Monday, December 21, 2009

You won't be getting a Christmas card from us, but here are the 2009 Baldwin Family Pictures



Merry Christmas and happy new year!

Baldwin Downtown Denver 3 Year Anniversary Bash (and the Denver Microbrew Tour)

Well, we made it.  3 years.  It went by so fast and yet seems like an eternity.  Sometimes I feel like I have never known a life without Andy.  Sometimes I wonder who he is and what he is doing inside my house.  Anyway, we are in love and we, just like everyone else who is "happily married", are regularly working through issues in our relationship.  And really that is what marriage is all about.  Being committed to slogging through the crap together so you can enjoy the life God has for you.  Not that the crap isn't part of it....you know what I am saying?  It's hard, but it's good.  And I don't know if I would have it any other way. 



Here is our standard anniversary image.  Self taken in the lobby of the downtown Denver Hyatt.



Andy is usually in charge of the surprise anniversary cake (he started this tradition our first year since we couldn't bear to eat year old wedding cake, he commissioned a friend to make us one.  Since he doesn't work with said friend anymore, I asked Sweet Daphne to make us one.)
It was gorgeous and delicious! 



Cool bikes in downtown Denver.

The weekend highlight was the Denver Microbrew Tour.  This event was super fun, inexpensive, and educational.  It's only $20 and a serious blast! Below are images from the tour.  Seriously, check it out. I'm not kidding.  Take your friends or your mom or whoever, but be prepared to have a good and tasty time.

You start the tour at the Great Divide Brewing Company.  It is a microbrewery that actually brews thier beer on site.  You get to see everything!

I felt like Laverne and Shirley. 


 
 
 
One, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight.
Sclemeel, schlemazel, hasenfeffer incorporated.
We're gonna do it!

Give us any chance, we'll take it.
Give us any rule, we'll break it.
We're gonna make our dreams come true.
Doin' it our way.

Nothin's gonna turn us back now,
Straight ahead and on the track now.
We're gonna make our dreams come true,
Doin' it our way.

There is nothing we won't try,
Never heard the word impossible.
This time there's no stopping us.
We're gonna do it.

On your mark, get set, and go now,
Got a dream and we just know now,
We're gonna make our dream come true.
And we'll do it our way, yes our way.
Make all our dreams come true,
And do it our way, yes our way,
Make all our dreams come true
For me and you. 


 
 
 We tried "Pattys sweet chile beer"
Once does so happen to be enough if you can believe it....

 


In summary, a good time was had by all in attendance at the "Baldwin Downtown Denver 3 Year Anniversary Bash."  Yeah, it was just me and Andy, but whatever.  We had a good time.

Thursday, December 17, 2009

the Baldwin family truth about consumerism

I love this quote, "You can't do everything, but you must do something."  When it comes to consumerism, I want to do my something and join in the fight against it.  Maybe it's because I work at Compassion and I know that when we throw away our "antiquated" computers they end up in the developing world being stripped for parts and all the poison we didn't want in our own nation ends up in the water ways of the poorest of the poor- making them, well, poorer and sicker and stripping them of what little resources they had.  Maybe it's because since we have gotten on a budget,  I see more and more that having the newest and best always ends up being the oldest and the dullest in just a few years which makes the newest and the best rarely worth spending on.  Maybe it's because I know that one day all the "stuff" we hold so dear will end up in a trash heap.

I hate consumerism.  I hate how it makes me feel, how it draws me in and how it controls my wallet.  I hate it.  And yet I know I am just like everyone else.  I am not living in the woods churning my own butter and walking to work.  I buy and want, buy and want and the cycle never ends.

Maybe it's an awakening....no matter what it is, I feel compelled to share what we are doing to join the fight.  I am not pretending that we are doing this the best or doing anything original or even that we are doing our fair share.  I think the fight is lifelong.  I think that consumerism is a mindset that has been working in my brain since at age 8, I got my first look at the JcPenny catalog.  I literally wanted every thing in there.  Everything.  Since this mindset is so ingrained, I know it's not going to end tomorrow, but I can do something today and doing something today is better than doing nothing.....

The Baldwin family truth is not revolutionary and I bet if you ask grandma how she lived 50 years ago she might tell you this....."If it isn't broken, we don't need a new one."  That's how we live...that's our truth.



