Erin Conrad Photography

January: According to My iPhone

2012-02-06T17:22:00.002-06:00

What a crazy spring-like winter we've been having in these parts lately. I'm not really quite sure what to think of it except to say that I LOVE it. The blue skies, the white puffy clouds, the brisk walks - it's quite perfect for this Okie who is used to much colder temperatures this time of year. I'm not even sure I've worn a coat, just sweaters and scarves, and the occasional donning of flip flops.

So here we go, life lately according to the ol' phone...

The colors of the rainbow.

2012-01-26T17:42:00.003-06:00

I've been listening to U2 more than normal lately which honestly isn't saying much since they are always in the rotation of music floating through my ears. However, I recently watched an interview that Bono and the Edge did with Elvis Costello on the show, Spectacle. It was beyond inspiring. I really can't even begin to describe how beautiful it was. Anyway, now I'm off topic. My point was I've been listening to U2 more than normal lately and oftentimes there are specific lyrics I just can't seem to get out of my head.

"after the flood all the colors came out..."

"I will not forsake the colors that you bring..."

"let's see colors that have never been seen..."

Color has always been something that I've connected to. And there's rarely a color that I don't just love. So on that subject, I put together a post with the colors of the rainbow. Remember, ROY G. BIV? You're in luck because I do, too!

Happy day to you!

Classic.

2012-01-13T16:51:00.003-06:00

I found this little gem from last fall while going through pictures today. It made me smile. The only real surprising thing about this photo is that I'm not making the same face as my dad.

Today.

2012-01-09T17:14:00.002-06:00

It's been a rough one. The kind we all have here and there. I just needed a little something to make me smile. Husband took this Polaroid of me just hanging out in the ocean back in September.

Also, a friend sent me this. It did the trick as well.

Here's hoping your Monday was better than mine! Thank goodness tomorrow is a new day.

Hugs.

Sneak Peek Sunday!

2012-01-08T18:17:00.002-06:00

Recently, Tracy and I took off on a photo adventure in her 1959 Chevrolet Biscayne. 2012 was knocking on the door and was promising to be a big year for her - major birthday and landmark anniversary. She wanted to do this shoot as much for herself as for her husband. I'm just glad I was along for the ride.

I call this week's Sneak Peek Sunday the Legs Edition. Hers go on for days and days.

A Timeline: Sophia

2012-01-07T07:00:00.000-06:00

It's no secret that I'm a huge fan of my returning clients. In the past year and a half I've had the honor of photographing the beautiful Sophia on five different occasions. Five! Each time has been so much fun - even the time I knelt right down into some dog doo in the middle of the park (thank God for moms who always have baby wipes within reach!). Apparently if I'm not falling out of canoes and teepees, I find myself falling into other messes. Literally.

So here's the pretty girl from age 3 months to 18 months. And what a doll she is!

The First Look.

2012-01-06T07:00:00.001-06:00

When meeting with my brides prior to the wedding one of the questions I always ask is if they'd like to do a "First Look" with the groom prior to the ceremony. This option has many benefits and I wanted to take some time to explain what they are here on the blog. Keep in mind, I completely understand if the bride and groom choose not to do a First Look. Only a handful of my brides have actually chosen to do so. Either way is perfect for me - just as long as they are doing what makes them happy!

(Isn't she stunning?!)

Okay, so the First Look is when the bride and groom see each other prior to the ceremony usually in a more intimate setting allowing them some alone time. During this time, they are able to really take each other in and let the craziness of the day melt away. Sometimes these moments are the only part of the day that aren't a complete blur for the bride and groom!

After the initial look, we usually take about 10-15 minutes for just bride and groom photos and then wedding party photos. We do this now instead of waiting until after the ceremony. With Chris and Nena (see below), we also did all family pictures prior to the ceremony as well. This gave them the chance to go straight to the reception and start enjoying their guests (and the beer Chris had brewed!).

Here's a peek into Chris and Nena's First Look:

December: According to My iPhone

2012-01-05T07:00:00.001-06:00

I mentioned last month I'm obsessed with the Instagram app on my iPhone. So much so that if you see me on my phone and I look very busy you can probably bet I'm either looking at pictures from other people's feeds or editing my own. It's an addiction, really.

I'm working on a project right now where I've printed out my favorite Instagrams from 2011 to hang on my fridge. I have a stack of 104 images sitting on my kitchen table waiting for their new home. See? Addicted.

I've even decided to do a picture a day for the year 2012. I don't think it was much of a decision since that's pretty much what I do anyway. Only now with intentionality.

The derivative of my love definitely comes from my passion for Polaroids. And the fact it's on my phone? No brainer. So here we go, life as I knew it for the month of December. (I apologize if this is too many images, I'm not even posting all that I took!)

Are you on Instagram? Find me so I can find you! My username is @erinconrad.

