What I’m Photographing – Exploring the Northwest

I really do believe the Northwest is the Best. While there are plenty of other stunning areas of this world I am so thankful to live here! This past weekend we climbed Dog Mountain. With 3.8 miles to the top it’s a fairly long hike. Not to mention steep, very steep at times. I realize for some it would be a quick trip but I was a tad worried about this one. Jeff and I climbed Dog Mountain one other time about 5 years ago. We had missed the peak flowers which was disappointing but the views were fantastic. I had terrible shin splints going up and my feet were hurting so bad on the way down that I ended up walking the last mile in my socks. Needless to say it wasn’t my greatest hiking experience but I vowed to do it again when the flowers were blooming.

I thought we had it right this time. But we didn’t. We missed the peak which I think will hit this weekend. However, there were some flowers blooming and it was a gorgeous day and I was able to wear my boots all the way back to the car so I count it as a win! It took us 2 hours to summit.

You now need a permit to climb Dog Mountain during high season. We had them last weekend and I was glad because they were checking at the bottom of the trail. I looked on Tuesday for availability for this coming weekend and they are sold out not only this weekend but the next 3 as well.

In last weeks edition of SFP News (3rd edition) I offered a travel free session in the Gorge. I’m still looking for a family or senior who would like an opportunity to be photographed in a truly unique and stunning location. You can read about the details here https://madmimi.com/p/9d483e/preview and if you would like to sign up for the monthly newsletter click here http://madmimi.com/signups/f92831e48f4c4758a38ad3779e2d9f9b/join 

What I’m Doing – Casting a Shadow

Yesterday I had a student job shadow me. It was so fun! I think one of the battles I face is feeling legitimate in my job. People see what I do as a hobby and why not? Many people have photography as a hobby. 

It is however, my career and I work very hard at it. So it was great to be asked to spend an afternoon with Madi. Unfortunately we weren’t able to schedule a time where she could come on a photo shoot, so we hung out at the studio and I showed her the ropes of running a photography business. Because there is a lot more that goes into a photography business than just pressing the shutter on the camera.

And of course I had to snap a few shots of her to explain posing, settings, lighting etc. 

AND –

I’m also still glowing from spending some time with both of my boys along with Kim and Jocelyn. It was short but we made the best of our time together. 

We managed s’mores, farmer’s breakfast and a quick climbing session. It is such an amazing feeling having my sons home together. I wish it would happen more often.

What I’m Reading – “Women of the See” 

I will be done with this book soon. It won’t be 5 stars from me but I am learning which is always a plus. As I mentioned last week, I don’t believe I have ever read or studied about the Korean culture so I do find that part of the book very interesting. I cannot keep the names straight (Yo-chan, Wan-soon, Min-lee, Mi-ja to name a few) which is essential to understanding the relationships among the characters. 

Because of that hurtle I’m not enjoying it as much as I’d hoped. Honestly at this point I’m looking forward to finishing it and moving on to the next book.

Goal Check – Discouragement

Just keeping it real friends. This has been a tough week for me for some reason. I am feeling discouraged business wise. Discouragement zaps the motivation needed to push forward. 

I have plenty to be thankful for. There have been a few things that have hurt my feelings recently that I just need to work through them. Life is about choices I know that. 

I took a minute to look back at one of my first blogs of this year where I announced my word of the year https://shellyfryphotography.com/my-everyday/believe-shelly-fry-photography-family-photographer-vancouver-wa-battle-ground-wa I reread it to give myself a pep talk. You may find it helpful as well.

My {current} Favorite Thing – The garden is in!

Oh my goodness it has been hard work and taken way more time than my impatient self wanted but it’s DONE! Our garden boxes are now a cozy home to broccoli, carrots, tomatoes, peppers, peas, onions, basil, cilantro and a long row of zinnias! 

I love it so much! I’m thankful for Jeff’s hard work and patience with me as I fluctuate between let’s go play and hey we need to get this done NOW!  Now I will have to wait patiently until those first amazing tomatoes are finally ready to eat!

Thanks for stopping by! I always appreciate any feedback you have.

Comment below what is your favorite garden veggie?

Shelly