Dipnetting - Alaska Life
I’ll admit it – I don’t know why I love dipnetting. It’s one of those activities that’s just pure, unadulterated joy, and I can’t explain it in any other way. Maybe it's the simple thrill of it all, or perhaps it’s the way the community of people gathers along the beach, all of us working together with one common goal: to catch fish.
You're missing out if you've never been to a Kenai beach on a sunny day during the dipnetting season. Picture this: the water is glistening under the sun, the air is filled with the salty scent of the ocean, and everyone around is happily hauling in fish, laughing and shouting as they pull in one after another. It’s messy, it’s loud, and it’s a whole lot of fun.
Of course, it’s not all pristine beaches and perfectly caught fish. The sand gets everywhere, no matter how careful you are, and if you’re standing in the water, fish guts tend to fly. It’s part of the process – part of the experience. Pooping seagulls are a constant, and there’s the occasional fish you didn’t quite land the way you wanted, but it’s all part of the charm. When you get a solid catch, and your net is full, there’s nothing quite like the feeling of success.
But let's be real — it's not always sunny, and dipnetting definitely has its tough days. On those freezing, overcast, rainy days, it can feel like the fun has been sucked right out of the experience. You’re cold, wet, and watching the rain beat down on the water. The fish are nowhere to be found, and you start questioning your life choices. But as soon as that sun breaks through and the fish start biting, all of that fades away. There’s a unique satisfaction in knowing that, no matter what, you’re part of something bigger. It's the heart of Alaskan living – gritty, raw, and yet, so rewarding.
For me, there’s no better way to spend a summer day than on the Kenai beach, dipnet in hand, a bright sun above, and the excitement of the catch filling the air. It’s more than just fishing. It’s about community, tradition, and the simple joy of getting out there and being part of the world around you.
As an Alaskan gal, I’ll take a sunny day on the beach with a dipnet in hand over anything else. It's not about what I catch – it’s about the experience, the people, and the moment. And on a day like that? There’s no place I’d rather be.
Colony High Swim Team
Another meet for Colony Swim Team! They did great, and some of them headed to state!!!
Colony High Dive Team
I spent a few hours photographing the Colony Dive Team at the Palmer pool, and it was a really enjoyable experience. I love using my underwater camera to capture the action as the divers perform their flips and twists. It's always fun to get into a good rhythm, adjust my shots, and work to get the perfect composition, though I definitely came close to swallowing more than a little pool water in the process! It was a great afternoon, and I’m always happy to capture moments like these. The kids were great to work with.
Dipnetting on the Kenai
We took a family trip down to Kenai, and let me tell you, it was an adventure! We went dipnetting, and it was so much fun—imagine standing knee-deep in the chilly water, trying to catch those big fish with nothing but a giant net. The kids had a blast. There is nothing better than pulling a salmon in! The catch was great, but wow, by the end of it, we were all wiped out. Our muscles were sore, and our feet were freezing, but the memories (and the fish!) were totally worth it. What a day!
Do I Really Need to Take Senior Photos?
Senior photos have become the norm, but this doesn’t mean you need to schedule a photo session if you don’t want to. Before you make a final decision, though, here are a few things to consider.
● You need to take a yearbook photo anyway. Yearbook photos are generally plain and boring, so why not take a photo you will actually like looking at and that truly represents who you are.
● The photo shoot is just for you. This might be one of the few times (or only time) you will be the sole center of attention during a photoshoot. Throughout your life, other people will generally always be part of your professional photo sessions, but your senior session is just for you. When you have a session with Windswept Studio we have a consultation where we brainstorm ideas. You can include a talent or sport like dancing or swimming. You might also want to include your pet. I am up for all of your ideas that will make the photos special to you. I’m also available to travel, so if there is somewhere special to you, lets see what we can work out.
● This is a major milestone. Your senior photos mark a massive milestone in your life, one that deserves to be celebrated. By not taking these photos, you might regret it later on in life when you want to reminisce on your high school days.
● You can use them at your graduation party. If you’re planning to have a graduation party, photos of your entire school career make for the perfect décor. The collection won’t be complete without photos from your senior year though. You can even use one of the photos to create your invite.
● They make for great gifts. Professional senior photos are the ideal gift for your parents and grandparents. They’re already proud and certainly wouldn’t mind being able to show you off in their home.
● It’s a fun experience. You can have your hair and makeup be professionally done, and then we spend a few hours exploring Alaska! If you’ve never had your photos taken by a professional, get ready to have a fun and positive experience. This is the ideal time to capture who you are in your senior year. Plus, you get to decide on your outfits, location, and the style of your photos. Your senior photos offer a fun and unique way to express yourself.
In the end, scheduling a senior photo session makes the most sense and once you see the results, you’ll be glad you did it.
Quick Tips to Help You Survive Your Senior Year
You’ll never experience anything quite like senior year. It’s one of your life's busiest and best times, but it can also be overwhelming. If senioritis is hitting you hard, here are a few things you can do to boost your mood and make your school days more enjoyable.
