erin d. photography - the blog

12/21/2011: Matos Family

2011-12-27T21:50:00.000-08:00

We did a Mini-Family shoot, and I was SO glad. Not because I didn't love, adore, and want to spend more time with this family. But because it was friggin' freezing! It says something more as to what a good little guy they have. You'd never know he was shivering and chattering his cute little teeth between shots! Hopefully we can do another shoot in the spring some time with out the deadly wind chill. Without further ado, my favorites from my time with the beautiful Matos family...

Don't these two shots have "young Marlon Brando" written all over them?

11/23/11: Lucky?

2011-12-12T20:39:00.000-08:00

To all you wonderful moms who think you have the only children in the world who are uncooperative during a photo shoot (even a quick one), and to all you sweet clients who have said to me "Your children are so lucky to have a mom as a photographer!". I ask you to behold the pictures below from the same session as my last post and remind my child just how lucky she is :).

(She SO was not digging my silly version of "Row Your Boat", or "Jingle Bells", or anything for that matter.)

(Is it bad that I find these hilarious?)

(Here she just got done telling me she can't smile any more because "It's Twenty-Five EIGHT!!!" - her imaginary time for when it's time to be done with something.)

(Sweet Crocodile Tears... perhaps tears of joy that I have finally called it a day?)

See how lucky they are. :)

11/23/2011: D6 (aka My) Kiddos

2011-12-09T18:42:00.001-08:00

Since I had more hands then just my own the day of my last shoot, I decided to snap a few shots of my kids, just in what they were wearing. They are my favorite subjects, yet I take so few opportunities to take their pictures when I am wrapped up in the busy-ness of life.

Here are my favorites.

**If you are wondering about the increased size of my watermark, it's due to hearing yet again of another photographers work being stolen and used without permission. Artists work hard on the things they create, please don't steal their text, music, art, or photos without crediting and/or written consent. I know I'd be ecstatic if you wanted to use one of my images for something you were doing and I know that many photographers would feel the same way, just please ask permission and don't steal, it isn't nice. :)

11/23/2011: D1 Family

2011-12-06T20:59:00.001-08:00

My husband is the youngest of 6 kids - 5 of which are boys and all of which have a name beginning with J.

This year I hosted my first Thanksgiving and we were joined by my husband's oldest two brothers. I loved being surrounded by family for a whole week. Honestly I cried when they all had left (no not out of relief), I always hate to see family go. For days after they left my daughter kept asking if we could go see them, but California & Utah are just too far to day trip.

While family was here I offered to take pictures for The D1 (oldest Darrington - get it D1?, okay I guess it isn't that clever...) Family. Here are a few of my favorites.

(You should know by now that these are always my favorite photos from my shoots. I love my niece's face.)

Eyelashes that go forever... why are little boys blessed with these so often? (I speak out of envy)

11/21/2011: Leaves & Thanks

2011-11-23T23:30:00.001-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving!

Counting my favorite blessings today, I hope you are counting yours.

11/12/11: Brynja's Senior Portraits

2011-11-21T09:21:00.001-08:00

More photos from my session with beautiful Brynja. During our shoot she told me that she may be going to college in Iceland - how amazing is that? She has good head on her shoulders, great family support, and I know that with her talents and determination she will know great success.

From "Touch Up"

To "Crack Up" :)

10/29/11: The Williams

2011-11-16T18:57:00.001-08:00

Usually my favorite photo (or sequence of photos) from a shoot are the ones I didn't plan on getting. I love capturing moments, they are so important to me as a photographer (and as a mom).

Here is what we were going for:

Here is what we went through to get it...

"The Pinch"

"The Outrage"

"The Look" :)

Hilarious! I know they will cherish these shots several years from now. Here are a few more of my favorites from our session.

11/12/2011: Brynja

2011-11-12T18:48:00.001-08:00

Sneak peek from my session today with the lovely Brynja. This shoot was so much fun for me. She and her mom are absolutely lovely to be with. The cold didn't feel so cold while I was surrounded with their company.

More to come...

100th Post

2011-11-08T10:01:00.000-08:00

Happy 100th Post!

What better way to celebrate than by announcing the Fall Facebook Fan Favorite Photo Giveaway Winner?!

Photo #15!

(Which coincidentally is my lucky number! - if I have to pick a number between 1 & 10 it's 7 though... incase you were wondering... which I'm sure you weren't)

You are the winner of the $100 Session Gift Card and Complimentary 11 x 14 of your favorite photo from our session together*. Congratulations!

Photo #18 was the runner up (one more vote and we would have had a tie on our hands!)

In celebration of my 100th post the runner up will be awarded a $50 session credit*.

My thanks to all who participated by submitting photos or by voting for your friends. This was a lot of fun for me and I hope it was for you too.

*Prize winners please notify me via email (erindphotography@gmail.com) and let me know what name you would like on your prize (incase you are planning to give it as a gift this holiday season).

Fall Facebook Fan Giveaway Entries

2011-10-31T23:50:00.000-07:00

(What a great alliteration eh eh?)

As I said before, I love having giveaways. It's like Christmas morning for me waiting to see who will win. I loved the variety of photos sent in for this giveaway and I am sure you will too. As soon as I think I have a favorite it changes. I also really loved the way I chose to structure this giveaway, random.com won't be choosing the winner YOU will!
Here is how to vote...
Each voter has up to 5 opportunities to vote (which is great if you can't pick just one!). All votes need to be recorded here on the blog as separate comments in order to be counted. Here are the ways you can cast your vote.

Like erin d. photography on Facebook. (Leave a comment on this post: "Photo #51, fb follower")
Like a picture in the Fall 2011 Giveaway Album on Facebook. ("Photo #51, liked picture #51 on fb")
Share this giveaway with your friends on Facebook. ("Photo #51, shared with fb friends")
Follow erin d. photography on Twitter. ("Photo #51, following on Twitter")
Follow or subscribe to the erin d. photography Blog. ("Photo #51, blog subscriber/follower")

Remember for every 500 fans gained on Facebook during this promotion (beginning November 1st) I will award another winner*! As of 12:01 a.m. November 1st 2011 there were 336 Facebook fans so a second winner will be awarded at 836, a third at 1336, etc.

*Note that you can only use 1 Session Gift Card and complimentary 11x14 per scheduled session. :)

Winner(s) will be announced here on November 8th!

"May the odds be ever in your favor." (First one to identify that quote gets an extra vote!) :)

Photo #1

Photo #2

Photo #3

Photo #4

Photo #5

Photo #6

Photo #7

(The submitter said "That's a natural Oreo goatee...no editing, no coaxing, just pure oreo runoff.")

Photo #8

Photo #9

Photo #10

Photo #11

Photo #12

Photo #13

Photo #14

Photo #15

Photo #16

Photo #17

Photo #18

Photo #19

Photo #20

Photo #21

Photo #22

Let the voting begin!

