Life...I'll take a picture of that.

OHMIHECK!! IT'S FINALLY HERE!! NEW BLOG!!

2007-05-18T12:17:00.000-07:00

Okay, so today's the day I say farewell to my home here on blogger. I'm sad to say goodbye but the time has come to make the move.

All of the things here that you love will still be here. You can come back and check them out at any time. From now on though all new posts will be at this new address. Click. Click. Click.

Make sure to subscribe to my new blog location, I don't want to miss having you visit me. (The subscribe button is just at the bottom of the menu on the left.)

I'm so grateful for everyone who visits me here and who have been so kind and giving to me. Please come with me to my new blog home!

WoHOO! I have a new blog. Make sure and tell me what you think in the comments when you get over there!

See you at my new blog house! ;)

New Blog

2007-05-16T13:20:00.000-07:00

I was wanting to get some things posted today...but I was wanting to have those be my first to my new blog. We're working out the bugs and getting ready to announce the new blog...we're hoping that will be by Friday. Keep checking back for the new posts...there are some really awesome shoots that I can't wait to post!!

New Website | New Blog

2007-05-09T13:12:00.000-07:00

So...here is the screen shot of my new website. It's almost finished. I'm hoping to debut it next week.

I really wanted to give you a sneak peek of my blog, too. But I totally can't get a screen shot of it. (I have no idea why it works for my site and not my blog. So if anyone has any pointers on how to do that I'd love them...)I'll be posting on it by next week! I can't wait!

Ooo...a whole new thing goin' on!

2007-05-03T17:24:00.000-07:00

I am so excited about the final stages of the new look that is going through the entire Davina Studio! Stay tuned for the unveiling of my new blog (make sure to subscribe to it!). I'm almost done with the final touches of my new website so I'll be able to make an official announcement about that, too.

It's all coming soon!!!

Really? No WAY!

2007-04-24T17:44:00.000-07:00

Yes! It's true. There has never been this big of a special here at Davina's Studio. That incredible get to know you shoot that you loved here on the blog, the gorgeous lifestyle shoot of a sweet little baby, the rockin' high school senior shoot, the family lifestyle session...they are all only $150. Seriously, $150.

This is a limited time offer. These sessions are usually between $350 to $500. Make sure and get yours today. If you're coming into town in the next few weeks call and book your date right away. These sessions will go very quickly. Call 801.628.2893 or email (davina@davinafear.com ) the studio to schedule your photo shoot.

Happy Anniversary!

2007-04-23T21:50:00.000-07:00

Happy anniversary, Debbie and Marcus! I had so much fun at your wedding. Your day at Sundance was so fun. You had so many wonderful friends and family surrounding you. I remember having the chance to dance with your Grandpa and all the very exciting dancing through out the night. You both threw such a great wedding party!

I'm so glad that I know you, both. Happy Anniversary!

Whitney + Arthur

2007-04-22T21:47:00.000-07:00

Whitney and Arthur have known each other since they were kids. They saw each other every summer year after year. Talk about a wonderful summer vacation! They know each other so well. We had a great time hanging out together and chasing great places for pictures. In the end we had a delicious lunch together up at Deer Valley at the Stein Eriksen.

They have so many great ideas planned for their wedding! Their theme that they are building their wedding around is going to be so stinkin' fun! I'm so looking forward to all of the great plans that they have.

Thanks for a very fun day, Whitney and Arthur.

Fred Egan

2007-04-13T13:15:00.000-07:00

So my friend Fred Egan took these pictures of me. He is a photographer who totally amazes me. He is so young and already has such a distinct style to his work. He is a kind and giving person and I am blessed to know him. I was so lucky to have gotten to hang out with him and Lauren, Shan, Christy, Allan, and Amy (some more reallygreat photographers) while I was in Vegas. Thanks to you all for your friendship. I am blessed to know each of you.

So tell me in the comments which one is your fave!

Taisja + Brady

2007-04-12T22:13:00.000-07:00

I am so excited about Taisja and Brady's wedding. I had so much fun at their get to know you shoot I'm sure their wedding day will be even more awesome! By the time we were done with their shoot I still had so many places I wanted to go with them. I totally love the way they are so comfortable with each other.

Happy Anniversary Melissa and Chris!

2007-04-12T00:43:00.000-07:00

It's been quite the whirlwind year for you! I am so glad that I got to be at your wedding. It was so full of real moments.

Melissa you were so fun to hang out with and photograph! Your playful, fun, passionate personality are so easy to capture. You and Chris are so wonderful together.

And ohmigosh...Melissa has an amazing voice ( check her out here -make sure so listen to: "playing things by ear" and "what if" they're my faves ) and she and Chris play guitar together. They first met when Melissa was performing locally and pretty soon were hanging out all of the time together. They are such a great couple.

I have loved every minute I've gotten to spend with them.

Emma's big moment

2007-04-09T19:41:00.000-07:00

Saturday was Emma's big moment. She decided she was ready to try riding her bike without training wheels. She was excited and apprehensive all at the same time. She did a great job! I'm so proud of her for being so brave. She's going to be a great two-wheeler!

Studio Opening Night

2007-04-09T00:51:00.000-07:00

What a fabulous night! The grand opening of the new Davina Studio was a great success. THe studio was filled the entire night. I'm so excited that I got to see so many people that I've worked with and who are wonderful friends.

The night would not have happened without my wonderful husband and Shalise, my incredible studio manager. They both worked so hard...especially all day Friday. We had so much work to get done at the last minute and they both stayed with me making sure every last detail was just right. Thank you both. I'm so blessed to have you! (you can see below that my husband was completely exhausted by the time we finished cleaning up after the opening)

Also, a huge thank you to Tim and Erik at Reddoor for their vision and talent in designing my whole new look for me. They have been amazing through this entire process. Their willingness to listen and helpfulness under pressure has been a huge blessing to the studio and to me. Thanks to Tim's personal work, he made things happen for the opening. He's been incredible to work with. I appreciate his vision for something that can be more than it currently is and his efforts to be innovative and fresh. There's still more to come with the work that he's doing that I'm so excited about!

I'm grateful to Amanda the designer who helped me to design my studio. Please contact the studio at davina@davinafear.com if you'd like more information.

Also, thank you to everyone who has written very kind and encouraging notes and emails. I am so blessed to have so many people who are so good to me!

I'm so excited about my new space and so grateful for everyone who attended my grand opening on Friday night. You made the night so wonderful for me!

Scholarship

2007-04-05T07:37:00.000-07:00

I love the opportunity to help other photographers. I know when I was trying to get started there were some key photographers that were helpful to me and I am so grateful to them for all of the encouragement and help. My friend Lauren gave me this idea and I thought it was absolutely wonderful.

This year I will be offering a $500 scholarship for a new photographer that is just getting started. The scholarship will be used toward the photographer's education to attend an annual photography convention or a photography workshop. It will also include a mentoring session with me before and after the convention/workshop that the photographer selects.

To apply for the scholarship contact the studio at davina@davinafear.com

Applications will need to be submitted by October 1, 2007. The scholarship choice will be announced at the end of October.

Davina Studio Grand Opening

2007-04-05T00:49:00.000-07:00

I'm so excited for the Grand Opening of the studio! It's this Friday from 6-9pm on Historic 25th Street in Ogden. It's during the First Friday Gallery Stroll downtown so it's a perfect time to have dinner and see all of the local artists. The restaurants on 25th street are wonderful. Roosters has some delicious dishes; my favorite there though is the house salad dressing...creamy basil. I also love the Rooster's Enchiladas, the Penne with Sugar Snap Peas and dry roasted tomatoes, the Classic Chicken Salad is ummmm....okay my mouth is watering...You absolutely have to have it. Bistro 258 is also a favorite. You can't go wrong with any entree there. Every thing is a perfect savory, delectable bite.

The whole event is not to be missed. I love the gallery stroll. Can't wait to see everyone!

Davina Studio
175 25th Street
Studio 205
Ogden, UT 84401

801.628.2893

The studio is in the 2nd level of the Ogden Blue Building.

Only 2 days away......

One Light

2007-04-05T00:13:00.000-07:00

The One Light Workshop was absolutely fascinating, inspirational, and eye opening. Zack is such a great teacher and so patient with everyone trying to learn so much in such a little amount of time. I learned so much from him. He has a really fresh way of seeing the world and light. That he can come up with so many gorgeous images with just one light kept me continually in awe.

