Above: The transition between spring and summer is always a wonderful time of the year. When the perfect location is found, wildflowers are abundant and fill up your frame beautifully. (More photos from this shoot to come!)

Below: The wedding of Grace and Kmong was heartfelt and beautiful. We were so fortunate to be able to share that special day with them.

Fall is undeniably the most striking season and we took full advantage of it. The cool autumn breeze was a bit nippy but I figured since Mai Zua played a mean game of flag football, a few goosebumps wouldn’t be able to take her down. Mai Zua is my nephew’s beautiful girlfriend.

Always take a walk around your neighborhood, you never know what you’re going to find. We hit the jackpot when we stumbled upon this enchanting weeping willow -the bonus? an apple tree right next door! Yes, we are easy to please and little Anabelle was the perfect addition to our secret garden!

We met up with Maikue and family over the summer and instantly fell in love with their kids; especially, the little guy… he was full of energy and laughter, the way all kids should be.

After a maternity session with the radiant Viola, we followed up 9 months later to photograph her darling baby girl. Felicity had the most beautiful lashes a baby girl could ever have. *sigh*

This set of photos of my wonderful cousin Nou and I were taken during the summer. I couldn’t ask for a better “sista from another mista!” We used to take studio pics together once a year (picture whoring is a family trait) so this photo shoot was long overdue.

Lizzy came to her shoot armed with her helpful sisters and lots of creative ideas. She owned the downtown Portland scene that afternoon. This particular photo stood out for us; it has a magazine editorial feel to it.

Our senior session with Lilly was set in a completely remote nursery. Rows and rows of natural texture lined our shoot. It was hauntingly beautiful. (More photos from this shoot to come!)

I don’t care what anyone says, Mai Yer is the Hmong Kelly Hu! We had so much fun with these two hotties, can’t wait to do more shoots with them in the future!

It could not have been any muggier on the day of Pa’s family photo shoot but it went fairly smooth because of how patient they were. Pa is a sweetheart, she gifted us her picnic basket after the shoot! Thanks again Pa. =)

I remember this day vividly because I almost fainted from trying to become the human bubble machine…I don’t recommend it. =/ We met Betty when we first moved to Oregon and let me tell you, she is just as beautiful in person -not fair right?! I know! =p

Susan is one of those people who make us love what we do. =) We found this spot scouting a few days beforehand and couldn’t wait to shoot Susan underneath this breathtaking canopy of trees. The photo below is one of our favorites because of its enchanted Cinderella feel.

This photo below is one of our all-time favorite bridal portraits. Susan was the perfect elegant bride to match the mood needed under this seclusion of trees.

The photo below is currently framed and enshrined on our personal wall of portraits. The magical Avenue of the Giants should be on every picture whore’s bucket list. ;p

A sunny day in the cold of winter bought us just enough time to capture this photo at the Grand Canyon; definitely another bucket list place to visit. The high noon sun provided the perfect rim light for this faux summery winter photo.

Miles and miles of vibrant California poppies made this day a special one. It was SO worth the 2hr drive!

Some spots take a good drive, others require you to look no further than around the corner. That was where we found this golden field of wild flowers. A mid-summer dream is what comes to mind when I think of this day.

Kristy is another ridiculously gorgeous woman! What I love about this photo is the detail that was captured: the sun-kissed shoulders, the wind blown hair… the textured goosebumps… the layers of waves touching the shore; they really set the mood of a breezy day at the beach.

It was the first time, after a decade of promises to visit, they finally made a trip out to California. YAY! I think that’s why this photo was so memorable for us. To be able to capture this moment in time for them was special.

One of my favorite photos of Sue is below. Her playful personality and perfect smile really shines through in this photo.

This photo is foam board mounted and blown up on our wall of portraits. It is one of my favorites because of the peaceful zen-like mood that’s portrayed within it.

We took this photo very early in the year… the seemingly suspended oak tree is what makes this photo unique.

Ty calls this one the “Ice Queen”. Truthfully, it should be called the “Frozen One” because it was buurrrr cold that day.

This shoot was memorable for the ethereal glow the setting sun provided. This remote rocky hillside paints a picture in my mind of what the rolling hills of Scotland would look like (except I imagine Scotland to be 100 times more breathtaking).

