Napa California

This past week Ben and I went to visit his family - Sharon, Donald & Jaquelyn - in Napa, California.  We had lots of fun drinking all kinds of good wine and visiting a lot of the local sites.  

After we arrived we went to the city to have lunch at the Cliff House restaurant which overlooks the ocean.  The food was really good and the view was even better!  Next we went to the Annie Leibovitz's photographic exhibit at the Honor of Legion.  Her work is so inspiring - no wonder she is the celebrity's photographer of choice.  Here is a pic taken in Golden Gate National Park of Sharon (Ben's mom), Ben and I.

The next day we went to see the Redwoods in Armstrong Redwoods State Reserve.  The redwoods are so amazing with their sheer size and presence.  
We decided to get up at the crack of dawn and go for a hot air balloon ride on Friday.  We could not have asked for better weather for the flight.  It was so peaceful up above the vineyards and farms.  

You can't have a trip to Napa Valley without having wine.  We stopped by Napa Valley Farms and had a private tasting in their back room.   Ben and Russia (the wine dog) are spending some quality time together as we all enjoy a glass of Cabernet.

On Saturday we went to Bodega Bay and went for a horseback ride on the beach (sorry no pics from that). On the way back we stopped and picked up some fresh oysters that were plucked from the bay earlier in the day.  Donald barbecued them up with either BBQ sauce or garlic & butter. They were divine!  Of course the wine fairy stopped by for dinner and brought lots of wine to enjoy.

We had the opportunity to go sailing on opening day on San Francisco Bay with Sharon's friends - Dan & Allison.  It was Ben & I's first time sailing and it was really fun!  We headed out from the city to go out to the Golden Gate Bridge.  There was a whale spotted out there earlier in the day but we did not see it.  Ben is sailing the boat here as we approach the Golden Gate Bridge - it gets a little squirrelly after this so Dan takes over to take us under the bridge.
Going under the Golden Gate Bridge heading out to the ocean.
I got to sail for a bit on the way back.  It is a lot harder to keep the boat on the right course than it looks.  

Teddy, Eddie & Doc

The other day I was out riding my horse and the light was just beautiful.  I decided to go looking for the farm cats since I am always taking pictures of the horses. I found Teddy, Eddie & Doc.  

I love cats but they are challenging to photograph since they don't listen when you ask them to sit or stay.  But I did manage to get some great photos by coaxing them out into the light with little pieces of grass to play with and a little petting.  We ended up starting up at the house and moving all the way out to the arena (the giant sandbox).  

Spring Fever Equine Special!

It has been a long winter for those of us who have horses.  With your horse's winter coat shedding out it is a great time to schedule a photo session with the valley green and trees blooming.  I have a great spring special to capture those special moments with your horse.

Spring Fever Equine Special - $40 portrait session and 20% off prints (excludes books, canvas & storyboards).  All spring specials are good from April 17th until May 30th.

New This Year!

Golden Years

Capture the best times of your old friend's life.  This package includes a equine portrait session and a 10x20 storyboard.  Normally priced at $150. Spring Special - $130.  Packages with prints and books are also available.

Sales Horse Package

Are you looking to sell your horse?  Professional photos do make a difference in getting the attention you need to make that sale.  Each session includes a equine portrait session and 5 web-use digital images.  Prints are not included.  Normally prices at $125.  Spring Special - $100 if you schedule before May 30th.

Stallion Marketing Package

Professional photos make a big impact when trying to get the attention your stallion deserves.  This is a great way to get the images you need to market your stallion.  Each session includes a equine portrait session and 5 unlimited use licenses & digital images for advertising use.  Prints are not included.  Normally priced at $250.  Spring Special - $225 if you schedule before May 30th.

Call Tracey today at 208-867-3174 to discuss ideas and to schedule your session.  Limited sessions are available.

Spring Pet Portrait Special!

It is a great time of the year to get those special pictures of your best buddy with the signs of spring all around us.

Pet Portrait Special - $25 and prints 20% off (excludes books, canvas & storyboards).  All spring specials are good from April 17th until May 30th.

New This Year!

Grow With Me Puppy or Kitten

There is nothing like the smell of puppy breath and the joys of adding a new puppy or kitten to your family.  Capture the many changes in the 1st year of your puppy or kitten's life in photographs.  Sessions are scheduled at 3, 6, 9 & 12 months and include a 10x20 storyboard.  Normally priced at $240 or 4 payments of $60.  Spring Special - $200 or 4 payments of $50 if you schedule your 1st session by May 30th.  Packages with prints and books also available.

Golden Years

Capture the best years of your pets life.  Package includes a pet portrait session and 10x20 storyboard.  Normally priced at $130.  Spring Special - $110.  Packages with prints and books also available.

Call Tracey today at 208-867-3174 to discuss ideas and to schedule your session.  Limited sessions are available.

Northwest Animal Companions

This year I am volunteering my photographic services to Northwest Animal Companions to help animals in the Treasure Valley get adopted.  Throughout the year I will be posting events I cover & animals up for adoption.   If you are interested in adopting any of the animals showcased here please visit the Northwest Animal Companions website at http://nacidaho.com or call 429-6600.

Yesterday I went to 2 different foster homes to photograph 3 dogs up for adoption; Roxy (black lab mix), Roxy (black & white pitbull mix) and Lucy (black pitbull mix).  Info on each of the dogs can be found on the NAC website.

Roxy

Roxy

Roxy

Roxy

Lucy

Lucy

Spring Fever

This afternoon I went out to visit my horse, Denali.  A cold weather front was moving through right about that time.  With the wind blowing all the horses where running around and kicking up their heels.  I think we are all ready for spring to be here after this long, cold winter.

As you can tell from the posts so far, I am in love with this mocha color on my photos.  It looks old-fashioned and modern at the same time.  I love how it adds a romantic, moody feel to a lot of images.  I especially like it on these horse photos.  

Daisy 

Denali - tall, dark and handsome.

Bubbles

We went to a birthday party on Sunday at our friends, Chad & Katie's place.  They have a couple of great kids, Erik & Tillie.  The kids wanted to show me the bubble making machine outside.  It provides hours of entertainment for Erik, Tillie and their friends.  As you can see Erik was battling the bubbles with his sword and his karate moves.  

It was so much fun to take these pictures.  I just followed the kids around outside letting them play as I snapped photos.  Occasionally I would have them look at me otherwise I let them do what kids do best - play!  I just love these types of photos.  There is nothing like having your kids at home just being kids and capturing those impromptu moments.