Friday was a most interesting day. Being a photographer I get some amazing opportunities, and this day was no exception. Variety in my job usually happens over the course of a week or month. This time it happened all in one day.

First I was hired to photograph the visiting President of Liberia, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf while she visited Concordia University in Portland. President Sirleaf is an amazing woman. She is the first woman head-of-state in Africa, and the first black woman head-of-state in the world. A quick read of the recent history of Liberia will give you an idea of just how courageous this woman is.



From Concordia I moved on to Tigard to photograph a home for a realtor. This was an unusual home for a couple of reasons. First, it was built with steel, which made a lot of the curved architecture possible, including this double-helix staircase. Second, I rarely see a home that is built around a courtyard.

For my last challenge of the day, two high school sports events. First softball, which I had about 15 minutes to get a shot at, then I was off to shoot lacrosse for the first time - a truly interesting game for those who have never seen it played.

Life is great. The photography business in Portland can be rough, but it's times like this that make it all worthwhile. Last weekend I had the priviledge to spend time near The Dalles rock climbing with my wife's family. Best of all, my boys got to climb as well, and I got to help them! It was amazing watching them push themselves to the brink (physically and emotionally) while climing a rock face with nothing but a rope separating them from the ground below. Children are amazing.
My wife Marci even got in on the fun, making her first ascent ever on a moderately difficult face.


Here's Noah, making a 'move' that prolonged his climb, and made his Dad proud.

After an afternoon of climing, we were rewarded with this view of Mt. Hood on the hike out. And, an opportunity to make a beautiful image or two.


My younger son, Aaron couldn't be left out. He actually climbs better without the gear. I think the gear makes him nervous.

Noah busts another 'move'.

I tried to bust the 'move' and failed...