willowdawn | Whidbey Island, Washington's Premier Photographer » community

I missed the sailboats.

willowdawn — Sat, 24 Jul 2010 04:18:49 +0000

Race Week just finished here on Whidbey Island and well, I missed all the boats in the cove and the photo ops that come along with them. First couple of days I was busy, yesterday I was held hostage by Comcast cable (and my internet STILL goes out… grrrr!) and today I was having such a nice time socializing that I got distracted and FORGOT to get down to the wharf in time. It’s not like it was an arduous journey, the wharf is only two blocks away! Oh well, I’ll have to be more diligent next year.

*paying respect where it’s due… I saw a similar shot on the Coupeville facebook page and HAD to go recreate it for myself. Theirs of course was filled with lovely sail boats racing and Mt. Baker is FULLY visible. I’m jealous and will have to make do with my partially visible Mt. Baker and the sailboats heading back to Oak Harbor.

I adore Poppies!

willowdawn — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 18:30:09 +0000

Well, OK, I love flowers. But Poppies definitely rank amongst my favorites. Just around the corner from our new home is a garden that was simply overflowing with the most amazing Poppies. Unfortunately for me, I was a bit distracted trying to get our new home established and so only recently had a chance to go grab a few shots of the flowers. The Poppies are definitely past their prime as many were gone, leaving seed pods in their stead, but there were plenty still to admire.

And who can ignore the lovely Queen Anne’s Lace. Though I’m betting most have not seen it so up close and personal before… I do love my macro lens!

Call me crazy…

willowdawn — Fri, 30 Apr 2010 13:52:55 +0000

but I LOVE working with teenagers. I know what you’re thinking… “was she dropped on her head?”

And maybe I was, but I truly truly truly love working with teens. On the flip side, I’m not a happy pregnant woman. I never “glowed” or had that expectant mother “radiance”. Maybe I did, but no one could see it because I was in the bushes losing everything I just ate. I think the green nauseous aura overpowered any “glow”.

So just thinking about pregnancy brings a flood of not so “radiant” memories… which is probably why I don’t specialize in Maternity and Newborn photography. I’m very happy to recommend other photographers for areas that I don’t feel confident that I can produce the quality of images that I expect from myself. So on that note, I’m so very happy to refer expecting mommas (CONGRATULATIONS!) in the Whidbey Island area to Renee of renee giugliano photography . Renee is a fellow Navy wife and we “met” online a couple of years ago… and now we FINALLY get to meet in real life too! Her trademark “Whimsicals” – your image, embellished with special quotes and other elements (see sample above), are sure to steal the spotlight in your home.

Promotional portraits – CrossfitSpotsy.com

willowdawn — Fri, 30 Apr 2010 12:59:56 +0000

A very very dear friend of mine owns and operates CrossFitSpotsy in Fredericksburg, Virginia. She is an amazing athlete and was looking for some photos to use on the gym’s website, highlighting some of the classic CrossFit exercises. If you are not familiar with CrossFit – is a core strength and conditioning program. Used to train emergency workers, military and police forces around the country, but totally applicable to all people of all fitness levels. If you are looking to start working out, to get back in shape or even if you think you are in shape – but want to take your fitness to the next level – give Lisa a call at CrossFitSpotsy – 540-207-6841.

And now for a little motivation for you… Lisa is the mother of three, grown children. If she wasn’t such an incredible human being, we’d all hate her!

Making it easy for you… | Virginia Custom Photographer

willowdawn — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 21:58:03 +0000

Are you noticing a trend yet? I want to make the creation and owning of custom portraiture as easy as possible for you. I also want to make gift giving easy for you! Custom photo gifts are perfect for the difficult to shop for person on your list – and because I want it to be easy for YOU… it will come beautifully gift wrapped. I’m excited about my holiday gift wrap so please bear with me as I share what makes it so special.

