10 on 10 - June 2016

Another 10 on 10. I started this project 3 years ago as a way to be more intentional about documenting my own life as well as finding a way to reach out to other photographers around the country with similar goals and ideals. It's been a pretty fun project. I've met photographers from all corners that I would have never met otherwise (in person and electronically), and have come away with some treasured photos of my own life. As photographers we photograph others so often and preach the value of documentation and storytelling, but we sometimes forget to do the same for ourselves. Because of this project, I have 3 years chronicled, every month. ...not to mention it has been how much of our family keeps up on our crazy antics in the PNW.

All this to say, that while the 10 on 10 project has been great, I believe it has run its course. Since I have stepped into the role of full-time photographer, I've been able to reevaluate how I run my business and what will be the best steps going forward. Blogging seems to be fizzling out as an important part of a small business. I've been more busy than ever, and I haven't been able to keep up or give the project the love that it needs.

36 10 on 10 posts down, and I write this as my last one. Before we get to some crashing waves at the Oregon Coast, make sure to check out these other fabulous photographers:

ANYA ELISE PHOTOGRAPHY | AMY STRAKA PHOTOGRAPHY

BUTTON MEDIA | LELIA MARIE PHOTOGRAPHY | POGO PHOTO

SATIN SKY PHOTO | TWINTY PHOTOGRAPHY

And now onto my last 10 on 10 post; this last month. Before 2016, we would go to the coast about once, sometimes twice a year. This year we have been 3-4 times in the first six months. I'm not complaining. I love the coast in Oregon. Even when the weather is terrible, it has an eerie beauty that is unique to the PNW. This most recent trip, the weather was not terrible. It was perfect.

We ventured out for a day trip on Memorial Day to get away from the city and listen to the crashing waves.

Thanks again to all the photographers who participated in this project over the years. You all rock and hope to keep in touch. For those who have followed along all three years (mostly dad and mother-in-law), thanks for keeping up with the Zerizefs. I promise I'm not done taking or posting pictures of our shenanigans. More to come.

Until next time...

10 on 10 - January 2016

Last month, the mountains, this month, the ocean. I've been in Oregon for almost 12 years now, and it still blows my mind that one state can house so many diverse and incredible landscapes. Before we get to that though, as always make sure to check out the other 10 on 10ers listed and linked below

...there may or may not (but definitely will) be a new, little baby in the mix for coming 10 on 10 posts!! Congrats Lelia!! And, we have a new member. Welcome Jennifer (Satin Sky Photo)!!

ANYA ELISE PHOTOGRAPHY | AMY STRAKA PHOTOGRAPHY

BUTTON MEDIA | CASEY BRODLEY | LELIA MARIE PHOTOGRAPHY

LISA HIBBERT | POGO PHOTO | SATIN SKY PHOTO

SHAW PHOTOGRAPHY | TWINTY PHOTOGRAPHY

In other news: new year, new car! Our 1999 Rav-4 is gone to make room for a new one. What does that mean? Road trip! On Jan. 1st (that's right, I jumped right in to the new year), we took my new hog for an afternoon trip to the coast. It could not have been a more perfect day to make the jaunt from the city.

I've got to tell you though, this month, I feel a little guilty posting these photos. In the photography industry, sunset photos are kinda cheating, because well, it's hard to get a bad photo of a beautiful sunset over the water. But whatevs, I'm cheating. The sunset trip to the coast was just too dang pretty not to share. ...plus one of the things I love about the Oregon Coast is the juxtaposition of people wearing winter clothes at the beach.

Days like this make me very thankful for what I have in my small little piece of the world. Thankful for my family and friends who will take an unexpected day trip. Thankful to be able to enjoy this beautiful state. Thankful for this business that I'm really excited to grow more in 2016. Thankful for being able to buy a new car to take me to the beautiful coast, and thankful to be able to take the time to soak in all the goodness and beauty of this moment, and to simply exist.  

Until next time...

10 on 10 - July 2015

Can you believe it? It's been two full years of the 10 on 10 project! I'm still a little in awe that this small nugget of an idea to connect photographers across the country has continued, and even more so, that readers and photographers alike look forward to the posts each month. ...not only that, but the caliber and talent of this group is fun to take part. It's like I'm in middle school and I'm allowed to sit at the cool kid table.

This year, the group is growing yet again. Most of the previous participants are still active, but we also have four newbies joining the group. I'm really excited about the group as a whole because while everyone shows incredible talent, we all bring something different to the table. A different style, a different location, a different take on the same industry. So go ahead, take a jaunt. Check out the other 10 on 10ers and find yourself some inspiration. Then come back and check out my trip this month to FL.

Anne Almasy

Anya Elise Photography

Amy Straka Photography

Button Media 

CLB Creative 

Lisa Hibbert

Pogo Photo

Shaw Photography

Twinty Photography

This month, my 10 on 10 post is taking you all out of Oregon and as far east and south as we can possibly get. This summer, our family reunion was in Sarasota, FL.

Let me preface this with the background of how much I love our family reunions. I grew up traveling to see my cousins and aunts and uncles every other year. My mom is one of four kids, and the cousins are scattered in age with about 17 years from the youngest to the oldest. When you grow up seeing each other that often, even though we were always far apart geographically, your cousins become more than that one vague aunt's kid, they become your friend, an additional support, and confidant. Aunts and uncles become someone to seek advice, to look up to, someone who will support you throughout life and cheer for you through the hurdles.

I'm grateful to have a family that makes it a priority to all create time together, time to focus on the family as a whole and to also celebrate the growth the of each individual. ...and then there was the beaches. 

Needless to say, we had a pretty good time. I left Oregon thinking that I would have a few days with some time to work and catch up on e-mails. Apparently, I forgot that when you lay on a Florida beach, your mind automatically shuts out the real world for the rest of the week.

Posting the photos makes me miss it all already.

Until next time.

10 on 10 - October 2014

This month, the 10th kinda snuck up on me. It's been a whirlwind of a month. Luckily, I had my camera in tote a few weeks ago for a good friend's 30th. A true, unplanned, day in the life if you will. Before we get into the festivities though, make sure to check out all the other 10 on 10ers. As always, they are sure to have lots of good stuff for ya.

Shaw Photography

Twinty Photography

Anya Elise Photography

Button Media

CLB Creative

Brittany Conner Photography

Here in Portland, we have had a pretty incredible summer. I mean, it's hard to beat a summer in Portland on a regular year, but this year, our beautiful, sunny skies have stuck around without much rest, and all the warm, summer weather with it. 

As part of our fall/summer festivities, we celebrated Jeff's birthday. If I have learned anything in my 20 some years, it would be that another year older does not necessarily mean any of us have actually grown up. Most of us went to college together. Then spouses and other friends were added here and there, but when we all get together again, it's like no time has passed. It was like freshman year again in a few different ways...

If you are in Portland and haven't had a chance to try

BrewCycle

, go schedule it now. Some inward facing pedals on a wood and steal frame, music on the overhead speakers, and three stops of your choice.

A pretty nice little Saturday

. Our stops were

Pints

,

Old Town Pizza

, and

Deschutes Brewery

. There are a few seats that don't have petals, and those of us who were really smart took their turn on that seat when we were headed up hill. Mwahahaha. Suckers!

Thanks for being born and having a great 30th birthday celebration Jeff. Cheers to many more gatherings together for many years to come!

Until next time...