Silent Snowfall

Snowed in! 

Wow the amount of snow that has fallen here has been crazy. I decided to enter a contest that had mommy kissing santa claus in his boxers. Needless to say my dad went along with it. I have to share though because it is silly and because I am going snow crazy being stuck inside. 

Such a trooper!

The Bride Wore Cowgirl Boots at Albees

Meet Megan & Bobby

                                          Married 9.7.08 at Albees Garden Party in Olympia

Megan & Bobby live in Wyoming and got married in Olympia at Albee's Garden Parties which is one of the best kept secret locations for unique outdoor weddings and events. They don't have a website, but you can call them at 360.266.4683. I love that there are a number of different kinds of locations there to photograph as well. One of my favs is the barn doors and the bathrooms. Cute and sweet. But the best part is that the bride wore white cowgirl boots!

Aren't they cute!!!!!!!!

Megan & Bobby are geologists and had candy rocks on the tables for the guests. I had to grab a few shots of their rings with them... so fun. 

I think one of my favorite moments though was seeing Megan and her dad dancing. It was so heartwarming, I shed a tear behind the camera after I saw this moment between them. 

To see the slideshow from their wedding go here  

Why I do what I do

I think of this sometimes, why document, why take a photo, what is it I do when I pick up my camera? I love photographing things, but there is more than the click of the button, composition, and lighting. There is soul! 

My mom died a couple weeks ago and I am moved to share the real reason I photograph and feel it is not only my passion but my calling. In July my mom insisted I photograph her and my dad, her last photo which ironically enough was glowing with the light of the sun. 

The immense shock and grief from the loss of a loved one is difficult. I had a mother-daughter photo session two days after this loss. I almost cancelled, but after talking with my client and thinking about it more I went ahead with it. Describing the immense healing that took place for me with this session will take some time, but I will try to describe it. We went to this magical place in Olympia called Woodard Bay where over a hundred seals have their babies, and make these incredible mammalian grunting noises while sitting on old log pilings. The daughter and the mother a beautiful testament of how our relationship with our mothers is a primal one with many layers. You can see the slideshow here

How many times have we had a moment where we made a memory, like the way our mom holds our hands when we are little or grown up, the struggle to get along, the deep well of love we have. I miss her! I miss her hands her eyes, her voice. The things she did that I found annoying. What is it about the relationship with our mother's that can be so complex and yet so simple? So this is why I do what I do, I preserve memories that are fleeting and the legacy for future generations as well as the treasure for the ones who miss and love those who have gone before us. 

Wedding at Port Ludlow and Tiffany Blue Ribbons

It is the beginning of August and summer is flying by. Last weekend was the Thurston County Fair and I submitted one of my favorite photos named "Sisters". It is the essence of how I experienced my sister when I was a little girl. I won a blue ribbon (not Tiffany blue though), this is the first time I have ever entered my photographs into a competition and I am honored to have been awarded a ribbon. 

Here is the image...

So, last weekend I photographed a wedding at the Inn at Port Ludlow  and the colors were Tiffany blue, yellow, and white. What an incredible location and color combination! I loved the choice of colors in the wedding and the attention to detail that the bride and the wedding planner Melissa Ryan from Lush Parties and Events in Seattle created. A wedding planner makes a huge difference in the flow of events and it relieves the stress of the day for the bride. I loved the group shots too, over 25 people- a family reunion portrait!!!!! And with a wedding planner there to round people up, it made photographing the must have important shots that much easier on everybody. 

The colors of the bridesmaid dresses were Tiffany blue, such a fantastic combination! 
These umbrellas were on the top of the outside tent, there were also these paper lanterns that were glowing as the day went on.
Inside each bag was a party favor containing Swedish cookies with whipped creme in the cookie and a fluffy cream inside in yellow and blue. The colors actually are Swedish colors, the colors of the flag. 
Check out the cake, it was so fresh, and the glass boats on top were a keepsake from the wedding and part of the theme. 

This weekend I am pretty busy, a Photography workshop in Portland, and a Eco chic and Fair Trade wedding in Olympia at Capitol Lake. The groom is actually kayaking to meet the bride. I will post this wedding for sure as it will be a lot of fun. 

Have a great weekend!

Vintage Pin up! The GJP!