I really can't take credit for most of these images. Zack set them up and then let us see through our lens what he was doing. At the end of the night he did give us a chance to try and figure out the whole day on our own. I must say I need alot more practice and I can't wait to figure it all out with Kate and Rebekah.

The Double Digit Birthday

2007-04-04T21:45:00.000-07:00

It's the big 1-0 for Emmett this year. He couldn't wait to get to his double digit birthday. He and his friends love to reach the double digit milestone. You have really accomplished something once you turn ten. For me, I can't believe another year has gone by. It really just doesn't seem possible. The last few years have gone more quickly than any of the others previous to them. I look at my son and remember so clearly the first days that I had him home with me. The sweet, wonderful smell of his baby skin, the big black eyes staring back at me that seemed so full of something that I didn't understand, and those tiny little fingers that attached to anything they could get a grip around. I miss those days and at the same time I love these days.

Emmett is such a sweet and kind boy. In a moment he can forgive and understand someone else's pain. In a moment he can grasp a difficult subject far beyond his years and comprehend it in a way that I am amazed by every time it happens. In a moment he can be a fury of action and then be a loving person who realizes that someone else needs help. He is an incredible blessing to our family. He is an adored big brother and an inspiring son.

In our family the kids get to have a big friend party when they turn 5 years old, ten years old, and 15 or 16 years old. With four kids having four friend parties a year gets to be a pretty big job. On the off years we have a fun family party. This year was the very anticipated 10 year old friend party for Emmett. He decided on a sports theme. They played flag football, smashed a pinata to smithereens as only boys can do, and had an all around great time. Emmett said the day was awesome.

I can't wait!

2007-04-03T10:23:00.000-07:00

My Grand Opening is this Friday! I can't believe it's already here. I'm so excited and invitations are on the way. Tim at Reddoor did such a great job designing them. I can't wait for you to see them! He did a perfect job of having the invitations look like my new brand...he's a master at what he does!

I can't wait to see everyone!

Queen Miriam

2007-03-30T00:26:00.000-07:00

Kindergarten is the best grade in school. I'm pretty sure kindergarten teachers can do no wrong. My little Miriam adores her teacher. Miriam was chosen to be the Queen of the class for an entire week. This means that Miriam gets to lead the class to recess, help the teacher, and lead circle time. She gets to wear a crown and be her special self all week long. She also gets to make a poster about all of her favorite things and include some pictures of herself. So...these are some of the pictures we found for her little assignment.

DWF and WPPI

2007-03-28T08:22:00.000-07:00

I almost forgot to post about where I'm at right now! I am at the Wedding and Portrait Photographers and Digital Wedding Forum conventions in Las Vegas. These conventions are where photographers from around the world come together and to learn from one another. It's been an amazing couple of days and I've still got more to attend.

Last year after I attending these conventions I came home and put all of the information I had learned to use. It's been a really great year. Looking back I'm amazed at all that's happened. I started making a list the other day of all the highlights from 2006 and all of the exciting things that are coming up in 2007. I'll be posting that really soon.

So...I'll be back in the studio on Monday. Shalise is in the studio a few days this week so she'll be answering the phones and email. Thanks, Shalise!

Happy Anniversary!

2007-03-24T14:53:00.000-07:00

Ticey and Shane have already been married for a year. It seems like we were just taking pictures of Ticey's beautiful dress, freezing in the snowy cold next to the coffee shop mural, and then going to the Bountiful Temple on an absolutely gorgeous day in March!

Happy Anniversary to you both!

I am so EXCITED!!!

2007-03-22T21:48:00.000-07:00

About my new studio opening!

I just want to invite everyone to the party in every way possible. So...I want to add all of my workshop participants to the mix. This means that everyone that signs up for any or all of the workshop by the end of the night on April 6th (that means the end of the Grand Opening Party) will get to attend the workshop at a registration special (so everyone that's already registered...yep, you'll be getting a little surprise in the mail).

Each individual day will be only $300 and the entire workshop will be only $1000. On April 7th everything will go back to the original prices.

Do I sound totally crazy? I just keep offering things...but I'm just so excited. I can't wait for the opening!!!!!! Wohoo! :laughing:

The Official Sneak Peek

2007-03-18T23:04:00.000-07:00

So here's the sneak peek of my new studio. Make sure to attend the Grand Opening to see the whole amazing thing! I love love love my new studio!

Davina Studio Grand Opening
April 6th, 2007
6:00-9:00pm

As you can see I will have an all new look that will go through out the studio, new blog, and my new website!

To receive an invitation write to me at davina@davinafear.com . I'd love to send you one!

Day with Davina. Next Workshop.

2007-03-18T22:32:00.000-07:00

The first Day with Davina Workshop was such a wonderful experience that I am really excited to announce the next one.

Day with Davina Workshop
May 1, 2, 3rd, 2007

In the last workshop we covered so many points but would have loved to have discussed even more issues that we face as photographers. So...we decided to make this one a little longer and also give you the chance to decide what you would like to attend. You have the option of attending the entire workshop, or you may need 2 days. Some of you may like just one day.

Day 1: Inspiration/ Get better aquainted with your camera/Photo shoot/Critique session
Day 2: Business: Getting set up, how to organize, planning your life, marketing, branding
Day 3: Pushing yourself creatively. Finding new ways to shoot and be inspired. Reaching beyond what you already do/Photo assignment/Feedback

Each session includes a one on one mentoring session prior to the workshop. We will cover your website or portfolio collection as well as chat about your hopes for the workshop. Each day we will have lunch at one of the amazing restaurants close to the studio. Also included is follow up mentoring once the workshop is over.

Each workshop day is $500. To attend all three days is $1200. To receive a registration form contact the studio at davina@davinafear.com . Spaces are already filling up from our waiting list and seating is very limited.

Stay Tuned for the Sneak Peek!

2007-03-14T15:45:00.000-07:00

Of the new Davina Studio.

It's true! Mark your calendar. We are having the official Grand Opening of the new Davina Studio on the first Friday of April. Make sure to save the date on April 6th from 6-9pm. We'll be sending out an email to everyone about all the details very soon. If you'd like a beautiful invitation in the mail contact the studio and we'll make sure you're on the list.

Tomorrow I will be posting a few sneak peek pictures of the studio so make sure and check back.

We're totally celebrating the Studio opening and to make it feel very festive we're offering some very limited time specials on wedding packages, our upcoming workshop (May 1,2,3), and parent albums. You won't want to miss all of the excitement! For more information contact the studio at davina@davinafear.com.

And, of course, keep checking back here because we're going to be posting more details.

Arianne and Troy

2007-03-12T00:12:00.000-07:00

The day started out in a really wonderful intimate ceremony at Troy's home. The moment when Troy saw Arianne come down the stairs was really touching. Arianne's dress was incredible! And her style was apparent through out the day. For their luncheon, Culinary Crafts catered...what a beautiful presentation and tasty, too.

I got to go to the Springville Art Museum for their very cool reception. It was a place that was a heaven of great images every where you look. I loved that Arianne knew what she wanted for her day and made sure that it all happened. It was perfectly Arianne and Troy. I loved the way Troy looked at Arianne so many times during the day and the tenderness between them. They are such an amazing couple.

Arianne and Troy, have a wonderful honeymoon!

If you totally love Arianne's dress make sure to check out Nancy Barrus Couture. Nancy made Arianne's one of kind, original wedding gown.

Over $25,000!

2007-03-11T23:50:00.000-07:00

The Thirst Relief Mentor Benefit was wonderfully successful. Thank you to the many, many people who participated. The mentors, who have so willingly and generously given of their time to other photographers. These amazing photographers are giving their knowledge and many of them have thrown in even more to these sessions for people. The bidders, who have given large sums to spend time with their favorite photographer and help to save people around the world.

Because of all of these incredible photographers over 6,000 people will drink safe, clean water and in so doing save their lives.

Thank you! Thank you!

If you would like to give check out www.thirstrelief.org. Only $5 saves a life...

Last Day

2007-03-08T08:25:00.000-07:00

Tonight at midnight is it!!

