November 11, 2009

Veterans Day

Ryan went to Washington, DC to meet up with his Grandpa’s war buddies. It was a once in a lifetime opportunity for him, meeting a great group of guys who made a strong impression on him. I asked him to be a guest blogger today. The following is what he emailed to me from the hotel room on his last night there.
“This is the first time I have come to any reunion, of any sort. My first time meeting… all of you- except grandpa over there. I wanna say thank you all, for serving the United States. It’s…. uhh… It’s really important to me. Thank you”

My speech to the Combined Action Marines was definitely a short one, I was undoubtedly ill-prepared, and out-spoken by all those who came before me. But I will never regret giving it.
We came together here for the Marine Corps birthday. I visited museums, houses, and plenty of statues with my grandparents, but that’s where the normal vacation ends. It really started up when the first Marines rolled in.
Bill and Jackie were the first. Then “Loco” Joe Molina, who I could tell from the second I met, was a real special guy, then Fred, who is actually more computer-literate than 17 year old me!
And after a week of Brian’s words of wisdom, Gunny’s mid-hallway hellos, and everyone’s stories of the war, I feel like I’m really one of them. They really did a good job of making sure it felt that way.
Wrapping up my message, I want to dedicate this edition of my mother’s copykat blog to the veterans of the Vietnam war, and specifically the Combined Action Program Marines.
Here’s some history on their unit:
The Combined Action Program that they served with, was an experimental program designed to train Vietnamese villagers to defend themselves against the communist threat. This ideology is used to this day, under a different name, because it works.
Here are some statistics, compliments of the commandant:
Of the approximately 5,000 Marines who went into this program, less than half survived. Of the survivors, it has been estimated that 70% were wounded once, 40% twice, and approximately 70% were awarded for heroism. In 1968, the CAP comprised less than 3% of all the personnel in the corps area, yet they accounted for 43% of the enemy KIAs. This program was the smallest combat unit in Vietnam, but it was also the most highly decorated.
I got the opportunity to see two cake cutting ceremonies, where they take the youngest and the oldest marine present and present cake to both of them. I filmed both of them, and hopefully will post them on youtube soon. It’s a really emotional tradition. I’ll have mom post a link when I get the video up.
Happy Birthday, USMC!
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SUN FLARE! This was a really great view I couldn’t pass up…
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Thank you, grandpa, for all the doors you’ve opened for me, and the dedication you volunteered to our great nation.USMC_059

I spent some special time with Joe Molina, a great guy who has a lot of character.
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I went to the wall. Out of respect for the upward of 58,000 on that wall, I want everyone who reads this blog to find a
Vietnam veteran today and thank them for everything that they did that went unrecognized for so long.
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Thank you,
Ryan Kane

November 9, 2009

a boy and his puppy

Meet 6yr old Riley and his puppy (yes, I said puppy), Junior. I photographed Riley last year in the fall for the first time. I was thrilled to have him back this  year. He’s a natural in front of the camera. I love his personality and cuteness. His Mom brought all kinds of fun stuff to use for props which I always love. We had a great visit yesterday, Amy! Thank you for choosing me to be Riley’s photographer :)

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November 2, 2009

The Cowdrey Family

Sunday’s session with the Cowdreys. This is the third time I’ve had the opportunity to photograph this family but the first time for baby Bryce who is 5 months old. His big sister, Morgan, was the most cooperative 2 yr old ever. I was very impressed with how sweet she was with her brother & talkative she was with me. And did I mention CUTE? Is she ever! No meltdowns even though she was missing her nap. I got lost on the way to their house even though I’ve been there twice before without getting lost, I was 30 minutes late arriving. Thank you, Scott & Lesley, for being so understanding and flexible. We got some great pictures today! Here’s a little preview for you, as promised.

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October 29, 2009

The Fuchs Family ~ new addition

Meet Brookelyn, just 14 days old for her first official photo shoot. She was the most cooperative little princess ever. She has a big brother, Griffin, who is 3 already. Seems like just yesterday he was this small! He was so sweet with his baby sister! What an awesome family you have, Glenn & Bekah!

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October 28, 2009

October Party

October gave a party;

The leaves by hundreds came -

The Chestnuts, Oaks, and Maples,

And leaves of every name.

The Sunshine spread a carpet,

And everything was grand,

Miss Weather led the dancing,

Professor Wind the band.

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OctoberParty

October 26, 2009

Winans Family

Yesterday was the first time I met this family of 5. It was a beautiful day all day long until the rain came 10 minutes before our scheduled session! Luckily, Mother Nature gave us a little window of time to get these pictures taken which was a lucky thing! This family was so fun. Mom brought Lilly’s princess costume that her Grandma made for her. She was the cutest little princess I’ve ever seen even though she “bansihed me” from the kingdom  several times. LOL! She has the best big brothers ever. Eric and Travis adore her, that’s plain to see. They were a big help in gaining her cooperation. Thanks, Amy and Ben, for letting me photograph your beautiful family!

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October 25, 2009

Tolleys

My friends, the Tolleys. We met up at Washington Park on Saturday afternoon. The colors were in their absolute prime yesterday! It seems everyone had the same idea to take pictures in the park. It was good catching up with you, Libby! I always enjoy taking pictures for your family. Here’s a preview for ya…

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Love this one!

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October 24, 2009

Ryan – class of 2010!

Last weekend I had the rare October opportunity to take pictures for myself. The planets aligned and Ryan was available as well! We’ve been talking about his senior pictures for a long time now &  decided instead of one session, we would do a bunch of mini-sessions. Different seasons, different scenerios. This first session I wanted to get him with his new truck!

It’s hard for me to believe he’s almost grown. I’m so very proud of the young man he has become. My heart overflows with love for this first-born son of mine.

Thank you, Ryan, for indulging me with an impromptu session. I love capturing your personality in pictures.

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October 23, 2009

Fun Edit

Every kid who visits my house is drawn to this cute play kitchen. I should use it for actual sessions! I love how Addison put Jace’s boots on. This taken without flash, 1250 ISO, 2.8 f/stop with a ridiculously low hand-held ss of 1/30 which caused an overall blur. But somehow the blur works here. I like the muted colors. I like the way Emerson’s Dressy-Bessy dolly is cast aside. Love the feel of this new made old. Real life.
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October 22, 2009

Bella – year two

Ah Bella. Such a gorgeous girl! I felt a little like the paparazzi stalking her. Typical star that she is, running from the camera…“No pictures!” Not today. LOL. I think her Mommy & Nanny will be very surprised at the good ones we got regardless. Looking at these you certainly cannot tell she wasn’t in the mood for it!

This is the third time I’ve photographed Bella. I hope many more times to come.  I was happy to capture this 4 generation picture and some with her & Great Grandma! Very special.  Thank  you, Jonna, for having me over to photograph your family!

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