Spring Gulch Jamboree
When I was contacted about doing family photos for this lovely bunch I didn't hesitate with my response: YES! Do you realize there will be eight adults and six children under five? I was assured by Kate that after this session I'd race to my computer and write a blog entitled, "Why I no longer shoot family portraits." But alas, this was not to be. You see, when you start with an incredible family, you can't help but love the images and experience.
As a photographer there is only so much one can do. You can take a photograph and edit it to adjust the colors, saturation, light and shadows but the essence of what you capture in that moment greatly depends on the subject. The subjects I met at a mountain hideaway nestled between boulder outcroppings and prime mountain lion habitat, were perfect. Perfect in that they were joyful, energetic, kind and loud...and then there were their children too. This was my kind of extended family. The light outside was warm and bright but the light in everyone's spirit was enchanting.
I first met some of the older kiddos (by older I mean speaking in complete paragraphs but not yet ready for formal education) and we looked at some of the rocks around the land. I picked up one to share and excitedly told them to check out this lovely, shiny one. That's quartz the four year-old told me in a matter-of-fact and informing way like the scientist she is already. Intelligent doesn't even begin to describe all of these kids. I promise, in a few years when they all get together for a holiday, I'm going to get a call indicating they have come up with solutions to issues such as climate change and creating world peace.
Then there were the parents and grandparents— talent oozing from their pores. Each of them involved in businesses and issues that are helping make the world and everyone in it better. They did a smashing job of wrangling kiddos, keeping composure and somehow convincing them that it was okay to let this strange woman with a camera follow them around.
As if their personalities weren't all fabulous enough, every single one of them was photogenic. These are not tall tales I tell. I quickly realized that I had hit the mother lode for family photography: a stunning multi-generational family, glorious light, bang-up personalities, and a locale in the mountains of Colorado. As with any shoot there were variables. There was loudness and laughter, hiking, jumping, chaos, and so much love between all of them. I am truly thankful to have been there to capture for a moment in time, a lovely family being extraordinarly themselves.
Plant Power (Colorado adventure photographer/ Colorado running photographer)
He buzzed by me so quickly I almost dropped my camera. After a few seconds, he circled round and once again I felt the breeze. Thankfully I brought my fastest lenses with me. I checked my camera, and was elated to see I had captured this herbivore at lightening speed. Was I hidden between the sandstone and the sage hoping to photograph a pronghorn? Well that would be a welcome scene...but no, this wasn't any of Colorado's wild beasts. I was crouched amongst the arnica and aster to capture someone who truly thrives in and with nature.
When I first learned about Aaron Stuber I was impressed. This guy's goal is to help all of us live better. He is one of the rare breed that wants to genuinely make the world (and specifically you) better and healthier. His background is based on science but his passion is all heart. As a cardiovascular nurse he sees daily, the impact of choices and habits on one's health. It wasn't long before Aaron saw how our current healthcare system is broken in terms of prevention and treatment of chronic disease. Being the stellar guy that he is, instead of lamenting this issue he decided to become a part of the solution. Aaron is the founder of the Plant-Based RN, a health coaching and consulting business focusing on plant-based nutrition, exercise and stress reduction to help people live free of disabling chronic illness and dependence on medication. When I originally spoke with Aaron I asked him what he really hopes to achieve and he said he hopes to guide his clients so that they can THRIVE. Pretty phenomenal idea. He is knowledgeable and supportive and would be a great coach for anyone wanting to finally make those lifestyle changes that will positively impact your health and wellness.
As we all know change within isn't something that occurs instantaneously so he is available to assist and support clients as long as needed. I've heard it said that Rome wasn't built in a day and neither are lifestyle changes. One thing that really struck me was how Aaron realizes that one of the ways you can really achieve success is by focusing on the why and the psychology of why we make our current choices and behaviors. If you know the true meaning behind what you currently do and how to move forward from the inside out, you are much more apt to achieve your goals. Holistic is whole and Aaron really focuses on this.