Make sure to get your bid in for your favorite photographer! Go here to bid. (You have to register just like on ebay.)

I'm giving a 90 minute session, I'll be happy to talk about whatever you'd like over dinner or breakfast (on me). I have to say any mentor you bid on is incredible. I know I'd like to bid on everybody who is giving. I'm watching all kinds of auctions! Don't miss this opportunity, it will totally be worth it!

The response has already been incredible! Thousands of lives are going to be saved. It's so exciting!!!

Thank you everyone!

One Light Workshop in Utah!

2007-03-05T15:19:00.000-07:00

Zach Arias of Used Film is one of the most amazing lighting photographers that I know. He does an incredible job with just ONE light. His One Light workshops are getting rave reviews...and he's coming to Utah!!

Make sure to sign up. If you'd like to receive the invite or get more information about it just write me at davina@davinafear.com .

Happy Anniversary...

2007-03-05T15:06:00.000-07:00

Brandy and Mike.

Over a year ago Brandy and Mike were married in the Bountiful Temple with an intimate dinner at the Joseph Smith Memorial Building and there was pink everywhere. Austyn looked like a little princess and Mike couldn't take his eyes off of Brandy.

After a very busy year they are into a new home and living happily ever after.

Happy Anniversary!

Thirst Relief International Mentoring Benefit

2007-03-01T11:33:00.000-07:00

Do you want 90 minutes with your favorite photographer?

Over 40 photographers that are will known through out the wedding and portrait photography industry have volunteered a 90 minute mentoring session each. Anyone can bid on their session and 100% of the proceeds go to Thirst Relief International!!!

Click here to bid.

I want to say a huge THANK YOU to all of the photographers who have so generously given of their time. It's been a huge blessing to be on the organizing side of the auction and see so much giving. THANK YOU!!!

Thirst Relief blog with all of the info.

Make sure to check out this week's Simple Photo Minute about the power of Mentors.

Foundation Workshop

2007-02-18T03:00:00.000-07:00

I am leaving in the morning for the Foundation Workshop. It's an amazing workshop that pushes photographers to explore the photojournalistic approach to photography. Peer critique and mentoring are going to be part of the workshop. I'm looking forward to the stretch that it's going to be for me. Exciting.

The Day I Got Home

2007-02-18T02:50:00.000-07:00

The day I got home from Xtreme I made sure I got hang out with my sweet little missy. One of my favorite times of the day is this one. The reading time before naptime for Gracie.

(Thanks for getting this sweet moment, Mike.)

The Last Day of Xtreme

2007-02-18T02:29:00.000-07:00

Maybe it seems too late to post this but I so loved the last day with such cool photographers. Millie Holloman, Shan Renee, Fred Eagan, and Lauren Clark, and Allan Zepeda.

They are all amazing photographers and really wonderful friends. I'm so thankful for the opportunities that I've had to learn so much from so mny giving people.

Valentine's Day

2007-02-18T01:44:00.000-07:00

Valentine's Day is a favorite holiday at our house. Before I even had kids I wanted to make sure that they didn't grow up thinking that Valentin'es Day was only for people who are in love. It's a day to say there's enough love in the world for everyone.

So every Valentine's eve Mike and I stay up late making a table full of fun and thinking of ways to make sure our kids know they are loved...always.

Korean Wedding Ceremony

2007-02-14T03:41:00.000-07:00

In Korea weddings are so the same and so different at the same time. Weddings are held in wedding houses. A little bit like a reception hall but then not really. A wedding house is a high rise building. The floors are layered. The first floor is the lobby and the second floor is where a wedding #1 takes place, the pictures with the bride, and the traditional Korean bowing ceremony. On floor three is where the buffet dinner takes place for wedding #1. On floor four wedding #2 takes place and their buffet is held on floor five and so on. There can be quite a few different wedding being held simultaneously. During this time each person who wants to attend the wedding signs into the bride and groom's respective table and gives a cash gift before they can enter the wedding. The guests know that this is a large portion of the way the bride and groom will pay for their wedding. It is also customary to look back in this book in the years ahead to know what the minimum gift would be at future weddings (of guests or children of guests).

Each wedding has four parts. The first part happens in a little room. The bride arrives at the wedding house ready to begin. She sits in the little room and everyone from the wedding party comes and has their picture taken individually with the bride in the little room. Immediately after the last person has had their picture taken the ceremony begins. This part is very similar to an American traditional wedding, with one exception. The bride and groom bow to their parents. There are different types of bows in Korea. A nod of the head is for everyone you meet. A bow at the waist is a for people of an older generation. The bow of deepest respect is when the person kneels on the floor with their hands out in front of them. A bride cannont get on the floor and so she does a deep waist bow. These bows are very moving.

After the ceremony is the traditional Korean bowing ceremony. In the past it has been a ceremony that happens after the wedding. The bride and groom travel to the groom's home where the bride and groom will live. The ceremony is respect for his family as well as the groom's family accepting the bride into their home and family. At the end of the ceremony the bride and groom eat a large nut together. It is said that the person who bites off the largest piece of it has the power in the home. The bride then gets on the groom's back and takes the bride into his home.

Everyone then goes upstairs for a buffet of amazing food!

Dionne and Sung Jin were so excited about this day. They prepared and did so many things to bring not only two families from opposite sides of the world together but also two cultures. After some reservations a touching moment occured after the bowing ceremony when Sung Jin's uncle said to Dionne's dad, "We accept Dionne into our family. We will always take care of her. You do not need to worry." Dionne's family has loved Sung Jin since he came to the United States and they saw how perfect he was for her.

A sweet moment during the bowing ceremony was when Dionne's head piece fell off. Sung Jin's father said "It's okay. She is beautiful. Everything she does is beautiful. Her mistakes everything. She is so beautiful."

It was an amazing day filled with happiness, a fusing of families, culture, and a lot of laughter.

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Christmas in California

2007-02-12T09:57:00.000-07:00

Okay...get ready for a boatload of pictures! lol.

For Christmas we went to visit Gramma Betsy, my husband's mom. We had a wonderful time with her and also went to do some of our favorite things. The kids love the aquarium and we can't miss the beach. It's always cold and we always think we won't go in the water...we always do. Everyone gets soaked and we end up changing in the car before heading home.
Mike took us all on the 4-wheeler up to the top of the hill above his house. From there you can see the ocean. It's an incredible view and one of Mike's favorite places growing up. A trip home is just not complete unless we make the trek to the top of the hill. We did all kinds of fun things on our trip but I just wanted to get something posted from it before it ended up being just a memory.

Here goes....

Studio Manager=Shalise!

2007-02-12T09:44:00.000-07:00

I am so thrilled to announce that I have a new Studio Manager! Shalise was the absolutely perfect person to hire on at the studio. She has had prior experience working with photographers and she has been excellent. When you call the studio, especially now while I'm in Korea, you will most likely get the chance to talk to Shalise.

Keep your calendars open for the first Friday in April when we have the studio's grande opening. You have to come in and meet her!

The first time

2007-02-10T09:26:00.000-07:00

Today was the first day that we've done actual sight seeing...which I'm grateful for. I'd much rather just hangout with people doing what they actually do rather than going to places that have a very distant relationship to the people around me.

This palace and the grounds were really vast and at the same time very, very simple and straight forward. The detail and artwork done on each and every peience is just gorgeous. A lot of the paint was made by hand from flowers, grasses, and plants. Every time they restore the palace they try to use the same type of process and make the same kind of paint.

And...just thought I'd show you some of what I ate today...so you know I am actually getting real food. :)

And can you believe how late these people work!?! It was after 10pm when we passed these places.

This is a street vendor. When it gets cold they put up plastic. The vendors have chairs inside so that people can come in a sit down and have a bite to eat.

Carrying in Korea

2007-02-09T07:29:00.000-07:00

Koreans are extremely hard workers. They work 12-14 hour days and a lot of the work is backbreaking. Oftentimes they get done working at midnight and are up by four or five in the morning to start all over again. So many of these people carry loads on their backs or on their heads for long distances...and they are fast. There were a number of times today that I would stake a place out and wait to see someone coming with a bundle on their head or back. I wanted to get a picture of someone's face. I finally realized that the more true to life picture is probably the one of their backs. They go so quickly that it's almost impossible to see them coming at you because they usually come from around an unexpected corner and pass you before you even know they were next to you. I really love these people and their sincerity. It's been so incredible to see how so many different people live.

