Christmas magic is officially stored away until next year. I thought it would be nice for all my blog readers (who haven't been in to the studio) to see where I spend most of my time! When I'm not shooting on location, I'm tucked back in my office editing, shooting in the natural-light studio, or meeting with clients in the Viewing Room.

This shot is just as you walk in the front doors:

The first room you walk into is the Gallery. You probably all know I'm a bit of a vintage fanatic. Below is the official natural light studio. (The umbrellas are really just kind of for show- so people understand that this room is different than the Gallery.) This is where my studio portrait sessions take place, although we're often scooting furniture every which way in almost all the rooms depending on light and inspiration!

That big bright south-facing window is the backdrop for all my super grainy backlit photos! And you probably recognize the bench by now- a signature prop in my images which is actually on loan from my friend Beth Sanders. She just dropped by one day right after I opened the studio and said she had something in the back of her truck that would be perfect for my studio and my style. She couldn't have been more right...I am forever indebted!! (If anyone has furniture or other vintage props of a similar nature that you'd like to share, bring it on by...I'm sure we can work out a trade!!)

Below is the Viewing Room, where I show all my clients the results of the portrait session in a slideshow set to music on the big screen. It is my favorite part of my job.

And here is yet another side to the business: my fine art botanicals! I've piled them all into the front little room off of the Gallery. Yummy!

Back behind the red curtain (where most people think I live) is actually were most of the work gets done. I've retro-fitted the kitchen to be a work space! We took all the cupboard doors off the cabinets for easy access and pretty displays. And instead of a full-size refrigerator I opted for a mailing station! We bought the tables, slat board + accessories for pennies from a pet store going out of business the month I opened the studio. Then we tucked a mini fridge in the hall closet, which you can see in this image.If you're talking to me on my studio phone or receiving an email from me (and it's NOT from my iPhone), I'm at my desk pictured below! (Although I am a serious pacer when on the phone!!) There are 3 tables in my office all set up with computer workstations (thanks to Jay, of course). We crammed a lot into this little cottage from the 1800s! It really is my dream come true. And if you're curious about the origins of this space, check out this blog entry from 2 years ago: http://recherchephotography.blogspot.com/2007/02/new-studio-space.html

Keep in mind that I love to share my studio with other wedding professionals (or otherwise) who are in need of a professional but artistic place to conduct consultations/meetings! Less expensive than renting/buying your own space, classier than a coffee shop, more professional than your home, super accessible location, amenities for serving coffee, tea, etc. It is perfect for makeup artists (lots of natural light), event planners, graphic designer, artists, networking groups, etc. If this appeals to you let me know and if you think of anyone that is in need of such a space pass this along! We like lots of warm, artsy and romantic energy around here!

Recherche Rewind: Costa Rica Fine Art Wedding Photography

2009-02-11T00:15:00.002-07:00

I am busy gearing up for both a trip to Belize at the end of this month to photograph Krystal & Chris's private wedding ceremony, but also a trip to LA to document the one-year-old twins of this wedding couple, Rachel & Alex! Preparations for both trips have brought their wedding in Costa Rica to the front of my mind and I have been eager to revisit and share these images. I have such a passion for shooting intimate destination weddings- often times the smaller the better. If you know anyone planning such an event please share with them my work in case they are inspired!

Ironically, the wedding coordinator, Aimee Monihan, who is the founder and president of Tropical Occasions and coordinated Rachel & Alex's wedding, has moved down the street to Lafayette and started Mountain Occasions. She now splits her time between events in Colorado and Costa Rica. I'm looking forward to working with her on another wedding this May! Without further ado, vintage Recherche images:

A Mardi Gras Birthday Party for Sterling Glenn Hurst!

2009-02-10T22:15:00.003-07:00

We had Sterling's final first year portrait session booked for the day of his birthday at the studio, but Amelia called a few days before wondering if I would be able to attend his birthday party instead. Luckily for all of us, it fit right into my packed Saturday schedule so I went straight from Chloe's party to Sterling's! I loved the diversity of themes!! Amelia is from New Orleans and planned a Mardi Gras party for little Sterling, complete with a custom-made crown for the birthday boy, a King cake, metallic beads, hurricanes, shrimp, rice & beans, corn bread and a New Orleans soundtrack. It was just a blast to document!
Amelia dreamed of photographing her first baby's birthday party with a Polaroid camera- so finding a free one online the day before the party was a dream come true! Very vintage- love it!

Happy Birthday, Sterling!!

And now, here's the whole show!! Enjoy everyone!

(All photos from this party are available for purchase at www.pictage.com/619936)

Chloe Ebadi's First Birthday Party

2009-02-09T21:16:00.004-07:00

Little Miss Chloe Ebadi is celebrating her FIRST birthday! And I was there to capture all the luscious details and expressions...what a way to spend a Saturday! I have discovered a new love (is there really room for another??)... Birthday Parties! Please call or email the studio if you are considering having the party for your little one documented. It is so much fun and the images are priceless!

Who would guess that this would be a baby's first reaction to the her first taste of sugar?! "Bleeeck," she says!

Expecting Twins: Maternity Portraits

2009-02-01T00:45:00.001-07:00

Olivia is expecting twin sisters VERY soon...naturally, she's excited! (We'll see how she feels about them in three months from right now!) No matter what, Olivia will always be her mommy's first baby. Clearly they are still quite enamored with each other. It made for a very simple and delightful photo session. Maternity photos are just so gorgeous...I fall even more in love with them each time I have the chance to create them for my clients. I'm so looking forward to my next session with these two in just a few weeks when they'll bring the new twins...stay tuned!

St. Julien Hotel Winter Wedding: Kristin & Nick

2009-01-29T21:41:00.001-07:00

What a beautiful reason to get bundled up on a chilly January Saturday- Kristin is marrying Nick. They've opted for a small and intimate ceremony in St. Julien's outdoor gazebo, which suits the mild-mannered and private groom, followed by a packed-out ballroom reception which suits the exuberant and social bride! Ah, compromise. And all seamlessly pulled together by the lovely Heather Clark with Calluna Events. Just a few images to whet your whistle! Below is a slideshow with the major highlights of the wedding!

Kristin & Nick's Image Gallery is available at www.pictage.com/616781

To see Calluna Event's descriptions & links to all the vendors involved in this gorgeous event, please view her blog entry: http://callunaevents.blogspot.com/2009/02/kristin-nicks-wedding-at-st-julien.html

2009 Quality Hill Bridal Show at Grant Humphrey Mansion

2009-01-26T23:24:00.004-07:00

It's been quite a while since I participated in a Bridal Fair. They are not my favorite thing in the world. But when the fabulous event planner, Wendee Walter-Vezzetti approached me about being involved in her project: The Quality Hill Bridal Show, how could I say no? She partnered with the Grant Humphrey Mansion, a gorgeous old mansion in Denver where I love to shoot, and hand-picked some wonderful vendors. The experience was much more enjoyable for me because Wendee asked me photograph the event so I got to "hide" behind my camera and wander through the event meeting all the participants. Very fun and such a relief to not be standing awkwardly beside my table!

I FINALLY got to meet Julie Sandusky of JS Designs in person after all these years. We have been involved in several of the same weddings for almost 4 years now and have never had a face-to-face interaction! Her table was like a candy store- just oodles of creative little treasures that you could not help but touch. And Julie is just bursting with genuine enthusiasm. I can't wait to visit her studio in Denver. She has a brand new website, so check it out! www.jsdesigncustom.com

I was thrilled to make the acquaintance of the Bistro Boys Catering team! Jay and I zipped down to Denver after the show to meet their team, and were highly impressed with their attention to detail, their commitment to customized & personal attention for each of their clients and their versatility (i.e. dinners for 2500 guests to 7 course meals for five bon vivants). We are delighted to add them to our preferred vendor list and to work with them on creating a catalog of images for their portfolio! More new friends! Erin & Cori with www.plumsageflowers.com are adorable and so excited to be working together! They are full of spunk and originality!

Lori with www.staticefloral.com is looking much more reserved here than she was in real person. (I guess no one really likes having their photo taken!) She is so sweet and her arrangements are vivaciously vibrant!Blake Elizabeth Hanick with Lilywillow: http://www.lilywillow.com. I think I spent most of my time pawing through her portfolio. She just moved out here a year ago and I think her business is also about a year old, but her collection of work was amazing! She just has piles of the most scrumptuous paper suites. She is very passionate about her work. I was so inspired.

There are many more links to the other fabulous vendors that were at this show. Click here to view: The Quality Hill Bridal Show

We are this month's feature on The Bridal Collection!

2009-01-23T22:58:00.006-07:00

I am so delighted to be featured this month on The Bridal Collection's Blog this month! They are based in Denver, Colorado and are showcasing Heather Clark & Brandon Dwight's wedding from September 20, 2008. Click on their photo and to read the entire story here: http://thebridalcollection.blogspot.com/2009/01/wedding-feature-heather-brandon-part-2.html

(their blog is just absolutely gorgeous!! if you love beautiful things you will have a heyday on this blog!)

I have finally acquired the iPhone...

2009-01-08T21:01:00.005-07:00

Jay has dragged me into the current century with the new iPhone. And I have joined millions (maybe?) in the obsession. Texting has finally become commonplace. For example, today, rather than giving a potential wedding client a business card I texted him my web address!

Current favorite app, you ask?

Midomi! The microphone pics up whatever music is playing (or singing...) and then tells you the name of the song and artist for downloading from iTunes.

And how did I dispose of my old cell phone? I donated it to this wonderful organization. http://www.longmontdomesticviolence.org/Donate.html If you are upgrading, please consider a quick internet search for a similar organization in your area- or just post it to this one!

I will most certainly be posting more unprofessional yet personal pics from my PHONE!!

A Family Portrait Session- for family!

2009-01-04T18:16:00.002-07:00

This Christmas we were blessed with the visit of Jay's brother, Josh (who I've known since he was approximately 6 years old!!), his fabulously fiery Australian wife, Steph and their first little Aussie baby: Tristan Stephen Mountjoy on his first international trip at only 4 months old. It was love at first sight for both Jay and I - and everyone else who laid eyes on him. He is the cutest critter around and we could not get enough of him. I'm so relieved we made the time in the midst of the holiday swirl for this photo session so we can remember this magical time in the years to come.

Recherche Holiday Portrait Sessions with Santa

2008-12-30T22:57:00.003-07:00

Recherche's First Annual Holiday photos with Santa this year were a smashing success! It was so wonderful to see familiar faces and meet new ones. I had underestimated the fear factor little ones have with "Santa," but our Santa was unfailingly patient and flexible with the variety of reactions he elicited! All in all, it was a very magical and bustling experience and we're so looking forward to this becoming a Recherche holiday tradition. We loved being able to help support such a wonderful local organization (Habitat for Humanity) and it was a sweet way to add in a little quality family time in the midst of the holiday swirl. Hope to see you next year! (And be sure to watch the video- it's super cute!!)

We were so thankful for Santa & Mrs. Claus volunteering their time for this event! They were wonderful! If you are looking for a Santa for your next holiday event, they come highly recommended by Recherche! You can contact them by emailing: santa@Simply-Santa.com.

Just a few more images of my niece, Ellyana

2008-12-11T23:13:00.002-07:00

OK, I am employing a great deal of self-restraint in not blogging about my gorgeous sister and niece every five minutes. But I cannot resist just posting a few images I took today when they came with my mother to help decorate the Recherche studio for Christmas. These images I hope will be passed down for many generations. I love them- the photos and the girls.

The very proud and infatuated "nana". (my mother!) Ellyana is already gaga. Babies sure know their grandmas!

