Ginger Girl Photography

{events}: COMPOUND Palm Springs Pride 2011

2011-11-11T23:34:00.001-08:00

{events}: COMPOUND Palm Springs Pride 2011, a set on Flickr.

{location}: Spencer Island

2011-09-04T19:33:00.000-07:00

I have found a little slice of heaven! While sitting in traffic on the bus one day, I used my smartphone to check in on Google Maps as to why the bus was not moving. As I am seeing the red lines which are the freeway I am stuck on, I see this little tag that says "SPENCER ISLAND PARK". Hmmm...what's this?? So I clicked on it and Google Maps opens up the location, which shows 2 photos of of the most picturesque landscape. My curiosity has the best of me now, so I decided to investigate further and "Google" the park. My results left me with a smile and a new place that we had to go!

The park is a wildlife refuge which sits east of Interstate 5 and is part of the Snohomish River Estuary. It has many types of waterfowl, small amphibians and is also home to many coyotes, river otter and deer. I have yet to see any of the large mammals (and to be honest I am okay with that) but have seen many birds (including a whole group of swallows this morning who were not the least bit thrilled that we were in their territory) and frogs...LOTS of frogs! Here is one guy who was playing peek-a-boo with me this morning!

This mornings early walk also greeted us with numerous spiderwebs that had been spun across the bridge that grants access to the island. In the early morning light with the spindles still covered in dew, it was a sight to see (and maybe a skoosh eerie).

A little history about this great park via the Snohomish County's Parks & Recreations website:

"Spencer Island lies in the heart of the Snohomish River Estuary, an ecosystem formed by mixing a freshwater system (the Snohomish River) and a saltwater system (Port Gardner Bay).
A dike was built out of earth and wood around the island in the early 1930’s for flood control and the island was converted to agricultural use. Most recently, James Scott Rhodes farmed the island, raising over 400 head of cattle.
A barn previously stood near the park entrance and served many generations of farmers. Legend has it that Tom Mormon, a farmer, rolled the barn on log skids across the island to its previous location. The barn fell down during a wind storm in 2006."

Now enjoy some more great shots that I was able to capture on my morning walk.....

A morning view of Mt. BakerThe fog rising in the valley An example of the beautiful flora. The estuary during low tide.(This photo has been entered into Aerial America Photo Contest) One of the several bridges crossing the waterways.To see all of my photographs from my visits to Spencer Island Park, please visit my Flickr page by CLICKING HERE.

{event}: Portland Queer Music Festival

2011-08-06T15:35:00.001-07:00

{event}: Portland Queer Music Festival, a set on Flickr.

Off to PDX we go again....This trip was the 1st PDX Queer Music Festival! Over 30 queer bands giving PDX the jamz! Seattle was representing with LA Kendall, Glitterbang, Secret Shoppers and Noddy!

{event}: DJ Smackdown Gala

2011-08-06T15:33:00.001-07:00

{event}: DJ Smackdown Gala, a set on Flickr.

1st Annual DJ Smackdown Gala!!! Whoa is all I have to say! So much fun. So many people. And all to benefit the "It Gets Better Project". Way to go Lezzbook.com for throwing such a great party!

{event}: RED Women's Party Pride 2011

2011-08-06T15:32:00.001-07:00

{event}: RED Women's Party Pride 2011, a set on Flickr.

This years RED party had the gorgeous DJ SPINDERELLA and my fav two ladies from PDX Mr. Charming and Roy G Biv!

{event}: BENT (Pdx) - July 8, 2011

2011-08-06T15:30:00.001-07:00

{event}: BENT (Pdx) - July 8, 2011, a set on Flickr.

LA Kendall and I took off to Portland for what turned out to be an AMAZINGLY FABULOUS weekend! We LOVE our PDX friends! Ginger Girl was asked by BENT to do candid photography for the evening and here is what I captured...ENJOY!

{event}: Seattle PrideFest DJ Stage 6.26.2011

2011-08-06T15:29:00.001-07:00

{event}: Seattle PrideFest DJ Stage 6.26.2011, a set on Flickr.

A peek at this years PrideFest! I still have tons of photos to edit and upload but I had a "GAY PRIDE OVERDOSE"! But please, keep on the look out for more!

{event}: Velvet Opening

2011-06-22T18:15:00.001-07:00

{event}: Velvet Opening , a set on Flickr.

Seattle's newest private event venue in the historical SoDO district! Swanky. Gorgeous. Sexy. This space is available for private party! Contact LA Kendall at lakendall.qq@gmail.com for more details.

{portraits}: Roberts Family

2011-06-12T21:26:00.001-07:00

{portraits}: Roberts Family, a set on Flickr.

A sneak peek at my afternoon in the park! More to come...

{events}: Jackie Beat @ Re-Bar

2011-06-09T10:39:00.001-07:00

{events}: Jackie Beat @ Re-Bar, a set on Flickr.

{events} PrideFest Kickoff 6.2.2011

2011-06-07T22:12:00.001-07:00

{events} PrideFest Kickoff 6.2.2011, a set on Flickr.

So the countdown to PRIDE has began. PrideFest made sure Craziness unsued at Lobby Bar last Thursday as Jinkx Monsoon and Fannie Mae Darling kept the crowd entertained, everyone enjoyed a drink or two, heck maybe three or 4 and prizes were won. All in all a great night and a benefit for Gay City, which made it even better!

{events}: Kyle Charvat Foundation 5.26.2011

2011-05-31T18:49:00.000-07:00

Last Thursday night I was part of an awesome event! Lake Union Cafe hosted the Kyle Charvat Foundation Formal Dance, where students joined in celebration of the success of their annual golf tournament.

