Photography has always been important to me. As a young girl I can say with honesty that I loved looking at pictures of myself.
These days I can’t stand getting photos taken of myself…it’s so awkward, but I still love having all those memories.
Growing up we had a darkroom in our house and I was lucky enough to learn the mystery and magic of developing my own photos
from a very early age. My Mom introduced me to photography and we have since swapped equipment and ideas back and forth.
(Lets be honestly, it’s mostly me stealing borrowing her gear)
Photography was something that was re-inforced in high school when I part-took in the “Through the Lens” program
under Craig Richards. There are not enough ways to describe what an incredible learning environment it was under Craigs instruction.
Being taught that it is okay to make mistakes is such a gift and that imperfection is actually perfect, and trial and error are necessary are great lessons.
If you ever get a chance to see a “Through the Lens” exhibit at the Whyte Museum in Banff, do not miss. It’s incredible to see what young people share.

So much learnt and yet still so much to learn.

Here is me in the beginning….

We snuck this session in during the abnormally warm fall. It was a little breezy but Nash stood up to challenge.
This was a gifted session and I think it’s such an awesome gift to give!

Obviously I would think that, but sometimes the family photo sessions get forgotten, or pushed in the back of the to do list.
It’s fun to get a call for a Gift Certificate and then get to look forward to the photo session and the process afterwards.

Thanks for playing in the leaves with me and taking on the wind!
Here are a few to share.

]]> http://blog.rachelboekel.com/2012/01/24/mr-nash-brooks-alberta-family-photography/feed/ 0 http://blog.rachelboekel.com/2011/09/30/our-little-girls-pirate-birthday/ http://blog.rachelboekel.com/2011/09/30/our-little-girls-pirate-birthday/#comments Fri, 30 Sep 2011 13:15:32 +0000 rachel http://blog.rachelboekel.com/?p=1892 Vera’s birthday fell the day before “international talk like a pirate day.” (Don’t ask me how I know these things!)
Soooo….. in the spirit of pirates we had a pirate party.
As you can tell she was quite excited by it all!

I set up a photo booth but it was a wee bit windy, so as you can tell it didn’t get set up properly… you get the gist though?!
Geordie fashioned a pirate ship out of our canoe and we snacked on parrot legs and dead mans punch.
Such a great day to celebrate with great friends and FAMILY!

And a VERY out of focus group shot.

I feel like I had just done their family session and it didn’t seem like that much time could have passed…

Alas, that is what happens when people grow up.
And isn’t she all grown up and pretty!

This session was a treat for me to be able to do and I am so happy to share a few more pictures with you.
I had sneaked a picture ages ago, but here she is again!

Rain after a long winter is a sure sign of spring. I can hardly wait for thunder showers and dark rolling prairie skies.

The birds are back too. We have 4 Loons on our lake, swimming in small circles in the area of open water.
At night we hear their peaceful calls and it gives me goosebumps.
We have affectionately named them all  ”Looney the Loon” and they swim circles with “Marty Muskrat” who is happily be bopping around.

Here’s to rain drops, Loons and Marty!

I just love these moments, raw, funny and delicious.

She is wearing her toque cause, well, you know… it’s cooler to wear a toque

Happy Monday.. almost Tuesday

When our little girl was born it was amazing the kind of talent that came out of the closet with friends and family.

This post was meant for Valentines day as ‘things I love’. As you can tell I’m just a wee bit behind.
Then I was thinking of getting back on the “Love2Love” Friday train, but then that passed as well… so here you go Tuesday afternoon…

Can you sense the bird/owl trend? The owl is V’s favorite animal/bird. Seriously, she told me so herself.
She’s nuts for them so we just gave in and let her have her way and let her decorate as she wished.

L-R: Owl painting/paperwork from Melanie Berg, Owl Hanger from my Mom, Rabbit toy from my Mom… she’s a crafty lady,
Felt Bird Mobile by Emily McDoogal, if we’re lucky she’ll have an etsy shop soon….
Quilt from Melanie Berg…from Melanie Berg…I sure hope she sets up at the Farmers Market in Brooks!!
Painting by Lisa Ochowycz, Mobile that my Mom and I made and another painting by the talented Ms. Ochowychz.
Quilt from Geordie’s Mom… it’s so nice and warm.

]]> http://blog.rachelboekel.com/2011/02/22/handmade-brooks-alberta-photography/feed/ 0 http://blog.rachelboekel.com/2011/01/18/my-people-brooks-alberta-photographer/ http://blog.rachelboekel.com/2011/01/18/my-people-brooks-alberta-photographer/#comments Tue, 18 Jan 2011 18:23:22 +0000 rachel http://blog.rachelboekel.com/?p=1522 A small post to ease myself back into the blogging world.

This weekend as I busied myself picking up the house and catching up on email, laundry, dishes (agh!) I heard a sweet sweet sound.
I stopped and saw Geordie playing his guitar to V and melted. They were both so engaged..
I leapt to my camera and  the chance to capture their little moment.
These are the best times… when you least expect it.

My two favorite people.
Happy Fall