Denver Baby Pictures : Baby William
Tuesday, May 21, 2013
Little William entered this world April 29, 2013, and his future's so bright he's gotta wear shades! I photographed Anne and Michael's Pauline Chapel wedding in 2009. See it here. We've been talking about this photo session for a while and Anne and Michael had thought of a ton of great ideas for their first baby. Neckties, sunglasses (of course), a couple changes of outfits as well as pictures with parents and grandparents. Anne and Micahel also wanted a photo of William with their furry "kids" Miles and Maverick. They were so well behaved and curious about their new little brother! This photo shoot was the first in a year-long series. The next one is in three months. I can wait to see his smile! — Cathy
We used our iPhones to photograph our family vacation in Sun Valley, Idaho and I can't say enough good things about this handy little camera. The images are excellent! We will use them with iPhoto to design and print a memory book of our trip. You know the old saying, "The best camera you have is the one you have with you?" Well, that's true. Next time you're on a family vacation, use your phone to capture the little observations and the small moments. It's great fun to travel with and you don't need to worry about a larger camera being damaged or stolen. We even brought it skiing with us to Dollar Mountain at the 
.jpg)
.jpg)
Laura and Nikolas planned a relaxed backyard wedding at Laura's parents home in Evergreen, Colorado. Rain forced the ceremony inside. But an incredible sunset and a gorgeous, catered wedding reception in a clear tent outside more than made up for the brief storm. - Sean 
In this one-on-one session I will review your portfolio and show you how to edit for maximum impact. I will show you how to match your brand to your ideal client profile. I will show you the steps to improve your google ranking without paying a third party. I will teach you effective strategies to generate more leads and book more weddings using both online and offline marketing and promotional efforts. Plus, I will show you my secret to generate more sales and more buzz aftter the wedding. Hint: It's not Facebook. This consultation includes an anything goes Q & A and 2 month and 6 month follow up phone calls to ensure your action plan isn't forgotten. This offer is limited to five photographers for 2013. If you're ready to go further with your business, make more money and be happier I'm ready to show you the way. Call or email me today for details. — Sean
.jpg)
Wedding tables don't have to be designated by a simple number at the table. Here's a neat idea 
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
Hire A Wedding Photojournalist One of the tenets of photojournalism is truthful documentation. Photojournalists don't impose their vision on your wedding day. Rather, they start with you first and create an honest narrative where you and your families are the main characters of the story. To put it another way, the wedding photojournalist starts with the goal of faithfully representing you and your loved ones.
Give Your Photographer All Access Great photojournalism is all about capturing unrehearsed moments in a relaxed and natural way. Allow your photographer all access. This can only be done in collaboration with you! Let them see your interactions with your loved ones. Let your photographer be inside the room AND inside the relationship.
Act Natural If you found the right wedding photographer, then this is easy. A good photographer is a good person to be around. They are easy to talk to, friendly, outgoing and supportive. Act natural and your photographer will photograph you in a "state of grace."
Have Fun Don't be afraid to have fun in front of your wedding photographer. They want to see that side of you. Expression is a key to great wedding pictures and the more opportunities your photographer has to capture expressions, the better. — Sean
.jpg)
1. Not selecting a photographer with a style that matches your own is the most common mistake. A photographer that practices intimate portraiture and acts like a fly on the wall is different in approach than the photographer who spends more time producing a picture by giving direction. It's important to know which you prefer since each approach will result in different kinds of pictures. A careful look at a photographer's portfolio will help. Tip: Ask the photographer about a story behind one of the pictures in their portfolio. The answer will often tell you if they're a good fit with your style and your vision of your wedding.
2. Not creating a good photography schedule is another common mistake. If you're investing in professional wedding photography, then a firm timeline of your wedding day, including picture requests, is an absolute must. Poor scheduling directly effects the quality of your wedding pictures! If you prefer a candid approach, then your schedule may be more flexible. If you have specific must-have pictures, then your schedule will be more detailed. Or, you may enjoy a mix of candid photography and more formal pictures. Tip: Easy way to create a wedding schedule is to ask your photographer for a sample. Use that as your template.
