Interesting article in the Wall Street Journal about how senior photos have gone upscale. Gone are the days of traditional "grey-backdrop" senior pictures. And despite the millions of Facebook and Instagram photos of students, parents and seniors alike prefer to document an important stage in their lives by having a professional portait done. While some parents pay thousands of dollars for the session and prints, some photographers, like myself, have reasonable rates for sessions (mine is less than $100) and prints.

Mark, Lauren, Addison & Hunter

This family was so fun - very easy going, natural smiles, not worried about every hair in place. A pleasure to work with at the Eagle Rest Area on Saturday, a beautiful day in the neighborhood.

I sent this to a bride who told me that her friend was going to photograph her wedding:

Keri, thanks for the message and update.

The following isn't to scare or intimidate you. I just want you to think about entrusting someone other than an experienced, professional wedding photographer with what may be the only keepsakes the two of you will have from the most important day of your lives together.

Please take just a minute or so to read the following:

Congratulations to Angela Downs, our newest Senior Ambassador. Angela is wrapping up her junior year at Vail Christian High School.

Michael was a little reluctant to have his high school senior portrait taken, but once we had shot a few images, he loosened up a bit and was one of the most cooperative boys I have ever worked with.

"My company, Creative Mountain Images specializing in wedding day video. I was referred to you by Michael Rawlings. Michael is one Vail very best photographers and his calm easy manner is really appreciated on what can be a very hectic wedding day. I really can't say enough good things about him because all my brides that have used him loved working with him and loved their wedding day photographs....so you have chosen well."

-- Jan Williams/Producer
Creative Mountain Images

Tiffany & Corey celebrated their marriage with a small, destination wedding at the Beaver Creek Chapel and the Grouse Mountain Grill at the Pines Lodge in Beaver Creek.

Find the skier with the yellow jacket in the following photos, click on the contact button above and send me an e-mail message telling me where the skier is. The first person to contact me wins a free outdoor portrait session valued at $195.

A three-generational family portrait on a beautiful morning in Arrowhead. Special thanks to Carl Barela who helped me "schlep" gear, especially getting down to the river.

The following is from the TAKE OFF YOUR MOMMY GOGGLES website, an excellent resource for both photographers and those in the market for photography services:

The FAUXTOGRAPHER and how can you spot one?

The Fauxtographer/Photographer debate has been going strong for a while now in photography circles. Everyone has a different opinion of what makes someone a ‘professional’ and what makes one a ‘hobbyist’.