10/15/2011: Katie & Gabe

2011-10-26T11:33:00.000-07:00

DON'T FORGET TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY GOING ON NOW!

This wonderful couple was willing to take a risk with me and shoot at a new location I had never shot in. Ever since I had been to this little community garden I had been dreaming about having a session there. Katie and Gabe (and Jimi - who my daughter calls Mr. Jim) were even willing to dress the way I requested! I love the shots we got.

I like them both and couldn't pick just one. Which is your favorite? Leave a comment. :)

Fall Facebook Fan Giveaway

2011-10-24T19:43:00.000-07:00

Fall... I love this time of year. I also love my facebook fans. And you know what else I love? Giveaways!

I truly can't wait to see the pictures you send in, and I can't wait to award the winners. I think the only thing better than winning a giveaway is sponsoring it. Start sending your photos my way!

07/25/2011: Alyssa & Gideon

2011-10-22T22:42:00.000-07:00

My darling college chum and her charming husband and I had a little fun in downtown Boise before they departed for Salt Lake where she will pursue her Masters in Dance and he will pursue his Masters in a Businessy-Political something. This was the first time I had met my friends husband and he truly seems to be her other shoe. Not that the shoes match perfectly, but that they go together so well, you don't mind wearing one of each. Without further ado, here is Alyssa and Gideon.

*Alyssa is the photographer I did the photo exchange with (she took our family picture, and I took pictures of she and her hubby). We both agreed to exchange the unedited pictures so we could do our own editing, but I had a little spare time and couldn't resist editing three of my favorites. I may do more as time allows. Alyssa proclaimed her love of vintagey things to me on one occasion, so that's the style I played with... sorry for the further ado!

Isn't she just lovely?

Their love story is a sweet one. You can find that and more if you visit her over at the Happy Pear. Tell her Erin sent you :).

Creating a Facebook Welcome Page

2011-10-17T21:44:00.000-07:00

I can't wait to edit more pictures from this shoot last Saturday..

For prospective Facebook fans.

For my groupies :)

... to be continued

09/24/11: Alli's Senior Portraits

2011-09-29T22:45:00.000-07:00

More of the ever lovely Alli...

09/24/11: Alli's Senior Portraits (Peek)

2011-09-24T21:42:00.000-07:00

After quickly reviewing the images after the shoot tonight I couldn't help but edit and post this one. It was a beautiful session with a gorgeous girl and the light was heavenly. I love the occasional sun flare.

More to come...

09/24/11: Made A Card

2011-09-24T20:54:00.000-07:00

Gotta love Shutterfly's Promos! I have been wanting to use this picture for a while now. It's also my desktop picture. Should you receive one of my new fancy pants cards you ought to feel very honored. I had to pay shipping, but I was so pleased with them I decided to "splurge".

Picture In Portrait 5x7 folded card

Unique party invitations and announcements by Shutterfly.

View the entire collection of cards.

08/27/11: Birkinbine Wedding Formals

2011-09-19T22:16:00.001-07:00

I had a wonderful time doing wedding formals with this family, they are a very fun group!

Special Projects

2011-09-12T14:09:00.000-07:00

Here are a few special projects I have done this past year. If you are interested in having me create a special product or handout for an event or in ordering prints of any of my work, contact me at erindphotography@gmail.com - Thank you!

Both Boise Temple Spire Images are available with or without text.

07/19/11: The Piano

2011-09-12T13:49:00.000-07:00

It was so beautiful I wanted to take pictures of it all by itself without any Andi distractions. It was made in 1860, and the owners are contemplating selling it. It's jaw-droppingly beautiful, a work of art before talented fingers are even applied to the keys. Andi was thrilled to play on this piano.

07/12/11: Miguel Don Pancho

2011-09-12T13:00:00.000-07:00

My brother came along to assist me in shooting our sister (could you blame him?) :) for her senior pictures. I snapped a few of him too while we were at it. I'll keep him.

08/22/11: La Erpan Restaurant

2011-09-08T22:01:00.000-07:00

My brother had a special surprise date planned for his lovely lady friend and he wanted me to capture it for them as their waiter/photographer. I think it was as much fun for me as it was for them.

(This shot came after they realized I wasn't the only one watching them in their moment just before. :) )

08/06/11: A Family Affair

2011-09-08T21:39:00.000-07:00

Meet my family.

The McBrides

We're traditional...

we're goofy....

we're cool.

Oh yeah.

I love this picture of my parents.

Grand babies 1 & 2

07/12/11: Andi's Senior Pictures

2011-08-31T11:48:00.001-07:00

My sweet sister is a Senior, unfortunately this kind of Senior doesn't get cheaper tickets at the movie theater. I think that the following four pictures sum up who she is to me:

Creative and breathtakingly beautiful.

Silly.

Dedicated, talented & hard working.

Full of life and all the good stuff it offers.

Congratulations Andi on all you have accomplished in your short 17 years. I look forward to watching you continue to wow the world with your determined spirit, your beautiful smile and infectious laughter, and your zest for life. I love you, I'm proud of you, and I sort of hate you for getting those killer legs (enjoy them while they last :) . Thanks for being my lady-bug and I'm sorry for the times back in the day when I shoved my toes up your nose when you were sleeping... sort of.

Can you blame me for "hating" you?

You can see other pictures of Andi HERE and HERE.

07/13/11: Jones Family

2011-08-18T17:29:00.000-07:00

(Click Image to Enlarge)

Wonderful Couple + Wonderful Summer Morning =

07/23/11: Georgia Rose

2011-08-01T21:16:00.000-07:00

As beautiful as her name. My "niece".

Upon seeing her picture for the first time my daughter said "Awww, she's a cute little United State." She then asked multiple times if she could be our baby. I'm sure you can see why.

This was a big year for Georgia's Mommy - a degree and a baby all within a month of each other.

The sewing cabinet belonged to Miss Georgia's namesake - a Great Grandmother, and the blanket was her (Georgia's) mother's.

Congratulations Scott & Carrie.

Scott: I'm so glad that you are now surrounded by two very beautiful, special ladies. I couldn't have hoped for any better for you. Love you and your little family. ~ Sneezette

07/11/2011: Thurgood Family (The Grand Kids)

2011-07-19T20:19:00.001-07:00

My favorite part of this shoot... seeing the cute grand babies!

(Can you tell she's from Florida? Look at that tan!)

Don't you just love her?

This next sequence makes me smile each time I look through it. We told this handsome fella' to look in my camera to see if he could see the bug inside. We then told him it'd be easier to see the bug if he smiled. Afterwards I showed him the red focus dots on the inside of my camera and he said "Now I see it!". Very cute.

And grand baby number four, due in just a few short weeks (unless you are mama to be, then there is nothing short about them!).

07/11/2011: Amanda & Brennan

2011-07-13T21:07:00.000-07:00

I loved this session.

Click on any image to enlarge.

Cute excuses

2011-07-05T18:15:00.000-07:00

Here is where I have been focusing:

Cute excuses huh?