Holiday Drop-in Portrait Sessions!

2008-12-10T16:56:00.005-07:00

Join Recherché Photography, Santa & Mrs. Claus for magical holiday portraits featuring a fabulous costume box, sweet holiday treats, and more! Your session plus one selected digital file costs just $50, while $100 purchases the entire set of session files. Perfect for holiday cards and lifelong memories! We are thrilled to be partnering with Habitat for Humanity on this event and all proceeds will go towards providing shelter for people in our community! Also, please bring an unwrapped toy that we can donate to Toys For Tots!

Open Drop-In Sessions will take place at Recherché Studio on:

Thursday, December 18, 10:30 am - 2 pm
Friday, December 19, 9 am - 1 pm
Saturday, December 20, 9 am - 2:30 pm

Visit our website for more information: www.recherche-photography.com/Holiday2008.htm! And please forward to anyone and everyone looking for unforgettable holiday magic!

Want to see portraits from our Halloween drop-ins? Just click this link!

Recherche Engagement Photo Session with Krystal & Chris

2008-12-07T19:39:00.004-07:00

Krystal & Chris have opted OUT of a big complicated wedding and are eloping to Belize. And they are bringing their photographer with them so that their ultra simple & romantic ceremony among the beach-side Mayan ruins will be forever documented. And THIS is my specialty! Included in all my wedding packages are a set of engagement photos. Serendipiously we had a gorgeous December afternoon in Louisville the day we shot these images!

Oh boy, do I love dogs! And so do Krystal & Chris! (Actually, is there anyone in Colororado who doesn't? I think it may be a pre-requisite.) These gorgeous pups were a lovely addition to our photo session!

MAX Holiday Fashion Show this Friday!

2008-12-02T03:10:00.003-07:00

I've donated a Location Portrait Session & Digital Files to be silently auctioned at this party for a good cause! Sounds like it's going to be a breathtaking affair! Please come join the fun and help a wonderful organization THIS FRIDAY, DECEMBER 6TH!

http://www.denvermagazine.com/calendar/2008/12/06/max-holiday-fashion-show

Twin Portraits Plus One!

2008-12-02T01:17:00.009-07:00

Twins seem to be my lot in life these days, however, I am much happier about them than Anne Shirley was. We created wonderful maternity photos for Christine a couple months ago and here we are with these little gentlemen front and center! I'm always very *curious* to see how family portrait sessions are going to turn out since I really never have a plan and never know how the little ones are going to react so it's feels a bit like Christmas each time I do an edit. I love these images!

And this is our cue that the session is OVER! That's a wrap!!

Recherche Rewind: Wedding at Harkness Park in Mystic, Connecticut: a Coastal Spring Wedding

2008-11-21T13:52:00.006-07:00

Blogs are wonderful. While my website gives my viewers a strong flavor of my art (what I consider to be the essence of Recherche), my blog is like Facebook's "what are you doing right now" feature.

While we've been in Portrait Heaven at Recherche's studio in anticipation of the holidays, we have also been booking many weddings for next season.

I am anticipating the age-old thrill that goes along with the slipping on of the wedding gown, the hush before the bride comes down the aisle, the thrill of new locations and backdrops, and all the romance and beauty that can imbue a single perfect day.

We are living in an age where things are happening at a dizzying pace. Honestly, it is just too fast for me. I am old fashioned. I like things slower, quieter, more methodical, more personal. But my industry does not stop. It is highly competitive and hyper-dynamic. As an artist and an entrepreneur, I have about a zillion things going through my head all the time. Always a to-do list, always booking ahead, always planning for the future.

I've decided that after almost 10 years of photographing weddings full time, it is time to start looking back and remembering some of my favorite weddings from all over the world. Doing so reminds me of what I love most about my career and deepens my resolve to establish my niche as a destination wedding photographer, specifically for small, intimate weddings.

So to start off our series, I want to rewind to April of 2006. Suzanne and Andrew planned a small and very personal wedding in the bride's beloved hometown of Mystic, Connecticut. For their rehearsal dinner they chose a quaint old pub where her father had been docking his boat and having dinner with his friends since he was a young man. They married in small Catholic church and had their reception at the historic, charming and private Harkness Park Manor. The weather was a perfect blustery east coast day. My ideal. I gave a inspirational pep talk to bride and groom and said if they would just pretend that they were warm and absolutely madly in love that I would create the most perfect wedding images for them. And this is why I'm starting my series with this wedding. I think these images are quintessentially romantic.

Know of anyone planning a quaint East Coast wedding? Please point them in my direction!

Owen Hodges is on the move!

2008-11-18T00:16:00.000-07:00

I've been photographing this little guy since he was just a couple months old. A few things have changed in the last 9 months. First, his hair is now blonde is instead of red. And he is mobile. No real plan for where he is headed, just as long as he can keep moving- fast. It was such a gorgeous November day so we attempted a little walk...Here is what happens when you try to slow Owen down...So the session got moved back inside. And that was fortuitous because we created some of the most beautiful images as Owen was recovering from his traumatic outside experience.And Wilson just made it all better. For all of us!So we thought he needed his own portraits!

Lila Travis- portraits in Louisville/Boulder Colorado

2008-11-17T16:04:00.015-07:00

Lila is 4 and three quarters. A little lady. Right away I knew we could play with a few of the backdrops I have hanging around because she would actually sit still for more than half a second at a time. The trick with this one was to get some genuine smiles and expressions since she already has her camera-ready smile down pat. I chattered away the whole time and am delighted with the final shots! Lila picked out this orange backdrop and I'm so happy she did! It is SO vibrant and the ideal complimentary color for her dress which she informed me is "turquoise."So glad I thought of this one! Look in the mirror and then spin your head around toward the camera! She thought it was funny and I LOVE this shot!

OK, I just created the slideshow for Lila's mom, Nancy Travis (co-owner of Boulder's lovely Envelope Please paper & invitation store) who is coming in tomorrow to Recherche for her Viewing Session to see these images for the first time. And I can't stand it. I have to post the whole thing online. Really, I should just do this for everyone. This makes me so happy...

Chicago Landing & Baby Portrait thanks to Real Baby!

2008-11-08T00:42:00.001-07:00

Shondi, Jacob & little Arli just moved recently from Chicago to Boulder. What a happy coincidence that they received a gift certificate for my services from Boulder's newest baby boutique: Real Baby. Arli is about the most rad 13 month old I've met, thanks to her mom's excellent punk style and her father's t-shirt company: http://www.threadless.com/.

We started off pretty shy. But that's what mommies are for.

So out comes a favorite book. And here is why I love my very fast camera and my trigger finger. This series was captured in less than 10 seconds. Arli was a bit stingy with her smiles. But that's OK with me!

A little "break" from the very stressful photo shoot. Except I snuck in a shot!And this smile last about half a second! This is the outfit I want. Bad.

Arli and Bunny are not getting along very well today. Flirting for candy corn. AFTER I had packed up the camera and she finally pulled out all her sass. I couldn't believe it.

A Personality Quiz- on me!

2008-11-06T23:13:00.008-07:00

This photo was taken over a year ago, but it's the classic shoe maker bit. Hard to dig up a photo of myself. And I thought I should probably have at least one on here since this blog entry is specifically about me!

I'm a bit brain dead as I've spent the entire day reviewing process workflow, my marketing plan and compiling into ONE place dozens of lists that were EVERYWHERE...notebooks, scraps of paper, handheld, emails, word & xcel docs, etc. My brain is such a crazy thing. It is ceaslessly generating ideas and projects and things to do. And it does not help that I'm in one of the most dynamic and competitive industries around. It is a miracle that I haven't spun right off the face of the planet. Lots of deep breathing, water and thank the Lord above for the yoga studio one block down the street!!

So in the midst of all the billions of action items and an overflowing email inbox, I snuck in an online quiz my sister just sent me! I can't resist sharing the results because I think they are not only accurate, but this just might be a description of the Perfect Destination Wedding Photographer (which I am although I haven't been blogging any weddings lately! shame on me!!)

When I stop to think about it I need to pinch myself. I've traveled all over the world for weddings-Australia, Hawaii, Costa Rica, Europe, Chicago, New York , Texas, Florida, Maine, San Francisco... and the list goes on. And to top it all off, to shoot "locally" is a dream come true. Boulder, Colorado. Or even just a quick drive up to Breckenridge, Beaver Creek, Aspen. Just too good to be true. So according to this quiz, I am perfectly suited to my line of work. A PERFECT reminder after a day like today.

DREAMER.

MOOD: You're romantic in your outlook and love the simplicity of nature. You can be a little nostalgic and you like landscapes that make you feel calm. when it comes to art, You're definitely unconventional but you appreciate precision and hard work. You are consistently impressed by the discipline and focus of true artists, whatever their field. Your music collection is your treasure. You're a focused listener and always on the lookout for something new.

FOR FUN: You're always on... You love the inspiration that exploring new cultures brings. When it comes to holidays you like to explore, and immerse yourself in another culture. Always on the go, you take in as much as you can. You find it hard to switch off, as you like to be absorbing new information all the time. And what turns you off? You can't stand vanity. When you scratch beneath the surface you need to find something else.

HABITS: You appreciate the simplicity of nature and the beauty of the world around you. It's important to slow down and retreat from frenzy of life."

In case you're inspired to take your own quiz, here's the link!

http://youniverse.com/us/reginapersonalityquiz

Halloween Slideshow!

2008-11-02T00:16:00.004-06:00

SO many adorable photos! Thank you to EVERYONE who brought their little ones in to celebrate Halloween with Recherche! It was such a happy time for me! I hope next year there are 3 times as many people! Enjoy the show and pass along!

(And stay tuned... we're going to be doing Christmas sessions with Santa!! Let me know if you have any Christmas costumes - i.e. elf, reindeer, etc. that you'd like to loan or donate to Recherche for the cause!)

Enjoy the show!

Ramping up for our Halloween Open Portrait Sessions!

2008-10-26T20:07:00.004-06:00

We just did an early Halloween costume portrait session today! Yippee!

If you are inspired by these photos and you have little ones with costumes, please drop by Recherche this week for my Open Portrait Sessions! I had priced the session at $50, but due to the current economy and my own recent personal loss I am asking for DONATIONS ONLY. Just bring what you can afford to spend, your baby & costume, any fall/halloween props you have about and let's have some fun!

I'm looking forward to meeting new moms and hanging out with all my friends this week! Please forward this blog link to any friends and family that you think might enjoy coming to play with us! Just call me at the studio: 303.665.2708 or email me if you have questions!

Wednesday, October 29: 10 am -12 pm
Thursday, October 30: 3 pm -5 pm
Friday, October 31: 1 pm -3 pm

I adore this photograph of my baby sister with her new baby. They are both so gorgeous.

Please come play with me this week! See you soon!

Isabella Davis is 4 and a half!

2008-10-11T00:24:00.007-06:00

I am dying over these images. I sometimes wonder if all my images start looking the same, but I just cannot get over how much I love the way these turned out. I photographed Isabella when she was two years old so we could post the images online for her daddy to see who was in Iraq. So of course I was super excited when the whole family came in for Isabella's 4 and a half portraits and a few family shots! And I finally got to meet Bob! Isabella seems just a bit more shy than Bob, but it didn't take either of them long to warm up and start smiling at me!
Put a girl in a tutu and just TRY to keep her from spinning. Actually, just try to keep a little girl from spinning at all!OK, I'm exceptionally emotional these days. But these images just made me choke right up. They resonate with me. Perhaps the expression of quiet uncertainty in a new place with a new person. (I'm much more shy than most people realize.) And when do we really grow out of needing to hold our favorite stuffed animals for a little security and comfort? To be honest, I don't think I have yet. Elly, my elephant that my mother made me when was two, is unpackable. She sits on my closet shelf and I kiss her every day. Ahh, midnight blogging confessions... Back to the photos!Someone was starting to feel a little left out!