3. Worrying over small details or the little planning hiccups that always happen at a wedding can directly effect how you look in your wedding pictures. If you're not using a professional wedding planner, assign a close friend or relative to help with the little things on your wedding day. Your photographer wants you to have a truly memorable experience and will do everything they can to keep things relaxed. You must do everything you can to avoid fussing over the little things. Tip: An intimate wedding with 50 guests is different than one with 250 guests. The larger the wedding, the more specific your wedding day plan should be and the more you should rely on others to help with the details on the big day.
4. Not creating a wedding album is another common mistake. Collaborating with your photographer to create your wedding pictures is just the first step in a finished presentation of your wedding day. The final step is creating an album destined to be a family keepsake for generations. Too often, wedding pictures languish online without proper presentation. Like you, your wedding photographer has a specific vision; one that you chose them for. The most appropriate presentation of your wedding photographs is a wedding album. Tip: As soon as you receive your wedding photographs, if you haven't already purchased one, ask your photographer about creating an album. They should be able to offer you something that presents your wedding day in a unique and personal way. All photographs by Cayton Photography. — Sean
I photographed my daughter's second-grade class at Manitou Springs Elementary School on Valentines Day. This is the second installment of a yearly portrait project of my daughter's class. 
I photographed Julia and Adam's engagement in 
.jpg)
The Manitou Incline is a steep trail of 2,744 railroad ties (or 2610 steps) that sits on the trail bed of the former Mount Manitou Scenic Incline Railway. In 1990, the cable-car railway closed after a rockslide damaged the tracks and ever since the incline has become a destination for runners, joggers and hikers. The iconic one-mile route features 2,000 feet of elevation gain. Despite the Incline's status as a true test of endurance it was never really legal to climb the incline. The nearby Manitou Springs Cog Railway, the city of Manitou Springs and the federal government all own sections of the Incline and the runners going up and down the trail may not have realized they were trespassing on private property. That all changed last month when President Barack Obama signed into law a bill to help clarify the legal status of the popular Manitou Incline. The bill, introduced by Rep. Doug Lamborn, R-Colorado Springs, specifies that the right-of-way will be owned and managed by the U.S. Forest Service, which is taking over the disputed portion of the property from the Manitou and Pikes Peak Railway Company. An effort is now underway to raise money to rehabilitate the badly-eroded trail. For more information or to donate to the rehabilitation efforts visit 
From Teri and Jeff: "There was so much involved, but more than anything, plan well in advance, and decide on a resort, or a more adventurous house rental wedding location. Go visit first to scout the location, meet the local bakery, find your favorite restaurants, find where you want the wedding, reception, etc. Ask around to see if there are any local wedding planners that can help, the bakery or flower shops usually have some contacts, and if not, if you are staying in a condo or house, ask the property manager or owner. Many of these areas are small towns, and everyone knows everyone. It's a lot easier at an all inclusive resort, as the take care of everything for you, but it's usually more expensive, and not nearly as intimate or in my opinion special as doing it the house rental way. In a resort, you are really separated from your friends and family, and there are so many activities that you often don't get to see people in your party as much. The resort option is much better for groups with children however, as there are plenty of activities for them, and babysitting options as well.
Alex Johnson is a sophomore at Denver University, opinions editor of the student newspaper and an advisory board member of Colorado Springs Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services. Last week I photographed Alex to update his professional pictures. We started in my studio and then finished at the Pioneers Museum. It's nice when you can do multiple locations and multiple ties (Alex has a special affinity for his Jerry Garcia tie:) Thanks Alex! — Sean
Marry In The Offseason Or On A Weekday Ok, Liz and Andy didn't marry on a weekday. Nevertheless, it's still true that weekends in the high season are more expensive. Consider something out of the box then. Holidays are the best times to marry, since relatives are often willing to travel and decorations at the local church or hotel can substitute nicely for your wedding:) In the summer, there's no better time to marry than on a weekday. Think of it this way, if you marry on a Monday then your five-year anniversary will be on a Saturday! 
