It's time for another information-/rant-filled post to clear my head of all things I *meant* to blog but never got around to... So here they are, in no particular order:

*Barack Obama ran for, and won, the Presidency.  I typically try to avoid political discussions on this blog; mostly because I know that my views are extreme and I'm already probably on some government watch list for Hippie Liberals who shouldn't be allowed to take part in the political process.  But I will just say this - America, I am very proud of you.  Thanks for taking a chance and thinking outside of the box.  (Now Californians, that's another story.  I am more than a little disappointed at how 52% of you voted on one particular issue, but, hey, one step at a time, I guess.)

*Speaking of election night, something has been bugging me for a while.  Wolf Blitzer of CNN reminds me of someone, and I've never quite been able to put my finger on it.  It plagues me on and off, sometimes interfering with my ability to sleep, or complete basic tasks around the office.  But, on election night, it hit me.  He looks like Snarf from Thundercats.  I think the resemblance is obvious.


*I am still knocked up.  I don't blog about personal things too often, which is why I have spared you all the day-to-day details of my pregnancy.  I figure you would all much rather see pretty pictures than listen to me ramble about what color I painted the nursery (blue-grey and buttery yellow), or whether we're having a girl or a boy (a boy), or what I'm craving (tomatoes), or how I'm feeling (great, thanks!).  But, rest assured, baby is growing quickly and we will be welcoming our little one in a few short months. For those of you who feel incomplete without a piccie, knock yourself out (shot by John, my second shooter at last week's wedding) -


* My darling husband and I were interviewed for f-stop and beyond, a cool little podcast/internet radio show for photographers. If you have about 45 minutes to kill, it's a fun get-to-know-us interview.

*My new blog, designed by the fine folks at Into the Darkroom, was featured in this month's Rangefinder Magazine. It's a great article on the role of blogging in a wedding/portrait photographer's arsenal.  Check it out HERE.

* I am hosting a little Finao Open House at my studio next week.  Check out the details below-

Dear clients,

The holidays are quickly approaching!  In order to facilitate quick and easy holiday ordering, Boutwell Studio has reactivated all 2008 wedding and portrait galleries!  These galleries will remain online until December 1, 2008. 

We are also offering a 20% discount on all reprints and holiday card orders placed before December 1, 2008.  (To receive your discount, simply enter the coupon code *XMAS08* when you check out. Please make sure you enter this code and it is properly applied to your order before you check out.  No refunds will be issued, once payment is made and check out is complete.)

We are also offering holiday cards this year! Login to your gallery to learn more about these.

ALL REPRINT AND CARD ORDERS MUST BE PLACED BEFORE DECEMBER 1, 2008 TO BE GUARANTEED FOR DELIVERY BY DECEMBER 24, 2008.

Let me know if I can answer any questions, or chat with you about holiday orders!

delightfully,
Chenin

Longtime followers of my blog know that I do a yearly birthday post for our beloved mutt, Murray. Well, it's that time again!  Mr. Murray turns 15 years old tomorrow.  Last year, he was so upset with me for taking his birthday portrait that I decided to skip it.  Instead, I'll post a couple family photos, shot by the fabulous Anna Kuperberg.



Murray Wakes Up from Doug Boutwell on Vimeo. delightfully, Chenin

The incredible Dena and Adam tied the knot on Saturday and I was lucky enough to document their day! This adorable couple are so in to each other that it's hard not to fall in love with them. It was definitely one of those "pinch myself" weddings - a great couple, a beautiful venue, awesome coordination by Jen of Lyndsey Hamilton Events, and a killer team of videographers.  I am so excited to share, so let's get down to it!

I started the day off with some portraits of the happy couple -

That's right!  The awesome folks at Finao are coming to town and hosting a little shindig at my studio!  Stop by and learn why this is the most delightful album company around!

Who: Finao folks (and me!)
What: An open house, show and tell, meet and greet!
When: November 11, 2008.  3-7pm
Where: Boutwell Studio, 27324 Camino Capistrano, Suite 207, Laguna Niguel, CA 92677
Why: Because you know you're sick of "the other guys" and you're ready for a change; because you want to see what all the hype is about; because you have nothing better to do than hang out with a bunch of photographers!
How: RSVP to haroldj@finaoonline.com

Hope to see you there!