2011 Review: 12 Images for 12 Months

2012-01-04T07:00:00.004-06:00

My days and nights lately have been full of planning, dreaming, setting goals and pushing forward. Journals are being filled, post-it notes scattered and sharpies are beginning to run dry. It feels good - good to know where we're headed, good to know where we've been.

In looking back, I decided to chose one picture for each month even though it was hard to narrow it down to just 12 images. From January to December this year was a wild ride. And I wouldn't trade it for the world.

January started with a little attitude.

February blanketed our city with snow.

March began the season of weddings. I adore my brides.

April is a perfect time for outdoor photo shoots. My friend, Lisa, has three boys and on their six month birthdays she has dressed them in these overalls and we've gone to Woodward Park for a photo shoot. This is her baby.

May found me on the road for my annual Okie Road Trip.

In June, my sister and I flew to Seattle to see my brother. This is Pike's Peak and a summary of how I felt as we threaded our way through the crowds.

In July, I hugged David Gray. Pretty sure that's all I need to say.

August was a day trip to Springfield with a new friend where I met an old blog crush.

In September these clients-turned-friends got hitched. I was there with my camera.

October was totally for lovers.

November brought us 11/11/11 also known as the BEST.DAY.EVER. And I never do that period thing in between words so you know it had to be good.

December was a magical time of being together with the ones we loved. And also making all our Christmas gifts!

Thanks for looking back with me. If you did the same on your blog, leave me a comment or link.

And here's to goals being met, dreams being fulfilled in 2012!

For the record books.

2012-01-03T14:48:00.004-06:00

My first and last shoots of 2011 were ones I won't ever forget. Thanks to an unseasonably warm day in January and an inspiring night of watching Wes Anderson films, the year started like this:

And then thanks to an unseasonably warm day in December and the insatiable desire to style a shoot (plus, filmmaker friends that are up for anything), the year ended like this:

Thank you, 2011, for being so freaking awesome!

Twenty Eleven.

2011-12-31T17:32:00.006-06:00

It was a year of stepping into the sea. Of drinking wine. And coffee. It was the year of the best conversations over both. It was the year for celebrating 10 years with my favorite person on this planet and making creme brulee for the first time ever.

It was the year of becoming addicted to Instagram and Mad Men. And being okay with little people stealing my heart. It was the hottest of lost summer days and a Brad Pitt movie about baseball that somehow overwhelmed my entire being. Then it was standing by the ocean and feeling it all over again.

It was being inspired by Wes Anderson. And welcoming back clients time after time as I watched their little ones grow. It was letting old songs find new memories. It was always believing. Of finding colors and capturing life.

It was the year of coming back, but not looking back. Of pushing restart on brand new dreams that have always been inside me. It was a bride becoming a friend, the best day ever, and a journey to see the one of us who lives in another state. It was rivers and roads and a church service in Seattle with 75,000 other people who were all longing for where the streets have no name.

It was a year that felt like hallelujah for the first time in a long time.

It was a head full of doubt followed by a road full of promise.

It was learning to sigh no more.

Source: google.com via Erin on Pinterest

Certainly, it was a celebration of together.

It was feeling it all - the hurt, the pain - then letting the happiness outweigh the rest.

It was the year 2011 and now it's time to do it all over again.

Except different.

Aaron, Justine and Luna.

2011-12-29T16:18:00.003-06:00

We did this shoot a couple of months back and it was rather cold outside so it lasted only about 15 minutes. The good news is that I didn't fall out of a canoe. Quite uneventful in that regard. But their blue eyes are the furthest thing from uneventful you can imagine.

A favorite.

2011-12-07T12:45:00.003-06:00

It doesn't matter if it's 115 degrees out or only 15 degrees. I choose light for the win. Its glory surrounds all year round.

Stars, hide your fires.

2011-11-30T16:08:00.002-06:00

The entire album is amazing, but this song does it for me every single time.

At 3:03 in the video, you must find yourself outside with a clear view of the sky above you or your windows must be rolled down and your arms flung out and if neither of those are possible (especially seeing how you will most likely be watching this on a computer) just be ready to let your soul do some soaring.

I'm obsessed with Instagram.

2011-11-29T18:51:00.002-06:00

It's like a whole new world has opened up for me. And since my iPhone is always on me, a scroll through my pictures basically will sum up my life for the moment in time.

This moment in time is November 2011. It's been a good, good month. I'm just asking that it finish with the same eagerness and ease with which it started.

Yes, please.

2011-11-29T14:40:00.003-06:00

One of my favorite things is when I finish a shoot and my client says, "I hope you got some good ones. We're not a very photogenic family at all." I smile and nod and attempt to dispel this silly notion with my words. They don't believe what I'm saying which honestly is fine because a few days later I get to hand them pictures that look like these. And then? Then they believe.

Adore.

2011-11-23T17:18:00.003-06:00

There are little people in my life that I simply adore. The hugs, the smiles, the open arms. I am thankful to be able to catch a glimpse of life in their sparkling eyes.

Call it what it is.