.jpg)
.jpg)
Jacqueline and Brian were married Saturday, January 5, 2013 at 
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
It's Harper's 5th Birthday today and I decided to remember the day by taking pictures of the kids. Photographing children can be challenging. Getting them to stay still, for instance, is impossible. But there is one trick I've learned when I take pictures of my kids that you may find helpful. Bribery goes a long way! For these pictures I promised them big lollipops after they sat for a portrait in front a wonderful window leading to my office. We had a great time. Happy Birthday Harper! — Sean 
More ideas on how to figure out what wear for your engagement pictures: 
I really look forward to "card season" when cards from our clients land in our mailbox. These are beautiful, imaginative creations using our pictures and all of them tell a story. This year we received a lot of really wonderful cards. The card, at top, is from the 
The card above is from the 
Here are two cards, above. The one at left is from the 
The card above is from Jenny and James. We did a 
The card above is from the Mercer family. I photographed 
The final card is from the Sustar family. Their daughters were flowergirls in 
Here is a collection of some our best wedding pictures from 2012. It was a wonderful, magical year and we could have never made any of these romantic, funny, joyful, spiritual pictures without the invitation of our couples. They trusted us and allowed us to photograph the most intimate, personal and important day of their lives. I was reminded as I edited this fantastic selection of pictures, just how much good wedding photography is about people. In the end, where, what and when hardly matters as much as who. Each time we photograph a wedding, we're so grateful to our couples for showing us that. A heartfelt thanks to all of our 2012 couples for truly living their story and allowing us the privilege of telling it. — Sean 
This is the time of year when that special someone will get down on one knee and propose marriage. Unfortunately, it's also the time of year when those doing the proposing forget about the pictures. This year we've decided to help. We want to photograph your wedding proposal. And get this, we'll do it for free for the first four who call or email us. That's right, this one is on us! Couple of things: Your proposal location needs to be in Colorado Springs or the surrounding area (we've got kids) and it needs to happen between now and the end of the year. We're available every day except Christmas. To recap, one of us will arrive at the location of your choosing in advance, be discreet and quietly root for you. Afterwards, we will offer our congratulations and photograph you both sitting on cloud nine:) All images edited and delivered on DVD in high resolution. The best ones will be featured on our Journal. Email or call us today with your plans and be prepared to email us a picture since we want to make sure we get the right couple:) — Sean
In October I visited Brooklyn recently to see my Sister Viney and to meet Myna Maple, 4 months. It's the perfect age for baby photography, I say:) Myna's a blue-eyed babe with big ears just like her cousin Harper! I had planned to spend a whole week, but thanks to Hurricane Sandy I stayed a few extra days. It wasn't bad…especially since I got to see more of her great smile. Myna is the first cousin on either side and our kids are already captured by her. — Cathy
.jpg)
Another gift idea for the golfer in your life — 2013 calendar featuring 12 images of the Broadmoor Golf Club's three championship golf courses. Photographed by me over the course of the 2012 season, this 8x11 calendar highlights selected holes on the East, West and Mountain courses as well as the abundant natural beauty and history of the Broadmoor. Originally designed by Donald Ross, the Broadmoor's famed East Course has hosted numerous champsionships including the 1959 U.S. Amateur won by Jack Nicklaus and the 1995 U.S. Women's Open won by Annika Sorenstam. Calendars may be purchased for $25. Call or email for details. — Sean 
.jpg)
Here's a gift idea for the golfer in your life. Limited edition print of sunrise on #18 green at the Broadmoor's famed East Course. Printed as a gorgeous panoramic 16x32 on canvas and photographed in the summer of 2012, the signature green on #18 East is rolled by a compaction machine in preparation for a tournament. Framing and rush delivery is available. Call or email for details. — Sean
I photographed the 
There is something really intimate about a wedding album. It's not images on a computer screen anymore. You can touch it, appreciate it and share with people close to you. Katie and Justin's Ultimate Album Collection arrived this week and it's a beautiful narrative of their wedding day. Katie and Justin picked the Ultimate wedding book for themselves. It has 60-pages, a brushed metal cover and thick textured linen pages. Mom decided on a smaller book with a gorgeous brown leather cover. She also picked her own pictures. I've included spreads from both albums here. 
