our friday shoot-out!

This last "Black Friday" (day after Thanksgiving), I met up with my photographer friend Megan Clouse in downtown Petaluma to photograph each other. We've been trying for months to get together to exchange portraits, but who has time during the wedding season? So it was great to finally take the time to do it, although freezing and grey outside.
I must admit, I was pretty nervous beforehand - I am getting so unused to being in front of the camera! What a hypocrite, right? But she did a great job at putting me at ease, and I was soon hamming it up and feeling less silly (even when tons of passersby were staring at us).
She also made a great subject - very pretty and very patient.

Here are some of my favorite shots of her:











What fun! The sunlight was softly diffused through tons of grey clouds and that pretty wintery sun was just barely poking through all the clouds to give us a nice bit of glow. You wouldn't ever mistake these photos for summertime shots at the beach, but there's something so lovely about that winter light - there's a cheerfulness in the gloom. And that's coming from me, a virtual winter-phobe! (please note: I am okay with New England winters because a. I never had to actually live there through them during the worst months (Jan and Feb) and b. they keep it like 90 degrees inside. Also c., the snow has magical powers to make everything beautiful, as well as to remind you that "you can't leave the house without gloves, two sweaters, a huge coat, a hat, a scarf, and boots! What're you, crazy?!" Whereas here in Northern California, I forget (even after 28 years) and say, "I'll just toss on a cardigan". And then freeze. But I digress.)

Anyway, I had a great time with her and can't wait to do it again (a shoot for every season, eh?). We both learned a lot in front of and behind the camera, and got great shots for our portfolios and websites.

Then I popped over to my folks' house - they were out of town but my "baby" brother was dogsitting - and saw this beautiful little spot. I dragged Austin outside away from his drum practice and made him switch off with me. What a lovely day!