Alhambra | Granada, Spain {In Retrospect}

I was looking through images from our trip to Granada, Spain in 2007 earlier today. I thought you'd enjoy these images from the Alhambra.

The Nasrid Palace, the residence of the Muslim rulers of Granada and their court, and surrounding gardens are the main attraction. Truly inspiring. The craftsmanship and attention to detail are absolutely breathtaking. I did a 20 page research paper on the muqarnas ceiling in Hall of the Ambassadors while studying Islamic Art and Architecture as an undergrad. It brought me to tears to see its stunning beauty in person. It was my favorite class at BYU from my favorite professor, Dr. Finlayson, and it honestly changed my life (it's the only class I took as an undergrad that inspires me to reread class notes and my writing assignments just to refresh my memory).

The Nasrid Palace is an incredible experience for the senses- you can't even begin to communicate what it feels like to be there through images. The natural light flooding into the rooms of the palace, the smell of stock (a very fragrant flower) and wysteria, the cool breeze blowing through the open windows, the view of the surrounding city from the palace, the calming sound of the countless fountains, the lush courtyards, the colorful gardens and beautifully arranged grounds- the way it felt was just indescribable. Literally thousands of people explore the Alhambra each day, but I don't remember the crowds that surely surrounded me. It was so peaceful and quiet, and I wasn't the only one in awe. It's one of those places where there is just no reason to talk.

It was a once in a lifetime experience that I hope to have again someday. The Court of the Lions was being conserved while we were there and it was disappointing not to experience it, but now I have a reason to go back.

I love reliving my adventures through photography. All images were taken by me with my old point and shoot.

Hall of the Ambassadors, muqarnas

Ethan {Newborn Portaits}

Portrait of San Francisco {I Love to Travel}

I visited San Francisco for the first time last weekend. Definitely one of my favorite US cities and very cozy. Yes, I found it to be cozy. Must have had something to do with the fresh clam chowder in a sourdough bowl and the mint chocolate sundae in a waffle bowl from Ghiardelli Square. Definitely. My favorite part of the day was when we went to a lesser-known overlook to see the Golden Gate Bridge. The light was absolutely stunning as the sun went down.

My list of "I must come back here" cities is getting rather long.

Old School {Personal Work}

One of my New Year's resolutions is to shoot more with film and make time for more personal work. I saw these fabulous desks through a window on campus yesterday and couldn't resist. I'm a sucker for authenticity and design in context (blame it on grad school)- I'm sure these desks are original, and I absolutely adore the detail work in the cinder blocks on the walls. They perfectly echo the exterior of the structure this room resides in. You may think it's outdated, but this room makes me grin from ear to ear. I hope those desks never wear out.

And I think I could spend an entire day inside a library with my camera. Perhaps I will.

Amelia {Portrait of a One Year Old}

We really lucked out yesterday with the weather. We were able to start our session with this little darling indoors, then we moved outside to enjoy felt like a warm summer day compared to the cold we've experienced here in Utah lately. Amelia's mom and I were so warm we took our coats off, and as you can see, Amelia didn't mind being outdoors either.

Isn't she darling in that little sailor dress? I didn't even have to do anything to get her to smile. Amelia is one of those angel babies who is happy all the time. Hmmm I can only imagine what that would be like... I think the last image is my favorite.