My other not so cute excuse for my lack of posts has been how photobucket has not been jiving with me. I think I may use Picasa from now on, but I am still deciding. For now I will try to play catch up by simply uploading photos straight into the blog. They won't be as big as I'd like, but hopefully they'll work for now. Thanks for sticking with me. I sure do love my little kiddos. (The first two photos in this set were captured by the lovely Alyssa, and edited by myself. I can't even tell you how difficult it is to take your own family pictures. Thanks Alyssa!)

05/27/2011: Cassie & Daniel

2011-07-05T16:40:00.000-07:00

Just so you know, it was FREEZING this day. It was May 27th crazy weather. Cassie and Daniel were troopers, way to go guys. I love so many of these pictures, it was a very fun shoot.

05/23/2011: Hathaway Family

2011-07-05T14:28:00.001-07:00

I had a fun time with this family on one of the first nice days in Boise... this El Nino, Nina... whatever stuff is killing me! Viva la summer!

(please note the disappearing sucker, thank you photoshop ;)!)

02/07/2011: Baby Carter

2011-07-05T14:26:00.000-07:00

Beautiful Family...

09/04/2010: Andi

2010-10-19T12:13:00.000-07:00

I love shooting my sister. Take that however you like :)

10/08/2010: Hudson Family

2010-10-09T08:37:00.000-07:00

A small sneak peak from my shoot yesterday. Can you tell why I am so excited to edit these pictures? Rich colors, a rundown rustic setting, a blonde haired BLUE eyed cutie-patootie, and a model worthy Momma? It was a photo shoot dream come true. This is my last "official" shoot until I'm back on my feet from baby #2 (baby will be here Nov. 1st or sooner - eek!), it was a great note to end on. I love these shots...

09/17/2010: Hathaway Family (part 2)

2010-10-09T05:47:00.000-07:00

I realized I hadn't posted these particular pictures from my infant shoot with the Hathaway family. With "new baby" on my brain pretty consistently these days, I couldn't resist!

I am getting very excited for our little one to be here!

09/15/2010: erin d. maternity

2010-09-26T20:57:00.000-07:00

I never got the opportunity (aka I was too broke to afford) maternity pictures when I was pregnant with my little girl. This time around I had the means to take my own maternity shots... but do you have any idea how difficult it is to take a good self portrait, not to mention several? That's where my wonder woman photographer friend Camille Jones of Dirt Roads Photography came and saved the day. These pictures were taken on a Wednesday, she and her little family left for Germany for three years the following Monday. What a pal huh? So credit for the shot composition goes to Camille, who was so great about taking a few sots/poses I was hoping try, and then the editing was done by myself - and can I say how fun it is to edit pictures you are actually keeping for yourself? It's been too long since I have done that. I have a batch of the little missy I am hoping to get to soon, I am very excited I love that little cutie patootie, as well as the little wiggle worm in my belly... so without further ado - here I am at 32 weeks.

08/05/2010: Hardy Girls

2010-09-23T13:35:00.000-07:00

I had nearly forgotten about this mini-shoot with some of my favorite girls. It made me happy to see their smiling faces again. Love Love to the Hardy Party.

09/17/2010: Hathaway Family

2010-09-20T21:29:00.000-07:00

Doing this shoot was an absolute treat for me. I felt comfortable with this beautiful family from the moment I walked in the door. Seeing their perfect little Maylee made me even more anxious for our little guy to arrive.

A Post Not for the Baby Hungry

2010-09-16T12:08:00.000-07:00

With an infant shoot tomorrow and a wiggly one in my belly, I couldn't help but post a few more of my favorite infant photos - seeing as I only have a handful on here. Here are a few more of Miss Emily and Mr. Carson.

Enjoy ;).

I be liken' me some babies :).

The Ryan Family

2010-08-24T21:12:00.001-07:00

Chum from High School + her husband of one year and her two cool step kiddos + winning a free photo shoot = pure unbridled awesomeness.

The last pictures is definitely one of my favorite shots of the day. This shoot was a lot of fun for me, and seeing as it is my last downtown shoot before baby #2 arrives, it was a great one to go out on! Thanks for a great start to my Saturday guys!

*A Note to those who have won giveaways for Free Photo Shoots, Half Price Photo Sessions, or Photo Session Credits: Please be sure to contact me ASAP if your coupon expires 12/31/2010. Because of baby #2's arrival in early November I will be done shooting this year as of September 25th. I will pick things up again sometime in March or April (nice spring weather & sane mommy/photographer [ha] pending). If you have won something that expires 12/31/2010 and contact me before October 1st, I will be willing to extend your session coupon to sometime next year.*

08/03/2010: Jessica & Nick Engagement Shoot

2010-08-13T21:31:00.000-07:00

We had a class together in High School, she took my brother to Sweetheart's, she won a free photo shoot and now she's getting hitched - to someone not my brother (drat!). Oh well, if you can't have her as a sister-in-law, you mind as well have her as a great friend.

Congratulations you two!

I always hesitate to post too many with Engagement Shoots... so I decided to stick with my lucky #7 as a safe number. However, there are some sunglasses shots that once I edit I know I simply MUST post... stay tuned.

Please note the cooperative butterfly in this last shot.

07/03/10: Andrea & Victor, Pre-Wedding Formals

2010-07-22T12:25:00.000-07:00

Such a gorgeous couple. They were so fun to work with. Victor managed to be a good sport even with the World Cup Germany vs Argentina game going on. (Although some cell phone to TV measures were taken in between shots and during bridals so he could stay informed :) .) I can't wait to capture their special day on Saturday. Here are some of my favorites...

06/29/10: The Jones Family

2010-07-22T12:20:00.000-07:00

This daddy daughter duo can't be beat! Miss Jaime is all girl, she loved playing with all the wild daisies in the park, and Nick is all proud papa. I loved watching him watch her like in this first shot - probably my favorite from the shoot.

05/25/10: Carson

2010-07-22T12:17:00.000-07:00

Another beautiful baby from one of my Maternity shoot gals. This little boy belongs to the beautiful Meccenzie. Working on his pictures has made me excited to see our own little man to be this November.

05/15/10: Cherstin & Chloe, Mommy Daughter Shoot

2010-07-22T12:08:00.000-07:00

This was a fun shoot for me to do. Before I even had my camera in my hands this supportive friend was totally behind me and I promised her we'd do a mommy daughter shoot. Between our two busy and constantly changing lives we finally got around to it!

05/13/10: Emily

2010-07-21T23:17:00.000-07:00

Here are a couple from my first newborn shoot - much trickier than I was expecting. But this little gal is beautiful, just like her momma (you can find photos of Kristen under my Maternity label).

...More catch-up posts to come...

04/24/10: Almeida Family

2010-07-21T23:03:00.000-07:00

Being with this family for the few hours I was I learned a TON about them! Emmy's favorite color is pink and she's into old Hitchcock movies (uhm cool!), Jeff is a "singer", Stephanie is a walking Boise History Encyclopedia (jackpot for me), and the whole family enjoys sporadically striking James Bond style poses.

