tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19365450636029172402012-02-28T13:39:53.015-07:00Holly Wolsey Soper Photography. Holly Wolsey photographer. Senior Photography. Natural light photography. Images. Teens. Kids. High School. Poetry. Running. Yoga. Life. Quotes. Investment. Client work. portfolio. gallery. Flickr. Facebook. Windsor. Loveland. Fort Collins. Northern Colorado. Front Range.Holly-girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05149950801716358081noreply@blogger.comBlogger2321100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1936545063602917240.post-63151347090812221952012-02-24T13:13:00.000-07:002012-02-24T13:13:03.836-07:00

this sweet little monkey-girl is our last of three she lost her first front tooth this week and i had the realization that this is the last time we will get to experience this milestone in our little family all these 'lasts' are so bittersweet, aren't they?!?

Holly-girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05149950801716358081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1936545063602917240.post-74724576095502624902012-02-19T22:14:00.002-07:002012-02-19T22:14:42.465-07:00

just a small wish for the universe on a snow day: i want as many of these days with the girls as i can get

Holly-girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05149950801716358081noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1936545063602917240.post-39968354977143629612012-01-30T23:38:00.000-07:002012-01-30T23:38:19.280-07:00

I wanted this session to have a moodier feel to it.  I think we succeeded. Most fun I've had shooting in a loooong time.  Believe me, I really needed that.

Holly-girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05149950801716358081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1936545063602917240.post-69616178788504567662012-01-30T00:06:00.000-07:002012-01-30T00:06:33.571-07:00

Just popping in to post a favorite from the session I'm currently editing. Excited to share the rest.  Soon.

Holly-girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05149950801716358081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1936545063602917240.post-53930886711291813572011-12-31T15:43:00.001-07:002011-12-31T15:43:18.608-07:00

"It's simple, they say, and you too have come into the world to do this, to go easy, to be filled with light, and to shine." {mary oliver} here's hoping you (and I) will do even more of these things in 2012. wishing you the best of the best new year's wishes.

Holly-girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05149950801716358081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1936545063602917240.post-82628763281615036282011-12-26T16:16:00.001-07:002011-12-26T19:59:59.085-07:00

If you were in our home on Christmas day, it would have looked a lot like this. I think we managed to keep Christmas well, dear Scrooge.   May we remember, as you admonished, to honor it in our hearts the whole year long.   

Holly-girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05149950801716358081noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1936545063602917240.post-43728038405835339212011-12-20T10:10:00.001-07:002011-12-20T10:10:59.347-07:00

"love sometimes wants to do us a great favor:  hold us upside down and shake all the nonsense out." ~hafiz among many others, these two really do that for me. love you, brother.  love you, nephew. and the rest of you (you know who you are) that shake all my nonsense out in the name of love.

Holly-girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05149950801716358081noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1936545063602917240.post-1976505220783273942011-12-05T09:36:00.001-07:002011-12-05T09:47:20.934-07:00

Go here to see my image paired with a most beautiful Advent poem. Many thanks to the lovely folks at Salt Project!

Holly-girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05149950801716358081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1936545063602917240.post-46857436423815850132011-11-28T11:36:00.001-07:002011-11-28T11:53:48.771-07:00

This beautiful pregnant woman is a gifted large format photographer. I have seen some of her prints in person and they are truly gorgeous. Hoping to get my girls in front of her lens one of these days.

Holly-girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05149950801716358081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1936545063602917240.post-12208906701747224022011-11-27T11:01:00.001-07:002011-11-27T11:28:25.243-07:00

{Portra 400 film} I had the good fortune of getting together with Kiera as well as meeting a few new photographers (many thanks Leslie & Alisha!) over Thanksgiving break.  I forced myself to shoot film (ya like how I put that?) and I really wished I hadn't because the lab (which I will graciously not name) royally screwed up the developing on both rolls of film I shot.  The color

Holly-girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05149950801716358081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1936545063602917240.post-72261871241879656272011-11-19T11:03:00.001-07:002011-11-19T11:34:29.691-07:00

{Left image:  original digital image; processed with VSCO}              {Right image:  original digital image; PS3 processed} Thank you so much for your feedback on the previous post.  Most people guessed the correct answer:  the film was on the right.   Man, you guys are good!  Above, you can see the comparison between the original digital image processed to look like film and also

Holly-girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05149950801716358081noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1936545063602917240.post-78855878542034012892011-11-16T11:36:00.001-07:002011-11-16T11:53:24.402-07:00

{Which is film and which is digital?  There IS one of both.}  I really love the look of film, but for my current situation, it has more limitations than digital does.  This is one of the reasons I was so intrigued with this new product by VSCO.  Basically, it gives you post-production tools that can be used to make a digital image look more like a film image.  I know, I know ... I can

Holly-girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05149950801716358081noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1936545063602917240.post-40071227029332173122011-11-07T10:15:00.000-07:002011-11-07T10:15:27.365-07:00

{Caroline's first high school dance;  Homecoming 2011} When my children were toddlers, I remember feeling like it was so difficult to get their cooperation when taking pictures of them.  Lets just say that, at that point in my life, I had never had the singular experience of trying to photograph my own teenager.  Sheesh!  'Nuff said.

