delphoto blog

Vivian and Dilly ~ Senior Photography Woodinville High School ~ Seattle Photographer

2011-12-03T21:54:00.001-08:00

Iwas so looking forward to traveling to Oregon for two senior high school photo shoots! I headed off with Hayley after school on the Friday and was back on Saturday night! We were so excited to see the fabulous facility where Vivian and Allie have their horses, super excited! :D

I just love the way Viv and Dilly interact together! He loves her so much, I loved every minute of their session :D We spent the day at OZ with the most lovely people :) So welcoming and friendly! We even got to enjoy the Halloween party, and the yummy spread! Thank you Cyrina, for everything! ♥ ♥

Here's what Cyrina, Vivian's mom said about the shoot!

Delphine - you are amazing to get these shots! Thank you for coming down to Oregon to do this! These are gorgeous! I love all of them!

Here's some of what people are saying about the shoot!

These are so pretty with the fall colors! The top left one is gorgeoussss.

Great pictures every one! ♥

Beautiful Pix! Love!

My gosh, this is amazing !!

This is an amazing photo not only of your daughter but the beautiful animal and their bond!

Enjoy!!

Aria and Iona ~ Equestrian Photographer Seattle

2011-12-03T02:22:00.001-08:00

I'll never forget the day I met Aria. It was about two years ago. I'll never forget her eyes and her smile. I thought to myself, I am going to photograph that girl, and when I do, the pictures will be stunning! And they ARE! I heard through a picture post on facebook that Aria had found a new horse, Iona. I was really excited for Aria and asked would she do a little modeling for me in exchange for the pictures. She jumped at the chance, lucky for me :) They are such a lovely pair, they seem so happy together. Thank you Aria and Iona! Now, you need to pick out your favorites so I can print them for you :D

Enjoy!

Devon ~ Eastlake High School 2012 ~ Senior Portrait Photographer Seattle

2011-09-01T23:08:00.000-07:00

I had an absolute ball with Devon the day of her senior portrait photo shoot. Not only is she stunning, she is also a really lovely young lady. Thank you so much for all the positive feedback!

Devon said,

Oh my gosh yesterday was so much fun! Thank you for everything, I love them already!! ♥ ♥ ♥

Here's what Erin, Devon's mom, had to say,

I can't recommend your work highly enough, Delphine. I'll be telling every senior and their parent I know to call you! What a great time and what outstanding photos! I can't wait to do family photos now!! Devon had so much fun with you and the preview photos take my breath away! Love you Delphine!!! xoxo

A friend on facebook said,

You will have to start turning people away once they see all these amazing photos!

The rest of the sneak peek photos are in the senior portrait gallery!

Enjoy! x

Professional Equestrian Photography~Horse and Rider~Seattle Area photographer

2011-08-08T15:30:00.000-07:00

I've been working on some posters for the younger riders I photograph and the feedback is fantastic! I love these new collages and I have had them all printed at different sizes. They are dynamic! I've also been sourcing less expensive printing options for my local clients and I'm really happy with who I'm using! If you are at the Evergreen Classic Horse Show, drop by the Red Gate Farm barn aisle #12 and check out the prints in person! Enjoy!
Delphine

PS: If you can't see the whole picture you can either see them on my website in the "Posters" gallery or zoom out the web page ;-)

Senior High School Summer Portrait ~ Equestrian Photographer Seattle Area

2011-07-26T01:39:00.000-07:00

Hayley and Misty had a wonderful session with me on sunny Sunday! It was glorious! Hayley's friend, Brynn, worked for an hour on Hayley's hair, which turned out really fabulous! There are a few more pictures up on my site, I'm still editing. Just an example of what I can do for senior high school students who want their "horsey love" in some of their pictures. I hope you like them! Tell me what you think, either here or on my facebook page. Enjoy!
Delphine :)

Hair : Brynn Handlon
Make up : Delphine McCracken

The Early Summer Classic 2011 ~ Equestrian Photographer, Oregon and Washington

2011-07-23T20:52:00.000-07:00

We had an amazing time at the Early Summer Classic horse show. Hayley and Misty (Besito) were consistent in the jumpers, this only Hayley's second jumper show! They placed 5th in all the childrens low .95 classes but one. They even place 5th and 6th in the open card! My favourite was her winning the THIS National Childrens Medal! So, so proud of Hayley and Misty, who is the most perfect medal horse! Thank you to Jamie Smith, for leasing us your gorgeous horse and for all your kind and wonderful coaching. Now they are getting ready for Evergreen Classic in August! Check out the rest of day one pictures in the Horse Shows 2011 folder on my site :D

1.Hayley and Misty (Besito) in the Jumpers ~ Childrens Low .95
2.Red Gate Farm girls watching the jumpers
3.Hayley and Misty (Besito) in the Jumpers ~ Childrens Low .95
4.Friends, Caroline and Hayley <3
5.Jamie Smith (trainer/coach), Misty and Hayley after winning the THIS National Childrens Medal :D

Canadian Premier 2011, Thunderbird ~ Equestrian Photographer, Washington

2011-06-18T00:19:00.000-07:00

Things have been crazy busy for me lately. Hayley competed in jumpers for the first time at the Canadian Premier, Thunderbird. She graduated from Renaissance School of Art and Reasoning and is now a high schooler! I shot a fabulous horse and rider portrait at Capstone Training in Snohomish and then put my last newspaper together for Raven Eye, it was sad to say goodbye to all the kids! Hayley and I are getting ready for a mini vacation to Canon Beach with friends and then off to compete at the Early Summer Classic, OR. Feeeuw, I'm tired just thinking about it all! :D

High School Equestrian Athletes Rock! ~ Seattle Photographer

2011-05-13T12:25:00.000-07:00

Hayley received her High School Equestrian Athlete Varsity Letter yesterday from USEF!! We're so very proud of you! Love you honey <3

Fine Art Portraits ~ Seattle Area Photographer

2011-04-25T22:51:00.000-07:00

Hayley's photo shoot, age 15, in Quilcene WA, put to Arcade Fire ~ Rococo. Enjoy!
Delphine

Photo Shoot Whilst Texting ~ Seattle Area Photographer

2011-04-19T02:31:00.000-07:00

My friend and fellow photographer, Karen, and her hubbie invite myself and Hayley to stay at their mountain home in Quilcene, WA. over the weekend. Hayley had been feeling a little worn out and asked could we do something cool and have a little getaway together. I asked Karen could we come visit them for the day and she replied with an overnight invitation, woohoo! I am so lucky to have such warm and welcoming friends in my life and such an amazing daughter. We had a wonderful time.
When we arrived on Saturday afternoon, it was damp and drizzly but the rain made the grass and landscape a vibrant deep green with a wonderful light haze cloud floating over the mountain tops. Later, the clouds descended on us and visibility was minimal.
We spent the evening drinking sangria, sharing stories and laughing. Hayley made her yummy guacamole and Karen made a gorgeous chicken dinner.
We slept well and I got some cuddles from my baby girl :D After a delicious breakfast Hayley glamorized herself, wearing a H&M black dress we found in the sale for $7. A very cool tiny hat with feathers and net at Urban Outfitters and my old fashion riding boots from Dunes Stores, Ireland. Fabulous...and yes, the weather was exceptional! The sun was filtering through a very light haze and the views were outstandingly beautiful. It was warm and fresh and perfect. We had a blast!
Later that afternoon, we said goodbye and headed off to Port Gamble, not before the GPS took us up an "immature road" which was a dirt road that ran through a logging field, well at least I finally got to drive my X5 on rough terrain. Port Gamble is so pretty, we had high tea at a lovely English Tea House, walked around the town and took pix.
Later on we caught a ferry home, stopped off at Alderwood mall and stumbled in the door at about 6.30pm. Johnnie cooked a yummy dinner and we fell into bed, tired but happy!
Enjoy the pix!
Delphine

Giveaway Winner! ~ Sammamish Photographer

2011-04-18T10:57:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to Nissreen for winning the Delphine McCracken Photography and Red Gate Farm Day Camp Giveaway! Now all she has to do is decide how she wants to use her session. Mother/daughter, portrait of herself or a family shoot :D
Exciting stuff!

