How often do we wake on a Monday morning and think "Today is going to be GREAT!"? Given the nature of Mondays, probably less often than we would like to. I photographed a wedding in South Lake Tahoe on Sunday, so how bad could my Monday be by waking up in such beautiful surroundings? If that wasn't good enough, mid morning I headed about a mile down the road to photograph eight of the most fantastic people I know!
If you've been a follower of my blog for any length of time, you may recognize this photo. Tiffany and Charles were married in '08, and one of my favorite images of the day was this one of Tiff with all the "men" in her life! Over the last four years, Tiff has become a good friend, and I love any opportunity we have to see each other. One of the reasons our relationship has grown from client/photographer to friend status is that we both KNOW that blood doesn't make someone family. We both have people in our lives who we consider family and couldn't survive without! Here are her nephews of her heart-the five sons of her best friend, Lesley.
Fast forward from 5/08 to 7/12, and here is what Tiff looks like with her guys. A couple of months ago, Lesley called to ask me to photograph her second oldest son's senior portraits. As we were chatting about what the summer would hold for each of us, she told me that she was making her annual 4th of July pilgrimage to Tahoe with Tiff and the entourage that joins in on the fun every year. Knowing that Lesley and Tiff have been friends for 25 years made me think that while they were having their yearly celebration, they should have portraits done on the shores of Lake Tahoe. When I actually spoke those words, I'm not sure how I thought Lesley would respond. I could hear the disappointment in her voice when she said, "But, you're probably booked with a wedding that weekend." My response to her was, "Yes I am....but the wedding is in Tahoe!!!!". Talk about planets aligning!! Knowing that I was going to spend the night in Tahoe on Sunday night, it just made perfect sense that we should take this opportunity to do the portraits Monday morning.
As I packed up my bags and loaded up my gear, I was getting ready to implement the ideas that I had been planning for weeks. Let's just say that I should have known better...nothing about this session was going to be structured ;) Upon arrival, I was greeted with hugs from Tiff, her mom-Sue, and Lesley, but I wasn't sure how the boys would feel about having their vacation interrupted with portraits. The ladies told me when they said to the boys that they were going to have portraits taken, the boys moaned and groaned about it. When the young vacationers asked who the photographer was, and they were told it was Debbie Brown, they said "Oh, okay, we like her!". To say the nine of us had a great time, would be an understatement!
Every combination I can think of was put before my camera. Bare feet, sand, water, smiles, laughter, friends and fun make for INCREDIBLE images! What I love so much about these people is that there is NOTHING off limits when it comes to taking their portraits. These portraits involved ALL of us getting in the water, and I was completely surprised at how warm the lake was! As the session progressed, we pushed the envelope a little bit more with each grouping. We started off by everyone taking off their shoes, and ended with all the guys taking off their shirts. Not sure I've ever had that happen! Believe me, I didn't just say, "Hey guys, take off your shirts". Scroll down and you'll see what caused the end result.
As you look at these images, you're going to wish you knew these people; and if you do know them, you're going to wish you had been there with us!!! I absolutely adore these three ladies, and the young men who are lucky enough to be in their lives. You're probably thinking "Debbie, it seems like every time I read about one of your former clients, they've become a good friend of your's.". Trust me when I say that there are worse things that can result from one's job, and why do you think I love what I do!? It doesn't always happen, but if you ask anyone who knows me, it does happen fairly frequently :)
As you look at these images, you're going to wish you knew these people; and if you do know them, you're going to wish you had been there with us!!! I absolutely adore these three ladies, and the young men who are lucky enough to be in their lives. You're probably thinking "Debbie, it seems like every time I read about one of your former clients, they've become a good friend of your's.". Trust me when I say that there are worse things that can result from one's job, and why do you think I love what I do!? It doesn't always happen, but if you ask anyone who knows me, it does happen fairly frequently :)
Tiff, Sue and Lesley, thanks so much for a fun morning. I smiled all the way back to Lincoln!
