Lace and Sunset : Vika

One beautiful summer evening, my niece Vika and I drove to a nearby park for a photo session because... we couldn't let all the beauty not be captured. On the way to the park, we go pulled over by a cop, but the photo session was just meant to be because he let us go after saying, "I hope you still have enough sunlight for the photo shoot!"

Dandelions

Watching my cousin play transports me into the world of wonder, silliness, tenderness and innocence.

Senior 2014: Eric

Great things await Eric. He has this amazing engineering brain, and many top-notch colleges were dying to snatch him off. He is also very funny, so our senior shoot was filled with laughter and jokes. For an upbeat, energetic session, we headed to LoDo, with its industrial elements and strong lines.

Senior 2014: Leo

It is no secret that high school boys feel rather lukewarm toward senior pictures, especially POSING for senior photos, and most of the excitement comes from their mothers, understandably. Leo, however, did not fit the mold, and that's what made our photo session so memorable. He cared about his senior photos, he was determined about the location, and he didn't need to be accompanied by his parents. It was a beautiful summer evening at a quintessential Colorado location, where you cannot avoid getting a good workout (I did!).

Senior 2014: Elina

This beautiful senior and I met at my favorite photo location, so lush, picturesque, and secluded. I thought Elina looked a lot like Eva Longoria, but even more beautiful, of course, and simply exuded confidence and youthful energy. Good luck in college, Elina!

Senior 2013: Jess

I met Jess and her Mom on a typical July afternoon in Colorado: thunderstorms looming on the horizon. In fact, every time I meet with Jess's family, it is a rainy day. That's just how we roll. It's a tradition of sorts. But on that day the rain and clouds didn't stop us from having a great senior photo session. We walked in downtown Parker, Jess's hometown. When the rain was coming down so hard I became nervous about my equipment, we sat in the car and talked. Jess is a wonderful human being. She has been to Haiti several times with her Mom helping those affected by the hurricane and destitute. She dreams of opening her own bakery. She is unpretentious and beautiful. Just before the sun hid behind the mountain range, the rain stopped, and everything glistened under the last sun rays. Jess's Mom took us to a bridge for last photos, and I will never decline shooting {photos} on a bridge. Despite the mosquitoes attacking Jess (I even had to Photoshop one out), we got some more beautiful images, and then said goodbyes. Now, Jess is already in college and living on her own. I am looking forward to continued friendship with Jess and her family.

Senior 2013: Nick

I admit that often guys are not nearly as enthusiastic about their senior photo shoots as ladies are. One senior was blunt, "I'm doing this for my Mom." Fair enough (it was still a great photo session!).
Not with Nick, though. He was happy to see me at a small park, ready to get some great shots. And even though his Mom did hold his saxophone for him, most of the images were Nick's own ideas. I just loved the pop of orange (it is a color of energy after all). Nick, thank you for being my client, and I am sure you are having the time of your life in college!

Senior 2013: Missy

This beautiful red-head is already in college! I love female clients who are not fussy about their photos and know exactly how to look poised and elegant in front of the camera. Missy was just like that: joking, laughing and enjoying the moment. Hope your first year of college is wonderful!

Girenko sisters

A month before my sister's-in-law birthday last year, I had a super-secret photo session with her three daughters. Kidnapping the three-year-old from her Mom for a few hours was not an easy task. My sister-in-law admitted later that she was confused where they were going all dressed up and in a hurry (to catch the golden hour!) without giving her much information. It was all worth it when we presented the Mom with a 16x20 canvas of the three people she adores the most. There were tears, let me just say that.

The Saenz family

Suzanne has been my friend, colleague, and confidant for many years. If I ever need a parenting advice, she is the first person I go to, as her four daughters are some of the kindest, loveliest, smartest siblings I know. They still write each other notes expressing sisterly love. When we met, we discovered with surprise that we both named our daughters Katya, and that's where our bond started to develop. I miss teaching with Suzanne. We have such a seamless rhythm and harmony in classroom, and we joked and laughed every day with our students. Here is her beautiful family from 2012.

Zara+Donald=Adventure

My dear friends are moving away. I'm still in denial and pretend that my frequent coffee dates with Zara at the bookstore will not end. Of course, I am also proud of them packing it all up and moving to a hot desert. It's a great adventure for a young family, and change is good, and these two will survive and thrive, as they are ridiculously in love. I only demand that they come back often for photo sessions and coffee!

The unseasonably warm November afternoon with the rich sun rays flooding through the pine trees  lent itself to hugs and cuddling. The yellowed leaves crunched under our feet and smelled delicious. I am happy that I could capture these moments for Zara and Donald and hope they look at them often and treasure forever.

Emebet and her Royal Family

"Emebet" translates "queen" from Amharic, the language of her native Ethiopia. Emebet, a poised and kind woman with killer jewelry, has traveled quite a journey. She is married to a gracious and gentle man. She has two darling, beautiful daughters, who couldn't get enough of posing for the photos. The girls went out to get their hair done and bought new outfits just for the photo session. Seeing them giggle together and whisper into each other's ears melted my heart. My camera loved the gentle love of this family.

Holiday Mini-Sessions: Kate and Matt plus Two

I met Kate and Matt when they were just newlyweds, completely smitten with each other. It's easy to get goofy around these two. They listen to Depeche Mode and Gogol Bordello. Matt drives a gas-free car. Kate gardens and bakes bread. Besides our shared love for Depeche Mode, their family and mine are SHORT, which is a sure way to become friends! Their two boys are seriously adorable, in a very serious way. Darth Vader, nuff said. At the photo session, there was lots of giggling and singing "Manah-Manah." I was thrilled with their clothing choice, especially the boys' hats and Kate's legwarmers. Hip.

Klebanov Family

This photo session symbolizes to me the end of the beautiful fall season with the still warm sun, luscious foliage, and the gorgeous light. It also symbolizes a mother's love. This Mother is strong and beautiful, while also very tender and loving with her three boys. Lots of long hugs and gentle kisses, which is not easy with teenage boys. The Father helped everyone relax with his good-natured humor. 

The eldest, Moshe, is a smarty-pants in high school and is a gentle, quiet soul.

The middle child, Ari, a sunny, confident guy with a busy social life.

And Leeb, a darling, talkative boy.

It's reassuring to me to see genuine love and tenderness between two people after years together and while raising teenagers. Raphael and Irina look after each other and look at each other with adoration and respect. 

Thank you, Klebanov family, for giving me a glimpse into your lives and for allowing me to capture the love between you.