Vail Ski and Snowboard Academy Graduation - 4 Eagle Ranch

When I finished High School in New Zealand, nothing really happened.  I'm pretty sure I got in my car and drove home and I probably went to my after school job that night.  Americans on the other hand, know how to do it up right when they finish high school!  

Last week I was asked to shoot the Vail Ski and Snowboard Academy's graduation at 4 Eagle Ranch.  These graduates compete in skiing and snowboarding all over the country and they still managed to get all of their school work done with the help of some amazing teachers.

Astronaut, Jerry Linenger, was the key note speaker and gave the most amazing address.  If you have the chance, look him up and read one of his books.  His tales from his 5 months in space were absolutely unbelievable!

Congratulations to all of the VSSA grads to graduates everywhere!

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Wedding in Golden, Colorado - Stephanie and Mike

Stephanie and Mike chose a remote cabin in the woods, just outside of Golden near Denver for their sunset wedding. With a small group of family in attendance, they had their ceremony on the cabins back deck looking out over the town of Boulder and it's city lights.

Following the ceremony, we set off down the dirt road to grab some photos of Stephanie and Mike as newlyweds.  The wind picked up suddenly and we were able to capture some moody Wuthering Heights type shots! Unfortunately, the temps dropped as well so we only lasted about 10 minutes out there.  We headed back to the cabin where they could warm back up again and party the night away with loved ones.  It was a gorgeous day and as always, it was an honor to play a part in it.

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Vail Family Photos - 3 x mini sessions in Edwards, CO with the Hobgoods, Drakes and Thomas

I had done photos for the Hobgood family in the past, so when they told me they were coming back out and bringing two families with them, I was excited to be able to do three mini sessions for them.

In true mountain form, it was raining when I arrived.  The Hobgoods decided to take the first shoot and after a weather delay, we were able to get on with the session.  As you can see from the photos, the backdrops were countless.  With water features and mountains throughout the property, there was no shortage of locations to choose from.  

You can also see how the lighting changed with each session as the night went on.  These are a few of my favorites from the three sessions!

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Vail Event Photography - 3 x 40th Birthday Party at Bol, Vail Village

Up in these mountains, you'll find that most residents would consider themselves more Country Mouse than City Mouse.  If we have to wait behind five cars at a roundabout, we complain about the traffic.  

We do miss some of the big city luxuries though.  Luckily we have Bol.  It's a bowling alley in Vail Village and it's about the most cosmopolitan place you'll find around here.  

When Brandon contacted me about shooting a 40th birthday party, I had no idea that it was 3 x 40th birthdays combined.  I was later told that these three guys had been born at the same hospital at the same time and they've been throwing elaborate birthday parties together ever since.  

Friends from all over the country, from every phase of their three lives flew in to help these boys celebrate.  They brought in their own DJ, turned the lights down on the lanes and let the good times roll - bad pun intended.

Side note...I may or may not have been humming Marilyn Manson's 'The Beautiful People' throughout the night.  Such a good looking group!

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Vail Newborn Photos - Rylan

There are two distinct types of newborn photography.  You can take the more staged approach, with backdrops and props, or you can do a more relaxed, lifestyle shoot.  With Baby Rylan's newborn shoot, we were able to incorporate both styles into the one shoot.  We started with several props and backdrops, using the natural light against the windows and we finished the shoot with some sweet family photos.  He definitely didn't want to nap while we had the props out, but as soon as got to have a snuggle he was out! Here are a few of my favorites from his session.

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Vail Newborn Photos - Paige

I've had some great photo shoots with Tristan and Trevor over the last couple of years, so when their little baby sister arrived in March, I knew her newborn shoot was going to be high energy and a lot of fun.  As someone with two older brothers, I already had a sweet spot for Paige going into the shoot.  I can tell you, I don't EVER remember my brothers being this sweet though!

Both of the boys were fascinated by their little sister and very gentle with her.  They both wanted to give her loads of kisses and cuddles. She's a lucky wee girl to have such protective boys in her life! The boys were also really curious about my props and backdrops, so I was able to sneak in a few fun shots of them while Paige was changing outfits.

Newborns are my only shoots where I give clients all of their photos in both color and black and white.  I've added a mix of both below and the last photo is a side by side.  Sometimes it's just too hard to choose which one works best!

Family photos before we start the newborn session in Gypsum, CO

Love from big brother Trevor  - Vail Newborn Photos

Vail Newborn Photos - Paige was curious about what was going on

Gypsum newborn photos - snoozy, lazy cuddles with big brother Tristan

Vail baby photos with Paige

Vail baby photos - Paige and Tristan

Vail children's photos - Miss Paige

Vail studio photography - Trevor jumping into the spotlight with the portable studio

Vail baby photos - Paige

Hard to choose between black and white or color.

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