What is the Kyle Charvat Foundation you ask? Well it is probably one of the most amazing foundations I have heard of, and to have young people strive to help other young people is truly amazing. Kyle Charvat (1983-2006) was a very successful student at the University of Washington, who unfortunately had his life end too young from brain cancer. In his bout of illness and treatment, he and his family realized the erroneous costs involved and what isn't paid by insurance. College students typically do not have the financial resources needed to afford the high medical costs of such illness like Kyle's. The majority of charities focus on children. These young adult, college students are sometimes just "left" out there. No where to turn and should anything catastrophic transpire, without any help. That's where this foundation steps in. Their contributions to the beneficiaries helps alleviate financial, logistical and other disease related burdens that these students are facing while facing a life-threatening disease.

Please click on the link above to learn more and donate if possible.

Below is the link for the photos of their night. Ginger Girl Photography will be donating 20% of the proceeds from the pictures sold to the Kyle Charvat Foundation.

CLICK HERE to be taken to the picture gallery.

{portraits}: Lauren & Mady

2011-05-24T18:26:00.001-07:00

{portraits}: Schoonover's, a set on Flickr.

Last Wednesday, I took on the task of doing my first "senior photoshoot" with super sweet twins, Lauren & Mady. What started out as a kind of shy, uncomfortable time ended up with us all laughing and the girls being well, sisters!

I took them to Vain Hair Salon in Belltown for some "urban" photos against my favorite grafitti wall. We then moved on to Golden Gardens to take advantage of the sun and beautiful background that the park provides. The weather was AMAZING and we were lucky to not have to postpone this shoot.

I just want to say CONGRATULATIONS GIRLS and CONGRATULATIONS to the CLASS of 2011!

{events} LEZBRO: MAY 2011

2011-05-18T09:32:00.001-07:00

Ginger Girl Photography's photostream on Flickr.

The Wild Rose was fire hot on Friday May 13th the Fuego-Go's Miss Lili Delight & Osiris and AH-MAZING Selena performance from none other than ArtStar Charlatan!! DJ's Tony Burns and LA Kendall kept the floor popping with Latin-inspired dance tracks!

Up next month (and you are NOT going to want to miss this) Pride month kickoff with a 'Tranny Wet TShirt Contest'!

Art+Action=Awareness Pioneer Square Art Walk 5.5.2011

2011-05-08T13:33:00.001-07:00

Art+Action=Awareness Pioneer Square Art Walk 5.5.2011, a set on Flickr.

Pioneer Square ArtWalk 5.5.2011 with Hard Times Press, Debora Spencer Photography and HIV Vaccine Trials Unit. Body Painting of Drew Gosselin by Alisha Mahone.

Girl4Girl April 2011 - Century Ballroom

2011-04-20T17:44:00.001-07:00

Girl4Girl April 2011 - Century Ballroom, a set on Flickr.

Girl4Girl's last blowout until Gay Pride in June! We welcomed Mr. Charming and Roy G Biv (PDX) to get these ladies dancing on the dance floor. Hot gogo's, hot ladies, hot night!

GLEE Flash Mob West Lake Center

2011-04-13T13:11:00.001-07:00

GLEE Flash Mob 4/10/2011, a set on Flickr.

Sunday April 10th, 2011 over 1000 people mobbed West Lake Center (and other locations) under the direction of One Degree Events dancing their hearts out to Katy Perry's "Teenage Dream", Cee-Lo's "Forget You", Lady Gaga's "Bad Romance" and to finish it off Pink's "Raise Your Glass". This event was not one to miss and I was so excited to be on hand to capture the moments for Seattle Gay Scene.

Girl4Girl: April 2011 ~ Club Sur

2011-04-13T13:06:00.001-07:00

Girl4Girl: April 2011 ~ Club Sur, a set on Flickr.

Last Saturday's Girl4Girl at Club Sur was sizzling! The GoGo's were naughty as ever, groups filled the booths and the ladies kept dancing. There was even some pretty serious "making out" by the end of the evening. If you missed it, you can catch Girl4Girl on Capitol Hill this Friday night with special guest DJ's Mr. Charming and Roy G Biv (PDX). I LOVE THESE GIRLS and so will you.

LEZBRO: APRIL 2011

2011-04-13T13:02:00.001-07:00

LEZBRO: APRIL 2011, a set on Flickr.

Friday night at the Wild Rose was HOT!!! Fannie Mae Darling (PDX) wow the crowd with her rendition of 'Purple Rain' and a Steven Tyler favorite, as well as a sassy Broadway number.

{events}: GRIME with Special Guest BS Lewis (NYC) & LA Kendall (SEA) & Little Red Radio (LAX)

2011-03-29T10:39:00.000-07:00

DJ Skiddle's weekly Friday night party at the Chapel including:

DJ BS Lewis (NYC) and live performances by LA Kendall (SEA) and Little Red Radio (LAX).

{events}: 40 is a Drag...but not really!!

2011-03-29T10:31:00.000-07:00

{events}: GIRL4GIRL "Rumble Room @ Century Ballroom"

2011-02-25T20:59:00.000-08:00

FINALLY....Girl4Girl makes it's appearance on Capitol Hill, at the stunning Century Ballroom this past Friday night. Now set to serve the ladies of Capitol Hill every 3rd Friday of the month, Fuchsia Foxxx and her special ladies of the evening ~ ~Kitten LaRue, Bunny Monroe, Giani, Jen Cinquamani, Nadia, and Kitty Baby started this new party off right, dancing to the beats of DJ LA Kendall! The ladies were out in full force and lucky me..I was there once again to capture it all.

There are more pictures from this crazy fun night!

Just CLICK HERE

{events}: GIRL4GIRL "PlayGirl" Party

2011-02-25T20:32:00.000-08:00

February's Girl4Girl happened to fall on Valentine's Day weekend this month and lets just say the ladies were ready for love! Club Sur was glowing with candle light. The Go-Go's were nothing but naughty, dancing to beats being spun by DJ's L.A. Kendall and Tony Burns. All the single lady's had their pink neon bracelets on glow. Even a "Pink Parlor" to top off the evening of tempation and desire. Not sure what the "Pink Parlor" is...let's just say it will be back in March by demand!!

Wanna see more ('cause this is just a tease!)?!?!

CLICK HERE

Next G4G at Club Sur ~ Saturday March 12th

Guest Appreciation Month

DJ's LA Kendall, Tony Burns and guest MISS FUNK!!

