I am happiest when I photograph the simple and most often, still things in life. Things that might get overlooked if not paying much attention. Everday, ordinary things. It is not rushed or stressful. It is not that I need to do this or do that. It just is. It’s there, and I see it. It makes me happy. While I was attending my Auntie Irene’s funeral in Koyuk, I had a little bit of time to enjoy the village life and capture what I saw as art. The first, a steam house, or as we call it, muk’ee. (For you, Mom.) And another, a homemade wooden boat afloat on the tundra. Simple. Beautiful. Meaningful.
Archive for April, 2010
village life | Esther Pederson Photography
April 29, 2010Susanna…2010 senior | Esther Pederson Photography
April 27, 2010Another Nome senior! This time, Susanna, who is not only absolutely gorgeous, but talented, easy going and fun too. As a matter of fact, so much so that I totally got carried away and ended up taking 650 photos! lol. We had such a blast driving around our little town doing these. Finding little spots here and there. Cars would pass us by and people would stare and sometimes wave. I told Susie that people must think she was famous!! I think she could be with all the talent and beauty God gave her. Anyway, here is just a glimpse of what we did yesterday. Thanks for all your patience with me Susie, and I hope you love your senior pictures!
auntie | Esther Pederson Photography
April 25, 2010My beautiful and loving Auntie Irene (my dad’s sister) passed away one week ago today. I have feelings of sadness that we will no longer see her on this earth, but I also have feelings of joy knowing she is in heaven rejoicing with our Lord. Knowing also that she has a new body and is young again, makes me smile. I can imagine her as her sister dreamt the night before she died, running and meeting her family that have also passed before us. Along with the angels, she has joined her parents, brothers (my dad) and sisters, husband, children, grand children and even great grand children. I know she was greeted with open arms, hugs and excitement. I looked up to my Auntie as a woman I would eventually want to be like, and I want to thank her for loving me and always being so happy to see me. She made me feel so special, even in her last days when she was getting so fragile and weak. “Quyana for coming!”, she would say. That means “thank you for coming”. Always grateful and thankful for everyone in her life. I love you Auntie. We will surely miss your laughter, your stories and your company. 
Derek…2010 senior | Esther Pederson Photography
April 22, 2010Is it just me or are seniors now a days getting more beautiful and hansome and grown up looking? Well, add Derek to that list! On top of good looks, he has the brain and brawn too. He is an accomplished athlete in multi-sports in our region and state, with his best performance in wrestling. I think if he takes on life as he has done already he will be quite a success as a young adult. You were a great model Derek and thanks for being so willing with everything I asked! I hope you like the sneak peak and I wish you the best of luck next year at UAF! Go Nanooks! 
bird? plane? no…it’s superboy! | Esther Pederson Photography
April 21, 2010I think this photo speaks for itself. I didn’t even realize how ridiculously cute he looked until we all stepped off the snowmachine and left him sitting there. Those goggles and scarf, along with his expression just make the shot. Love it! 
Kevin…2010 senior | Esther Pederson Photography
April 21, 2010It’s hard to believe that when I first met Kevin he was only 7 years old. And now he is already a senior in high school and about to turn 18! Wow, am I getting old or what? Kevin is my husbands nephew and we are so proud of him and his accomplishments so far. Our session was cut short but I think we managed to get a few keepers in there. I found out that he has some gorgeous eyes that I didn’t even notice before! Here are a few from our time together. Hope you like them Kev! Have fun the rest of your year we all wish you the best of luck in your dreams for the future. 
eskimo hunter | Esther Pederson Photography
April 20, 2010This sculpture is a few miles down the coast from where we live, at a campsite. And, everytime we pass it in our truck in the summer I have always wanted to take a picture of it. Well, yesterday I got my chance! Our family went ice fishing past this campsite on our snowmachines and when we went by I knew I had to get it this time. The surroundings really matched the sculpture this time, being in snow rather than tundra! It totally made my day. When I uploaded it this morning, it just made me smile. I really don’t know anything about it, how long its been there or even who created it. But hopefully after people see this post I might be able to find out! I would love to know the history of it. 
happy place | Esther Pederson Photography
April 15, 2010I needed a smile for my soul today, which was much needed all week actually. For some reason I have not felt myself the last few days, and really needed something to dissipate these negative feelings. I can always count on my little girl to cheer me up, or even just give me a hug when it’s needed. She is so in tune to my feelings and is always so concerned and loving when something doesn’t seem right. Sienna is like a little mama already and some days I truly believe she is my little angel. With that said, I decided to take her out and have some fun. I dressed her up cute, gave her a treat and she was magical. She was perfect. She smiled and laughed and jumped and didn’t complain once. It was just what I needed to refresh my day, to see her so carefree and for me to do what I love to do. I’m so glad I decided to make this a part of our day. It reminded me of how blessed I am to be able to stay at home with the kids. We get to do this kind of stuff whenever we want! Here are some from today. <3
This one makes me smile. It was so bright out and she kept laughing when I told her to open both eyes (she was doing the wink thing a lot). So I told her to close her eyes and I caught this. She’s so sweet.
This was her own doing! She struck this pose and I just couldn’t resist. 
beautiful 907 | Esther Pederson Photography
April 13, 2010I am so blessed to have what I have, and to live where I live. The beautiful state of Alaska. The awesome Norton Sound region! I took this photo a few days ago of the Nome River Valley, heading up the Kougarok Road. I love the blue sky and the beautiful snow capped mountains that stretch across your view. Mmmm!
Sierra…2010 senior | Esther Pederson Photography
April 9, 2010Meet Sierra. I usually don’t go into a session not knowing the person I’m photographing, since we live in such a small town, but I had never met Sierra before. Well, it was great to say the least. With her younger sister there with us, we had fun laughing and from that came some awesome shots! I also got to know a little more about her. And it was after I had her stand on a tiny ledge a few feet above the ground (I won’t say how high!) that I found out she was afraid of heights! Sorry Sierra! You handled it like a pro though, I didn’t even notice! We have quite a few things in common actually. Her favorite food is sushi, as is one of my favorites. And her favorite color is yellow, which was my favorite color when I was in high school. I wish you the best of luck in your college career, Sierra. If not nursing, I hope you find something you are truly passionate about and always believe in yourself because I know you were meant for great things. Enjoy the rest of your high school days. 2010!
I *love* this one. I have total eye envy! 