Example # 1 of the Baldwin family truth about consumerism: our washing machine and dryer.  Soon to be married, we bought our first house in 2006.  It came with the washer and dryer (pictured above) and the same ones we have today.  Neither of them are energy star approved or shiny or red or steam fluff your clothes, but guess what- they both work and they will probably continue to work for many years to come.  And I happen to think that until they stop working, we will own them.  Unless our next house comes with another set, then we might trade up :)



Example # 2: 1989 Honda Accord.  Andy's first love.  This sweet friend of ours has been back and forth to Montrose more times than Fed Ex.  She has over 220,000 miles on her and she purrs like a kitten.  Do I love this car? No, I don't, not at all.  It doesn't have power steering, things break on her sometimes and one time right exactly at 200K some piece of metal flew out of the transmission and caused a leak that many would say was a terminal injury.  After a few attempts at fixing it with JB Weld it stopped leaking! (I don't know what that is, but Andy does and he fixed it himself.)  It runs on ethanol because one year Andy wanted to convert her over and now that's how she rolls.  This year a trucker side-swiped her and made the lovely design you see below on the rim of the driver side tire.  The owner of the trucking company paid us more than the car was worth, we pocketed the money and she still runs like a top.  Do we need a new car?  NO!  Do we want one?  Of course, and while I somehow doubt our next real estate deal will include a Honda Element, we'll be happy either way.




Why? Because we have not one but TWO cars that run, a washer and dryer that wash and dry our clothes for us, a dog that eats better than 60% of the worlds human population, 50 pairs of shoes, and an outfit for every day of the month and lots of other nice things that many people in this world live without.  While many people say that they NEED a new car, many people walk everywhere they go because they have to.  While many people say they NEED a new jacket, many people go cold all winter long because they don't even have the essentials.  I'm not saying we have deny ourselves the things we want, I guess I am just saying "consider."  Before you buy something you just have to have, consider what someone else doesn't have.  Maybe the way you fight consumerism is to give away your old coat when you buy a new one.  I don't know, but what I do know is that I am just a steward, not an owner of anything and when it comes time to answer to HIM, I want to know that I can show what I did with what I was given was more than just please myself.  I'm not pushing guilt here, either, I'm just saying, be conscious, be generous, and be smart about the things you buy.

Anyway, you can see that we are not doing that much, but we are doing something.  We're killing our flesh and not letting the next thing "we have to have" run our lives.  We're using our resources until they can't be used anymore instead of ditching them for something shinier.

Oh- and one more lesson, since we decided this is how we want to live, we buy stuff we can live with for a while, since we know we won't get to trade it in all the time for the next best thing.
Now this, this I can live with and it's the best thing :)




If you have 20 minutes, click on "the Baldwin family truth about consumerism" and watch the video, "the story of stuff" then ask yourself,  "What do I need to do with what I know?" Let us know what you are doing and what you think of what we are doing by posting a comment.

Monday, December 14, 2009

Sweet Daphne Confections


So my friend from work, Candy, has this amazing niece Megan.  I first met Megan when she invited a bunch of us over for dessert at her super cool house in Black Forest.  I was amazed by the beautiful deliciousness she served that day and I was inspired by her pure talent!  Megan is one of the most amazing confections artists I have ever known personally.  OK scratch that, she is the most amazing confection artist I have ever known personally.  (I may or may not have made up the term "confections artist" but either way, I like it.) Anyway, I scored myself an invitation to the "soft opening" of her bakery under the clever guise of photography.  If I was able to stop eating canolis and eclairs for a few seconds, I probably could have gotten a couple more pictures.  I don't regret any of it and I am going back this week for some more treats.  It was fun to do some product shots and I hope to learn more about this aspect of photography.  Tips are welcome!

As for Sweet Daphne, you won't regret supporting this amazing, delicious, and affordable local business!
2825 Dublin Blvd
Colorado Springs, CO 80918
719-599-7178


Sunday, December 6, 2009

This is really what our dog does when we are not home- I'm serious

Yes, that is our clothes dryer. Yes, that is Wilson lounging on it. No, we have no idea why.

(cold) December Saturday Family Pictures

The more I learn about Photoshop the more I learn that you really don't have to be that amazing of a photographer, you just need Photoshop! Ok, that's not entirely true. You do need to know something about your camera, lighting, working with people, and capturing a good image. Anyway, this family made it all pretty easy- so thanks, Hardage's for the opportunity!


Sunday, November 29, 2009

The Golden Hour Engagement Session

I reveal my ignorance to you when I say that I have never heard of the term "Golden Hour" until Diana asked if the lighting was going to be OK and her soon to be groom said, "Yes, it's the golden hour." Now of course, I have known for sometime that the very best natural lighting for photography occurs at sunrise and sunset. I just never heard it coined "Golden hour" but I love it. As much as I love these pictures. Thanks Ian and Diana for agreeing to my every suggestion on location, time, and even wardrobe. Hope you enjoy these and can't wait to shoot your wedding in a few weeks!!