{events}: LEZBRO Jan 2011

2011-01-25T17:20:00.000-08:00

LEZBRO ~ Wild Rose ~ Seattle, WA

January 2011

DJ's L.A. Kendall & Tony Burns

Special Guest: Ade

Visuals: JT Hooker (12hr notice)

{events}: LEZBRO Dec 2010

2011-01-06T17:37:00.000-08:00

LEZBRO ~ Wild Rose ~ Seattle, WA

December 2010

DJ's L.A. Kendall & Tony Burns

(here the mix here from NYE)

Special Guest: Sydni Deveraux

{events}: LEZBRO Nov 2010

2011-01-06T17:17:00.000-08:00

LEZBRO ~ Wild Rose ~ Seattle, WA

November 2010

DJ's L.A. Kendall & Tony Burns

Special Guests: Sh*t Damn Hella

{events}: LIP SERVICE

2011-01-06T16:48:00.000-08:00

LIP SERVICE ~ Baltic Room ~ Seattle, WA

December 2010

Live Art Installation by Miss Stella Rose

{events}: GIRL4GIRL "Winter Heat"

2010-12-19T09:05:00.000-08:00

Those who know me, know that Kendall and I met at Girl4Girl in Everett a little over 2 years ago...which is kind of crazy. She couldn't believe she was dj'ing in Everett (at a Girl4Girl none the less) and I never thought I would A) end up with a dj and B) meet someone at a bar. Well I did, we did. Since then, we haven't frequented the event but this last month she was asked to play at the newly relaunched Seattle monthly event at Club Sur in SODO. We didn't quite know what the event was going to be like, but we did know that the beautiful, talented Miss Fuchsia Foxx was the creative director and that Kendall was asked to play "what she plays". So Kendall grabbed her "Lezbro" Tony Burns and the two of them planned to WOW these girls! AND THEY DID (and as a treat, you can hear it too CLICK HERE)!!! "Winter Heat" was hot and here are a few shots from what turned out to be an amazing evening...

A shot of the venue...which is absolutely gorgeous!

Miss Fuchsia Foxx and GoGo Nadia Eye-Candy

Fuchsia Foxx looking absolutely beautiful and holiday like!

the'Luminous Pariah (this costume was unbelievable in person)

Want to see a few more photos? CLICK HERE

TRANNYSHACK: Palm Springs

2010-11-23T15:48:00.000-08:00

Heklina and girls made their way over to the Ace Hotel & Swim Club for WEST COAST LOVE TRAIN over Gay Pride weekend in Palm Springs. The show once again had us hollering and loving every minute of it. Videos of the performances can be seen via YouTube on the Hard Times Presents page
(prepared to be WOW'D!!).

Heklina lost her heart to a starship trooper

(which I have not been able to get that song out of my mind since, and we have been home over 2 weeks).

Ethel Merman was once again OUTSTANDING!!! Her rendition of River Deep Mountain High had Kendall SCREAMING and the crowd sang along for Ohhh La La

And Ms. Squeaky Blonde gave tribute to Miss California

Paint It Pink: A night for Susan G Komen

2010-11-22T19:31:00.000-08:00

On October 28th, my friend and local comedienne Shannon Whaley held her first comedy show at the Pan Pacific Hotel in support of breast cancer. Her show "PAINT IT PINK: A night for Susan G. Komen" had a lineup of local talent that left us all in tears and raised over $1000 for breast cancer research. I was honored to have donated my time and camera to capture these shots.

For additional shots of the evening, please click HERE

West Coast Love Train

2010-11-10T11:11:00.000-08:00

WHEW.......It has been one heck of a week! I have over 1000 photos shot to pick, process and display. Guess where you will be finding me when not at work selling phones????!!! Here is a glimpse though of our first night in Palm Springs for the West Coast Love Train! It was an amazing trip, lots of work and way tooo much alcohol. Yikes is all I can say about that. I can not wait to get my pictures up for all of you to enjoy, but until then here is what you can see from night #1! Live performances from Seattle duo Vintage Youth and my lady L.A. Kendall (and PS you can find more of my photos's via here blog)!

Please meet: Ethel Merman

2010-10-31T12:34:00.000-07:00

Earlier this week I posted a photo collage from Trannyshack Seattle, I also posted these pictures individually to my Facebook page. I was contacted by Miss Ethel Merman, requesting my pictures for use on her website (ok, I was a little bit excited I won't lie)!!! I also had some additional photos I had taken of her that she requested. She blew all of us away with her rendition of River Deep Mountain High at Chop Suey last weekend, and we can't wait to see her perform again next weekend in Palm Springs at the Ace Hotel for Gay Pride. Can't make it to Palm Springs?? Jump over to YouTube and catch some Ethel Merman Experience for yourself!

Trannyshack Seattle

2010-10-28T13:29:00.000-07:00

Last Saturday night we hit up Chop Suey for my first Trannyshack! Wow what a great experience that was...nothing better than good ole drag show! Hostess Heklina brought out a great crew (from LA and locally) for a night full of song and dance performance. Take a peek for yourself.

Want to see the full size images of these? Click here!

Also, keep your eyes open for more Trannyshack pictures from my trip to Palm Springs next week!

{CoupleShoot}: Marsha & Stephen

2010-10-21T08:20:00.000-07:00

I know it's been F-O-R-E-V-E-R since I have sat down and posted to this great blog I have started. Well, let me tell you...life has been C-R-A-Z-Y!!! Let me give you a little catchup ~ October 8th was my last day working for the company that I had given 11 years of my life to, so with sad goodbyes I moved on to the corporate world!! A chance for growth, many opportunities and yep you guessed it MONEY! Funny how that is always a motivator isn't it?!?! So all that being said, I have been consumed with training and new schedules, etc.

