Carly is a Senior

We photographed Carly on a cool fall morning. By the end of the session the sun had warmed things up, but my favorite photographs were made earlier when she was still bundled up. She looks pretty and stylish in her jacket and scarf. I love seniors, they have their whole life ahead of them. I'm a happy guy, but I still would love to be in their shoes again.

Fall Wedding

I photographed a small wedding in Estes Park, Colorado at the end of September. The Fall colors were at their peak. The Black Canyon Inn is a nice venue for small outdoor weddings. They have an island in the middle of a pond that has footbridge access. Thank you Vickie & Dana for inviting me to photograph your day in such a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere.

Senior session with Kaylyn

We photographed several seniors for the class of 2009. Occasionally we get a client that really knows what they want, which we love. Because we want you all to have the photographs you've been dreaming of. Below is a video montage of the afternoon we spent with Kaylyn.

Motorcycle Resurrection

I met my friend Abby at a campground in Ouray Colorado the summer of 2007. My motorcycling buddies and I were on a 7 day Colorado motorcycle tour, and SHE was on a 3 week Cross-country USA tour. We had an evening around the campfire and a morning breakfast with her. Apparently we and the Rocky Mountains made an impression, 8 months later she left the north-east and moved to Colorado. As the 2008 riding season was beginning, she was hit from behind by a delivery van, crunching the back of her Harley and sending her over the bars, injuring both hands. Her Bike has been resurrected with improvements and beautiful dark red fade to darker red paint. We did a session to celebrate her bike back in action. The Look-back photograph is a reminder of the incident, though her hands are still a reminder. Now the riding season is winding down and she just had surgery on her left hand. See her online magazine at Biker Chick Magazine and read her blogs at Biker Chick Blog and Abbey's Cross Country Ride .

New West Fest

This summer my son and I attended the New West Fest in Fort Collins, Colorado. A typical local festival with carnival, vendor tents, food, and lots of scheduled live music. We walked among the vendors finding some interesting trinkets and unusual inventions. As I was snapping photographs of people enjoying the festivities, I noticed this little guy laughing and going back and forth through a large water puddle from an earlier rain storm. He was having a great time and his dad was happy to let this puddle entertain his boy for awhile. This days rain was sapping the vendors happiness, but I was happy to come away with this shot.

Gwen's Hands

My wife is very close with her parents though we only get to see them a couple times a year. When they come to visit we're the beneficiary of their effort and interest in a few projects around the house. They came for a bit this summer and the slated home improvements were ready for them. Her dad and I built and placed a long shelf across the top of our son's bedroom. The ladies with her dad re-finished a coffee table my wife found at a second hand store. One of those nice ones with the felt lined drawers and a glass top for viewing the decor in the top drawer. And as always, her mom helped us spruce up the flower gardens. This year I finally made the picture my wife has been asking for. A photograph of her mothers hands doing what she remembers them doing all her life, working the garden. I'm a lucky husband. I get along and enjoy my in-laws. I look forward to their visit this Christmas. The list will be waiting.

Hockey Referee spoof

A few days back a marketing friend of mine called about a Colorado Eagles Hockey campaign he's working on. The Referee's are sponsored by Jackson Optical here in the cities of Fort Collins and Loveland, Colorado. RFI Marketing and Dr. Mark Jackson came up with a campaign that spoofs the Ref's for this years advertising at the Budweiser Events Center.
They needed photographs of a goofy referee with big glasses on a clean white background. My Friend Reu and I were discussing where to get suitable modeling talent when Reu suggested my brother would be good for the part. Bingo. My brother is a talented goof. We had fun making these and I'm looking forward to good laugh when we see them on the big screen at the Hockey arena. ....Hey Reu, call me again with your next Big idea.

Matt's Rat Rod

When Matt Kaufman asked me to photograph his latest Rat Rod creation I was excited. Yes excited to photograph it, but really I was excited to drive it. He had me drive it from his home to the warehouse he scheduled for the shoot. It was fun, and I - admit - the tires did squeal a bit when I drove it - grin.


Matt wanted to shop the photos to some car magazines so he asked if I would be OK with having some attractive young women in some of the pictures? I explained to him that that was not my thing, but I could suffer through it :-). He arranged the location, the models, the props, the whole thing, so all I had to bring was the photo gear. We spent a hot July afternoon in a building with no air conditioning, but were into the whole project so didn't mind the heat (Thanks for ice cold Lipton Green Tea Matt).


We also photographed a VW Trike he built a few years ago. Matt is an artist here in Northern Colorado in a variety of mediums. The resulting images are a nice addition to my Motography collection.

Boating, the life for me

I've always loved boating. Looking at the boat magazines on the news stand. You know the ones. They feature big, beautiful, fast boats with luxurious cabins. I'm a boatman (is that a word?) that's never had a boat. I grew up water skiing with friends on a Colorado irrigation lake (Lake #2 I think they called it). I suppose the hassle of loading up, hauling, put in... then the take out, hauling, and cleanup have always been the deterrent. I've lived by the motto "The only thing better than having a boat... is having a friend with a boat". But these last few years I've found myself without a friend with a boat. What to do, what to do...

