Happy Valentines Day

I can't think of anything better than showing off this couples wedding pictures on Valentine's Day. This couple was such a joy to work with, and the relationship blossomed from photographer/client, to a really dear friendship. It is things like this that make me love what I do. I love people and getting to know them and having these lasting friendship is the greatest perk of my job. D and A, thank you a hundred times over for such a memorable day!









Also I have to thank my second photographer. She was dependable and wonderful and the day was extra fantastic because she was there. Also this is one of her images that she should be extra proud of! Thanks Ash!

Happy Thanksgiving, Merry Christmas, & A Happy New Year!

Okay, so it has been a REALLY long time since I have blogged, but really that is because there has been a lot going on. I am so excited for this year! There are many things happening, and changes going on, not only with Cook Photography, but in my little family as well.

Throughout the rest of January, and through March, I will be posting lots of the fun pictures I took over the Holiday Season. A lot went on the season, and so many families really brought out the best in what I try to accomplish as a photographer.

Every year I try to go to Imaging USA in January. It is an annual event which offers classes, presentations, print competition exhibition, and a very exciting trade show. I love this event because it recharges me every year, and gives me new focus to accomplish my goals in 2012. One of my main goals for this year is for me to not only continue giving quality portraits, but to maintain the standards of professional photography. One of the things that will help me commit to this goal is going through the process to become a Certified Professional Photographer. What this means is I have to study really hard to take a test, and submit several images that show I understand the elements of photography. Becoming a CPP will put me in the path towards getting my Masters of Photography award, which I do hope to accomplish in the future.

The reason I am letting everyone know what my photographic goals are is because once you write it down, it becomes more permanent. Now it is something I have to do, instead of backing out and convincing myself of other things I could be doing.

Some of the other changes taking place in my life is that our family is moving to St. George, UT. I am excited for the change, but this does mean an entire business reconstruction. In the next few months my business will be in a different location, but if anything is ever needed, please don't hesitate to call, we will still be traveling to Salt Lake often. If you have had portraits taken in or before 2008, and you would like to purchase a copy of your negatives, please let me know. One of the changes is going to be that many of those pictures will not be moving with us, and I don't want anyone to not have those special family memories.

Also, facebook is something that I am not on often, but I do see the interest and need to stay connected with people. I recently deleted the Cook Photography page, so all business things will be posted in my personal account. If you would like to keep track of Cook Photography on Facebook, make sure to friend me, and I will link all updates there. This year I am implementing a new policy for facebook. Any portrait picture bought from your session comes with a digital facebook file. This way you can share some of your favorite portraits with all your friends and family! If anyone has any questions regarding some of the changes, just drop me an email.

October is always a great time for family pictures. For myself, it really is my favorite photographic season. I feel like the colors and tones always go with the things in my home. After I looked at this family's portrait, I thought "this is where I want my family pictures taken," it just has so many great elements in it. If anyone knows what their favorite season is make sure to call and book your session now, because nothing will mean more to you than having your portraits taken at a time when you feel most like yourself.

Thanks P family! I am so glad we were able to get together for this session!













So, I am thinking of stopping the Movie Quotes, vote to keep them or do something else!

"I can't look. Could somebody please cover my eyes? "

From when I was a small child I have loved puzzles. I could do them for hours. When I was 5 years old I remember stacking the wooden puzzles that we had and see how fast I could go through them. My husband doesn't understand why I have a framed puzzle in my daughters room from when I was a child. I think a lot of it comes when you have a puzzle out people come together and work together, all with the same goal in mind, to finish the puzzle. Now that I do what I do, i think sometimes that I am putting life size puzzles together. And when I get families together everything always comes together, outfits, background, timing... and the result we all want is the same, to have beautiful family portraits! (And these puzzles really are the best to frame and put on the wall!)





C family, Thank you! It was a wonderful evening, full of hugs, and pats, and laughs! Thank you for always putting your faith in me, and having me apart of your family! You are all wonderful, and I love being with you!

I appreciate every one's patience as we get through the holiday rush. If anyone has any questions about their session please feel free to call or email me, thank you!

The movie line for this post brings back special memories for me. When Adam and I lived with the C family, little J, (he was much smaller then) would come and watch this everyday. It was a great time in our lives. Thanks for the fond memories C family!



The answer to the last movie post was, "Watcher in the Woods."

"Something awful happened here, I can feel it. Something awful!"