This title says it all! I know we've all heard about what it's like to be in the midst of an astronaut, a president, or someone so unbelievably unique that just being in their presence is extraordinary. Sunday was my day to be around such people. Before I tell you about this remarkable event, let me give you a little back story...
In September of 1968, I walked into a 3rd grade classroom at Farnham Elementary, that will forever be one of my favorite school environments. (Yes, that's me in the middle of the bottom row, with the orange dress. I think someone should have talked my mother out of that purchase, haha)
Marian Gault was, and is, a beautiful, warm, kind hearted woman, with long golden hair, of which I was so envious. She made her classroom fun, and created memories that will be embedded in my mind as long as I live. During that school year, she introduced her students to her handsome husband of six years, and together they taught her little eight and nine year old students the passion that they both had...folk dancing. Marian and Ned met each other in a folk dancing atmosphere, and quickly became partners. In 1962 they were married, and have been dancing ever since. As students, we were not only taught folk dancing, but we made costumes, to go with our upcoming performance (there's a photo of that infamous "skirt". I think it was made out of interfacing, with flowers ironed on it-again, someone needed to talk my mother out of that hair bow! LOL).
Over the years, I would reminisce about the things I remembered, and as I became a mom and my daughters entered school, I would tell them about my favorite teacher. In 1995, my daughter had a fantastic third grade teacher and it made me wonder what ever happened to Mrs. Gault. This was just as internet was getting started, so I pulled out the good old trusty white pages, and to my amazement she was still at the same address! I located an old photo of me in the 3rd grade, wrote a letter, and sent it off to someone who I was fairly certain wouldn't remember me. I didn't write the letter for any other reason than to let her know that this former student remembered her fondly, but knew how much I would love to receive a response. Not only did I receive a beautiful letter in return, but she remembered me and it was the beginning of our "reunion".
She told me how her third grade classes were just a brief part of her teaching, and that she ended up in junior high, before an early retirement from public school education. She subsequently taught art, calligraphy, continued to dance, and travel around the world (For some reason I think this photo was taking in the mid to late 1960s, because I remember this photo from back then). I can't tell you how quickly my heart was beating the first time I saw her, after we exchanged letters. I was so excited to see her, but nervous as well. Within seconds, she put me at ease, just as she did in September of 1968. Since that time, I look forward to her beautiful, handmade cards, every Christmas; I even save the envelopes. You may think that strange, but if you saw the gorgeous handwriting, you'd know why! I treasure every time we get to see one another, and am so happy my husband and girls have had the honor of meeting her and Ned.
Okay, so about Sunday...When I received their last card at Christmas it had said that she and Ned were going to have a celebration on June 3, with invitation to follow. They wanted to combine their birthdays, 50th anniversary, and a living memorial to Marian, all in one fantastic gala. Although I knew I wouldn't know anyone at the celebration, except for Marian and Ned, I was still excited to attend. When the invitation arrived a while back, I blocked out that weekend, so I could travel to the Bay Area and witness the extravaganza. The event was to take place at the Sunnyvale Community Center, where so many of their dance performances, and classes, had been held over the years. This couple is so popular, that the line for the registration table quickly wrapped around the room. Old friends met up after many years, and new friends were made in quick conversations. The one chain that linked us all together, was that we were all there to celebrate the life of two stupendous people. Not knowing any of the people I met, I would lead off with "So, how do you know Marian and/or Ned?". Within minutes, I realized that they are so multifaceted, that they have friends from every activity in their life! Subsequently, people would ask how I knew them; proudly, I would say "I was one of Marian's 3rd grade students". Boy, did that get the conversation going! I remember within about an hour, when people would ask me the same question, their response was something like "Oh, YOU'RE the one! I've been hearing about you". ;)
In the back end of the room were tables that contained scrapbooks, prints of Marian's artwork and Ned's photos, articles they'd published, sheet music he had written, certificates, plaques, newspaper articles, recognition from cities and Chamber of Commerces, and the list goes on. Let's just say that I thought I might walk out of there saying that I want a "do over" with my life ;) I never knew that it was possible for two people to live life to that extreme! Although I was Marian's only former 3rd grade student in attendance, there were people there who had been in their adult ed classes, who danced with them over the years (whether in the troup or as students), friends, family, and people who had been at their wedding on May 19, 1962.