I did though, get the chance last weekend to spend a few hours with some friends whom I have not seen in a long time and we took that time to head to Jennings Park and take some amazing photos. I was honored to be asked to do this for them. Marsha and Stephen have been married for 17 years and this was their first time doing a shoot together. I am blessed to have this couple in my life and while it had been more years than I care to say since we had seen each other, it felt just like yesterday. I want to share with you just a few of this great fall morning...ENJOY!

SAMMY LAFORGE

2010-10-07T20:36:00.000-07:00

So FINALLY I am finished and releasing the studio pics I took of Sammy LaForge back in the beginning of September. While I spent the afternoon in our studio creating great pictures of him and LA Kendall, but we still have to wait for those.

Ladies and Gentlemen....SAMMY LAFORGE

Well HELLO Monday!

2010-10-04T08:30:00.000-07:00

The weekend has come and gone! I can say it was pretty productive - family time, haircut and photo session downtown, Kendall finishing laying down her tracks in the studio, dinner with Kendall's sister and a drop off at the airport and that was all on Saturday. Yesterday was a complete stay in your jammies kinda day with lots of photo editing and even some cookie making! I am still working on trying to do daily challenges, so here are my Monday entries...

I love Mellow Yellow Monday's.... I again was playing with my white posterboard and Jacob's legos. I like to call this "The Lego People"

Would you like to see some more YELLOW??? Click below!

I also snapped some shots of my late step-grandmother's rhinestone earrings. I remember admiring these as a little girl, and when my grandmother passed my stepmom honored me with them. I can say I have worn these vintage beauties and always feel so glamorous when I do. What girl doesn't love a little bling?!?! Again, joining Macro Monday over at Lisa's, wanna join in or see some other great macro shots? Click on the icon below my photo.

Sunday Challenge - Straight Out of the Camera

2010-10-03T16:46:00.000-07:00

While today has been a pretty lazy, laid back Sunday it has allowed me to get some work done. That's a good thing. Besides working on Jacob's shoot, I thought I would branch out and do some other things too. This is my second week linking up with Murrieta 365 SOOC Sundays. This shot of Kendall on the decks is amazing for both its light streaks and the reflection of her hand on the vinyl.

ISO 400, f/3.5, 1/.5, 8.9mm (this was taken with my point & shoot)

Would you like to see more great shots straight out of the camera? Click below:

Ready for round 2?!?

2010-10-03T10:32:00.000-07:00

I said I had more! Here is batch 2, wardrobe change 2...
and this time I figured out how to collage!

YAY ME!

Its a Macro Challenge!

2010-10-02T18:56:00.000-07:00

Just found this challenge via Ashley over at Ramblings and Photos (she's my new favorite to follow). If you have been following my blog since the beginning you know how I love taking macro shots of flowers.

To see more beautiful macro shots, click the link below!

We took to the streets

2010-10-02T17:03:00.000-07:00

This year, I decided...WHY WASTE MONEY FOR SCHOOL PICTURES?!?!? I always complain every time I write the check for which ever company is taking the schools pictures, I'm never happy with the way they turn out, and I think I still have a stack left from each year. They just sit there, in the package he brought them home in, never being distributed. So this year, Jacob and I decided lets get out and do some photos!

We started our day out with a trim of his wig at VAIN by TT, then hit up the graffiti wall that sits outside the salon along with some pictures among Pioneer Square. I made him smile and pose until he finally said...ENOUGH MOM! Here are the first few pictures to share, I won't bore you with all of them.

IT GETS BETTER

2010-10-01T11:25:00.000-07:00

While this blog is primarily for my photography work, I wanted to share with you a very special video created by our friends Dan Savage and Terry Hecker. The IT GETS BETTER Project is a message to gay, bi and trans teens telling them that YES it gets better. This project has gone nationwide, even earning Dan the "awesome" factor on the "INDEX" for 'The Culture' in this weeks NEWSWEEK (Oct 4, 2010)! While I didn't have to deal with the bullying in high school, as I was not out yet, I can only imagine the how awful it must be with kids today. Even our own 9 year old has come home with words of fellow students and even family members that definitely disturbs Kendall and I. We though, sent our child to CAMP TEN TREES this year in hopes that he would learn the most valuable lesson...It's ok to be gay. It's ok to have gay friends. Its ok to be who ever you are! And he DID!!

With all the suicides that have happened over this last week, please watch the video below and feel free to share!

October means its time for another PHOTO HUNT CHALLENGE

2010-10-01T08:27:00.000-07:00

It's that time again....and after successfuly getting 8 of my 20 entries for August's challenge in the top listings I am ready to go at it again.

Wanna play along? Click on the image below and sign up today!

CHALLENGE YOURSELF!

In Disguise

Crisp

Fall Colors

A Jack O’lantern

a Shot from the Ground

a Landscape

a Fall Tradition

Books

Dining

Child/Children

Faces formed in Nature (anything that looks like a face but isn’t)

Tilt-Shift Photography
B & W with selective coloring

Bokeh

Best Photo taken October 23rd

Something from the Kitchen

Something Vintage

Something Creepy

Something Golden

A Self-Portrait

Courtesy of Photo Hunt Challenge:

"Photos should be taken between October 1st and October 31st 2010. You may use a maximum of two photos from your archives — as long as they were taken within the past year — if you find yourself stuck on the 31st without having a photo for a category or two. You ARE allowed (and encouraged!) to use Photoshop or other photo-editing software as you’d like (it often adds to the artistic quality of the photo).

It is up to you whether you post your photos on your blog as you go or wait until November 1st to unveil them and make it a surprise. Either way, each of you should put all 20 photos in one single blog post or in a single online gallery by November 4th. Please label each photo file in the following manner: Yourname-category.jpg (ex: kristi-something musical.jpg). You may also want to watermark your photos with your name.

