Favorite moments of 2008.

First an administrative note: The studio will be closed from this weekend through January 5 to allow me to celebrate the holidays with my family. I will be checking e-mails throughout the holidays, but it may take me just a bit longer than usual to get back to you. I also have some wonderful photos to share with you of some fantastic portrait sessions I’ve had over the last few weeks. I hope to get those posts out this weekend, but if not look for them shortly after the new year!

Now for the real point of this post: I have always loved those year-end retrospectives they show on tv, and at this time of year I find it’s fitting to look back and reflect on the year that has passed. 2008 was quite the year. It held some wonderfully happy times, but of course it is also the year that I went through the heart-breaking loss of my mother in February. For that reason, I think 2008 will always remain as a year of reflection for me. Time to reflect on family and friends, and what that really means. It’s also a time for renewal and rebirth, which for me is most clearly signified by the growth and development of my photography business, as well as the amazing growth and changes I see every day in my son. I know I have said this before, and I can’t promise that I won’t say it again. When it comes down to the very heart of it, the reason why I love photography as I do is that I simply love to capture those fleeting moments and give families a way to remember it always. The laugh of a child. The amazed look when you hold your newborn child for the first time. The happy tears on a wedding day. Photos allow us to capture what is so fleeting.

With that, I am happy to share some of my very favorite moments from this past year. Please click on the link below to view the slideshow. And on a personal note: I have met some amazing people this year. I consider myself humbly honored to have been chosen to capture some moments for all of you. My best wishes for a peaceful, healthy and joyous holiday season, and a wonderful new year!

CaseyBower Photography 2008 Slideshow

 

Snow Dog.

Since it’s only December and it seems to fit with the holiday mood, I can admit that I sort of enjoy it. It’s a different story come around February or so. Then I’m ready for summer and warm weather. My dog on the other hand? He’s frankly happy to be anywhere I am. And he loves to run around in the snow. These photos are actually from last winter… but we just re-created them this morning. And now he’s happily snoozing on the sofa, content as can be.

Drive safely, and enjoy the snow!

 

Autumn with the Animals.

It’s almost Halloween! I have to admit that even as a full-grown adult (I guess…) Halloween is still one of my favorite holidays. I especially enjoy the little kids in costumes and all the fun decorations. I’ve recently signed up to volunteer with the Dane County Humane Society to take photographs of some of their events and their animals in need of adoption. This past weekend was the first event I was able to attend. Unfortunately for me, due to previous commitments I wasn’t able to attend the entire Autumn with the Animals event. When I got there, the animal costume event was already over (darn!). But I was able to take a trip through their Haunted Fairytail Woods — and did they ever do a spectacular job on that! The woods themselves were very cool, and there was a fun assortment of creepy characters throughout the walk. If they have another similar event next year, I definitely recommend that you attend! The skeleton above was part of the decor. And I also created a little collage of some of my favorite images from the Haunted trail… seen below.

After I went through the woods, I met up with my husband and little boy to look at some of the animals. At 15 months old, my little guy is already completely obsessed with animals. If we didn’t already have a mutt of our own at home, I’m sure we would have come home with another pet yesterday. There are so many cuties at the shelter! This was my very favorite dog (although it was hard to pick): Vinny. And my husband fell in love with these cats, Elvis and Miles, who are best buddies. I’d love it if they all found a forever home soon. Check out the Dane County Humane Society website at www.giveshelter.org or visit the shelter when you’re looking for your next pet. As the mom of an abandoned mutt who is the sweetest dog in the world, I can personally vouch for the fact that there are a million wonderful dogs and cats (and other animals) out there who would love to be members of your family. If you are not able to adopt a pet at this time, you can also sponsor one who is currently living at the shelter directly through their website.

And finally, I really loved this photo of the Headless Horseman I saw on the trail… so I had to share it with you BIGGER. Enjoy this week of spooky fun!