Within no time, I learned that Marian was more than a former public school teacher, and Ned was more than her lifelong dance partner. I obviously knew they were dancers, who had traveled the world with their dance troupes, however I felt like I was in the presence of greatness. As I was writing this, I started to tell you all the things they've done, and I feel like I'm going to do them a grave disservice because I know that I'd be omitting so many things. However, here are a couple things that stood out to me...Marian's art was first published when she was 11 years old. A few years ago, she entered a national handwriting contest and won first place (now do you understand why I keep her envelopes)! All these years I was thinking that she was born in the mid to late 1930's (about my parents' age)--I found out on Sunday, that she is 92 years young!!! Look at the images I took of them dancing--I'll be lucky if I can do that when I'm 80! They actually treated us all to a tango, as well as a waltz. Dancing With The Stars could learn a thing or two from them. Ned was part of a group who was the first to create the semi conductor; he is a glass blower, musician, composer, author, and taught high school chemistry, as well as adult ed photoshop and photography. I was teasing him that I am going to send them a disc of images, but that he's not allowed to email me and say that I need to take one of his photography classes :)
Naturally, I go to very few events without my camera, and was so honored to help them to remember the day. I know that every single person who was in attendance felt just as special as I did--Marian and Ned have a way of making people feel that way. As I told Marian, I thank her for what she did for me when I was a child, but I'm even more grateful for the friendship she's given me as an adult. To all my new friends I met at the gala, please enjoy the slideshow below, and if you want any of the images, just let me know. As I told someone the other day, I walked into a room of two friends, and 200 strangers, and left with 200 new friends! When I was thinking about what song to use for the slideshow, I originally thought about using one of Ned's original compositions. However, Monday morning, I heard this song on my ipod. The words spoke to me and I instantly thought of Marian and Ned, and how the song talks about having a moment that lasts forever, and being lucky enough to do something that most people only dream of. If you want to see additional photos that aren't on this blog go to https://www.facebook.com/pages/Debbie-Brown-Photography/132190279226
For Marian and Ned...words seem insignificant when I describe the two of you, and how you make people feel. Your gentleness, grace, laughter, knowledge and zest for life are things we all love about you. On Tuesday, I heard someone speaking about the Queen's jubilee, and they said that most wonderful tributes like that, sadly, occur after someone has passed. Marian, I immediately thought of you, and am so grateful that we all had the opportunity to tell you, and show you, how extraordinarily special you are. The fond memories I have from that singular year in the 3rd grade will forever be in my heart, but I have new memories of the two of you that are going to be held just as dear. Although I know I'm just a very small, and brief, portion of your life, I thank you for welcoming me on Sunday and allowing me to meet all the incredible people you love. You both will always be very special to me...AND THE WORLD! With much love and gratitude, Debbie
Happy Mother's Day to all the moms out there, as well as the single dads, who make their kids' lives worthwhile! Being a mom is the thing that I am the most proud of, and without a doubt my amazing daughters are my biggest accomplishment. When I don't feel that I've done the right thing, or feel badly about something, I just have to look at my daughters and know they are one thing I've absolutely done right in my life. I know that I would not be the mom I am without my mom, and some other incredible women who have taught me what I've needed to know (I love and miss you grandmas, and I love you auntie, and Mama K!). I love my mom, and hope I make her proud, and hope she knows how much she means to me and my daughters. Happy Mother's Day mom, I love you, and thank you for loving me ALWAYS. To my beautiful threesome, thank you for making being a mom the best thing that I can ever imagine.
This first photo of the girls will forever be one of my favorites. I remember hoping that they would grow up to be best friends...AND THEY ARE, as you can tell from Cass' graduation photo.