Little black dress ~ Woodinville Photographer

2011-04-17T22:43:00.000-07:00

Hayley and I took a minny vacation this weekend at our friends beautiful cabin in Quilcene, WA. We had a wonderful time and took some fabulous pictures, more to follow.
Enjoy!
Delphine

Delphine McCracken Photography Giveaway ~ Woodinville Photographer

2011-04-15T19:07:00.000-07:00

Giveaway ends Saturday April 16, 2011 at midnight!

How to enter:
1. "LIKE" both our Pages!
2. TAG yourself in the image!
3. Click SHARE and send your friends over to us!
4. Leave a comment telling us who sent you!

It's very quick and easy. You could win a photography session with me, Delphine McCracken Photography (check out my facebook info tab) and a riding lesson with Jamie at Red Gate Farm! This giveaway is worth $265!
Get clicking and good luck!! ;-)

www.facebook.com/delphoto.net
www.facebook.com/redgatefarmllc

Flower Poster Prints ~ Woodinville Photographer

2011-02-28T02:59:00.000-08:00

Check out my new Flower Poster Prints. I've only had time to put together three images but I'd be delighted to get some feedback about them. Tell me what you think.
Delphine

www.delphoto.net
www.facebook.com/delphoto.net
©Delphine McCracken Photography

Eastlake Tolo, 2011 ~ Woodinville Photographer

2011-02-26T19:27:00.000-08:00

Fun before Tolo. These kids were so much fun and full of ideas for the photo shoot. Enjoy!

www.delphoto.net
www.facebook.com/delphoto.net
©Delphine McCracken Photography

Friends Photo Shoot ~ Sammamish Photographer

2011-02-11T00:25:00.000-08:00

Another of Hayley's friends, Eli, asked me if she could "job shadow" with me a couple of weeks ago. I talked to her in email about hair, makeup and clothes, backdrop ideas and locations. Everything I do with clients on the phone or in person. I checked out the weather and we agreed on a date and time. It was a beautiful day in Sammamish, the girls were so excited to do a bit of modeling together too! I really enjoy doing this for students, as it helps them see what it's like to be a photographer and also, what it's like to be a client (and a model). Although, they don't see how much time I spend post processing, editing, actions, removing blemishes, smoothing skin, enhancing eyes, cloning out distracting things in the background etc (I'm going to put together a before and after slideshow soon). I did talk about how many hours are spent on my macs after the photoshoot. Both young ladies had a long list of in-depth questions asking about my wonderful job, the business side and my love affair with photography! It was really cool, some of the questions made me think really hard about how I would answer! Anyway, enjoy a few pix of the girls goofing off(how gorgeous are they??)and having fun before the interview :)

Best Friends Forever! ~ Woodinville Photographer

2011-02-07T19:33:00.000-08:00

Hayley asked me to take some photos of herself and her friend, Rachel! We had so much fun in the snow. I have a few pictures of myself with my childhood friends (who I'm still friends with and chat regularly with on facebook) but would love more, so I was very happy to do this for them. Enjoy!! :D

WSHJA Awards Banquet for 2010 ~ Jan 15, 2011~ Bellevue Photographer

2011-01-27T22:20:00.000-08:00

We had a fantastic time at the WSHJA Banquet! It ran very well, looked amazing, everyone was extremely happy and had loads of fun! Thank you to everyone who works so hard to run this great association. I would like to say a special thank you to Jessica Vania who has been so supportive of my work and a great promoter too. She works extremely hard at Marketing & Member Communications for WSHJA, and with her husband they launched an amazing website this year. Check it out at www.wshja.org

I would like to say a huge thank you to Jamie Smith of Red Gate Farm, who has been so wonderful to Hayley over the last two months. She has helped her overcome being burnt out and has brought that fire back to Hayley and reminded her of the joy she once felt when riding.
Also I would like to thank Marianne Howard of Riders Edge Farm, who with her gentle, kind words and untold knowledge has brought Hayley to the next level of her equine love. Marianne has also helped Hayley go deep inside herself and remember her love and passion for this wonderful animal. You both are a credit to your profession, fantastic role models and I'm very happy to have you in my daughter's life.

Enjoy some candid pictures from the banquet!

Ethan and Hayley McCracken ~ Woodinville Photographer

2011-01-02T21:45:00.000-08:00

Very rarely do I get to photography both my children, at the same time!! First day at school when younger etc. But this Christmas I did just that!! woohooo!! They love each other very much, which makes me very happy. I love my kids, I love these pix, thanks my darlings for putting up with my nagging for these moments! You'll be happy I did, when you're old, like me!! hehe!

Hayley McCracken and Dear Abby, 2010 Slideshow ~ Washington, Oregon and California Photographer

2010-12-30T04:06:00.001-08:00

I would love to buy this software but they don't make it for mac. I messed about with the free online website, it's very cool!! I just added 15 pictures from this years show season, 2010 and added effects and transitions! I'd love the pro version, then I could add text too!
Thank you Ethan, (my talented son) for giving me permission to use your music.
http://lakedamage.bandcamp.com

Courtney Marie Andrews~ Singer/Songwriter

2010-12-27T07:05:00.000-08:00

Well I just love this young one so much. When she comes to Seattle from Arizona, she stays with us and I feed whoever else, Thomas, John Berry and Asher too. The last time they were all here, Courtney was recording with Ethan in my family room. What a day of singing!! We are going to catch them playing at Soul Food Books Store, Redmond and hopefully Bellingham!! Enjoy Courtney Marie Andrews music, it is amazing and wonderful. Ethan worked very hard on the engineering side, recording, mixing and mastering.Great job!!!

Courtney Marie Andrews : The Days We Met Half Way

WSHJA New Website ~ Woodinville Photographer

2010-12-09T13:00:00.000-08:00

The Washington State Hunter Jumper Association had been re-designed their website and recently launched the wonderfulness that is www.wshja.org. I was asked by Jessica and Gary to donate some pictures to the website, which made me extremely excited!! Below are the direct links to my photos, but check out the rest of the site, it is very cool!
You can renew your membership online now, buy your tickets to the year end banquet, comment, rate the news articles and much more. It's a very informative website about the hunter/jumper sport, check it out!

Scroll down past the Rich Fellers photograph(which is fantastic!!) and you will see Hayley and Abby at the Evergreen Classic, Large Pony, 2010
http://www.wshja.org/content/about/about.aspx

This picture is of my friend Melissa's daughter. Isn't she gorgeous? You should see this kid ride, she's a rockstar!!
http://www.wshja.org/content/members/faq.aspx

Hayley and Abby getting some love, gosh we love that pony, we miss her very much! Large Pony, 2010
http://www.wshja.org/content/education/horse_sense.aspx

Scroll down to see Hayley giving her dad a kiss after she scored 84 & 85 to win the $500 Bit'O Straw at Thermal, CA. (bita fluff in me eye....)
http://www.wshja.org/content/about/volunteer.aspx

Teenage Dream ~ Woodinville Photographer

2010-12-09T00:30:00.000-08:00

I had a lovely time hanging out with Cyrina and her two daughters, Vivian and Anabel. The weather was amazing and the girls looked so gorgeous and ready for anything. Enjoy the pix!!! :D

Let it snow!!! ~ Woodinville Photographer

2010-11-22T23:46:00.000-08:00

Holiday Gifts For Everyone ~ Woodinville Photographer!

2010-11-21T23:50:00.000-08:00

Holiday gifts for everyone!!

Brad's Senior Photos ~ Woodinville Photographer

2010-11-09T00:47:00.000-08:00

I had the pleasure of photographing Brad Sevener last week for his senior and yearbook photos!! Brad is one of the nicest, smartest people I know and he's gorgeous to boot!! I love to hear him talk about CAP and his love of flying. We have similar taste in books and movies, and some music, so it's a never ending dorky fest when our families get together!! Hehe!
Brad's mom, Elyse, is one of my dearest friends here in the US and I am so glad to have met her and her wonderful family and their three dogs too!!
Enjoy the pix!!