They were a very fun family to get to work with, it made my morning sickness much easier to bare!

Where I Have Been & Something I Believe

2010-07-01T06:43:00.000-07:00

Keeping my priorities straight, finally feeling on the up with baby #2 (a boy!), and slowly editing several new sessions.

I hope this message uplifts and inspires you. It reminded me that although I may not be processing the work load I desire, I am doing what matters most. Not my art, not my clean home, not culinary master pieces for dinner, but my family.

Take heart. know that God loves you, and know that there will be more pictures posted here when the time allows.

Thank you for your support and your patience.

~erin d.

Playing Catch Up: Meccenzie Maternity

2010-05-14T23:03:00.000-07:00

Man am I behind. You'd think I was a 1st trimester pregnant woman with a 15 month old running around and a husband who is a full time student or something... sheesh. :) Here is the latest and greatest. I've been informed that this lovely lady will be a mother no later than this coming Tuesday - so exciting! Here are my favorites so far from this session.

Progression Shoot Example & Another Engagement Photo

2010-05-10T09:12:00.000-07:00

This beautiful lady had her bambina a week ago tomorrow around 3:30 am. I put together this 1/2 way done progression shoot for her cute sister who threw her baby shower for her here in Boise about a month ago.

Fun huh? I can't wait to get it completed - along with two other shoots I have in my cue. It's been one of those months. My birthday was last week and I was given a mini surprise party by a dear friend and my mom and sister. The next day my poor daughter barfed all over (yes aaaall over) the car, then me, then the couch, then the carpet (repeat). I stopped counting after barf #10. We thought she was over it until on mother's day, right after we'd finished shampooing the carpet and couches, she barfed all over me. I managed to get the full blast of it which was good and bad - no puke on couches or carpet, but again I was covered in it. This + being prego = no fun. So on top of my non-feeling goodness of being pregnant, I've had to help my little barfer feel better.

Are these more excuses for my slacking? You betcha. But since my job description lists "Wife and Mommy" first and "Photographer" second, I think I'm keeping my priorities straight. More work is in the works once we can get out of this funk!

For reading this far, here is another picture from Andrea and Victor's engagement session. I love this one!

A Valid Excuse

2010-04-30T11:01:00.000-07:00

Nay friends and followers I have not fallen off the face of the planet! I have been hard at work on a few things... one being a baby. Here's how we told my parents:

I scanned the original label into my computer and photoshopped most of the text to be baby oriented. I brought it over as my contribution to the home made pizzas we were having for dinner - 4 tries and nearly 2 hours later they realized that this was no ordinary jar. I asked my sister to read the ingredients out loud to me just because I was "curious" what was in the sauce. She read "Sugar, Spice.... Everything Nice?....(pause of confusion).... and/or Snakes, Snails and Puppy Dog Tails......" After about a 1 minute pause for reflection she looked at me and asked "Are you pregnant?". Which lead to an immediate out cry of "Give me that jar!" from the grandma to be. I guess they'll never look at an ordinary object I give them the same way again.

Because of this announcement, I will not be taking any shots from October 1st to the end of February/beginning of March 2011 (aka once I am ready to dive back in and the weather is nicer). Depending on how I progress, I may even stop shooting 2 weeks before my due date just to be safe, but we'll play it by ear until that point. So to those who have won discounted photo sessions that expire in December of this year, know that that date has been moved to October 31st of this year. Shoot me an email and lets get you scheduled! If that time frame isn't going to work for you, email me asap so we can work something out for 2011.

Lest ye think I have been a complete slacker with my wonderful all day nausea and toddler wrestling... I am behind, but I am catching up! Here is a photo I completed last night.

Andrea & Victor (Another Peek)

2010-04-21T11:45:00.000-07:00

Please do take note of Victor's jacket, as it makes him very very happy when the photographer lets him wear it. ;)

Kristen Maternity Continued

2010-04-16T04:00:00.000-07:00

A reminder to Giveaway Winners - Today is the last day to claim your prize!

Congratulations again to Allison & Chelsea who have won & claimed their prizes fair & square! I'll be in contact with you at the beginning of next week.

I've finished editing this fun maternity session and here are my final favorites...

This final one is particularly touching to me. It was taken during her progression shoot later that day with her darling mother. Thanks to the miracles of medicine and the human body, Kristen's mom was able to be here to share this moment with her daughter and soon to be granddaughter. So special.

April Giveaway Winners!

2010-04-14T11:16:00.000-07:00

Thanks to all who entered this months giveaway! One of the ways you could gain an entry into this contest was to tell me the best way to dance in a summer rain. This has always been one of my FAVORITE things to do.

My favorite time was when my sister and I had been outside staining the fence in the hot hot sun all day long in our T-shirts, Sports Bras, and wearing our Old Navy boxer shorts we usually used as p.j. bottoms. All of a sudden, out of no where a massive rain storm hit. We shrugged our shoulders and ran around barefoot like mad men jumping and splashing and even sitting in puddles as the gutters rushed with water and the thunder sounded overhead. After all this, laughing together and being 115% soaked, we watched a double rainbow form it's arch in the East.

Proof that I do actually do this

In this picture I had been up studying for finals when I heard the rain come down hard around 2:00 AM - talk about stress relief! My thanks to my roommate for snapping this shot.

Bring on the summer rain!

I loved your responses to this question too... you can check them out HERE!

Without further ado our winners are as follows:

Allison Doty - $25 credit for an edp photo session

Jules - A set of 3 Personalized Journals, compliments of Apple Inspired

Cooks Ahead/Krista Hegstrom - A Car Seat Blanket Set, compliments of R'z Cozy Creations

And our Grand Prize Winner of a $50 credit for an edp photo session AAAND a stinkin' cute frame of their choice from Apple Inspired is...

Tyson & Chelsea!

Congratulations Winners! Thank You Vendors! And Thank You Random Number Generator!

Winners have 48 hours (before this Saturday) to claim their prize by emailing me at erindphotography@gmail.com.

If I don't hear from you, I will draw another name and they will receive the prize.

Andrea & Victor (Small Sneak Peek)

2010-04-12T13:47:00.000-07:00

The giveaway ends Tuesday at midnight! Don't forget to enter! Click HERE!

Here is a small sneak peek of my Engagement Session this past Saturday in Salt Lake City.

How cute are they? Correct Answer: Freakin' Cute.

More to come...

Kristen Maternity Session Cont.

2010-04-09T05:00:00.000-07:00

A few more favorites of those I have completed thus far. I will hopefully have a few more to share on Monday (depending on what happens while I am out of town this weekend). Don't forget to enter the giveaway. There's nothin' like gettin' a little somethin' somethin' for a whole lot-a nothin' nothin' (ya know what I'm sayin'?) :).