2011-11-21T22:28:00.002-06:00

Bribery.

Jennifer & Roc: Tulsa State Fair Day After

2011-11-21T07:00:00.002-06:00

I have been wanting to do a photo shoot at the State Fair for a really long time - I can't even tell you how long - so when Jennifer suggested it for their shoot the day after their wedding, I was beyond thrilled. Apparently dreams really do come true! And the State Fair did not disappoint. It was as magical as ever - mostly thanks to these two. They definitely made it sparkle.

Head Shot: A Definition

2011-11-19T13:54:00.005-06:00

Conventional we refuse to be. So much so that the first attempt at this photo shoot had me ending up at the bottom of the pond after falling out of the canoe. I stayed on land after that only to then wind up sinking into quicksand. Insert some witty phrase about sacrifice making it all worth it. Because it's true. And I wouldn't have it any other way.

Thank you Aaron for redefining head shots with me and especially for not bursting into laughter as the canoe tipped over. It's a good thing I'm a fan of good stories.

So what do you think? Could he double for Jason Bateman or Ewan McGregor?

I'm thinking maybe both.

I believe the light that shines on you will shine on you forever.

2011-11-17T08:58:00.002-06:00

Today is my dad's birthday. Today he turns 62. Today I will kiss his cheek and tell him thank you. Today we will celebrate one of the greatest men I know.

Happy Birthday, Dad!

Doin' just fine.

2011-11-16T19:35:00.002-06:00

Happy Birthday, Oklahoma!

Road full of promise.

2011-11-01T12:32:00.001-05:00

Decide what to be and go be it.

It's a beautiful day!

2011-10-29T16:32:00.001-05:00

Let's change the world.

Black & White Wednesday!

2011-10-26T17:11:00.004-05:00

Dang, I have beautiful friends. What you can't see here is that they're British, too. That totally just upped their cool factor didn't it?

I know.

PS - Black & White Wednesday is back in the game!

They don't call it the "golden hour" for kicks and giggles.

2011-10-24T15:55:00.003-05:00

However, let's be honest. Hour is used very loosely here - it's more like 20 minutes.

Either way, Nena totally rocked it!

Life is the road.

2011-10-18T15:41:00.003-05:00

Already this high school senior has traveled the world. I hope her passion for experiencing new cultures and new people only grows as she takes off on a new journey in less than a year. There's nothing quite like being on the road or in the sky, connecting to your core and living more alive than ever before.

On that note, I kind of wish I was in California right now. Or Denver. Either would do, really.

Free as birds.

2011-10-17T13:44:00.002-05:00

The perfect shade of dreamy.

2011-10-05T16:40:00.003-05:00

Lately I've been spending a lot of time at my favorite coffee shop in town. I'm guessing a coffee a day equals out to paying rent for office space, (you'll note this is how I justify spending money on my latest daily addiction) so basically we've just set up shop at the Coffee House on Cherry Street. I don't even have to tell them my ridiculous drink anymore - iced vanilla latte, triple shot, skinny - they just ask if I want the usual. That's when you know you've arrived.

You really know you've arrived when you make friends with the other regulars, like this guy, Jeff.

And then your new friend goes to a garage sale, finds an amazing SX-70 Polaroid camera, thinks of you and buys it. I was speechless when he told me he found something I might like.

It takes dreamy pictures like this.

Yes, please.

I think I'm in love.

There will be days like this.

2011-09-15T21:38:00.002-05:00

These two got married by the ocean.

Tomorrow I will see the ocean.

I'm one happy girl.

These two make the sun shine.

2011-08-25T15:00:00.002-05:00

Winners!

2011-08-22T12:16:00.002-05:00

So 4 people guessed correctly to the little Mad Men Trivia post I did last week. Here are the winners:

Carissa
Kate
Sarah
Kelly

Ladies, feel free to check out my online gallery of images. You are welcome to pick out an image and I will mail you a 5x7 print. Just let me know which image you want and your home address by emailing me at erinconrad@gmail.com. Thanks for playing!

PS - These are all blogs worth following.

PPS - Is it lunch time yet?

Finding clarity.

2011-08-22T11:19:00.004-05:00

That's what I'm doing these days.

Road trip tips for the rambling soul inside all of us...

2011-08-16T12:49:00.004-05:00

#1 - Travel with a friend who is totally willing to be your subject in spontaneous photo shoots on the side of the road.

#2 - Useful maps are for the faint of heart. It's better to know that you're somewhere in North America and just go from there.

#3 - You can never have too many cameras.

#4 - Eat at establishments suggested by locals. We found out about Aviary Cafe and Creperie through Elsie's blog. It was a delightfully charming place with delicious food. I'm counting on Kasey to recreate the crepe for me someday.

#5 - Go often! And when you do, let me know. It makes my heart happy when I know others who love being on the road as much as I do :)

Mad Men trivia time!