I recently photographed the Pettey family in Manitou Springs. Sean and I have known Don and Kate since before we had children. We even shared the same midwife. My daughter Abby, 7, is best friends with their oldest, Maeve. They share the same second-grade teacher, Mr. Smith, at Manitou Springs Elementary. For this shoot we spent a morning walking around Manitou and before our walk I took some time to make these intimate and personal portraits of both Maeve, 7, and Lilah, 5 1/2. Many thanks to the Pettey's for a great morning. Third grade here we come! — Cathy
If you're a parent of small children, then this is for you. Undoubtedly you've spent much of the year photographing your children with your iPhone. So much of the time those pictures are relegated to the computer or to Facebook. Here's an easy holiday gift idea. Select some of those pictures and use them in a photo calendar. Your family will love it! Tip: You can make beauitful photo calendars for under $10 at 
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
Over Thanksgiving weekend I photographed the Bufe family at 
new babies. I was thrilled to hear the news. I met them on the day after Thanksgiving for a brief photo shoot for the family photo album. Gretchen and Mark had a dreamy wedding, BTW. 
A mother of the bride recently asked me in an email how I would describe my style. Here was my response: "I'm a former newspaper photographer. So my style might be photojournalism. But beyond that my method is to photograph connection. Connection between the couple, their families and their friends. If there's one thing I do better than anyone else it's to photograph people making a connection with each other, that happens mostly in unrehearsed or unscripted moments throughout the day." The ability to connect with people in a way that goes beyond the cliché is what makes a great wedding picture. Here is a sampling of wedding pictures from this year illustrating the Art of Connection. 
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
I photographed the Suslow family for their holiday card last week. I got to know the Suslows last year after I photographed 
time playing hockey outside (they both love the game) and that night I caught them at the 
On Sunday I photographed "Dance Dessert & Dreams." a performace put on by the 
Eight years ago I photographed Surya and Drew's wedding at Hillside Gardens. We have been fast friends ever since. Surya has even helped me photograph a few weddings. Surya and Drew have two beautiful children, Tanner, 6, and Kaya, 4. When Surya called and asked me to do a family
portrait for a holiday card, I didn't hesitate. She also wanted to capture snippets of everyday life at the Cox household and so I came over for a pancake breakfast! Everyone chipped in to make Danish Ebelskivers, yummy stuffed pancakes. During breakfast I hung out with the kids and they showed me their favorite toys. I really love these quiet, intimate images at their home. Afterwards
we headed to Fields Park in Manitou Springs for a couple of laps around the skate park on their bikes and then for short walk up the Midland Trail towards Manitou Springs. We found the best tree, with enough seats for the whole family. Thank you Surya, Drew, Tanner and Kaya for a super fun morning! –Cathy
Gretchen and Chris were married Saturday, November 3, 2012 at 
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
I just receive this wonderful note in the mail from 
I photographed the Kroh family, Esther, Jason and their son Braedon, 9 months, at their home in Denver. I photographed 
Maria and Scott were married Sunday, October 14, 2012 at 
Benjamin, 4. I love this shot, above, of Benjamin, center, and Juliet walking down the aisle with their 4-year-old cousin, Francesco, leading the way. I 've known Scott personally for years. He is a gifted writer and editor and I've worked with him on a popular photography blog called
I photographed Brie's senior pictures in Cheyenne Cañon and Bear Creek Regional Park on a beautiful fall day last week. Breana is a senior at Wasson High School. Next year she plans on attending a local college and is interested in social work. Breana brought a couple of different outfits and her Dad came along to help with lighting. Thank you both for a wonderful afternoon! — Sean
Jacquelyn and Jesus were married Sunday, October 7, 2012 at the 
Amanda and Tyler were married Saturday, October 6, 2012 at the the 
Maggie and Scott were married Saturday, September 6, 2012 at the 
warm and cozy during the ceremony. A cocktail hour and reception in the Remingtons room followed the ceremony. In spite of a bit of gray, I love Maggie and Scott's portraits made after their ceremony. Thank you both for inviting me to photograph your wedding!— Sean
.jpg)
.jpg)
I photographed the Snyder family at Monument Valley Park on a cool fall day. Parents Jeremy and Debbie are 
I photographed the Habgood family at Monument Valley Park on a beautiful fall day last week. Parents Kirsten and Doug and their three daughters Camden, 9, and twins Finley and Amelia, 7, were great. Kirsten brought snacks for the kids, since we were photographing close to the dinner hour and she also brought a chalk board which made for a fun to-do that everyone got it on. Thanks to the Habgood family. It was a super fun afternoon! - Sean 
