by Amy | Sep 4, 2014 | Blog, The Art of Adventure
Here’s a story for you. It’s actually a continuation of yesterday’s journey to Devil’s Tower. And I wouldn’t be bringing it up if we’d only gone and walked around, then driven back to Rapid City. But, as tends to happen, an awkward scene arose…and tonight I’ll tell you all about it.
Let me start by saying that Devil’s Tower is fabulous. A friend of mine visited once and climbed it–all the way to the top. Ever since then I’ve wanted to visit. Now I have, and it is as cool in person as his photos made it look. Maybe even cooler.
The great mass of stone seems to come out of no where. It’s only transition from earth to sky being a tier of boulders and crumbled rock around its base. A paradise for fools like me who love to walk along uneven terrain and scramble up rocks.
But alas, as you know, I’m working with an injury. So there was no fun bouldering for me. Derek and I decided that we should stick with the paved trail that goes around the tower. Even that was a challenge. You see, months of inactivity has rendered me physically useless. So the ups and downs of what was marked as an “easy” hike left me winded and in need of frequent breaks. Meanwhile all the elderly who had stopped off during their RV trips “out west” were whizzing by me with legs that worked perfectly.
It was along this trail, at one of my all-too-often bench stops that Derek said to me, “I think I’m going to walk up closer and walk on the rocks instead of the trail.” I sat there, just a touch confused. He was going to leave me to be passed all alone by 70-year-old speed walkers? Then I got a grip. It would be more fun that way…and just because I couldn’t do it didn’t mean no one should. So I watched him walk up to the rocks, then turned to follow an off shoot of the trail to an overlook.
When I got back to the main trail I looked up toward the tower to see if I could see Derek, wondering if he had gotten too far ahead of me. What I saw nearly made me fall over. I spotted him alright. Waaay up high. So high I could hardly see him, above the tree line, all the way up to the point where ropes are required to climb higher. I just couldn’t believe it. He was not just walking along, “a little closer.” He had scaled half of the tower. He was standing where this circle is drawn.
I whipped out my phone. Ah, yes, service. Perfect.
I called him. Why I expected the call to go through, I have no idea–but it did. His ring tone bounced off of the rocks and echoed back to the trail as loudly as if he was standing next to me. The mechanic tee-tee-tee-tee of his Verizon ring tone split the sounds of nature like a hot knife through butter. Awkwardly, this got the attention of all of the other trail walkers around me–who started looking around, then realized there was a man, half way up the tower taking a call.
A crowd was forming and I didn’t want to make a scene. No one likes a naggy wife. So I nonchalantly turned aside and said casually, “Please do not go any higher.” Then added, “Are you insane?”
But, there is no privacy on a crowded Labor Day weekend hike at Devil’s Tower, and soon the group had gotten larger and put the two calls together. There was pointing, laughter, photo snapping, and wry comments about how he “…must not have gotten permission,” and “Look at the guy who climbed all the way up there to take a phone call.” Hardy, har, har.
In Derek’s defense, once he had gotten to the tower base, there really wasn’t any other way to go but up. He had expected the tier of boulders to curve back down, but it never did. He told me he was actually about to turn around when I called.
The crowd dispersed, chuckling, after our conversation ended. Naturally there were a few over the shoulder comments about “keeping a closer eye on that one…” as they all wandered away and I parked it back on a bench to wait for Derek.
When he met up with me I must have shot him one of those looks. Those looks. He just laughed and said, “What?” What indeed. But I just said, “Well, that was exciting.” And we kept walking–together this time–and I told him all about it while we finished the trail.
by Amy | Aug 23, 2014 | Blog, The Art of the Moment
Mystery solved. It’s Michelle and Dan! A long journey has led to this point and I couldn’t be more thrilled to share their pregnancy announcement with you. For the record–this is my favorite chalkboard I’ve ever drawn for a session. So sit back and enjoy. Bask in the glow of happiness and triumph.
by Amy | Aug 21, 2014 | Blog, The Art of the Moment
Sunflower Mini Sessions | Part Two
Lots and lots of things going on this week…with tons of amazing photos on the desktop waiting for their turn to be edited, you can expect to be seeing a lot of pretty faces here on the blog in the near future. But let’s pace ourselves.
A week ago I shot these amazing, super-pretty shots of Naomi in the sunflower fields as. All the other sunflower mini sessions got moved, due to work conflicts. That’s okay, though. Naomi and I had a great time. And there was no rush, since it was just the two of us…which is fine by me because she is incredibly easy to photograph.
Just don’t be bummed out…the others didn’t get cancelled, just moved. So there is still one more sunflower post to come before the season is over.
by Amy | Aug 18, 2014 | Blog, The Art of the Moment
It was like something from the movies. A big crowd, all gathered and buzzing with excitement, even though it was 5:30 in the morning. A breezy, chilly, South Dakota morning. But most people didn’t seem to notice. They were too busy taking photos, checking the time, corralling children or comparing adorable/witty/brilliant poster board signs.
