Fast times this week here in the Big Apple. I am out here for a commercial shoot for 5th Avenue Chocolatiere and for Scott & Vanessa's engagement session...it's been a blast so far in the city that never sleeps.  

Just a few fun shots from the week so far... 

Times Square says Vote! 

5th Avenue Chocolatiere has yummy, yummy truffles.  This little guy was pretty cute going to town on them! 

I am headed over to Central Park in about an hour to meet Vanessa & Scott for their engagement session. We hope to head to SoHo, the Brooklyn Bridge and to the West Village where they had their first date. We'll see how fast I can hail a cab before the sun sets. Stay tuned!

Hope you're having a great week!

Much love,

Katie 

A few months ago, a friend of mine directed me toward a most inspiring online video that many of you may have seen - Randy Pausch's "Last Lecture." If you have yet to see or read it - google it or find the book - and if you have, revisit it. Talk about a story with stopping power.

Pausch - in his fight against cancer - reflects on life, the lessons he's learned along the way, all the disappointments and setbacks that build character and so on.  Sure there are lessons within his story that we have heard here and there or would like to think we embrace daily, but his reflections are so honest and real you can't help but be inspired to get out there and live life to it's fullest.  Throughout the lecture, Pausch imparts many challenges to us - from risk-taking to treating others with respect - but it is his reflections on having fun and living your dreams that really hit home. Pausch's truth on living your dreams?

"Never lose the child-like wonder. It's just too important."

Pausch reminds us of that importance of always having a sense of fun and wonder, of going back to that innocent place where childhood dreams roam freely and choosing that at all costs...how that can drive us even today, in our adult lives. woohoo!

And so, it turns out, the lessons are all around us...

Here's to letting your inner kid out to play today.

Katie

We are so excited to welcome Garrett and Joy Nudd and Elevate, their workshop for photographers, to Denver this week. Traveling halfway across the country to share their knowledge and vision, it has been so inspiring to be surrounded by such great people who share the same enthusiasm toward our craft. BUT even better yet - they hired top notch models for the shoots - our very own Matt and Jenna Walker. This was particularly entertaining for me (and Matt & Jenna) to see those two on the other side of the camera. Below are just a few fun sequences from day one.

And now for the classic ways and expressions of Matt and Jenna - she was a bit embarrassed in that 'oh i love'm' sort of way during the shoot - and well Matt, he just loves to work the camera in classic Zoolander fashion.

I think those two learned quite a bit about being on the OTHER side of the camera - Matt's modeling career may take off but for now, Jenna plans to stay put behind the camera...though now we might all be a bit more understanding of the engagement shoot fears!

Garrett & Joy - Thanks so much for the great company and inspiration! We think the world of you!

Katie

Morning all! Hope your week is off to a great start!  I got up early this am to blog Chris & Jasey's wedding but time seems to be slipping away fast before I need to head off to an infant shoot and then to ELEVATE 3 with the Nudd's - an incredible photography workshop we are hosting at our space this week.  We can't wait to see what is in store and will be sure to share more.  

This past weekend we headed to Moab, Utah for a bit of camping.  Katie, Matt and I - along with several friends - ventured to the desert for some R&R and fabulous scenery.  This place is amazing and one of my most favorite places - and we lucked out with a camping spot by a creek.  When you go to Moab - be prepared for heat!  It hit 86 degrees on Saturday - but we were loving it! We didn't spend too much time with the camera because it was so sandy and a bit windy - but thought I would share a few shots from the trip - mom these are for you!!  (oh and the pug is our dog belle!)  

Happy day!

Jenna

Yesterday I had the chance to go visit some of my friends, Jon & Jen, and their absolutely adorable 18 month old.  She cracks me up beyond belief in the cutest things she does.  One of which is her obsession with HOP - her well worn bunny.  Jen & Jon wanted to get a couple of images with her and her long-time obsession with HOP - so we spent a bit of time with the bunny.  Melt my heart...

To me, this is a classic childhood moment...and this is what I love about lifestyle photojournalism.  

Thank you Jon & Jen - we just love you guys!!

If you are interested in giving the gift of a kids session with us - or scheduling one of with your family - check out our kids web site at treeSwingkids.com!

Happy Wednesday!

Jenna