Lavender Festival

It was five years ago that my family and I stumbled upon the Sequim Lavender Festival. Ever since it has been one of the highlights of our summer. Although I unfortunately can not convey through photos the wonderful smells of ocean, lavender and sunshine that accompany this wonderful festival, nor the lavender flavored ice cream, I hope that you are able to get a sense of why I love this festival so much! For me photography is all about getting out there and taking pictures of whatever catches your eye and this festival allows me to do just that. If you have ever been to Sequim, Washington the first thing that will catch your eyes will probably either be the dramatic coast line or the foothills of the Olympic Mountains and here is a photograph of each.

Sequim is on the top part of Washington right on the entrance to the Puget Sound. One of my favorite hikes is to go out on the five mile spit to the lighthouse, where you become surrounded by ocean.

Another of my favorite hikes (are you catching on to a pattern here?) is also just outside of Sequim. Hurricane  Ridge is at the heart of the olympics and an amazing sight to see no matter how long you have lived in the area. 

So back to Lavender...there are fields and fields of it and farm after farm of it as well and it sure does smell and look heavenly! 

You can even cut your own bundle...or if your my mom then three or four :). 

I love the contrast of the bright green and purple that the Lavender creates. You can even catch a small glimpse of the bees busy at work in the background. 

And because I love flowers...and because poppies and Lavender seem to mix well...and because I couldn't help myself, here are two more photos for the road. Enjoy!

Island Life

I love summer. Not just because the sun makes constant and may I add, warm apperances but because it means longer days, camping, barbecues and of course the sprouting of beautiful flowers...everywhere! Even though I don't get summers off as I once did, I am lucky enough to work in a place that is extremely photogenic.

This picture involves so many of my favorite things! Lavender, blue skies, daises, hollyhocks, roses and lilies!

When I step out of the kitchen, this is what I am met with everyday, paddle boarding anyone? 

Here are some closeups of flowers that I found as I was walking around. It never fails to surprise me how many things I find to take pictures of when I least expect it. 

Hollyhocks, pictured above are so amazing. They usually tower way above my height with beautiful and detailed flowers. Unfortunately, to photograph them strait on showing the height can create a boring photograph, so I tried a new angle that I found much more appealing. 

Lastly, I found some daises. For some reason I have always loved to photograph them from below rather then the top. The shadows that the petals create mixed with the contrast of the blue sky create a combination that makes the photographer in me smile with glee.