2011-08-11T09:57:00.003-05:00

It seems that Mad Men is the show on everyone's lips these days. So much so that the boutique we visited in Springfield, MO had their own racks full of dresses inspired by the ladies of the show.

So we played dress up!

And here's where you come in. A special prize awaits the person who can accurately tell me who Kasey is depicting in each image below.

Wanna play? Here we go...

#1

#2

#3

Post your guesses in the comment section. I'll announce a winner sometime later. Fun!

Elsie!

2011-08-10T16:32:00.007-05:00

So I mentioned I had a celebrity blogger crush. Her name is Elsie Larson and she is simply fabulous! I've been following her for at least 5 or so years. I honestly don't know how long it's been. I think hers was the first blog I ever followed religiously. She was a scrapbooker and so was I. Then she started her own line of scrapbook stuff and I was hooked. I love her style - so fresh and beautiful and inspiring.

Anyway, last week my friend Kasey and I ventured to Springfield, MO to visit Elsie's vintage boutique - she has since moved on from just scrapbooking to owning her own little shop. It's called Red Velvet and it's a little inspiration cloud of prettiness straight from heaven. When I met her, I completely stumbled over my words and acted the fool. So silly but so true. I'm just glad she was sweet and gracious and even let me take a picture of her tattoo that I adore.

So there you go. It seems I just continue to embarrass myself on this here blog but it's okay. Elsie is totally worth it.

I even tried Bubble Tea. I really wanted to like it but it's definitely not my cuppa. I can't get over the texture. Makes me cringe just thinking about it!

But this peanut butter cupcake was delicious!

See! See! I met her! And isn't that tattoo amazing?

We love you, Springfield!

PS - If you're in to Mad Men then I have some trivia coming your way later this week. Elsie's shop features different racks of dresses to match the personalities of the Mad Men girls. Kasey played dress up and I took pictures!

If only love could be the cure for cancer.

2011-08-09T19:38:00.004-05:00

I have debated on whether or not I wanted to post these pictures. Actually, I don't mind posting the pictures. It's the story that is hard to tell.

And since I wrote that first paragraph, I have started, deleted and started again countless times.

They say a picture is worth a thousand words. This is the thousand words where we remember him, we let go and then cling tightly to one another...

Family loves = happiness.

2011-08-08T16:31:00.004-05:00

It's no secret that as McCammons we love our traditions. I'm probably the biggest offender of us all when it comes to carrying out past memories made. If I had it my way I'd probably still be sleeping in the same bed as my big sister on Christmas Eve listening for the reindeer's hooves on the rooftop while my big brother was curled up on a pallet on the floor. So yeah, I like traditions.

One of the best ones we have is taking yearly pictures of all 4 grandsons with my parents. We've missed on occasion but are right on point this year.

I adore these memories and these people. They make this planet a better place to live and I could not be more grateful to have them in my life and in my heart.

I'm seriously hoping this one makes it on the Christmas card.

Sneak Peek Sunday!

2011-08-07T20:32:00.003-05:00

I have tons to share this week and lots more photos that are begging to be taken. I'm feeling inspired and adventurous. Tomorrow morning I'm collaborating over coffee with a fellow photographer and I'm counting on magic. In the meantime, here's a legitimate sneak peek of what's going to be on the blog this week.

Not your traditional family portraits.

A one day road trip that was more than magical. It was dreamy.

My fellow traveler who thinks she's not photogenic. Uh, whatever. I'm glad I can now prove her wrong - or rather SHE can prove herself wrong.

A haunted house. There's big news surrounding this house. Big news I say.

A day we always remember.

Plus lots, lots more. Like meeting my blogger celebrity crush and my favorite tattoo ever. But that's all for now. See you sooooon!

xoxo,
E

Praying for this.

2011-08-04T16:41:00.001-05:00

Timing is everything.

2011-08-01T23:02:00.003-05:00

Wait for it, wait for it...

There it is!

Wait for it, wait for it...

There it is!

Wait for it, wait for it...

There it is!

Sneak Peek Sunday!

2011-07-31T17:06:00.002-05:00

Now THIS is a good time.

Boys will be boys.

2011-07-27T16:42:00.002-05:00

I'm just glad they're my boys.

Collecting Life.

2011-07-23T15:03:00.005-05:00

I feel guilty for even admitting this but I used to collect beanie babies. Shameful I know. But now? Now I collect things that make life worth living.

I collect places I want to go...

and places I do go.

I collect dreams as big as the Oklahoma sky...

and music to soothe my soul.

Some of my collections are memories to hang on the wall...

and others are alphabetized memories of days gone by.

I collect places where everyone knows my name...

and the best people this life has to offer.

It's a lot more fun collecting life than it ever was collecting beanie babies. And cheaper too ;)

Happy weekend from the smartest one in our family! She knows the secret to surviving the heat.

XO,
E

The One Where I Stop Complaining.

2011-07-21T16:13:00.003-05:00

I seriously can't seem to get over this heat. It's all I can think about and talk about. And by talk I mean complain. Extensively.