Watch out, Vogue, here comes Isabella- in about 15 years!!

And here's one of my favorites! Shot right behind my back! We were playing a "your camera can't catch me" game that Isabella invented and in the midst of about 20 shots of cars and clouds I caught this gem! Yippee!

A Sunny Stroll down Main Street

2008-10-08T13:34:00.004-06:00

Heather Clark is not only sweet and organized, but generous and thoughtful. I haven't been tipped at a wedding for probably 5 years! I've been hoarding the bills away like treasures and this morning I decided unequivocally that I was not going to be practical- instead I was going to splurge.

So I took myself on a walk down Main Street.

The walk in itself was a splurge. The light has that warm glowing quality of fall- reflecting off the orange and yellow leaves that fill the sky and carpet the sidewalks. The breeze is refreshing. People are sitting outside the cafes and coffee shops chatting with friends. No raised voices so I assume they're not discussing the debates and politics!

I stopped across the street at the Louisville City Hall to pay my quarterly sales tax. Not romantic, but I like staying on top of all my bills when I can and how lovely that I can WALK my payment across the street?! I strolled a couple blocks down to Auriege Spa and booked a facial and massage for next Tuesday (the ultimate luxury that I have foregone for what seems years!) and talked for a while with Pam and friend about their holiday plans and new business dreams. I stopped in next door at Hair Culture to book my appointments for the holidays to make sure my hair looks fabulous in the midst of my busiest time of the year. And right next door to them is A Grande Finale, a pastery shop. Why not? It was so wonderful just to walk in the door and breathe deeply.

I love that there are people still committed to handcrafting culinary victuals- preparing them from scratch, wrapping them in little papers and ribbons and selling them individually. It is an art. And it seems rare in American culture so I love that I can find this just a couple blocks from Recherche.

Change is taking over Main Street. I lamented how many business we are loosing due to the economy. It seems like every 3rd business on Main Street is closing their doors. We just lost Senor T's after 36 years. The Vietnamese restaurant has closed and there is a rumor that Hank's Train Shop is closing as well. It's so sad.

And as I was walking back to the studio I kept thinking about the conversation my coach, Jennifer Hofmann, and I had a month or so ago related to death and transformation. I have been experiencing so many parts of Recherche dying away in the last 6 months and I've felt so disappointed, resentful and very very sad. Recherche is an extension of my heart. For nine years I have poured everything I had into her. Change, even when it is necessary or intentional, is painful. But Jennifer reminded me that the miraculous thing about death is the transformation that comes on the other side.

Stay tuned for much transformation to come...

Hot Mama Designs Fashion Shoot

2008-09-30T23:02:00.010-06:00

Although I may have created my own funky style I don't profess to be a fashion photographer. But when Shannon Sunderland of Hot Mama Designs approached me about doing a photo shoot for her new marketing campaign and described the type of images she would like created I got excited! This was a good fit. She wanted "lifestyle" photos. Comfortable and compelling shots of the type of women who wear her designs just being with their children and each other. That I could do. So last Saturday about 20 people filled into my studio and we shot. Very organic, relatively quiet (because the kids not having their photo taken played outside!) and just fun! I really had no idea what I was getting or if I was creating the images Shannon had envisioned, but we wrapped 2 hours early and I started editing. So fun to see the results! Here are quite a few of my favorites. Look for them on her website and marketing pieces coming out soon! And here is Hot Mama, herself! I got about 2 shots before she choked up and got weepy. This photo shoot was a dream come true and embodied so many of her hopes for her business coming to fruition. I was honored to be a part of the process.Note to all the lovely women that participated in this photo shoot:
I would love to offer each of you a $50 discount off a portrait session this fall/winter! Email me at regina@recherche-photography.com if you are interested in booking a session or would like to join my mailing list! You can view portrait pricing and other information on my website: http://www.recherche-photography.com/. (offer will expire 12/15/08)

You can view all photos from this session here: www.pictage.com/558192

Boulder Colorado Heather & Brandon's Wedding

2008-09-26T01:29:00.012-06:00

(If you would like to be notified by Pictage when ALL of Heather & Brandon's weddings will be online, sign up here: www.pictage.com/551993)

I can't believe the day has come and gone. Heather is such a dear friend of mine and her wedding was every bit as sophisticated, charming, gorgeous and smooth as she is.

Heather & Brandon choose the highly coveted Boulder Canyon House, owned by Dorothy and Charlie Tucker as their venue. They only do a handful of smaller events now but as a good friend Dorothy told Heather years ago that she could have her wedding at their home. It was idyllic.

Many of Boulder's finest wedding vendors participated in Heather's wedding and worked their magic. Jessica from the Face Lab transformed Heather into a bride that was runway worthy! Alli Bozeman who owns the Bird Dog Press created the most gorgeous letter-pressed paper suite including the invitations, seating cards, and a new custom-designed guest signing book that had pages full of envelopes for guest's well-wishes. European Flowers created the most beautiful flower arrangements, each one unique and all Heather's colors of orange and green. Kim Boos with Haute Cakes/Tee & Cakes created another one of her delectable cake creations which was banana bread inside!! What a delicious surprise!!
It rained just a bit during the ceremony which is always my ideal weather and lighting conditions. Calluna Events is always prepared and passed around umbrellas, which were a lovely graphic element! Heather's mother is Scottish and as one of the many tributes to her heritage and her many Scottish guests a bagpiper heralded the conclusion of their ceremony. And I also want to pay tribute to my 2nd photographer for the day: Julie Harris. She photographed our wedding 4 years ago and continues to be one of the most prominent wedding & portrait photographers in Colorado. She created the most fabulous images at this wedding with me and I think our photography and styles compliment each other perfectly. And my best friend, Juli Dimos assisted us. She has photographed many of her own events, has designed every website Recherche has ever had and now runs her own marketing & branding company: Voco Creative. So I had the most wonderful team I could hope for. So, without further ado, the slideshow...

My Brand New Niece: Ellyana Francesca Moore

2008-09-22T23:00:00.003-06:00

When my phone rang this morning at 5am for some reason I woke up immediately. I could not believe that both my mother and sister were calling from the hospital and there were baby cries in the background. Jay and I were out the door in minutes (but not before I whipped up some fresh cream and grabbed the strawberries- her favorite treat!) My little sister, Pahtyana, was not due for another 4 weeks! But this baby was ready to get some fresh air and stretch out! An unbelievably short labor and no time for drugs produced a healthy gorgeous 5 lb, 18" long baby girl and glowing mommy & daddy. My other two sisters made it down from Ft. Collins within the hour and our family just soaked in the miracle. I am in a state of blissful shock.

Cherry Hills Colorado Family Portraits: The Waldera Family

2008-09-01T01:12:00.002-06:00

I was thrilled to hear that after a short stint in Florida, some of my most favorite clients decided to return to Colorado. I was delighted to do another set of family portraits for Kimberly & Noah Waldera! I've been photographing this little lady since before she was born! It is so fun to see the same expressions she has made since she was just a couple months old. She just a bigger vocabulary and more hair! I love it!

Denver Baby Portraits: Chloe Ebadi is 7 months!

2008-08-27T01:53:00.003-06:00

You're probably tired of reading "I photographed their wedding, their pregnant belly and now we're documenting baby's first year"! But how many creative ways can you say the same thing?? This is our second photo shoot with Chloe who is now a whopping 7 months and a very petite little princess. I had to take the above photo of Molly and baby Chloe right on the stairs as soon as I arrived because the light was so gorgeous! Daddy did not dig the flower headband, but Molly and I could not get enough of this image and at last he conceeded. How can you resist the delight?? None of us could believe this shot. It is just too cute!! You just never know where babies are going to be totally comfortable and meet the camera! My sessions are unpredictable, fortuitous and serendiptitous- all meaning about the same thing but I like all of those words!I had already packed up the camera (i.e. put it in my bag) but while Molly and I were discussing furniture as I was on the way to my car I could not withstand the urge for another shot. Aren't they just both so gorgeous? Would you have any idea that Molly is operating on just a few hours of sleep a night?? She is radiant.Daddy is a doctor for children. The day of our portrait shoot he was called in to save a little boy. So the whole family came down to old-town Louisville on a Saturday morning for a quick family shoot. Mark has a VERY difficult time being still for photos, which makes him a perfect client for me because so do I! I was in rare form that morning and somehow shot over 200 images (almost all of which turned out just beautifully) in less than 5 minutes. I think that might be a world record. The following images are just a sampling of what we got. And then they headed a few blocks over for some festival they were having at the Louisville Community Park! Hurrah- everyone is happy! Doesn't Mark totally remind you of George Clooney? He is WAY more comfortable having his photo taken with his baby girl! Funny how that happens.

Boulder Family Portraits: Luke Meyers is 7 months

2008-08-24T01:37:00.005-06:00

This was our second of four photo shoots with Luke. You may remember his 3-month portrait session back in April. He was not so sure. But today he is 7 months old- so happy to be in his mommy's lap and quite entertained by his dad's puppet! Does life really get any better??Put a naked baby on a sheepskin rug from New Zealand and all is right with the world! (A trick I picked up from Julia Vandenover!!)Sitting up is hard to do when you're tiny. A bit of a backward spill warranted a little cuddle time. I don't usually mind a few tears during a session because it affords me images like this, which are so genuine and true for this time in a baby's life. How much longer will Anji be able to hold her son like this, tucked right in, totally safe, trusting and deeply comforted? For both of them. It is such a privilege for me to capture these types of moments for my clients. Daddy love! Usually involves being tossed in the air or tipped upside down. Challenging to photograph but totally worth it!!Ahh, the ever-popular metal tub. You'd think it would be a brutal transition from the sheepskin, but babies love this thing! As do the parents! I'll have to do a series perhaps in January of all my favorite tub photos! Amazing what you can do with a little vintage fleamarket find! And right at the VERY end of our session I caught these shots. I didn't know I had them until I edited the photos! That's what I mean when I say editing is like Christmas morning for me. There's always a few total surprises! We're framing them up as a triptych because we just could not get enough of them!!

Denver Saint Elizabeth's Catholic Church & DPAC Wedding for Lauren & Josh

2008-08-15T00:49:00.000-06:00

I just had the wonderful opportunity to photograph another Hundman wedding! I was the photographer for Kim Hundman 2 years ago in Playa del Secreto, Mexico. And now it was her little sister, Lauren's turn! She and Josh selected the stunning St. Elizabeth's church in Denver for their ceremony and the Seawell Ballroom at the Denver Performing Arts Center for their reception.

Everything about this wedding was dreamy, including the thirty minute downpour that ensued shortly after we started the formal photos! We couldn't get to the cars to take us to the reception so we were forced to stay under the columns and back into the church for some "angelic" shots.

Berkeley, CA Brazil Room Wedding for Meg & Dan

2008-08-13T00:17:00.001-06:00

(To view all of Meg & Dan's wedding photos on Pictage, sign up here: www.pictage.com/551983.)

There are so many amazing things about my job and this wedding embodies so many of them. Dear friends, beauty, family that has traveled across the globe to celebrate love and tradition, travel, sun flare, dancing all night long... Meg's family lives in Japan and she incorporated many Japanese details throughout their wedding in Berkeley, California this summer. It was, of course, my treat to photograph them!Meg & Dan: thank you so very much for giving me the opportunity to photograph your wedding! I love that Meg had been hoping to hire me for about the last 5 years of their dating life and that Dan emailed me within days of their engagement! It is such an honor and I hope these images live up to all your expectations and help you re-live your fabulous wedding!

