Just Do It!

I am a pretty sensitive guy, I like chic-flicks, children laughing, and special moments. That's why I enjoy weddings so much because so much is put into one special day.

This morning I received an email from our church (Northwest Family Church) telling about this weeks upcoming service. After I read the email I watched the video clip and I cried and cried. I hope this encourages you today:

It was the most memorable moment of the 1992 Olympics in Barcelona. Four years earlier, just 10 minutes before the starting gun, record-holder Derek Redmond had withdrawn from running the 400 meter race due to an Achilles tendon injury. Five surgeries and four years later he wanted to win a medal. It was his day.

Moments into the race Derek was in the lead, a shoo in to win the race with only 175 meters to go. Then he heard a pop – his right hamstring snapped. He fell to the surface. After the other runners passed him, he got up on one leg and started hopping, not toward the infield and the medics and stretchers, but toward the finish line. He told the medical crew, “There’s no way I’m getting on that stretcher. I’m going to finish my race!”

65,000 people in the stands and millions around the world watched via television and they were all clapping, cheering and crying. Derek’s dad jumped from the stands to support his trip down the track. At the last moment Jim Redmond let go of his son so he could cross the line alone.

For Derek, the past was gone, tomorrow would take care of itself – but TODAY he needed to “just do it.” Don’t get anchored to yesterday or dawdle away the hours until tomorrow arrives. The race is today. Get in it.











1992 Olympic Video

WPJA

It's always great to set goals, and a few months ago I had set a personal goal to be in the WPJA.
WPJA stands for the Wedding Photojournalist Association and there is a lot of great photographers from around the country there.

This morning I got an email this morning that said-

"Welcome to the WPJA community ron!"

How cool is that! I know it is just the preliminary email, but I am pretty excited to be with this group.

Thanks Dave!!

Klee Kai are amazing

Klee Kai dogs are so amazing - I think pound for pound they pull a ton!

Madison was out recently with Sausi and Kodi and they were having a lot of fun running around. Yes, there are two toy dump trucks that he is riding on - crazy!

Proud of my boys!

We had our first official track meet and Grant lowered his time in the 100 meter to 12.62...so little by little. And Madison Allen (our boys best friend) was able to get second place with his first Triple Jump at 35'3"! I think it was really special because Rick and Druci just arrived back from Europe in celebration of their 25th Anniversary...what incredible people...and they were able to watch their son Madison. Happy Anniversary Rick and Druci!

And what was really cool for me was having Torey shoot along with me too. You will see his images with the Foto-boy logo.
Very artistic and soooo cool.

Yep, I am proud of my boys!

Choosing rings at EE Robbins with Steve and Monique

One of the best places in the Northwest for newly engaged couples to find a ring that is special and unique for them is EE Robbins.
There is no pressure sales, awesome selection and a great atmosphere. I suppose that is why so many of the couples that come to me have purchased their rings from them.

And this week I had such an incredible time to be with dear friends Steve and Monique as they finalize their ring. Steve and Monique are such sweet people and totally in love! Man, I enjoy capturing these special moments!

Time just goes so fast...and I am glad that I was with them as they begin to experience their life together.

Little Gremlins aka Klee Kai

These cute little Klee Kai are so cute, but when no one is around they become little gremlins. Today they decided to see how far they could get with the toilet paper. A quick calculation was a good 50 feet!

If this keeps up I think I will need Charmin as a sponsor.

More Blogger Problems

Hi!

Well, the cool thing this year has been blogging...no doubt about it!

Theoretically I think that the flow should be to write the text and then quickly upload something from the previous shoot. However, Blogger seems to be having some serious issues and it is really eating at my work flow effieciency.

I look forward to sharing something soon!

Arrest that thinking

You know anyone of us can mess up at anytime we want. We may be rich or poor. But, those decisions, those selfish decisions can really cost us.

Take for instance today. Jerramy Stevens who is a tight end for the Seahawks really screwed-up. Here's the article at the
Seattle Times.


The is not a blame game, it just shows that each of us has people counting on us to hold the line...to be full of integrity.

But do we always bat 1000? I don't think so.

So look, the day is half-over...arrest any negative thoughts, start again and mental draw a picure of yourself and how you want it to look like.

For Jerramy, I suspect it will be on another team....bummer, cause we liked him a lot.

Grant cruises in at 12.98

Yesterday, was the first track meet of the season and it was great watching our Grant run his first 100 meter race. He already realizes what he needs to do to run faster. He is self-disciplined and a hard worker. And since it is early in the season and the weather was pretty crummy I am sure he will vastly improve. For those of you who have kids, you know how cool it is to watch your kids do something special. Denise and I are so proud of our boys!

It was also great to see the spirit of one the girls, Nikki Snider, under pressure too. Nikki was doing so well and then crashed on one of the hurdles. (That has got to hurt!) Fighting back tears, she got back up and raced on...way to go!! What amazing purpose and tenacity!

Nolan Ritter did well too equaling his best in the pole vault from the previous year.

Have a great week folks...and don't forget to dust off the camera and record some memories, "because life doesn't stop."

In Seattle with Aimee Bowman

Yesterday I had the opportunity to shoot Aimee Bowman. We cranked around Seattle and found some cool spots to shoot and even got stuck in traffic. No fun there!! But shooting Aimee was a awesome cause she is such a sweet person and such a cutie too! We did have some rain, but not the downpour that was forcast.


What a beautiful smile!!























Aimee cruises by the new Olympic Park





















Aimee relaxes by the waterfront





















Did I tell you that she loves to shop....she does!