I photographed my good friends Emily and Billy and their two-year-old daughter Lucy at the start of the week. We had a great time. Fall colors were out in full-force, but there's just something about the pictures in black-and-white that I love. Thank you Adams family! — Sean
.jpg)
.jpg)
I photographed Dolma's senior pictures at Monument Valley Park over the weekend. It was a beautiful evening with fall colors on full display. Dolma is our next door neighbor, one of four sisters, and this year she is a senior at Palmer High School. It's hard to believe that we've known
Dolma since she was 13. She's turned into a beautiful young woman and wonderful babysitter. Dolma wants to attend college on a lacross scholarship next fall. But, now that we've got her senior pictures done, we're all looking forward to her help with the kids this winter. Thank you Dolma for a wonderful afternoon! — Sean
.jpg)
Margaret and Joshua were married Saturday, September 22, 2012 at the 
wedding last year, they had decided on a ceremony at the chapel at 
have their rehearsal dinner at the 
.jpg)
Lindsay and Jeremy were married Saturday, September 15, 2012 at 
Springs and most of their family and friends traveled here from Michigan and Illinois to attend. Lindsay is a graduate of Colorado College and so Shove Chapel holds special significance. Lindsay and Jeremy are both professional musicians and that made their wedding day especially lively and fun. But, it began in the morning quiet with Yoga at sunrise on the south lawn of the club. Lindsay
and Jeremy planned a weekend of wedding related events for their guests including a fun rehearsal dinner at the Ghost Town Museum. 
.jpg)
Lindsay and Jeremy's wedding weekend began with a rehearsal at 
these events and introduce myself to both families. And there are always really great moments to photograph. Lindsay and Jeremy were married on Saturday, September 15, 2012 and they held a dinner reception at the 
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
I photographed the McGuire family last weekend at Cheyenne Cañon. Two years ago Ashley and Brian were married at St. Mary's Catholic Church. 
see family and to celebrate the arrival of Stella, 3 months. I really love reconnecting with past clients again. We had a great time roaming the Cañon to take pictures for their Christmas card. Thank you both. It was great to see you again and to meet Stella! — Sean
Bailey and Nick are planning a destination wedding next June at 
.jpg)
Lauren and Turner were married Saturday, August 18, 2012 at 
on the bridge. Super cute! We also did family pictures before their wedding. (So great for letting the wedding day unfold naturally:) Lauren and Turner's ceremony on the terrace with its awe-inspiring mountain backdrop was wonderful. 
an inviting color palette for the reception of soft peach and yellow with a touch of lavender. 
Sarah and Brian were married Saturday, August 18, 2012 at 
baptized Sarah, the very first baptism of the St. Francis of Assisi parish. And so it was that Bishop Hanefin performed the wedding ceremony. Sarah and Brian decided to see each other before their ceremony and Brian drove his Dad's newly restored MG
to see Sarah for the first time. Their reception was held outside on the Sunrise Terrace at sunset and 
I photographed Elizabeth and Greg's engagement sitting at the Garden of the Gods and Cheyenne Cañon Friday before last. We decided to meet at sunrise at the Garden of the Gods, since they were leaving later that day on a summer camping trip. Elizabeth and Greg are planning a September
2013 wedding at 
.jpg)
.jpg)
I photographed Baby Allison's baptism at 
wedding also at First Presbyterian Church in 2006. It was fun to photograph a different kind of ceremony this time around:) Thank you Rebecca and Brent for allowing me to attend and photograph Allison's baptism. She is truly, truly precious! — Sean
I recently photographed 
President Obama attended a grass-roots rally on the campus of 
rally is kind of routine. And another picture of him doing that? Kind of boring. Instead, I focused my attention on the crowd of supporters and I photographed them unconventionally. By removing the lens from the camera body in combination with tilting and shifting the lens very slightly, a pleasing blur creates something different and a little more interesting than another picture of the president speaking at a rally. — Sean 
Erin and Mitchell were married Saturday, August 4, 2012 at 
home in Southern California but Erin grew up in Colorado Springs. Erin and Mitchell first met at Colorado State University and fell out of touch until reconnecting on Facebook. Stephany of 
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
My Grandmother Hilma turns 91 on Monday. I want to wish her a very happy birthday and celebrate her life a bit with pictures. I don't pretend that I know all of the details of her life. But I will say she is one of the few constants in mine. The image above is the picture that is especially well-liked. My Grandmother is elegantly dressed and leaving church after a Christmas service.