A new post will go up at photohuntchallenges.com on November 1st. Anyone who completes the October 2010 Photo Hunt will need to add their name & the URL permalink of where their Photo Hunt photos are posted. Everyone who adds their name to the auto-link will have their photos considered for the Favorites. Three guest judges and I will each judge five of the categories (Let me know if you would like to be a Judge!!) . We will be going through all of the participants’ entries, and will post our favorite photos for each of the 2o items on the list in a separate blog post with a poll for each. Please note that we will not include archived photos in my favorites (it hardly seems fair!). Anyone who votes is encouraged to vote based on their favorite photo, not just for a particular photographer. Voting is also open to anyone and everyone. The polls are open for up to one month from the time they are created and will be posted throughout the month of November. After all polls are closed, I will compile the photos of all the winners and will display them here on the photohuntchallenges.com blog.

If you are interested in playing along for the October 2010 Photo Hunt, enter your name below! Feel free to post the above badge and list on your blogs if you would like to announce your participation or recruit others to join in!"

Phontography with a message

2010-09-30T14:37:00.000-07:00

This is my first link up to the Phontography challenge over at Pasando!

As I was browsing through this weeks NEWSWEEK I found this block of text that jumped out at me and I wanted to share, so I grabbed my phone and put my camera on the "toy" setting and here is what I got....

I couldn't have said it better myself.

You Capture: Togetherness

2010-09-30T11:39:00.000-07:00

I woke up this morning and looked out the window and saw this:

While I am not a fan of the spiders
(I usually scream like a little girl), I find their work so fascinating.

Grabbing my camera I decided to use these images for You Capture: Togetherness over at
I Should Be Folding Laundry's Thursday challenge.

For me, the changing of the leaves and the numerous spiders are a symbol of "Togetherness" for the Fall Season that is quickly coming upon us.

You can see other great shots of "Togetherness" by clicking the link below:

Feeling a little Black & White

2010-09-28T21:11:00.000-07:00

For todays challenges I decided to go black and white.

While I love color, sometimes the contrast of 2 colors can really make a photo pop!

First up...The Long Road to China's BLACK and WHITE WEDNESDAY

For this challenge I took a picture I snapped this morning while at breakfast. We had some errands to run in Everett and I was hungry (as usual and we never want to wait when that is the case) so we found this great little cafe, The Mermaid Cafe. It was a little, family ran establishment with the daughter working the counter, while mom and auntie were on the grill. The setting was quaint with local artists' work lining the walls and lots of little touches like the sign above the door that read "See you later alligator".

I think my favorite part of cafe was the Mason jar glasses,

well that and the Big Jonny's burrito I had.

Then it's over to Aspire: Lovely Photo Wednesday

I thought I would keep the black and white theme going with this shot of Emily. She is the elderly cat of our close friend Dann. Her colors match that of Dann's house...black and white.

To see other lovely photos, click below!

Its a Blue Touched Up Kinda Day

2010-09-28T18:23:00.000-07:00

My goal for this week is to complete at least 2 challenges a day! So far I've been successful (okay Sunday was only 1, but I did get some other great stuff up on my blog). In continuation of my "self challenge project" here are Tuesday's submissions:

Trendy Treehouse: Shutter Love TuesdaysBLUEThis picture was my first attempt at using 2 pieces of whiteboard to create a white background (thank you to all the bloggers who have posted this little tidbit of DIY information.). The blue hand is one of many in Kendall's hand collection and if you look closely you will see the gorgeous Frank Gehry 'Torque' Tiffany & Co. ring I was given last Valentine's Day. I'm pretty happy with how this turned out.
Would you like to see more great shots?? Click below!! Peart Heart Camera: 'Touch Up Tuesday' Now to work on my editing skills for 'Touch Up Tuesday' over at Peart Heart Camera!Kendall and I were coming back from my mom's today and while stopped for a much needed coffee (pumpkin spice white chocolate mocha to be exact), I glanced over and in the parking lot I spotted this.....Thankfully I had my camera with me today! This chicken was wandering about the parking lot of a country gas station. Even though this picture isn't bad SOOC, I thought maybe I could change it up a little, so here is what I came up with:Here is what I did in Corel Paint Shop Photo Pro1. First I cropped the picture down to eliminate all the wasted space.2. High Pass Sharpen - Radius 37, Strength 67 with overlay blend (what does all this mean).3. Adjusted the Brightness to 15 and Contrast to 30.4. Clarified strength of effect to 13.5. Finally removed the dandelion in the background.
Would you like to see more great editing skills put into action, click on the link below!

Happy Monday!

2010-09-27T03:00:00.000-07:00

HAPPY MONDAY MORNING EVERYONE! Hope you enjoy these challenges for Monday.

For more great Mellow Yellow Monday shots, click on the link below!

For great shots of water droplets (one of my favorite things to capture), click on the link below!

SOOC Sunday...which means Straight out of the camera!

2010-09-26T18:10:00.000-07:00

Thank goodness for a nice, lazy Sunday!

It has been much needed and I have found myself practically glued to my laptop

(while watching Sally Field's movies) all day.

Editing photos, posting photos, finding challenges...all of it makes this girl happy!

Murrieta 365: SOOC Sunday

This bee found these flowers the minute that I set them outside to photograph.

I was shocked to see I was able to capture him and get a clear shot!

YAY ME!

GRAFFITI

2010-09-26T14:46:00.000-07:00

LOCATION:VAIN ~ 2018 1st Ave, Downtown SeattleWanna know more??? Click here to learn The VAIN Graffiti Wall's history

An Autumn Stroll

2010-09-26T12:55:00.000-07:00

Saturday provided us with an amazing fall morning to take a stroll on the local Centennial Trail. Kendall and I set foot early in the morning to enjoy the path before the hustle of the day began.

On our walk we enjoyed many spiders (yuck)

A lovely critter trying to make his way across the path without getting smooshed.

We actually stopped to help him across (Kendall insisted)

And if you looked closely, this little guy that blended into the scenery

(look at those beady eyes)

But my favorite part of the entire walk,

was the changing of the season....

LA Kendall takes on PDX

2010-09-23T10:44:00.000-07:00

What a trip!! LA Kendall (who I am lucky enough to have has a partner) and I took a road trip to Portland this last weekend to perform in her first solo appearance on the mic. Yes, she has travelled the country to play behind the decks...but for tonight, she stepped out front and rocked the mic! The girls at Gaycation welcomed us into Holocene (amazing venue BTW) for a party the was off the hook!!!! Portland knows how to turn it out, despite the pouring rain. We were even lucky enough to have a collection of great friends with us from Seattle. Here are a few of the shots I was able to get while I wasn't dancing like a fool :)

I've been lazy...

