Just Cute
Gorgeous Bride
Molly and Rod were both a delight to work with. Aren't they a stunning couple? Their wedding in Breckenridge was great fun. I'm sad they live in New York and not Boulder!
Sugar and Spice
I love this family! I have photographed Ben since he was in the womb and watching him grow up is so much fun. He is the sweetest little boy. I hope if we have a boy, he's at least a little bit like Ben! In these shots, Katie is 36 weeks pregnant and she is so cute. She has recently given birth to baby Samantha and everyone is doing great. Apparently, even though Katie and Matt didn't know they were having a girl, Ben was convinced he would have a little sister! Can't wait to meet her!
Little Ones
We've been busy at the studio with kid shots and I thought it was about time I posted a few. Love these sweet, authentic little expressions.
Hot Mama
Shannon Sunderland owns Hot Mama Designs and creates stylish jewlery celebrating motherhood. I think I'll be needing one of her little numbers pretty soon!! I was so excited when she asked me to document the new addition to their family, Elias. Big brother Leno was so great for photos and then he showed me his tricks on the trampoline.
Sydney and Deming
These two are just adorable! We had so much fun taking engagement photos on these cool cruiser bikes at Wash Park in Denver. Sydney and Deming are high school sweethearts and it totally shows. They are so cute together and just can't stop laughing! I can't wait for the wedding in October!
Spring in Santa Barbara
I feel pretty lucky that my 2009 wedding season kicked off in sunny Santa Barbara. Ann and Trevor were married at the Botanic Gardens in full bloom. It was absolutely gorgeous! To view the slideshow from this wedding, click here.
New Portfolio
Cypress Albums recently printed my new porfolio and they did such a beautiful job. I am excited to offer the Cypress Iris Book as a clean, modern design for my clients in 2009. I thought it would be fun to share some of my favorite layouts from the new book.
Where have I been?
It's true, the blog has been seriously neglected!! I apologize to those of you who come by every once and awhile and have been wondering if I have abandoned the daily blog all together. I know it has been two months since a new post went up...but I really do have a great excuse. I'm pregnant! Today, I am 14 weeks and starting to feel a bit more like a functioning human! Kevin and I are so excited to have a baby and can hardly believe it's happening. If you've got wisdom to share, bring it on!
Thanks for your patience while I get back in the swing of things. I look forward to sharing some recent shots with you and keeping you updated on the excitement of the 2009 wedding season.
Snow in Seattle
This past weekend I visited Seattle for a photo shoot and a photo camp. I was prepared for the chance of rain, but I did not expect snow! Understandably, my host Leanne was pretty concerned about getting good shots of her girls with such dramatic weather, but it ended up working out great. Bridget and Claire were such troopers and so much fun to shoot. At one point, I had to engage Claire in a skipping race down the sidewalk to even get her out of the warm minivan! In the end our favorite location was a nice warm coffee shop with a chalkboard just at kid height. The hearts and scribbles made for a perfect backdrop. Leanne posted a couple really fun blog entries about our weekend at her site: http://lmewilson.wordpress.com/ . You can also view the slideshow of all our various location shoot around the Seattle area at www.julieafflerbaugh.com/slideshows/wilson.
Modern portraits
I have been collaborating with my friend, Julie Carson, to create a series of images to hang in her eco baby boutique, Bundle, here in Boulder. Julie was clear that she wanted something clean, modern, and colorful for her space. We brainstormed together and came up with ideas for clothing, poses, furniture, backdrop and colors. It was a fun process which I hope I can use with more clients. It definitely pushed me to shoot a bit differently than I normally do which is so inspiring. Here are the first batch of shots of Cedar, Julie's little girl. We are working on a newborn shoot next.
Molly and Rod
Molly and Rod came all the way from NYC to take care of some wedding planning for their June wedding in Breckenridge. It was fun to spend some time with them while they were in town and take some classic Boulder engagement portraits. They are super sweet couple and so excited about their colorado wedding. Can't believe it is just around the corner!
Engaged
I have been doing a bunch of fun engagement shoots for my 2009 wedding couples, and of course, I am behind on posting. We'll start with Erin and Scott. I knew we would be fast friends when I first met them on a Sunday morning at my favorite place in Boulder, Spruce Confections. Erin's parents came along and we chatted for nearly 2 hours in the sunshine on the outdoor patio! As expected, our engagment session was a blast. I love the way Scott makes Erin laugh...they are a perfect couple!
Jose Villa Workshop
I am so so so excited to announce James Christianson and I will be hosting a Jose Villa workshop right here in Boulder. Not only is Jose's work gorgeous, he is one of the most genuine and generous people I know. Can't wait to be inspired! You can check out Jose's website for more information.