Mom, when I listen to the this song, "The Best Day", it always makes me think about our trip to Sedona...and was four days of "the best day". The song for this slideshow makes me cry almost everytime I hear it, and my oldest daughter, Ali, knows what some of these lyrics mean to the two of us! Al, thank you for giving me the gift of this song, and for making me a mom-I love you more than you can possibly imagine. My beautiful, sweet Kate, you are living proof how difficult it is for a mom to watch her child suffer on almost a daily basis. Your strength is what has gotten me through some of our difficult times-I love you Mooch. My baby Cass, how I love you so! Your infectious laugh and love of the little things makes me smile, and makes the world happy to know you! To everyone else, thank you for indulging this mom for a few minutes, and have a blessed Mother's Day!
As you can tell from my previous two posts, last weekend was one that was packed (I'll be getting the wedding slideshow up later today)! When my head finally hit the pillow on Sunday night, I had an overwhelming sense of thankfulness. Thankfulness for having a career that allows me to meet so many wonderful people; thankfulness for being able to be a part of paying it foward; thankfulness for learning things to remind me not take my blessings for granted; thankfulness for life!
Jon and Kristin are relatively new to the cancer fight. Jon was diagnosed with brain cancer a short time ago and after reading his journal on Caring Bridge, I have NO DOUBT this couple will be triumphant and not only win the current battle, but be victorious in the war!
This doesn't happen very often, but I cried as I was taking their portraits (thank goodness it wasn't the "ugly cry", but the tears came, nonetheless). The time that really got to me were the ones where mom and dad are standing in the field. When they gave each other a kiss and their daughter laid her head on her dad's head, I KNEW I caught a moment in time that will be cherished for generations. Actually, as I'm sitting here writing this, I have tears in my eyes just thinking about it. It's been a pretty emotional week, so I've been kind of sappy lately ;)
It's working with families like this that make me speechless (and for those who know me, you know that's a difficult thing to do). Awe, inspired, wonder, blessed-those are just a few of the adjectives that come to my mind when I think about the families I've been working with lately. When I donate portrait sessions to families who are battling cancer, they are amazed that I do this and don't look for anything out of it. I should probably admit to you, that there is a selfish reason that I do it. I love the feeling that I walk away with after spending an hour or so with people who are this brave and strong.
Thank you Jon and Kristin for allowing me into a little piece of your lives for a brief time. You made me smile all day! To see more of their photos, please visit my facebook page http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Debbie-Brown-Photography/132190279226 Off to a 10:00 session to photograph Sherry, another survivor!!!! I hope it doesn't rain on us.
I met Josh a few weeks ago at a survivor's reception that the RFL committee had organized. On Sunday I had the pleasure of meeting his wife, and two adorable children. From the minute we began chatting until the session was complete, we laughed and had so much fun! I learned a little about their family, some exciting things that will be happening for them in the near future, and I also heard about their fight with, and triumph over, cancer.
Josh was diagnosed six years ago with a brain tumor, and he has been cancer free for two years. Although the odds were against them having children, you can see that God smiled on them and they are truly blessed. It never ceases to amaze me when I meet a couple who have fought such an battle and come out even stronger, when all is said and done. I think the thing that is most remarkable about Josh, is that he said cancer was a blessing. He told me he has lived his life completely different since being diagnosed, and if it weren't for cancer, he doesn't know where he'd be.
There are no words for how much respect I have for this family, and I hope I can watch them grow and their blessings prosper, for many years to come! To see more of their photos, visit my facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Debbie-Brown-Photography/132190279226
Yesterday I photographed Heather and Bob's adorable new daughter. Finnley is just a few weeks old, so the newborn photo window was running out. This little girl is so adorable, and her parents and big brother absolutely adore her! Big brother, Ledger, is so gentle with her and they are so cute to see together! Finnley wasn't sure what she thought of her first modeling session, but after we figured out the "secret" to getting her to stay asleep, she didn't seem to mind it ;)
To see more of their wonderful images, visit my facebook page.
