I recently returned from a set of back-to-back 5-day Desolation Canyon trips with 8th graders from Idaho Springs, Colorado. While the weather could have been a bit more cooperative, the experiences and memories that these young kids provided for me have only solidified my already incredibly strong desire to continue moving GOALS to the forefront. I left this program with a real sense that what I’m doing right now with GOALS is exactly how I’m supposed to be using the energy I have, and that feels great.
I am incredibly grateful to Angie Harrington and Ivan Grinbank- the other 2 adults who accompained me on these recent programs. You both bring invaluable leadership, knowledge, and experience to the program, and serve as strong role models for the kids who watch your every move- both inside and outside the canyon walls. I can’t imagine a Desolation trip without you, and can’t thank you enough for the sacrifices you make to provide for these kids.
I also need to thank the kids. Rivers bring out a side of me that might not often be apparent in the classroom. The time I spend in canyons makes me contemplative and reflective, furthers my appreciation for the little things in life, and more often than not- as one participant pointed out in a thank you letter that caused my eyes to well up with proud tears- brings out the kid in me. I grow closer to the children who accompany me for 5 days in the canyon that I have in the 2 years that I’ve had the pleasure of teaching them- and those relationships mean a great deal to me.
There are many others who deserve my gratitude. Parents who place the degree of trust in me that enables their child to have this experience; Sponsors who donate money, time, and product to aid in our fundraising efforts and make the experience more safe and enjoyable; Commercial outfitters and the guides who work so hard to teach the kids what it means to take healthy risks and come out with increased confidence and self-esteem as a result- just to name a few. But more than anyone- I need to publicly thank my incredible wife.
Without the support and encouragement of an amazing partner who serves as my greatest cheering squad- promoting the idea of being away from her and our 1- and 3-year old daughters over both Mother’s Day weekend and the celebration of her graduation with a Masters’ Degree that she has only achieved through a great deal of blood, sweat, and tears- none of this would be possible. Her unending selflessness is what really provides the opportunity for 25 young teenagers to become better people by traveling through an inspiring river canyon. Kristin- this is just one more example of your strength and beauty- on the inside as well as the outside. My greatest hope is that next May, you’ll be creating a reflective blog post after accompanying me on the CCMS GOALS launch, as the little kid in you certainly deserves a chance to have its’ soul filled with the same amount of pride and the same sense of accomplishment that I get as the evening sun walks its way down the canyon wall across the river, and I pause for a moment to scan the beach on which we’re camped, watching the kids. Some are re-counting their favorite rapid of the day, some are sitting on the sand writing in their jounrals- a few are working with guides in the kitchen to prepare the evening’s meal, and the rest enjoying something kids these days don’t seem to get enough of- some unstructured play time.
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ski race photos
furthering that previously mentioned reputation as a “jack of all trades, master of none”, i spent the day today photographing a pair of CU ski races- one nordic race and one slalom. am i a wedding photographer? a portrait photographer?? a sports photographer??? didn’t we start out with landscapes and wildlife????
either way, time spent behind the lens is always a learning experience! here are my favorites from both races!
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matt and loni
we spent a warm mid-winter day taking advantage of sunshine and a light breeze (ok, so sometimes it was darn near gale force!) to put together a great set of engagement photos for matt and loni at elk meadows in evergreen. it was a fun morning- the dogs got a kick out of running through the tall grasses, and matt and loni were very comfortable showcasing their affection in front of my cameras. the result is a set of relaxed, timeless images. we’re looking forward to matt and loni’s wedding in estes park come august.
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Tags: elk meadows, engagement, loni, matt
welcome to the blog
this part of the eagle eye photography website steps away from the formality and business-minded feeling of a portfolio based website, and offers us a chance to showcase the images we’re capturing more frequently.
some of the images here will highlight recent weddings and portraits- others might just document great days with our daughters or other more personal aspects of our lives. we hope you enjoy it, and feel free to leave comments about anything posted here!
as i create the first entry, it feels so good to flip the calendar page over to february…a sign that winter is at least progressing- no matter what that silly gopher has to say about it. days are getting longer, warm forecasts seem to be increasing in frequency, and spring camping in the desert has come up in more than one conversation with kristin lately. of course, i’m not kidding myself- there’s a long way to go until my winter boots are replaced by waders on afternoon dog walks, but this winter has been bearable so far.
photographically, winter is generally a time to “get caught up.” albums are designed and created, web revisions take place, new clients are attracted and old ones get in touch to help us keep up with the important events in their individual lives. this winter, however, has been a bit different. we’ve been busy shooting several magazine assignments, chronicling the young life of our newest wee family member, and even recently starting the 2009 wedding season with our first set of engagement photos.
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