I have also collected pictures here that I've inherited. Picture-taking it seems is in the genes:) I love the shot of her holding her first-born (my mother) outside. And there's a great image of her with her sister Betty and a pile of books in hand. (I wonder who took that photograph:)
There are also many wonderful pictures with husband Donald, the love of her life and my grandfather. I do enjoy photographs of her from my own, more recent family history too. They aren't all great pictures, but they ARE memorable. And really, that's all that matters. Happy Birthday Grandma! — Sean
.jpg)
I just received 
to open it. The invitation includes a gorgeous embossing of both the type and artwork. The greens and browns are awesome too. (Greatly underrated wedding colors, IMHO:) The folder opens with the invitation to the wedding on one side and ALL pertinent details in a small folder on the left.
The map of Colorado Springs is to die for. Lindsay and Jeremy are getting marriedat 
.jpg)
A pilot and his girlfriend pose for this styled-shoot at sunset with the lear jet he flies at the Colorado Springs Jet Center. Contemporary style and romance was the goal. — Sean 
Laura and Roy are planning a June 2013 wedding at 
Lyndee and Aaron were married Saturday, July 7, 2012 at 
.jpg)
We are six weeks into summer vacation and already it's been a whirlwind. In June, Sean and I traveled to the Chesapeake Bay, just across from Annapolis. Sean photographed 
two weeks with my family. I grew up on a small farm in the North Country with my brother and two sisters. My parents own a cider business, they keep an Apple orchard and watch after a donkey, a small herd of goats and some chickens. It's the PERFECT place for small children. I brought one camera and one lens on our trip and we made some really fun summertime adventure photographs. If you want good photographs of your children, then take it from me,
it's important to engage them and participate in their activities right along with them. You have more fun too! Here are a few pictures from the last six weeks including some from our trips to Maryland and New Hampshire. Oh, and one more thing... whenever you travel keep it light. Getting through airport security with three small children by yourself is reason enough for just one camera and one lens:) — Cathy
Megan and Ike were married Saturday, June 30, 2012 at 
.jpeg)
When Jeanne called and asked me to photograph her family, the Waldo Canyon Fire hadn't started. But when our scheduled shoot arrived, the Waldo Canyon Fire made the sky hazy and gray. That did not deter Jeanne and her family. When I arrived at the 
into the background a bit and it softened the harsh, low-angled light at sunset. I love the pictures we made, not only because of the light, but also for the warmth of my subjects. Joe, 6, is the youngest and a real ham. But Zach, 13, and Tyler, 11, have their own distinct personalities. Thank you Jeanne and Tom for asking me to photograph your family and sticking to our appointed hour in spite of the fire:) — Sean
On June 25, 2011 I photographed 
at Flying W Ranch. The ranch sat against the mountains that burned in the Waldo Canyon Fire, tucked away in a lush canyon of pine trees and gamble oak. Continuously operated since 1953, it entertained hundreds of thousands of visitors to Colorado Springs serving up a healthy dose of dry cowboy wit
along with a chuckwagon dinner and performance by the Flying W Wranglers; real cowboy maestros. As you can see from these pictures, it wasn't just the place, but also the people that made Flying W Ranch a Colorado Springs landmark. — Sean 
.jpg)
This week I photographed Baby Sean, almost 4months. He's absolutley adorable and given his temperment and steady gaze as he was being photographed, he's just like his mother Stephany. Stephany is one of my favorite new wedding planners in Colorado Springs. She owns .jpg)
.jpeg)
Mother Nature is putting on quite a show thus far and if it was a championship basketball game? Then Colorado Springs has courtside seats. The Waldo Canyon Fire has consumed several thousand acres and hot, dry weather is helping to fuel the blaze.The Waldo Canyon Fire certainly will continue for the next few weeks. But our town is quite safe from the fire. We have
incredible firefighters who have managed brilliantly, despite the tough conditions, to thank for that. Yesterday, I photographed the fire as it blew up and cascaded down a hillside on the northwest edge of town. Some homes were burned and officials are still tallying the damage. But