2010-09-23T08:17:00.000-07:00

Well not really! Seems like the last 2 weeks have been filled with lots of events and school and work! I have had 1 studio photo shoot (pics will be released when I get the A-OK!), photographed 3 events between two HARD TIMES promo nights and my partner's performance and DJ set in Portland last weekend, and to top all that off - 2 family deaths between Kendall and myself.

So that being said...I have LOTS of photos to edit and get busy posting. My mind was starting to turn to mush so I thought that I would take a break from all the "event" pictures and try a little creativity with flowers. I can always rely on my love of flowers to bring me "back to earth". Here is something I woke up and started working on this morning for "Before and After" over at Pixel Perfect and then I realized that "You Capture's" theme this week was FLOWERS! Yay for me...2 birds with one stone, or 2 challenges with one picture!

Like I said earlier this month, since we planted a late flower garden we have been able to still enjoy the beautiful blossoms even into late September...I finally went outside and cut some of the African Daisies for us to enjoy inside.

And with a little tweaking (Corel Paint Shop Pro PhotoX2) here is what I ended up with!

To see more great shots, hop over to the links below:

My Big Boy!

2010-09-17T10:07:00.000-07:00

So I am finally getting a chance to put up pictures from Jacob's first day of school, he is a big 4th grader this year.

He was not the most cooperative model for this Tuesday morning,

even though he was beyond excited for school.

I did capture these two goofy shots or should I say mug shots!

I was like..."Why can't you just stand there smile and be cute?"

But instead, this is what he did!

It does show off his cool haircut that we got done at VAIN. Thank you TT.

He felt uber cool despite what anyone thinks. That's what I love about our kid, he has his own style and doesn't seem to really care if he doesn't "fit in" with the rest of the kids at his school (and believe me, he doesn't, we live in the "country" folks and our boy is "city" kid all the way)!

Just because....

2010-09-09T20:45:00.000-07:00

While we planted our garden a little late in the season, we have been able to enjoy the blossoms well into what is quickly becoming fall. This post is just some recent shots of our beautiful flower bed outside the back of our house, filled with zinnias, African daisies, morning glory, marigolds and pansies. Of course I felt the need to "tweak" them a bit for some practice with my photo editing software. I fell in love with soft femininity that I created with the films and filters. ENJOY!

WOO HOO!!

2010-09-09T09:22:00.000-07:00

I am EXCITED to announce, that the past few days some of my submissions from the Augush Photo Hunt Challenge have been chosen to be voted upon as the winner of their respective categories! Please take a peek below and if you would kindly vote for my submissions! This was my first challenge and I am proud of myself for completing it and even more proud that my photos were chosen as "favorites" of the guest judges. There were 53 participants in this challenge! Your vote means a lot to me...so with that, I am saying "Please and Thank You" for your support.

Here is, so far, the categories I have been nominated for (please click the link highlighted and then submit your vote within that post. You do not have to be a blogger to do so):

Flag to represent me: Please vote for #3

Something in Season: Please vote for #11

Culture or Ethnicity: Please vote #19

Indulgence: Please vote for #18

Feminine: Please vote for #14

Perceptive Perspective - Labor

2010-09-07T16:55:00.000-07:00

What is labor?

Definition according to Merriam Webster Dictionary:

a : expenditure of physical or mental effort

especially when difficult or compulsory

b (1) : human activity that provides the goods or services in an economy

(2) : the services performed by workers for wages as

distinguished from those rendered by entrepreneurs for profits

Well, those definitions being stated, I would definitely say that the work of DJ L.A. Kendall Saturday night at The Chapel would be my perspective on "labor". From this photo you can see her effort being put forth with such an intense look of concentration.

This is my first post for 2babycakes weekly challenge! I'm excited for more perceptive perspective's to come. Want to see some other great shots, click the link below!

Shoot - n - Tell: Week #1

2010-09-07T15:09:00.000-07:00

UPDATE!! I won 3rd Place in this Shoot - n - Tell Challenge!!

The infamous Fremont Troll!
This was Jacob's first visit to this enomorous peice of art that sits literally under the Aurora Bridge here in lovely Seattle.

The mammoth sculpture has a hubcap eye and his hand holds a vintage VW bug, which is said to have an Elvis time capsule enclosed.

Jacob was determined to crawl into this troll's hand.

Want to see other "Shoot-n-Tell" stories, then click below!

Mellow Yellow Monday

2010-09-06T19:24:00.000-07:00

Nothing more beautiful than YELLOW flowers.
YELLOW makes me smile.
YELLOW makes me think of summer.

BEEP...beep...CLICK

2010-09-06T19:03:00.000-07:00

Last Thursday afternoon Jacob and I finished up our school shopping, followed with a stroll around Pioneer Square. Tucked next to our friends' apartment building is this great waterfall park. It's a great space to sit and read a book during your lunch or share a coffee with a friend. Jacob and I took advantage of that great self-shot...ENJOY!

Wanna participate in beep...beep...beep **CLICK**, then yep you got it..click below!The rules are easy: 1*YOU MUST BE IN THE PHOTO
2*YOU MUST TAKE THE PHOTO
{make the timer on your camera beep then click}
3* Link back to www.flatyeastbread.blogspot.com
4* Link UP, so we can all go see your beautiful self portrait.

The Morning Dew

2010-09-04T12:38:00.000-07:00

This weeks photo is of our African Daisy's taken first thing in the morning. I love the itty water droplets covering the delicate, orange petals.

Two Moms Made a Photo Challenge: PETS

2010-09-04T11:53:00.000-07:00

This is my first TMMaPC and I couldn't resist with this weeks theme...PETS. Sheridan has been my subject in many, many pictures. She usually gets super annoyed with the lights in her eyes, but she stayed still enough for me to get this super cute shot as she lazily lounges on one of our quilts.

