Toby and Darcy

This might have been one of the most unique weddings I've ever photographed. On August 20th Toby and Darcy exchanged their vows after a nice hike up to Crow Pass above Girdwood, Alaska. The weather couldn't have been any nicer for such an intimate wedding tucked up into the high alpine tundra with family and a few friends.

Big Fat Buddha

Matt Brenna (Guitar), Jared Kerns (Drums) , Brad Fidel(Bass), Jeff Arms(Percussions)

I had a fun photo shoot with Anchorage band, Big Fat Buddha. This picture is a great example of their energy both on and off the stage. If you haven't heard them before don't miss their big fat funky dance music this next Saturday at Taproot Cafe in Anchorage.

Jen and Leath

Here's a thin slice of what I've been up to this month with more to come soon. I wish I had a little more time to update this blog. A post every few days would be a dream. I feel like I've got some great photos, and lots of exciting things going on. Check out Chugach Peaks Photography for some of my most recent wedding photography. For now here are a few maternity pictures of my dear friend Jen and her sweetie Leath.

Paul and Karen's wedding - June 19, 2010

Another beautiful Alaskan wedding this time up at the Crow Creek Mine in Girdwood. I was a little nervous since the weather forcast called for rain all day and I knew the ceremony was going to be outside. Luckily it only amounted to a slight drizzle. The extra moisture hardly even phased the bride and groom or any of the guests and the various umbrellas only added more vibrant colors to the ceremony. I had a hard time changing any of these pictures to black and white with so many shades of green popping out everywhere.

Lee and Colleen's wedding - June 12, 2010

Its wedding season! Once again I've found myself behind the lens of yet another fun Alaskan wedding. Although I never would have pictured myself as a wedding photographer I'm starting to enjoy the challenges of improvising and composing on the spot. Its definitely pushing my photographic skills. Family portrait time feels a little like survival skiing... there's no turning back at this point, only you, your camera, and about a hundred different combinations of family members to go. Its a pretty good feeling when its all over.

It was nice to have a little help from Krystal, an APU student and photo club member. I invited her along as a second shooter and to help me keep an eye on the whole party. She did a great job and and seemed right at home. A second shooter is the way to go.

Colleen and Lee were awesome - such an easy couple to work with. I love it when folks have ideas for pictures and just like to have fun- not to mention what an incredible family and group of friends.

Congratulations Lee and Colleen!

Pushing My Comfort Zone

This spring I had the opportunity to take a Magazine Writing class from Rosanne Pagano, an Alaskan Journalist and Liberal arts professor at Alaska Pacific University. Writing has always been a difficult process for me, but I thought it would be a good opportunity to broaden my photographic skills by learning how to develop a story accompanied by my photographs. One of my assignments was to write a profile story which highlighted a local person with an interesting life. I chose to interview Cindy Shake, a metal artist, known for her popular Alaskan themed garden art and sculptures.

I met Cindy a few years ago when I rented the downstairs apartment of her weekend home in Girdwood. Inspired by her creative drive and ability to make a living off her artwork, I wanted to learn how she got to where she is now. I then photographed her at her home and studio in Anchorage and submitted the piece to the Anchorage Press. Just last week they decided to run it as a feature story.



Check it out here: http://www.anchoragepress.com/articles/2010/05/26/news/doc4bfdc5c1e8b86620694975.txt



Cindy Shake

Cindy using an arc welder

Cindy using a plasma cutter to cut up her sheet metal

One of Cindy's famous Garden Ravens with her grasshopper hanging on her shed in the background

A fun clay sculpture of a garden monster in Cindy's front yard

Alaska Girls Kick Ass...and show a little too.

May just made up for all of the powder days I missed in April. With school and work finally winding down I've been able to make the most of my weekends including an unexpected trip to the Ruth Glacier, a beautiful day with my good friend Sherrie to climb and ski Ptarmigan Peak, and fun spring day trip up Pastoral with some kick ass Alaskan ladies. Thank goodness for the plentiful snowpack this season and some beautiful May weather.

K2 Otter

Denali on the left and Mount Dan Beard on the right

A tour into the Great Gorge with the Mooses Tooth hiding behind a cloud

Gwenie with Denali hiding behind the clouds

Big Avalanche off of Barille

Rachel skiing up for a few turn with the Don Sheldon mountain House in the background

The wear and tear of being a bush pilot

Kellie flying out

Too hot for Gortex!

Five chicks on top of Pastoral

Gretchen

Jen Mac

Sherrie booting up the last few hundred feet to the upper ridge of Ptarmigan Peak

Beautiful view of Ptarmigan Peak and the Suicide Peaks to the right

Sherrie making her first jump turn on the ice crust at the top of the S Couloir

Oh great! 2000 more feet of ice chattering roller balls.

Sherrie making it look more fun than survival skiing.

Back in the sun.

Grass touring... denial that winter is over.