Holly-girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05149950801716358081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1936545063602917240.post-56293201171901699872011-10-19T09:57:00.001-06:002011-10-19T09:57:58.571-06:00

{rainbow found in my backyard} "... and, above all, watch with glittering eyes the whole world around you,  because the greatest secrets are always hidden in the most unlikely places.   Those who don't believe in magic will never find it." {Roald Dahl}

Holly-girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05149950801716358081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1936545063602917240.post-18782914648846709442011-10-14T13:17:00.001-06:002011-10-14T13:18:07.779-06:00

{Portra 400 film - Nikon N70; all images overexposed 1 stop} Life has been all sorts of crazy so I haven't played with film in awhile, but I was able to make time to do just that a few weeks ago and, thankfully, sweet Brenda was up for humoring me.  Here are some of my observations: 1.  Manual focusing is hard ... aaaand awkward.  Choose a kind and patient

Holly-girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05149950801716358081noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1936545063602917240.post-28237461535102529482011-09-20T14:37:00.001-06:002011-09-20T14:37:43.905-06:00

It was great fun meeting up with Sidney and her mom for this shoot. They were fun, helpful and up for anything.  Love that.  Add them to the list of all the great clients I've gotten to work with this year. A heartfelt thank you to each and every one!   Wishing you a senior year full of GREAT memories, Sidney!

Holly-girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05149950801716358081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1936545063602917240.post-52444425573826734392011-09-13T11:34:00.001-06:002011-09-13T11:36:10.564-06:00

She's smart, athletic and has the most incredibly gorgeous strawberry blonde hair. Add sweet and gracious to the list while you're at it.  Jealous much?  Yeah, me too.    Hope your senior year is the very best, Jeanette!

Holly-girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05149950801716358081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1936545063602917240.post-42903740098964462952011-09-10T10:28:00.000-06:002011-09-10T10:28:50.890-06:00

I've known Ashleigh since she was in elementary school. It's hard to believe that she's now in the full swing of her senior year.  WAAAHH?! She is a seriously lovely person.  For your sake?  I hope you get to meet her some day. She will bless your life much like she has blessed ours.  I'm sure of it.

Holly-girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05149950801716358081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1936545063602917240.post-31907503786406628022011-09-06T18:11:00.000-06:002011-09-08T08:56:15.927-06:00

{at the tippy top of Chimney Rock, NC} has someone reminded you lately to go outside outside of your house outside of your town outside of the reach of your internet connectivity outside of your familiar life outside of your friendship circle and the family that loves you no.matter.what well, if they haven't, i will because i'm sure there's never been a better time to go

Holly-girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05149950801716358081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1936545063602917240.post-33975226021880385832011-08-23T12:17:00.000-06:002011-08-23T12:17:30.441-06:00

Ellie showed up for her session in a dress and heels driving a pick-up truck with a 30 ft. horse trailer attached to it ... by herself, people!  I LOVED the dichotomy in that scenario.  Let's just say it was pretty apparent that this girl is gonna go far in life.

Holly-girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05149950801716358081noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1936545063602917240.post-61149949294995970272011-08-19T17:35:00.000-06:002011-08-19T17:35:33.163-06:00

{my 14 year old - first day of her freshman year} Today was her very first day of high school.  {Eep!}What did I have to do to get the all-important commemorative photos, you ask??Sooooo maybe I had to wait until EVERYONEwas gone for the day.  And I do mean everyone.  And maybe I had to take her photo on the back side of thehigh school instead of the dramatic front entrance so absolutely no

Holly-girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05149950801716358081noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1936545063602917240.post-85944365546591056232011-08-15T23:57:00.001-06:002011-08-16T23:01:35.885-06:00

"Everybody needs beauty as well as bread, places to play in and pray in,where nature may heal and give strength to body and soul."{John Muir} Here's hoping you found just such a place a time or two this summer.I'm oh-so-grateful that I did.  It makes all the difference in the world, doesn't it?!xoxo's,{me}   

Holly-girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05149950801716358081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1936545063602917240.post-33613232504250880222011-08-10T19:09:00.000-06:002011-08-10T19:09:24.018-06:00

{my Lu} a buttery-yellow striped bikinifaded by a summer's worth of water and suna $3 inner tube worth every last pennya dripping cone and dripping haira light dusting of sand coveringher sweetly sun-kissed skin In this, the last week of summer break,I'm loving and already longing forthis very picture of summer.

Holly-girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05149950801716358081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1936545063602917240.post-22791425640528706112011-08-03T09:44:00.002-06:002011-08-03T09:44:00.681-06:00

{Portra 400 film;  Steamboat Springs, CO} Ten years of age.Wearing her very favorite tee.Her camera always at the ready these days.This budding little photographer of mine.Oh, how I love her so.

