Val and Doug. A Couples Portrait Session

A while back, during an unusual mild spell, I had the chance to visit Doug and Val at their beautiful acreage for a couple's portrait session.

I had done Laura and Anthony's anniversary portraits there, late last summer, so I knew I would have some amazing locations to work with.

I wasn't quite sure how this portrait session would go though. Doug's always struck me as a real 'man's man', and I wasn't sure how he'd react to my somewhat whimsical approach to portrait sessions. After all, blowing bubbles and 'a man's man' are not two things that you naturally think of as going together . . .

He was such a good sport though! We tried out an assortment of locations on their property, each one lovelier than the last.

Doug and Val got a little snuggling in (while being closely observed by one of their boys hiding behind the wood pile! There is no privacy when you're a parent . . .)

Not only did Doug take all the bubble blowing in stride he even allowed me to post the pictures on the blog! Now that's a sweet husband. :D


I love couples portraits. So often, once you have kids and are in the midst of the demanding busy-ness that brings, you put your identity as a couple on the back burner, telling yourself you'll pick it back up when the kids get older. Taking time out for the two of you as a couple and then printing your favorite photo from the session is a great way to reconnect and remind yourself that you are more than just 'mom and dad'.

Here are some of my favorites from Doug and Val's session:

Thanks for playing with me you guys!

Brad and Amanda. A Wedding Story.

A few months back I got a text from my son Morgan. "Was I free March 27th?"

I texted back "Yes. Why?"

His best friend Brad was getting married and was looking for a photographer. Would I do it?

Are you kidding?! Of course I would! I've known Brad since he and Morgan were preschoolers and his fiancee Amanda is the sweetest girl. How could I pass that up?

We had  a great time with their engagement shoot so I knew the wedding would be lots of fun as well. The bonus for me was that Morgan was in the wedding party so I'd have plenty of opportunities to embarrass and mortify him with my behavior.

Win, win all around . . . 

They really are such a lovely couple.  The day was chill and laid back. (aside from the emotion just before and during the ceremony of course . . .)

I truly enjoyed spending the day with Brad , Amanda and their family and friends and I pray that they will be blessed in the years ahead as they begin married life together.

Congratulations you guys!

(*warning! Lots (and lots) of photos ahead . . . Brevity is not my strong suit! ;D)

Living Life's Adventures

 I'm counting down the days to May 1st.

That's the day I'll be starting not one new adventure but two!

To celebrate, I spent yesterday making this new art piece . . . (does anyone recognize my beautiful fairy? It's my daughter-in-law Kim. ;D)

{magical fairy elements (including the beautiful painted back ground) by Lori Davison}

Life's amazing! Tune back in on Friday to find out how you can share in one of my new adventures.
There are fun times ahead!

The Making of a Fairyland

The last month or so has been filled with all kinds of fun things!

We've had an engagement party for which there is only one photo (of a cupcake!) because 60 people stuffed into our little dollhouse kept me hopping, and prevented me from lifting my arms high enough to take any photos, it was that crowded. (People ate soup in the hallways because all the rooms were full.)

Henry's mom celebrated her 80th birthday surrounded by family, a really blessing after her cancer diagnoses. Thankfully, it's treatable and we are all praying those treatments go well.

I attended a delightful bridal shower for my niece Rachelle who was in town for Grandma's birthday. Wait until you see the pictures! My sister-in-law Evelyn put on an amazing tea. . .

I photographed Brad and Amanda's wedding.

Had a sweet little girl in the studio for her first birthday.

Enjoyed spending time with Doug and Val for a couple's session in their own (fabulous) back yard. ( I even managed to persuade Doug to play with bubbles! ;D )

I also had a couple of sweet kids in to play dress-up and captured some wonderful photos of them to use in my ongoing Photoshop Artistry course.

You would not believe the amazing art my fellow classmates have been making! It's quite astounding.

You can check it out in the second edition of Awake magazine.

Awake.  (*Please note. This is an art course, so you may find some of the content to be risque.)

My own work leans towards fantasy and fairytale. I love an imaginary world . . .

As you know, fairies are notoriously shy, and it took some sneaky maneuvering in the forest to capture this one.

It's not often I manage to have a camera at the same time a fairy portal opens.                        
Poof! That portal would have been gone before I could blink. . .

{magical fairy elements by Lori Davison}

How adorable is this one?! But shhhh! if you've ever seen her, or even think you might know her, keep the fact that she's been spotted to yourself. She's the shyest of shy fairies and would be mortified to know she'd be seen. ;D

Now I'm off to do more work to get ready for my Grand Adventure next week.

Have an amazing week! :D