Enjoy. I'll see you all Monday.

PS: Happy Early Birthday K-Pow

April Giveaway

2010-04-07T03:00:00.000-07:00

Incase you missed it I have been lucky enough to be featured again on one of my favorite blogs. I really hope that this isn't one of those "Three Strikes You're OUT!" sort of things! Click on the image below to check out my "How To" post.

It's here! And better than ever! Another edp Giveaway!

The Booty:

Grand Prize Winner:

$50 credit towards an edp photo session & a saaaweet frame to put a picture from your session in, compliments of the Apple Inspired etsy shop (PS: I heart Gene Kelly).

3 Secondary winners will win one of the following

1 - $25 Credit towards an edp photo session

1 - Personalized Journal Set from Apple Inspired

1 - Baby Car Seat Blanket from R'z Cozy Creations etsy Shop*

*This last one may seem TOTALLY random, but I love these blankets. And I don't know about the rest of you, but baby shower invites keep popping up in my mail box weekly! I loved these so much I thought I'd share this idea with the rest of you. I own one and they are fantastic in the winter - total time saver. I asked her if she'd be willing to do a giveaway with me and she said yes! She also makes some killer cute bean bag chairs that you'll have to check out.

All these things are so awesome I wish I could enter... but then I'd totally rig it and you'd all be outta luck ;).

How to win?

1 entry: Be or become a follower of the Erin D. Photography blog /follow me on twitter erindphoto /become a fan of erin d. photography on facebook.

1 entry: Visit the Apple Inspired etsy shop and tell me which frame you'd like to win! Click HERE for a direct link. http://www.etsy.com/shop/appleinspired

1 entry: Head over to R'z Cozy Creations etsy store and tell me which car seat blanket you would like to win. Click HERE for a direct link. http://www.etsy.com/shop/rzcozycreations

1 entry: Describe the ideal way to dance in a warm summer rain.

1 entry: Tell your friends about this giveaway on your blog, fb, twitter, etc.

That's up to 5 entries folks! Leave me a comment saying how many entries you earned as well as which items you'd like if (oh I mean WHEN) you win from each etsy shop.

Easy Squeezy Japanesey. 4 chances to win, 5 possible entries - life is good.

This Drawing will close at Midnight Tuesday April 13th 2010. The winner will be announced in my blog post April 14th. Good Luck, may the force be with you... or something like that...

03/29/10: Kristen Maternity Shoot (Sneak Peek)

2010-04-05T13:35:00.000-07:00

Anyone who knows me well knows that I positively hate the following things:

Color
People with a sense of humor
Taking pictures of cute preggy women with cute daddys-to-be
Warm overcast days
And finally, people who make fun of Stephanie Meyer's Twilight series (as evidenced by how much I love THIS clip... I still laugh every time I see this).

Taking these factors into consideration, you should be able to see why this was such a difficult shoot for me to have to take part in. ;)

Here's a sneak peak at the fun I had last Monday.

Color? - Check, Cute Couple? - Check

Sense of Humor? - Check: "What did you do to me?!", Warm Overcast Day? - Check

Mocking Twilight? - Double Check

Holy Smokes isn't this the best maternity picture of all time? I dare you to challenge me considering our current Twilight pop culture :). This is truly how it all should have ended. Pregnant Bella, Hungry Edward, and one too many requests from the photographer. The End.

More from this cutie couple on Friday's post. Wednesday I'll be announcing a stellar give away from myself and two other killer vendors... after that last paragraph maybe "killer" is the wrong word to use... hmm, how about "fantastic"? Yes that will do.

Stay tuned!

Edmund Andrew

2010-03-30T20:10:00.000-07:00

Meet my newest nephew.

Isn't he perfect? Straight from heaven. Yay for babies!

High Jump

2010-03-26T12:29:00.000-07:00

Here are the high jump shots I was able to get.

Starting... Focused...

Jumping...

...and winning. Good Job Andi!

Note: The officials were a little picky about my picture taking so these were the best I could get with my zoom lens. But I'm satisfied with them.

I have learned that I have a lot of practice ahead with sports photography before I will be happy with my images. But I'm up for the challenge the next time I have an opportunity.

Thanks for indulging me this week.

Hurdles

2010-03-24T12:10:00.000-07:00

I was amazed that I even got this first shot. I generally shoot with my 50 mm prime lens (a lens that doesn't zoom), but for this shot I used my lens kit 55-200 mm and zoomed it all the way out to 200 mm, and then I cropped it. If I had to title this shot, I'd title it "Runner's Prayer".

This was the best shot of hurdles I got. Good sports photography isn't easy! I couldn't just ask one of the other runners to please skooch out of my way so I could get the shot I wanted. It's unpredictable! Giving this a try makes me appreciate the work of professional sports photographers so much more.

Friday will be shots from the high jump... hopefully!

track

2010-03-22T07:11:00.000-07:00

Last week I tried my hand at a little "sports photography" (keyword tried) at one of my sister's high school track meets. She did very well... hopefully I can reflect that in the pictures I show you this week!
PS: There's another great giveaway I'm hoping to win! Go HERE if you are interested.

(Belated) St. Patty's Day Post

2010-03-19T00:00:00.000-07:00

There were technical difficulties plaguing me on Wednesday that I have almost finished working though (phew). Hence the belated post.

Here is a little of the green I was lovin' on Wednesday!

Leaves starting to burst from their buds on the trees.

My 80+ year old sweet neighbor lady (she isn't green... read on) who lets me use her awesome rustic green truck for some of my shoots.

Finding these socks to match the little missy's green top.

Mix all of these things together, and here's what I got.

One silly little leprechaun!

Today also happens to be her 14 month birthday. Wasn't I just talking about my rainbow cake sugar high yesterday? Time just keeps on flyin'.

Mother Nature Strikes Back

2010-03-15T09:43:00.000-07:00

I opened up my blinds Saturday morning to find this:

I think Mother Nature did this just to spite me. I'm glad I didn't Spring Clean. On the bright side (literally), today is looking like it will be a beautiful day. And I'm hoping the weather man is right with his prediction of 67* on Tuesday. Are my fingers crossed? You better believe it.

Water Lillies

2010-03-12T07:50:00.000-08:00

I am hoping that by post Spring and Summer pictures I'll encourage spring to get here quicker. Maybe I should Spring Clean my home too - if I do it had better work! What efforts are you making to help Spring get here quicker?

Or So She Says

2010-03-11T08:07:00.001-08:00

I have again (for some reason unbeknownst to me!) been asked to write a post for one of my favorite blogs. Hopefully my ramblings don't upset the feng shui of this great advice blog contributed to by some great women. Take a peek and let me know what you think!

Click On the Image Below for a Direct Link

And to those who may be visiting here for the first or second time, I hope you'll stop and stay a while, and please take the time to let me know what you think of what you see.

Thanks ~ erin d.

Dear Spring,

2010-03-10T09:27:00.000-08:00

Please stop teasing us and just come already! We really are ready for you!