We also went to a flower market today. I was amazed by the way it was set up and by the vast amount of color and flowers. It was really gorgeous while at the same time in such a simple and straightforward presentation. Definitely different from the flower shops in the United States.

Above the market

This is all garlic...whole garlic and crushed garlic. I think Koreans put it in just about everything.

The gate to the market.

Rule #1 in Korea. The motorcyles have the right of way...on the sidewalk. They actually drive on the sidewalk and you better get out of their way.

These ladies set up their goods on the sidewalks all around the city. I think they are my favorite. They are the more traditional street vendor; the younger, more modern street vendors have carts. You find both types of vendors side by side in every district.

Men and women are very separate here. The women form strong bonds of friendship, as do the men. Because they all work such long hours or go to school such long hours and are separated for the majority of the day they spend their lunches and walking through the city together. The women and girls all walk around arm in arm talking to each other. I love it and think it is very sweet and endearing. There are so many reasons that this isn't accepted in the United States. I would love it if it were, though. Women, young and old seem to really value one another's friendship. There is a stron feeling of cooperation and helping among them rather than that of competition.

And these are just some things that I saw.

I ate these for dinner.

Dionne + Sung Jin

2007-02-08T08:08:00.000-07:00

Dionne and Sung Jin met in Korea. Dionne was teaching English at the University there and there eyes met across the room and it's been them nonstop. From the momnent they decided to get married Dionne wanted to make sure that Sung Jin's culture was well represented during the festivities. All of her nieces and newphews wore traditional Korean hanboks.

I am now in Korea to photograph their Korean ceremony on Saturday. I can't wait!

Check out their wedding in the United States.

First Day in Korea

2007-02-07T08:37:00.000-07:00

Ice flakes dessert. Bowing ceremony. Incheon Airport. Jewelry Shop. Korea's Brad Pitt. Kimchi. Paris.

What an incredible place Seoul, Korea is! I have had such a wonderful time taking buses, using won (took a picture of my Korean money), eating Korean food, and walking the streets. Today we meet up with one of my sister's friends and she told us all about what the wedding ceremony would be like on Saturday. It sounds like it will have some really interesting things that are a little different from American ceremonies. I'm really excited about all of the possibilities!

I've loved experiencing the Korean culture and seeing all of the people here. My favorite people so far are probably the vendors on the street. The food they make is so beautiful and their little street side cart is so colorful. I think my favorite lady of the day though is the lady at selling her vegetables and reading her newspaper. The vendors with the carts are the new way of selling food and the lady with the newspaper is sticking with tradition.

I think I laughed the most today when I went into a little jewelry shop. If I were a person who wore jewelry I think I would have spent a fortune in there. Every piece is a handmade original. Some pieces were very ornate with intricate detail, some were simple, with beautiful lines, others were very feminine and detailed. The jewelry wasn't what was so fun, though. The little shop keeper was a young girl who was very fun to talk to. She wanted to know if I knew Brad Pitt and I had to regretfully tell her that I didn't. The question launched us into talking about who, in Korea, was the equivalent of Brad Pitt. She held up a magazine and giggled and them was so embarrassed by how hot she thinks the Korean Brad Pitt is that she put the magazine in front of her face!

Everywhere you look every sign is in Korean but Korean people are so friendly and love to talk to you in English...for which I'm very grateful!

Oh! and I love the shower at the place that I'm staying...it has these jets that spray out water all over you. How cool is that? Someone in my little family would be in seventh heaven if we had this shower at out house. Any guesses who that would be?

And then there are things that I just liked around the city...like all of those bikes! Holy cow that many are on about every corner!

Korea

2007-02-06T19:04:00.000-07:00

After over 14 hours of being in an airplane and over 36 hours of functioning on 2 hours of sleep, I've arrived in Korea! It has been a very exciting adventure. Going through customs, exchanging US currency for Korean, taking a bus...it's all been fun!

Korea looks so much like NYC (especially at night) except with all of the signs in Korean. The only thing I keep seeing in English is Duncan Donuts. It's very differnt to be in a place where everything is in another language. Every Korean I've met so far is extremely friendly. Today we're going to be going out and visiting people. We've got a busy day ahead of us but I wanted to get these pictures posted of what it looks like out of my high rise window where I sleep. (I love the lines of this apartment. Everything is so clean with very simple lines.)

Workshop + Korea + Texas = A Crazy, Fun Time

2007-02-01T17:40:00.000-07:00

Last weekend was the first ever Day with Davina workshop. It was a huge amount of fun and I had such a great time with everyone who attended (look for more about it in a future post!). This weekend I leave for Korea for a very exciting wedding. I'll get back in town to catch my breath, kiss my kids and wonderful husband, and then I'm off to Texas. I'll be out of the studio for pretty much the entire month of February.

Never fear, though! Shalise, my new studio manager will be here to answer all of your questions and keep everything running smoothly. We've also just taken on two really amazing interns that we are totally excited about!

I am going to blog about it all in greater detail, including Shalise and my new interns...not to mention a whole bunch of other really exciting things that have been happening. So stay tuned.

I'm hoping that my long flight to Korea will be the perfect time to catch up on everything.

Let me know if you need anything at davina@davinafear.com

Arianne + Troy

2007-01-25T22:26:00.000-07:00

A gorgeous Bel Aire, a little snow, the sun, the moon, and Mars...Arianne and Troy kissed in them all.

We had so much fun in the gorgeous Bel Aire that Troy and his family restored. It was just perfect, every thing about it. Arianne and Troy are so into each other and have such a great time together. I loved the way they would talk to each other and constantly cuddle up. We had so many great moments. My favorite though was when Arianne whispered something in Troy's ear and he said, "I loooove YOU!" It was such a great reaction.

There wedding is going to really wonderful...I'm so excited.

Waiting List

2007-01-22T00:17:00.000-07:00

Because it's very important to me that everyone have a really personal experience at my workshop, it's been decided to really limit the number of people attending. I want to make sure that I can have a really great one on one experience with those who are taking the time to travel.

I know that one of the most valuable things for me (and something that I would have appreciated very much in my first years) is great, specific feedback. I am grateful for people who know me, know my work, and give me Davina-specific constructive help and praise. So, I want to be that available and that helpful to the wonderful people attending this workshop.

That being said, we are keeping a waiting list for the next workshop for all of those who would have liked to have attended this one. Make sure to get the sweet hook-ups.

Can't wait for this weekend! It's going to be really amazing and I can't wait to meet everyone as well as see those I've not seen in too long.

Brittany + Clark

2007-01-19T01:01:00.000-07:00

For now. For Later. Forever. Brittany and Clark infused their day with so many details that had meaning to their lives. There was a huge bottle of wine from the week that Brittany was born. The ceremony was in a gorgeous location that held special meaning for Brittany's family with an intimate gathering of people who love them. There was chocolate and sweet commitments and a lot of fun. Old friends came together, there was dancing drama, and they danced the night away. It was a happy day that ended with laughing and bubbles. It was perfect.

If you're looking for a really wonderful caterer make sure to check out Danielle at Culinary Crafts. They were amazing and the food was extremely tasty!

Dancing + Laughing + Awesome Skills = A Really Great Day!

2007-01-17T12:02:00.000-07:00

Chad was dancing, Staci was laughing. Chad kept spinning his new ring around his finger. Staci put together some gorgeous pieces of art with her graphic art skills. Dad was moved to tears during a very touching version of "I loved her first". There was more dancing. Alot of kissing. Some snuggling. A delicious dinner was served. There were twinkling lights. There was a couple totally in love.

It was a Really Great Day!!

PS I think Staci should design for weddings. She did an phenomenal job of bringing everything together. Every aspect tied together seamlessly. Very top notch work, Staci!

Claire + Matthew

2007-01-17T02:34:00.000-07:00

Claire and Matthew are so easy going and have such a great relationship. They met, pretty soon they were in love, she lives in NYC and he lives here, and now they are getting married in August. We went to the place where he proposed (between the two trees on a couch) and for their wedding we are so doing something at that place!

They love everything about Ogden and I loved hanging out with them! I totally can't wait for their wedding!