Just before New Year's I spent a couple hours photographing Mackenzie. I couldn't think of a better way to end the year, but to do a fun, nonsensical, "just because" session with my favoite pre-teen! I've been photographing Kenz since she was about three. In fact, I put a couple of her previous photo sessions on here as well, just so you could see how little she was when I first met her (click on the photos to see them larger). Wow, time sure has flown by! One of the best things to come out of the time that I've known her is that she and Cassie have become as close as sisters. You should see the funny looks from people who know that Cass is the youngest of three girls, when she introduces Kenz as her little sister!
Cass and Kenz "cooking" their crispy treats. Awww, I can't believe how little they both were!
A couple weeks ago I asked Kenz if she'd like to do a fun photo session and she JUMPED at the chance :) We knew we wanted an urban look and had planned on doing the session in Lincoln. Since I wanted to run out to Roseville that day, it suddenly dawned on me that we should go over to the old Tower Theater in downtown Roseville. We...struck...GOLD! I loooooooved the teal color building, and the fact that the old railyard was just across the street meant we hit paydirt. We had a blast-even taking photos on the dumpster! Obviously a session with Kenz, meant adding Cass into some of the photos.
Cass and Kenz are as close as sisters. They picked out these shirts months ago and I knew I had to use them for the session!
Other than having an unlimited credit card, I don't know anything that two young girls have more fun doing, than to ham it up for a photo session.
If you know a pre-teen, then you know they are all about the 'tude! They are SO full of attitude that sometimes you have to remember how much you love them, just so you can get through the daily drama (believe me, having three daughters, I know that all too well!).
What made this so much fun, is all I'd have to do is say "give me some attitude", and away she went with the looks. She is always such a happy kid that it was fun to let her go with some really atypical expressions.
I've been trying to come up with a song that I wanted to use for the slideshow (and that would also be appropriate for a pre-teen's photos), and thought the song I selected would be perfect! Kenz loves GLEE, so it was a natural choice to select something from their repertoire. If you want to see more of her images just go to my facebook page.
If you've been a follower of my blog for any length of time, you may recognize this photo. Tiffany and Charles were married in '08, and one of my favorite images of the day was this one of Tiff with all the "men" in her life! Over the last four years, Tiff has become a good friend, and I love any opportunity we have to see each other. One of the reasons our relationship has grown from client/photographer to friend status is that we both KNOW that blood doesn't make someone family. We both have people in our lives who we consider family and couldn't survive without! Here are her nephews of her heart-the five sons of her best friend, Lesley. 
Fast forward from 5/08 to 7/12, and here is what Tiff looks like with her guys. A couple of months ago, Lesley called to ask me to photograph her second oldest son's senior portraits. As we were chatting about what the summer would hold for each of us, she told me that she was making her annual 4th of July pilgrimage to Tahoe with Tiff and the entourage that joins in on the fun every year. Knowing that Lesley and Tiff have been friends for 25 years made me think that while they were having their yearly celebration, they should have portraits done on the shores of Lake Tahoe. When I actually spoke those words, I'm not sure how I thought Lesley would respond. I could hear the disappointment in her voice when she said, "But, you're probably booked with a wedding that weekend." My response to her was, "Yes I am....but the wedding is in Tahoe!!!!". Talk about planets aligning!! Knowing that I was going to spend the night in Tahoe on Sunday night, it just made perfect sense that we should take this opportunity to do the portraits Monday morning. 
As I packed up my bags and loaded up my gear, I was getting ready to implement the ideas that I had been planning for weeks. Let's just say that I should have known better...nothing about this session was going to be structured ;) Upon arrival, I was greeted with hugs from Tiff, her mom-Sue, and Lesley, but I wasn't sure how the boys would feel about having their vacation interrupted with portraits. The ladies told me when they said to the boys that they were going to have portraits taken, the boys moaned and groaned about it. When the young vacationers asked who the photographer was, and they were told it was Debbie Brown, they said "Oh, okay, we like her!". To say the nine of us had a great time, would be an understatement! 