Grant signs with Seahawks

This morning my son Grant came in all excited. He said "the Seahawks sign Grant!" Actually it's not my son they signed....it's Deon Grant a Free Safety. But we can hope someday right? Yesterday, he was bummed because the Seahawks let go Grant Wistrom. Sad to see, but overall the Hawks have been building a pretty awesome team.

Spiking

Well, I have always had pretty much the same hair style for much of my adult life. But I guess it was in Mexico a few years ago that things began to change. I was shooting in the Central Mountains and it was an unbelievable shoot working for a ministy there. But after days of shooting and hanging out of an airplane - literally....my hair was crazy.

So, this past year my look changed...because I liked what I saw back then. Crazy, creative, on the edge...whatever...there was something that I felt. Perhaps it was my life flashing before my eyes. HA!

Anyway, I found this cool product "Spiker" that holds my hair together since it's so fine. And I can kinda get the same effect as hanging my head out of an airplane at 140mph!

The funny thing was that after arriving in Seattle, I got off the plan and was pretty annoyed that someone was moving the ramp to the plane. "Shouldn't they know not to do that when people are deplaning," I thought. When I got to the terminal that's when I realized something was really wrong, because it was moving too! The next several days were pretty miserable as I recovered from vertigo from the prop blast.

So, now I just use Spiker!

Get out of the box!

"Common - Get out of the box"

Well, Roxanne didn't quite say that during the ceremony...but it was kinda like that. The butterflys had been kept in the fridge a little too long, and hadn't quite warmed all the way. So, when the box was opened they all wanted to just hang out.

I believe that capturing these moments forever is such a blessing. And even though these moments could make someone feel like their event wasn't perfect, I think that it IS what makes their event so special and perfect.

Janea is home!

At last our dear Janea Allen is home. She has been gone to Asia and recently returned with her team and last night was the first time we have seen her in a very long time. Her team did ministry throughout Asia and it was an incredible blessing to hear some of the stories of pretty cool miracles.

It's always interesting telling those stories. I have found that it is interesting that people either reject them or accept them readily. I think that the reason most people reject them is that they have been burned. Either people have broke trust with them or they feel like God let them down.

Been there...I really have. I find the older that I get I tend to be very balanced...maybe too balanced.

Have you seen God's work in your own life lately? If not why?

I want to be as close as I can to Him. Because I know that without that closeness my life is just dry...empty.

Perhaps at another time I will share some of the wonderful miracles in my life. In the meantime, I will share one more picture from last night. It reminds me that God wants to bless each of us, but there is a gate between us and the blessings...press in, and open the door.

Life Journals

One of the cooler things in the past 5 years has been a new thrust into consistent daily reading of the Bible. Rick Allen suggested that we start this and although just beginning I can tell that it is going to be great. LifeJournal
has these cool little books that encourage each person to read and journal...yep, kinda like blogging but with paper! Anyway, the cool thing is that although everyone is doing the same Bible reading and writting down what God spoke to them about in that passage, it is many times something different tailored to that person. You can order your own online and they are only like $5 bucks each.

What's your Priority in a Wedding?

Every wedding is so unique and that's the way it should be. Every couple chooses to set their own priorities for their event. But we have noticed a new trend here at ron storer photography. Clients are checking with us to see if we are available first, before moving forward with anything else. How cool is that?!!

After all the bakery, catering, and even the florist can handle several weddings a day but the photographer who will shoot the most memorable events of the couple's new life together can only be at ONE place at a time.

So, where am I going with this?

If you like what you see here on my website, consider booking it asap. We have spent a great deal of effort making this site as comprehensive as possible and are moving forward to make it even more informational. Furthermore, as we grow, I often have more than one bride looking for the same day, but I book out on a first-come basis.

Unfortunately, even sharing this could sound high-pressure, or even worse arrogant...but neither would be accurate. I am simply sharing this to avoid any dissappointment. Sound good?

Here is what I strive for in everything:

To be real
To be professional
Constantly learning
To be creative
To be honest
To be caring
To be loving

What else...?

I enjoy meeting new people.

Like last night I met with a wonderful couple - Melissa and Joe. What an incredible bond we felt with each other! This couple is one of the sweetest couples I have ever met. I can hardly wait to photograph their engagement session and wedding in the next months.

How is it possible to have such closeness that quickly...I am not sure. But, I thank God for dear clients and friends like Melissa and Joe - they make my work a joy!

The Balanced Athlete

If you are in need of running or walking shoes and want to know where to shop in the Seattle area, go to The Balanced Athlete.
Our son Grant is starting Track this year at Riverside and we found the service by Eric Sach to be incredible! They have a great selection of shoes, clothing and suppliments with no pressure sales! In addition they video tape and monitor the biomechanics of each customer, giving sound advice based on years of experience in the industry and competition.


Eric sets Grant up on the treadmill and video tapes the process

















Eric shows Grant what issues they need to address for the correct shoe selection


















Grant test drives the shoes and runs down the sidewalk
























Grant checking out two pairs of shoes to see what ones he like best

















Another test drive as he blows past the store front

















Eric shows Grant how much his mechanics have improved
























Eric shares some stories from his running days

Pinewood Derby and the Master Designer

This morning in our men's group I was encouraged by a dear friend Dan Ackerman. Dan explained that our daily walk with God is similar to what parents do in Pinewood Derby for their children. Dan was saying that, God as the Master Designer knows the concept that he has for us. He chisels here and carves there. And just when we think He is finished he breaks out the sandpaper. Ugh!!

This week I felt like I was having some major remodeling and it was humbling. But Dan is right...we need to submit to God as He has our best interests in mind.

By the way...here is one of the cool cars that I worked on with my boys.



Jeremiah 29:11-14 NLT
For I know the plans I have for you," says the LORD. "They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. In those days when you pray, I will listen. If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me. I will be found by you," says the LORD.