Do you ever have a glimpse into how a vintage style is so cutting edge? With Greta Jane that is definitely the case. Greta is the lead vocalist of Romanteek and is part of the Great Jane Quartet playing on Mondays at the Royal in Olympia. I had the great privilege to photograph Greta, The GJP and her persona Ruby. What a great time we had. Here are a few of the pictures, and if you want to see the slideshow, click here 

She is singing in the song, definitely check out their music, it is fantastic and a great pick me up.

Also, feel free to leave comments, I love to hear from ya'll. Also, coming up, a contest!!!!!!! So stay tuned, and sign up for the upcoming newsletter. 

-Dinea

Radiance

I just got back from Eastern WA and had such a radiant time. I feel incredibly blessed and am so excited to share a few of my photos from my time there. I have such joy in the fullness of summer and the radiant sunlight that is permeating my heart and my photos. 

Summertime Summertime Sum Sum Summertime

Busy summertime!!!!!!!! It is amazing how it is so so cold for over 7 months of the year and then the flirting begins and summer finally arrives. I am loving that it has too. It has been a long and wet winter this year. I have been photographing a lot, but alas not blogging enough. I plan to do more of this in the months to come so stay tuned and leave a comment, I love to know who was hear and to hear your feedback. 

So I have so much to share, but my newest fun news is that I photographed the cover of South Sound Woman Magazine! It was really fun and I got to work with this incredible woman Cheryl Selby who owns this cute shop in town called Vivala, they carry the most fashionable activewear I have seen. Here is a copy of the cover, to see it up close and personal go to the South Sound Woman website. 

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I have also been busy working on a fun maternity shoot, a UW graduation, and much more so stay tuned and enjoy the fullness of the summertime. 

High Fashion Bridal Sessions

One of my favorite kinds of sessions is a High Fashion Bridal Session. It can be as wild or tame as wanted, before the wedding or after. It can be a lot of fun to dress up again in your dress and get a little dirty or a lot. It is pretty easy to dry clean your wedding dress afterwards unless you decide to get wet or muddy. 

A before session is a like a test drive for your hair, makeup, and dress and a guarantee you will have beautiful bridals if your wedding day does not allow the time for them. 

Cherry Blossoms in the Springtime!

I love spring and the cherry blossoms are glorious, but almost gone. Now it is almost wild rose time. .. so I will be getting some fun shots of those when they come out. I was playing with my 50 1.4 lens and came up with these two portraits which I LOVE! These girls were so awesome with the camera and gorgeous to boot. 

ARTSWALK and the Procession of the Species

It is that time of year when the slowness of winter is chased away by the loud music and decorative costumes of the Procession of the Species . After the weekend of April snow I am  ready for some sun. Hopefully there will be some this upcoming weekend, for the Procession and Olympia Artswalk. Artswalk is a true blast to see all the different artists in Olympia. Such diversity and talent in our community.

This Artswalk April 25th & 26th , I am exhibiting in the main window of Wind Up Here which is not only one of the best toy stores in the South Sound, but a great place to find almost anything pertaining to play. We spend a lot of time and $ there which is so worth it, they have game nights, Breyerfests, and many more family oriented activities which is such an asset to the community. 

I hope you will come and check out my show and see some of my favorite work from this winter and a few of my classics. Let me know if you saw it by posting here in the comments section. I would love your feedback.

Also, check out the Olympia Film Society's Arts & Hearts Craft Fair Sat. April 26th 11-4 pm at the Capitol Theatre.

Radio Ad and SPRING Mini Photo Sessions

Wow! It has been amazing planning the Bridal Tea and we are sooooooo excited that it is turning into such an exquisite event. I just got a email with the radio spot from the Eagle and it is so fun. You can listen to it here 

If you are planning to come to the Tea you can still RSVP to brideolympia@yahoo.com and let us know how many people you will be bringing with you. We are excited to see you there. 

Also, I have a few more spaces for MINI PHOTO SESSIONS! They are $150 for a 1/2 hour including the CD, which normally is $250 on its own. It is my No-April Foolin' gift to you. If you want to schedule a photo session, email me thru the website or call the studio 253.227.8074. Now that the CHERRY Blossoms are out, it is a perfect time to get some spring photos. 