Holly-girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05149950801716358081noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1936545063602917240.post-82467151791189817752011-07-29T10:01:00.004-06:002011-07-29T10:12:43.627-06:00

    This one time we got up very early to watch a mass launch of hot air balloons.  If I remember correctly they called it a hot air balloon rodeo.  Except?  It was really cold and at times even rainy.  Turns out that is NOT good weather for launching hot air balloons.  This meant that we saw the launch of 3, maybe 4, balloons (but, hey! who's counting?!).  Anyway, not exactly a rodeo of

Holly-girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05149950801716358081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1936545063602917240.post-530981907744309532011-07-25T23:45:00.002-06:002011-07-25T23:50:42.612-06:00

She's darling, no?A very lovely session with an even lovelier girl.Wishing you the BEST senior year, Emily!!

Holly-girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05149950801716358081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1936545063602917240.post-64560820550955560972011-07-22T09:45:00.000-06:002011-07-22T09:45:44.685-06:00

Strangers often mistake these two for siblings when, in fact, they are the sweetest cousins with the sweetest friendship.   Only question is ... WHY do they have to live so far away??

Holly-girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05149950801716358081noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1936545063602917240.post-49714902746582457182011-07-19T09:31:00.002-06:002011-07-19T09:40:03.958-06:00

I think we crammed a whole year's worth of adventure into the last two weeks ... good and bad.  I found these two passed out and curled up together on the floor next to my bed in the morning after we returned from vacation.  As you can see, we're doing our best to catch up on sleep around here ... apparently, wherever we can find it.  

Holly-girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05149950801716358081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1936545063602917240.post-40470003974676531552011-07-11T18:44:00.001-06:002011-07-11T18:45:32.696-06:00

{a picture of my life via instagram} My life as of late:Run.  Coffee.  Bike.  Coffee.  Swim.  Coffee.  Repeat.I'm training for my first open-water swim triathlon and it's wearing me out ... where would I be without artificial stimulants?!  The tri training along with summer schedules and traveling and family health issues and numerous other things I've chosen not to mention ... well?  It's

Holly-girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05149950801716358081noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1936545063602917240.post-30875348162042286912011-07-03T11:52:00.001-06:002011-07-05T08:47:14.872-06:00

Everything is more fun when Lindsey's involved.And don't even get me started on those crazy beautiful red curls.Happy Senior Year, La La La Lindsey!!

Holly-girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05149950801716358081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1936545063602917240.post-75351389873611996112011-06-29T10:58:00.000-06:002011-06-29T10:58:43.286-06:00

I had to stop shooting several times during this shoot because these girls were making me laugh so much.  Since I'm also a mom to three girls, I loved listening to them banter back and forth and good-naturedly tease each other ... just like any good sisters should.  Thank you for a very fun afternoon, ladies!!

Holly-girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05149950801716358081noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1936545063602917240.post-40166426640337419682011-06-25T11:44:00.000-06:002011-06-25T11:44:18.338-06:00

{portrait of me by Kiera Eve Photography; 3200 ISO film} I can always count on her to invite me intoa place of discomfort ... a place where I don't know what I'm doing.I'm uncertain about the outcome and I'm unsure of myself. This also happens to be a place where growth happens.A place where surprising and wonderful thingsabout art and life reveal themselves.A place where I'm reminded why I

Holly-girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05149950801716358081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1936545063602917240.post-29921587271796091192011-06-19T17:59:00.002-06:002011-06-19T18:34:11.534-06:00

{my sweet Dad with his 10th and newest grandchild} In case you're wondering, yes, it's true ... I won the 'Dad Lottery'.  If you knew my Dad, you would know that he is a man of exceptional resilience and perseverance.  A man of unparalleled integrity and honesty.  A generously big-hearted, baby-loving, sweet-to-the-core kind of man.  Not really sure how I got so lucky, but I hope to grow into

Holly-girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05149950801716358081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1936545063602917240.post-51853075204655597682011-06-14T19:03:00.001-06:002011-06-25T10:57:01.288-06:00

{Kodak Portra VC 120 film} These are but two of the many faces of Carter.This boy??  He's mischievous, clever and sweet in the very best of ways.If you knew him?  Trust me, you'd love him to pieces, too.

Holly-girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05149950801716358081noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1936545063602917240.post-71653704527691516412011-06-09T16:08:00.000-06:002011-06-09T16:08:35.995-06:00

{Kodak Portra 120 VC film} She loves babies and toddlers.All things in miniature really.Can you tell??

Holly-girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05149950801716358081noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1936545063602917240.post-7480400601754980132011-06-02T17:15:00.000-06:002011-06-02T17:15:46.792-06:00

{Nikon N70 & Ilford 400 B&W film} As I've mentioned before, I rarely convert my digital images to B&W so I really stepped out of my box to shoot a whole roll of this B&W film {look out, people - I'm a wild and craaaazy gal!}.  I chose this particular film with the 'eenie meenie minie mo' method {very scientific!} so I wasn't quite sure what to expect.  The unretouched images really lacked

Holly-girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05149950801716358081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1936545063602917240.post-54934657685530645142011-06-01T23:17:00.000-06:002011-06-01T23:17:39.097-06:00

{Nikon N70 & Kodak Portra 400 film} I took ballet lessons for years when I was younger and for most of my growing up years, I had big pie-in-the-sky dreams of being a ballerina.  Maybe, just maybe, I was a little obsessed with the whole idea.  However, I can assure you that even after years of training I was never even half as graceful as this beautiful girl so I had to come up with Plan B