And last but not least.. one of our most recent photos. It is special because we have very few “nice” photos of the both of us. We definitely plan to use our tripod more often, so look forward to more photos of us this coming year. Yays! (More photos from this shoot to come)

We’d like to sincerely thank all of you for visiting our site; especially those of you who take the time to leave your kind words. It really motivates us to share more of our work. 2010 was full of cherished memories and we met so many wonderful new friends. We can’t wait to see what 2011 brings! This year we hope to share with you many more photo-ventures, photography tutorials and NEW video tutorials!

With lots of love… Kay and Ty

Get ready for the mega post you’ve all been asking for =p

The plan of that morning was for myself to capture the guys getting ready; while Kay would capture the ladies. Let’s just say it was less hectic in the gentlemen’s quarter. =)

With a few hours to spare before lunch… we took the bridal party out for their photoshoot. Where was the destination? In true PrettyGeeky fashion, we headed for the wilderness and fed the whole bridal party to the mosquitoes! lol

I asked Grace to toss him the bouquet… and out of nowhere I got these captures. I can tell they will have lot’s of fun together.

The Korean drama / grandparent’s / vintage pose. Hmmm was I able to pull it off?

Here are the very patient bridesmaids (yes all 8 of them) in all their terracotta glory.

The ceremony started off light hearted… with a Coldplay entrance song!

…. then came the personalized vows; which quickly turned the ceremony into a tear-jerker. -tissue anyone? it’s getting dusty in here-

Why is it always the groom who gets the involuntary first taste of the cake?
At least it was chocolate cake.. mmmmm.

Grace and Kmong… thanks for letting us take part in your wonderful cherished wedding day. May all your wishes and dreams come true together…. Love you guys!

I’ve got lots of editing to catch up on!! Look for those posts soon. =)

All photos were taken under natural light with the D700 and 35mm f2. Even though the lens is one of the older primes… it is still a stellar performer.

I love using this lens with kids, on a full-frame camera the 35mm focal length is almost wide angle but not quite; this lets you get up-close and personal without too much distortion =).

Bobby’s naruto ninja pose.

Lori and I wanted to give you something for your birthday that was both special and symbolic, so here is your clue: We are like 3 peas in a pod. =) We hope you will like the gifts…and sorry they will be delivered on Hmong time ahah! In the meantime, some new pictures finally! Thank you for these awesome snapshots of us Babe!

Of the two gardens, I definitely enjoyed the Japanese garden more. We weren’t able to get a tour guide for the Japanese Garden, but wow, the place spoke for itself. The garden was blanketed in rich vibrant red and yellow autumn colors; it made for the perfect backdrop for us picture whores =) If you are ever in the Portland area, make sure you set aside time to enjoy both of these beautiful gardens.

Here are photos of both gardens below, I hope you enjoy them.

Photography travel tip: If you find yourself under possible rainy conditions, grab the shower cap from your hotel room. It makes for the perfect camera rain cover.

Geeky stuff: Here is another example why I love speedlights.. they are so portable it makes on-location shooting so much easier. Add two of them together and you can easily use them in broad daylight to overpower the sun. Also remember to use the sun to your advantage, it makes an excellent back/edge light.

BTS shot:

Gear used:

• Nikon D700
• Nikon 50mm/f1.8 lens
• SB-600 speedlight x 2
• Photoflex Lightdome Q39 medium softbox
• Radio Popper PX

Olbrich Garden photos continued.

If it seems like we have an overabundance of pictures, it’s because we pretty much grew up with a camera in hand or in our faces. Dressing up to take pictures was a favorite pastime of our moms. She’s definitely to blame for our fixation with taking pictures. =D

These pics are just a few more from our day at the Olbrich Botanical Gardens.

I, who have no sisters or brothers, look with some degree of innocent envy on those who may be said to be born to friends. -James Boswell

It’s true. The best friends I could ever want or need have been my sisters.  Although, we joke that we probably wouldn’t be friends if we weren’t sisters but even so, I couldn’t be more thankful that these two nuts fell off the same tree as I did!  We have learned to cherish our relationships with one another and that is what truly matters most.

The photos were taken at the Olbrich Botanical Gardens. Thanks to babes for getting so many great pictures for us and there’s more to come so stop back!

My 2yr old nephew, Winston, with my brother. You both make me so proud!

I am completely captivated by Winston’s laughter; his happy and unbridled exclamation of joy is simply irresistible. His favorite pastime is running from here to there, and everywhere…there’s never a dull moment!  He’s extremely playful and I’m so glad I was able to visit with the family and enjoy such splendid times with them.

I cannot express how much my family means to me. It chokes me up when I think about how blessed I am that God chose these people for me to share my journey through life with and to have them as my foundation to draw strength from. I love and miss you all very much.