Entrepreneur of the Month

Wow! I am featured as Entrepreneur of the month of April with a non-profit organization called Enterprise for Equity. I took their business planning classes and learned so much about the nuts and bolts of business. You can see the article about me and Dinea de Photo here www.enterpriseforequity.org

This leads me to write about Business planning and the workings of a plan. It is a crucial plan to plan. Failure to plan is a plan to fail" and so... I totally recommend writing a business plan whether you are in a small business or working or planning one. In my non-profit work as a fundraiser and in organizational development I learned mostly what can make or break any non-profit or business is poorly laid plans and not putting a 1 year, 2 year, 3 year, 5 year planning into a living and breathing document called a business plan. I have been learning lately how to make it truly a working document not something that sits on the shelf collecting dust bunnies. Learn to love planning and you can move mountains and rocks.
A business plan is one of those BIG rocks that we love to ignore, but once we get one in place we can fill in the empty spaces with the other things integral to our lives and businesses.

Anyhow check out the article and look at their business planning offerings because they ROCK!

Spring Portrait Mini Sessions

In the celebration of SPRING, my birthday this week, and to have some fun I am having Spring Portrait Mini Sessions. They are $150 for a 1/2 hour session which includes a CD of the images. I have two dates left for this special April 12th and May 10th. If you are interested in scheduling a session, feel free to call the studio 253.227.8074 or email me thru the website

Here are a few from a Mini Session on the beautiful non-rainy Saturday we had before the REALLY cold and rainy Easter where the rain literally went sideways and upside down. You have got to love March and the beginning of Spring.

Bridal Tea #2 in Olympia

Wow, our last Bridal Tea was a blast. We had incredible music, great food, and AMAZING vendors to meet. We are excited to have another. It is going to be bigger and better for sure. Feel free to call or email and come by to check it out. It is a lot of fun. To quote one of our last bridal attendees " I think this is the best event I have ever been to, I feel so relaxed and pamered" Wow we were so excited to hear that.



The next Bridal Tea is April 13th from 1-4 pm. Come and meet people that can help make your wedding unique. This tea is going to be AMAZING as we will have some fantastic vendors, pampering, and great prizes to give away, and even Horse and Carriage Rides. There will be many wonderful things to do and try so come and check out the tea, it is FREE, so bring your family and friends to help you in planning your wedding and enjoy a fun and beautiful event. This event is sponsored by Dinea de Photo, The Best of Budapest, and the Tumwater Masonic Center which is located at 455 North St. SE in Tumwater.

Spring Flirting

Spring is really my favorite time of year, awakening from a long slumber to the sweet smell of fragrant flowers and flirty sunshine and rain. It is really delightful to see rainbows and sunshine in the midst of clouds and rain. It is the time to come that inspires me because I know more flowers and warmth will follow.

I just had a great photoshoot with a wonderful woman named Joy, she was absolutely incredible with the camera and I had to include a few of my favorites here. I loved how the sun was flirting with the camera and the sweet patterns that came out of the shoot.


The infamous Miss Jane

Music, Art, and Community

Wow, I am so excited the Bridal Tea that my friend Kristi and I put on was a blast. We had such a fun time with all the vendors, people that attended, and the food was fantastic. My absolute favorite violinist, Geoffrey Castle came and played his soulful and inspiring music that literally made the event exquisite. We had some great people involved such as Sylphide Designs, my favorite couture dress shop, Fair Portia, Aspasia Day spa who has the most amazing skin healing techniques, and many more. I will post more about this later. I just wanted to say how great it is to have people work together for a common goal. It is something that is not that common these days, but it is super important. I have such immense respect and love for community and am grateful for the inspiration and beauty that comes from supporting small business and local economy.

This bouquet made by Potpourri Floral is full of spring flowers and I found it to be such a beautiful reminder that spring weddings are such a delight to experience because of the sheer bounty of spring fragrant flowers. I love spring a lot, partly b/c my birthday is in spring and partly b/c it is when we wake up from the slowness of winter to more sunshine.

I am so grateful to have had such a fun time with all of you that attended, and hopefully if you didn't get to attend or want to come to the next one you will stay tuned. The next Bridal Tea is on April 13th. So if you are interested in attending or exhibiting, let me know. This one is sure to be even more fun, with great prizes and more things to see and do.

Bridal Tea

Check out the upcoming Bridal Tea March 2nd, 2008 Sponsored by The Best of Budapest, Dinea de Photo, and Huber's Gasthaus. Attached is your invitation to experience an intimate event of exquisite proportion.

The many faces of Life

I am truly amazed by this video. It features so many of my favorite kinds of art, but what is really remarkable is that it is like the many faces and moods and changes we have thru our lives. As a woman, I feel there is a constant reinvention of myself, with a true thread that stays the same and constant throughout.

