Air Show

Last year, we attended our first Offut AFB air show with the Blue Angels. I've always been infatuated with airplanes. But Blue Angels take the infatuation to another level! This year, I missed the air show on the base grounds but I caught the tail end of it at my mom's then place of employment where they were doing a fly over. No Blue Angels this year, but the Thunderbirds didn't disappoint me! Fortunately I had my camera along and grabbed a couple of pictures from my poor vantage point.







Next year, I'm hoping for a front row seat.

Ashley - senior pictures are in session!

I was in Des Moines over the weekend and had the privilege of meeting and photographing Ashley. It's been 8 years since my residence in Des Moines and I enjoyed getting to know the new and improved downtown and river front. Fortunately we made it to the river after the flooding receded so we weren't swept away! It was a beautiful evening and we had a wonderful, slightly windy experience. Thanks, Ashley, for shooting on such quick notice. You're such a beautiful and fun you woman. And thanks, Tony, for the great suggestions. We might have to consider a business deal. ;-)







Tired tootsies.

I've always loved this Asian thingamajig. I'm so excited I got to catch it in the background!


Don't you just love the bare feet and the beautiful dress?

The new (to me) bridge.

And the cute couple!

Aren't these red doors amazing? This church downtown must have half a dozen of them. I've always admired them. I love red!

And since we didn't have a red rose for a prop, we decided to try the red door instead. I'm going to try my hand at some colorization when I return from a quick trip to Tennessee - black & white subject against a red door! Sounds exciting doesn't it?

This was friend Tony's idea. Thanks again, Anthony!




And the best for last...

Good luck, Ashley! I hope your Senior year is THE BEST!

Justin - A Senior

Justin is one of those seniors every mother hopes her son will turn out to be like. During a brief interview with Justin and his mom, I saw him interacting with his two younger siblings and was immediately struck by his kindness and the admiration the little kiddos had for this wonderful big brother. I knew right then and there that this was going to be one of those photo shoots I never wanted to end! And here he is, the winner of the big brother award...


I was a real sucker for the skateboard act.






Okay, okay, okay, I know I need to move on from the skateboard. Last one.






This little squirrel was enjoying an afternoon of goose harrassment.




No 17-year-old is complete without his car.

Justin - you're a terrific senior and I am sure your future is going to be an exciting and succesful one. Good luck to you in this final year of highschool!

Pest Solutions, Busy Living, and Handyman Joe...

These are all great companies, owned by the same guy, and all brilliantly marketed. I'm particularly fond of the Pest Solutions 365, however. I was on my way to a family shoot a few months ago, when I pulled up behind a bright yellow and black-striped car. I noticed as people drove past this particular set of wheels that their curious stares turned into laughter as they drove past and caught a glimpse of a terrific marketing idea. This car was not only decorated like a hornet, it LOOKED like one.

I stole several pictures and shared a good laugh with my husband about it that night. Little did I know that I'd be shooting more of their advertising strategy last week! During a video interview with the owner, a couple of bugs, and a few other company employees, I got to follow this great crew around and capture a little of the hilarity of the day in still form. I hope you enjoy a peek into my day with a couple of life-sized bugs and the people who try to exterminate them.

P.S....I hate bugs. Particularly bees and roaches. Got bugs? Call 402-334-BUGS. Or call me to photograph them :-)




Video interview first aid...

I believe the questions began to get a little personal at this point.

I was holding a camera. I never swung a punch. Pinky promise.

Joe wears a lot of hats. You're going to see him later. He tends to be a little yellow.

This swing was not for either camera. When he's not working, I suspect we can find him on the golf course

And for you Coke haters, half way through the interview, we switched our first aid kits.

John - thanks for making my job more fun than should be legal. It was great to get to know you a little and I hope that between you and me, we can get James D. straightened out before long ;-)

Handyman Joe joined us for a quick tour. This guy was not only a jack of all trades, I think he's the master of them all, too. But a little secret...he's not Joe.


And now for the creepy things that make my skin crawl. Somehow...they seemed a little more warm and fuzzy for this interview.



I do have to give these bugs some credit. Here they are trying to help a guy out - promoting for Ralph. I think they might be on to something here. Yet another great marketing strategy.

And no bug's day is complete without a little game of football. You see them tackling one another in your yard all the time, right?


Interception

And he's running from the 50 yard line (can you tell I don't watch much football?)

Touchdown!

But at the end of the day, it was time for these bugs to go to bug heaven and stop bothering these poor people. Thank you, Pest Solutions 365!

A super sweet couple interviewed for Busy Living.

Dan and Joe, thanks for letting me follow you around and take pictures of what you do best! You guys are great. And thanks for introducing me to Caffeine Dreams. Hope we get to work together again soon.