My daughter the socialite

Cassie is only six years old and completely vulnerable and helpless in her father's eyes. He refuses to see her as the growing girl she is, opting rather to acknowledge only the traits that remind him of her as a baby. She adapts her personality to the people she's with at the moment. Sharp of intellect and with savy observational skills, she knows how to endear herself to anyone. She creeps around the house dragging her 'snuggly' and Meekins, her very best stuffed animal friend. Who wouldn't melt at such a site as Cassie crawling up on your lap, batting her long eye lashes and pretending to be a whimpering puppy, extracting every ounce of gushing love you had? But I see her when she ventures out to play with the older girls in the neighborhood. 8 to 10 year olds. They are good girls and Cassie is much like their pet at times, hanging on them in the deepest throes of hero worship. After just a week with these girls she came home asking for a pair of high heeled shoes. I didn't think they made them for 6 year olds, but, you guessed it, they do. They can't be more then an inch and a half high but the hot pink and white mules are as trendy and daring as you'd expect. Cassie teeters to and fro in them and I hear myself saying over and over again 'Don't sprain your ankle in those things!' She wants to be like her friends, wearing heels and dragging around purses with nothing but gum and lip balm inside. In just the few short weeks we've lived here my darling baby girl went from mostly indoor activities and scheduled play dates to running the neighborhood, stuffed animals in tow, daily picnics on the neighborhood lawns with any child who happened to smell the fresh baked chocolate chip cookies and wandering for hours two doors up and two doors down ( the distant boundaries of a 6 year old socialite). She's growing up. It delights me and frightens me so. With news of little Destiny Norton being murdered by the next door neighbor, it's hard to give her room to play and experience life outside the confines of my fierce protective presence. But I want her to LIVE. I want her to touch the world and grow without restraint into a joyful, life embracing human being that sees the beauty in our world, not just the fear. I wonder if my struggles will ever end.........?

Waiting for him...

Melanie is getting married in August. She came to my studio on Saturday and we spent the morning taking her bridal portraits. She was so lovely. Her big green eyes spoke of anticipation and nervousness. She's in love and it shows in everything about her. I felt so honored to share this time with her and I was aware that even though we'd just met, she'll likely remember me for the rest of her life because of the role I'm playing now as her photographer. I'm excited to photograph her wedding but wonder how I will keep from crying? Patrick and Melanie......I wish you a lifetime of joy and bliss. Visit www.deannagomesphotography.com/Mertz to see her full gallery of bridal images.

The Senator and I

I was invited to document the congressional campaign of Sentator Doug Lamborn. I photographed him receiving an endorsment from an immigration reform group. I met a lot of great people, including Devin Eskew of KKTV 11 news. I razzed him for being late and he entertained me with stories of how he just chased down a mountain lion within the city limits.....and got too close for comfort! Unfortunately the blogger photo upload tool isn't working right now. I will post it as soon as tech support fixes our troubles!

Garden of the Gods....and a boy

I went to Garden of the Gods on Wednesday to take senior portraits of Thomas. It was a beautiful place and he's a wonderful and very intelligent boy. Here are a few of my favorites from the day! Visit www.deannagomesphotography.com/Hastings to see his complete senior portrait gallery.

garden mystery

I just bought a house in Colorado Springs and am finding all sorts of lovely flowers blooming. Do you know what this orange flower is?

Painting Portraits

I'm learning to paint portraits in photoshop and with Corel Painter IX. It's incredibly complex but absolutely addicting! This is a small sample of something that was done in photoshop. I'm excited to try a painting of my chidren as I'd like to get a large canvas printed!

My eyes

I had a dream last night that I was going blind. It was an unbearable pain for me. Photography is an extension of self for me. It is who I am. What would I do if I could not see?
In my dream I went from place to place, leaf to leaf, absorbing the memory of each curve, shape, color and idea these images gave me before I would lose my sight completely. When I awoke, even the pile of dirty laundry at the foot of my bed held a wonderous beauty of shape, texture and color for me. It was like a much anticipated homecoming, a joyous rememberance that I awake each day starting over, fresh and new.
I challenge you to find what it is in life that pleases you most and truly embrace it. Find that one drop of amazing in everything you see and enjoy it!