Holly-girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05149950801716358081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1936545063602917240.post-13608268926876267832011-05-31T19:07:00.001-06:002011-05-31T20:41:11.429-06:00

{shot with a Nikon N70 and Kodak Portra 400} This shoot was done at three different locations with two types of film so in order to avoid having the world's loooongest post, I've broken them into 3 separate posts.  This beautiful ballerina?  She is also my niece.  She has such an amazing awareness of her body's aesthetic, which is one of the things that makes her such a lovely dancer AND

Holly-girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05149950801716358081noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1936545063602917240.post-30825706314092143472011-05-30T14:40:00.001-06:002011-05-30T18:46:37.483-06:00

{Nikon N70 & Kodak Portra 400} Image overload comin' right up.  This stand-alone image is one of my favorites and just a preview of my first ALL FILM photo shoot.  That's right, folks ... ALL FILM.  The look and feel of these images makes my heart sing.  In a big way.

Holly-girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05149950801716358081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1936545063602917240.post-43691484780192717122011-05-19T09:38:00.001-06:002011-05-22T19:44:59.493-06:00

{My beginner softballer: this is Lily's first season playing on a REAL, LIVE softball team.  Go Team Lily!!!This new beginning of hers?  Captured on Kodak Portra 160 VC with a Nikon N70} Here are a few more images from the first roll of film I've shot in years (nine or ten, maybe?).   Crazy thing is ... it's been so long I've lost count.  I love the look of film {aaah, the softness! the grain!

Holly-girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05149950801716358081noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1936545063602917240.post-32175232815454770272011-05-13T17:19:00.002-06:002011-05-13T17:59:52.920-06:00

Wanna know a secret??  I'm just a little bit proud of myself.  Just a little bit.I've been thinking about shooting some film for oh ... about the past year ... or so.Which reminds me of this fun little Pinterest find that I'm pretty sure was made for me: Source: None via Holly on Pinterest Anywho ... never you mind that it's been on my 'to do' list for such a long time.  I've chosen to focus

Holly-girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05149950801716358081noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1936545063602917240.post-60371199351542561512011-05-08T18:30:00.001-06:002011-05-08T18:31:13.269-06:00

{this image of us by Kiera Eve is one of my hands-down favs} Dear Mom,First- I love this image of us forso many reasons, not the least of whichis how much you can see our physicalresemblance here, because I usuallystruggle to see it at all.{I know, I know ... there are some of you who would say I'm blind!} Second- Any resemblance I bear to you,whether it be physical or otherwise is thehighest

Holly-girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05149950801716358081noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1936545063602917240.post-90417520193668623532011-05-07T22:29:00.000-06:002011-05-07T22:29:55.407-06:00

Today she turned seven.The last seven years with her in them??Straight up magic, y'all.Some people are born with a joy thatinfuses everything they doand everything they are,every day, all the time.This sweetie-sweet is one of them. Happy 7th to my monkey-girl. 

Holly-girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05149950801716358081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1936545063602917240.post-29714381877359448132011-05-02T13:18:00.000-06:002011-05-02T13:18:22.209-06:00

{instagram capture} this bloomingthis late-light warmththis ever blue skythis profusion of spring- nature's very insistenceof all that is Yes! - it is as you would guessmore thanenough xo,{an oh-so-blossom-crazy me}

Holly-girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05149950801716358081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1936545063602917240.post-53368319074690199872011-04-24T23:59:00.000-06:002011-04-24T23:59:37.152-06:00

                                        {film capture - Iowa City; 2000}and{digital capture - Denver; 2011} Days like today have me wonderingwhere on earth does the time go?!

Holly-girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05149950801716358081noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1936545063602917240.post-81504694055290687932011-04-22T10:12:00.000-06:002011-04-22T10:12:13.502-06:00

{just one of their great projects} Love the concept.  Love the message.Really? Why can't I think of projects like this??

Holly-girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05149950801716358081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1936545063602917240.post-47729397363843168692011-04-17T08:34:00.000-06:002011-04-17T08:34:04.114-06:00

Love my girls when they're awake and full of every kind of life there is, but it's the peacefulness of the sleeping hours that allowme to appreciate the wakeful hours that much more.

Holly-girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05149950801716358081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1936545063602917240.post-17081964312183668362011-04-11T14:14:00.000-06:002011-04-11T14:14:37.295-06:00

sometimes life is this bright and beautiful thingand sometimes it's wholly other than this, but, if you're lucky, it's mostlysomewhere in the middle:millions upon millionsof tiny miraclesall cobbled togetherto make a whole xo,{me}

Holly-girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05149950801716358081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1936545063602917240.post-33394282391359496532011-04-07T13:45:00.000-06:002011-04-07T13:45:55.101-06:00

{the sights and sounds of the Mayan Riviera will send you straight to happy in 60 seconds flat ... don't you agree??  worked for me anyway!} Um, yeah ... so that break I took to 'unplug' from blogging and FB??  Pretty much the best thing ever.  Much to my surprise, I ended up taking a more extended break than I originally planned just because I loved it so much.  Here's an analogy that I've