When Aaron isn't running around Boulder Community Hospital as a cardiovascular nurse and running his business, you can find him in the backcountry and trails of Boulder County training. As a competitive ultra runner he voluntarily, yes voluntarily runs 25, 30+ miles AT ONE TIME! He is currently sponsored by both Beyond Meat and Skoop. Recently, Aaron completed his first 50 miler while injured and placed 17th overall. I have been a runner for two decades now yet I promise you there is no way I could run or walk 50 miles, let alone with an Achilles injury. His race through Bryce Canyon was absolutely epic and I encourage anyone who wants to know what it's like to complete an ultra to read his fabulous race report.
It's hard to not be inspired in the mountains for they don't need to shout out "Hey look at me! I'm a mountain! I've been here for thousands of years! Aren't I amazing?" It just is and you know it. Anytime I get the opportunity to photograph in our beautiful state I am thankful and renewed. And when I get to share that experience with others who are out there wanting to help us all, it makes the time beneath the Colorado blue skies even sweeter.
After some shots amid the pines and aspen, we headed to the Boulder Farmers' Market where I had to remind myself on numerous occasions that I was there to photograph, not eat buy all of the amazing offerings. Here Aaron and a client met to learn more about what greens and vegetables available locally will help sustain you and pack a nutritional punch. It was such a great experience to see and I learned a lot in between shutter clicks.
Aaron and his beautiful wife Allison are currently awaiting the arrival of their first baby any day now. I expect to see this new little one out on the trails, thriving very soon. Best of luck to the entire family!
The Oasis
If you live in Colorado, I don't need to remind you that this spring has been waterlogged. We all know this and have felt it in our core. Sometimes, just as the sun finally burned through the thick, thick clouds, the raindrops returned. I'm not so sure that this ensuing deluge was in fact rain. I do believe that it was the tears of many Coloradans that had re-seeded the clouds above and then returned to the earth. We sure do love our sunshine here and while most of us are thrilled that there are not yet fire bans in place, the majority are delighted as am I to see the sun's rays enveloping the Front Range once again.
In the crux of it all, I found an oasis. Of course it was in the desert. Nothing could be farther from the erratic skies of the Rockies than a riparian habitat amongst the Arizona desert. Here I found blooming succulents, geckos darting out from under scrub brush and even a speedy roadrunner. Yes an actual roadrunner! In an actual desert! A bit different from the usual prairie dogs we have here. My excitement upon finding one was tangible.
But it wasn't all agave and cacti for me. I found another desert gem. A lovely family to photograph in the springtime air. Payton and Taylor are exactly what young gals should be. They are intelligent, boisterous, fearless and above all, passionate about experiencing life. As we were meandering through the shaded paths, Payton never hesitated to tell me exactly what she thought I should photograph and where. A few steps behind, Taylor eased along the trails stopping to notice every insect, flower and time I tried to sneak my camera lens near her. The girls were lovely, adventurous, positively adorable and strikingly similar to their gorgeous mama. They are hilarious and fun to be around, just like their mama too. Hmmmm, I think they really are just like their mama and that's a pretty great thing. I couldn't have asked for a better way to spend a warm, spring morning. Whenever you are out in Colorado, let me know! I'd like Payton's assistance for some landscape shots and need to get their equally incredible dad in some photos next time around.
How Does Your Garden Grow
After parking the truck I tentatively walked inside the barn. The workshop had begun that morning and all around I found evidence of the budding gardeners. There were notebooks, sketches and snacks and I could hear the humming sound of a still running projector. After assessing the scene, I could tell everyone had moved on outside— somewhere else on the farm. I immediately recognized this as an opportune time to do a quick search myself. The drive up 36 through Boulder can be more arduous than planned at times and I desperately hoped to find a bathroom. I saw a door which looked innocently enough like a good spot to house a WC of some sort. The thick, rustic door creaked as I turned the handle. My eyes saw a shocking surprise. It wasn't exactly what I had been anticipating, but I did find a treasure. Inside, the bathroom had been converted into a cozy chicken brooder. There were at least 25 baby chicks (probably more) snug and happily chirping in their cozy first home. After living with human babies for the past few years, I immediately appreciated their soft and oh-so-quiet chirps. It was adorable, they were adorable, it was...a perfect introduction to a pretty perfect kind of place.
A chance to hang out in Lyons, Colorado, with some incredible pros who love to garden, use power tools and sneak in some playtime with baby animals too? Yes, please! I was at the Lyons Farmette photographing one of their spring workshops; a gardening intensive that spanned two days and taught participants everything from how to work with soil, to building a raised garden bed, irrigation techniques and even how to preserve your harvest.
