Photo Op: Photograph your favorite star(fish)

Photograph © Andrew Reitsma

The Aquarium of the Pacific is hosting a special photographers night on Tuesday, April 7 from 6:00 - 9:00 pm. "On this night, the Aquarium will be available to photographers for the sole purpose of getting their dream photos without having to worry about the general public either getting in their shots or being bothered by their equipment." Those who attend can also enter the Aquarium's photo contest. The grand prize is an Animal Encounter of your choice.

Tripods, lighting equipment, and screens to block reflections are allowed (but not required) on this day only. Tickets are limited (to provide everyone the best opportunity) so be sure to contact the Aquarium ahead of time if you are interested in attending.

Thanks to Susan for passing this along.

Too Busy to Blog

There comes a time in every bloggers life when he must write about being too busy to blog. Now is that time for me. For those who follow my blog, you know that I am, at best, an occasional blogger - posting every few weeks or so (I can't begin to fathom how people maintain a Twitter account). It is not for want of things to post - photographs from recent sessions, fun art projects, great art and music I've seen and heard...lots of ideas in my head and in my list of bookmarked websites, but no time to write (I can't begin to fathom how people with three or more kids get anything done). With that said, I was sad when I just realized that after posting at least once a month for fourteen months straight, I didn't post anything in March. Oh, well! Here's to new beginnings.

Heart-shaped paper clips

Here's a simple Valentine's Day project that I saw over at the How About Orange... blog. Click the link for more images and the one step instructions.

We're on Facebook

We recently set up a Dodgen Photography page on Facebook. You don't have to be a member of Facebook to see our page, but why not join and become a fan!

Livingston Park Grand Opening Pictures

After eighteen months of planning, fundraising, and construction, the newly renovated Livingston Park in Long Beach finally opened last week. Nearly 1000 people attended the grand opening, fitting for the project which was a real community effort (lead by the dedicated Tot Lot Committee). It was so fun to witness our neighborhood come together in support of children, family, play and community. We are thankful to be a part of this community.









I don't think it was planned to have the local flock of parakeets fly over just before the ribbon cutting, but it was so fitting - like releasing doves, but with a sound that foreshadowed the children at play.

1474 Megapixel Inauguration Picture

President Barack Obama's 2009 Inaugural Address
Photograph by David Bergman

Think of this picture as the Google Earth of the 2009 inauguration. Click the link above or the image, then zoom in, pan around, explore, be a fly on the "wall."

Love Notes

Share pictures of your little ones with all of your loved ones this Valentine's Day. These cards were created by tiny*prints, but we can work with most online card companies to create a beautiful card with your favorite images. If you would like more information about our greeting cards options or our portrait sessions, do not hesitate to ask.

Ready to move

Unique in all the world

My mom used to tease me about how my big toe curved up. Now, as a parent, I understand that it is those unique traits, those one-of-a-kind features that she observed clear back in the quiet moments of my young life, that bonded her to me, and now bonds me to my two children.

I am reminded of the fox's comments in The Little Prince,"to me, you are still nothing more than a little boy who is just like a hundred thousand other little boys...But if you tame me, then we shall need each other. To me, you will be unique in all the world....I do not eat bread. Wheat is of no use to me...But you have hair that is the color of gold. Think how wonderful that will be when you have tamed me! The grain, which is also golden, will bring me back the thought of you. And I shall love to listen to the wind in the wheat..."
The Little Prince, by Antoine De Saint-Exupery

Stretch!