And here I am learning a new software application- with my husband's help, of course! David Jay's ShowIt Fast. Super cool! Enjoy!!

Denver Channel 7 A-List

2008-08-12T14:23:00.005-06:00

I am very very behind in blogging and almost everything else Recherche-related. After more than 2 years, we are in the final stretch of a complete home renovation. We are sprinting to the end. I will blog about that soon!

Thank the stars above for Jason. He is holding down the fort here and finally today forced me to read the reviews that are pouring in for our Denver Channel 7 A-List nomination. As an artist, I am prone to bouts of self-doubt so I am a bit taken aback by all the glowing responses from clients all over the world- and family & friends!

If you have a minute, please take a minute to read the best testimonials I've ever gotten. I am practically abashed! http://kmgh.cityvoter.com/recherche-photography/biz/49817 (And vote for me if you'd like!)

Photo Booth

2008-08-11T15:14:00.001-06:00

This is my new favorite thing: photo booths you can rent for your wedding! This one was Booth 66 and the guests were obsessed!!

I had a super fun time assisting my dear friend, Juli Harris, with a wedding a couple weeks ago at the beautiful Pastures of Plenty in Boulder. Another dear friend, the oh-so-wonderful Heather Clark with Calluna Events, coordinated the event. We had a blast. And got A LOT of mosquito bites. I am still recovering. Here are our attempts at photo boothing it. Hysterical, weird, awkward. I have no idea what Julie is doing in the top left corner? Or- actually in any of them.

These are two of my very favorite girls. And we'll all be together again on Heather's wedding day in just one month!!!!

Twin Boy Portraits: Michael & Stickley

2008-07-21T01:30:00.006-06:00

Does it seem to anyone else that there are an abundance of twins being born recently? They are tricky to photograph I can tell you that! These two little ones are just 3 months old and I was thrilled to find I actually got a few shots where neither of them were crying- much! I am so excited to watch Davis & Michael grow!

Cotton Candy Tutus

2008-07-10T00:30:00.009-06:00

When Shannon called and asked me to make sure the skirts she had just ordered were suitable for the photo shoot I thought I had gone to heaven. Can you imagine anything better than these gorgeous poofy cotton candy tutus? I had butterflies in my tummy taking these photos!Shannon had baby Will four months ago. Yup. She looks amazing. But she is also a woman, so she is self-conscious. We had to plead a little bit to get her in front of the camera, but I think it was well-worth the persistence. Consider this: as precious as the images of your children are to you- that is how precious images of YOU will be to your children when they are grown. So what if you haven't lost the 10 pounds or have circles under your eyes? Love, happiness, a professional photographer and a very expensive lens are the perfect ingredients for photographs that will be treasured for generations. I think it is so important to make sure there are images for your children to look back on of their mother, smiling with happiness and self-confidence, showing them that they don't have to be our society's idea of "perfect" to be valuable, happy and loved.

What do you get when you put Regina in a room with three children under the age of four? Who knows? But that M&M jar was completely empty at the end of this session. This was the another fine example of the "un-structured" (slash chaotic) family portrait session that resulted in images that are yummy and precious.

The Wonder Years

2008-07-09T23:24:00.013-06:00

I'm not sure what it is about this time in a young family's life but it is magical. The photo shoot with Gabrielle and Gavin brought up so many vivid and tender memories of when my brother and I were their same age (3 and 1). The photographs I have of my little brother, Daniel, and I are perhaps the most treasured items I own. The above two shots are two of my favorites. Daniel died when he as 15 and I was 17 and I have never seemed to have recovered from the loss. As soon as these children came into the studio I saw the similiarities and I found myself attempting to create images that have the same feel as my own childhood images.Not a very romantic location - nestled between a couple of dumpsters and the sun just overhead, but we were all delighted with these "family portraits"! I think this might typify the exact opposite of the traditional olan mills portrait- except we are inside. As I told Tim & Angie as soon as they walked in the door- I seem to be incapable of "posing" my subjects so family sessions usually feel completely unstructured and messy. But it is so amazing to see what we get! It is always something new and unexpected! I adore this photo.

And here are some of my favorite family shots of all time. An impromptu ring-around-the-rosy game! No time to switch lenses or even stand up so I just leaned all the way back on the floor wedged myself up against the wall (in a "crunch" position) and took these shots. I love them so much.

Ashley & Aaron- Engagement Photos!

2008-07-09T12:04:00.000-06:00

I spotted Ashley's shoes straight away and yelled my sentiments from across the parking lot (in a very feminine fashion, of course). She gave her fiance an "I told you!" look. And then we took pictures. My engagement photos sessions are very mellow. We move around a lot, I constantly command my subjects not to look at me, I chatter away the whole time and usually trip on something. And then we're done. They last about 20-40 minutes. And at the end they say (usually the guy)- "wow, that was way easier than I thought..." And the she gives him an "I told you!" look.

Cover of Luxurious Wedding Style Report!

2008-07-03T15:14:00.008-06:00

We are very excited to have an image from Trina & Ken's wedding showcased on the cover the The Luxurious Wedding Style Report as well as the home page of their website! They are a fabulous company with the most decadent wedding resources worldwide. Yum!

Here is the text from their "Style Report" letter: "If you are seeking something special in your wedding photography, look to Regina Mountjoy of Recherche Photography and Heather M Whiting Photography whose sultry images are featured on the cover of Luxurious Wedding.com this month. Ever the consummate wedding photojournalists, both took advantage of the lighting and the mood to produce wedding images that are editorial and evocative.... stepping out of the box and on to our cover. Both will travel the globe to chronicle your wedding in unparalleled style and elegance. For more luxury wedding planning ideas visit the main page of our Luxurious Wedding Style Report.

And by the way, are you yearning to see more images from this particular wedding? If so, here is a gallery we have online for editorial submissions:

http://recherche-photography.com/ThielWedding/Thiel/

When Ultra Hip Meets Family Tradition

2008-06-17T16:57:00.011-06:00

We are now in the heat of the summer I am so relieved to be plunged back into what I KNOW: photographing weddings. It is akin to slipping into your favorite pair of sweat pants after a day of donning a perfectly-fitted vintage sequined dress. Ahhh. After almost a decade it is thrilling to re-discover that wedding photography it is still my great love. And I'm discovering that I don't have quite the level of anxiety or nautea before every single event! It's very exciting! I think I'm finally comfortable knowing that I am great at what I do.

Jamie & Kyle's wedding was in no exaggeration a delight. They are the most gracious, sweet and fun-loving couple. She has the most gorgeous tatoo I've ever seen in my life and he has the coolest sideburns! I adore them both completely.

Here is what really struck me about this event in particular: although Jamie and Kyle are both extremely modern and ultra hip (he works in the music industry and she runs her own hair salon in Minneapolis) they incorporated so many family traditions into their wedding without stripping their own personality from the event. They held their ceremony & reception on the family estate that has been in Kyle's family for several generations.

We made sure to take this photograph of the couple sitting in the "King's Chair" which is a formation in these rocks that looks just like a thrown. Children and wedding couples have been photographed in this spot for generations.

Jamie wore the wedding dress not only her mother was married in, but her grandmother as well! And they added a lace bustle from Kyle's mother's wedding dress. It was stunning. But also so very meaningful to all of those women.

Kyle's great uncle has owned a limo service in Evergreen for almost 50 years and provided this vintage Rolls-Royce for the wedding. Can you see how adorable he is in the background of this photo?? With his crisp straw hat and perfect poise?Jamie & her brothers do a "totem pole" shot at every family event. Kyle and his brother have started their own wedding tradition: the beer bong. And they even persuaded their father to partake! And I had to include this one because it makes me giggle! They were having a bit of a struggle "posing" their hands for the ring shot and this was one of the "outtakes"!

Heather & Brandon's Engagement Photo Session

2008-06-10T16:03:00.007-06:00

I met Heather Clark many years ago when she was still working at the Envelope Please down on Pearl Street and was just getting her event planning business going. We hit it off right away and she has become a dear friend. Heather's business, Calluna Events, is now a thriving business and I eagerly refer to my own clients as often as possible. She as a gentle and professional way of helping her wedding clients "hold their intention" around their event and to create a wedding that is meaningful and representative of their values and personalities. I was delighted and honored when she asked me to photograph her wedding this September! Brandon is adorable and I was so relieved when he finally proposed! He owns a bike shop in Boulder and Heather used this as her chance to make the first move a few years ago (i.e. could you fix my bike? and then we should go for a drink!) We started their engagement photo session at their home in North Boulder and then drove into downtown Boulder to finish in a funky little alleyway. I could have photographed there all day long. It was difficult to choose just a few favorites to post on the blog!

Ava

2008-06-03T22:00:00.003-06:00

I fall in love with my work over and over and over again. Creating these portraits of six-month old Ava and her beautiful mommy was such a joy for me. I can't wait to sit down with Ava's parents tomorrow and design a gorgeous home gallery with these images as the foundation. As Ava grows we will continue to do portraits and keep their home gallery fresh and current. Yet another part of my job that I adore!

Falling in Love

2008-05-30T21:52:00.000-06:00

Art can be emotional, raw and challenging. I love to see clients and potential customers react to my photography. But what happens when the tables are turned? I got to find out during our recent trip to Mexico.

I have a problem with resorts. Something just seems wrong about utilizing a poor town's finest resources for the sake of a vacation. There was something else that bothered me in Mexico: a painting. The second I saw it, I felt a switch turn on. This is what I want my life to feel like, I remember thinking. This is what I want my body and my home and my future to feel like. THIS is art.

It was love at first sight. I had to have it.

Enter the crisis of purchasing art. Is it worth it? Can we afford it? Can we afford not to own it? I almost choked on the price...and after a few days of discussion and sleepless nights, I decided I had to invest in another artist's work, something I believe in and that evoked such a strong reaction in me.

Now that the painting is home with us, it continues to challenge. How can we best display it? Are we ready for a new coat of arms for our home and our family?

All of these questions, thoughts, and emotions point to the beauty and power of great art. Something to chew on as I go through an artistic life.

My Little Brother's Wedding

2008-05-27T21:44:00.001-06:00

Things have been such a blur with travel and work that I haven't been able to catch you up on my trip to the South. North Carolina was gorgeous. Even better, it was the site of my little brother Gabe's wedding to Melissa, my new sister-in-law. Above is a shot Jay snuck of me during the ceremony!

What a gorgeous (and intimate!) wedding. I got just enough space to experience the thrill of my brother's big day and soak up how handsome he was in full uniform. After the ceremony, we drove to a quaint old town and take pictures of the happy couple and I'm excited to share these shots!

Behind the Scenes in Mexico

2008-05-27T00:26:00.000-06:00

Within15 hours of getting back from NC we whisked off to Mexico for another family wedding. This time, I acted as stealth shooter (God forbid I should attend a wedding without camera in hand!). It was a treat to return to my early days in photography...getting sneaky with the lens and truly staying behind the scenes.

And here's a couple images that Jay took of me with my three gorgeous sisters at the wedding!

Magnolia Plantation

2008-05-11T22:32:00.004-06:00

Jay and I spent the day at the famous Magnolia Plantation just outside of Charleston, SC. Enchanting, mystical, humid, and totally refreshing.

Notes from a packed calendar...

2008-05-09T14:23:00.009-06:00

Talk about life on the go! I have been extremely busy and life seems packed with all sorts of goodies!