I really hope someone knows this movie line. When I was a kid I thought this was so scary. I am sure knowing me I would still be scared even now, but it is the season, and I will probably make my family get freaked out with me, or laugh at me getting freaked out. Also the last movie quote came from the movie "Arachnophobia," which I will not be watching under any circumstances, no matter the holiday. Lets get some movie line guessers!



G Family, it was a complete honor to take your family picture. This is a family who I truly look up to. Each daughter knows who she is, and has a confidence that I only hope I can help instill in each my children. R and N, you are not only amazing parents, but great friends, and again I thank you for letting be there to capture these moments. Dont forget to leave your comments!

"Let's find your mom to take care of that spider. Honey, we're in the living room. We need you to kill a spider."

So as I went to post this blog I noticed that this was my 100th blog. I was so excited! I couldn't help but be a little overwhelmed thinking about the number one hundred. That is a lot of sessions, and I am grateful to all clients who have made it possible. Thanks all!!!

So the Christmas season is really right around the corner, and I just wanted to remind you to book your sessions now! Christmas Card deadline is December 1st!



S, you are so beautiful. You are amazing in all that you do, and I cant believe how much you have accomplished in your life, and the amazing woman that you are. Thanks for having me apart of your wedding expereince. Also, having B there with his gun, was a blast. You are both perfect togehter!









The answer to the last bog post "Nightmare Before Christmas" small hint for movie titles in my blog posts...they will be holiday themed!

"Jack, please, I'm only an elected official here, I can't make decisions by myself!"

Many times I find when I have never done something before, it takes me awhile to get the courage to undertake it. If I were to compare it to getting into a lake that is cold, I would say that I might stick my toes in, but the only way I am going in is if I completely jump, and that usually happens after I have thought about jumping for a long time...
This family picture has taken me a long to "jump" into, but now that I have, I couldn't be prouder. C family, I appreciate your patience, but I think it was worth the wait. You are all amazing, and thanks for taking the first jump with me!

Congrats D&A on getting way over twelve comments, and earning their mini accordi! It was awesome to read how everyone feels the same way about the both of you. It is a pleasure knowing you!

The answer to the last movie quote is, "The Bourne Identity"

"How could I forget about you? You're the only person I know."

I may have said this before, maybe a thousand times, but I LOVE BEING A PHOTOGRAPHER! Not only do I get an opportunity to take pictures of beautiful people, but I cherish the relationship that comes with it. When I first talked with A on the phone to schedule her wedding, it was like talking to a friend that I had not talk in a couple months, not a complete stranger, and meeting A & D in person was no different.

I really enjoy the theater, and one of my favorite musicals is Wicked. There is a song in the musical called "For Good," and everytime I hear it I always have a handful of people that cross my mind. The theme of the song is about people coming into our lives for a reason, and we can learn and grow from each other. I know several people who have come into my life, who have made such an impact on me, that they have changed me for "the good." A, I know we haven't known each other long, but thank you for the impact you have already made on my life. Friendships and relationship mean everything to me, so thank you to ALL of you who that I can say, "because I knew you, I have been changed for good."

D & A, every outfit change was awesome, every smile gorgeous. A, you are a complete babe, and seeing the way D looks at you was magical! When I was processing the pictures I giggled several times when I thought about Dave's pose :).

The answer to the last blog post was "Night at the Museum."

"Some men are born great, others have greatness thrust upon them."

This was such a tender sweet session for me. I got a call from S's Uncle a few days before, saying how when his nieces graduate from High School, and before they go off to college, he has their pictures taken with their moms. I was complete puddy in his hands after that. I loved that they had a whole day focused around this moment, and I am very flattered that I got to be apart of it. In the morning they both got their hair done, and later on in the evening they had a big family dinner for the graduate. S, you are stunning. You have a beautiful smile that makes me smile when I see it, and when your eyes look at the camera, it is going to leave everyone completely mesmerized. A, thanks for the phone call. It was great to see you again, and I really was so touched at the awesome gift you gave!















Remember to leave your comments. I would love to see S get a mini accordion to take with her off to college!

The answer to the last blog post is "Ever After"

"I shall go down in history as The Man Who Opened a Door!"

Oh what a night! I love going places with a goal in mind, and then having my ideas not only met, but well exceeded. This wonderful couple holds a special place in my heart. S & B, thank you for the opportunity of taking your pictures. I am super excited about the wedding day. I know it is going to be spectacular. Make sure to leave them a comment so they can get their mini accordion album!!! Also a special shout out to Ash for all your help. It was awesome to have you along!













The answer to the last blog post is "A League of Their Own"