Holly-girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05149950801716358081noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1936545063602917240.post-67125019038203597842011-04-04T09:49:00.000-06:002011-04-04T09:49:17.001-06:00

"I will not die an unlived life.  I will not live in fear of falling or catching fire.  I choose to inhabit my days, to allow my living to open me, to make me less afraid, more accessible, to loosen my heart until it becomes a wing, a torch, a promise.  I choose to risk my significance;  to live so that which comes to me as a seed goes to the next as blossom andthat which comes to me as a

Holly-girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05149950801716358081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1936545063602917240.post-80190031256863869852011-04-01T00:00:00.011-06:002011-04-04T09:55:47.504-06:00

Holly-girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05149950801716358081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1936545063602917240.post-59710476861620043602011-03-09T22:10:00.001-07:002011-04-04T09:53:00.420-06:00

{some of life's great bounty} You know that feeling when you have all this white noise going on in your life and the universe seems to send you the same message over and over and over ... then, all of a sudden, a voice rises above the din and tells you loud and clear the very same thing that you keep hearing on repeat, but, for some inexplicable reason, this time you actually listen?? A few

Holly-girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05149950801716358081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1936545063602917240.post-47047754752200466822011-03-07T10:18:00.002-07:002011-03-31T22:43:52.151-06:00

These images were created for the marketing campaign of a new facial cosmetic surgery practice here in town called About Face.  (Their website is still under construction so I will link to it once the finished product hits the web.)  The concept for this shoot was to create a selection of images that focused pretty exclusively on the face.  Misha was selected to be the model for this

Holly-girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05149950801716358081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1936545063602917240.post-78284001288221904972011-03-05T13:25:00.002-07:002011-03-31T22:44:49.592-06:00

Currently processing the images from this shoot, but I'm so darn impatient that I couldn't resist giving you a teeny tiny preview.  Maybe in my next life I'll be a more patient person.  Hmmm ...  maybe.  'Til then, you get to be the beneficiary of my impatience. Now, aren't you lucky??

Holly-girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05149950801716358081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1936545063602917240.post-55181505526822675902011-03-03T14:14:00.002-07:002011-04-04T09:59:31.702-06:00

"Sometimes I needonly to standwherever I amto be blessed." {Mary Oliver} That Mary Oliver just kills me with her words sometimes.  And I like that feeling.  A lot.

Holly-girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05149950801716358081noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1936545063602917240.post-10860779781851604082011-02-21T15:45:00.001-07:002011-03-29T12:55:54.471-06:00

You might have noticed that I LOVE color images.  Love, love, love 'em.  Try as I may, try as I might, I just don't like my B&W conversions as much as I love my color images.  Here's the weird thing, though ... other photographers black & whites??  LOVE 'em.  I can't really explain this strange discrepancy other than to say that most of the time, black and white images just don't feel like

Holly-girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05149950801716358081noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1936545063602917240.post-37645050467027808022011-02-17T14:24:00.002-07:002011-04-04T10:00:04.750-06:00

{succulents captured with instagram app} "Whether we are poets or parents or teachers or artistsor gardeners, we must start where we are and use what we have.In the process of creation and relationship, what seems mundane and trivialmay show itself to be a holy, precious, part of a pattern." {Luci Shaw} Lately, I've been using the free instagram app to practice seeing things in a new way.  I

Holly-girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05149950801716358081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1936545063602917240.post-61799080704785826682011-02-14T17:52:00.001-07:002011-04-04T10:01:27.516-06:00

Happy LOVE Day to all my loveys {instagram love} but, especially this one. {me and sweets courtesy of Jonathan Canlas}  xo, {me}

Holly-girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05149950801716358081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1936545063602917240.post-81088535310398777382011-02-11T19:06:00.001-07:002011-04-26T13:34:47.920-06:00

One of the many things I love about this little chickadee:She couldn't be serious if she tried. Oh, Ava, I love you so.

Holly-girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05149950801716358081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1936545063602917240.post-1170954619288634642011-02-07T14:32:00.004-07:002011-04-26T13:35:36.982-06:00

My dearest Lily, It was exactly ten years ago that your bright little light shined it's way into the furthermost reaches of our lives.  So much so, that for the first year of your life, we suspected there might be something wrong with you because you were so exceedingly happy all the time.  You must forgive us for this error in judgment, you see, because this was a brand new kind of baby in our

Holly-girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05149950801716358081noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1936545063602917240.post-56759092083474408552011-02-01T11:11:00.003-07:002011-02-01T11:31:45.718-07:00

My Christmas present was just posted over here.Oh, happy day!

Holly-girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05149950801716358081noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1936545063602917240.post-24226880036874442572011-01-30T18:42:00.005-07:002011-03-29T12:42:29.257-06:00

I love these images soooo much.The end. {P.S.  Happy Senior Year, Julia!}

Holly-girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05149950801716358081noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1936545063602917240.post-74570972627267908092011-01-29T17:36:00.001-07:002011-03-29T12:45:41.277-06:00

Currently editing this senior's images.Check back this week for more photo goodness of the lovely Ms. Julia.

