Miss Ann

Recently my friend, Holly, asked me to photograph her grand-mother.  All I knew about Grandma is that she loves to gamble in Deadwood and never passes up a coupon for a good breakfast.  At the ripe young age of 98, I had to take this opportunity not only for me, but so my friend would have a portrait of her grand-mother.

Good advice for anyone.  I'll take that advice and run with it!

Holly was not prepared when I told her to get in there with Grandma.  Grandma lit up and insisted.  Grandma got her way.

I simply cannot express how spunky Miss Ann is!  I am blessed to have had the opportunity to have met her, and see her kind spirit.  A beautiful example of a gracious, warmhearted, vivacious woman.

Her complete gallery is on my website.   www.csnowimagery.shootproof.com

Family Portrait Session

Each year I get the privilege and honor of photographing my good friend and her family for their annual Christmas card.  Every year we pick a different location just to change stuff up a bit.  This year the weather presented us with challenges but we were able to over come!  Despite the rain (and all my doubts) we were able to have their best family session yet!  

This collage is going to be their 2017 Christmas card.

Bradley gained his angel wings 4 years ago.

Doing this families portraits is always a growing experience for me in photography as I am able to look back on past years photos to see how I'm doing. 

A Couple of Adventures

I was finally able to get out and do a little exploring last month.  A trip up Vanocker Canyon lead me on a bit of a goose chase looking for a trail head.  Did a little more research and figured out where the trail really was.  Sturgis Dams are in a very pretty setting, just not the easiest trail I've ever hiked.  Still enjoyed it though.

Ida and Casey didn't get to go as I was on a trail I'd never been on and didn't know what I was getting into.  Can you not see the disgust in their eyes knowing they had to stay home.

The butterfly migration was definitely happening this particular week.  Not positive what kind this is as I heard conflicting reports on the variety.

Along the Sturgis Dams trail.  Fall colors just starting to set in make for pretty sights.

The reds were quite captivating.

Fall textures along the trail.

We were also able to get the camper out again (hoping it's not the last of the season!) and headed over to the Missouri River.  Friends bought a little place in a community on the river, so we loaded up and went to check out the area, having never been there before.  Staying in the state park, we were surrounded by mature trees brightly colored as we continue into the fall season.  Game, Fish and Parks Dept had just put the "salmon ladder" in so we were able to watch a simulated salmon migration.  THAT was pretty cool!  Hoping we can get back over when the fish are really jumping.  The natural instinct is amazing.

Making the last jump into the holding tank.

Looking for Another Jump

Looking to the left of the photo, you can see multiple salmon right on the surface.

When I first looked at this in the camera, I thought I had captured 2 fish, belly to belly.  Turns out it is the fish's shadow as it is jumping!  At the back of the holding tank, there is no where farther to go.

Capturing these fish as they made their "trek" up the ladder was one of the more difficult scenarios I have tried to photograph.  Maybe not the absolute best shots, I'm still happy with how they turned out.

Lastly, a camping trip is not complete without a little r-n-r.  We are quite good at that!  Just a couple cell phone captures.

Friday night in our camp.  Happy dogs, happy people, and of course, a Connie fire!

I have the BEST camping partner!