Delphine xx

The most beautiful girl in the world?? ~ Woodinville Photographer

2010-11-08T01:17:00.000-08:00

We have had the most amazing weather in November and when we were waiting for Brad to arrive for his senior photo shoot, Hayley and I had some fun!! Hope you enjoy!!

www.delphoto.net

World Champion Hunter Rider~Pony 5th Place NW Region at The Northwest Autumn Classic 2010~ Monroe Photographer

2010-10-16T18:20:00.000-07:00

We had a not so nice experience at Northwest Autumn Classic Sept 15-19 this year. Our pony slipped and landed on her head, skinned herself without taking her forelock off (thank goodness), skinned her knees and received a small cut on her back leg. It was the most awful accident with Hayley I've ever witnessed and I freaked out. Hayley was okay, she pushed herself to the left as the pony went down and got the shock of her life, she was so upset though, she blamed herself for the pony's hurt. Accidents happen all the time. My worry was that Hayley had hit her head, and because she has a severe hearing loss, a hard knock to her head could cause her to loose what little hearing she has left, I had a heart attack! You probably think I'm mad as a hatter to let her ride, she totally understands the chances of it happening, but her passion for horses out ways the chances of it ever happening, she's a chance taker, you have to be to ride!!
Needless to say, she was so upset after Friday's fall, that we just cleaned her up, made sure the pony was okay with Jen Sparks (Vet) and then I took her home. She cried all the way home (me too).

She did not want to ride on Saturday, but I asked her just to come out to the show grounds and see her pony, Abby always makes her feel better. After some pony love she decided to ride. Ponies make everything better! She was scared stiff, so much mud, but Abby looked after her in the ring.

We stayed to watch the Mcclay regionals and to see if she had even placed in the WCHR pony awards, she slipped down two spots and got 5th place even after this show. She was so happy when the announcer called out her name! Her friend Samantha walked down with her to collect her bag of loot and her pretty ribbon. Nationally she is placed 18th, not bad at all!! :D

Then Sunday, the pony was tired and slipped after the third jump in the Pony Ride Off and she fell off again. This kid has NEVER fallen off at a show!(till now!) I felt so sad for her. Heidi scratched the Zone 9 Pony Medal and that was that(Hayley's friend Cassie won, yaaay!!). She did get back on the pony and take a few jumps in the warm up, just to finish the day on a positive note.

Not a great end to a wonderful show season with Dear Abby, but we have many wonderful memories from this past year! Love you Abby xx

Hayley and Abby, The Northwest Spectacular, 2010~ Oregon Photographer

2010-10-16T17:59:00.000-07:00

So Hayley and I made the trip down to Wilsonville, OR for the NW Spectacular Sept 1-5, 2010, traveling on our own for the first time. I've never even driven into Seattle in the six years that we have lived here. Oh lordy, I was a bag of nerves!! Johnnie was riding his bike down on Friday after work and we were hopeful that he would make it to see Hayley ride in Equitation. He arrived just after Hayley won Reserve Champion, awww. Hayley and Megan(a young lady rider and a new friend from OR), had competed together at The Early Summer Classic this year and they were tied, they had a hack off and Hayley won. It was very close this time at the NW Spec too, Megan won Champion by 1.5 points!! Woohoo! Go Megan! Johnnie was disappointed that he missed the excitement.

The rest of the weekend was very fun and Hayley then went on to win Reserve Champion for Pony Working Hunter!
Megan Chagnon was there on her own coaching and we had a fabulous time, she's one in a million, we love her!!

See the rest of my Northwest Spectacular photos in the gallery!!

Hayley and Abby at The Evergreen Classic, WA, 2010 ~ Carnation Photographer

2010-10-16T17:28:00.001-07:00

The Evergreen Classic Horse Show Aug 11-15, 2010, was wonderful, beside the fact that Hayley woke up a few days before, with hives from hell, covering her whole body. Then she started to swell in her hands, feet, face and even her lips! Oh my gosh, it was horrific!! She could barely walk her feet were so swollen!

The day before the show started my friend and a Pediatrician put her on a course of steroids to take down the swelling and hives. She started to feel better that evening and begged me to let her show the following day. I said we'd see.

On Friday, Hayley woke up feeling better, the swelling had gone down a good bit, she at least could get her boots on!! I agreed to let her ride in the Equitation flat class and see how she was feeling then. She was huffing and puffing and looked terrible but placed 7th out of 13 riders. After the flat class, she begged me to let her ride over fences. There was one class that day(I think) and I agreed, but I got her to swear to me if she felt dizzy she was to slow the pony down, stop and jump off or walk the pony out. She was fine and did well, considering!

She won a 1st, three 2nds, a 4th and a 5th! The 1st and two of the 2nds were won on the Sunday when she felt so much better!! We are so very proud of Hayley. I know how sick she was, and how hot it was that weekend and how much she pushed herself.

The weather was beautiful, the grass was so much more luscious this year. The Grand Hunter Ring was amazing, I LOVED watching Hayley ride in that ring, she loved it too, so HUGE!! We enjoyed hanging out with our friends from the barn and other barns. Thank you to Megan for looking after Hayley and all your support and coaching that weekend. It was one of Hayley's most relaxed and her favourite show this year!

Check out the rest of my pictures in The Evergreen Classic Gallery!!

Thank you!!

2010-10-15T13:30:00.000-07:00

I had an overwhelming 2000 hits on my blog over the last two weeks!! Wow! Thank you to everyone who emailed me too.

Delphine

World Champion Hunter Rider~5th Place (Pony) Northwest Region

2010-10-15T12:59:00.000-07:00

A year in the life of a pony rider.....

This is a compilation of some of my favourite photographs that I took of Hayley McCracken and Dear Abby over this years show season, 2010.

$500 Bit o' Straw Classic (score 84 & 86)
Mid Circuit Pony Eq Champion at Thermal, CA (DC1 2010) with one show!

WSHJA and OHJA National Large Pony Hunter Reserve Champion, Year End Awards, 2010.

WSHJA National Pony Eq 4th place, 2010.
OHJA Pony Eq Reserve Champion, 2010.

WCHR Pony NW Region 5th and ranked 21st Nationally.

Winner of two Pony Medals in Oregon (qualified for '10 & '11 Pony Finals)

Hayley and Dear Abby end of summer portrait! ~ Woodinville Photographer

2010-09-24T11:54:00.000-07:00

Could they get any cuter??!!
Hayley asked me to take a summer portrait of them before their time together ends :( We are so sad to say goodbye to Dear Abby, we love her so much!
No one could ask for a better pony then her. We wish her new riders all our happiness for the future. xx

Delphine

The rest of these pix are on my website!

WA, 2010 show season ends! ~ Woodinville Photographer

2010-09-24T10:26:00.001-07:00

There is nothing I dislike more then hearing a mother of a rider badmouthing another rider. I have blogged about this before, but what I heard at the weekend turned my stomach! Imagine someone asking another person to pray for a rider to loose, so that their kid wins a big title? Shock Horror, says you, it happens all the time! Not around me, I won't tolerate that kind of behavior. Not only did she say it at the top of her voice to the lady who told me, everyone, in the tack store they were in, heard her (it's very hard not to hear her!). The horse world is a very small community, things like this get around.

I know the family of the child in question, and I'd like to say how sorry I am that they had to hear something as mean spirited and poisonous as that. She is one of the nicest kids I've met, always talks to me and asks me how Hayley is doing (if Hayley's not around, and if she is around, then I don't get a look in!!), is so respectful, mannerly, sweet, as cute as a button and a fantastic rider to boot!!

This makes me embarrassed too, for our sport. Yes I know there are crazy moms in every sport, but this should not stop people from trying to stop this carry on! If more people told blabbermouths to be quiet and stop being so rude, maybe they would come to their senses, or maybe not!!