I’m sure by now you’ve realized that I’m what my husband calls “crunchy”. I try to implement “green” policies in all areas of my life, and my business is no different. In fact, it’s even more important considering the amount of cardboard packaging etc the prints/frames/canvases etc require. But rest assured, that all the packaging materials are indeed recycled. But back to holiday wrapping… when I was looking for something attractive, that blended well with the willowdawn photography aesthetic, I started in the “eco friendly” section of my vendors catalog. Bags and boxes where quickly decided upon as soon as I saw them. They were perfect and with boxes containing 100% recycled fiber – on average 80% is post consumer. The paper wrap material is manufactured carbon neutral, FSC certified, green-e certified with wind certificates, process chlorine free (PCF) and are made in the USA with 100% post consumer waste and are green seal certified. It’s hard to get “crunchier that that!

The bags are a little less “green” at only 50% recycled content, but I was sold, not only because of their charming design, but because they are also, made in the USA. As many parts of our country faces tough economic issues – I’ll all for buying American – and keeping our citizens employed. And did I mention they’re CUTE?!?!

And then there is the paper and ribbon… I’m so excited by the paper that I’ll save it for last, but the ribbon is soooo cool too! This awesome ribbon is crafted of polyester and is made in the USA from 100% post consumer recycled plastic bottles. Of course, it’s not as posh as say a beautiful velvet or double faced satin – which I’m not knocking – they’re beautiful. But this is beautiful and guilt free! And the paper… let me tell you about the paper.

I’ve chosen to wrap your gifts in Mulberry Blend Gift Wrap which is made from natural fibers. This paper is made by artisans in remote villages around the world – creating jobs and fair wages for hard working communities. Distant Village packaging is providing more that just great eco-friendly and sustainable products. It is a sustainable model that supports real people in many ways. To learn more, click here. Now this a gift that feels great to give!

Where in Virginia is – willowdawn photography?

willowdawn — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 17:22:03 +0000

Ok, try not to choke on my nerd dust but Where in the World is Carmen San Diego is one of the few kids shows, I actually liked… so now reread the title like you’re singing the song… it sort of works, right?

I just got a spodey-odey new decal for the back of my car and thought it would be fun to play a bit of Where in Virginia is willowdawn photography? Hey, I warned you about the nerd dust! So if you see me around town in my cute little Prius – snap a pic with your phone or any other camera you have handy and email it to me. I’ll send you a coupon for your choice of free item! Oh, and please don’t get all daredevilish and try to do this whilst driving! And a pic of my car in my driveway doesn’t count! I’ll give you a couple of hints as to where you might find me. I don’t shop at the mall – but I seem to live at Costco. I’d keep my eyes open around Wegmans too! Oh and I ALWAYS park near the cart corral. Always. I attend church in the Massaponax area so Sunday’s I’d keep an eye out around there!

Good luck and I can’t wait to see who spots me!

F.A.S.T Walk 2009 – A beautiful day for a walk!

willowdawn — Sat, 19 Sep 2009 18:26:40 +0000

Today was the second annual F.ight A.gainst S.ex T.rafficking WALK in Fredericksburg, Virginia. The walk was once again to benefit Shared Hope International and their fight against the trafficking of women and children into the sex industry. This years focus is on domestic issues and will be directly benefitting the new Shared Hope center in Washington DC, providing resources for restoration for victims.

Second Annual F.A.S.T Walk | Fredericksburg, Virginia

willowdawn — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 14:24:38 +0000

It is my absolute honor to once again be a sponsor and active participant in the Fight Against Sex Trafficking Walk. The United States is primarily a destination country for men, women, and children trafficked for sexual and labor exploitation. Victims often come from Mexico and Central America, Eastern Europe, and Southeast Asia. In addition to being a recipient of trafficking victims, the best data suggests that at least 100,000 American children are being commercially sexually exploited in the United States. This is unacceptable. I urge you to come out SEPTEMBER 19th – and walk with us and to donate generously as Shared Hope creates safe havens for the victims as well as providing real life training so that they may earn a living, safe from abuse and degradation.

Register at FASTWALK.ORG or to donate. All monies collected will be forwarded to Shared Hope International for thier work in ending the trafficking of American children, into the sex trade.