I live in this really cool patch of Sonoma County where suburbs meet historic Victorian (actual Victorian) homes with a quaint downtown, all surrounded by farmland, hiking, hills, the ocean just a stones throw away and easy access to the “big city” of San Francisco. I love it here. Really, really love it. A short walk from my home is this amazingly cool dog park. It’s acres of hilly land in which the dogs have the freedom to be off leash and romp around with each other, the way dogs should. I try to take my dogs, Echo (my very white, yellow lab) and Cooper (my stunningly gorgeous mutt) on a daily basis. These past few days have been delightfully warm, and in true Petaluma style, the evening brings the welcome breeze from our river that winds through towns and the hills that surround us. Sunset seemed like such a perfect time to go up with the kids. Heck, I figured I’d even bring my camera and see what I could capture. I ended up shooting the majority at the absolute limits of what my classic Canon 5D can handle – an ISO of 1600. That’s okay though. Grain can be good. Embrace the grain. Here are some favorites from this evening, in my effort to capture some of my own family’s moments, as well as yours. Enjoy – and I’d love to hear your feedback!
Just arrived – Cooper makes a mad dash across the park to greet another dog in the distance.
Cooper and Echo reluctantly pose for me so I can try to get a photo of the two of them together as the sun (very rapidly) sets behind them.
My eldest daughter got new shoes today. She was very excited about them an actually insisted I take these photos to document their “epic-ness” forever. That’s right, I said it. Epic.
My dear daughter, Caitlin – eleven years old yet still so, so young. I love her.
The sun has set but the hunt for ladybugs is on. My eight year old daughter, Ali, is the master hunter. Don’t worry. She set these guys free later.
This particular dog park is situated right beside a spectacular bird sanctuary wetlands area called Shollenberger Park in Petaluma. It is not uncommon (more like impossible not to) to spot birds in the area. Here I see a Red Winged Blackbird hanging out in the reeds. I only have my 50mm lens on me so I can’t get too close, but I thought the shot was worth taking.
I capture this image of Ali walking and still searching for the elusive ladybug.
The sun has now officially set and it is dark. Ali can’t help but pose in the grasses for me. She’s the kind of kid every photographer dreams of – the kind who LIKES to be in front of the camera! This moment I caught was actually unscripted – the kind I like best!
And now I’m pretty much begging the kids to let us go home, but they have one last shot in mind:
Isn’t it cool how dark blue the sky looks after dark?
And that’s it for this edition of Mine on Monday. I promise to get a blog post or two up with some recent newborns this week. I’ve been a busy girl and have much to share with you. Here’s to another great week!
xoxo -Jen