On a happier note, I want to congratulate all of the amazing riders Hayley had the pleasure of riding with this show season'10, in and outside of our barn. Hayley made new friends in Oregon and our own State of Washington. It was so good to catch up with friends that we don't see day to day, just show to show. To me it's all about Hayley making friends, loving her pony, being supportive, cheering on everyone, being a good sportsman, congratulating, doing her best(even when she lands in a pile of mud!!), being kind and caring, enjoyment, she has to enjoy!!

I have some catching up to do in regards to posting photos on my blog, I have some great ones! Just wait and see! :D

Delphine

The Country Classic Horse Show, 2010 ~ Oregon Photographer

2010-07-19T20:38:00.000-07:00

Hayley and Abby won Reserve Champion for Small/Large Pony Hunter at The Country Classic Horse Show! We are so proud of them both!! :D Unfortunately I had a tummy bug there, and still have it, so not so many photos of anyone else :(
We are attending three more shows this season, so loads more photos to follow!
Check out the rest of the pictures on my website!

Pony Equitation and Pony Medal winner!

2010-07-07T00:40:00.000-07:00

Hayley and Abby won Pony Equitation and The Pony Medal at The early Summer Classic. We are so proud of them! See the rest of the pictures on my website!

Hayley and Dear Abby at The Early Summer Classic

2010-07-07T00:24:00.000-07:00

This is a classic!
Hayley and I would look and look at all the pictures I take of herself and Abby over fences. She likes to see where she needs to improve by looking at them and it's always a lesson for me because I don't see the little things that she sees, until she points them out (I think they all look great!). One of the things we laugh about is the faces Hayley sometimes pulls! This is fantastic, she hasn't stuck her tongue out in a very long time, haha!!

Deisy and Blue in the Hunter Derby!

2010-07-07T00:07:00.000-07:00

Deisy and Blue competing in the Hunter Derby at The Early Summer Classic on Saturday evening! The sun was going down, the light was amazing for their first round, which they got a score of 81 or 85, I must find out which! :D
They are amazing together! You can see the rest of the pictures for The Early Summer Classic on my website!

The Early Summer Classic, OR ~ Oregon Photographer

2010-07-06T23:53:00.000-07:00

Megan taking some quiet time at The Early Summer Classic (probably watching one of her riders!). Megan is one of Hayley's trainers. She works so hard! We love her very much. Isn't she beautiful!!

The Early Summer Classic, Oregon, 2010~Oregon Photographer

2010-06-24T19:29:00.000-07:00

We arrived safe and sound on Tuesday afternoon to the most beautiful weather! Hayley and Jessica rode down together and had a fantastic time, playing games and probably talking nonstop about horses :D

BTW, Wilsonville is beautiful!

Abby and Hayley had their training rounds with the trainers yesterday and today. They did very well, placing 5th in the Flat Under Saddle and 3rd in the Schooling Hunter 2'6. We really don't expect them to place because it's mainly trainers, but when they do, it's really great! It's good for them to warm up for two days before they compete in Large Pony Hunter and Pony Eq.

We had a pizza pool party too, last night! Deisy and Jasmin came back with Jessica to the hotel, and they met us there. It was so much fun, I just loved watching them play and then later munch pizza and listen to stories!

Will keep you all posted on my facebook fan page over the next few days, the internet is not working in my room and Johnnie is letting me borrow his broadband USB to upload a few pix!! :D

Stalker Photo Mom!

2010-06-13T14:02:00.000-07:00

I took this of Hayley just before she ran off into the RSAR dance and left me to become a stalker photo mom!! A good time was had by all. I know Hayley had a magical night, young love!!

I've been experimenting with my branding, below is two new ideas that I have come up with, on this cute picture of Hayley. I think I may have to pick my sister Maoiliosa's brain sometime soon, she is a super marketing manager.

Let me know what you think.

Delphine :D

Eeyore!

2010-06-10T15:55:00.000-07:00

Eeyore, Kitty, Ninja Kitty and the list of nick names goes on and on! Always has a meow and a cuddle for everyone :D

PNW Horse Show, Monroe, WA ~ Monroe Photographer

2010-06-04T19:37:00.000-07:00

Hayley and I got up early on Sat and Sun the weekend of the PNW horse show, even though Hayley was not riding the princess pony. The young lady who leases the Abbster with us, rode at her first show with Abby that weekend! Hayley and I wanted to cheer them on and the rest of the team. It was a great show for everyone. We had so much fun hanging out with all the girls, when they weren't in the ring. Such a lovely bunch of kids!

More photos on delphoto.net

Caroline and Kingston!

2010-06-02T11:47:00.000-07:00

I had the pleasure of having a photo shoot with Caroline and Kingston at the PNW Horse Show a couple of weeks ago! It was so much fun. Caroline and Kingston have such a love connection, it's so sweet to watch. Catch the rest of the photos on www.delphoto.net
Enjoy!!

Hillcrest Adverts!

2010-05-18T13:07:00.001-07:00

Lately I have been putting together some adverts for Heidi and Megan, to promote Hillcrest. It has been really fun and I enjoy designing with Heidi. This is my latest design for the Washington Emerald Classic Horse Show, it's on their website under "Our Sponsors".
http://www.emeraldclassichorseshow.com

Northwest Children's Fund CD Photo Fun!

2010-04-26T14:29:00.000-07:00

These kids are fantastic! Bryan, Katie and Madison. I had such a great time with them. They are actors/singers/dancers and got together to record a CD for the Northwest Children's Fund Auction, May 8, 2010. I was asked to take a picture of the three of them for the CD cover. It was a last minute thing but I think we got some cute pix! Bryan has a website, you can read all about him at www.bryansevener.com

WSHJA Hunter Horse Show 2010

2010-04-24T17:26:00.001-07:00

Hayley and Abby competed in the Large Pony Hunter Division for the first time together last weekend. They had such a good time! Hayley and Abby won Reserve Champion. They looked beautiful together! Well done girls, we love you!!

WSHJA Inaugural Hunter Horse Show 2010

2010-04-24T16:45:00.000-07:00

Heidi and Megan bought a new large pony, Cinnamon Spring, just before the Inaugural Hunter Horse Show. Hayley was asked to ride her in the short stirrup that weekend and had the most wonderful time. She is the sweetest pony I have ever met. Welcome Cinnamon! Of course Hayley got to hang out with all of her favourite horsey friends too that weekend! Everyone rode really well and had a great weekend! Enjoy the pix!

Dear Abby and Hayley

2010-04-03T22:21:00.000-07:00

"I did nothing!" Oh Abby, we love you so much!!

Team Northwest Grand Champion!

2010-04-01T13:47:00.000-07:00

Yesterday Hayley and I went up to Hillcrest so Hayley could hack Abby. While she was putting her helmet and boots away in her tack trunk, we came across a cardboard box. We were excited to see what was in it! After unraveling it for a while we found a beautiful bowl inscribed with "Team Northwest Horse Show, 2009, Willsonville Oregon, Grand Champion". What a surprise! Hayley got a letter and a CWD $100 gift voucher in the post telling us she had won the Long Stirrup/Short Stirrup Circuit Championship, but nothing about this pretty glass bowl. It's lovely! Thank you Team Northwest, we look forward to showing again this year!!

Deisy, World Champion Hunter Rider!

2010-04-01T12:34:00.000-07:00

Deisy, what can I say about Deisy? Apart from being an amazingly talented rider and a well practiced good sportswoman (I have never heard her badmouth a single rider, THAT is a pet peeve of mine, nothing more disgusting), she is a sweetheart. She is one of my favourite young ladies of all time, along with Hayley! What I like about Deisy is her complete honesty and kindness. She is genuine, quick to smile and so much fun to be around (Red Robin!). Deisy would bend over backward to help you and I know, from my daughter Hayley, that she is a very good friend! She comes from a really lovely family, two wonderful parents who I have the utmost respect for, an older brother who is quiet and respectful but full of chat when you get him going, a little sister who I absolutely love, I love to watch her ride, love to listen to her talking and joking, I love to hug her cause she hugs me back. Not many people give good hugs!

