What I’m Shooting – A Family Session –
Mother’s Day surprise
I was so excited after I got off the phone with a man named Skye. He had been referred to me by a former client. He was in need of a photographer who could help him surprise his wife on Mother’s Day. Skye explained to me that her heart’s desire for Mother’s Day was a photo shoot with her and their 4 year old daughter.
They live in Camas and he knew of a field that was in full bloom and suggested that as our location. I couldn’t say yes fast enough!!! As we worked out the details I got more and more excited. Everything was lining up. We had perfect weather, lighting, and a field of gorgeous purple flowers. The icing on the cake was that they are an amazing family to work with. Their little one was so much fun and the family’s love and energy just made the session so much fun! Of course, Dad ended up joining in the pictures which gave me the opportunity to capture this beautiful family!
Family Sessions are so much fun! To be able to capture the love and joy of your family in that moment is such a joy for me! And how cool is this sweet hubby for planning such an amazing and thoughtful surprise for his wife!!
What I’m Doing –
Wisteria Party –
It’s amazing to me how much life can change in a year’s time. I’m especially aware of that this year because of our move. We didn’t plan on moving, hadn’t even discussed it. So after years of thinking I should have a Wisteria party under my Wisteria, I finally did it last year. I had the intention of making it an annual event.
Well, here I am a year later, and we have moved away from my Wisteria. Which is in full bloom (I know because I went by the old home and stalked it). But I was determined to have our “annual” party anyway!
Last week the same few friends came to my Wisteria-less party and we gathered under my stupid palm tree. Yes, we have a palm tree and I’m not a fan. Anyway, my Wisteria-less party was a success and I am hopeful that by this time next year I will once again have a Wisteria in my yard.
2nd climb of Dog Mountain –
I didn’t plan on climbing Dog Mountain again so soon (check out my last weeks climb here https://shellyfryphotography.com/my-everyday/northwest-is-best-shelly-fry-photography-northwest-family-senior-photographer ) that is exactly what I did on Tuesday. My friend Tara decided she wanted to hike Dog Mountain for her birthday. I was thrilled to get invited to the party. The flowers were in full bloom and it is breath-taking! (in more than one way).
You don’t need a permit during the week and if there is anyway you can make it in the next week go! It’s amazing!
We had clouds so our view from the top was limited but we could clearly see the flowers and it was totally worth it! Denise hauled up a bottle of Welches bubbly and cupcakes complete with a candle so we had a celebration at the top!
What I’m Reading –
Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng
I have finally gotten to this months book club choice. We meet in less then two weeks and I don’t think I will have any trouble finishing it by then. It’s too early in the book to have an opinion other than I’m interested in the characters and curious about where the story will go.
Regarding The Island of Sea Women – Lisa See – I did end up giving it 4 stars. What I loved about the book, as I’ve said before, is that for me, it was a different genre which I found refreshing and informative. I was intrigued by a culture that had the women as the providers and yet were in a way still controlled by men. I was fascinated by the descriptions of these women diving for octopus, abalone, etc in all types of weather without oxygen, protective clothing or any other safety precautions other than each other. The history of this book which begins during WWII and ends in 2008 is also fascinating if not somewhat sad for the Korean people.
Honestly, my only issue was my difficulty with the names and keeping track of who was who and of course Korean names were essential to the integrity of the book so maybe not a fare rating.
Goal Check –
Working on my SEO ranking
A few weeks back I paid for a class on how to increase my SEO ranking. Essentially what that means is that I want to rank high when someone Googles Photographers in Battle Ground, Vancouver, Clark Country, Northwest etc. It’s absolutely astounding to me how Google controls us! However, since I am a business owner and I plan to be a successf_ul, sought after business I must play the game.
Following through with what I learned is always my challenge. Somethings just do not come naturally to me, so I have to work and work at it. If you Google Battle Ground Photographers I pop up first – hooray! – not so much for Vancouver or other areas. So that is what I am working on.
My blog helps get people to the website and I made a commitment to blog weekly at the beginning of the year which is also helping my SEO.
Another thing that is a huge help are 5 star reviews on Google. If you have been a happy client of mine and haven’t left a review I would really appreciate it! You can follow this link.
My “Current” Favorite Thing –
Hiking – shin splints and plantar fasciitis.
For the past two summers I have been suffering from a painful ailment called plantar fasciitis. Which made hiking absolutely miserably painful. I pushed through it and kept hiking but it kinda took the joy out of it when every strike of my right heal felt like a knife was being shoved into it. I have also dealt with shin splints for years!
After 2.5 years of trying everything (shots, special inserts, sock braces at night, toe spreaders, shoes, stretches, PT, etc) if finally magically faded away. I can’t express what a tremendous relief this is to me! So this Summer I have had the joy of hiking without the pain of PF and for some unknown reason my Shin Splints are significantly better! So my current favorite thing is hiking without those pains!!!
I’m so grateful for a body that allows me to get out and enjoy the nature around me and I intend to do it as much as possible!
I hope you have had an amazing week! For me it has flown by! I can’t believe we are headed for the weekend again already!
Shelly