So in an honest effort to stop being such a whiner, I've compiled a picture from each month this year so far to remind me why it is I love this state. Because I can't keep being a hater to Oklahoma. It's just not me.

January - this is Luna. Her family is one of the best things to happen to me this year. Luna and I share the same birthday.

February - this is Abbey and we like donuts and spontaneous photo shoots, like this one.

March - this is the redbud, my beloved Oklahoma's state tree.

April - this is Stephany and Jeff and they wanted to pose with the OU flag behind them. And to this I say, yes.

May - this is Pop's and was taken on my Okie Road Trip. Now this looks refreshing!

June - this was the day husband and I stole away to the lake just the two of us.

And July - this is Luna's dad (you know, the girl with the red balloon) and he stood there and took this like a champ.

I really do have amazing friends. Friends like this guy who still have shrapnel in his body from fighting for our freedom in a desert where he almost lost his life.

Yep, I'm done complaining.

This one is gold.

2011-07-18T18:01:00.002-05:00

My mom and I used to always sing this song:

Make new friends
But keep the old
One is silver
And the other's gold

And now at age 32 I feel like I have a really good idea why she taught me that.

This one here, she's gold. And I'm thankful she'll forever be in my life regardless of the hundreds of miles that always seem to keep us separated.

Sneak Peek Sunday!

2011-07-17T15:53:00.002-05:00

My friend, the actor:

Similar to peanut butter and chocolate.

2011-07-15T15:48:00.003-05:00

Gypsies and clouds.

(for 'roid week)

Avery.

2011-07-14T16:49:00.003-05:00

I'm not lying about this friends with cute kids thing I keep saying. I offer Miss Avery as proof yet again.

I love this time of year.

2011-07-12T16:53:00.002-05:00

It's an easy time to make some serious memories.

Sweet Summertime.

2011-07-12T16:42:00.003-05:00

Just when I thought it was never going to rain again - it did. And for ten minutes I stood outside letting it fall down on me. It was glorious.

My friends have the cutest kids.

2011-07-07T16:25:00.001-05:00

Told you so.

A suggestion of summer.

2011-07-06T17:27:00.005-05:00

Remember when the ground was frozen solid and all we could talk about was when spring would swap the snow for leaves? Summer was barely even a suggestion back then - a distant thought. Now it has taken over our lives and invaded our very cores. It tends to make every day a little hazy but you'll still find me soaking it in and doing my best not to gripe and complain about the heat - the suffocating heat. (See how I did that. Smooth, I know. I couldn't help myself. It was either suffocating or stifling - you choose.)

Dear Nashville,

2011-07-05T16:05:00.005-05:00

It has become my custom to write each city I visit a little note. I have done this now for New York City and Seattle. And while you may not be my favorite, you are home to the most amazing popsicle I've ever tasted. For that, Music City, I love you. There were other things too of course, but with this heat all I can think about is the way you seduced me with that refreshing frozen treat - mine was avocado flavored.

PS - next time I expect you to make me a friendship bracelet. Because I'm sure by then we'll be BFFs.

Shut up.

2011-07-01T00:13:00.000-05:00

I'm not even lying right now.

Best night EVER.

Scotty.

2011-06-30T10:17:00.002-05:00

She spent 7 months in South Africa and she came home with a new energy on life. It was refreshing and inspiring to be in her presence. There's something about the people in your life that you've known forever. It feels like home when they are around.

PS - I do not condone smoking. It just happens to be super fun to photograph.

Yeah, yeah, yeah!

Speaking of road trips.

2011-06-28T08:00:00.000-05:00

I leave Wednesday morning for Nashville. We have traveled to Dallas, Denver and Kansas City to see David Gray in concert. Now I will be able to add Nashville to that list.

I can't wait to be on the road. It gives me life. Ignites my soul. It might just be where I belong. Free as a bird.

So in honor of my upcoming journey, I bring you the latest road trip I took last month with my dear friend. We traveled Route 66 from Tulsa to Oklahoma City. We meandered our way through towns I didn't even knew existed. We found the local Cue and Brew and played our hearts out on the jukebox. Usually we do a mini road trip like this just once a year. However, we're taking it up a notch in 2011 and plan on going again in the fall.

Yes.

Margo & Reid: Wedding

2011-06-27T13:03:00.003-05:00

She likes pink. He likes her. It was a fabulous wedding of the highest proportion.

Needing you something fierce.

2011-06-22T17:25:00.006-05:00

I'm positively crazy about Oklahoma. And this image of sunshine and clouds makes me fabulously happy.

But if I don't see this soon my insides are going to dry up. Fact.

Happy First Day of Summer!

2011-06-21T10:49:00.002-05:00

I want a sno cone.

10 years together.

2011-06-16T07:45:00.001-05:00

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

I'm with you.

What do you say we shoot for 10 more while we're at it?

Dear Seattle...