If I lived on a lake, absolutely have a boat. That's it, Step one: Make loads of money. Step two: Buy house on lake. Step 3: Make a load more money. Step 4: Buy one of those magazine cover boats. Yeah! Or... make friends with someone... Anyone? Anyone?

I took a stroll around the south end of our local Reservoir last night. These three boats caught my eye. When the light was right, I made these photographs. I was moved by the whole evening atmosphere. Campfires all around, laughing voices, water lapping against the boats and the shoreline. Today I would have hit the boat dealers if my wife hadn't had me going to Lowe's to look at bathroom vanities and tile flooring.

Red Rocks

I don't want to complain, but we've come out of the windiest winter/spring weather I can remember. I'm happy to work in still air these recent days! In May we made some portraits at Red Rocks west of Denver Colorado. Having not photographed there before, I wasn't sure where to go within the park for the best backgrounds. But knowing the reputation of this location, great opportunities were expected. I was not disappointed! After a bit of searching, we found some great geography for portraiture. The color of the rock and the blue skies were tremendous. We made some commercial style fashion and some conceptual photographs. We all had a good time. I already have requests for more photography in this area. If you would like portraits made of you and your family, give us a call. And if it's the beautiful Red Rock area, bring a few outfits and lots of cold water!

Creativity with senior pictures

Wow, the summer is going fast. Being busy makes it too fast. But what ya gonna do? Senior pictures are one of the most enjoyable types of photography we create, and the summer is full of opportunities! For your senior pictures, consider something creative, like we did with Rachel. While in Europe last year she bought a Bowler hat and wanted to work it in. This was great fun. We started with a family session. Her mom wanted some photographs that show that they love spending time together. Her Dad had to leave for an appointment, so after about 40 minutes we went off with Rachel in the University area to make some photographs with here Bowler hat as well as some traditional styles. We can make some amazing photographs with your ideas. At your pre-consultation lets brainstorm together, and we can work up some great ideas. Enjoy the summer while it's here! We've already had the longest day, they're getting shorter already.

Bicycle-in-movies at New Belgium Brewery

Do you love the movies? Do you love the outdoors? And, do you love your bicycle? Well, here's just the thing. The New Belgium Brewery Bike-In Movie Series. Yup, ride your bike to New Belgium on one of their movie nights and you can enjoy a feature film out on the lawn. I went to the last showing of their summer 2007 schedule. I cheated a little, drove my Pathfinder to within a few blocks, unloaded the bike and rode the rest of the way. I soon found there were alot of people doing this, and some didn't even bring their bike! Many did ride though, it was cool to see all the bikes parked along the approaching streets (Later when I was leaving, I had to pry my bike out from behind another layer).

I got in line and visited with other movie-goers, finding that New Belgium has been doing this for a few summers. Tonights movie was "Taledega Nights" preceded by a short documentary about water use in Northern Colorado. They had a segment about how the often seen (Locally) "Save the Poudre" poster was conceived and made. I heard one guy say, "wow I didn't know that was ______!" I worked my way around for a couple of photographs, weaving in and out of the landscape of reclined bodies on the periphery. It was a nice way to see a movie in the summer.
Its Bring-your-own-chair, and I wished I had brought-my-own-soda. They serve beer of course (not for me), and I think they had a hot dog stand that may have sold soda pop. For a guy who doesn't drink beer, I had a swell time. I look forward to this years series, which unfortunately doesn't start until August. Here's a link to the planned schedule. Hope to see you there! http://downtownfortcollins.com/events.php/detail/141/3

Riding weather, at last

Warmer weather is finally here. Hooray! I love this time of year, Not cold, not too hot. The lawns are nice and green. The greenest of the summer. Soon everyone will be chasing the dry spots in the heat. Oh, sleeping with windows open! I love going to bed and listening to the neighbor kids enjoy the summer night. Sounds of laughter and games in the dark, skate boards, the occasional music from a teenage car. And my favorite sound of all... a motorcycle in the distance singing through the gears. Always brings a smile to my face as I snuggle into my pillow. The weather is bringing more and more bikes onto the road. All shapes and sizes. Our neighbor has one of those little honda scooters. Some days the Dad rides off on it, sometimes the son or daughter. Who ever is out for a short trip I suppose. And 80 - 100 MPG is pretty attractive these days. I find myself a bit jealous. But hey, My big motorcycle gets 46 MPG.

Thursday nights at the Motohaus Coffee shop have converted from hot drinks inside with a movie playing on the big screen to cold drinks outside mingling among the diverse bikes and riders. Last week I never even made it into the building. European, Japanese, American, and mix 'n match projects fill the lot. On road, off road, and adventure bikes that split the difference. There's plenty of two-wheeled excitement to get your wanderlust going. If you stop by on a Thursday night, come over and say hello. I'll likely be the guy with camera in hand. Enjoy the season!