The Magic Hour

2007-01-16T22:40:00.000-07:00

After way too many months of the magic hour=the kids are in bed and now I need to get as much work as possible done. Tonight was magic hour=sweetness.

My very kind and intuitive children knew that the last couple of days had been especially stressful for me and so we decided that today after about 1pm we were going to make it a super fun day. For Christmas, Grammy and Grandpa decided to stock the new art room full of supplies and the kids would get the chance to pick out all the crayons, paints, glitter (which always needs to be in large supply), glue, jewels, ribbon, paper, and every thing and artist needs to make great masterpieces. It was also a chance to stock up on science experiments for Emmett because his brain is always considering what's possible. We filled our cart at a couple of stores and brought all the booty home.

While I got caught up on a couple of things my very thoughtful children decided to surprise me. When I walked into the front room is was totally picked up and organized (this is saying a lot since it looked like a tornado/hurricane had hit it only 30 minutes earlier).

I'm already in love with my children but a surprise like that puts a mom over the moon with happiness!

Bedtime can some times be a crazy time of the day. Tonight it was sweet and perfect. After reading a Jesus story, singing a song, and praying it was time to jump into bed. My sweet Gracie climbed into my lap and cuddled her head into my neck. I love the sweet smell of her little self and the warmth of her wrapped in her favorite blanket. After not getting a nap today she was nodding off right away and her breathing fell into a rythmic sweet sleep. It's at this point that I don't want to move...ever. I just want to stay in that sweet moment forever, wrapped in her sweet sleeping, wanting her to never grow up. But ultimately she eventually tries to get more comfortable and I know that I can't keep her on my lap, gently sleeping. I've got to let her go. I've got to put her in her bed. After I lay her in her bed I see her sweet face and stroke her soft baby skin and can't imagine that she will grow up. The light from the hallway just reaches her face and I can see that she is peacefully in dream land.

There are so many wonderful things about bedtime. My little girls take the ponytail holders, braids, and headbands out of their hair and I gently untangle their blond locks with my hands as their eyes begin to droop and eventually close. I lean in to kiss them on the cheek and say, "I love you. See you in the morning." A groggy, mostly asleep little voice always says, "I love you, too, Mom. See you in the morning." In the next room my son has been completely immersed in a book and now is on the verge of sleep. I kiss his cheek (that's becoming less cool when he's fully awake with friends around) as he drifts into dreamland. I say, "I love you and thanks for the wonderful surprise of cleaning up the house." His sleepy voice comes from somewhere far away, "I love you, too, Mom."

When I come downstairs there is evidence of the sweet day we've spent together and the kindness of my children every where I look. Everything is clean and in the middle of the floor, lovingly placed into perfect piles are all the art supplies.

The Magic Hour= My Sweet and Loving Children.

New Studio

2007-01-16T00:47:00.000-07:00

Exciting changes are in the works!

We are in the middle of moving our studio and just want to let everyone know that our email and phone access is currently extremely limited, however, we are still receiving email and phone calls and will get back to you as soon as possible. We are very excited about the big changes ahead and appreciate all that so many of you have done to make us successful. Stay tuned for pictures after the workshop day.

Thank you to everyone who has helped me to get into the new studio. I could never have transformed the space with out you! Only a few more changes and beautiful things to add and it will be complete. Watch for the grand opening. Can't wait to see you there!

A Perfect Day in December

2007-01-11T00:20:00.000-07:00

It could not have been a more perfect day in December...it felt like a spring day. Trudy and Jamo were so much fun and the day was so completely gorgeous. Trudy was so happy and beautiful and Jamo couldn't say enough about her. I was so lucky to get to hang out with them so much. Their wedding was at Heritage Gardens. Trudy picked the perfect location for a wedding so close to the holidays. It was filled with Christmas and ohmigosh! the desserts were incredible. The artistic and fun treats to satisfy anyone's sweet tooth were non-stop. It was all so perfect and so full of fun.

I love how wonderful these two are together!

Ashlun

2007-01-08T23:54:00.000-07:00

I have been taking pictures of Ashlun since he was just a few days old and he is now a year old. Time goes by so quickly! I love and look forward to every shoot I have with Ashlun and his parents. We have a great time!

A Day with Davina

2006-12-22T00:35:00.000-07:00

Play with color. Capture emotion.
Push beyond your creative limits.
Spend a day with Davina!

I can’t wait to meet everyone who has registered for my January workshop! Held in my new studio, we will spend the day together covering the following:

9:30 am Meet and Greet: Enjoy a light breakfast with the group.
10:00 Basic Principles: Creating a great image.
11:00 Photography Masters: How they made great images.

Noon Lunch at Rooster’s on Ogden’s historic 25th Street.
1:30 pm Beyond the Limit: Using the basic principles to enhance your creativity.
2:30 Selecting the Best Locations.
3:00 Shooting with Davina
5:00 Critique and final remarks

If you are interested and have not signed up, I have a few openings left. Register quickly so you will be guaranteed a space!

This workshop is a hands-on photography class designed for both the novice and expert photographer. Bring your camera and see the world through a new lens.

Workshop will be held January 27, 2007.
Complete workshop fee is $500.
Write davina@davinafear.com for a registration form.

Old Mill + Ice Cream= Very Cold

2006-12-13T12:45:00.000-07:00

When Staci wanted to go to this old mill I kept telling her is was going to be really cold. There are so busted out walls, no heat, broken windows, etc. She kept telling me she didn't care, she wanted to go. And she didn't care. Not one complaint. And it even started snowing! We had a great time getting some really wonderful images. Staci was like wonder woman. I had her standing in the wind and snow and she totally went with it.

Staci brought her Grandmother's red coat just to keep warm between shots. When she put it on I was in love with it. I love the look of it in so many of the images!

Check out what great fun we had. And thanks so much to her mom for keeping things light and happy!

Christmas + Workshop=Perfect Christmas Gift

2006-12-06T02:16:00.000-07:00

For the photography lover in your life!

I am hosting a workshop at my brand new studio in January! This workshop is for anyone who loves photography and wants to know what the next step is. Be prepared to get into new creative places no matter what your skill level. We will take a look at some of the masters of photography, I will share the ways I get inspired before a shoot, and you will start to see light, shadows, angles, and emotion in new ways. You'll need to bring your cameras because this is all about the hands on process of photography. We will have a photo shoot, critique and a lot of fun. You can't miss this!

The workshop will be held on January 27th, 2007 from 10am-6pm and includes an entire day of eating, drinking, and living photography, lunch at the delicious Rooster's on Historic 25th Street, and a new perspective.

Register quickly there are only 10 spaces available.

Complete workshop fee $500.

Email davina@davinafear.com to request a registration form.

Making Cookies

2006-12-06T01:51:00.000-07:00

Annie and Katie's little family is so sweet! They made cookies with their dad...which I have to say were totally delicious! They danced with their mom, jumped on the bed and off of tables, and had lunch. We saw elves and ducks and went Christmas shopping for favorite toys. I was so impressed with how good and kind they are to each other. You can tell that there are a lot of wonderful things going on in their home and little family just by being with them for a few hours!

Side note: For anyone feeling like they are drowning under a sea of chaos make sure to get in touch with Amanda (Annie and Katie's mom.) She is helping me to get organized for my big surprise unveiling at the beginning of the year. She has been a lifesaver and so full of wonderful ideas. You need her if you want to get organized or you want decorating help! Call me and I'll get you in touch with her.

Check out the fun we had!

Disneyland!

2006-12-03T23:29:00.000-07:00

Staci works for Disney in Imagineering...which means she is one of the designers that designs the rides and all of that fun stuff for Disneyland. Her project when she was an intern was Goofy's House. We went and took pictures there and I was amazed. She is incredibly talented. Chad is a swim coach and goes every morning super early to coach and then comes to Staci's apartment to make her breakfast. Yes, he really did make the crepes and they were delicious! He let me try making one and it wasn't nearly as pretty as the ones he was making.

After breakfast we were off to Disneyland. We rode a whole bunch of rides, laughed alot, and had lunch. What a fun day! And what a fun job I have. I had such a great time with you, Staci and Chad! Thanks!