Our inaugural stint at the Paris Street market was fabulous. Our booth was full the entire day of people oohing and ahhing over the images. Many were relieved to learn that not only will we be at the next market date on June 7^th, but our canvases are available for purchase online. We're looking forward to the next event...and to bringing our vintage frame collection along!

The NewYou Expo was so amazing. My presentation "Lens on Life: Turning Digital Trash into Treasure" went well, garnering positive feedback and inspiring a new plan to offer editing workshops starting in June for a limited number of participants. I'll only have five participants at a time...they'll bring their laptops and digital images, which I will help them edit and improve with Photoshop. If you're interested in a resource list from the presentation, email studio@recherche-photography.com ...we'll get it to you as soon as I am back in town.
After a year and a half of planning, it was extremely emotional and inspiring to see all the women pouring into the event, meet the amazing and strong women entrepreneurs who are so passionate about their businesses, and celebrate the makeover participants. I wish I had required that my entire family and all my close friends had attended this. I choked back the tears during the gala portion...I’ve been so close to the process that I’d almost forgotten what these ten women were up against one year ago and how far they’ve come with the help of so many in our group who volunteered their services, their time and their hearts to lift these women out of the mire, to empower them and put them back on the path of engaging life. (P.S. Can you believe that all of their shoes are from Croc's new line??? http://www.youbycrocs.com/)

I'm writing this post sitting on the porch of a B&B in Charleston, North Carolina. Below is one of my favorite shots from an old neighborhood I walked through yesterday afternoon after we arrived.
I've had a lovely southern breakfast (here's Jay sitting at our table waiting for his strawberry pancakes!
We're getting ready to head to the Magnolia Plantation Gardens. It is at least 80 degrees, everything is green and blooming, air is thick and fragrant, birds are chattering away. More updates soon...

All Roads Lead to Yoga

2008-04-22T22:43:00.004-06:00

I've discovered yoga just a block away from my little studio. And Jen Ross is the ideal instuctor for me. She is seriously a breath of fresh air. Enthusiastic, passionate about health & yoga but not snooty or too cool for school (her background is actually teaching). I wanted to be friends with her the minute I walked into her Beginner's Workshop last November. And today we started her "catalog" of images. I traditionally stick to weddings, maternity, babies and flowers, but I'm delighted with the way these images came out!

It was in her workshop where I finally realized why everyone has recommended yoga for years! She allowed tons of questions, showed everyone positions that were best for their bodies and explained everything with wonderful clarity and humor. She offers yoga workshops, private sessions, classes in Boulder & Louisville; she is a life coach; and she has a business taking yoga into companies. Interested? Her email is: jenjrossny@yahoo.com

NEW YOU 2008

2008-04-17T23:10:00.016-06:00

I've been an active member of the networking group my friend Heather Clark (http://www.callunaevents.com/) started a couple of years ago for late 20’s, 30’s and early 40’s female business owners in Boulder and Denver. Until our first get-together, I had NO idea there were so many cool girls my age running their own businesses so close to me! I have made so many new friends and found inspiration and support. (http://we2e.biz/)

When a group of us from We2e started to brainstorm ways to share out passions and businesses with our community, we came up with The New You Expo 2008: A Whole Life Makeover. We collected essays from a multitude of women describing why they needed a fresh start. We selected 10 women, assessed their situations and needs, and matched them up with several women in the group who generously volunteered their time and services (ranging from personal training, life coaching, facials, chiropractic, acupuncture, personal organizing) beginning in January '08.

The New You 2008 Expo & Gala is SUNDAY, MAY 4 from 2-8pm at the St. Julien Hotel & Spa (http://www.stjulien.com/). And it is going to be awesome! Tons of women from the group, along with cool local businesses that have donated to the event, will be set up for the tradeshow.

There will be several fascinating "breakout sessions" during the tradeshow, including one entitled "Lens on Life: Transforming Your Digital Trash into Treasures" presented by moi! Very nervous. Not comfortable without camera. But the more familiar faces I see, the more relieved I will be. So please come! (This itinerary shot is very small, but I'm speaking from 2:30-3:30pm)

Other good reasons to come (besides seeing me stumble along on stage):

-other breakout sessions like"Style Edit", "De-clutter Your Life & Legs" and "Branding Bootcamp"
-"goodie bags" fir all attendees with lots of gift certificates and fun items!
- $10 haircuts by The Fix Salon! (first come first serve!!)

ACTION ITEMS:

1. Register for the Expo online to save $5 (http://we2e.biz/)

2. Mark your calendar for May 4th, 2-8pm
3. Come to the Expo!

(P.S. We2e meets the third Monday of every month at a new spot in Boulder. No need to RSVP and no cost to join. Be ready to meet inspiring women. If interested in attending, please email heather@callunaevents.com. Please forward this blog entry to any women you feel would benefit from our group!)

Juliet Magnolia Sterling

2008-04-15T18:36:00.002-06:00

Have you ever heard a more luscious name? She's as adorable as you could imagine. Juliet is the new sister of John Sterling, whom I also photographed when he was 7 weeks. He is now a little man. (do you remember this image?)

It seems that most moms who run their own business cannot afford to be less than organized and efficient. True to form, Kristina scheduled today's session last February! And at her View & Choose Session, she asked me when the best month was to do their family photos...for the year 2009. Meanwhile, I'm trying to figure out what happened to this week. Somehow it just evaporated...and the same to-do list for Monday is sitting in front of me.

I have the distinct pleasure of working with several interior designers who have the most delectable sense of style, know what they like and are curteous, respectful and sweet. Kristina is among them. Everytime I've visited her home I feel inspired and ready to tackle some little corner of my own home. But for all those not ready to tackle but rather to pick up the phone and OUTSOURCE (my new favorite word), here is her website: www.seekinteriordesign.com. You will love her as much as I do.

Sterling Glenn Hurst

2008-04-10T01:19:00.001-06:00

Oh my. I have now officially fallen in love with my job. Again. I connected with Amelia within minutes of talking to her on the phone. And when she & Douglas brought in their 8-week old little bundle, I was undone.
For the first 8 years of my photography career, it was hard to bear the thought of working from a studio. I couldn't imagine it. The very word conjured up visions of lost inspiration, stagnation, boredom...and crappy work. Luckily, exactly the opposite is being born in my little Louisville oasis. I was lucky enough to find a space with tons of window light, and I only shoot in-studio when there is daylight available. Every time a new little person is brought into the studio, we start to play...and new things happen. New images are created that are unique to each baby and their family.
Enjoy a sample of a creative burst! As I was unpacking the boxes of our NEW brochures (so yummy! can't wait for everyone to see them!) stuffed with craft paper, I thought, hmmm, a baby on this paper would be really cute! So when the Hurst family came in and little Sterling woke up from his car nap, we plopped him down. Douglas said, "Oh, our new little package!" I thought about creating a "Portrait Package for Your New Package" but we all agreed there were a few too many p's for comfort. And really too many words all together, but that's another story (check in with me later to hear more about our pricing and ordering overhaul, which will feature "product collections" to make the ordering process more streamlined and cost-effective for our clients. Better yet, call to schedule a portrait shoot!). I adore the image below. I asked Amelia and Douglas to sit and suddenly I saw the quintessential love triangle with everyone connected. Amelia is enamored with baby Sterling, while both hands are placed on her husband. Douglas is enamored with his wife, but cradling Sterling. Sterling...he's just soaking it up, as he should be. My clients are so perfectly considerate. Aiming for the jeans so we don't have a puddle on the floor. Thank you, Douglas! And thank you, Sterling, for a lovely photo op!I don't usually allow dogs inside the studio during portrait sessions. It's just a little too chaotic and messy. But rules are made to be broken (at least that's what I tried to explain to my parents for about 23 years). And Ottman was a perfect gentleman. So perfectly behaved- a well trained dog is a happy dog, as they say. And that makes for a perfect family portrait- Recherche style.

I Can Only Imagine...

2008-04-09T10:03:00.002-06:00

...how the world of Christy, Jason & Kate Haden has changed as of this morning. Christy is scheduled to be induced with twins at 8am today! They don't even know if they are boys or girls or both!

Christy and I had breakfast last week and she gave a spectacular argument for waiting until the little ones are born to find out the gender. I always thought I would just want to know so I could try to get my head around who was coming into my life, but she said it is like Christmas times 100. After all, when again in your life will you be able to live with that much anticipation...and let family and friends savor the excitement along with you? Hmm, lots to ponder there.

In the meantime, here are a few photos of the babies-to-be and little Kate Hayden (who I've been photographing since she was 3 months old!! see past blog posts!)

Baby Chloe Ebadi

2008-03-20T00:53:00.008-06:00

One of the best parts of my job is following clients from engagement to marriage to starting a new family. A great example is new arrival Chloe Ebadi, a baby I have been waiting to photograph for years!

This anticipation was of course due to her being born to two of my favorite clients: Molly and Mark. Images of their wedding are all over my studio...it was a breathtaking event and they were a dream to work with. So was their little one! Meet Chloe: And here is Bear who seems intent on reminding everyone that he is still only 9 months old and not nearly ready to be thrust out of his baby status. So surely the binkis are for both babies.Now, here is my little homily for the evening:

Molly is an interior designer and her home is just stunning (http://www.mollykeenandesigns.com/). I walked in and without thinking said, "Ugh. Why can't I get my house to look like this??" After thinking about this comment I realized how frustrating it is when people say similar things to me, i.e. "Why don't the pictures I take of my baby or my friends ever look as good as yours???" I always think, well, probably because you haven't pursued the craft single-heartedly for almost a decade. And because you haven't invested thousands and thousands of dollars into your camera & computer equipment and then spent thousands of hours learning to use them. But also because it isn't your passion. And if you had and if it was, I'm sure your pictures would be as good as mine! And you probably wouldn't have to do invest nearly as much time, money or tears as I did along the way because I'm exceptionally stubborn and really only learn by making mistakes.

Anyhow, my point is, don't compare your house furnished primarly by Target and flea market items to a brilliant interior designer's, your crock pot meals to a trained chef's gourmet creations, your garden to an inspired landscape artist's, or your family snapshots to a professional photographer's. I'm trying not to. I'm even trying not to compare the images I create to other photographer's images because I always start to feel like a fraud. I just need to try to do everything to the best of my ability, stay inspired and treat my family, friends and associates with love, grace and humility.

Ireland cont... on our way home

2008-03-13T03:40:00.001-06:00

Here are just a few more images I took on the busride from Galway to Dublin. It was very rainy and fun to shoot out the windows.

Ireland

2008-03-11T03:19:00.007-06:00

I'm not quite sure what it is, but Ireland grounds me as a human being. Just flying into the country makes me feel more quiet and comfortable in my own skin.

I think it was my first trip to Ireland about 5 years ago that I discovered a love for photographing old graveyards.

We took a drive through the countryside, chauffered by a local taxicab driver who regaled us with stories and patiently pulled over almost everytime we saw something we were dying to shoot. Another charming photograph of Julie Harris. I think this may have been one of the only "people" shots I did in Ireland. While Julie & Paige are inspired by the human interest aspect of photos, I really tend toward still life. More and more I find myself wandering off bedazzeled by some little flower or a haunting landscape that I will never be able to do justice.
The treasured swans of Galway.
The calm before the storm. Within about an hour of taking this photograph a very blustery storm came in with winds so strong we could barely stand up straight!!

Lessons Learned

2008-03-09T09:36:00.009-06:00

Amidst the bustle of travel, the indulgence of too much shopping, and the absolute necessity of too much Parisian wine, chocolate, and gourmet food, I am reminded of what awaits me at home: the people and things I love.