Please believe me when I say that I did not ask these two to dance. I turned around for one second and when I looked back they were spontaneously cutting up a rug.  Or the barren trail we were on.  If this is any indicator of what their marriage will be like, I hope they invite me over for games because this is one fun couple.  
P.S. This is my first collage in photoshop, please don't make fun of me :)


Told you they were fun.  They did this within minutes of our arrival.


Friday, November 27, 2009

The Hacketts

As an aspiring photographer, I have encountered many challenges in various photo shoots. This job was no exception. Three challenges presented themselves to me. Challenge #1- Weather/temperature. It was much much colder than appropriate. So cold, in fact, that even though we were on the playground, the kids asked more than once to go home. Challenge #2- Dogs. Dogs are always a challenge, especially if they are deaf. Chance did great, though, and I got some good shots of him. He is very clearly a member of the Hackett family! Challenge #3- Lighting. Oh my. Even though we scheduled this shoot as the sun was setting, the light was unbelievably bright and direct. And cast very long shadows.
I'd like to say, "lesson learned" but none of the challenges above are rare or changeable. What I tend to do in these situations is overcompensate by taking too many photos instead of taking careful photos. But kids are fast and I was afraid I would miss something, so instead I made it harder on the photoshop end of my workflow and had to chose 80 or so pictures that worked of the 510 that I took. Anyway, I love the challenge and the lessons and I loved shooting this family! Next time, though, lets do it when it is at least warm!!
Thanks so much to the Hackett's who gave me the chance the capture their life!








your life//a work of art
celina d baldwin photography
970//497//9533

Thanksgiving 2009

What a great Thanksgiving it was...
Andy and I spent the weekend with my parents in Montrose, CO. We enjoyed a delicious meal, great desserts and a nice walk.
Things I am grateful for:
A life redeemed by the love of Christ
A husband who loves (and at times tolerates) me
Parents who have a restored marriage
Financial provision in a time when we could be down and out (see Daveramsey.com)
Friends who love me and tell me the truth
Photoshop, which has revolutionized my photography!
Crafts (I am an unabashed nerdy homebody)
A great job at Compassion
A lovely family
Grace and there's much much more, but for now, here is your photo tour of our Thankful day....

My mom's dog, Allie. Even with three legs, she is highly photogenic. She loves Thanksgiving. Well, she loves turkey. This is before she smelled it cooking.

Wilson eating his Thanksgiving dinner. Since the cinnamon roll incident*, he didn't get anything special for the holiday. (*Wilson helped himself to a large plate of homemade cinnamon rolls and while doing that broke the pie plate, ingested glass, made Andy mad, then made us worried that he would die of bloat or a bleeding throat or intestines- he is fine)

This turkey was gorgeous! And it fell off the bone! My mom knows how to cook a turkey.

Yay for Costco turkeys!! (Have I ever mentioned that I love Costco? If I was going to get any of these pictures developed, I would do so at Costco)

Since my mom was a 70's child, I thought it only appropriate to run the 70's action on this photo of her. I love her and her cranberry sauce!

Andy cutting the turkey, although he didn't hardly need to since it fell right off the bone....

We took turns resting. Unfortunately for Jon, he was the one resting when I was photographing. I have seen Jon sleep upright in a chair like this more than I have seen a lot of things in this life. He was tired from his new job, he is keeping up with the 20 year olds, or should I say they are keeping up with him.

Our simple, humble table.

Our family. I love these guys and my remote control that lets me take pictures of myself

A gorgeous afternoon walk

I dare you to find me a dog cuter than Wilson the Whoodle.

Can't wait to take engagement pictures in this field today!

The people who raised me. They are to blame, but I'll take some responsibility....

He tolerates and loves me- I am very blessed to have this man...

Thursday, November 26, 2009

Pricing

When I am spending hours online looking at other peoples photography websites, I decided that I like it best when they just say how much it costs. It gives me an idea of if I am way off in my assessment of the value of my work and it lets me know how good I have to get before I can charge an arm and a leg :) So with that, I officially publish, for all 6 of you to see, my pricing structure.