Hut Trip 2009
With an incredible group of new friends, in fresh powder, under big blue colorado skies we skied like rockstars (o.k some of skied like rockstars and some of us just tried not end up upside down). This was my first adventure with my new Canon G10 point and shoot and I definitely experienced camera liberation. It was fun to ski and shoot at the same time!
Studio Love
As you can see from the last few posts, I have been shooting a bunch in my studio. I love the simplicity of one light and a clean background. It makes the expressions just pop out of the photograph. After 2 years of using the space and gathering ideas for what can make it even better, the studio is ready to undergo an exciting renovation. In the next few weeks, new french doors will be installed to the backyard which will open up the space and create a source for natural light shots. New wood floors, new paint and new furniture are on the horizon! I'll post some photos of work in progress.
Baby Etta
Oh so cute. What more is there to say...
Luke Last Shots
I have been photographing little Luke since he was in his Mommy's tummy. I LOVE these recent shots of him at 6 months. They were the last 3 frames we shot and of course they are my favorites. I was laughing with my photographer friend about how often I say, "This is the last shot." But it never is. Because just when you are ready to be done, you see something new. And you just have to shoot one more.
Drew
It's a proud moment when I can post pictures of my godson on my blog! My best friend, her husband and Drew live in Norway and they came to visit Colorado! Here are a few of my favorite shots of the little guy. I already can't wait until I can see him again.
Dinosaurs
Oh geez...I haven't posted anything in a long time! I have been lost in the land of album design! But these cute little shots of John at 4 with his dino inspired me to get back on the blog. Simple storytelling is kind of my thing at the moment. How do you tell a story with just one shot? Well, here's three, that's a start!
Hadley
I am working on updates to my web galleries which involves going back through all the shoots this year and choosing some favorites. In the process, I will be posting some fun portraits that never made it to the blog. This is Hadley. And she is wearing a ridiculously cute ballerina dress her Mom picked out for her.
Sunflowers and Balloons
Once the holidays are over and winter really has it's grips on Colorado, I start to dream of spring. Not that I am ready for spring, but I realize we still have many months of winter before the flowers will bloom again. If you are feeling the same way, here are a few images of summer to make you smile. They were taken on a trip to Steamboat Springs last year.
Candice and Jason
Happy New Year to you! We have a couple more weddings to post from 2008, but the year officially closed with a beautiful winter wedding at a rustic mountain lodge. It was so much fun to shoot in the snow for a change! And Candice and Jason could not have been sweeter! It was a super fun year of weddings with trips to Santa Barbara, Napa, and Vermont and lots of great Coloraod destinations. I am so grateful to have met such a wonderful bunch of clients who are now friends.
A Day in the Life
Ali Bozeman, of the Bird Dog Press, and I came up with idea to document her son, Cullin, doing all of his favorite things. It turns out the letter B became a theme and will be used a graphic element in a book for Cullin. Here are a few shots featuring Cullin playing Bluegrass, wearing his beloved Boots, painting with Blue, and driving his Backhoe.
Baby Yvette
My good friends Ashley and Rebecca welcomed their baby girl Yvette into the world just a couple of months ago. I was lucky enough to take photographs of her when she was only a week old. Documenting these incredibly sweet moments between parents and newborn babies, I realize what a gift it is to be a photographer. Yvette is truly blessed to have such an amazing family and I am blessed to be a part of it.
Nicole and Pat
I am so excited about Nicole and Pat's wedding. They are having a private ceremony on a beautiful property in Aspen for family and close friends and then a big party at the Denver Botanic Gardens the next weekend! There are going to be soooo many opportunities for great photographs. Here a few from our recent engagment session in Boulder. They are such a fun couple!
Jingle Bells
We are already excited for the holidays and wanted to share some of our creative ideas for holiday sessions and cards. First of all, don't forget about our holiday quick shoots happening November 13, 14, and 15. These are appreviated photos sessions to make life a bit less stressful at this busy time of year. Contact the studio to make your appointment. $75/family.
If you are waiting to pick your favorite prints to give as holiday gifts, don't wait too long! The deadline for print orders to be delivered by December 22 is December 10. Rush orders will be accepted until December 16.
We are very delighted to announce the arrival of our new line of holiday cards designed by Ali Bozeman at The Bird Dog Press. All of our cards are printed on watercolor paper to give them a vintage feel. The designs are unique to Julie Afflerbaugh Photography and so your cards will be one of a kind keepsakes for your family and friends.
Designs can be printed with horizontal or vertical photographs and the inside is customized with your names.