Before & After...

2010-09-02T07:21:00.000-07:00

I took this picture of my mom's dog, Dozer, who can always be found just lazing around. He is old and full of arthritis but always looks irresistible...its a front though...get to close and you will be knocked out by his atrocious dog breath...yikes. I thought that this picture would be great to do a Before and After...

BEFORE:

and AFTER:

My camera: Olympus SP-800UZ (my favorite point and shoot)
My Editing Software: Corel Paint Shop Pro Photo X2

To see more pictures like these or to link up some of your own, head over to Pixel Perfect now by clicking the following logo:

Wee Bit Wednesday - 1st time checkin!

2010-09-01T12:32:00.000-07:00

{one} what’s your favorite day of the week and why?

tuesdays! nothing like working monday then being off on tuesday. and bonus

it's my day with my sweetie.

{two} if you could have a glimpse of your future, would you choose to see it and what time would you want to see?

i would choose to see EQUALITY! same rights for everyone no matter what color you are and who you choose to be in a relationship with.

{three} if you could be any animal, which animal would you be?

i've always have a passion for the primates. they make me smile.

{four} do you have a lucky number?

not really, but i have a tendency to always lean towards 5.

wonder what the significance of that is?

{five} if you could bring one famous person back from the dead, who would it be and why?

my gramma ducky. she missed out on my teenage years and i would

love for my son to meet her.

{six} fill in the blank: peanut butter and ____________.

my momma's homemade raspberry jam.

{seven} would you rather live by the mountains or by the beach?

can i have both? or how about in between.

{eight} do you have any tattoos?

yeppers. 2 of them. would definitely like more.

{nine} if you could retire tomorrow, what would you do?

take pictures, lots of them, all over the world.

{ten} what is your favorite all time movie?

fried green tomatoes. classic of love and friendship.

Wanna play?? Please do!

Photo Hunt = Check!

2010-09-01T08:21:00.000-07:00

Well it was tough and literally up to the minute I went to bed last night, but I DID IT!! I challenged myself to complete the August Photo Hunt Challenge that I found over at Ashley Sisk's Ramblings and Photos blog at the beginning of the month. Her blog is great, well really beyond great! I haven't figured out how she is able to work and do all the amazing challenges she does, but I love it and she is quite the inspiration. Thank you Ashley for making me want to get out and shoot!

I was able to complete this challenge with using only 2 photos from my archives (from June 2010), that being said, I was pretty happy with myself.

So here we go:

1. Something to Represent Me: Well nothing says it more than the Gay Pride flag that was raised atop the Seattle Space Needle during Gay Pride weekend in June this year. Yes this is an archive piece, but to be honest I couldn't resist posting it. It was the first time the Space Needle hoisted the flag and it was quite an emotional moment. I come from such a great city who is so supportive!

2. Something Comfortable: What is more comfortable than the loves from Grammy?! This picture captured the love and special bond that these two have. This shot was also my first attempt at erasing a background and just focusing on the subject. I am happy with it and I think Grammy will love it when she gets it for Christmas :)

3. Something in Season: CRAB!!! Delicious, fresh caught crab! It was a true treat.

4. Feet: My feet! Ok maybe I should have done a pedicure before this picture, but I really like the "infrared" process I did with this one.

5. Repetition: The lines of this gate really intrigued me.

6. Ethnicity: My very talented friend, Drew Rodriguez painted the picture, which I have posted before. U absolutely ADORE his work.

7. Contrast: The red lips and plaid hat SCREAM in this picture. I LOVE IT!

8. Indulgence: It's a feast for this little bee.

9. Macro/Closeup: I LOVE MACRO images! This little grasshopper became my subject after he diligently stayed put after my morning watering of the garden.

10. Masculine: Our friend JT came over one night to visit, and I took advantage of using his beautiful bike for this shot. He hasn't seen this yet and when he does, hope he loves it!

11. Feminine: The simplicity of a white rose.

12. Light: Literally.

13. Eco-Friendly: Ok, this may be a stretch...but the simplicity of a water fountain. No plastic bottles. Just pure water into your mouth.

14. Business: The Edgefield in Troutdale, Oregon. If you haven't been there...put it on your list to visit. Music, wine, brew, golf, spa...list goes on and on!

15. Arrow: My least creative of the shots. But, there are some arrows!

16. Something Wet: I love how the water drops look on the leaves after a rain or even watering the garden.

17. Something Dry: RICE...before it's cooked that is.

18. Butterfly: This is also a piece of Drew Rodriguez's work. The sharpness of this picture is not as good as I had hoped, but it still shows the beauty of his work.

19. Heart Shaped Cloud: I found one! I hope you see it too!

and lastly...

20. Strength: This too is an archive pic, but I loved the girls trying to "hold" up the tiger.

WHEW!!!! I did it! I hope you enjoy!

RAW (e): Yellow

2010-08-30T20:27:00.000-07:00

I am trying to keep up to date with the challenges of the week. Not only does it make me feel somewhat accomplished, its a great way to get me out there doing what I love to do and stretching my creativity.

Going back through my shots from last week, I found these beautiful flowers that I took a picture of while we were at the Smokey Point Plant Farm. It was my first time at a nursery with a camera...and let me tell you, this is just one of many shots that I took that afternoon. I was pretty much in heaven with all the blooms. This picture is straight from my camera with no adjustments and hey, it works for Mellow Yellow Monday too! BONUS!

Would you like to play too?

Remember:

Straight out of the camera shots ONLY.

Link up to your ONE photo so that people

can find it easily and you can win

Baby Blue Eyes

2010-08-30T19:57:00.000-07:00

There is nothing I enjoy more than the sparkle in my boy's eyes and the sun kisses across this cheeks.

Grime Presents....

2010-08-29T14:06:00.000-07:00

Saturday August 21st...The Chapel's Saturday night party GRIME with DJ Skiddle (C89.5FM) had live performances from L.A. Kendall, followed by Lisa Dank & White Widows! Both acts performed songs produced by Sammy LaForge.

