Apples Don't Fall Far...

A few weeks ago, I had the distinct pleasure of shooting a portrait session for my sister and her beautiful family. I cannot tell you what a joy it was to work with subjects who I love so very much - somehow it makes it easier to get good shots when you know - and like - them!!

I'm lucky to have such a wonderful, supportive family; some of my favorite people are in these pictures: my sister Joeli, who is a constant source of encouragement and inspiration, my brother-in-law Kevin, who is the most amazing man I have ever met, and who takes such good care of all of us, and their little ones, Caleb & Keppley - who make my life brighter than I expect, whenever I'm around them. I had so much fun, and I hope I do them justice!

PS : There's also a few cameo apperances by my brother Zach, who is my support system, my baby brother and one of my best friends. I'm a lucky girl to have such a great family!

Here are some of my favorites...

A silly one... I think it's perfect, cause you can see EXACTLY where the kids get their drama! 

The kids snuck in on this one!! Joeli & Kevin didn't even know!! They're sneaky little things... 

My real favorites are the silly ones!!

-SMY

Ditat Deus - God Enriches

Ditat deus is the state motto of Arizona... and believe me, it is enriched.  I spent two weeks on externship at the Durango Equine Veterinary Clinic in April.  I met wonderful people, worked with beautiful horses and fell head-over-heels in love with Arizona. I loved the weather, the atmosphere, the amazing sky... it felt a little like home.

I have to thank Dr. Lloyd Kloppe, Dr. Alana Hendrix, Dr. Traci Hulse and Dr. Bridgette Bourke for giving me such a phenomenal educational (and fun) experience. I learned so many sneaky little tricks for general practice - useful things they don't teach you in vet school... and I had such a wonderful time. Two weeks of my life I wouldn't trade for anything else.

Of course, I took several thousand pictures. Here are some of my favorites...

Horse pictures first - DEVC also houses several beautiful (and high-dollar) Arabian and Quarter Horse mares for breeding, embryo transfer and foaling ... the foals are my favorite subjects... but not all of these are foals! DEVC patients tended to be slick, fit and gorgeous too...

The second most amazing thing about being in Arizona... and possibly the most memorable, for me... was the sky. It's amazing how MUCH sky there is! Without trees or buildings to cut you off from the Horizon, everything seems so much bigger than yourself. The scenery was breathtaking - I wish I could have done it justice... here are my best attempts... 

And of course... some things are just for fun ;-)

I absolutely fell in love in Arizona... I can't wait to go back!

-SMY