Sincerely,

erin d.

Idaho State Capital Renovation

2010-03-08T12:02:00.000-08:00

For the past four years Idaho's state capital building has been under renovation. They finally reopened to the public about a month ago. A few Saturdays ago we went and revisited this building that I have loved since I was a girl. It's probably the closest thing to a "palace" I'll ever experience. Here were a couple of aspects that I love about it.

Details! This is the Idaho State Seal (no not the fish eating kind) engrave on the door knobs near the State Senate Chamber. "Esto Perpetua", the state motto, in Latin literally means "It's Perpetual" or in other words "It's Forever". I learned this in my 4th Grade History class where I also won the honor of having my colored State Seal be chosen to displayed on my teacher Mr. Summers podium all semester long. Yup, I'm still pretty proud of that (and yes I still have it).

Elegance! This statue (contrary to popular belief) is not modeled after my body's exquisite features. It is called "Winged Victory" it is a copy of a copy. The original is in the Louve and dates back to 109 BC. I remember as an elementary girl on field trips how much I just loved her and would occasionally pretend to be her when playing. She still inspires such a sense of beauty and awe in me.

Integrity! Of all the beautiful things I saw and remembered in the State Capital, this was my favorite. I note left by one of the janitors on the desk of a security officer. It's only $0.26, and I am sure it's owner never noticed it was missing. Despite that, this person had the integrity of character to do what they could to return it to it's rightful owner. Aren't you glad there are still people like that out there? I know I am, I married one of them.

There are many more beautiful things in the Capital Building and through out Boise. You'll have to come and take a peek for yourself.

02/27/10: Jones Family Cont.

2010-03-05T22:08:00.000-08:00

I had so much fun working on these photos. Here are my favorites from the last half of my editing this week. My favorite of the whole shoot I have saved for last... this will probably become my new header for this blog very very soon. My apologies to all those who have issues with PDAs. If that's the case then this blog is probably not for you, I'm a big fan of modest PDAs. Happy viewing.

Siiigh... amore...

02/27/10: Jones Family

2010-03-03T07:09:00.000-08:00

Here is a sneak peek from my shoot this past Saturday. It was so fun to be with these friends again. The last time we'd seen each other she was taking candid pictures of me at my wedding and her oldest boy was just a teeny bump in her tummy. This time it was my turn to take pictures for her, just before her hubby enlists in Air Force training for 6 months.

In spite of the fact that it was fa-reeze-ing, these kiddos never uttered a single whiny word - it was amazing! However, one of my favorite moments of the shoot was the contrast from my first shot where I asked the oldest boy to say cheese and he gave me a big enthusiastic "CHEESE!" as if he'd been doing this his whole life, to when we were at the play ground (one warm up in the truck and one half hour later) and I made the same request and his little shivering face simply said the word cheese without changing expression - Napoleon Dynamite style. This shoot was made possible by 3-4 warm up in the truck, where we were able to escape the rain and cold, and and the promise of two lollipops. Like I said, I was amazed that not a single whiney word was uttered. These kiddos were great, and so were Dad and Mom - although Dad did want to know where his lollipop was ;). So without further ado, here is a sneak peek of our day together.

Two trains came by just as we were about to shoot.

Wondering what this crazy woman is going to ask them to do next.

My favorite so far, warming up with Daddy while watching big brother and Mommy play.

More to come on Friday...

10/03/09 Andi Revisited

2010-03-01T00:20:00.000-08:00

My daughter was my first photo shoot with this camera, my sister Andi was my second. At that point I felt about as comfortable with photoshop as I would have on a blind date. I played it safe only fixing a few blemishes here and there. But now that I've learned a thing or two and photoshop and I have taken our relationship to the next level, I thought I'd revisit some of my favorite shots from this shoot.

From the Archives Week 1 Part 3

2010-02-26T06:55:00.000-08:00

I was browsing through my images and came across this one from forever ago. As Mom is my first job, photographer my second, I don't get all the free time to go out and practice that I'd like. One day I decided to go out during the little missy's nap and take pictures around our (far less than beautiful) apartment complex. This was one of the pictures I took of what I have titled "the very ugly cat pee bush". It just goes to show you that beauty can be found in the strangest places, the key is to know where to look and how to frame the shot. I have seen on several photographers' blogs where they will take the SOOC (straight out of camera) image and compare it to some of the ways they played with it in photoshop. I thought I'd give it a try...

SOOC

I think I'm pretty partial to #1 (it's what I originally had in my head for this image). Which is your favorite?

From the Archives Week 1 Part 2

2010-02-24T07:47:00.000-08:00

I love this picture. We were taking a stroll down Harrison Blvd. and taking pictures of the beautiful fall foliage this last year just before Halloween. As we were heading back to the car I noticed the back of a skeleton-witch (?) Halloween decoration. I was able to angle myself just right so that I captured the ghostly reflection in the glass door of this home. Spooky huh - doo dooo doooo!

If I'd only had some Windex on hand then this picture would be perfect (I don't know how wild the owner of this beautiful home would have felt about that though!). Looking through this file of pictures made me all nostalgic. As the rain beats on my windows I continue to long for the warmer weather of Spring, Summer, and Fall so we can comfortably go out and continue exploring this city that I love so much. What seasons are you longing for and why?

From the Archives Week 1

2010-02-22T07:52:00.000-08:00

I have been going through some older photos in the past week or two and have found a few I thought I'd share with you throughout this week.

My daughter loves to "help" me with the laundry. In this photo she is about 9 months old. I had placed her in the basket and then filled it with laundry that needed to be folded. Two great things happened that made me grab my camera and record this seemingly uneventful day to day moment.

#1 She found her beloved giraffe (which she now doesn't look twice at) buried in the clothes and this made her very happy. Of course, I missed her initial reaction of excitement and hoped that she wold show that sort of emotion again once I grabbed my camera - no luck. But #2 there was some great side lighting coming from the living room windows. It was hitting her face just right and literally made her eyes glow. It was very stunning when she had her head turned just right, especially in this picture. I love this shot.

Barn Shot 2

2010-02-19T07:50:00.000-08:00

My other favorite barn shot. LIke I said in the last post, I went in a different direction from the last shot. In this shot I decided to focus on the textures rather than the colors of the barn. I love the old and rustic feel of this photo. All I need is John Wayne leaning up against it with his one knee up and his hat tipped down. Perfect. I have this one as my background on my desktop.

Barn Shot 1

2010-02-17T08:45:00.000-08:00

The weekend of February 6th I was scheduled to take some family photos with an old friend. When I arrived at her place her husband answered the door in his pajamas and informed me that she had been up sick all night long (poor girl). When she came out to say hi and sorry she could barely stand up. Needless to say we have rescheduled for next weekend. They currently live more on the outskirts of town, more farm like country. And farm like country = cool barns. Today and Friday I'll show you two of my favorite shots I was actually able to get in spite of "No Trespassing" signs everywhere. I was in the country and I didn't want to get shot for shooting their barns - thank you telephoto zoom!