Holly-girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05149950801716358081noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1936545063602917240.post-68899589133977847442011-01-27T13:56:00.001-07:002011-04-04T10:02:09.601-06:00

Having one of those weeks ... ugh.{Okay, okay, so truth be told it's actually been one of those months} It has me thinking that the world needsless drama and more jumping on beds. Can I get an amen?!

Holly-girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05149950801716358081noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1936545063602917240.post-22475182616717454472011-01-22T08:56:00.006-07:002011-03-31T22:48:03.367-06:00

Warren is a well-known photographer and web designer in this area who needed to update the online images of himself.   How fun (and ok, a little nerve-wracking) was it for me to get the job! ;-) Thanks for trusting me with the update of your marketing images, Warren!

Holly-girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05149950801716358081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1936545063602917240.post-426910319762561322011-01-18T00:01:00.004-07:002011-04-26T13:36:38.721-06:00

this kind of foreveris broken and blessedmany times oversweet and sourin the most brilliantlyimperfect waythis kind of foreveris the very best kindthere is, i tell you,because it isours alone xo,{H} The 18th it is.  Happy January Wedding anniversary, my love. {P.S.  Really couldn't be more obsessed with this album, this music, those brothers ... oh my!}

Holly-girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05149950801716358081noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1936545063602917240.post-48056636096214654002011-01-14T10:05:00.005-07:002011-04-26T13:37:56.888-06:00

{images taken on the cold and snowy afternoon that I had thepleasure of assisting the lovely Mr. Justin Hackworth with a photo shoot} I'm convinced that nobody could be more critical of themselves in pictures than me. I mean, really?? It's a disorder or something in my case. It's no surprise then that I'm behind the camera as much as humanly possible. With that said, I still see tremendous

Holly-girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05149950801716358081noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1936545063602917240.post-36253713477493016012011-01-08T22:59:00.009-07:002011-03-31T22:49:10.471-06:00

Sweet girl.Easy to photograph.Fun, new location.Just how I like my sessions.I could have done without the freezing temps though. Just sayin'.

Holly-girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05149950801716358081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1936545063602917240.post-22116589041807237802011-01-08T19:43:00.004-07:002011-03-31T22:46:27.621-06:00

Still editing this session, but simply couldn't wait to share these two.For obvious reasons.

Holly-girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05149950801716358081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1936545063602917240.post-179326686065288742011-01-06T09:28:00.017-07:002011-01-07T08:56:04.221-07:00

{If you could have seen how tender & dear Lulu was with her great-grandmotheron this day, you would have been brought to tears, too. December 2010}For my grandmother,on her 92nd birthdayi sit with hersearching for a way ina way to relateor perhaps connectbut the neuronsaren't firingshe is 92 today andi have so many memoriesso many thingsthat i want herto remember toolike the small thingslike how

Holly-girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05149950801716358081noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1936545063602917240.post-63710971203217460122010-12-31T10:57:00.004-07:002010-12-31T11:19:06.370-07:00

{family diptych courtesy of Jonathan Canlas}Find the giftin the place you're in,the people you're with,the work that you do,the strengths that you have,the challenges thatcome your way.Find it.Plant it.Feed and water it.And as it grows,hold it up for all the world to see.Be delighted in it.May your New Year be happy and bright and then some.

Holly-girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05149950801716358081noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1936545063602917240.post-84125119806350557362010-12-25T12:24:00.004-07:002011-04-26T13:40:26.366-06:00

Experiencing Christmasthrough the eyes of a child ... Glory. Hallelujah. Indeed.

Holly-girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05149950801716358081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1936545063602917240.post-35822122605759367842010-12-22T18:03:00.007-07:002010-12-22T19:13:57.473-07:00

The only thing I wanted for Christmas this year??Family portraits done by the incomparable Jonathan Canlas.Seriously, his work just undoes me. He's crazy good.These are a few of the polaroids from our session.Love these more than my words can say. A very Merry to me.

Holly-girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05149950801716358081noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1936545063602917240.post-35739995991215912722010-12-14T22:44:00.004-07:002011-04-26T13:41:03.326-06:00

There are few things more enjoyable for methan watching one of our girls play sports.I love, love, love it for what it means. It means they are active, healthy, and engaged in life.It means they are building strength, confidence and relationshipson the playing field that they will carry with them long after the final whistle. Of course, I do realize that this little pastime of mine means that

Holly-girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05149950801716358081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1936545063602917240.post-35838164769864379342010-12-11T11:05:00.005-07:002010-12-11T11:15:12.727-07:00

I want to live into this more. It matters.This I know for sure.