2011-06-15T16:49:00.005-05:00

You might just be my favorite city I've ever visited. You teased me 1995, wooed me in 2000 and stole my soul in 2011. I wasn't even ready to come home. You are beautiful, forgiving, transparent and most of all absolutely perfect. I will see you again. Hopefully sooner rather than later. It doesn't hurt that you hold my brother and nephew in the palm of your hand. And since you do, here's to you and here's to me. Best of friends we will always be.

Tulsa Tough.

2011-06-13T13:10:00.003-05:00

I got to see some of the races on Friday night before it started pouring but didn't get to take any pics. And my allergies kept me inside for most of the rest of the weekend. However, I was able to snap this while doing a photo shoot early Saturday morning.

Tulsa Tough is pretty freakin' cool. And bikes are fun to photograph.

I took Seattle by storm. And by storm I mean iPhone.

2011-06-09T17:26:00.003-05:00

It was an amazing trip. One I will never forget. Here's a sneak peek through the lens of my iPhone and the photo app Camera+. Love that thing.

PS - it was mid 70s and sunny all week. I was in Seattle for 5 days and didn't so much as sniff a drop of rain. Crazy like woah I tell you.

We thought we had a five hour layover. Turned out it was only 3 1/2. Turned out we didn't have time to eat dinner.

There's that Seattle sun I was bragging about.

We took a boat. To see this boy. His smile made my heart do the same.

Emo cookies. Yep.

MOUNTAIN! That's what my brother yelled at us every day. It's okay. I got him back by yelling SPACE NEEDLE every time I saw it.

And so it began. The epic night of crossing something off the bucket list. However, I want to keep crossing it off. I can't live just seeing U2 once. Nope. It must happen again.

In one word - magic.

I know. I'm a little absurd. But come on! It's U2 people. U2.

View from where I stood for six hours. View from my brother's balcony. Both were breathtaking.

Best store ever. Watson Kennedy. I bought a friend an old wooden tennis racket handle that had a bottle opener attached to it. Brilliant.

Birthday breakfast with the sister. Or sisTERRRR as we sometimes say.

My brother lives here. It truly is wonder(bread)ful.

I also took Seattle by Polaroid. Some of my favorite Polaroids I've ever taken are in that pile. Just need to scan and upload. Can't wait to share!

Rachel & Joel: Wedding

2011-06-03T11:32:00.002-05:00

I love watching couples that thoroughly enjoy one another. Weddings tend to be stressful affairs - as I'm sure you've heard - but with these two you never would have even known they had a care in the world other than saying "I do". They were there to have the time of their life. And that they did. Together.

A trip down Abbey Road.

2011-06-01T23:55:00.007-05:00

"...because the only people for me are the mad ones, the ones who are mad to live, mad to talk, mad to be saved, desirous of everything at the same time, the ones who never yawn or say a commonplace thing, but burn, burn, burn like fabulous yellow roman candles exploding like spiders across the stars..."
-Jack Kerouac

This lovely friend of mine had her first art show tonight and without saying a word, she let the world into her soul.

I bought two pieces. Because it was in those two pieces, she let my soul into her world.

This one was entitled Highway 75. How could I resist my favorite highway?

You can see all of her work here or you can go downtown Tulsa to Joe Momma's and check it out in person.

Proud of you, Abbey.

Bri & Scott: Wedding Sneak Peek!

2011-06-01T11:13:00.002-05:00

I have never seen a couple so utterly enthralled with one another as these two.

Love makes me happy.

More to come soon!

The road trip.

2011-05-21T08:58:00.003-05:00

For me, there is nothing quite like a road trip. It delights the senses and heals the soul. Even a mini road trip from Tulsa to Oklahoma City can find its place in the magical realm. As long as you stay off the turnpike that is.

So today, we take to the road.

It's always been the little things.

2011-04-26T15:53:00.003-05:00

Like an album that's been on repeat for over 3 months.

A chapstick that always puts a soothing smile on my face. I never leave home without it.

Or a spontaneous donut date with a friend who starts drinking chocolate milk and can't stop. I literally can see it fill up her eyes. Literally.

Sometimes the big things hurt too much. So, for me, it's always been the little things.

The Restless Ribbon.

2011-04-23T16:30:00.003-05:00

My good friend and fellow OU football lover, Stephany, is engaged and getting married this summer. I took this picture of her with her fiance, Jeff, at one of their favorite Tulsa spots - Brookside. I'm fairly certain all of Tulsa was eating breakfast on the Restless Ribbon this morning but that didn't stop us from running out in the middle of the street!

Feeling thankful.

2011-04-13T13:33:00.003-05:00

Thankful for life and the beauty that surrounds it. Thankful for dreams and the growing journey inside of it. Just thankful.

The Redbud.

2011-03-25T12:18:00.004-05:00

It's no secret on this blog that Oklahoma has pretty much stolen my heart. And if you need more evidence as to just how hard I keep falling, I present to you the Oklahoma State Tree - the Redbud - of the Tulsa variety.