1. Make as Many Memories as Possible.
The last thing you want is to get to the end of your senior year, only to realize you don’t have any fun memories. You are busy, but this doesn’t mean you can’t make memories with the most important people. Participate in as many senior events as you can, including senior nights and prom. You can also arrange a senior photo session with your friends. These professional photos can accompany you to college and are a keepsake you can look back on, again and again, years from now. It can help you feel better when you are homesick.
2. Don’t Stay Couped Up Alone at Home.
Senior year can be a whirlwind of emotions. Many people want to stop putting effort into their relationships and friendships because everyone is moving away anyway. To survive your senior year, it’s so important to maintain your friendships and forge new ones. Just because you or your friends are moving away doesn’t mean you will lose touch. Plus, having the support of friends during a tough year can make all the difference to your overall experience.
3. Be Thankful for the Experience.
Gratitude has a powerful effect on your mind. Even when things get complicated, it’s important to be thankful for how far you have come and for all that lies ahead. You are about to close an important chapter and embark on a new adventure. If you are feeling particularly stressed and low on any given day, simply jot down 3 things you are thankful for and watch how quickly it lifts your mood.
Senioritis is a reality, but you will get through it. You will never get this year back again, so do everything you can to make the most of it.
How to Make Your Senior Photoshoot More Personal
Your senior photoshoot is not only a celebration of a significant achievement but also a reflection of your personality. Selecting a distinctive location and an outfit that you adore forms just a part of the experience. The personal touches you add to your senior session are what will genuinely make it your own.
For example, you could take a photo in your sports uniform to highlight your sports career but adding other smaller details is what will make your photos more personal. This could be anything from having trophies and equipment in the background to surrounding yourself with jerseys from different years.
Didn’t play any sports in school? There are many other ways to personalize your senior photo sessions. Here are some other examples:
- Showcase your musical instrument.
- Add in props that speak to your personal hobbies. This could be an art canvas, camera, or craft supplies.
- Include your pets in some of your shots because they helped you get through your schooling career.
- If fashion is your thing, put together a unique outfit that celebrates your quirky style.
- Pose next to your dirt motorcycle or off-road bicycle.
- Do you love to read, bring your favorite book for a few photos.
- If you love to camp, we could do a whole stylized shoot. The ideas are endless.
Personalizing your senior photos is key, even though there are no set rules for it. These photos should be a reflection of you, capturing the essence of your personality and the things that excite you.
Props come in all shapes and sizes, and no prop is too big or too small.
If you aren’t entirely sure how you want to personalize your senior photos, take a look around your room and keep track of how you spend your time over the next week or two. You will easily find some inspiration this way. You can even speak to friends and family about how they see you for extra ideas.
Top Tips for Taking Senior Photos with Your Pets…Yes, Please Include Your Pet!
Your furry family members are an essential part of your life, so it only makes sense that you’d want to include them in some of your senior photos.
To make this a fun experience without sacrificing the quality of your photos, here are a few tips to read through before your session.
-Consider your pet's usual behavior before selecting a photographer and location. Are they comfortable around strangers? Do they dislike being held? Is traveling with them by car a hassle-free experience? Understanding your pet's temperament and habits will assist in planning a successful photo session.
- Bring someone along with you. Since your pet might not be in all your photos with you, bring someone along who can manage your pet in between shots. I also suggest having that someone take your pet after about 30 minutes. The pet wont want to be stuck in the car the whole time while we get the rest of your portraits taken.
- Have a carrier or leash with you. Depending on where your shoot will take place, it is important to bring a carrier or leash with you. This will prevent your pet from running away and putting themselves in harm’s way during all the excitement.
- Bring some treats. If your dog or pet responds to treats as a reward for good behavior, bring them along to your session.
- Think twice about the location. The location you pick should fit in with your pet. If you know that your dog would go crazy in a setting where there’s a lot to do and see, you may want to have your shoot at home or in a quieter park instead.
- Just as you would prepare for your senior photos, ensure your pet looks their best as well. Arrange a grooming session for your pet either the day before or on the day of your photo shoot.
- Choose the right outfit. Find an outfit that matches your pet. For starters, your outfit should be easy to move in and not show hair or dirt easily. You should also find a way to match your outfit to your pet’s collar or bow – whatever you choose to dress them in. It’s best not to opt for wacky pet outfits as this could the focus off you.
Relax into it. You never quite know what might happen during a photo session with a pet, so it’s best to have fun and go with the flow. Not every photo with your pet needs to be perfect, and honestly, they won't be. It can be very challenging to photograph a pet, but it is 100% worth it and worth trying.
When you think of photo sessions with a pet, you may be thinking of cats or dogs, but remember that you can include any type of pet you want. My daughter has a rabbit, and every so often we do portraits of her with her rabbit. If you have some chickens…I would love to photograph you with them!