Holly-girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05149950801716358081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1936545063602917240.post-16641232561000059592010-12-08T22:48:00.003-07:002010-12-08T22:58:51.697-07:00

{mod-podged with love by me and my little Lu}"Blessed is the season which engagesthe whole world in a conspiracy of love."{Hamilton Wright Mabie}

Holly-girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05149950801716358081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1936545063602917240.post-84577943067575236562010-12-04T22:28:00.007-07:002011-03-29T12:44:05.448-06:00

On my way to this session, Paul Simon's song "Kodachrome" came on the radio.As I sang along, the oft repeated chorus line refrain lodged itself in my brain: "...I got a Niiikon camera ... I like to take phoootographs ...Oh, Mama, please don't take my Kodachrome awaaay ..." I thought to myself, "Yeah. Me too, Paul. Me too."{EVEN when it's only 30 degrees outside!} Sure appreciate the reminder

Holly-girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05149950801716358081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1936545063602917240.post-37102449126906547892010-12-01T17:42:00.004-07:002010-12-01T18:53:10.698-07:00

{the birthday boy}Love this happy smile of yours.Thanks for being born so that we couldenjoy this happy smile of yours all the time.Cuz, ya know, it's all about us, right?!with great big birthday love,from me & the girlies three

Holly-girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05149950801716358081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1936545063602917240.post-74072154124995517362010-11-29T09:12:00.004-07:002010-11-29T09:47:27.065-07:00

There's always an inner turmoil between my two selves at gatherings like these.My photographer self says "document, document, document!" because I'm acutely aware of the fleeting nature of these get-togethers and I can already sense how much I will enjoyporing over old photographs at some undetermined point in the future.On the other hand, my non-photographer self urges me to be in the moment, to

Holly-girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05149950801716358081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1936545063602917240.post-21871786230669820052010-11-25T22:55:00.004-07:002010-11-25T23:44:15.201-07:00

Headed to bed with a full belly and a full heart.Today was nourishment for body and soul, alike.My cup runneth over & I hope yours did, too.Happy Turkey Day, all y'all!

Holly-girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05149950801716358081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1936545063602917240.post-41240925779206830502010-11-22T16:42:00.007-07:002010-11-22T23:11:06.454-07:00

Grateful that I have a first-grader.First-graders are AWESOME. If you've ever had one, you know exactly what I'm talkin' 'bout.Grateful that Tim's parents could spend time in her classroom while they're in town this week.Grateful that Tim's mom got to read fun stories to those little cuties.She had them in the palm of her hand, I tell ya.Grateful for the father and son who sat side by side,

Holly-girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05149950801716358081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1936545063602917240.post-53900195499961737732010-11-18T14:47:00.014-07:002010-11-18T19:45:42.872-07:00

It was more than a little chilly for this session, so I was thankful that Allison was such a great sport! Even though I was concerned about how cold it was going to be when I booked this session, I ended up loving the transitional look of the Autumn leaves with the Winter snow. My time with Allison marked the official end to my senior sessions for 2010. A big, fat thank you to all the seniors

Holly-girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05149950801716358081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1936545063602917240.post-53532910031678719952010-11-12T18:14:00.004-07:002010-11-12T18:45:31.047-07:00

Why I Wake Early"Lest we would sift downinto fractions, and factscertaintiesand what the soul is, alsoI believe I will never quite know.Though I play at the edges of knowing,truly I knowour part is not knowing,but looking, and touching, and loving,which is the way I walked on,softly,through the pale-pink morning light."{Mary Oliver}As pathetic as it sounds, I could probably count the number of

Holly-girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05149950801716358081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1936545063602917240.post-54603358693227944662010-11-09T22:15:00.005-07:002011-02-03T19:44:51.347-07:00

thirteen.a coming of ageand a ripeness replete with growing pains.more painful for me or her,i'm just not sure.depends on the day.depends on who you ask, of course.some days it feels so heavy,like this hard task of becomingthreatens to rend us apartin some irreparable way and other days,I'm much more hopeful and faith-fulland loving and compassionate and awarethat this is exactly what she needs

Holly-girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05149950801716358081noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1936545063602917240.post-18623921391379260742010-11-06T23:16:00.008-06:002010-11-07T00:10:41.533-06:00

Discovered this little gem near a wooded area early this morning. I came upon it fully expecting and half-dreading a nest full of eggs. To my surprise (and relief!), someone had used this little nest as a collection basket for spent blooms. I wondered about the story of this found object and I imagined the happy wanderings of a little girl, who had to have been overjoyed when she found such a

Holly-girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05149950801716358081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1936545063602917240.post-19391156503904132692010-11-04T13:33:00.005-06:002010-11-04T14:45:08.703-06:00

If you know me, then you probably know that it's no secret that Vegas is one of my least favorite places to visit, but this past weekend it played host city tosome of my favorite people on the planet so I looked pastit's garish, in-your-face, over-sized facades {no bias there, right?!}so that I could enjoy the good company of people I love.Caroline and I flew in for a whirlwind tripthat included

Holly-girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05149950801716358081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1936545063602917240.post-44287990981927243532010-11-01T14:03:00.005-06:002011-03-29T12:47:12.630-06:00

Even though no one left their best guess on this post, there were quite a few who voted via Facebook. Unfortunately, none of them were the correct choice! The photo above was my heart's favorite from this session. I loved the golden grassy foothills, the wind lifting her hair, the scale of that enormous and brilliantly-colored cottonwood next to her petite frame ... yeah, pretty much all of

Holly-girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05149950801716358081noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1936545063602917240.post-4261051505617115442010-10-28T20:12:00.003-06:002010-10-28T20:17:31.457-06:00

"Adopt the pace of nature: her secret is patience."{ralph waldo emerson}

Holly-girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05149950801716358081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1936545063602917240.post-44867340600491091502010-10-24T15:48:00.006-06:002011-03-29T12:51:02.563-06:00

