Summer Adventuring | Part One
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Our whirlwind week+ adventure came to a close last weekend.
I took a lot of photos. A lot.
And I'm so glad I did.
I'm going to break up the adventure into three posts because there were really three separate parts with a cast of characters that come in and out.
Our adventure started out with a 4-day camping adventure with my brother's family and a bunch of their friends. This is the same group we've been going with for three of the last four years and it's a treasured tradition. You can see photos from past years here (2011) and here (2012) - it's magic to look back through the years and see what's changed and what's stayed the same. These are usually some of my favorite photos of the year.
For this adventure I shot mostly with my DSLR and supplemented with my iPhone. On some of the photos I've added digital word art from the following sets available at Designer Digitals:
Camping for us began with a road trip.
We pulled off to the side of the road for this shot. I set my Canon 5DMKII on the dash with the 24-70 lens opened all the way for a wide shot and set the timer. Love these kind of in-the-car shots to start the adventure.
Camping is for fishing and wide open spaces and room to spread out.
Camping is for hanging out around the fire for hours on end both day and night.
Camping is for snuggling up in the tent.
Camping is for drinks around the fire.
Camping is for capturing relationships.
And celebrating family.
Camping is for storytelling.
Last year my cousin Rob and my brother introduced the kids to Shakey the Bear.
Shakey leaves notes and treats for the kids. They run like crazy when someone finds a note (like the one painted above) and usually find something cool waiting for them: bubble wands, bandannas, pop tarts, etc.
Camping is for hot dogs and for connecting with old friends.
Camping is for giggling.
Camping is for conversations about setting up an Instagram account to share lego guys camping adventures.
Camping is sometimes for digging clams.
And for eating them.
Camping is for getting in the water.
Camping is for checking stuff out.
And wandering.
Camping is for music during the day and at night.
Camping is for moments.
Camping rocks.
LOOKING FOR SOME PHOTO INSPIRATION THIS AUGUST?Susannah Conway invited me to contribute to her August Break project - a photo-a-day community event for the month of August. I think it's something many of you might have an interest in as you experience the month of August. Get all the details on this free month of prompts here.
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27 comments
Your photos are beautiful. Breathtaking scenery. I love how you capture relationships with your camera. Michelle t
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That first photo is seriously amazing!
And man oh man this makes me miss home. I was raised just outside of Portland and camping was a big tradition in our family. We took one or two BIG, week+ long trips every summer in addition to mini weekend camping trips throughout the summer months. Mt. Hebo was a favorite spot when I was still in elementary school, as well as some fun sites out near the coast. So excited to see parts 2 and 3!
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Love this!! I've taken a lot of awesome tips from you over the years and feel like this year on vacation, i was truly able to capture so much more than other years. My photos tell a story.
Also...btw. Anna is STUNNING! What a beautiful girl full of spirit. It shines right through. You're doing a great job, momma.
Happy wednesday!
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I'm not a camper but your pictures and words made me wish I was! Just beautiful, Ali!
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That last photo of the three of you... oh my gosh!
That's the kind of photo that when your kids are grown and they look at it, they'll sit everything down and call and tell you, "Mom, I love you."
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Fun times!
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Wow, Ali. Great shots. LOVE the shot of Aaron playing by the fire. So, so great.
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As always, thank you for sharing your life with us. Haven't "stopped" by in awhile. Was cleaning my much neglected scrapbook area last night and discovered some of your first books you published. Enjoyed re-discovering them. Love your work, it certainly is timeless. This post is a perfect example!! Thanks again for opening your life and adventures.
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This trip looks great, Ali! I love the last photo of you- you look so happy!
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Loved this post!
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There is nothing better than wide open spaces in nature! The campfire shot of your man and his guitar rocks! Looking forward to seeing your next segment!
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Loved this post and all the photos. Every single one. August Break project sounds really fun and easy.
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When I was a kid, Dad would take my brother & I with a few cousins, camping. In "them" days campgrounds were rare and we always just set up next to a river. Or anywhere!
Very fond memories of tubing down the river and eating fresh trout Dad'd caught that day! Priceless!
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Love reading about your travel adventures. Look forward to the next 2 posts. Thanks for sharing.
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...and from the computer screen, right to a layout! Great photos and words!
We go on camping adventures every year with three other families and it is SUCH a great time. Once everything is set up, the relaxation sets in and your biggest worry is what to cook. Thanks for sharing yours. Looks like a great spot.
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I absolutely loved this.. it actually brought back so many memories from when i used to go camping.. makes me miss it.. love all the photos!! you are my creative inspiration!!!
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are you willing to share where this camp spot is? It looks fantastic location for multiple families. The last photo is the best... pure smiles.
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Hi Liz - it's actually on private timber land (my brother works for the company) - outside Olympia, WA.
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Looks like all of you had a great time! Thanks for sharing your photos, they were awesome!!
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So, so cool. I noticed the fiskars scissors - I had a giggle.
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I was looking for the 'like' button because this post totally made my smile! Camping is my favorite. Such awesome memories made here.
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