Avian Biology work along the Lower Colorado River: A Long Love Affair
The Lower Colorado River and its tributaries such as the Bill Williams River host a riparian corridor for breeding and migrating birds. Sometimes it just all goes up in flames.
Keegan + Jacob’s Paicines Ranch Sunflower-filled Wedding
One fateful day, Jacob carved his initials with his sweetheart, Keegan’s, on a bridge over the Carson River in Nevada on a fishing trip with a friend. And eight years later, he convinced Keegan they were on a fishing trip, but it was a bit more than that. At that same bridge, he carved their... Continue Reading →
Jessica + Robert’s Paicines Ranch Spring Wedding – Worth the Wait
Jessica and Robert became high school sweethearts in Arizona. I’m a sucker for high school sweethearts as a gal who ended up marrying her best friend from high school. In one of Lord Huron songs, he asks “To the ends of the earth, would you follow me?” And indeed, Robert did when Jessica moved to Minnesota, where they live now. Once they found their dream venue at Paicines Ranch, located in the idyllic rolling grasslands and oak-studded landscapes of the golden state of California.
Fitness Photography in a Gym with Speedlights
Lights, camera, action - but wait, you know it's more complicated than that. If you're itching to learn about the lighting, you've come to the right place. To get that high-contrast, powerful and dramatic light, that one that shows off your athlete's hard work requires some gear and a little light creation on your part dear photographer.
Hayley + Matt’s California Garden Backyard Wedding
The perfect summer day. And the Hemeon house backyard was beautifully decorated with pastel pops of color that contrasted against the lush, manicured hidden garden feel. This was a house that already had so, so many memories, and now would be filled with even more.
Are you looking to get married at Paicines Ranch?
I love weddings at Paicines Ranch. It's a stunning venue. 7600 jaw-dropping acres. Check. Oak studded hillsides, lush rivers, jagged cliffs. Check. A working ranch vibe. Check. Beautiful historic buildings and charming cottages for your guests. Check. A place that will feel like its all yours for the weekend. Check. A gorgeous ceremony law overlooking those hillsides and lush rivers I mentioned. Check. A stunning barn converted for events with an open dance floor, flowing drapery, and mobile bar. Check. The option to get as creative as you want. Check. Getting ready in the same room as Judy Garland did for her wedding. Check. A supportive staff and wonderful event center manger, Mary Rowen, who will make you feel like you are at home here. Check. A feel good for the environment vibe because the ranch supports healthy soil, ecosystems, and leads the way in regenerative agriculture. Check.
Hiking the John Muir Trail in 23 Days
Back in 2010 after a second season working in the Sierra studying birds and a fresh broken heart, I hiked the John Muir Trail with one of my friends, Vona: blog here. Little did I know that nine years later, I’d be hiking the JMT a second time with another one of my best friends... Continue Reading →
Cowboys + Happy Cattle
There’s nothing quite like following Joe Morris and his crew out for a morning moving cattle at Paicines Ranch. Joe Morris uses holistic management to rotationally graze his 100% grass-fed cattle out on the rangeland. I recall my brief chapter in life working with the CE Miller Ranch as a ranch hand and learning the... Continue Reading →
How to Photograph the Milky Way
I grabbed my gear, my husband, and packed a bag to head to the local Mercey Hot Springs. We turned my photo excursion into a romantic getaway under the stars in hot springs! I set up the tripod about ten feet from where we would stand—I use the Road Trip by MeFOTO for its ruggedness and portability. I used my Nikon remote to trigger a 2 second delay before starting the 25 second exposure. Keith and I shined our headlamp and 950 lumen bike light—I'm an avid cyclist—in front of us creating a fun backlight and lit path around us.