There were so many images from this session that I loved so narrowing them down for this blog post was a little tricky. Lucky for you, this l'il dilemma o' mine gave me a wild and crazy idea and it involves a teeny tiny contest of sorts. Here are the deets: if you guess my very favorite image in this series (and yes, even though they're all sooo lovely, there really is one that I love above

Holly-girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05149950801716358081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1936545063602917240.post-32335449307933281762010-10-22T13:24:00.003-06:002010-10-22T13:31:01.927-06:00

"... we always have a choice to live the moment as acause of resentment or as a cause for joy."{Henri Nouwen}

Holly-girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05149950801716358081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1936545063602917240.post-68106660718415348452010-10-18T13:24:00.003-06:002010-10-18T13:39:34.715-06:00

"Today was good. Today was fun. Tomorrow is another one."{Dr. Seuss}See that look on Ava's face?? That expression perfectly captures how I feel when I'm hiking in the mountains. This day of hiking above the pure blue of Grand Lake was Autumn in her finest glory.Sometimes, you have to wonder how your heart holds it all in, don't you??

Holly-girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05149950801716358081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1936545063602917240.post-47887396237626867212010-10-13T13:28:00.004-06:002011-03-31T22:50:47.768-06:00

She's my nurse manager.{the very best kind of one, too!}He's my dentist.{a fabulous one at that!}And all four of them are all kinds of cute. xo,{moi}

Holly-girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05149950801716358081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1936545063602917240.post-74703693365216955872010-10-10T23:35:00.018-06:002010-10-11T14:55:46.307-06:00

The oft-quoted Mother Theresa once said "it's not how much you do, but how much love you put into the doing that matters." I've always loved that thought because it empowers you to do what you can, where you can, with what you have and, really, how hard can that be?!? It gives credence to the smallest of efforts and reminds us that the little things have their very own special import and

Holly-girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05149950801716358081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1936545063602917240.post-1269704398187477812010-10-05T13:07:00.018-06:002010-10-05T20:19:30.350-06:00

Sorry for the radio silence over here. I'm on day 9 of an 11 day nutritional cleanse and it has literally and figuratively BROUGHT.ME.TO.MY.KNEES. One of the unexpected side effects of this 'cleansing' is that I have very little to no creative drive and that elusive thing called 'mental clarity'?? Yeah, none of that either. Big fat boo is all I gotta say about that. :-( For a person who

Holly-girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05149950801716358081noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1936545063602917240.post-28109141309517629772010-09-28T14:34:00.005-06:002011-03-29T12:49:33.614-06:00

Loved her name.{for obvious reasons!}Loved her hair.{how could you not?!?}Loved this session.{thank you, lovely Lily!}

Holly-girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05149950801716358081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1936545063602917240.post-82348183029506324722010-09-24T12:58:00.004-06:002010-09-24T13:06:46.941-06:00

{September field; courtesy of my Lensbaby}For the Chipmunk in My YardI think he knows I’m alive, having come downThe three steps of the back porchAnd given me a good once over. All afternoonHe’s been moving back and forth,Gathering odd bits of walnut shells and twigs,While all about him the great fields tumbleTo the blades of the thresher. He’s luckyTo be where he is, wild with all that

Holly-girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05149950801716358081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1936545063602917240.post-72225180287206749332010-09-20T22:39:00.005-06:002011-03-29T12:48:00.719-06:00

Dear Shelby,Just by being your cute little self,you reminded me that life and photographyare all about the fun. Thanks, sweet girl. :-)Wishing you the very best in your senior year!!xo,{moi}

Holly-girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05149950801716358081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1936545063602917240.post-91854066769033860362010-09-17T20:33:00.006-06:002010-09-18T11:13:56.092-06:00

{s'mores were made for summer}the rites of summerfind shelter in a sacred alcove of my heartwhen the battering ram of winter comes to calli will tuck them in, a bit mournfully however,impatiently tending to them in their dormancywith the fervent hope that they will somedayshed their embedded comfortin favor of heeding the urgent summonsof a burgeoning Springxo,{moi}

Holly-girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05149950801716358081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1936545063602917240.post-21682750311945453232010-09-13T16:28:00.008-06:002011-02-03T19:47:01.949-07:00

Haley is a new friend of mine and a gifted painter of self-portraits.I have been longing to explore some different ideas I've had swirling in my brainfor quite some time now and she was the perfect subject for that very thing.The diptych below is oddly reminiscent of her self-portrait collection.Check it out here and see why for yourself.Thank you for sharing an afternoon of artistic exploration

Holly-girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05149950801716358081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1936545063602917240.post-1693513907243791232010-09-10T23:33:00.004-06:002011-03-29T12:52:23.756-06:00

Dear Greg,Remember when I said you really should consider modeling?And remember when you laughed uncontrollably at the very thought of it?Oh yeah, and you accused me of saying that just to get you to smile?!Well, Greg, all I can say is that the images speak for themselves.Woah. ;-) Happy Senior Year!!!

Holly-girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05149950801716358081noreply@blogger.com0