May 31, 2008
Love was in the air during Barbara and Korey's wedding at Lake Lucille in Wasilla.  While some friends and family flew via float plane to the lakeside lodge, a four-wheeler (a gift from bride to groom) was on-hand for ground travel.

Before the wedding began, Korey and his groomsmen powered around the lake on a watercraft.

Following the wedding, Blade, their ring bearer, had visions of duck as a pre-reception appetizer.

The Mallard waddled away safely and Blade waited patiently for her turn on the dance floor to the tunes of Who let the Dogs Out? (really!)

So much fun.  Too much to describe in one blog.




May 30, 2008
Rocky and his human companion, Kelly, are close to completing their certification as Pet Partners which will allow them to provide pet therapy to patients in hospitals and care institutions throughout Anchorage.  The process to earn certification is rigorous and there are few cats of this kind in Alaska.  His personality is outgoing and playful.  And as you can tell, he loves the camera!
May 29, 2008
Roxy and Diego brought their "yo quiero" personalities to the studio for portraits inside and out.  Today was the first day I was able to take advantage of the new foliage in the studio park this spring.

According the Wikepedia, Chihuahuas gained in popularity when a dog named Gidget started appearing in Taco Bell commercials.

"After being released from mascot duties by Taco Bell, the celebrity dog was featured on an episode of The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, where the dog was allowed its choice of either a Taco Bell Chalupa or some KFC chicken; the dog chose the KFC."
May 28, 2008
One of the many side benefits of being a photographer is having talented and professional staff support each and every day.

Kelsey and Jana do lots of adminsitrative and artistic work behind the scenes but are often found holding light reflectors, toting gear and putting the extra cameras into action while we're on  location assignments.

I used to handle my location and event work alone but long ago learned to appreciate the value of having artful eyes working side by side - a benefit that extends to our customer's final products as well.

Jana caught the image to the right on my shoot with Cathy and Ron.

Click here to see more action images of me, courtesy of Jana and Kelsey.
May 27, 2008
The original plan for Cathy and Ron engagement portrait session was to start at McHugh Creek along the Seward Highway.  Plan B kicked into high gear when a fireman greeted us at the trailhead.  He told us about a stray black bear cub around the bend that was looking for his mother.  Anchorage Fire Department was worried that the sow might appear, traveling at possible speeds of up to 30 mph in search of her child.

We took his advice and headed off to Beluga Point - at speeds greater than 30 miles per hour.  Everything worked out - as you can see - but we never heard if the bear family reunited.

May 26, 2008
The sun sets over Mt. Illiamna from the perspective of the American Legion Cemetary in Nikiski, Alaska (about 180 miles south of Anchorage). The image was captured at 10:40 p.m.

A plaque that welcomes visitors to the memorial reads:

"Dedicated to all veterans from all wars.  Post #18, Ninilchik, Alaska"

May 25, 2008
Thank you to all who have served and sacrificed so much  to defend our freedom.

Shown here is a portion of a service honoring Lou Clark, a dear friend who passed earlier this year.

Please have a safe and very excellent weekend of remembrance.
May 24, 2008
PC, Isabella, Callie and Ollie would have made Brian Setzer (lead singer of the rock & roll group Stray Cats) proud.  They were strut'n and styl'n their stuff for individual portraits and eventually settled in for a group photo.  The portrait of these four beautiful cats together presented a bit of a challenge.   A few tricks of the trade combined with helpful staff made this a purrfect portrait that most would consider an impossible task.

Here's a verse from Stray Cat Strut, a cool song for cool cats:
"Singin' the blues while the lady-cats cry
Wow, stray cat, you're a real gone guy
I wish I could be as carefree and wild
But I got cat class and I got cat style "
May 23, 2008
Barbara, Korey and Blade recently joined me and Jana for their engagement portrait safari.  What a great day.  We put up with a little breeze on The Rock and then climbed around McHugh Creek which has some scenic areas that are sheltered from the wind.

Barbara and Korey's wedding is May 31 at Lake Lucille.  Blade will be the ring bearer.  I met Barbara and her Boxer, Blade, a few years ago when they came into the studio for portraits.

May 22, 2008
Headed home from the Kenai Peninsula this afternoon, I passed this Alaska Railroad train around the Indian area.  Knowing it would take about 15 minutes for the train to reach a public-access scenic pull-off on the Seward Highway, I positioned myself safely away from the tracks and waited with my 16mm lens and Canon MarkIII 1D on a tripod.  The mountains, clouds and blue sky were perfect.  And the train was about a mile long!