Keith + Keri's Wedding

2006-11-25T00:37:00.000-07:00

These two kiss like crazy and I love it! They are so stinkin' fun to be with and take pictures of! Keri planned to be sealed in her mother's wedding dress, wear a beautiful ivory gown out of the temple, and for she and Keith to see each other all ready to go before the ceremony.

When I heard that Keri was going to be wearing two different gowns on her wedding day I knew we had to make sure to get pictures of both dresses! So we arranged for them to see each other at Cucina (a place that Keith would bring Keri to on her lunch breaks)...with Keri dressed in her mom's wedding dress. Keri looked amazing in her mother's dress and I so love a lot of the pictures we took before the ceremony!

After the ceremony Keri came out of the temple in a gorgeous ivory gown that was amazing. Her little flower girls couldn't get enough of how beautiful it was! Keri chose Cactus and Tropicals for their reception. Keith had been part of the planning and construction of the building so it seemed like a natural choice for them. It was such a unique location for a wedding reception!

The day, even though there was rain, turned out to be so amazing for two amazing people.

Keri + Keith

2006-11-22T00:00:00.000-07:00

These two are sooo into each other! I love it! They enjoy each other and one another's company so much. The way they look at each other is a tribute to love. I have no doubt that they both think that they are getting the better part of the marriage. I had so much photographing them, just watching them interact was such a reminder to me of the awe that I always want to keep of my own husband. Thanks, Keith and Keri, you are an inspiration!

Jenn + Dima's Wedding

2006-11-20T17:28:00.000-07:00

Jenn and Dmitriy's wedding was such a fun, intimate evening filled with friends, laughter, meaningful toasts, vodka, Russians, hugs, cheek kisses, and lots of dancing. The intensity and warmth of the people was just incredible to be part of. I loved every minute!

Jenn and Dima are so much fun to work with. From the moment I took the first picture of them I knew that every time I lifted my camera I would get amazing images. The chemistry and love between them is hot!

Anna + Jonathan

2006-11-20T13:41:00.000-07:00

Anna and Jonathan were so fun to hang out with. They are photographers, too. And I was so honored that they wanted me to capture who they are right now.

We strolled to the Apple Store (their fave place to hang out and wish and dream) and then to Anthropologie (I knew Anna was cool when she said this is one of her favorite stores. If you've never been in one you have to go!). We had to stop for some hot chocolate at their usual stop, A Cup of Joe. We were having so much fun we went into the night and just had fun with different lighting from my car's headlights to city lights.

Shanda + Randy's Wedding

2006-11-19T19:38:00.000-07:00

Shanda and Randy are such a fun couple to hang out with and their wedding day was no different. The most important thing to them is there pictures and so when things ran a little crazy after their ceremony they made sure we still had plenty of time to get some really great images. As you can see we spent some time in the Joseph Smith Building and got some of my favorite pictures (although it's hard to choose since it's so easy to get a great picture of them!).

Shanda had been telling me about the hard work she had gone to getting everything just perfect for her wedding. When I got to the reception she had not left a single detail undone. It was an amazing sight down to the sweets that were at every table. It was a perfect, fun, vibrant day!

Hilary

2006-11-15T14:43:00.000-07:00

Holy cow! Hilary is so beautiful! When we did her senior shoot I knew we had gotten some really wonderful images. However, when I went back through them to get them ready for the blog I was blown away at how many were just amazing. She was up for anything and even walked all the way down 25th to get to the way cool graffiti wall they found. She was really fun to photograph...even if we did have a few extras trying to jump into shots. wink. wink.

Sweet Little Family

2006-11-15T14:09:00.000-07:00

See what I mean! They are so such a cute little family. I had so much fun shooting with them and hanging out on a perfect fall day. Their house was just beautiful so we did a little shooting there before we left to this really great trail a little ways from their home. We took the wagon with us and by the end it was time to ride in it again. I love so many of the images we got! These little girls are so stinkin' cute. I loved their personalities!

Trudy

2006-11-12T21:16:00.000-07:00

Trudy's shoot was so much fun!! We got to work in some really wonderful spaces in the old Draper City Hall. The light there was really beautiful as were a number of windows. It helped that Trudy was up for anything. She climbed up in window wells and scaled cement walls. We even found a red barn that was the perfect end to the day!

The Slideshow.

Jenn + Dima

2006-11-08T00:54:00.001-07:00

Jenn and Dima are such a smokin' hot couple! They told me that they weren't very good in front of the camera and as you can see they are total naturals. I was so excited every time I would check on an image on my camera during the shoot.

Not only are they totally hot together they also are the perfect complement to one another. I love that they are hot together, totally into each other, and are willing to take risks in their life together and then support one another.

I have so loved working with Jenn and Dima. It's been amazing!

Nightlife in NYC-Day Two!

2006-11-04T13:07:00.000-07:00

A bunch of us went to B&H, a HUGE photography supply store, in NYC. It's the must stop shopping place for any photographer who goes to New York. I had to get a picture of the Nikons in the window and a couple of shots inside the store.

In the evening I got to meet up with my parents and have dinner at the ultra posh, Uncle Jack's Steakhouse. The food was melt in your mouth delicious and the company was great. I always love having a chance to talk and get caught up with my parents. I love too that they still hold hands whenever they walk somewhere.

What a fun day!

I totally loved the name of this restaurant!! Have you ever heard of a place that serves burgers and cupcakes? Becker would love it!! I wonder if he knows!!

Xtreme Day Two

2006-11-04T12:50:00.000-07:00

The second day of Xtreme was super busy! I loved how much I learned about financials and improving the workflow of my studio. I can't wait to be back in Utah long enough to get things going and implement all the ideas that are going crazy in my head!

Working with Sarah and Lando was a dream. They just moved to New York a few months ago and were so excited to have the chance to go to all of their favorite places taking pictures. We went to Times Square, the subway, Central Park, and the Meat Packing District. It's amazing how many fantastic places there are to shoot in NYC. I just couldn't get enough! I can't wait for my next opportunity to go there. As you can see Sarah and Lando totally knew how to work it for the camera. I had such a great time with them and they were so patient with 10 photographers following them around. I'm sure that the people on the streets thought they were super famous!

What a fun day!

Halloween in NYC

2006-11-04T00:53:00.000-07:00

Whitney and Bobby. :)

On Halloween night after class we were all so hungry that we wanted to get something to eat before checking out the Halloween parade. We had figured that the revelers would be out until really late. We were wrong. We didn't see very many people dressed up. I was bummed not to have seem more peole enjoying the holiday.

Our dinner restaurant was not very good (I do love the picture I got of Amy though!)and so we decided that we would make dessert something really great. We headed over to Serendipity's. Wow! The desserts were huge and so were the menus (as you can see!). We ate until our stomachs felt like they were going to burst and had fun gabbing, laughing, and trying to get great pictures of our enormous ice cream concoctions.

When we were ordering we saw a $1000 Golden Opulence Sundae. We were told by our server (Coby Bryant for the night) that if was 3 scoops of ice cream in a crystal goblet with an 18 karat gold rim and an 18 karat gold spoon. Pretty fun.

I love that we also got to see Whitney Houston and Bobby Brown. It was pretty difficlut to get a picture of them since they were trying to get away from paparrazi all night! :) They were totally in character. It was hilarious!

Check out the places we went!

A group of us all went to The Gap and purchased INSPI[RED] shirts to support [RED]. The international outreach effort for people around the world that don't have what we have. It's an amazing effort. Check it out here and let me know what you decide to do to contribute....

I totally love the street vendors! If you ever go to Ney York you totally have to get the candied nuts that they sell. They are yummy and always warm...they are a great treat when you're walking around on a cold New York day!

Xtreme Day One

2006-11-03T17:59:00.000-07:00

Day One of Xtreme we had some classroom instruction and then it was out onto the New York streets for some photo shoot time. Ally was our group's model and she was awesome. She started workin' it and really getting into the shoot and we all got some really cool images. There were also other models around and every once in awhile I'd grab a shot of them.

Check out the fun. A big shout out to Ally for a really awesome job of modeling! Fun times!! And best to you on your upcoming wedding, it sounds like it's going to me really gorgeous. Keep me posted!

Xtreme Night Out

2006-10-31T22:39:00.000-07:00

Last night we went out to dinner to Bobby Flay's Mesa Grill for dinner. I so love being a photographer and getting to hang out with other really talented and giving photographers. Over dinner we discussed and shared ideas about one another's business. I'm so blessed to get to do something that I love so much and with such great people.