My life in little old-town Louisville often feels messy and complicated...hence the instinct to run away and peak into other parts of the world. But my little life is also full of light, joy, and plenty of lessons. I shouldn't be surprised that the lessons have followed me to the European Continent.
As I balance the interpersonal relations and self-reflection a lengthy vacation inevitably inspires, I am reminded of my clients, all of whom come to Recherché during a period of upheaval, transition, and planning for the future. I am incredibly privileged to get to pamper and attend to them during momentous times. I do my best to document their new lives through a lens that likes to find love and beauty. I rely on trips like this to recharge my batteries so I can continue to give my all to my clients and the incredible phenomenon that is Recherché.

Much like my trip to Australia and New Zealand earlier this year, this trip has reminded me to lean into the basics. All that is necessary to travel (to Europe at least!) is a passport, a credit card (with available funds!), an open heart and an eager smile. I'm headed to Ireland to complete my journey...who knows what this next phase of my travels will bring?

In the meantime, here are but a few more images from Paris...

I love these shots I took in the decorative gold ball hanging above our table at the Bon Marche.

We did the classic boat ride down the Siene river. Whoa. Unbelievably cold. But some of our favorite shots and bonding time of the trip!

A collection of Eiffel Tower shots:

We were so chilled to the bone after our boat ride that our need for hot chocolate was DIRE. We stopped here...

for this...La Bella Epoque Carrousel at Jardin des Tuileries...

A favorite evening shot...We spent our last evening in Paris at Montmartre. The Bohemian epi-center. I think we all fell in love with and purchased original pieces of art here. I adore the two pieces I bought.

I also adore these images of Julie. I'm not sure which of us spent more time trying to create images that the other would love of themselves. I'm also not sure which of us is the harsher critic. But how could she not love these images??

Our last little cafe in Paris, sigh...

A Fashion Shoot in Paris

2008-03-06T01:43:00.007-07:00

Both Julie and Paige took the time to contact both photographers and models in Paris to make sure we got the Parisian portfolio shots. I was content to hang out more towards the back of the action and get some more documentary coverage of the event. Very exciting! Five photographers, two wonderfully adaptible models in very expensive couture wedding gowns, hundreds of curious onlookers busy taking photos with their cell phones and LOTS of traffic. Here are lots of my favorite shots!
Here was the crew! The middle two gentlemen were our hosts and gracious planners: David & David. Ironically, I am the one NOT wearing black.Now, if your curiosity is piqued, I highly recommend you look through the blogs of both Julie & Paige. They have just the most unbelievable images from this fashion shoot. Julie's fine art images throughout Paris leave me speechless. She is one of the finest photographers I have the privilege of knowing. She has spent quite a bit of time in Paris and is ALSO a gifted writer so her descriptions are much more informative and interesting!

Paris, continued

2008-03-05T23:26:00.001-07:00

As much as I love to travel, the experience can become a bit overwhelming. Think: lost luggage, delayed flights, missed flights...all the little things that could make one go off-kilter.

Luckily, Paris is so worth the wait. My photographer friends and I have been holing up in a little apartment and soaking in local color, complete with gorgeous diffused light, romantic celebrity sightings (hellooo Gerard Depardieu!), and even some close encounters with a distinctly Parisian breed of lap dog. We've trolled through markets, ran up our credit cards on antiques and original art, soaked up street fashion (mid-thigh-length dresses over tights or very tight pants, high boots, and an emphasis on chic browns, blacks, and grays), and even participated in a stylish (and chilly!) high-fashion photo shoot that resulted in a mêlée with enthralled Parisians convinced we were celebrities. No, I am not kidding. Lesson learned: classic and timeless trumps fashion and trends every time...

Here's the view from our apartment at night:

Here are two of my favorite pups at the flea market!
And just wandering...Here are a couple favorite images from the corner market that we visited every evening to stock up on essentials- primarily wine, cheese and chocolate.

More soon from the road. There's much left to discover.

An American in Paris

2008-03-01T16:12:00.004-07:00

Thrilling news...I've arrived in the City of Lights!

Why would I abandon Colorado in this season of bookings and big plans? Simple: inspiration. My personal travels don't just allow me to recharge, relax and get in some shopping and fine dining. They allow me to return to the business of Recherché with energy, vision, and vigor. While in Paris I hope to soak up that exquisitely French sense of romance and art and bring it to bear in the photographs I create!

Luckily, my studio will be in good hands. Recherché's office manager, Jason Sinkey, will be helming the ship with his signature finesse and skill. It will be a great chance for him to feel more settled in heading up the business and will give my clients another chance to get to know him and get a feel for life in the new era of Recherché.

Check back for updates as I explore everything France has to offer!

The Things I Love

2008-02-15T18:27:00.001-07:00

Greetings, Valentines! It's a bit belated, but I've been contemplating the many things I love in this season of hearts and heartfelt love letters. Here are a few of the things I love most:

My husband: This love is both obvious and not the least bit commonplace. I am constantly surprised and challenged by my husband's curiosity and interests. I've learned to love how human he makes me feel, his lack of interest in how others perceive him, his amazing need to know about the world around him.

My dog, Obadiah: Talk about steadfast. My little cattle dog mix is the most consistent cornerstone in my life. I love how his whole body shakes and wags when I get home. I love his tentative and finicky habits and his alertness. I love how he tiptoes around things on the floor and cuddles with us in bed in the mornings.

French toast drenched in syrup: Best variety: at the Village Coffee Shop in Boulder. Enough said.

Louisville: Being part of a small historic downtown is an amazing privilege. I love that I can call the little coffee shop/cafe nearby and that they know my order. I love that my neighbors drop by for advice or just to chat. I love that I can walk to work and that my dog is well known throughout the town.

Coats: I have a prized collection of vintage coats. Every year I try to clean out my closet and every year I fail when it comes to these works of arts! What's not to love?

Nighttime snow: I adore fresh snow lit by the magical and mysterious moon. I love walking through all that newness by a light I don't get to partake of often enough.

Other things I love (in no particular order): thunderstorms, clean sheets, puppies, flea markets, the movie Stranger Than Fiction, Plum's new CD of lullabies, sleep & hibernation during winter, cottage gardens, pickles, lizards and making forts.

What do you love?

Little Indulgences

2008-02-09T20:27:00.002-07:00

In a time of intense momentum and movement, it can be impossible to see yourself among the tangles of cords, cell phone beeps, and facts and figures rushing past at lightning speed. Fresh back from my time in New Zealand, I knew it was time to treat my clients to a little taste of my long-time passion: moving outside of the norm to dream, relax, and indulge.

February 1's inaugural event à la Recherché reminded me that the fanciest, most elaborate plan isn't necessarily the most indulgent. Case in point: a soirée that celebrated the little things...from a tiny taste of decadent, unusual chocolate to a sip of delicious wine to a few moments spent making a personalized Valentine for a loved one.

I am proud and happy to say that my clients showed up with gusto, spirit, and creativity to create a memorable evening à la Recherché. I can't wait to see what our next gathering brings! (If you would like to receive an invitation to our next event, please email studio@recherche-photography and ask to be added to our exclusive mailing list. We only add you if you ask!)

You've Got Male

2008-01-31T11:51:00.000-07:00

If you've called or visited Recherché anytime since December, you'll notice a new presence in the studio...Jason Sinkey, studio manager extraordinaire. I'm delighted to be able to introduce him to all of you! (he's a bit camera shy so this is the best shot we've got so far!)

Like all great things in life, Jason was right in front of me when I needed him the most. I've known for a while that my do-it-all philosophy was not serving my dreams for Recherché or my valued clients. With so much on my plate, it has been difficult to do everything with the beauty, order and excellence each task deserves. That's where Jason comes in!

The youngest brother of my husband's business partner, Jason comes from a strong family-owned business and finance background. Luckily, his business-savvy ways come complete with a passion for beauty and an appreciation for aesthetics...and I've been extremely impressed by his commitment to Recherché and his enthusiasm for my mission.

Jason is used to being a welcoming face -- he loves to entertain at home. Now he's taken on the role of gatekeeper at Recherché, and I couldn't be more pleased with the results. Needless to say, it was a bit nerve-wracking to pass the reins on my business to someone who is not an exact duplicate of myself. But I've realized that Recherché seriously needed someone with a fresh perspective and a different skill set.

With Jason at my side, I can finally focus on what really counts...my photography and my clients. It's the best of both worlds -- business and beauty. Please welcome Jason into the Recherché family!

Dormant

2008-01-25T16:39:00.000-07:00

We're home from an amazing journey. Now I finally have a chance to sit down in the cozy studio, enjoy a steaming cup of tea and start to scheme and dream up an incredible 2008 for Recherché.

This month is a period of dormancy for the studio. I'm reflecting on the year that was, organizing and tidying up unfinished projects, and dreaming up new plans like exclusive events and parties à la Recherché, a brand-new line of botanical fine arts prints and products, and new treasures and trinkets for my endeared clients to enjoy. With my busy wedding season far enough away to give me some breathing room, I have the untold luxury of looking out the window and losing myself in dreams and imagination.

I've spent so much time in gardens over the last month that I can't help but see Recherché through new eyes. I feel like the trusty groundskeeper who has planted and pruned and now needs to quietly see the garden through to spring. And what a spring it will be! (Luckily I got all the bulbs in before the frost!)

For now, though, it's a quiet time, and fittingly so. I'm back with a renewed sense of purpose and focus, and I can't wait to see my big plans burst into bloom!

Getting Quiet

2008-01-18T13:18:00.001-07:00

Looking back on my whirlwind tour of the lands of Kiwi and Oz, I am realizing how much I've loved (and needed) the quiet time I've had with my husband on this trip.

The other day we skipped stones alongside a river for over an hour and laughed as his bounced almost to the other side and mine just sunk (like a rock). We've wandered through parks, rambled through cemeteries, hiked in awesome and grand landscapes like those of the Tasman Glaciers in the Aoraki Mt. Cook Natural Park. A major highlight of the trip was one of the most awe-inspiring and spectacular things I've ever seen or done...our drive through the Fiordlands and down to Milford Sound in our campervan. My pictures don't even come close to doing it justice; we drove in near silence as we took in the amazing scenery.

I'm hoping my return to Colorado will be as a person who is clear, invigorated and quiet. I feel I have reconnected with the importance of finding some respite from the daily grind. It seems like it's taken a whole long month to rediscover what still and quiet feels like, and I'm hoping to bring some of that feeling home with me as I come home, reconnect with my clients and my beloved studio.

I think the art of getting quiet is something everyone I know could use some practice with! I love knowing that my cozy little studio is an oasis for brides, clients, friends & family who are bogged down in event & life planning and worry...and armed with the reminder of this incredible trip, I plan to make the studio even more luxurious, serene and gorgeous in the coming year. I can't wait!

And, I have to add just a couple more favorite botanical images!! Yummy. You'll see these again when we launch my "Fine Art" line in mid-February along with our NEW website!!

Garden Delights

2008-01-14T21:34:00.000-07:00

One of the most amazing things about Australia and New Zealand is the incredible floral bounty. Both places are so full of life...the first thing that struck me on landing in Australia is how noisy it is! Nothing like arid Colorado. The birds and insects make it sound like a full-on rainforest...quite a cacophany!

After the gorgeousness of the rose gardens where Wendy was married, I couldn't wait to see more botanical sights. Sydney's botanical garden beckoned...and it amazed me with masses of HUGE amazing bats! I almost cried with delight when I saw them. Perfect.