Side note 1:  While waiting for the train, I snapped a couple of photos for tourists using their personal cameras.  One couple asked "is it really dangerous to walk on the mud flats?"  I told them just one unfortunate story of the dangers involved and they seemed to have a better appreciation of Mother Nature's power.
Side note 2:  Hooligan dipnetting is in full-force along the inlet.
Side note 3:  Completely overturned motor home near Jerome Lake with emergency services lending aid.
Side note 4:  I counted a flotilla of nearly 30 Cruise America motor homes on their way South in one group.  We've been invaded!
What a  week!!!  A moose, an eagle, a train, naive tourists and one Jedi Knight.  Can there be a better job in the world than photography in Alaska?
May 21, 2008
The release of Valentine, the recovered eagle was, in a word, fast.  Perhaps rattled by the 2-hour car trip to Cooper Landing, he was out of his carrier in mere seconds and then disappeared over the tree tops just as quickly.
Less than two minutes passed when we saw him flying over the house and, to our amazement, he was followed by a second eagle that we have to assume was his mate in waiting.  No other eagles had been sighted in the area for the past couple of weeks.  We're guessing that Valentine flew straight to his nest and found his partner.  I love happy endings.

Click the far Right photo to see Valentine in full page mode after his release.

Bird Treatment and Learning Center - you totally rock!


May 20, 2008
Back in February, I helped the Alaska Department of Fish and Game with the rescue an injured eagle in the Cooper Landing area.  As it turns out, the eagle is now ready for release.  Bird TLC is allowing me to transport and release the eagle Wednesday, May 21.  Check back later this week for an update and photo detailing how everything goes.  And click here for the original story of Valentine in my February/March Blog.
May 19, 2008
At first I thought doing a "daily" blog might one day become tedious, perhaps wondering "what should I talk about or feature today?"  That's not a problem so far!

The Anchorage Daily News hosts an annual Moose Photo Contest.  I rarely enter my images in competition because of copyright issues but made an exception with this photo captured last year outside our home.

ADN called today.  Moose Salad Bar (right) won First Place.  They'll make the announcement in the paper May 20.  A big "Woo-Hoo."  I'm off to Best Buy to spend the prize!
May 17, 2008
One of my favorite families dropped by for a family portrait Saturday.

It's a joy watching the Flint Family grow.  They're all so very talented.  From their mission work, faith, piano virtuosity, singing of beautiful music and an impending doctoral degree.   This is a family to be proud of.

I'm in awe.  And that's before I ever saw Jedi Alma's abilities with a Lightsaber! 


May 16, 2008
It's taken a week for me to collect myself a little bit (and I really mean a "little" bit) but we lost Princess last weekend after she suffered a stroke.   Diamond Animal Hospital took great care as they tried to help her recover but it was ultimately time for her to cross over to Rainbow Bridge.

I decided to reprint the story of Rainbow Bridge in this blog.  Have a tissue handy if you decide to read on:

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge.   There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together.   There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.  The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....

Author unknown...


May 15, 2008
I met Rachel, Dion and Biko more than 10 years ago when I photographed their family during a Clicks for Licks benefit for Friends of Pets.  They hired me a year later as their wedding photographer.  Biko was the ring bearer and definitely a center of attention at their wedding.

Biko, at twelve years old, is a pup who pays attention to every detail in life.  He loves toys, treats and especially his mom and dad.  Ask him if he wants to play and his ears speak "I do!" ... just like they did one decade ago.

May 12, 2008
Dasher ("Dash") is a two-year old Golden Retriever/Standard Poodle mix.  You can tell by his face that he loves to clown around.

Look closely at his ears and you'll see poodle curls bordered by handsome curtains of gold. His tail is custom detailed to match his ears.  He's truely one (ummm...two?) of a kind.

Facts you never thought you'd need to read:
The name "Poodle" probably derives from  the German word "Pudel," which means one who plays in water:  www.dogbreedinfo.com

Goldens, on the other hand, are "noted for their intelligence and can learn up to roughly 240 commands, words and phrases" according to Wikipedia.

May 10, 2008
Congratulations Tim and Michelle!

They made it official today at Chapel 2 on Elmendorf AFB.

Contrary to weather predictions, the day was a beautiful sunny spring day.  We took advantage of the sunshine by stopping at Anchorage's Town Center for some romantic portraits.  Then we joined their guests at the Sheraton Hotel (Josephine's).

Dancing was a the theme of the evening for family and friends - with everything from the Chicken Dance to the Macarena.


May 9, 2008
Inu was a somewhat reclusive center of attention during a family session with human sisters Krystina, Jennifer and their mom Leilani.

Inu is an eight year old miniature Pinscher/Chihuahua mix.  She's definitely comfortable knowing that the world should revolve around her.

Happy Mothers Day tomorrow to Leilani and moms everywhere from all of us at the studio.

May 8, 2008
Not enough can be said about the rescue efforts of local organizations such as Friends of Pets and the Alaska SPCA.   Day after day, year after year the volunteers of these organizations continue their compassionate work. 

Xerox, far right, is available for adoption from the SPCA.  Crystal, a Weimereiner, is available for adoption from Friends of Pets.

Please visit their web sites the next time you'd like to add a four-legged kid to your family.  Or, donate some time or money to give them a helping hand.

May 7, 2008
A canoer paddles via whirligig toward A Sliver of Moon in the late Cooper Landing evening.  Later, around midnight, Flash posed on a dock resting over the Kenai River.  The sun set a bit after 10 p.m.


One tool I use a lot when planning sessions with customers who would like stunning portraits during sunset is here.  There are also many other sunrise and sunset calculators on the internet.  Just keep in mind to schedule your start time about 45 minutes before the actual sunset.

May 6, 2008
Flash was my traveling buddy for a trip to Cooper Landing today.  While there, Kendra (shown in the smaller photo below) spent most of the day shadowing and trying to measure up to Flash's larger size.

The day was beautiful at above 60 degrees.  Tiger Lilies, Delphiniums, and Fiddlehead Ferns are popping out of hibernation.  Robins are chirping and Swallows are passing through as they continue their migration north.  It's a little early for the arrival of the usual resident Swallows that like to nest in the bird houses scattered around the property.

My mother and I enjoyed dinner at Sunrise Inn which borders Kenai Lake.  It's the first time we've been there for several months.  Nice to get out into the local community with mom again.


May 5, 2008
Flash, Drew, Layla, Kobuk and Princess (in front - just as Carol would want!), wagged whiskers and tails for beef jerky this morning.

This is the first official group portrait of the Jensen Fab Five.  They did pretty well at their sit-stays especially considering this image involved no other wranglers in the studio.  Click here for more dirt on this group of hooligans.


May 3, 2008
Terry and Dawn joined Kelsey and me for a Spring Safari at Falls Creek and McHugh Creek this weekend.  Kelsey provided expert lighting support as I crawled, climbed and wrangled myself into position for a perfect collection of portraits.

Lots of activity on the Seward Highway:  spring cleaning volunteers, families collecting artesian water from the mountain-side, rock climbers, bikers, park rangers and a few sheep soaking in the rays.

Terry and Dawn are engaged to be married in Chugiak, June 6th.  We'll be there, cameras in hand, to capture all of the romance.


May 3, 2008
Meet Gretchen, Simon, Mason and Reagan.  Noticeably absent in the group portrait is their sister, Bella, a camera-shy kitty. She spent most of her time watching from the side lines (under the couch) carefully calculating who might be her next victim.  This solo photo of Bella shows a bit of cat sentiment:  "if looks could kill."

We actually did really well and only borrowed one bandaid from the first aid kit before the session was completed.

May 2, 2008
Damen is just weeks away from graduation cermonies through  Save High School.    His class will celebrate commencement May 21, 2008 at the Alaska Center for the Performing Arts from 3- 5 p.m.

Damen operates machinery for his family's business, Jeffco Grounds Maintenance.  He's considering the idea of pursuing a mechanical degree from the Alaska Vocational Technical Center in Seward.
May 2, 2008
Caroll and Perley, family friends of the Jensens for decades, lived in Cooper Landing for many, many years.  More recently, they've traveled back and forth between Arizona and Anchorage, taking advantage of optimum climates.

Guage, their six year old German Shorthair Retriever, was a little shy when it came to the studio's cameras and flashes.  With that development, I took the family to some favorite spots along the Seward Highway.  It was a bit windy at times but it reminded them why they like Arizona so much more as a warmer retirement/winter location.   Today's portraits will remind them of the beauty of our mountains and scenery - as if these are things that anyone might forget.
May 2, 2008
Joy and Koko, six-month old American Eskimo dogs, gave diva performances and posed beautifully today.  They even agreed to a toboggan ride under the condition that it would be in a warm studio.

The American Kennel Club (AKC) describes this breed as follows:

"The American Eskimo Dog, a loving companion dog, presents a picture of strength and agility, alertness and beauty. It is a small to medium-size Nordic type dog, always white, or white with biscuit cream."

The AKC description didn't mention sled riding or mushing!
May 1, 2008
Norm, a chow/sharpei mix and Maggie, a rotweiller/retriever mix are  both about 12 years old.  Their humans, Ann and  Greg, adopted these two sweet dogs at about 18-months old.

Ann and Greg came to know our studio through my annual judging of the Alaska Bird Club photo contest.   Visit the club's website for some excellent information, resources and photos.  This group of volunteers does awesome work.

Portraits with personality - at our studio or your favorite Alaska location.
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