Homecoming.
This particular homecoming is for Matt and Megan. This is Megan.
Everything is thrown off kilter when they leave. There are tears and anger and sadness and {at least for some} a deep rooted thought that the Air Force is the biggest bully in the world. Eventually a routine is established. And you get used to stepping around the hole left while they are away.
Everything is thrown off kilter when they come home. But its a good off kilter, a welcome off kilter. Because you start to look forward to getting back to “regular,” even if you don’t know how long it will last.
It’s emotional. Always emotional. And this was especially so because it was so much bigger and more TV-ish than any other return I’ve witnessed.
It was massive. And the anticipation was palpable. Seriously. Then it happened. The plane landed. They pushed the stairs up and a line that looked like khaki colored ants started to descend. I’m confident that there is no better feeling than identifying your khaki colored ant.
by Amy | Aug 13, 2014 | Blog, The Art of Art, The Art of the Moment
Let me start by saying–IT’S NOT ME. Really, truly, honestly…this post isn’t about me.
Recently I had the fine privilege of shooting a pregnancy announcement. When we sat down to brainstorm how they wanted to break the big news, we decided that a custom chalkboard background would be just perfect. So, Derek moved the panels inside and I went to work drawing up what just might be the best background I’ve ever created. Which is why I couldn’t resist showing it to you.
Making this chalkboard wall was one of my best decisions ever. I just love drawing big, giant word art up there.
The photos, however will be kept secret until their friends and family have found out. So until then, I guess you all will just have to speculate.
Amy
by Amy | Aug 12, 2014 | Blog, The Art of the Moment
Sunflower Mini Sessions
Hello night owls! I’ve been on the road all day traveling back to Minot from visiting Rapid City for the last few days. But, as many of you know, my sleep schedule is pretty weird right now…so I decided to go ahead and post a few of my favorite photos from the first round of sunflower mini sessions.
I think they are great. I mean, even those of us who get really awkward in front of the camera, {ahem…Kelleys} look great in a field of giant flowers stretching as far as the eye can see. It’s North Dakota romance at its best. Enjoy!
Oh, and I just couldn’t resist one more. This little one had never seen sunflowers before. I think it’s safe to say she like it.
If you like what you see here and are living in the Minot area you–yes, you–can have your very own sunflower session {details here}. I’ve got session space left on Wednesday August 13th between 6 and 7pm. Annnd–because a couple folks who had scheduled had an unforseen scheduling conflict {thanks, Air Force} I’ve decided to add a few sessions on Saturday Sept 16th. If you are interested don’t hesitate to get in touch!
Amy
by Amy | Jul 31, 2014 | Blog, The Art of the Moment
It’s that time of year again…sunflower time!
One of the most beautiful features of a Practically Canadian summer is humongous crop of sunflowers covers many a rural field late in the season. Sometimes they can be tricky, especially since in the three summers I’ve spent here never once have the fields been planted in the same place twice.
But alas, I’ve found a field. A lovely field at that and for the first time ever, I am pleased to be offering Sunflower Mini Sessions for anyone and every one interested. There is one a couple catches. First of all, the sessions will be soon–since the crop doesn’t last forever. Second, the number of sessions is limited–since I can’t set up permanent camp in a field somewhere.
So if you are interest get in touch with me. Facebook me, text me {574-361-7268} or email me at amyallender@gmail.com.
Here’s how it works. You pick a time, come ready to smile and I’ll get some lovely seasonal photographs for you. You can choose to get 5 images for $50 or 2 for $30. Either way, they’ll arrive electronically and you’ll get a print release, online sharing release and a custom Facebook Cover photo. Pets are most definitely welcome and you can split your five images into any groupings you like–mom and dad, just the kids, each kiddo alone, just your dog…whatever you like.
After booking, I’ll send you directions. After the session your photos will be ready within 10 days.
It’ll be fun. Come on out. Hope to see you there!
Amy
by Amy | Jul 29, 2014 | Blog, The Art of the Moment
Last week Derek and I ventured to my favorite place in the world. Elkhart, IN. While there I got to go to the country’s best 4-h fair. Seriously…it’s ranked #1 or #2–they flip flop with another fair in California. I soaked in the hot tub and soaked up sun in the pool and went for a boat ride on the might St. Joe.
In short, it was awesome.
Like all trips home there are a million things we want to do and only a few select actually happen. One thing we did find time for was taking an updated family photo, per my momma’s request. The last time we did this, my sister and I weren’t married and there were no dogs included. It was pretty casual. Nothing dressy. Just a couple photos in front of the barn {which is getting a fresh coat of paint this summer}. The whole fam. All together. Even the dogs.