When dinner was over I was completely oblivious when a cake arrived for me. I was so surprised...no it's not my birthday (even though that's what Charles told our server).

Lauren Clark got some fun pictures!

Xtreme in NYC

2006-10-30T22:38:00.000-07:00

I'm in NYC at the Xtreme seminar with Liana Lehman and Jessica Claire. We are shooting at the famous Boyland Studios in the Martha Stewart Ominmedia Building! The studio space is totally incredible with some really incredible natural light flooding in everywhere. Check it out!

David Perry

2006-10-26T08:07:00.000-07:00

David Perry is a genius wedding videographer! I have loved his work for years and always love it when I hear that I'm going to get to work with him at a wedding. I've been so impressed with the way he goes above and beyond for his clients and friends. He's taught me so much about business just by the way he runs his own business.

So, when I needed to make a film for my presentation at the Pictage Partnercon in Los Angeles last month he was the one I called. His work is moving and real. I love that!

Check out my new film and let me know what you think in the comments! (page down to Davina's demo video) I'll be having a new website coming out in the next couple of months. Would you like to see it as part of the new site? Let me know your thoughts!

David filmed his own proposal!

Alta Lodge

2006-10-26T07:55:00.000-07:00

A couple of months ago I had the wonderful opportunity of working with Sheridan Davis at the Alta Lodge in Salt Lake City. Sheridan was amazing the details of the day that Rosemary and Tyler had planned with her. I was so impressed with how much she cared about them and how she was constantly making sure that they were happy and that there day was going perfectly. Sheridan kept the day moving smoothly and even always made sure that everything was okay for me. She was sensitive to everyone's needs through out the entire day. I was so impressed with her attention to the details of Rosemary and Tyler's wedding as well as her awareness of each individual at the wedding.

I can't wait to work with her and Alta Lodge again!

The Alta Lodge slideshow.

Trudy + Jamo

2006-10-15T19:38:00.000-07:00

What a fun time! Trudy and Jamo were game for almost anything! We went from Jamo's house to the outdoor mall to a little fruit stand with an orchard out back. I love that they were willing to stop places with people around. Trudy and Jamo have so much fun and laugh together. They are getting married in December...it's gonna be fun!!

The slideshow.

Morgan + Chris

2006-10-15T18:33:00.000-07:00

Morgan and Chris were so fun together on their wedding day. Morgan looked incredible in her gorgeous gown. It was perfect for her! There were so many people at their ceremony who were close to them and who were so happy for them to be together. I had so much fun getting to be with them on such a special day!

The slideshow.

Joe Buissink

2006-10-15T16:34:00.000-07:00

I am so excited to have the opportunity to go to Joe Buissink's workshop in Vermont! When I first started into wedding photography Joe was one of my biggest inspirations. I loved how he used and pushed film to it's limits. I also admired his ability to see moments that I wasn't seeing any other photographer see. He has a soulfulness to his work that moves me. I hope to someday have the soulfulness in my work that I see in his.

He is an amazing artist. He has a gift for seeing the power of a moment. And from what I've heard from everyone who knows him, he is an incredible person. I can't wait!

I leave in a couple of hours!!

Some fun at the Theatre

2006-10-12T00:41:00.000-07:00

Brittany and Clark met while acting in the production "Suessical the Musical"
at the Egyptian Theatre in Park City and have been together ever since. We got to go backstage and try on costumes and all kinds of cool stuff. The day was so beautiful we couldn't just stay inside so we ventured to a park. Brittany and Clark have so much fun together and are so into one another...very fun for me!

The slideshow!

It's a little crazy...

2006-10-06T01:42:00.000-07:00

because the studio is expanding and changing in some really big ways! It's so exciting!

I'm ready to hire an office manager, a designer, a second photographer (who will assist me at events), and a book keeper! I can't believe things have grown so quickly. There are way too many business/office things that I'm just not so good at managing. I really want to have someone doing all of that great and very necessary stuff who is a specialist at keeping everything in line. Not to mention that it's time a professional took over and organized all of my piles of jazz around the studio. That way I can concentrate on what I love most...shooting and taking care of my wonderful clients!

There are some big changes and soon you'll get to meet some really cool people that are going to be joining the studio.

If you are amazing at organizing or anything else on my wish list feel free to contact me at that studio. (davina@davinafear.com or 801.628.2893)

Christy + Ryan

2006-10-05T23:54:00.000-07:00

The little church that Christy and Ryan were married in was such a perfect place for their dear friends to come and witness their wedding. Christy and Ryan knew each other in high school and then found each other again after a lot of years and knew they were a perfect match. I couldn't agree more! They were so relaxed about their entire day and made sure that everything was just their personality and all about their families. They had a wonderful ceremony that was so them. Afterwards they went for coffee and then to the zoo (one of Christy's favorite places).

I loved the way Ryan looked at her so many times during the day...
it would be nice if every person in the world could have someone that looked at them like that.

Their slideshow.

The Colors of Fall

2006-10-03T08:50:00.000-07:00

Shanda has an incredible dress that was the perfect contrast against the fall leaves in the canyon. Shanda is so much fun and such a happy person. She's easy to work with and has those incredible eyes. We had a lot of fun laughing and singing and walking around. We were also racing the sun and braving the cliffs of Farmington Canyon. We got some amazing images though!

The slideshow.

Ali + Jon

2006-09-30T20:46:00.000-07:00

Ali and Jon are really incredible people. They are amazingly understanding and optimistic people. I have been so moved by Ali's graciousness and understanding. Her awareness of others and situations is really incredible. Jon is a wonderfully fun and jovial person. He immediately makes people comfortable and his smile is contagious and genuine. It's no surprise that they had people around them on their wedding day who were very dear to them. It was also no surprise (despite the unseasonably cool day--we could see our breath and there was snow on the trees) that there are so many times that I saw them laughing and loving every moment of their perfect day.

The slideshow!

Morgan + Chris

2006-09-30T19:52:00.000-07:00

Morgan and Chris were so relaxed and fun to hang out with. We ended up getting together close to dark and it was getting a little cold. They didn't care. I'm looking forward to their wedding and meeting the rest of their families! I think it's going to be very fun!!

Check out their slideshow.

Joanna + Ali

2006-09-27T00:04:00.000-07:00

The day was a little rainy but Joanna and Ali were totally great. They got a little soaked and the wind was a little cool but they were totally willing to walk around the city and go to a few fun places after we had hung out at their house for a little while (I love the way their dogs wanted to be in all of the shots!). They even took us to see the place where Ali proposed on New Year's Eve!

Thanks for a great evening and a fun dinner together!

The Slideshow.

Two Worlds Together

2006-09-20T23:09:00.000-07:00

Mairi and Ravi had told me about their wedding day before it arrived but I still wasn't ready for how really amazing it was! In the morning was a beautiful and touching American ceremony with a Scottish twist. Mairi's mom is from Scotland and so the ceremony and reception were filled with Scottish traditions...a six pence, a bagpiper, and a toast complete with Mairi and Ravi drinking from the same little goblet.

In the evening was the Indian Ceremony. It was a gorgeous and moving ceremony. The colors, the symbols, the weather...it was all just perfect.

Mairi and Ravi are incredibly gracious and kind people. I am so blessed to have gotten to be at their wedding!!

Morning ceremony slideshow.

Evening ceremony slideshow.

A huge special thanks to Millie who helped my out in a big way at this wedding!!

Joanna

2006-09-20T22:59:00.000-07:00

Joanna is totally gorgeous. What amazes me about her is the way her skin just glows from the inside! Seriously! She's just beautiful.

We had so much fun going all over Salt Lake. Thanks to her friend Trish we got to go into a really cool community yard in the Artist district. Joanna was workin' it and we got some really incredible shots!

The Slideshow.

My Birthday Cake

2006-09-20T22:54:00.000-07:00

My birthday was last week. I love my birthday especially now that I have kids! They always can't wait for MY big day. They get all excited and talk about it for days before it even gets here. So, making my cake was a big deal and they all wanted to be part of it.