Charisma Award
So, photographing lots and lots of kiddos, I have quite a few tricks up my sleeve to bring out the laughs. I joke that when I photograph little ones, I become a bit of a circus clown. Maybe that's why I love the combination of weddings and portraits (nobody likes a wedding photographer that acts like a zoo animal)! But, I have to admit that my antics work better on some kids than others. Jackson was the kind of kid that laughed at everything. So, I guess what I am saying is I can't take full credit for these. Thanks, Jackson!
Josie and Mark
Fall weddings in Summit County are unbelievably beautiful. And Josie and Mark were a breeze to photograph! Aren't they cute? I found this amazing spot with lots of aspens to do portraits and the two were game for the adventure despite it being quite chilly. I think it was well worth the effort.
Photo Camp
There is still space left in the upcoming Photo Camp on November 5 at 10am. This is a fun, interactive workshop for anyone who loves photography and has a camera they would like to use to it's full potential. We'll cover the basics of camera controls, exposure, composition and lighting. You will definitely walk away feeling like you have better knowledge of your camera and some tricks to make your photos more impactful.
Call the studio at 303-704-9999 to reserve your space. Cost is $75/person.
I Love Fall
For so many reasons...I love the way the air feels crisp and the wind blows the leaves off the trees. I love making soup. I love wearing sweaters. Fall is a great time of year for photography and the busiest month of the year at our studio. Wedding season always ends with a rush of September and October celebrations and at the same time outdoor portraits hit their peak. We are having lots of fun, but don't have much time for blogging! So to keep you interested, here are a few of the posts that are waiting in the wings:
Napa Wedding
Travel finds in Vermont and San Fran
Favorite Fall Portraits
Mountains and Streams Engagment Shoot
Personal Shots from DC
I'll be back in a week! Have fun soaking up the final days of fall!
1940s Style
Oh, I am so so lucky to have met Lee and Zack! They invited only their closest friends and immediate family to join them for a fall wedding at Shelburne Farms in Vermont. Lee was an elegant bride wearing a silk dress made by a friend and her grandmother's jewels. Zack wore a suit custom designed by a suit maker in Denver. The couple, the setting, and the lighting inspired photographs that make me feel like I've stepped back in time.
Style Me Pretty
If you are getting married and you haven't discovered Style Me Pretty, you are in for a treat. Even those of you who already got married, you could still spend hours looking at all the fun design ideas.
We are very very proud to be chosen as a featured photographer in the Style Me Pretty Little Black Book. The Rocky Mountain Region just went live yesterday and includes Julie Afflerbaugh Photography as one of three photographers! My good friends Jenna Walker and James Christianson will be listed too, which makes we want to blush cause they are so amazing.
Canoe Wedding
Every once and awhile I am lucky enough to shoot with my friend and phenomenal photographer, James Christianson. This wedding near Vail was so much fun and you can see why it will always be known as the Canoe Wedding. Thanks to Jim for inviting me to come along.
I love this setting at an old camp right on the water. And they did such a great job with decor and details. How cute are the little box lunches? After a casual lunch reception following the ceremony, the guests went back to Vail for a nap or hike or whatever while we took photos of the bride and groom in a canoe! In the evening, everyone reconvened for a black tie reception dinner and dancing in the village.
The details
The moments
and the outfit
Colors I love
Gorgeous reception details in my favorite hues.
Jenny and Dan
Oh how fun it was to photograph jenny and dan! The Natural History Museum in Santa Barbara is now one of all time favorite places to shoot. The ceremony under the oak trees was amazing. And you all know how I feel about barns and tandem bikes, you can add vespa's to that list! Thanks for a great time in SB!
Last Week to Vote!
Julie Afflerbaugh Photography has been nominated for the Denver A List! There are loads of other great photographers in the running for best of the best, so we need your VOTE. Get some practice for the November elections and cast your vote here: http://kmgh.cityvoter.com/julie-afflerbaugh-photography/biz/54883
I feel so lucky to be a professional photographer! Thanks to all of you for your amazing support.
A Perfect Age
Tiny little feet. Darling white sundress. Curious about everything. Perfect age for pictures.
Wedding Kids
Kids definitely bring playfulness (which some may interpret as chaos!)to a wedding and lately I've been catching kids doing the funniest stuff. I thought I'd share my impressions of kids at weddings...
I could make a book of just pictures of ring bearers. I think I have a soft spot.
You can always count on 12 year old boys to do something crazy on the dance floor...but it will be a long time before anyone tops this.
Kids and bubbles. Triumph and defeat.
Sweet little kiss.
