Man, was it cold!!  But when Katie + Jesse started snuggling up, it was worth the frostbite.

Chances are, if you’ve had a shoot with me in the past two years, you could have met Katie already.  She assists me often…and we love her around here. Monday, it was her turn to sit in front of the camera. (true confessions: I haven’t had mine done yet…maybe next week…)  Anyway, Katie + Jesse and I and their sweet doggie Kulta set out on an adventure on Monday to Truckee – one of the coldest spots in the nation. Not kidding.  We found the perfect winter landscape right off the side of the road. Complete with a naked aspen grove, an old broken down structure and snowy patches.  It was gorgeous.  And cold. (did I already mention that?)  But they warmed it up in no time with their connection and love vibes.

I’m so proud of Katie right now.  On Saturday, she walks across the stage and graduates with a degree in photography from CSU Sacramento.  She interned with me last fall and again this fall to meet some of her requirements.  She is such a joy to have with me.  She has an incredible eye for composition and finds beauty in almost any situation she finds herself in.  But our journey didn’t start with photography.  I met her when she was about 8 or 9 years old. Katie was our favorite babysitter many moons ago…(I remember picking her up from soccer practice before she started wearing makeup.)  That makes us both old. Ha! She was lucky enough to snag Jesse and got married 5 1/2 years ago.  Their wedding was one of the few that I’ve shot.  (hallelujah!)

Spending time with them is easy.  Jesse is one of the kindest, most tenderhearted men I know.  He works hard, missing every weekend with Katie, while he builds into the lives of troubled teens.  I admire him so much.  He treats Katie with so much respect and gentlness.  They are super lucky to have each other.

Katie and I were on a shoot together yesterday, and we were talking on the way about how much we both love having photos of our families.  It just seems to fill us to overflowing…like we know the world is alright when have meaningful photos to look at.  I know…kinda weird.  (But we are and we like it that way.) It’s just that having a meaningful photo to reflect on and remind us of special moments preserves our experience.  It’s like keeping a memory for always. And for me, it also helps me see things that maybe I don’t see otherwise.  There really is something deep that happens inside me when I see with my own eyes how I’m loved.  Whether it’s in a glance, a touch, a smile, etc.  It makes me feel strong and valued and able to conquer anything.  Whatever it is…it feels good.

These are a few of my favorite photos from the “Brrrrr…..MAN is it COLD out here” shoot.  It’s one of my favorites.  Kulta was such a good girl and gave me many perfect doggie smiles.  I don’t know what she kept finding in that snow, but she was having a great time running through the field.  Jesse – THANK YOU FOREVER for your jacket. I owe you for the rest of my LIFE.  Katie – I simply love you.  Thank you for all your hard work this fall.  You are doing amazing and I’m so excited to watch you grow and learn and blossom.  This world is lucky to have the two of you. Truly.

Enjoy your slideshow.

Love you much!

Treacy