The Brisbane Botanical Gardens was next on our garden tour of Australia (by this point punctuated by huge meals, water tours, more huge meals...). Stunning! They do lush properly in this country, if I do say so myself.

Once we hopped the pond to New Zealand, it was off to the world-renowned Botanic Gardens in Christchurch. My idea of heaven! We spent eight hours there over two days and I took pictures until my fingers were practically numb!

I get to see quite a few flowers in my wedding adventures, but the floral bounty in these gardens is truly a sight to be seen. Enjoy my photographic foray into flowers, flowers, and more flowers!

An Australian Affair

2008-01-10T12:43:00.000-07:00

As many of you know, my first order of business in Australia was to shoot Wendy and Paul's wedding in Sydney. Though it was entirely too sunny for the photographer's taste, everyone else was delighted that it had finally stopped raining!

Wendy, the bride, is from Miami and tragically lost both of her adoptive parents and her sister in the last several years. While there were no family present at the wedding, several good friends came from the States and her best friend, Balaji, performed the typical "fatherly" duties like walking her down the aisle. The wedding was obviously very emotional (as so many weddings are!) and oh-so beautiful! Wendy has married into a huge, boisterous family who is as crazy about her as her new husband. Paul, the groom, has three sisters who were visibly excited to see their brother finally marrying.

The rehearsal dinner took place on a harbor cruise -- breezy and fun. The next day, I was on hand to photograph the bride preparing for her wedding at the Grace Hotel in the Sydney CBD with two of her closest girlfriends. The ceremony itself took place in the rose garden of St. Ignatius College, a private boys' boarding school where Paul has taught math for many years. It was the first time the college has ever allowed a wedding in the school's gardens! What a treat to shoot!

Wendy was a bit surprised to learn that it is not customary for each guest at an Australian wedding to expect a chair (only 30 chairs for 120 guests)! However, the ceremony went off without a hitch and blended Paul's Catholic and Wendy's Jewish backgrounds nicely. The reception was tons of fun, and the next day featured a bus tour in the gorgeous Blue Mountains. Creamy cockatoos and non-plussed kangaroos...wild and exotic for a Colorado girl!

Here are a few favorite images!

Happy New Year!

2007-12-23T19:25:00.000-07:00

As we enter 2008, I've been giving a lot of thought to the year that's past...and my long-neglected blog. I'm not quite sure how I'm going to cram a year's worth of love, work and life into one blog post, but that won't keep me from trying!

2007 was a year of milestones for Recherché. We celebrated our first anniversary in our gorgeous studio, and I'm finally feeling as if the business has "grown into" its new location. All of the settling in has happened amidst a whirlwind of shoots, starting and nurturing a brand-new portrait business, beginning to focus more on family and child shots, and getting involved in the community with events like Taste of Louisville and the Live Nativity Scene that took place in our front yard for the Parade of Lights.

Travel was also huge on the agenda. As soon as I unpacked my bags, it seemed like another trip was upon me -- I bounced from Atlanta for a Hindu wedding to Vegas for WPPI and every where in between: Florida, the Bahamas, and even a road trip through Wyoming, Yellowstone and Montana. Most exciting of all is my chance to start off 2008 with a month of work and travel in Australia and New Zealand! Looks like the bags weren't meant to be unpacked, after all.

When I look at all that's happened in 2007, it's hard to pick out Recherché's most significant accomplishments. Still, the year's end is all about closure, and when I reflect I realize that I've managed to create a process that really brings closure to clients whose weddings have come and gone. Our new album design process is accessible and so rewarding. I can't express how amazing it is to help clients wrap up their wedding so they're free to move forward and put their full energy into their new lives together. It's a relief to them and me to lay their pictures to rest in a gorgeous package they'll treasure forever.

Speaking of relief -- it feels INCREDIBLE to have finally settled into the studio space and adjusted my mindset accordingly! Luckily, it's become a real home away from home and has taken the business to a far more professional level than I ever could have dreamed. Helping that process along is Jason Sinkey, my new office manager, who will be helping Recherché transform and thrive in the new year. I'm so excited to introduce him to my clients (and give him a chance to take the reins during my absence in January!). His presence in the office will give me the chance to focus on what's really important to me: shooting, spending time with my precious clients, and developing more innovative ideas for Recherché.

The new year is truly a blank slate at this point, and nobody is more excited than me to see it take shape! The studio is growing, I'm growing, and I'm finally reaching a point I've longed for since I began taking pictures. Looking ahead, I see growth and long-anticipated changes like:

studio events

consistent blogging (promise!)

a specialized wedding experience that includes more one-on-one time with clients

new and improved portrait packages...

...and much more.

Holidays are more than just a date on the calendar -- they're about relationships, about connecting with yourself and the people you love. That's how I view Recherché, which has grown to be so much more than a simple photography studio in 2007. I'm so blessed to be in a space that allows me to nurture relationships just as much as my career, and I'm even more privileged to be able to share those relationships with all of you. Enjoy, get some rest, and get ready to hear much more from me in the coming year!

With love,

Regina

(and here are a few favorites to sum up the year!)

Our Grand Opening!

2007-07-12T11:18:00.000-06:00

We worked around the clock for months to get ready for this event! Hanging signs, landscaping, letter pressed invitations, and the list goes on and on. I felt like I was planning another wedding! Luckily I had a ton of help and was working with my favorite people in the wedding industry! And now the studio is officially launched and I can get on with the business of shooting!

My perfect invitations- designed and assembled by the darling Alli Bozeman. Her work is nothing less than scrumptuous. www.thehandmaidenpapeterie.com

Have I mentioned that my husband is my hero? He has just returned from almost 3 weeks in Europe with his brothers and here he is working away to help with a few of the last projects. Welcome back, Jay!!

Alex Hanna

2007-06-01T10:18:00.000-06:00

My wedding clients really are responsible for the necessity of my portrait studio. Here is little Alex Hanna- a honeymoon baby!! She just turned one year and is already brimming over with personality and flare! Kimberly brought her down from Winter Park for this photo shoot and we had a very fun time! In under an hour we had 3 outfit changes and about 5 different set locations around the studio- gotta move quick with the little ones!

The McLean Family

2007-05-30T13:51:00.000-06:00

Many many years ago when I was dreaming outloud about being a photographer, someone interrupted and asked why in the world anyone would fly me to another state to photograph their wedding when they could just hire someone locally. I was just that excited about my work that I was unphased. Since then I've been hired to photograph weddings in Ireland, Mexico, Kansas, Texas, Chicago, Fiji, San Francisco, Hawaii...

This photo shoot is so special to me and I had a very difficult time narrowing down my selection to the following images. Tim & Aurora hired me to photograph their wedding in Milwaukee several years ago. And I traveled again to Milwaukee to document the christening of their first baby. Words fail to express what an honor it is to be a part of people's stories and to be entrusted with the task of acting as a family historian.

And to all those reading, I do travel! I like to think that images like these are well worth the time and money spent!

Lino Sunderland & his doughnut

2007-05-17T13:16:00.000-06:00

Sometimes it is very difficult for energetic and creative boys to sit still in a pretty studio for any length of time, but it helps when there is a bakery next door to visit at the end of the session!

Mother's Day Gifts in our Boutique

2007-05-09T18:32:00.000-06:00

Mother's Day is just around the corner and I have a charming little boutique full of botanical prints, notecards, & jewelry! Stop by if you'd like to pick up a beautiful gift for her! 836 Main Street, old-town Louisville. Our hours are 10am-7pm Tue-Friday, Saturdays are appt. only. Call if you'd like to come in (studio- 303-665-2708, my cell- 303-956-2203).

A few photos of the entire boutique:

Adorable Ornaments, $15

Framed Botanical Prints, $20-$40

Canvas Art Prints, $100-$200

Individual Notecards, $3-$5

Gift Sets of (10) Notecards, $17-$35

Jewelry by Alli Bowdy Designs, $10-$75

Framed Set of (4) Cherry Blossom OR Dahlia Prints, $75

Our New Postcard!

2007-04-16T21:46:00.000-06:00

Let's take a moment to reflect on the diverse skills of Juli Dimos. She is the Recherché studio web designer, graphic design artist, and Associate Photographer. Talented, technical, creative and capable! She is also a mother of two little girls! Can you say "multi-task?" I can't because I'm typing. Not good at doing more than one thing at a time.

Here is the latest postcard she just designed. I wanted a piece that showed the new studio so people start recognizing the little red house on Main Street and associate happy thoughts with it. I think this card is totally rad!

Juli also works with the iO-group in Boulder developing websites for artists, among a billion other things that I don't understand. So if you need a sweet website, or a computer built, or a network established, or whatever, here's the place to go: http://the-io-group.com/

Louisville's Spring Carnival

2007-04-14T21:11:00.000-06:00

A significant part of my Vision for this new chapter in Recherche's life is to be actively involved in the community. Today was a perfect opportunity! We volunteered to shoot the annual Kid's Spring Carnival hosted by the American Legion right around the corner from the studio. It is a free event for all families and there was boatloads of Easter candy, games and prizes.

Lucia is taking it all in!

Judy, on the left, has made this event happen every year. And her sister, on the right, made the bunny costume and is the mother of the bunny!

Juli and Nicola- donning our NEW studio t-shirts!

The bunny getting a final adjustment before the photo shoot- such a trooper to wear that costume for 3 hours!!

I'm so excited to be right downtown in the historic part of Louisville! They have the most wonderful events planned all year long, starting June 9th: The Taste of Louisville! As we're on Main Street, we're planning to have a big booth on the sidewalk in front of the studio and will be doing costume portraits! Plan to come down! And check out this site for all the other fun activities Louisville is planning! http://www.louisvillechamber.com/cmntyevents.jsp

Holly's First Birthday

2007-04-08T20:45:00.000-06:00

I've been documenting this little lady's life since the beginning! I love being such a permanent fixture in my clients' lives!! And today Holly's First Birthday was celebrated with balloons and a newly renovated home! She could not have been any cuter in her little Easter dress! She is in the most adorable phase right now and I cannot get enough of her!! Camper, however, is not quite so sure about those balloons...

Hurrah for daddies!!!

Rowan Long

2007-04-05T18:40:00.000-06:00

This little guy was born just this last January! I was so excited to meet him! I photographed his parents' wedding in the middle of the WinterPark woods- in February of last year! Quite the chilly adventure! I was happy to be doing Rowan's first professional portraits at 72 degrees in the new studio!

WPPI Trip

2007-03-25T22:12:00.000-06:00

Here's a funny story. Juli & I flew into Las Vegas this last weekend for the international WPPI Convention. Very exciting! But by the time we arrived, the hotel had no non-smoking rooms with 2 beds left. None. So we were upgraded by the very cute gentlemen checking us in. Upgraded to the most expensive suite in the casino. So expensive you can't even reserve it- it is set aside for the "high rollers" - ironic because I couldn't figure out how to work the nickle slots and gave up after spending a dime. Here are a few photos of the room:

Juli posing in the jaccuzi tub:

Our view of the city:

Yes, a workout room (as if):

(Here's not a funny story. After spending 3 straight days at the convention when we got to the airport my wedding ring was missing. I had lost it. I'm heart broken.)

Sarah & Jack

2007-03-23T20:29:00.000-06:00

Jack hates having his photo taken. Don't we all? But he was quite relieved when I told him that I wasn't interested in having him look at the camera during this 15 minute engagement photo shoot on a Boulder trail- he could just focus on his lovely fiancé. He was SO relieved that he actually glanced my way a couple of times! I was so happy with the photos I got of these two- such gracious people that I am glad to know! And I got the cameras tucked away just before it started to downpour! A triumph!