Last year Deisy worked hard and won many Championships on a gorgeous horse called Charlie, show name Muze. She went on to win the 2009 World Champion Hunter Rider, Childrens Division. We all couldn't be more proud of her.

I was told that Deisy is going to show a beautiful horse called Cruiser this show session. So, Deisy and I decided that it would be lovely to take some nice pictures of them together before they start showing. It was extremely sunny the day we were to take the pix, I'm a cloudy photo girl, much prefer that light, but I think we got a few great pix despite the harsh sunlight! Beautiful pair : )

Enjoy!!

Pacific Northwest Hunter Jumper Horse Show Advert

2010-02-26T12:51:00.000-08:00

I've been putting adverts together for the PNW Hunter Jumper Horse Show prize list. It's a half page black and white. Please tell me what you think :)

Ok, Heidi offered me a half page colour, so I went for it! Thanks for all the input on my facebook page!

Hunter the wonder horse!

2010-02-25T20:35:00.000-08:00

Myself, Hayley and my friend Karen took a trip to Hillcrest to do a Horse & Rider photo shoot. Hunter was the perfect model, as was Hayley. We had a fun time trying to figure out how to get Hunter to look at us and keep his ears forward. One of the photos will be used for my advert in the Pacific Northwest Hunter Jumper Horse Show prize list. I'm still trying to decide which one to use. Enjoy!

HITS Half Circuit Championship at Thermal CA, 2010!

2010-02-17T19:05:00.000-08:00

So today, Hayley and I were on our way home from newspaper when I got a txt. It was from Hayley's trainer. Hayley read it because I was driving. She said to check out the hitsshow.com website, it will make you smile! So when Hayley and I got though the door, we logged onto the website and after a little coaching as to where to go, we found it! Hayley and Abby won the Half Circuit Championship for Pony Eq and Reserve Championship for Pony Schooling Hunter at Thermal CA! This is with one show out of three! Good heavens, they are just amazing!! We are so very proud!

What a great start to their show season!

OH YEAH!! Abby pony came home from California with Hayley's trainer. We are leasing the "Princess Pony" with another family from the barn for this years show season!! I totally forgot to blog about it! We are so darn excited and Hayley is really looking forward to competing in Pony Equitation this year!! She's got a GREAT start with Thermal under her belt!!

Check out my Facebook!

2010-02-15T21:29:00.000-08:00

I'm giving away an on location photo shoot this month! It's worth $200!! All you have to do is add yourself as a "Fan" on my business page on Facebook. You can get to it by going to my Home Page, scrolling to the bottom and clicking on the link, then add yourself!! Easy! If it's not your thing, then "suggest" me to your family and friends, they might love it!

I will be picking the location (Eastside) and the weekend, weather permitting, at the end of this month.

I've added a Facebook Widget for my page on the right hand side, check it out!!

Hits DC1, Thermal CA, 2010!! ~ Woodinville Photographer

2010-02-05T15:11:00.000-08:00

We'd heard about this wonderful horse show in Thermal CA, over and over for the past year. We never dreamt that we would ever get to go. I knew Abby was going back to California and one day we all joked about Hayley having one last show with her before she left us for good. Not thinking about it seriously!! You'll think I'm weird, but I had a dream that we followed the pony down for a week and Hayley showed her for that week, then the pony went to her owner. We talked about it at home and I decided to call Hayley's trainer to see what she thought. She thought it was a great idea and the deal was done. Hayley was going to ride the Princess Pony one last time!!

I booked the condo, car, flights and updated Hayley's show clothes. We were so very excited. We arrived on Tuesday the 26th because Hayley was riding Abby in the training rounds too. We dropped our bags off at the condo and went straight to the show grounds. One word, HUGE! The show grounds are humongous! The most beautiful setting, mountains and palm trees, amazing sunrise and sunset colours. We met up with Hayley's trainers, the Jimenez family and of course we said hello to all the horses and ponies.

Wednesday and Thursday were the training rounds, she did really well riding against the trainers. She got a 3rd, 5th and a 6th.

The REAL (inside joke!) show started on Friday until Sunday. Hayley and Abby rode so well they won the Championship for Schooling Pony Hunter jumping 2'9, the Championship for Pony EQ jumping 2'9. They came 5th in the EQ 12-13 on the flat, 3rd in the USEF Pony Medal and she won the $500 Bit o' Straw Hunter Classic with a phenomenal score of 83 and 85!!

Hayley, Deisy and Jasmine had so much fun, talking, hanging around, helping out, eating healthy food and riding their bikes. When they get together, I do nothing but laugh, Jasmine is hilarious! One day while we were all leaving the food court, a little dog rolled off a golf cart and came walking over to us. We took it to the office but they asked us to look around for the owner. We saw the lady from afar and drove the golf cart like loonies to catch her. We found out the little dogs name was Cookie! It was all very exciting!!

It was Hayley's 14th birthday on Sat 30th. What a way to celebrate a birthday. Myself, Johnnie, Deisy, and Hayley's trainers took Hayley to Chapellies, a very nice Italian restaurant, to celebrate. The food was amazing and we had a lot of fun!

On Monday morning we woke at 6am so we could go to the barn and say goodbye to the best pony in the world. There were a lot of tears, tears in the car, on the plane and when we got home. We have a LOT of fantastic memories with Dear Abby, we just love her.

All in all, we had an amazing time and would love to go back next year!

WSHJA Awards Banquet!

2010-01-23T09:49:00.000-08:00

It's been a while!! Loads of events have happened, our first American Football game, the school dance performance to name but two. With one thing or another I haven't been blogging about it.

Saturday January 16th was the evening the WSHJA held their annual awards banquet. All the girls looked so beautiful in their dresses and they waited patiently for the awards to start and for dinner to arrive.

Ethan very kindly sat through the whole process to support his little sister and cheered the loudest when it came time for her to collect her awards. What a great brother, one young man in a sea of GIRLS! I also have to give a shout out to Johnnie and every other husband who attended!!

The kids at the barn did phenomenally receiving awards for 2009. I want to congratulate all of you for a job well done!! Let's have a fun and enjoyable 2010!!

As you know it was Hayley's first year showing, she won.....

* Washington State Short Stirrup Eq Pony Champion 2009

* Washington State Short Stirrup Eq Horse Reserve Champion 2009

* Washington State Hunter Horse 7th place 2009 (with just two shows on Casper!)

Last night I received a letter from Team NW saying Hayley had won the Series Championship in Oregon. We are so proud of her!

Hayley's new hairdo.

2009-11-27T23:37:00.000-08:00

Today I cut Hayley's hair and I touched up her roots. We made a trip to Safeway to get the colour she uses and some groceries. She popped into the shower and afterwards I cut about four inches off her hair....sniff... Then I coloured it and that was it. She asked me to take some pictures for Facebook, so here they are! You can also join my Facebook Fan Page by going to my Home page and scrolling down to the bottom, there will be a link there!! Enjoy.

A night out with The Benjamin Clocks and Friends!

2009-11-20T20:53:00.000-08:00

Ethan made friends with an amazing young lady from Arizona on myspace a couple of years ago, and every time she tours the west coast she stops off, sings and stays with us. This time Courtney Marie arrived with Asher and Caleb on the evening of Tuesday the 17th. They had a gig at Soul Food Book Store on the Wednesday night which Asher opened, he is amazing. Then Courtney sang and I still can't believe that voice comes out of that body!! The Benjamin Clocks rocked the walls!! It was a great night out except for the lashing rain and wind. Check out Courtney Marie Andrews on myspace, you won't regret it. You'll be able to find Asher on her myspace too and of course check out The Benjamin Clocks!!!

McCracken Halloween '09

2009-11-08T23:27:00.000-08:00

This Halloween Hayley had a friend over and they went trick or treating. Five groups of kids came to the door and that was it this year. I just couldn't believe it! The girls danced to Thriller and I took photos of them goofing off and having fun. Thanks for all the fun girls, love ya! xx

Sunny Saturday in Sammamish!

