Big Bear Engagement

My husband and I rode in the back seats as  we and our anxious friend and his unsuspecting girlfriend headed up to Big Bear, camera equipment in tow. We were suppose to be doing a Christmas photo shoot but what she didn't know was that it would end in an engagement. And though the ride up had it's difficulties of fog, snow and tire chains the end result was perfect.  It was such an honor to be a part of this amazing time. While these two were in high school my husband mentored him and I had mentored her, and though we didn't bring them together it was crazy to be part of the first step of them never being apart. We love you both!

Big Bear

Even in the midst of the mountain's breathtaking landscape, my eye is drawn to a group of small leaves, covered by snow. I have a whole mountain to capture!...and yet I find myself kneeling, face almost to the ground so that I can capture a tiny little detail on the mountain's floor. This is where my heart is naturally drawn, but every once in a while there is a scene that takes my breath away. A scene that makes me grab my wide angle lens so that I can take in as much as possible. I wish I could take everyone to see the beauty I saw today but since I cannot, I have decided to bring a bit of the beauty to you.

Death Valley (B&W)

Not only does Death Valley offer some spectacular colors but also some wonderful textures. I had so much fun exploring the vast differences in landscape all around the valley. 

Death Valley (Artist's Palette)

When I was asked what I was doing over the Thanksgiving weekend, I would very excitedly answer "going to Death Valley!" The next question would always be "what's there to do in Death Valley?" I would just shrug. I had never been to Death Valley before, all I knew was that it was hot in the day, really cold at night and we were going to be with friends who had been there many times and would show us around. 

Turns out there is a lot to do and see! My favorite sight to see was (and dont' be fooled, I have a lot of favorites) Artist's Palette. I had no idea there was a place in this world that had green, pink and purple hills. It was beautiful!