I tell my clients that the engagement photo session is about as awkward as it will get with me- because the next time I'm shooting will be on their wedding day and I'll be surprised if they even remember whether or not I was present! My engagement photo sessions are super casual and I move us all around a lot to keep things from feeling stagnant. I love shooting motion and expression so the time goes by very quickly!

I was so excited about this very last image I shot! I showed it to them in the camera and we decided to have a big canvas print made to display at their engagement party! It was a big hit!

Kate Stickley

2007-03-19T19:49:00.000-06:00

This was a very fun shoot! I did portraits of Kate when she was just a couple months old in the doorway of my old house last year. She basically laid in the basket and skrunched up her face and cried and bobbled around. Her parents thought, as all parents think as they watch their newborn being photographed, "ugh, our baby is going to look so miserable in all of these photos." But not so!! We got piles of the cutest expressions and baby fat rolls! And here is Kate one year later posing by a life-size canvas print of herself! I love it!!

And these are a few more of my favorite images we made. She's like a orange sherbet ice cream cone. And I am delighted with all the light streaming in from the studio windows! It makes my job just delicious.

First Studio Portraits!

2007-03-09T19:04:00.000-07:00

Hurrah! We got a trail run today of the new studio space. Juli's husband stopped by with their 2 little girls- Lucia & Mercy. Juli and I couldn't help but pick up the cameras and do a little impromptu shooting! These are some of my favorite shots of the day!

Mercy is always the first to try anything new and daring. She is completely undaunted. Even by this very scary rocking horse!!

And here is my favorite family shot! Recipe for success: smoosh everyone together, ask what a monster sounds like and throw in a shark puppet. Voile!

This may be one of my all time favorites. I am indepted to my amazing Associate Photographer and best friend for catching this moment on film. I call it "the love triangle." Obadiah is my cattle dog mix and he loves nothing in the world better than myself (and I him); Lucia is my beautiful god-daughter and I am enchanted by her; Lucia is in turn enchanted by her mother who was behind the camera. Ah, l'amour.

This one makes me smile. But it needs a bit of explanation. Mercy was concerned/obsessed with the possible existence of a monster in the studio basement. She is staring at the door trying to work up the courage to investigate and attempting to persuade me to accompany her (i.e. carry her down the dark stair case). Obadiah is very interested in being near me but is quite weary of little Mercy, not known for her gentle ways. I love how he is casually regarding her. (And I think I'm looking especially cute in this photograph! A feat in itself! Congrats, Juli!!)

Botanical of the Week

2007-02-19T16:24:00.000-07:00

When I was small I lived my grandparents for many years. My grandfather was a photographer and I remember an image that was framed on the wall of a simple white flower that he had photographed. I stared at the photo for hours on end and sometimes I wonder if that image planted a seed in my heart that would bloom when a camera finally found its way into my hands.

My mother gave me my first all-manual camera body (a Pentax K1000) when I graduated from high school. I'm not very good at reading directions or staying awake during any sort of "instructional " anything so the first 10 years of my experience as a photographer was an endless series of "mishaps." (I think this might be a wonderful theme for my blog, actually.) Anyhow, my parents took me to visit the botanical gardens in Wisconsin that summer where I shot my first botanical images. I was very confused when I got my prints back from the lab by all the wacky psychedelic colors until someone explained to me that I had shot slide film and had it developed as C41 film ("cross processing"). I was an artist and didn't even know it. Here are a couple of my favorites from that batch.

"Hearts on a Limb"

"Peony Peek-a-Boo"

Botanical photography became a very private love of mine over the years and I've had the opportunity to photograph gardens and plant life all over the world as we've traveled for weddings and our own little vacations. Opening my gallery this winter has given me the opportunity to put many of them on display and I think I'll start posting a couple here on this blog every couple weeks. I adore them and I'm excited to share them with everyone!

"Milkwash"

"Rosy Cherry Glow"

The Donaldson Twins

2007-02-02T20:19:00.000-07:00

We got a run for our money today! Rachael, the very stylish and super cool owner of Product Denver brought her twins in for a photo shoot. It was intended to be a surprise for her husband but she couldn't keep the secret for more than 5 hours! Here are my favorite images from our portrait session/play session.

If your wardrobe and/or personal style is in need of a "makeover" or update, this is your lady! www.productdenver.com

Holly Morgan is 9 months!

2007-02-01T22:56:00.000-07:00

I met Rebecca when I lived in a tiny studio apartment off of Pearl Street about 7 years ago. When I walked into her brand new store stocked with "recycled" furniture we were instant-made-friends. She was vibrant, engaging, straight forward and on a mission! She had just started her business, Good Use, and I was a couple years into figuring out what being a photographer was all about. I spent hours upon hours in her store brainstorming, ranting, recovering and reeling. Starting and running your own business is not for the faint of heart. Luckily neither of us is.

In the last seven years we have seen each other through many crazy experiences, relationships, business ups and downs, and falling in love and saying "I DO" to the man of our dreams. I've done publicity shots for Good Use, photographed Rebecca & Jason's wedding and her pregnanct belly.
And then Holly Morgan burst onto the scene in April of 2006. All I can do when I'm around her is gaze at her and slobber. And sometimes I manage to take a few photos. Here are a couple of my favorites from our latest "session":

Sidenote: If you have ever been to my home or studio and lusted after all the gorgeous furniture I have- great news! Almost every single piece has come from Rebecca's store, Good Use, in Boulder on 28th Street and Glenwood. They are always just piled with one-of-a-kind cool retro or shabby chic furniture. It is one of my favorite spots on the planet. SO go for a visit and support a locally owned small business and get some cool stuff! www.good-use.com

New Studio Space!

2007-01-24T12:42:00.000-07:00

My family documentary shoot was rescheduled this morning because of the slippery roads so I have a whole day to myself! And what better way to spend a bit of it than updating the blog Juli has created 3 times for me? (I keep forgetting where they were set up and what my password is.) I'm so sick of seeing "Start Blogging" on the top of all my to-do lists. Who even came up with the word "blog?" It's not a very nice sounding word.

So, today I'd like to announce officially on my blog that Recherché has found a new home. She woke up one morning in late November and said, "Regina, I can't live here anymore. I'm dying. All this renovation work on the house is stressing me out- I can't focus or relax." So I asked her what kind of a place she wanted to be in. Her reply was quick and clear: "I want to be on Main Street in Historic Downtown Louisville. I want to be in a little cottage with hard wood floors and big windows. I want big beautiful images on the walls, space to do maternity and baby portraits, space for an office so people can come and work, space for people to walk in and see my images and meet my owner. I want the world to see our love for the botanical images we've created. I don't want to move to San Francisco- I want to be a big part of this little town I love so much. I want to support other women-run small businesses. So many people are telling me that to be able to compete in the new digital age I need to lower my prices and offer less. But that makes me feel so sick and sad. I don't think the answer is to water down my product just because that is what so many people are doing to compete. I don't want to compete. I want to BE. I want to CREATE. I want to INSPIRE. I want to be in RELATIONSHIP with our clients, to be a family historian, to offer products that will be handed down for generations and will show our great grandchildren how they came into being. I don't want to have a studio the way other photographers have studios. I don't want to run a business the way other people are running businesses. I want to create something new."

I thought that sounded so lovely. The additional overhead seemed a bit daunting, but when someone you love is so clear about what they need to feel happy and inspired again, you do anything you can. My husband said "What about that little red house on Main Street that's been for rent for months?" So Obadiah and I went for a walk, and there she was. The little red cottage who was destined to become the new home for Recherche.

Here is a shot of Juli & Luci on our 4th walk-through in 2 days. They are only slightly less inspired than me.

I met with the landlord, Taree, just a few days later; bungled my way through the "negotiation" process by admitting straight out that I was crazy about the house, wanted to move in immediately and would do tons of the work myself. Luckily Taree appreciated my genuine enthusiasm and offered us a wonderful 3 year lease agreement. I painted the next 3 days straight, celebrated Thanksgiving, persuaded my father and husband to spend their holiday finishing a hardwood floor, shot an event on Saturday and moved Recherché on Sunday. I then spent every waking (and sleeping) moment preparing to open my new Studio-Gallery-Boutique before Christmas.

Jay is the champion of all husbands. He spent many late nights up with me listening to my plans, hanging frames, folding notecards, painting and whatever else I couldn't manage to do on my own. And Juli not only helped, but (barely) endured all of my passionate speeches and long-winded ramblings of everything that had yet to be done with great patience. Sometimes I wonder if either of them truly new what they were getting themselves into when they decided they wanted to be such a significant part of my life...

The best way to describe the delerious joy of this process was to compare it to child birth. (Keep in mind I have never actually had a baby, but this is what it seems like.) I feel like I got pregnant with the "idea" of this new space. It has been growing inside of me for so many years until all of the sudden I was consumed and knew its birth imminent. So I scurried around and worked as hard as I could to get everything prepared for the new life. I planned and worked and wrote, and when she arrived, she was prettier and softer than I had any idea she would be. I can't wait to see how she grows and what stages she goes through, but I know the world will never be the same.

Here are a few photos of Recherché's new space just a couple months later. Please come visit us! We're right next door to BOB's sandwhich shop (my favorite is his Hawaiian chicken salad sandwhich!) and a couple blocks down from The Huckleberry (their chai is uncomparable). If we're not here, our apologies. We are probably shooting on location or just running errands. But peak in the windows!

2006-11-30T22:56:00.000-07:00

I'm quite excited to post these. I just worked an event up in Cheyenne with some of my favorite people in the wedding industry. It was a very long, fun day and at the very very end it we took a moment to pose a bit for my camera. I'm very pleased with our "staff headshots."

Over The Moon DVD as rock stars

Heather Clark, Calluna Events
Heather
Me
Dennis
Dennis's Assistant

Jay

Recherche + Calluna

A Pink Tu-Tu!

2006-09-30T14:53:00.000-06:00

About 5 years ago I received a call from a very sweet lady who requested my services for her friend's wedding. I was already booked with a wedding out of state the night before and a wedding in state the morning of, so I regretfully declined feeling that I had already quite overbooked the weekend. But she called back. And she called back. And she called back. And finally I gave in. I photographed the wedding of Kimberly and Noah Waldera in August of 2002 with no assistant and having already shot 2 other weddings within 24 hours. But I was on a photo high! The wedding was so lovely and Kimberly has become one of my favorite people and biggest fans. She has practically insisted that every one of her friends (and acquaintances) hire me ever since. As I was discovering for the first time how madly in love I am with sun glare, I had a very helpful gentleman tap me on the shoulder to inform me that I was shooting into the sun which was a mistake and I exclaimed, "I know!!! It's amazing!!" and forced him to look through the view finder. I'm not sure he was as optimistic about the effect as I was, but I always smile when I look at this shot of Kimberly.

I've had the privilege to photograph their baby Peyton since she was very newly born and I wanted to share a few of my favorites from over the last couple years:

And yesterday we did her 2 Year Old Portraits. Oh my! I'm ECSTATIC about the images!! This is a day I'm happy to be a photographer!

Playa del Secreto

2006-08-01T11:11:00.000-06:00

So I have taken the plunge- I'm starting a blog! I just photographed Kim & Chris's wedding in Playa del Secreto. What a treat! We stayed with the family in a beautiful villa right on the water and had a wonderful time! The day of the wedding there were storms on either side of the town, but happily the rain cleared just in time to have the ceremony, as planned, on the beach and the reception under the tents. It was breathtaking and the party lasted well into the wee-hours of the morning! Here are a few of my favorite images: