Why my recent vacation kept me thinking about summer camp & the Titanic

We're BAAACCCCKKK, did you miss me?? Cruising is a lot like summer camp. A retreat, meals are cooked for you, and you meet people from all over the place. Just like camp, the cruise also had lots of activities, sports, singing & dancing. All throughout the trip I kept thinking, "this reminds me of summer camp" AND I also did lots of comparing to the titanic (silly, I know) but I've seen that movie so many times and previously it was my first and only ship reference so I couldn't help but think about Jack & Rose!!

Overall, I'm very impressed with the cruise ship. There's so much to do on board and at the ports, and I always felt safe and taken care of. The logistics of it all was just fascinating to me. I know the Royal Caribbean has been at this a long time, but I am just amazed at how they can feed and house 3,000 guests for 7 days and not run out of resources. I think I want to start watching behind the scenes videos of cruise ships because now it interests me. Cruising is actually a relatively inexpensive way to travel and see new places if you ask me. (if you go the cheap route, with an inside room & don't buy anything extra) While on board we just made a point to not purchase much of anything that's wasn't included. (all meals, snacks and basic beverages are included but pop & alcohol are extra, along with internet & some paid activities and other restaurants on board are extra too) we used our airline miles to get to Florida, then the 7 night cruise with taxes gratuity and all was $1300 for 2! Having traveled around Europe last year, I know that food, hotels, transportation & activities really add up, so having it all taken care of in advance made it feel like meals were a free bonus and there was no worry involved with how much money we were spending :)

All of these photos were shot with our new 40mm lens (it's flat like a pancake, cheap in case it gets broken or stolen, good for travel) & the Canon 5D mkii AND our underwater point and shoot camera. Trip highlights: Tavis got two gold medals in dodgeball tournaments on the ship, we swam with stingrays, hung out at the beach, drank coconut water from a coconut, climbed dunn's river falls, and enjoyed the food, people & experience in the different countries we visited. I love cruising now!

Freedom of the Seas - Royal Caribbean

Labadee, Haiti / Falmouth, Jamaica / George Town, Grand Cayman / Cozumel, Mexico

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Yakima photography course // Photography Essentials Class

It's been 4 days since our photography class and I'm still buzzing with excitement! I LOVE hanging out with other who love photography, and I truly enjoy seeing and hearing about their aha moments during and after the class. I always look forward to teaching these because they're so much fun!

Learn your camera // improve your photography // grow your hobby or business // get inspired!
NEXT CLASS: Saturday, April 20, 2012 9:30am-6:30pm at the Hilton Garden Inn- Yakima.
Learn more and register HERE. 

Here are some testimonials from the class on Saturday:

"Thank you for teaching me so much! You both are great teachers and I really enjoyed going out and taking some pictures. I also liked how you put on the slides what settingsyou used. I'm excited to getmore equipment and expand what I can do." -Lacey

"Great class! I learned soooo much and now know why my pictures are turning out blurry/grainy. So excited to get to shooting clear shots. Thank you thank you thank you. All I expected and more!" -Briann
"thank you for all the time you all committed for us. You blessed me with more than I expected. Well worth the money."

"Just like your photoshoots, you tow make it a fun, enjoyable experience with whatever you are doing. Thank you so much!" -Alex

This class introduces you to photography fundamentals, composition, and the use of light. We will help you understand your basic camera function and camera settings (like aperture, shutter speed, and ISO). This class is for the beginner to intermediate photographer with an SLR camera. It's perfect for anyone who has a love for photography and is ready to take their skill to the next level. If you've ever said, "I have a nice camera, but I don't know how to use it!" THIS is the class for you! During this class we will have the opportunity to photograph a live model, talk about our exact lighting and camera settings, and review the posing and client interaction as well. We help you process and solidify some basic camera functions and photography topics with real life scenarios, demonstrations, peer interaction and hands on learning. The tuition for this all day event is $89. Space is limited, and registration will close once full. Come join us for a fun day of creative learning!
Learn more and register HERE. Pin It Now!

Engagement session in the mountains and it was SNOWING!!!!!!

Jennifer was my Spanish teacher sophomore year, and she played the piano at my wedding. I'm so happy for her and Scott and this new chapter of their lives. Their wedding is this spring at one of my favorite Yakima area venues... stay tuned for some more cute pics of these two in a few months!

You can view more of our Yakima Engagement Photography on our portfolio site    

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