2009-10-26T18:52:00.001-07:00

I had a bit of a cold/flu thing last week and thought, oh darn I'm not going to be well enough for Saturdays job. I was really looking forward to it because it was my friend Denise's son Spencer senior portrait. I have never done a senior photo because they don't do them at home in Ireland, that I know of. I suppose I hadn't had a senior at school till we moved here and I was never asked to do any in my studio in ireland.

I asked Denise if she wanted to do a family portrait and photos of the girls too while I was shooting Spencer and she said yes. So I arrived at the Pearl home at 2pm and we got started. After we took some pix at the house we headed to the dock at lake Sammamish, luckily Denise has a friend who has rights to this dock! There was a ton of people there with their Doberman dogs having photos done for a doggie magazine, fun!

We got lots of shots on the dock and then moved to the trail for more family photos. Then we started on Spencer's shoot. He was open to lots of ideas and I had a great time posing him and setting him up with his guitar. We moved to the train tracks at Redmond and then to Marymoor Park to finish up.

Overall I had a fantastic day with the Pearls, they were fun and very easy to photograph. The pictures say it all!!

Tara and Geoffrey's Wedding!

2009-10-16T19:40:00.001-07:00

It was a crisp and sunny day for Tara and Geoffrey's wedding! The ceremony and reception was in the garden of Tara's father. He had designed and built the beautiful waterfall and flower beds. Tara looked amazing and Geoffrey was very well turned out! The ceremony was very sweet and Tara became very teary-eyed when she was reciting her vows, it was so lovely. My friend Karen, Tara's mom, was all dressed up and gorgeous, and I finally got to meet her partner, Casey. The reception was fun and myself, Johnnie and Hayley got to meet many new people. In the end the cold got the better of us and my feet were like ice blocks. Thank you Tara and Geoffrey for inviting us to your beautiful wedding!!

Marcus and Heidi's wedding day!

2009-10-09T16:11:00.000-07:00

When Heidi (Hayley's trainer) asked me to take her wedding pictures, I was terrified and had to say no. I have never shot a wedding and was afraid that I wasn't experienced enough to full fill their dream pictures. They booked a wedding photographer and in the end I took as many photographs as I could between the formal photos.

The wedding was amazing and very pretty. Heidi was like a doll, she was so beautiful. Marcus looked handsome and even Jack, their dog, was dressed to the nines. Megan(Hayley's second trainer and Heidi's best friend), Renee(Megans sister) and Stephanie (Heidi's sister in law) were the most beautiful bridesmaids. They wore navy empire line gowns with beading just on the empire line, gorgeous!

We all had a great time. Hayley was eyeing up the talent all night.It was a stunning day, enjoyable and fun. Thank you so much for inviting us to share your special day Heidi and Marcus!

Check out the rest of the photos in my client galleries!

The Wedding of Marcus and Heidi Evans!!

2009-09-28T22:39:00.000-07:00

They are just a fabulous couple, Heidi and Marcus. It was a wonderful wedding and we were so happy to meet such warm and welcoming family and friends. I have about 500 photo's to edit and then I will post my favourites here. I'll add the rest to the slide show on www.delphoto.net

The Benjamin Clocks play at Swan's Trail Music festival!

2009-09-06T23:05:00.000-07:00

The Benjamin Clocks, the band Ethan, my son, plays guitar for, they played at the Swans Trail Music Festival today. They were amazing! The sound was great and there was a good turn out. The festival was in aid of the Sherwood Community Services. There were loads of families, old and young, all eating, drinking and having fun! The show was held at the Swan's Trail Farm on Rivershore Rd, Snohomish, what a beautiful setting, beautiful farm. There are piglets and bunnies there too! We all went out in the rain to see them. The rain was torrential today, burrr!

Dillion sings and plays guitar, Ethan plays lead guitar, Alex plays bass, Keith plays drums and Tim sings and plays the keyboard.

Ethan and Hayley, my kiddies! He loves her really!

We have a horse!

2009-09-05T15:56:00.000-07:00

Hayley rode a horse called Casper last winter, but he was leased out to a girl at another barn shortly after he arrived from CA. Hayley loved him, he was so affectionate and a lovely mover. So he's back now, and we jumped at the chance of leasing him. So Hayley has a horse and is so happy. She's taking him to the Northwest Autumn Classic in Monroe, Sept 9th - 13th, she'll be competing in short stirrup horse. We're going to finish out the show year with him and take him to the October Classic too. Casper's show name is Reminisce.

Other absolutely brilliant news! Today we found out that Hayley won the Horses and People, Haps, Oregon Circuit Championship for short stirrup hunter and equitation pony with Dear Abby. We are so unbelievably proud of her. She's thrilled! Hayley and Abby had their last ride Saturday Sept 29th, it was a pretty amazing lesson. They were doing some medal class courses. Trot the jump, canter another, walk, canter to the jump etc. It was wonderful to watch. Abby got a little spunky because Hayley was excellent but the pony thought that Hayley was wrong and she was right. Hayley was well able for her!! Abby left for another barn last Tuesday the 1st, we'll miss her but we know she's going to a nice family.

A few minutes in the garden

2009-08-24T21:41:00.000-07:00

Out in the garden today, Hayley did a little bit more modeling for me. I love this camera. The school picnic is tomorrow and I was asked to bring it with me and take some photos. They will be great for the yearbook!

Hayley modeling for me today

2009-08-16T17:34:00.000-07:00

Tried out my new camera and flash with a diffuser today with Hayley in the garden. I had to patch up her face with photoshop because of the fall she and the horse had the other day. I think they turned out quite nicely if I do say so myself!

Dream Camera

2009-08-15T22:55:00.000-07:00

Today I bought my dream camera! The Sony a900, 24.6 MP, full frame, all amazing! I also bought a flash and a defuser which will be fantastic for evening wedding pix and portraits. My friend Karen came with myself and Johnnie to Glazers to pick them up, we love that store and could spend hours browsing if we were allowed. After spending some time playing with the camera demo, I decided it was too good to pass up. When would Johnnie offer to buy the camera for me again?!! So we headed home after burning a hole in my debit card, stopping for a coffee and a piece of cake. When we got home, Karen kindly let me borrow a battery while mine was charging. I took a couple of pix of Hayley, Johnnie with the dog and Ethan and Paulina. Soon after Karen and I decided we would head out together to christen the new baby (camera) on the move. We headed to the little farm on 124th going towards Totem Lake. The sun flowers were pretty much dead, but we found some pretty flowers to test the camera out on. We then decided we would head over to Carnation and we parked on the river. We saw loads of baby frogs, very cute! Within a few minutes of us arriving, Odell and Jeff, Karen's husband and son, pulled up in the suburban and pulled out their fishing equipment. We stayed and chatted for a while and watched them fish, it was very cool, I'd love to have seen one of them catch something though. I took some pix of the trees along the river. We headed off to Carnation to have a bite to eat and a coffee in Starbucks and on the way home Karen bought me a beautiful bouquet of flowers on the back road home. Thanks for spending the day with me Karen, I had a wonderful time! xoxo

The Evergreen Classic Horse Show

2009-08-14T22:22:00.000-07:00

The Evergreen Classic Horse Show, what can I say, it was muggy and cloudy weather wise. It was not Hayley and Abby's best show to say the least. On Thursday they won 8th in the schooling round which was full of trainers, 26 in all, she was really happy. On Saturday she went off course and didn't do so well in her flat classes. On the Sunday she pulled out all the stops and won both Hunter rounds. They won Reserve Champion for Hunter Pony by the skin of their teeth!! ha ha. Deisy, Aria and Nicole rode well in all their classes, all in all it was fun for the kids. Luis did an amazing job building a fabulous tack room and won the award for small tack room. Thank you to the whole Jimenez Family for taking such good care of us all!