I'm bound to think that today is practically perfect in every way. This moment of warm sun and blue skies breathes life into my soul. I hope it does the same for you and that today you feel inspired to live, create and breathe exactly as you were meant to be.

Newness. On a sidewalk.

2011-03-21T20:40:00.000-05:00

Black & White Wednesday

2011-02-23T19:54:00.006-06:00

My sister loves my hair. She's always so quick to compliment me and not-so-secretly wish that she had a head of thick hair like mine. What she may not realize is that I not-so-secretly wish I had her eyes. They are amazing and if you look long enough, they just might melt your soul.

Maybe we should both be thankful to have a built in fan club. After all, isn't that what sisters are for?

Winnebago lovin'.

2011-02-19T11:10:00.003-06:00

We were out running an errand. We were working, okay. And we just happened to stumble upon this amazing Winnebago and I just happened to have my camera. It was like it was meant to be.

Seriously, if I don't take a road trip soon my insides are going to dry up!

Rio.

2011-02-18T10:16:00.002-06:00

This red-haired, blue-eyed girl frequents our office. And one day I couldn't take it anymore, I just had to snap some photos. Her mama was happy to oblige.

Begin melting...now!

PS - Yeah, so about that daily blogging thing - I started getting messages that prompted me to get back on the ball. Sometimes life just gets in the way, ya know? And sometimes that's a-okay. Or is it o-akay?

The colors of my day look like this:

2011-02-12T14:57:00.003-06:00

For months I've been dying to do some sort of street art, I'm just not sure what it is yet. In the meantime these pics are taped to the brick wall outside of Joe Momma's. Weird, I know. But you don't get it, I HAD to do something. And it had to be today.

PS - I watched "Exit Through the Gift Shop" last night. Inspiring to say the least.

Black & White Wednesday

2011-02-09T17:25:00.002-06:00

Today as I stare out the window I see a blanket of snow covering my world and it has me longing for another place, for an adventurous road trip full of many stops just to stand, stare and shoot. And for the anticipation of the smile of someone you haven't seen in what seems like forever.

Or something along those lines.

The greatest people I know.

2011-02-07T18:31:00.004-06:00

Dear Mom and Dad,

Thanks for choosing each other on this day so many years ago.

You make my world a happier place.

All my lovin',

EG

Super Bowl Sunday!

2011-02-06T15:45:00.003-06:00

I'm trading in Sneak Peek Sunday for Super Bowl Sunday. I'm a football fan, no doubt. But my favorite kind of football is Sooner football. So I reminisced a little bit, dug into the files and came up with some pics from this past fall when me and my peeps enjoyed our front row seats at every OU home game.

Also, word on the street is that I have a friend getting married. And guess where we're doing engagement pics? Yep, Memorial Stadium here we come...

Here are the McCammon girls. We know a good color scheme when we see it.

Seriously, best seats in the house.

I wasn't lying.

Bonus points if you can name those boys in the last picture. I'll give you a hint: I'm a child of the 80's and those boys - well, they were my football heroes back in the day.

It snowed. Again.

2011-02-04T17:31:00.002-06:00

And that's all I have to say about that.

Squeeze your soul.

2011-02-03T17:00:00.003-06:00

There are people in my life whose souls are so beautiful I just want to squeeze them and hope that somewhere in the squeezing process a part of their soul melts onto me. You may or may not know who you are but it wouldn't be out of the norm for me to send a text that says just this, "squeeze your soul."

Yes, I realize that language is dramatic and you can go ahead and make fun of me. It won't be the first or last time someone has when I've made this statement. But I know this - it's true.

And I'm pretty sure I learned this at a young age. My dad is fantastic.

PS - On a semi-related note, has anyone seen the movie Cold Souls? Fascinating concept. Plus, Paul Giamatti equals brilliance.

Black & White Wednesday

2011-02-02T14:06:00.003-06:00

Alright, here we go.

I'm starting a regular feature here called Black & White Wednesday. I'll post some of my favorite black and white photos and pull from others that have inspired me. I usually am drawn to color but there are days when only black and white will do. We'll just go ahead and call those days, Wednesday.

I took the following images during my saturated with color "Wes Anderson" shoot. However, they looked best in black and white.

Now I'm itching to get outside and take pics in the snow. Snow!

PS - that's two posts in one day. I'll refer back to this later in the month when I miss a day. Just putting that out there :)

Snow My Gosh.

2011-02-02T10:18:00.003-06:00

Apparently, Punxsatawney Phil did NOT see his shadow this morning. You know what that means, right?

Spring is on its way!

February.

2011-02-01T18:06:00.002-06:00

In honor of the year's shortest month, I'm going to blog every single day for the next 28 days. I attempted this last year and I'm pretty sure I only missed one day out of the month. Now you get to hold me accountable. Not sure how I feel about this, but I like a good challenge so here we go!

Up next - my sister's wedding!