Any time I get to wander to the northern Boulder County foothills back to my old stomping grounds, I become nostalgic. I LOVED living just outside of Lyons because it meant I lived almost in Lyons. The town is full of genuine, hard-working, happily eccentric and always talented folks. Returning to the land where sandstone cliffs and the South Saint Vrain Creek meet, definitely feels like home. I was excited...no ecstatic to head on up to the Lyons Farmette on a cloudy afternoon.
If you've ever strolled through the Farmette it is immediately apparent that the farm is cared for by people who do what they do out of love. They created a unique space where plants and animal grow, live, and thrive. It is a peaceful and incredibly gorgeous spot of land. It's obvious why there are myriad ways to enjoy the farm. Year-round the offerings are bountiful. The Lyons Farmette hosts farm dinners, numerous spring and fall educational workshops, provides an unforgettable backdrop for some truly unique Colorado farm weddings, and runs a CSA from June through October (there is still time to sign up for the 2015 season!)
After my initial welcome from the baby chicks, I grabbed my camera gear and wandered up a hill. My ears perked up at the sound of laughter and digging just beyond and I knew I had found the crew I was looking for. I met Helen, the farm's Director of Education as well as the participants who seemed almost giddy. I soon found out why. Helen was showing them a 2x4 and talking about how to properly cut your lumber to construct a raised garden bed. Yes, I had made it just in time for the power tools. However, more surprises were seeded in the clouds. No more than 2 minutes after I arrived, I was greeted by a brief but powerful hail storm. Most people shy away from this sort of thing but when you are on a farm, you expect all kinds of weather. So while everyone grabbed lumber and saws and headed to the hoop house, I covered up my gear and sauntered (by sauntered I mean bolted) after everyone.
Helen definitely knows her way around a garden. She was genuinely happy to show the crew how to make the proper cuts and even let a few lucky folks try out the power saw themselves. I love how the Lyons Farmette strives to support and empower the local food community. I was eager to listen to the tips and knowledge Helen was offering up while I photographed a fun and lively scene. Every year I plant a garden and every year I am surprised at how inept I am. While I can get pumpkins to grow pretty reliably (well outside of Florida...apparently one does not plant pumpkin seeds in Florida in May unless one wants fully ripe pumpkins in July) I also pretty reliably kill off starter plants seemingly just by looking at them. This past year, a dear friend of mine shared a few of her gorgeous tomato plants. I lovingly brought them home and...I am not exaggerating this...killed every single plant within one day of their arrival in my yard. I have a very special kind of gardening ineptitude. I hoped that while I was photographing the workshop, perhaps I could absorb some of Helen's talent through diffusion in the air. Gardeners of all levels participated in the weekend-long event and it was obvious that with Helen's teaching, everyone learned a lot that day.
The cuts were made, the hail subsided, the clouds rolled on and everyone worked together to build a beautiful raised garden bed. Throughout it all, Helen was there with knowledge and patience. Later on, Garrison the Farm Manager, stopped by to discuss irrigation options and explain how he manages the farm. Just like Helen, Garrison provided plentiful expertise and shared it in a way that engaged and excited the participants who eagerly soaked it all in.
Throughout the afternoon I noticed a theme. There was a lot of dirt, a lot of digging, and so much joy and laughter from everyone in the class. A pretty perfect way to spend a weekend indeed.
Want to learn more about this unique and special place? Well then by all means, please check them out at http://www.lyonsfarmette.com/ or head on over to Lyons for a visit. I promise no matter what the weather, you'll have a grand ol' time.
Writer's Digest Your Story Contest Winners Announced.
It was an honor to have one of my photographs used in the Your Story competition for Writer's Digest Magazine. The assignment: Write an opening sentence based on my photograph.
The winners were announced online at WritersDigest.com. A print version will also be out next month. Make sure to check it out. It was so interesting to read what the writers imagined. I personally hadn't thought my photograph was inherently foreboding but apparently, it absolutely is!
Head on over to WritersDigest.com where talented writers go to hone their skills. I am humbled by everyone who took a moment to think about my photograph.