with tourism a pillar of our local economy, the best thing to do is to wait for the fires to subside and then come visit, take in the sights, stay a while and enjoy our beautiful town and way of life. We will still be here, I promise. And you will still be to be able to marvel at the beauty that Colorado Springs and its surrounding areas has to offer. — Sean
Jamie and Anthony were married at the 
.jpg)
Sarah and Brian were married at .jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
Maggie and Scott live just outside Washington, DC, my hometown, and are planning an October wedding at the 
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
Lakeside Terrace 
Mountain View Terrace
.jpg)
Cheyenne Lodge Terrace
.jpg)
South Terrace.jpg)
West Tower Lawn
Ten years ago this month it seemed as if the entire State of Colorado was on fire. It wasn't the entire state, but it was a good chunk of national forest that was burned when the Hayman fire started in a little campground just west of the town of Lake George and swept down into the canyons surrounding the South Platte. The Hayman fire raged for two months and burned more than 137,000 acres of the Pike National Forest. At the time I was still a newspaper photographer
and little did I realize when I photographed this old rancher, above, watching the start of the fire on an unbelievably hot and dry day in June that I would be photographing the blaze for nearly the entire summer. It just never seemed to end. For the ten year anniversary of the Hayman fire, I drove through some of the worst parts of the burn including West Creek and Signal Butte and photographed the area as it is today. Scroll to the bottom to see those images. Also, keep an eye out for more of my pictures of the Hayman Fire to be featured in the 
Virginia shares a moment with her youngest son before her April wedding to Richard at the 
Rogelio's path to citizenship was 32 years in the making. It was 32 years ago when he married the love of his life, his wife Amelia. It was 32 years ago that he gained permanent legal residency in the United States. It was 32 years ago that he started paying his taxes. Last week, just a few weeks after his 32nd wedding anniversary, Rogelio became a citizen of the United States. If you ever have a.jpg)
chance to attend a citizenship ceremony, don't pass it up. I was invited by Amelia, our housekeeper of many years, to photograph the ceremony. 63 people from 22 countries received their citizenship during the ceremony, making me think the American Dream is alive and well. As we waited for the ceremony to start, I had to ask Rogelio what the secret is to 32 years of marriage..jpg)
He gave me these three rules to live by: 1. Love each other with all of your heart 2.Don't fight 3.When you're poor, you must work together as a team. That's some great advice, I think, for anyone who's married. Thanks Rogelio for allowing me to photograph the ceremony and congratulations! — Sean
My daughter's first-grade class at Manitou Springs Elementary School held their annual Tea Party last Friday. Children practice their manners and get to enjoy tea and treats with special guests. A big thank you to Manitou Springs Elementary for allowing me to attend the Tea Party. If you're a parent of a first-grader, please email me directly for a link to a private gallery of all of the pictures. You can download and print the images at no charge. — Sean
I photographed Laurel's senior pictures on the campus of the 
Do remember the time when photographers carried two cameras, one holding black and white film the other color film? Now, virtually everyone uses a single camera to create both color and black and white images. Here's a portrait of series of my youngest son Jacob, 2, showing both black and white and color versions of each picture. Jacob and I decided to go for a walk the other day and he
picked out a great hat and coat combination that, honestly, doesn't quit in the cuteness department. I grabbed a camera and spent several minutes in the backyard with him before our walk. This adorable series demonstrates nicely the differences and it all comes down to personal
preference. I have a hard time deciding which series I like more. The black and white is classic and timeless, and I love how his hat shows well. Still, there's something about the color of the hat and his yellow rain coat that makes me smile. — Sean
.jpeg)
.jpg)
Happy birthday to Abby! She turns seven-years-old today. Abby is an accomplished dancer, pianist and poet:) She loves horses and playing with her two brothers. Here she is during our 