Fabulous New Friends

2010-08-29T09:47:00.000-07:00

Last month I saw a post on a fellow bloggers site about a new group called "Dear Darlings", and I quickly signed up thinking how great it would be to have a pen pal! Well not only do I have 1, I have 3 great women around the world (literally) that I am receiving mail from. It is a joy to check the mailbox now to see if I have received any special little envelopes that are not bills or junk mail.

So far, this project seems to be going just great! I have received multiple "joys" in the mail from all the ladies. First to show was this cute card from Carol in California

She sent this cute kitty card in reflection of my pics of kitties on my blog. I do love cats. Carol's first letter introduced herself and what seems like has been a wonderful life for her so far. Her story of her relationship with her husband left me smiling, as they were college sweethearts who married, then divorced and remarried 27 years later. Amazing!! I look forward to continuing to learn more about Carol. She keeps me giggling daily with her blog posts, which is appropriately named "Middle-Aged Diva". Her second letter has also arrived and is a great Q&A in response to my first letter to her. Can't wait to follow up with her on that one.

Second to arrive:

And actually 3rd as well, was my letters from Monique in Florida! She loves Disney World and spends a bit of time there. I would too if I lived that close. I may be a bit jealous, as I have only been to Disneyland and that was only once (at the age of 22). Monique's first card was a brief introduction and this second one above, was responses to my Q&A that I sent her. Seems like we may have a lot of similar likes, based on her card maybe she likes to scrap!?!? Which I have know to be a bit obsessed with on occasion.

And finally to arrive (all the way from Patagonia Chile, I think this is where email is much more efficient than snail mail):

Heather's card is so cute and whimsical, maybe a reflection of her personality?! Heather and her husband live in Patagonia Chile, where he is a guide in the national park (Torres del Paine). From her letter it sounds like Heather stays pretty busy running, doing yoga, backpacking, photography and loves reading poetry. While we both have a love of coffee...she is cutting back her consumption...well because she is PREGNANT!! Yay for her...I look forward to our communication of her pregnancy and birth of her first child. Her blog is a great one to follow as well, and appropriately named "A measure of...."

If you want to join this project, click on over to Oh, My Darling's blog and sign up! BTW...her site also has lots of cute other stuff to check out!

Inside the Artist Studio: Drew Rodriguez

2010-08-26T08:51:00.000-07:00

Last week I took some pictures of local oil, encaustic and paper artist ~ Drew Rodriguez's work space (he was at work...hehe), while Kendall was in the studio recording her new tracks. I loved looking at his new piece he is working on and seeing all his supplies spread across the table. You have seen his work before here on my blog, as I photographed his first Art Walk in Pioneer Square at the beginning of the month.

Tools of the trade

Work in progress... Her eyes are so mysterious and a bit haunting

You Capture: Outdoor

2010-08-26T08:23:00.000-07:00

While summer is coming to an end here in the PNW, we were lucky enough to have some late blooming flowers. Partially because we didn't get to planting any seeds until June and then that was followed by an outlandish storm of heavy rains. This day of rain left our flower beds flooded out and we were curious to see what was going to take and where it was going to end up in our flower beds. Luckily, almost everything made it...and that made it so we are just now enjoying the beautiful colors of the zinnia blooms.

The Lady Bear Tour

2010-08-24T20:08:00.000-07:00

Hard Times Presents........The Lady Bear Tour with Nicky Click and CJ & The Dolls at Re-Bar ~ Saturday August 14, 2010. It was HOT but these girls...they were HOTTER!

The Eyes of Laura Kendall

2010-08-24T19:52:00.000-07:00

L.A. Kendall turned out for a solo performance Saturday night at The Chapel to perform her two new songs, "Heteroflexible" and "Bring Those Beats" with music produced by Sammy LaForge. These songs will be available on L.A. Kendall's blog in the following month.

She can next be seen live at Holocene (PDX) on September 18th for 'Gaycation', where not only will she be giving you some vocals, but dropping a set on the decks.

Lisa Dank & The White Widows

2010-08-19T20:36:00.000-07:00

Local sensation and soon to be worldy known...

LISA DANK & THE WHITE WIDOWS!

The girls stopped by Seattle's ReBar Saturday night to surprise the crowd with songs "On the Radio" and "Cookies", following their appearance at C89.5's Listener Appreciation Party.

Our Overnighter

2010-08-14T10:20:00.000-07:00

Tuesday night we went down to the Edgefield in Troutdale, Oregon to spend the night for Kendall's sister birthday. WHAT A GREAT PROPERTY!! The Edgefield is own by McMenamins and features many pubs (I think there are 9) and restaurants. As well as a wonderful spa, which includes the most amazing soaking pool. It was wonderful at 8:00 am, such a great way to start the day.

The rooms are European-style, which if you don't know, means they have no bathrooms and you share a lounge down the hall. To be honest I was kind of scared of this, but actually, it was great. You walked into the "Ladies Lounge" and there was a sitting area that boasted a couch and chair, then there were 3 separate bathrooms with showers, etc. Within the rooms, all differently adorned with paintings of whimsical tales. Our room, The Bankers Room had quotes from Mike McMenamin and Monopoly images.

Upon venturing out onto the property, there were many little pubs in such cute and quaint places and also they have a full winery. Growing their own grapes in the vineyard that sits below the property, and serving organic fruits and vegetables, as well as herbs, also grown on the grounds makes this property fairly self sufficient and green.

There is much, much more to this property...but you have to take a look for yourself!

Pioneer Square Art Walk

2010-08-07T08:49:00.000-07:00

The first Thursday of the month brings us the Pioneer Square Art Walk. As a family, we ventured down to Tiffany Talent's loft who was showcasing the beautiful art work of our friend, Drew Rodriguez and sounds of DJ Sammy LaForge. While I have had a chance to sneak a peek of Drew's work at his studio apartment, it was great to see it on the walls and on display for all to see. I love his use of mixed media, including wax and special custom fabrics.