Engagement photos of Heidi and Marcus

2009-07-18T16:58:00.000-07:00

Hayley's trainer and the owner of Hillcrest Training, Heidi, got engaged to Marcus a couple of months ago and they asked me to shoot their engagement photo shortly after. We had to take the photos before the cherry blossom shed it's flowers and the blue bells died away. I spent the week before, looking on the internet for some natural and less posed poses, there was a certain amount of posing, I'll not kid you or myself. Hayley modeled for me while I experimented with exposure. The day came and I was very nervous as were the happy couple. Once we got into the groove there was no stopping us. They are a beautiful and handsome couple and are so lovely to boot, it was a pleasure and an honour to photograph them for such a special occasion. Heidi gave me permission to highlight them with my slideshow, on the home page of my website, take a look at the rest, they are adorable!

Destino

2009-07-05T13:01:00.000-07:00

Heidi called me last night to ask if Hayley wanted to ride a horse called Destino this morning. Of course we jumped at the chance, any horse big or small. Hayley has been looking at this horse for a while on the website. He is a bay warmblood gelding, at 15 hands 3, and he is seven years old. He is the most beautiful mover and jumps really nicely. Hayley rode him very well and enjoyed every minute of the lesson. It's a pity he is so young he would be perfect, but he would need at least 2-3 years more training before we would consider him. Hayley needs a few more years in the saddle to control him too. They did great together anyway. He is a very handsome horse and has the most gorgeous big baby eyes, I'm sure some young lady will buy him and love him...

(The images are stills from my video camera)

The Nerves!

2009-07-04T20:52:00.001-07:00

What is it with me and the nerves at the horse shows. My stomach is in a heap every time Hayley enters the show ring. No matter what I do, envision purple around her or on her, count along with the strides of the horse, taking pictures, I still have a dicky tummy. Will it ever go away or will I always feel like that? I've tried to figure it out, is it because I'm afraid she is going to fall off? Is it because I'm competitive and I want her to win? I don't know! Maybe both.... Watching and waiting for her to enter the ring is excruciating, especially when she is asked to wait for a minute or two, a minute can last an eternity! Once she is out there doing her stuff, counting her strides, changing her leads, jumping like a pro, my hands shake and I have to remember to take pictures. While I am shooting I forget for about two seconds, sometimes I'm shaking so much my photos are a disaster. I wonder, will I ever get past this nervousness or will it always be like this.....

The Willamette Horse Show, Oregon

2009-06-30T23:51:00.000-07:00

We're home! I'm dreaming about horses and riders and horse shows, I'm hoping it will stop soon. The Willamete Horse Show was very exciting, because Hayley and Abby had done so well the week before, her competitive side came out. She won Eq Champion again and they took Reserve in Hunter. She lost her focus during a hunter class and went off course, which really upset her. Heidi was wonderful and reassured her that she is learning every-time she enters the ring and not to worry about one "messed up" class, Hayley's words. We are so proud of our little girl and Dear Abby. They make an amazing team. We would love to buy this spunky pony but Abby is just that little bit small. Hayley will probably be too tall for her within a few months. Hayley and Abby also entered the Hillcrest Starter Medal Class 2'6 during the second week again, they came 7th because she thought Heidi said "stop" by the back gate, but she actually said "trot"! Not to worry lol! The trials and tribulations of hearing loss. It was a factor with one of her flat classes this week too. The announcer said "back" which meant back up you horse, and she hadn't a clue what he said. We found out later talking to the Stuart that Hayley could bring her FM system and the announcer would wear her mic so his voice would go straight into her hearing aids. Good to know for next time. We just love all the people we got to hang out with everyday for the past two weeks. Heidi, her mum Barbara, Daisy and her family, Robin and Caroline. We made some great new friends! Thank you Heidi for helping make Hayley a happy bunny.....

Cannon Beach, Oregon

2009-06-30T23:10:00.000-07:00

During our four day stay, we had one wonderful evening with the most amazing sunset at Cannon Beach, Oregon. The hotel, The Ocean Lodge, was very nice, clean and the staff were very friendly and made us feel very welcome. The beach was immaculate and quiet, there were very few people wondering up and down. Hayley and I made many sand castles, I relived my youth with her.

Enjoy the sunsets!

Early Summer Classic, Willsonville, Oregon.

2009-06-25T21:21:00.000-07:00

Hayley competed with Dear Abby (love that Pony!) at the Early Summer Classic Horse Show out of State in Willsonville, Oregon from Friday 19th - Sunday 21st. It was the most enjoyable horse show we've been to this year and the most beautiful facility. Hayley won the Hunter (pony and rider) Champion and the Equitation (rider) Champion. She was over the moon and hasn't stopped smiling since. They get great prizes for their 1st place ribbons; she picked a leather halter with pink stitching and a matching lead, a fabulous horse show baseball cap and more. For Hunter Champion she received a beautiful embroidered horse blanket and for the Eq Championship she won a very sporty black and grey embroidered champion jacket. Because Hayley has been doing so well in the last few shows, Heidi decided to enter her into the Hillcrest ( sponsored by Heidi ) Starter Medal Class, she came 5th out of approx 30 something riders! This was one of my favourite ribbons, it means a little bit more then the rest, just a little, for goodness sake, she won both Championships!!! This horse show was very well organized it ran like clockwork. Our barn ( Hillcrest ) paid for us all to get these special bracelets which then allowed us to enter a huge canopy covered seating area with the loveliest breakfast and lunch and a prime view of the Hunter Ring. We hung out with Heidi, her mom Barbara, Kelly and her Hayley, they are all very good company. After a long three day horse show we had four days rest out at the beach, Ocean Lodge, Cannon Beach, wow!

Graduating Class

2009-05-19T20:33:00.000-07:00

Today I photographed the first graduating class of Renaissance School of Art and Reasoning, Hayley my daughter's school. What a great group of kids, I had so much fun. I enjoyed watching Mrs. Daman and Mrs. Ashley and the rapport they have with the students. I photographed them formally, informally and with the staff. Then we did informal with the staff and when I got home to edit, to my delight I found the most brilliant shots!! I don't have permission to show you a snap shot, so you'll just have to take my word about how cool the photos are!

Pacific Northwest Equitation Champion!

2009-05-17T17:53:00.000-07:00

My anxiety watching Hayley riding at the horse shows is getting worse. I haven't been this bad before. I know she's a very good rider and an experienced one too, but I still worry about her falling off and hurting herself. This week was hard for me, but Hayley had the time of her life. Of course she didn't fall or anything close to it, she was amazing. We were up at 6 a.m. from Thursday to Sunday, she rode at about 8.30 a.m. Heidi or Megan or both would coach Hayley before, during and after each class. This was a particularly great show for Hayley because Flat Classes were not her forte. She worked so hard with Heidi and Megan for weeks and it paid off, she won both her Flat Classes! What a boost to her confidence and esteem, she was on a high all day yesterday. While we were waiting around for the Hunter Classes, Hayley was asked if she wanted to ride a beautiful chestnut horse in the Horse Flat Class. She jumped at the chance, the owner didn't know that the flats were one level after another. She rode him beautifully but picked up the wrong lead at one stage. She didn't place in that class but she didn't care, she got to ride! Later we took her to Woodinville for breakfast and treated her to a peanut-butter chocolate milkshake and a bacon and cheese omelet with hash-browns, and toast!

Today was another fun and wonderful day for Hayley because she won the Equitation Championship! We are so proud of her and Abby Pony, what an amazing surprise! Thank you to Heidi and Megan for preparing Hayley for the show and for making sure she had a horse to ride!!

Monroe Northwest Hunter Horse Show

2009-05-13T16:29:00.000-07:00

We arrived at Monroe yesterday to find out that Red, who Hayley was going to compete with at the Northwest Hunter Horse Show, would not jump one jump, so he went back to the barn! Poor silly horse was afraid by the sound of it. So Heidi had Hayley try out two equines. She loved both of them and would have loved to ride both of them! One was a horse and the other a large pony. Heidi emailed me last night to say Hayley will be riding the large pony! She is thrilled and can't wait for tomorrow.

