Jenni & Michael

This weather is getting to me. How can you not be happy with warm summer nights like these!

Tipping Point - Colorado Rock Climbing

This trip seems to have been a sort of tipping point for me. I use the word tipping point because this is first time, since I started rock climbing several years ago, that I feel energized and motivated to really push my limits, in short, to not be afraid of being afraid.

Sitting here once again in front of my computer at home. I have a little time to reflect on the past week which was spent almost exclusively rock climbing in Boulder and Buena Vista Colorado. In the past couple of years I have to admit, I have been a little timid and unwilling to really go out on a limb and attempt to overcome obstacles when success wasn't a forgone conclusion. But this past week made me realize that that doubt, that fear, it's essential. The knowledge that the task at hand will require every bit of your focus and determination is a such a powerful vehicle for propelling yourself to greater heights. These challenges force you to give everything you have and hold nothing back, in situations like these I am often surprised just how far you can push yourself. I think I am addicted.

This is Ben. The reason I ended up in Leadville CO and met all the climbers you see below. Ben and I have all sorts of adventures planned for the winter so you can bet you will seeing a lot more of him.

This is Joel. I am officially jealous of his blue eyes.

This is Zack. Aka Greek GodThis is Chris. This is Steve.

Colorado! - (In about 10 Hours)

Just a quick post. Patrick and I are almost finished packing and ready to depart! It has been months since I have been able to climb anything outside, and the gym climbing just isn't cutting it. So we are off to Colorado for the duration of the week to push our climbing limits, meet and photograph some Coloradan strangers and hopefully find some incredible single track. Last year's Colorado trip involved shooting with a local modeling agency in a blizzard!

This is a shot taken from last years trip from Ice Cream Parlor in Moab Utah

Speaking of strangers here are two people I met while out scouting in downtown KC. This is Jacob who kindly directed me to the nearest Starbucks.

John. I met John while learning that they allow photography in the KC public library! Look for an upcoming session to be shot here!

Rush Hour, Wranglers and Leather Chairs

What do you get when you combine your dad's leather chair and rush hour traffic in the middle of downtown? Apparently you get Jeff & Jenna in the middle of the street rocking a host of ridiculously awesome poses. Oh and you get spectators from the nearby lofts cheering you on as well.

I am really proud of this shoot! Not only were Jenna and Jeff awesome but we worked together to execute a host of Jeff's incredibly creative ideas in a very limited time frame. Jeff is also a landscape photographer and you find see his work at http://thephotomonger.com. I was so buzzed from this crazy shoot that even though I was exhausted I couldn't fall asleep!

This shoot involved cruising around the city in a bright green 4-door Jeep Wrangler with the doors, roof, and mirrors taken off!

Michelle & Scott Engagement

Thank god spring is finally here! I think it's a combination of the warm weather and crazy schedule that is making me so happy as of late. Whatever it is it made for the perfect mix when paired with the kind of energy Michelle and Scott have when they are together. I am still not sure how a lot of these images happened the whole session just seemed to flow so easily as we were hanging out at the Country Club Plaza. The more I do this the more I realize taking time to let experiences happen is so important, somethings you just can't force. Great session and beautiful weather which it looks like we are going to getting some more of this week!

Motocross Senior Shoot

This kid has talent! Marshall is graduating this year and spends a lot of his free time practicing motocross stunts at a track in Sedalia Mo. So when it came time for senior pictures the theme was pretty much set from the get go. I was absolutely thrilled when I was asked if I wanted to shoot the session. I love all the different elements that can be worked into a shoot and this has to be one of the most excited Senior sessions I have shot. It's not often that I get asked if I am willing to lay down and have a motorcycle jump over me but I have to admit that alone would have sold me on the shoot.

I have had the images edited for some time now so I am excited to finally be sharing them!

Strangers - North West Coast Wrap Up

I am perpetually surprised by the variety of people I meet. In the image above are the faces of everyone from a graduate literature student to a heroin addict. The list goes on to include a travel writer, construction worker, farmer, cashier and Vancouver resident, who for the record is the only Canadian I met who said "eh?" and here I was hoping to be inundated!

All the people I met on this trip helped me in some way, sometimes that was as simple as directions or an engaging conversation, but without them my trip would not have been complete.

Keira - Seattle

This is Keira and without her I think Seattle would have left a bad taste in my mouth. Meeting Keira turned into a photowalk around Seattle in search of the best light. I don't think I have ever met another stranger on this project with whom I have had such spontaneous and engaging conversation with.

John - Vancouver

I love this guy, very very funny man.

Now that I am back in KC now and compiling the images for The BIG Family Project, I am happy to say we are making some solid progress with the first out of town shoots being completed. The next stage will be taking place in San Fransisco in the second week of April. Updates soon!

Big thank you to Jeannie and Tim for hosting me in Portland!