PS - thanks for all the kind comments about the post below. I was feeling incredibly inspired during that entire shoot and I am so grateful to have found myself in that space.

My Wes Anderson inspired photo shoot.

2011-01-31T19:16:00.003-06:00

It makes sense to me.

And it reminds me of the amazing weather we had on Saturday which is way better than focusing on the upcoming blizzard everyone keeps talking about.

Sneak Peek Sunday!

2011-01-30T18:22:00.003-06:00

Yesterday was a practically perfect day. Flip flops were worn, Wes Anderson inspired photos were taken and my soul was filled to the brim.

And you can bet there's gonna be more of this girl this week. Hers is a unique soul.

My kind of sunset.

2011-01-27T20:24:00.001-06:00

Our sun may not sink into the ocean or disappear beyond a ridge of mountains but I still think it's worth bragging about.

He is timeless.

2011-01-26T22:20:00.002-06:00

He's also a good sport for pulling the truck over and letting me take his picture as the sun was setting in the Oklahoma sky.

Takin' it slow. Or at least slower.

2011-01-24T22:33:00.003-06:00

Recently, a friend sent me an article about the Slow Photography Movement. Here's an excerpt:

"...the real victim of fast photography is not the quality of the photos themselves. The victim is us. We lose something else: the experiential side, the joy of photography as an activity. And trying to fight this loss, to treat photography as an experience, not a means to an end, is the very definition of slow photography."

As I read this article, I couldn't help but think about this past fall when I followed a family as they enjoyed their day in the park. It was moments of magic. And it was my attempt to slow down and enjoy photography as an experience, not just a means to an end.

It was a top five favorite moment for me in the year 2010. To connect with my friends on a deeper level, to remember what joy feels like to a five year old and to know a magical moment when I'm in it.

It went something like this.

And my family lives in a different state.

2011-01-24T16:48:00.005-06:00

Rivers...

and roads.

Rivers and roads 'til I reach you.

I just got back from seeing my sister in Wichita. Maybe a trip to Seattle to see my brother is in my future?

Focus.

2011-01-12T16:35:00.002-06:00

Focus by definition is "the concentration of attention or energy on something."

Focus.

On something.

This is the journey I'm living.

It means family time.

2011-01-03T20:24:00.004-06:00

You should see my mom and dad's house at Christmas time. Seriously. I wish every single one of you could see it. It's amazing. It's like Christmas exploded in there in the most beautiful and heartfelt way you can imagine. I love knowing that every inch of the house (including the walls) will be covered with our memories of Christmases gone by. Especially on a year when I could barely muster the energy to put up a tree, it's nice being able to count on my mom to deck the halls to the point that would make even Santa jealous.

(Santa?! I know him!)

So I was too busy this year receiving amazing camera related presents to actually take any pictures. So this is what Christmas 2010 looked like for me. And these images will always remind me that this Christmas was a good one. It was time well spent with family. And since my brother wasn't there, I made up for it and heckled my older sister. Someone had to do it.

Don't judge me.

Sneak Peek Sunday!

2011-01-02T19:58:00.003-06:00

This Sneak Peek Sunday is a little different than other ones. First of all, it's been forever since I've done one of these. Well, I'm back. Second of all, this little sneak peek contains the first few photos I've taken on my iPod Touch.

On 1-1-11, we wandered around Beavers Bend State Park and Broken Bow Lake. I was shooting with four different cameras and not a one of them was my Nikon. It felt good to shoot from the hip and not care about things being perfect. Except it was. Perfect, I mean.

Bri & Scott: Engagement

2010-12-21T20:28:00.003-06:00

I met this couple a few months ago and have been anxiously awaiting this shoot. They are amazing and their love is so evident. I can't wait to photograph their wedding day next spring.

Distracted.

2010-12-19T22:31:00.002-06:00

Sometimes I get distracted while on people photo shoots. But I can't help myself.

And I pretty much always think a lily pad looks like a Pac-Man.

All in a day's work.

2010-12-17T19:41:00.004-06:00

Today I photographed specialty drinks for The Max Retropub. And they tasted good. Wait! I mean, they looked good.

So, it was fun and colorful and that's a good thing since I'm a big fan of fun and color.

Marci & Matt: Wedding

2010-11-29T18:48:00.002-06:00

This is a super miniature sneak peek into Marci and Matt's wedding but I just couldn't wait any longer. These two are some of the coolest people I know.

As I go through these images, I can't help but just want to devour all the details.

And then there's this. And this to me is nothing short of timeless.

Enough said.

And magic.

2010-11-22T01:26:00.003-06:00

This week I found it in light.

In color.

And in a girl named Luna.

She blows kisses to the trees as she leaves the park.

You'll see more of her soon. And it won't take you long to figure out why she's so awesome.

Frankie: Senior Portraits

2010-11-19T08:51:00.002-06:00

I love my high school seniors. So full of life. So ready for whatever life is about to throw their way.

Meet Frankie.

Ah! She's adorable.