My old studio in Ireland

2009-05-07T18:22:00.000-07:00

These are a couple of scanned photos taken in my studio in Ireland. I love the one of the little boy especially. He was teething at the time and had rosy cheeks, very cute!

Hayley about seven years, my daughter, is in the second one having a tea party with her doll. She's looking out at her friends and left me soon after to go out and play! Hope you like them ;o)

Lomography

2009-05-07T13:30:00.000-07:00

A few months ago I found a tutorial about digital lomography and I love it. I have used it on many pictures to date. The first picture is one of my favourites it's one of Hayley and Blue (Heidi's horse) up at Hillcrest Training.

Today I was trying out my old portrait lens from when I had my studio at home in Ireland. I lomo-ed the second picture of Hayley taken with that lens, she's not very well today and stayed home from school.

I had totally forgotten about the 24-85mm 3.5 lens, it was on my film camera in my bookcase hidden away. I very nearly bought the Sony Zeiss fixed 85mm 1.4 on Saturday at Glazers, but stopped myself in the end. I'm happy I didn't buy it as I have two lenses that will work perfectly in the studio. Now all I have to do it buy a new background and the lights.

I have my eye on a set of daylight lights. One is an eight foot wall of light and the second is a pair of three foot square soft box lights, one on top of the other, a directional light and a hair light.

I'm really excited about setting up a new studio. Once I scan some of my old studio pix, I'll post them here!

Hollywood Hills Saddle Club

2009-05-07T00:28:00.000-07:00

Hollywood Hills Saddle Club, Woodinville, WA. is another great place to play games with your horse. It makes me want to get back on a horse, just watching everyone playing, screaming and having fun! Get there early though, the trailer lot jams up very quickly.

HHSC was the first place and time my daughter rode Western Gaming. She was terrified at first, she'd never ridden the small Appaloosa Shelby and got a fright when the horse took off like the wind! Once she realized that all she had to do was steer, then she was fine with the speed, and boy can that horse go! Shelby reminds me of a Trojan War Horse, she's a beauty, very sweet and docile too.

Bring sunscreen, hats, chairs and lots of iced water. Don't bother bringing break/lunch if you like grilled food; burgers,hot-dogs etc. It's like being at a BBQ.

Thanks to my very good friend Karen who invites us to ride with her every time she's taking the trip to the show ;o) We love her to bits and all 5 of her horses!

My sleepy babe

2009-05-06T23:56:00.000-07:00

On March 22nd 2009 I won the "The Weekly Photo Contest" with the photo I took of Hayley just after she had woken up in the morning. She looked so beautiful, sleepy and snugly. The natural light coming through her window was perfect.
The theme was "Eyes." So I opened the B&W image in photoshop CS2 and I sectioned off the eyes. Then I used "selective colour" to change the eye colour to green.
I really wanted the eyes to pop, so I went a little over the top with the colour!
I also sharpened the eyes slightly using Unsharp mask, took a snap shot, undid Unsharp mask, clicked on the history brush, clicked on the snapshot and painted in the sharpness on the eyes.
The eyes always have to be sharp, very sharp, but if all else fails paint in the eyelashes and eyes.

winners page

The Benjamin Clocks

2009-05-03T18:40:00.000-07:00

My son Ethan, who plays piano, guitar, sings and produces, is in a great band called The Benjamin Clocks.

Ethan and Dillon collaborate on the songs. Dillon sings and plays guitar, Keith plays the drums and Alex plays the bass.

So, for a while parents, meaning myself and Johnnie, were not allowed to attend the concerts. We didn't mind, parents are not supposed to hang out of their kids lip. Recently we've been invited but I have not been able to go. Murphy's Law! They played at Soul Food Bookstore on April 22nd. Johnnie got to go and see them play and took some pictures and video. They were fantastic, they played some of their new material and some great covers. The manager of the store taped the show for them, which was really great quality, so I got to hear how well they played!

The boys spent two days from dusk till dawn in a studio taping their new album. These past few weeks Ethan has been mixing and producing the tracks with the guys, they have been working so hard. I am so excited for them, they sound amazing.

Check their my space for upcoming dates and music here.

Ethan's music and production website is Lukewarm Recordings.

From left to right, Keith, Ethan, Dillon and Alex

Training today!

2009-04-30T21:26:00.001-07:00

Hayley and Red did some great jumping today. This is the highest Hayley has jumped a horse to date. I was blown away and a little nervous. I've never seen such a big smile on her face. "Mom I've never been so happy in all my life," is what she told me in the car on the way home. She has decided also that we are going to win the Lotto, Ha! I wish! We will buy the house next door to Hayley's trainer, so she can walk from home and ride everyday. Of course we will be able to afford a horse and to go to every show she could dream of. I'll let her dream.....

The photo is a still from my video.

You can see my videos here.

The Tulip fields at La Connor

2009-04-25T22:40:00.000-07:00

My friend and I travelled to La Connor yesterday to try out her new Sony a900 on the tulips fields.

My husband has been trying to talk me into buying it, but right now I'm happy with my Minolta 7D. I'd much rather buy studio lights! I think my friend is very happy with the new camera, her pictures look amazing.

We arrived at about 11.30a.m. but the sun was too glaring for good images. Also, it was packed full of people, how dare they want to take pictures of the tulips too!!! I took some pictures but I wasn't too happy. We left soon after and met a good friend for lunch at Seeds in La Connor. They make the best burgers, I had an avocado and bacon burger, it was delicious! Loads of lemonade, fun and laughter.

We parted ways and left for the fields again. After many hours of photos and chatting and chasing the light, we drove down over Deception Pass. The bridge is extremely high and gave me vertigo, I had to leave my friend on the walk way to finish photographing the amazing view. I know, I'm sad!

We drove through Whitbey Island and caught the ferry to Mukilteo and made it to Woodinville for about 8.30 p.m.

We stopped off at Chan's Place for dinner and enjoyed some fabulous crispy chicken wings to start. I ordered chicken with snow peas and my friend ordered the sea food sensation. mmm. I had two appletini's and we laughed while listening to the karaoke. A great end to a very fun day....

Mothers Day and Gaming at Raging River Riders

2009-04-23T17:25:00.000-07:00

The season of fun is beginning! We are really looking forward to a day of fun and games at Raging River Riders, Fall City. This gaming show is one of the best days out you could have, even if you don't have a horse. This group of people are so nice and friendly and the kids are lovely.

Hayley borrows a little horse called Shelby from my friend Karen. She's a fast little Appaloosa with loads of character. Hayley is a lucky girl to have such wonderful friends who are delighted to have her along.

The pictures are from the last show of 2008, October.

The weather was amazing! Hayley

came first in the speed racing with a time of twelve seconds. She won two thirds for other races but the speed racing is her favourite. She's a speed junky, which will be great when she's training for "Jumper."

I bring sandwiches and snacks, lots of water too to the show. Warm jackets for the ones standing around, layers for the riders.

I love watching the horses and their riders, big, small, young and older racing down the line towards the barrels or the poles. It's an amazing sight to see.

WSHAJA Monroe Inaugural Spring Horse Show

2009-04-22T21:16:00.000-07:00

Moving Hayley to Hillcrest Training Woodinville was the best decision we’ve made in relation to trainers and horses. Heidi and Megan are so very supportive and kind. They very nicely allowed Hayley to take Topaas to two weeks of showing at the Monroe Spring Horse Show. What an amazing time, we had some cracking good weather to boot! Hayley would arrive at Monroe and after a look at her courses she would mount a tacked up and very well groomed horse. Then she would ride Topaas down to the warm up ring and Heidi and Megan would get the two of them ready for the classes. After each class Hayley and Topaas would talk to the girls about what they did right and what they needed to work on. Topaas was a trooper and they won eighteen ribbons. Hayley is taking Topaas to the Pacific NW Hunter & Jumper Horse Show in May. I’ll keep you posted!