The son of the bride gave a little toast at the reception and there wasn't a dry eye in the place, including the photographers!
Kids need to be entertained. Love this idea of creating this activity buckets!
This was the prize this little guy scored in his bucket!
I love the flower girl's little shoes at the end. Totally makes this shot.
What a face!
Morgan and Cody
So, I had been looking forward to Morgan and Cody's wedding ever since the fun we had with the tandem bike (posted on the blog a couple months back). As I imagined, their wedding was lovely and genuine and full of great energy. Remember the tradition of clinking your glass to get the bride and groom to kiss? At this wedding, tables of guests actually got up and sang the chorus of a song featuring the word LOVE. Kevin and I did this at our wedding too! As a bride, I remember it being so hilarious, but it was really cool to see it again from a photographer's point of view. I was amazed at how much energy was created with the singing and laughing. Not your typical wedding dinner. Oh..and I have to give a special shout out to the wedding party, who was the most helpful and fun loving wedding party I've ever seen. I mean these friends were on it!
Morgan's sneaking a peek at her groom during the prayer! So cute.
Love the lanterns in the tent!
Photo Booth
We love the photo booth! Last year, Amelia, one of my brides gave me the great idea to create my own photo booth for weddings. She really wanted a "real" photo booth at her reception, but couldn't figure out how to get one up to Breckenridge! I said I could bring my studio lights and a small backdrop and we could use the photo booth concept to get funny pictures of her guests at the reception. Well, she took it to a whole other level with wigs and feather boas! It was crazy and fun and most importantly her friends and family loved it! I have been creating photo booths at weddings ever since. The bride and groom provide their props of choice so it represents their humor and personality. Here are a few of the latest shots, shown in photo booth format!
Rebecca and Adam
I've gotten a bit behind on my wedding postings, but it's a rainy day and I am determined to get caught up. Rebecca and Adam had a gorgeous wedding at Lyonscrest. Here are some of my favs.
Feeling Healthy, Looking Natural
Without exception, every bride I have photographed has expressed a desire to look natural in her pictures. Choosing the right photographer who you feel comfortable with will definitely put you more at ease on your big day and allow you to really be in the moment. When you are relaxed and enjoying the moment, it shows! But with so many details to plan and so much emotion to manage, how do you relax on your wedding day?
I got to talking about this with my friend Bonnie Doherty who is a personal trainer in Boulder. Bonnie uses meditation techniques in addition to physical exercises to support her clients achieving more wholistic health in mind, body and spirit. Here are some tips she had for Brides to Be on releasing stress before the wedding:
- While doing cardio, focus on
an object in the room or a spot on the machine. Freeing your mind of racing thoughts of bridesmaids dresses and centerpieces, just focus on your breath, paying attention to each inhale and exhale.
- If you are working with weights, be sure to have your routine organized and while swiftly moving through your workout focus intensely on each movement with full attention to the particular muscle being worked. Bringing your attention to each muscle lets you forget about the to-do list.
- During stretching is a great time to lay down comfortably with eyes closed and palms up. Focus on your breathing and visualize each body part relaxing into the ground, starting from your toes and moving up to the head. Give yourself permission to take at least 5 minutes to just relax!
And here is the best part...Bonnie is offering a free personal training session to all my clients in the Boulder/Denver area! Just send her an email at bonni@consciousmothering.org.
Behind the Scenes
Today you get a little sneak peek into excitement that happens behind the scenes before the bride walks down the aisle. A couple of weeks ago, I was asked to shoot a special wedding at the St. Julien Hotel in Boulder with a new photographer friend, Melissa Rich. Who is super fun and talented, by the way. We had tons of time with the bride and bridesmaids while they drank champagne, touched up makeup and made sure the bride was looking stunning. I realized how much I love this time before the ceremony begins. There are so many little stories to be told and so many gorgeous details to capture. So here are my favorite getting ready shots from this wedding. Thanks Melissa for the opportunity to shoot together!
Kelly and Jeff
Kelly and Jeff are one of my first clients booked for spring of 09. They live in Denver, so I met them in their favorite area of Lodo for some engagement portraits. They are both so easy to hang out with and love to laugh. Kelly is an elementary school teacher and we all know teachers are fabulously fun (and a bit crazy). She is making their wedding invites using photographs from our engagement session. I can't wait to see how they turn out.
Small Town Wedding
You met Dani and Todd on the blog a few months back. They are the cute couple in front of the barn. We finally got to photograph their wedding in Dani's home town which we had heard so much about. She was worried we wouldn't find any great spots to shoot in this tiny colorado town. Turns out they have a vintage merry-go-round. Does a photographer need anything else?