I love the rich colors in this shot thanks to a beautiful sunrise and the rainy sky. However, I took the next shot in a different direction. Check it out Friday.

edp Love Story Giveaway Excerpts

2010-02-14T15:21:00.000-08:00

First of all thank you to all who submitted stories, it was so fun to read them each night the past couple of weeks. It was SO hard to choose a winner (Even my own hubby submitted one - but he already gets free photo sessions!). Since I didn't officially ask permission from people to share their stories, I figured I'd only share my favorite excerpts from those people that I knew personally (and the winner of course). So here you are, just so you can enjoy a small taste of what I got to, some of my favorite excerpts from The edp Love Story Giveaway 2010.

A Strawberry Salad w/Raspberry Vinaigrette is Valentine's Day-ish... right?

"2 weeks went by and they never saw each other... apparently that silly boy thought the girl would be anxiously awaiting for him at church. But that girl, as social as she was went to the beach for a vacation with some friends, and other boys who she thought were a little less odd." - Submitted by Megan Hamilton

Okay so not the most "romantic" beginning, but this line made me laugh and laugh.

"Once again, at the airport the two held back as long as possible, holding to each other’s hands and smiling with their new found infatuation. At the very last moment, They hugged one another, and Cherstin went to kiss him on the cheek. He, instead, kissed her on the lips. It was the first of many kisses, but neither could be sure of that right then, and it was one of the last times she would leave him with out a ring on that certain finger, marking her as one in love. Their crazy bits and pieces of their shared lives finally came together. As Brandon said to Cherstin one evening from bended knee. 'Till now, I have felt like part of me was missing, but you make my life complete.' And with love and each other they have found that while life may be many things at different times, it is never boring." - Submitted by Cherstin Rigby

"[We] started dating just over 3 years ago. It was through the coaxing of my roomie and her cell phone (she listed off names in her phone as I said "No, he's a dork." or "no, all he'll want to do is make out." and then she says "Russell Powell." and I reply, "CALL HIM!" (yeah we were SUPER mature) that night Russ came over to my house and asked me to the Institute Christmas dance. It was history from that very night. We were hanging out with friends and then we decided that we wanted to be alone, so we ended up going for a drive down Warm Springs, looking for deer, listening to his band, and talking each others ears off. I knew I wanted to be with him more because I could act like my idiotic self and he thought it was cute. SCORE! He tried to kiss me on the second night we hung out, but I didn't see it coming and I turned my head and he got me right to the side of my mouth. It was something to laugh about at the time and we still laugh about it now! But the next night, we had our first kiss; this one was executed smoother (is that correct grammar/spelling?) than the first." - Submitted by Kristen Powell

* I had a very similar first kiss experience with my hubby, one reason why I liked this paragraph so much.

"The summer after our sophomore year came and went and then it was junior year. I remember he dated a few girls in between then and I was maybe a little obsessed. We had a history class together in the fall and would always try to sit by each other. He figured out that I had a good grade in the class because I worked really hard and I figured out he had a good grade because he's a genius.

(Then a little later in this love story)

I was in Provo and still madly in love with him. It had been over a year since I last saw him, but with a lot of convincing from my roommate I called him! I just wanted to see where he was and what he was doing. I called him late one night and he didn't answer. I hurried and hung up the phone and thought "Well, I'm glad that's over!" but my roommate yelled "You didn't leave a message?!" so, horrified that he would see I had called twice, I called back and left a message. The next morning at 8am (which is early if you know what it's like to be a freshman living in the college dorms) I got a phone call. It was him!" - Submitted by Jessica Ingersoll

"It still gets better every day with just my husband but little did I know that once I saw the ultrasound at 21 weeks, love came pouring out of me I didn't think was really there I think I could burst sometimes because of the love I have for this unborn child. And it manifests itself every time I feel a little flutter in my tummy. That is my favorite part of being pregnant:) I am so excited to be a mom and know that it is just going to make our love story even more complete when this little one arrives." - Submitted by Meccenzie Harper

"We were definitely in love, but were thousands of miles apart as he was in Alaska. We were deciding if getting married was the right thing and one night I got a call from Mikey at 3:30 am. I was sleeping on my brother's couch in the basement when my phone vibrated and woke me. It was Mikey and he was all out of breath and excited. This is what he said to me, "Oh man, I couldn't sleep at all so I got up and took a walk around the neighborhood. I kept talking to Heavenly Father and asking Him if it was right for us to get married. And you know what? I got the exact same feeling I got when I prayed to know if the Book of Mormon is true! I know we are supposed to get married. I got my answer." It's the best call I ever got. And it was my answer as well. We were married two months later. Woah. Anyway, it might be a small story, but it changed my life." - Submitted by Randi Dierlam

"It was actually probably the best “first kiss” I ever had from anyone. We didn't bump teeth. There was no weird, awkward which-way-do-I-turn-my-head moment. It just happened. We were in my apartment going through my pictures and my music on my computer. I know, as a girl, I'm supposed to remember what song was playing. I don't. But I do remember that he pulled me close to him by the arm, oh so gently. He placed his fingers on my cheek and turned my face towards him. I felt like my heart was going to beat right out of my chest, like there was an electric current flowing from his fingers through my cheek and all the veins in my body, right back to my heart. I stared deep into his eyes, watching the flecks of green fade into brown. He warm smile made me melt right there in his arms. He slowly brought our faces closer together, until there wasn't anything left between our lips. His soft lips against mine was truly like the first kiss I had ever had. My memory was void of any previous kisses. I felt so euphoric, I wanted to believe that my life wouldn't be the same after that. I wasn't sure though. I didn't want to be like the rest of the girls I knew that said, “I just knew that he was the one when I had that first kiss.” I didn't know anything, except that I enjoyed his company, and that I liked kissing him too. But I felt that was hardly grounds for him to qualify for marriage material. I was, however, excited for what the future held." - Submitted by Makamae Burgess

Holy smokes is it hot in here?!? Congratulations Makamae aka Mrs. Boojaw. The down-to-earthness, honest truth about love and war & that kissing scene - my heart is still pitter pattering - were the reason I picked you as my Valentine's Day Love Story Giveaway Winner.

Those who submitted for this giveaway and who have one this or past giveaways can look for a coupon in their email to be printed off and used when desired. Thank you again to all who entered! I hope you are each having a marvelous Valentine's Day surrounded by those you love the most.

The Love Story of erin d.

2010-02-12T08:09:00.000-08:00

Don't forget to enter in for a chance to win a FREE photo session, and automatically receive $25 off a session just for entering! Only 2 days left to enter.

Click HERE for details.

