If you give a girl a camera...

I've always enjoyed dabbling a little in photography from the time I had my first Brownie camera as a kid.  Too bad I could never afford film and developing!  I still have a few of those old B&W prints of my elementary school friends.  And being able to afford it when the kids were little was still a problem, but it's always been important to me to have pictures and I loved displaying their school portraits on my wall.  I used to say "other people have art and nice wall decorations; I have my kids and that's even better."   (Now I have my grandkids)

I was asked to take pictures of a friend's niece's temple wedding because they couldn't afford a photographer.  I borrowed Jon's good film camera and was surprised how pleased the family was with them.  I then took Jon and Karla's engagement photos.  Of course looking back I know I didn't have a lot of talent; just interest.  Cameras were pretty high-tech for me with the settings, lighting and all.

Then digital cameras came out.  Suddenly we didn't have to pay for developing and I could instantly post them to a blog or store them on a computer.  And Photoshop - editing - wow - how cool is that?  I still don't understand much about it and I've considered taking a Photoshop class at the community school to learn how to better edit pictures.  Jenn also got into photographing children and lifelike dolls, complete with costumes.  Just like playing dolls and dress-up...

Along comes a conference by this guy (Flash Bus) in SLC.  Jon is totally psyched about this and there's a chance someone could come with him because spouses sometimes can hitch a ride and since he has no spouse...could I pass (people say I look young)?  He also sometimes needs someone to help him with posing and lighting.  I could use a new hobby right now and Jenn's not really into it any more so, why not?   Hmmmmm....

Jon's Photo Magic!

Aubrey's family (Asher, Steve, Aubrey, Max, Josh)





Jon is currently booking photo sessions (in your home) for Christmas pics. He accepts donations to help bring his children to Utah for Christmas.

Interesting Photo Effect

Jon did the pics at the Zoo, then worked his magic on it for this cool effect.  The process has a name but I don't remember it.  (Aubrey, Steve and Max)

Local Event

BYU has an exhibit on the history of photography that looks fantastic. It's free and you can attend until May. If you live in Utah or plan to visit, Provo is about 45 minutes south of Salt Lake City and this would be worth the drive. Click the post title for the link to the story but here are the nitty gritty details.
What: From Daguerreotype to Digital, A History of Photography
Where: L. Tom Perry Special Collections, H.B. Lee Library, Brigham Young University
When: through May 27, 2010
Phone: 801 422-7652

We managed a quick photoshoot at the Christmas party. Jon used a remote to take the shot. We're not perfect here but something for posterity anyway.

Front row (floor) - Joshua, Kenlee, Ken with Elizabeth, Debbie, Adam
Middle row - Krista, Aubrey, Karla, Jennifer, Natalie with Alex, Kiyomi with Jaelyn, Julia, Jasmine
Back row - Justin, Steve with Asher, Jon, Noah, Emma, Fred, Ashlie, Rob, Olivia, Chris, Jordan

Tonight Steve and I went to a pre-New Year's Eve dance. We had a good time and it has been a while (2 months to be exact) since I danced.

Countdown to Christmas

Thanksgiving at Krista & Justin's & celebrating Ashlie and Chris' birthdays. With all the photographers in the family you'd think we would have gotten a few shots of the crowd. Well we caught the two celebrating birthdays. Notice Antje's famous pumpkin cookies.

Thanksgiving was nice. We met at Justin and Krista's house. All of my children, their spouses and my grandchildren were there except Fred (still in San Diego), Aubrey, Steve, Josh, and Asher (in Kansas but coming here on Dec. 9). Antje also joined us (our friend who lives next door). We hope everyone will be well during the Christmas holidays so we can get a portrait taken. Jon is doing these right now for anyone who may be interested. Check his website at www.sunbeamphotography.com

Yesterday we turned on the Christmas lights. Natalie and Jennifer went shopping at 4:00 AM. I watched kids - it's easier. We were able to get all the leaves up off the ground and it looks so nice! I've enjoyed the nicer weather but it is very cold at night even without snow on the ground yet. The skiers are probably getting anxious but it's OK with me.

We didn't do any candy making this year, though it has been fun in the past. We're all kind of watching the calories and just decided to pass on it. We might try to get some cookies made though.

It's always exciting to think about Christmas. Kids get so excited. I love the lights and just about all of it! So, it's a month to enjoy.