High School Seniors - It's time!

The trees are budding and its time for high school juniors to schedule their Senior portrait photo session! I really enjoy the Seniors. They love making great photographs, especially after they see what we're creating together on the back of my camera. Bring a friend and we'll do your session together. Musician, Football player, Car guy? Lets make it part of your photographs. You'll receive 24 free wallet business cards when you call in before June to book your session. Check out our web site at www.hanawaltphoto.com

Bicycles & Old Town Fort Collins

Here in Fort Collins, Colorado, the city and private enterprise have really revitalized downtown. We affectionately call it Old Town. Many of the buildings have been renovated back to the original designs and new buildings have been erected in the somewhat period correct or at least compatible designs. It really is a great place to spend a few hours any day or evening, walking the shops and deciding among the many restaurants. And now old style city cruiser bicycles are all the rage. Twenty years ago you wouldn't be caught dead on one of these nerdy old bikes. Now, we all want them for their simplicity and retro looks. I want one. My Daughter wants one. She swears she would actually ride her bike to school if she had one with a nice basket for her books. Something we've not been able to get her to do on her modern 10 speed. Visit old town and you'll see all manner of retro bicycles in various colors, big fenders and all. Some brand new and some that look like they've been in someones garage for the last 40 years, just waiting for the style to come back around. Like this one pictured here. I photographed this old bike today, locked tight to a street sign in old town Fort Collins.

Old Town fire escape

In high school I wanted to be one of two things. An Architect or a Photographer. My architectural drafting teacher at the vocational technology school told me it takes many years to become a financially successful Architect. My photography teacher said it's too hard to make a living as a photographer. So I settled for a job at a local company as a draftsman, making photographs on my own time. After 19 years (8 years ago) I decided to (finally) ignore my photo teacher and become a Photographer. Although much of my work is portraiture, I also enjoy architecture through making photographs. Last Sunday I took a walk downtown here in Fort Collins (Colorado), enjoying the atmosphere and the old buildings. The 1st photograph (from last Sunday) is part of the historic Northern Hotel which was renovated a few years back making it into senior housing. The 2nd photograph is of the same feature of the same building from a different angle, made May of last year. If you've got a building you'd like photographed, give me a call. And if your teacher discourages you away from your dream. Point him to the nearest lake, and tell him to jump in.

Relationships in Black and White

Simple, beautiful, black and white. Showcasing life, love and family. Wonderful wall portraits in your family room or in the hall. Have a series made and display a collage of framed relationships. If this genre of photography interests you we'd love to take your appointment. All you need is black long sleeve shirts and black pants. The first photograph is of a group of girls that wanted a "Friends" portrait. The second is a son and his father. We a 20x30 from this series hanging in our open stairway.

Have you been to the Motohaus Coffee shop?

I discovered this Coffee Shop last March 2007. This is a small shop with a warm and cozy feel In Colorado, on College Avenue between the cities of Fort Collins and Loveland (about 100 yards south of Trilby Road). Great coffee's and a motorcycle themed decor. I've met and made some nice friends on their Thursday bike nights. Stop by some time and try my favorite drink, the frozen blend white mocha.... large. And you might catch the owner, Max, there with a big smile and a flavor suggestion.

(Update) Max closed the shop and moved away in the Fall of 2008, BUT... Joel and Amy opened their coffee shop in the same location with the same theme and atmosphere! Thank goodness. I only had about 5 weeks of Bike Night withdrawal.

High School Senior Portrait time is around the corner

The weather is getting warmer, and soon the foliage will begin to bloom. Call now to get your Senior's portrait session scheduled! Lifestyle photography is our specialty, and we love it when seniors bring creative ideas. We made this photograph with Emily last season. This outfit and look was her idea and it was fantastic! Bring your ideas and props to our no-charge consultation so we plan together for your photo session. Do you have a location you would like to use? Let us know and we'll check it out for lighting and best time of day. Happy Spring!

Pre-teen girls reach highest level of achievement

Another annual event I have photographed for a few years is the Timberline Church Missionette program Honor Stars. The Missionette program is for pre-teen girls. The highest level of achievment is to become an "Honor Star". This year they have 13 recipiants. There is a ceremony and they are all dressed in beautiful long dresses. A few weeks before the ceremony I photograph portraits of each recipiant. Framed 8x10's are placed on a table at the event with displays of all their awards and accomplishments. It's a big event for the girls, and the parents are all so proud. On a personal note.... my wife and daughter are past Honor Stars!

Valentine Ball

We did Prom style photographs at a Valentine Ball this year. We've photographed this ball for 6 years or so now. Many of the couples were great fun and willing to deviate from the standard couples event pose. And my favorite part? The Prime Rib was superb!