Purse Love- "A cute bag is a girls best friend"

I love great purses, it is amazing what a good handbag can do to an outfit and to every day organization. I just read this article on how a cute bag is a girl's best friend and it was all about the next "it" bag.

I am hard on my bags and I have found that having a bag that lasts a long time with a guarantee is key. Enter in the Persnickity Designs Bags. I found these bags on a trip to Bellingham last spring and was totally blown away enough to sign up as a rep for their company. They are made to last forever, have many style possibilities, and support local economy as they are handmade in WA. I have been so busy getting my photography business going this year I have yet to have a party, but thought I would post some about them. The bag I love the most is the small hobo, plus it has a place where I can put a scarf which I can change with my outfits and stuff. They also have these great wallets that can fit business cards and postcards in that are really fun and great for men and women.
If you go to the website www.pdsashbags.com you can find the bag of your dreams and play around with customizing it to make it you. So fun. If you decide to order, tell them in the comments section you heard about them from me.

I will have some photography posts up soon so stay tuned.

Vintage Spontaneity

So my daughter and I have been talking about me doing a full on photo shoot of her. Well today she decided that we should do it although she had dirty hair and wanted to wear this sweet dress in the freezing cold. The ground was crunchy even though it was sunny out. I was surprised by her enthusiasm since she usually lets me get a few pictures but then refuses if I suggest we do something longer. She is always so creative and she had her own ideas for the shoot. First she want to be by the columns, then she wanted to go to the ledge, etc. We only shot pics for about a half hour before her legs were bright pink and we had to stop.

Passion Love and Life

"First find something that you love to do so much that you would gladly do it for nothing. Then learn to do it so well that people are happy to pay you for it."
~Walt Disney

I just received this quote in an email and thought it was so fabulous and true. It is amazing how much I love photography and connecting with my clients. It is such an honor and a gift each time I get to see people in this way. I am really excited about 2008 and have some really fun things to share in the next few weeks, so stay tuned and stay PASSIONATE!

Seattle Wedding Show Fashion

This weekend I went to the Seattle Wedding Show and saw great vendors from around the NW. It was great, with many kinds of cakes and dresses and venues it is almost mind boggling. The dresses and flowers were absolutely GORGEOUS, and I enjoyed the variety of models they had in all shapes, ages, and sizes. My sister is getting married in May of 09 and it is never too early to start planning.

There were some amazing things to see there, especially cakes that defied gravity like Mikes Amazing Cakes with tea cups and saucers. I saw this really sweet cake from Creme de la Creme. They actually made it as a DONATION to the Woodland Park Zoo for their booth. I thought it was exceptionally sweet because they printed the Zoo's logo on the edible paper around the cake with food coloring. I had to check out their booth and was really impressed with their stuff and with the owners, very nice people. I think the zoo sounds like a unique place to get married and a great way to support animal and environmental education. Woodland Park Zoo has the AMAZING butterfly garden which would be a fabulous place for pictures. I spoke with the people at the booth and they were super excited about this cake because of how fast Creme de la Creme was and how sweet it was for them to donate to the Zoo.
My daughter went along as well and had to taste all the cakes at the show. She even brought her digital camera to take pictures of her favorite things, mostly cakes. She said that although all the cakes were beautiful at the show her favorite tasting cake was the Raspberry- Lemon from the Celebrity Cake Studio in Tacoma. I love the Pink Champagne though, it is wonderful, and I usually don't like to eat cake.

Happy New Year!

(Photo courtesy by my daughter and her new Samsung point and shoot camera from Christmas)

It is amazing that 2008 is already here. I am so excited. Today my daughter and I walked around the lake and enjoyed a day of reflection and of planning. I am busy writing my personal and business goals for 2008 and super excited for the New Year. I will be launching some fun new things so stay tuned. I would love to hear what your goals are for 2008.
Here are a couple of mine:

1. Get in shape, by shape I mean going to the gym more than 2-3x a week and stepping it up to 4-5x a week and walking around the lake at least 1-2x a week as well.
2. Begin yoga again. I love yoga, and have not been making time for it. It is so good for mind and body.
3. Finish paperwork for Artist applications.
4. Write article for local paper.
5. Edit my personal pictures and finish albums for these.
6. Start my daughter in horseback riding lessons. She loves horses, so horse crazy she is that she needs to ride.
So many more....

I hope you all have a great New Year, it is such a blessing to have a shiny new year to dream and plan and envision. I wish you all a blessed year.
Dinea