In honor of this special day in my life, I have decided to share my love story with you now, rather than on Valentines Day. On Sunday when the winner of my love story giveaway will be announced, I've decided that I will share with you my favorite parts of the love storires I have received. My hope has been that in writing and submitting your love stories, not only are you giving me a chance to record your story one day through my photography, but that through recounting it you have found an added measure of love for that special someone at this lovely time of year. Your stories will also make a great gift to give to that special someone who stars in it with you.

Keep your stories comin' there are still two days left to enter! I still have yet to be able to pick a winner! And without further ado... my promised love story.

Once upon a time, where all good stories begin, there lived a young girl trapped in a land of ice and snow who felt very very much alone. Beyong being removed from her family and all she knew in this desolate place she had also been separated from two of her closest confidants. One, a young lady like herself, who had an added measure of spirit and strength, and another a young man whom she had been very fond of. Parting from him was the most difficult of all, for though a true friend, she knew he was not the stuff her fairy tale was to be made of which made the parting permanent and even more difficult.

So now she found herself in a foreign land alone and cold and yearning for the comfort and friendship of another. She appealed to the King of all the land to help her in this desire. He responded that she would be "guided and directed" in the way she should go to find the happiness she sought and yearned for. She continued on in the daily tasks she'd been appointed. Day after day she continued watching and waiting to be guided. After sometime she had forgotten about her appeal to the King, until one particularly cold day in February.

Her tasks that day had been difficult, and the day held no warmth - weather or otherwise. The maiden arrived home only to discover that a messenger had delivered a request from her fellow townspeople. Her assistance was requested in a task she outwardly seemed capable of, but inwardly knew she would make a fool of herself should she attempt it. She nearly refused the request, but then the King's words came back to her and she decided to venture back out into the cold to face the, surely to be embarrassing, task.

Luckily for both her and the townspeople, her assistance was only required for a short period of time. Soon after she was finished a man, not of their party, began to walk towards them. He was an acquaintance and neighbor of several of the men present, the girl recognized him from previous encounters around the town unbeknownst to him. He sat near her and they began to converse. They laughed a bit, and the girl felt a light wave of warmth for the first time in months. He truly was tall, dark, and handsome and not to mention comical and a little arrogant - but she liked him. And although he was a man, and she only a girl she decided to offer her meager services in returning him to his home that evening. On account of the treacherous weather he accepted.

From that evening on, their friendship grew. She was drawn to the warmth he brought into her life, and he- well, she was unsure of just why he was drawn to her. But he continued to seek her out and their acquaintance grew into friendship, and the girl began to admire and trust him. Which brings our story to that frigid evening five years ago tonight.

The maiden was to attend a performance alone that evening. But since the evenings were dark, and her chariot out of commission, she requested the company and safety of this man in going to and from the performance. He willingly obliged and sat and waited on the outskirts of the theater while she was lost in a world of light and music. After the performance he was there waiting to accompany her home. As always she was grateful for his company as they ventured out into cold once more.

Their conversation seemed to stall time and quicken their pace, because before she knew it they were nearly to the end of their journey. Not wanting to lose his company so quickly, she asked him if he would like to continue their conversation by extending their walk. He agreed.

As they continued their walk, her mind was not engaged in the conversation at hand. Instead she had been reflecting on the time they had spent together thus far. She had been very guarded in their relationship, not wanting to expose herself to more heartache and pain. For she merely sought a friend whose companionship she could enjoy, nothing more, yet here before her was a man of whose stature and character she'd dreamed and fancied herself to one day marry. But she wasn't ready to fully trust, not ready to expose herself to the possibility of more pain and emptiness. But she could feel his uncertainty about their relationship and that he was beginning to slip away and she was scared to lose him.

While she was thus reflecting, they made their way through the grounds of a frozen garden, where the beauty of life had been stifled by the bitter cold of the season. He had offered her his arm to keep her from slipping on the icy terrain and she willingly took it. Soon after this they rounded a corner of the garden, and he made her laugh again. The warmth welled up inside her and gave her the courage to move forward, she slowly, and nervously, slid her hand down his arm and into his hand. He gently squeezed hers, and whispered his relief at the event.

As the moon continued to gleam down, causing the snow and frost to glimmer and dance in the night, the girl and the man began a new path - this time no longer separate, but together. And the cold didn't seem so cold anymore.

Say "Oh Yes" to Ono's

2010-02-10T09:37:00.001-08:00

Don't forget to enter in for a chance to win a FREE photo session, and automatically receive $25 off a session just for entering! Only 4 days left to enter.

Click HERE for details.

Looking for a great place for a Valentines Day dinner (or any other day for that matter)? I think I can help you out there. Take a trip to Hawaii with Ono Hawaiian Cafe.

The restaurant is hidden behind Firestone Tire company, so be sure not to miss it. It's one of my Top 3 favorite places to eat in Boise. They are located at 2170 Broadway Ave. Boise ID 83705.

Behold their incredible lettuce wraps. Their food tastes even better than it looks, if you can imagine. The restaurant has a very calm and relaxing atmosphere that you feel sorry to leave.

Hubby d.'s meal. I believe it is called the Wahini Burger? I may be wrong though. It had the same delicious chicken I had in my meal, with sweet & yummy onions and a side of regular and sweet potato fries - mmm mmm.

erin d.'s meal. I get the Kanack Attack Sampler. It only costs around $16 and it is my lunch, dinner, and lunch the following days. It has their 3 most popular entrées - yummy yummy steak, magical chicken, and smoked pulled pork (couldn't remember the proper names of the steak and chicken). Along with your choice of fries or sautéed veggies, and stacks of coconut infused rice - oh mama. Don't like leftovers (weirdo)? Ask for a half plate at a lower price. They can do this on most of their dishes.

Any who know hubby d. know that he is a stingy guy when it comes to money (especially when it comes to eating out - one of my FAVORITE things to do). I had been to Ono's once or twice before, but this was his first time and he was a little hesitant (I think he thought everything was going to taste like pineapple). Once we had arrived I asked hubby d. if we could get appetizers. He was hesitant, but agreed. After eating the appetizers he was stoked for the main dish. After we'd eaten (what we could of) our meal and before the waiter came back I asked "Do you think we could get dessert?" he didn't even hesitate. This was the first time ever in our nearly 5 years of marriage that we got an appetizer, main course (that we didn't split-and easily could have) aaand dessert. There were several to choose from. I asked the waiter what his favorite was and he recommended this coconut cake (again it also has a prettier name than that). After all the food we had just eaten, this was PERFECT. It was so light and so tasty (and yes we did split dessert, but I could have eaten it all myself!). Mmm mmm.

So there you have it, a phenomenal, little out of the ordinary, very reasonably priced place to eat in Boise for Valentines Day. Oh and for all you sushi buffs out there, know that they also serve variety of sushi. I'm not a huge sushi fan, but if it's anything like their other dishes, it'll make your tastebuds' year. Know that on Fridays they have a lunch & dinner buffet and have hula dancers in the evening (ooo la la). Get out and get some and then tell me "you were right", just like hubby d. did the rest of the evening. Aloha!