At the beach in LA

2006-09-20T22:49:00.000-07:00

While I was in Los Angeles my friend Millie had a shoot with a totally cool couple. She invited me to come along and I'm so glad I did. We had so much fun!!!

Pictage Partnercon

2006-09-20T22:32:00.000-07:00

I love Pictage!!! Because of Pictage I have met so many wonderful photographers who are totally incredible people. They have helped me take my business to another level like no other company that I work with. I have been blessed by them in so many ways. So, of course, I couldn't pass up the chance to go to the Pictage Partnercon in Los Angeles! It was 2 days jam packed with great information and even better people.

A huge thanks to Raquel for working so tirelessly with the mentoring sessions to raise awareness and money for Thirst Relief International. So many mentors and so many awesome people gave so much time and money to save lives! Pictage and a long list of mentors helped to raise over $2300 for Thirst Relief International!!! Thank you everyone! It is always so wonderful to see how generous so many people are!

I'm also really grateful for the chance I had to give a presentation this year. I appreciate everyone who showed up and for the fabulous audience of people I got to speak to. All of you were really amazing...it couldn't have happened without you! Thanks!! (And my incredible husband for flying out just to be there for me...my presentation wouldn't have been what it was with out you!!)

Kindergarten...times two

2006-09-20T22:15:00.000-07:00

It's hard enough to send one child off to school for the first time...so two is even more difficult...but not for them! They were so excited for the first day of kindergarten! They pretty much ran into the building, ran to their desks, pulled out their first assignment and got right to work.

It's not so easy for me. Or for my little Gracie. She wants to be five. She wants to go to kindergarten, too. She wants to color at the big desks. She wants to play on the playground and go to recess. She wants to ride the big yellow bus.

She just won't this year.

So...she cried all the way back to the car. She was the first at the end of the driveway when she heard that the bus was coming down the street. She misses her brother and sister during the day. She wishes she were five...

The First Day of School

2006-09-20T22:04:00.000-07:00

The end of summer and the beginning of the school year is always so bittersweet for me. I love having my kids at home with me through out the summer and it always seems like it goes by way too fast. They just keep growing and I just can't keep up.

It's become tradition that on the first day of school my kids don't take the bus...I drive them and walk into their class with them (and take pictures,of course). I love this tradition but I think my little fourth grader won't think it's cool next year in 5th grade. So I was grateful for the chance to walk into his class with him this year...maybe my last year.

As much as I want my sweet kids to stay little and sweet and love me and no one else I also want to see them grow up and become wonderful adults, full of love and giving, compassion and goodness. I want to keep them to myself but I know they have great things ahead of them. So every year when school starts...I cry and I smile.

Wedding with Sara France

2006-09-20T15:49:00.000-07:00

I got to second shoot with Sara France about a month ago. She is an incredible photographer and I was so blessed to get to hang out with her, watch her work, see her get incredible images, hopefully be helpful, and just be in awe. Thanks Sara!

International Award!

2006-09-20T13:56:00.000-07:00

The WPJA (Wedding Photojournalist Association)is a prestigous association for photographers worldwide. I was very surprised and excited when I was invited to join. I've already loved the association! The quality, creativity, and generousity of photographers in WPJA is incredible. I'm blessed to be a part of it.

I entered my first WPJA contest a couple of months ago and was overwhelmed by the amazing work that so many photographers are doing. When I heard that I had placed in a category I was thrilled. I still can't believe it!

This is the image that won:

It's been a little crazy!

2006-09-20T13:50:00.000-07:00

Get ready because I'm about to post a boatload of fun stuff. This month I've been travelling, shooting, designing albums, having other professional photographers visit, my brother came to town, and even more fun stuff. On top of all that we are working on some major changes around the studio! So...stay tuned for all the fun!

Lookin' good together

2006-09-14T23:40:00.000-07:00

Randy and Shanda were so much fun to hang out with. They first met while they were working at the Haunted Hollow a couple of years ago. So...we walked around the trail and actually found some really great places for pictures.

Shanda and Randy are so natural and fun together. I love how sweet they are with each other and especially how kind Randy is to Shanda. They are so in love.
I can't wait for their wedding!! They have some really cool plans for their big day!

You have to check out how cute they are with their dogs!

The slideshow.

A lot of love to go around...

2006-09-14T00:22:00.000-07:00

This family is just incredible. When you walk into their home you can just feel the love, acceptance, and happiness that is there. With everything they've been through in the last 3 years things could be a lot different than they are for them. Instead goodness abounds. I know that being with them for a couple of hours really helped me to see the world and my life a little differently.

They are an inspiration.

The Family slideshow.

Abby's Slideshow.

A little vintage.

2006-09-12T00:47:00.000-07:00

Rosemary and Tyler's wedding was the perfect culmination of the vintage style that has been part of every session we've done together. When I walked in the rooms at the Alta Lodge and saw the style there and that it was the perfect fit for their look I was so excited. Not only were Tyler and all of his groomsmen all kinds of fun, Rosemary's bridesmaids were totally up for the same cool look. I had so much fun at their wedding!

I loved that they were into the fun surroundings and that Rosemary had put so much thought into all the details of the day. The boxes of chocolate reminiscent of her Grandmother's candy were just one of the many details that made the whole day so intimate and personal.

Once The Rubes got started playing the dance floor never stopped. Everyone danced until the floor was shut down....and then the party just moved to a new venue. Thank you to everyone who made the whole day so much fun. The energy was just amazing.

Rosemary and Tyler, you are just perfect together. Happy married life to you!

The show.

A little trip back in time...

2006-09-11T00:59:00.000-07:00

Ashlee and Jared had a gorgeous day for their wedding. With August being to unseasonally cool it was perfect! Ashlee planned down to the last detail to have a perfect 1940s wedding. Her dress, the flowers, the wedding hall with the perfect ambiance, and the milkshakes. I love that Ashlee put her touch on everything. Jared is so wonderful to her. I loved his kindness and his sweet support to Ashlee on such a crazy day.

Here's to happy married life!

The slideshow.

Abby

2006-09-06T00:16:00.000-07:00

I had so much fun with Abby! She is a senior this year and wanted to get some fun, relaxed pictures at home. We also did a shoot with the rest of her family and I'll post those a little later.

Abby is an amazing, kind, and talented person. She's already done some pretty amazing things in her life!

Here's a few of favorites from her shoot:

Cycle Cambodia

2006-09-01T11:54:00.000-07:00

Cycle Cambodia is a charity that cycles around Cambodia helping the people in little villages with the challenges they are facing. My brother, Devin is traveling with Cycle Cambodia in about one month. Each rider raises awareness and funds to provide for the needs of each village they visit. To donate go to www.justgiving.com/devin

£10 ($20) will provide 2 children with FOOD for ONE MONTH

£50 ($100) will provide a 6 MONTH TRAINING COURSE in a marketable skill for a young person to provide for themselves

£100 ($200) will provide a child's SCHOOLING FOR A YEAR.

For more info about Devin and his charity work click here.

My brother.

This is a little bit he sent to me about his work:

I am bike riding 277 miles throughout Cambodia in order to raise money for International Childcare Trust, a UK development organization that has been working with children living in poverty for the past 24 years. They are highly recognized in the UK and by other organizations such as the annual charity fundraiser Comic Relief.

I became involved with ICT when I was completing my MA in Children’s Rights at the Institute of Education, University of London. Previous to this I worked with children in development issues in China, Romania, Turkey, the UK and Kenya. I was attracted to raising funds for ICT because of their ideals and practices of working directly with children in development projects.

The money raised goes towards projects that help women and children in issues of relieving poverty and sickness and advancing the education of children and young persons who are in need, hardship or distress.

Some of the projects include creating opportunities for education and a safe haven off of the streets for street children in Cambodia. A project in Silvarpatti, India built a hospital and teaches women and children preventative health. In Kenya, ICT has helped build a children’s center in Liyavo that now has a village general shop, nurse, five acres of vegetable and fruit and vocational workshops that teach organic cultivation. This community development project helps over 1,000 children who attend the school and also more children in other centers in Kenya. Makandura, Sri Lanka is another site of an ICT project that relieves child poverty through education. ICT has set up a Vocation Training Centre there that helps children from 14 – 18 gain marketable skills that are in demand in the area. ICT is also has projects that help children who have been affected by the tsunami.