Mike, Darla, and the Bike

I received the best compliment ever from Darla after she booked a session with me. I got her on the phone, and I asked her how she heard about my little photography business. She stated that she saw some photos I took last fall of her friend and she's been stalking my page ever since. I was shocked. I loved it. I also loved her and Mike.

I know I always say that I have the best clients, but I truly do. Mike and Darla had amazing energy and they were just soooo good together.

I'm getting ahead of myself a little bit. Darla booked a session for her and Mike. She decided to take early retirement so her and Mike could enjoy their time together--travel, camp, and spend time with the grandkids.

When we were discussing the backdrop for their photos, she reiterated that they are outdoorsy people and would love to incorporate nature into the photos if possible. I suggested using the Harley in some photos as well. Mike, of course, was 100% into that idea.

From the moment we talked on the phone, I had an idea in my head of the motorcycle on a gravel road at sunset. I am in love with how these photos turned out.

Darla jumped in the van with me as we rode to the lake while Mike was on the motorcycle. She caught me up to speed on their history. The couple met in 2005 and they were both recently single after divorce. Darla was serving drinks and Mike and his friends came in. Darla made a jab at Mike's mirrored sunglasses. She met up with him later and provided him with all of her contact information. The couple has been together ever since.

Mike stated that riding the motorcycle is much tamer than the stunts he used to do in his military career--like jumping out of airplanes. Darla shared with me one of the most memorable motorcycle rides that the couple had together. They were passing through the Continental Divide on the Harley and stopped at a little pub. Other customers and staff told them if they looked out the window and saw gray--get out of there--fast! That means a storm is coming.

Shortly after finishing their meal, they looked at the sky. And a storm was upon them. They bundled up and headed out. They were riding the motorcycle through the mountains of Colorado during a snowstorm. Mike glances down at the gas gauge, and they were almost on empty. Darla was...anxious. Being stranded in Colorado in a snowstorm was not written on her To-Do List that day. But they made it! The last few miles they were just coasting though.

We ended the session on the lake. The sun was setting, and it was absolutely beautiful. I loved photographing Mike and Darla and learning their story. They inspired me to take risks and live in the moment. Don't wait until you're 65 and retired to take the vacation. Do it now. Enjoy your time with your people today.