Family, engagement, maternity, children or senior photos:
$100
Included in this package is:
-1+ hour photo shoot in up to 2 locations
-as many wardrobe changes as you think you can fit in
-minimum 50 edited photos on photo CD
-Rights to print all images
(I don't print any images, but I suggest you do so at Costco ( a full blog post will soon be dedicated to my love of this store))

Oh Baby Package:
$275
Includes:
3 photo shoots: One maternity shoot, and two photo shoots in the first year of your babies life.  Use this to get just pictures of just your new little love or for a new family photo shoot or any combination.
Full price due at time of purchase- 3 shoots expire 18 months from purchase.
Each shoot includes:

-1+ hour photo shoot in up to 2 locations
-as many wardrobe changes as you think you can fit in
-minimum 50 edited photos on photo CD
-Rights to print all images

Large family gatherings, parties, or journeys:
$150
Having a family reunion and want someone to shoot the event? Going to the pumpkin patch with your kids and want it captured? I can do all of this!
Included in this package is:
-2+ hours coverage of your event
-Minimum 100 edited photos
-CD of all edited images
-rights to print

Weddings:
$1300
Included in this package is:
-1 engagement photo session
-Coverage of your entire wedding day (up to 6 hours) including: getting ready, ceremony, reception, and send off
-CD of all edited images (minimum 200)
-Rights to print
Travel is included up to 30 miles from zip code 80905, after that- we'll work it out together

1 hour of rehearsal dinner coverage can be added to this package for $100
Post -wedding shoot available for additional $100 (this can be used any time within 12 months of your wedding- trash your dress of wear it again with your lover when you can enjoy the moment)


Trades:
Since I am building my portfolio and I love to learn, I am willing to trade services.
Services I am interested in include: web design, graphic design, Photoshop tutorials, and cash money :)

IOU's never accepted :)

your life//a work of art
celina d baldwin photography
970//497//9533

Jed and Mandie are having a baby!

I'll be honest. I love taking pictures, but I get nervous. Really nervous. Sweaty nervous. When someone has paid me to capture their life- I take it pretty seriously and I don't want to mess up. Amazingly though, sometime during the shoot something almost always happens: everyone has relaxed a little, we find a cool spot and all of the sudden I get goose bumps and I know that everything is going to be OK. Maybe better than OK. This is what happened when we got to the blue wall in Manitou Springs. I didn't even know it existed, but I am glad I know now! I love these pictures and had a hard time picking my favorites. Thanks again Jed and Mandie and I can't wait to meet Avery!!









Thursday, October 15, 2009

Beauty

I don't believe beauty is only skin deep.
You can be pretty outside and you can be pretty inside.
My friend Karen is both.

Thursday, October 1, 2009

Wilson the Whoodle


We never thought we would be those kind of those people.
But, we are. And I guess we have decided that we are OK with it. In general, I loathe these kinds of people. But, sometimes, you become what you never dreamed you would be and it happened to us: We are crazy about our dog. Crazy. We LOVE this animal. He is funny and smart and cute. I know, it sounds like I am talking about a boyfriend I want all my friends to meet and I do want all of you (all 4 of you) to meet our dog.
He is seriously adorable. Every time, and I really mean every time we take him for a walk or to the dog park, people stop us to ask us about him. And we don't mind because we are those kind of people. We like to talk about our dog. He has been called a mophead, a muppet, and Chewbacca. Before we cut it, he had layers and layers of long silky hair. And it's real hair. Not nasty animal fur. He's hypoallergenic, so he doesn't shed and I don't have to clean up after him. And that makes me happy.
His funniest trait is that he is a complete noodle. He gets in our bed at night to snuggle and when it is time to get out, he acts dead. Literally, he doesn't even move his head. Then you can move his legs and stick them straight in the air and they stay exactly that way. You can push him off the bed halfway and he stays right there. I believe he would lie that way for hours if we let him. Front legs off the bed, head hanging over like he is dead, and back legs planted firmly so he doesn't have to leave.
When he walks his hips sway in the funniest way and we love to watch him. His nub is adorable and we love to see it wagging. It never gets old, talking about our dog or laughing with him (yes I said with) or telling people what a Whoodle* is. He is going to be one year old in a few weeks and we are going to throw him a party. (Ok, it will be me, Andy, Wilson, and FC) but it will be fun. Because we are those people. If you want to see how adorable he is- you can look at these pictures I took. And if you don't want to see these pictures, then please never talk to me again. Okay, you can talk to me, but just keep it short. Just kidding.



Best paws ever- ever

Brown eyes


He's even cute when he scratches, but it wouldn't be cute if he had fleas



A great jumper- and he loves that he can jump.
He is happiest when 3-4 paws are off the ground.



*WHOODLE-(wh-oooo-dle) n. 1. Mutt 2. cross breed dog combining a Wheaten Terrier and a Poodle

Saturday, September 26, 2009

The Rediger Family 2008

I know, I know- I should have posted these ages ago....
The Redigers have 6, yes, I said 6 children. I LOVE this family and I hope you can enjoy these images. Just know that it was a COLD day!




SRFM Silent Auction Photo Shoot Winners

Special THANKS to the Huff Family of Montrose who won the photo shoot at the SRFM silent auction. This family was a joy to shoot! I hope they enjoy these as much as I did!