My First Beach Shoot! {Denver, Colorado photographer}

A month ago, I went to Oregon for my dad's 80th birthday party. All his kids were able to come (except for one daughter) and that meant that I got to hang out with my sister-in-law (among other people). Melain and I love getting together because she loves being in front of a camera and I love being behind one. The combination is always incredible! This shoot was no exception. We headed down to the beach (remember, this is February in Oregon). We were a bit worried because usually you get sandblasted at this beach. I'm not exaggerating. It is typically unbearably windy and cold. But this day, it was only slightly unbearably windy and cold! Melain was a true artist (in that she suffered for her art). It was totally worth it, though, as the following images will attest!

Brother and Sister in Easter Blue and Pink {Denver, Colorado child photographer}

I got to photograph this adorable duo on Saturday. Their dad sure earned his keep with all the dancing and singing he did to get his kids to smile. It was sure worth it, though! Get a load of these cuties!

The 2011 Mrs. Colorado Pageant

On March 5th, I got to attend this year's Mrs. Colorado Pageant. I was a sponsor for one of the contestants, Valentina Anderson. She did not win (BOO!) but she had a wonderful time participating. Here are some pictures I got from my seat in the audience. Unfortunately, I couldn't do anything about the head in front of me.

Shalon Polson, 2010 Mrs. Colorado introducing this year's contestants.

Valentina Anderson introducing herself.

Valentina getting to show off her evening gown and regal walk.

The top 5 finalists.

The top two waiting to hear the verdict.

And the winner is, Janell Ames!

Here's Valentina with her family.

Valentina and her husband.

What a cute couple!

These last ones are artsy interpretations I did. Valentina is SO beautiful!

Born Lucky {Centennial Colorado Baby Photographer}

On Saturday, I got to photograph the sweetest 7-week-old baby boy. He was the most well-behaved baby. Well, except for the time he peed on his dad. And the time he did it again :) His dad is a big motorcyle aficionado, and they bought him the cutest little black shirt with a motorcycle on the front. (They bought the shirt for the baby--not the dad. Although the dad really wanted one in his size). On the back of the shirt, it said "Born Lucky." And this baby sure was. His parents adore him, and rightfully so!

One Year Old {Parker, Colorado baby photographer}

I can't believe it's been one year since I first met this cutie pie. I did his newborn shoot, and I've seen him every three months since. His mom enrolled him in my baby plan so we could document his first year and see how much he has changed. One thing that has never changed are his big, blue eyes, his creamy skin, and his easy-going nature. The shoot went so quickly because he was such a doll! And the way he sucks his thumb is just so adorable. I can't get enough!

Happy Birthday! {Denver child photographer}

My daughter recently turned seven. I bought her this dress that matches her personality perfectly. We had such a fun time goofing off and trying on tons of different hats during her shoot. She's great in front of the camera!

Vintage Cuties {Parker baby photographer}

I did a shoot with these beautiful girls over the weekend. They are all wearing hair accessories from Banner Boutique and Celeste and Company. Both of these companies offer THE MOST GORGEOUS hair accessories. You totally have to check them out!

I had fun applying a vintage treatment to many of these portraits. I think they turned out so well and I can hardly stand the cuteness! (I know I say that a lot, but it's true!)

Mrs. Colorado 2011

This past week I had the opportunity to do the official portraits for Mrs. Cherry Creek, who is running for Mrs. Colorado 2011. Her name is Valentina Anderson, and her story is quite inspiring--from being an orphan in the Ukraine to now living her dream in America. You can go see her and all the other contestants compete for the crown on Saturday, March 5th at 7:00 p.m. at the Buell Theater. If anyone is interested in tickets, please contact me as soon as possible!

Here are some of my favorites from our shoot. This first picture I love because I caught her off-guard. I think she looks so natural and beautiful. I love the picture of her dancing with her husband, and also the umbrella shot, because it is different and unexpected. This is her main picture that will be published in the pageant magazine. I bet nobody else has one like it!