PHC DL Get Together

Pretend scones and tea in the chat room, nicknames, discussion boards that went on for miles, debates, papering into the night, and pictures of desks were all just a small part of what it was like to take classes through Patrick Henry College distance learning. Not all of us went on to finish our degree with them because of money, the timing, degree changes, or other various reasons, but many of the friendships made through those tough classes have continued on. People like Heather, Michelle, Jordan, Brooke, Corrie, Abby, Marcus, Rob, Raija, and many others.

So it was with excitement that Michelle and I planned to meet up at my house again. This time Marcus would be coming too! I don't know about them, but I had such a good time and was sad we didn't get to talk longer. Let's do it again soon guys!

Michelle and I testing out the lighting

Marcus, Michelle's friend John, Michelle, and Myself


I love how Marcus was the one to suggest a silly picture and just sat there smiling when we listened to him!


By the way, we made Marcus sit down because a 6'5'' person makes the 5'3'' person look like a midget!

Sean | Just Because

The last of my little Pennsylvania cousins is a boy who has unending energy, an inquisitive mind, and a love for his Pap. He knew just what to do after watching all his cousins get their pictures taken. Plopping down on the grass, he proceeded to make silly face after silly face--not quite what all the girls before him had done!





Our last night in the area he came over with his parents for an impromptu weiner roast wearing a batman shirt and mask. I was taking pictures of my sisters in an awesome field with the most beautiful light and decided to include him in one or two or three or...pictures. What does Batman look like in action? Wonder no longer!

Elizabeth, Calliope, & Christine | Just Because

These cute girls are Colt's older sisters. I had such fun talking, getting my hair done, eating homemade pizza, catching fireflies, and walking in the dark with them! They've grown terribly big since I last saw them and so mature too. Now if only they would come and visit me in California, we would have a week long sleepover!

Pennsylvania Countryside

My three favorite states are Texas, Pennsylvania, and, of course, California. I'm not sure if I could live in the land of humidity, though it makes my hair look like I spent all morning curling it, but my family there and its beauty sure make me think I could try. So when I get to fly across the country to see all those special people, it makes me happy. There will be more posts of the people, but the beauty and farm country deserved a post of its own.

Colt Justice | Just Because

You know those days when you start to question whether or not you can really handle the job? You start to think "oh no, did I make the right choice?" It's a love for how this medium can capture personality that causes me to "rock on," as DJ puts it.

Colt Justice (isn't that such a cool name?), like most 2 year old boys, has a ton of energy. And I have not perfected the technique of shooting moving objects that move in random directions. I was praying for at least one picture to come out decently and am excited to have five that I love. They're not perfect, but do you get a sense of a sweet little boy with that loves to laugh and play? Then I've accomplished my goal!

New Address!

In case you haven't noticed, Lydia Photography now has a real domain address! I got news that it had successfully been purchased during my trip and could not wait to move the blog on over. Everything was going along smoothly until I noticed the header was not showing up. Argh! Please bear with me as I, with all my nonexistent html skills, attempt to find a solution to my problem. Until then, rejoice with me on my becoming more and more official!



Spammers, give up! Comments are moderated, and I'm not going to let them through no matter how many times a day you try!

Free to Succeed Tour

It has been a crazy 1 1/2 weeks, but I wouldn't trade any of it. Well, maybe that hour of sitting on the freeway exit ramp... It was wonderful seeing family, attending the MusiCollege, and coming back home and working at the fair. Last night was like the cherry on top of the sundae. The amazing David Jay and the incredible Jasmine Star came to San Francisco on the Free to Succeed Tour. When I heard it was going to be so close, I ran downstairs, checked my calendar, and signed up to go within minutes! I knew it was going to be good and that I would learn a lot. The truth is that I learned a ton!

David Jay is one of the smartest guys out there in the business. The way he's made it to the top and invented so many radical products is a testimony to this fact. Jasmine Star is exactly like you see her on her blog. She's real, fun, and down to earth awesome. I felt like a starstruck teenager talking to the two of them. Of all the times to not have anything to say! They are both so willing to help others. It doesn't hurt that they are also good at teaching! I took 13 pages of notes and wish I had it all on DVD to review again.

Now it's time to get down and get dirty and start putting everything into practice. Keep your eyes out for exciting changes in the future!


Can you tell we had fun?






The famous Gene Higa was also there as well as Ron Dawson from F-Stop Beyond and his wife Tasra!


I felt like a stalker getting this picture!

I'm on a High

A high that comes from singing in an amazing choir, watching fingers that seemed to fly over the keys of the piano, listening to the orchestra processional that somehow was put together in one session, and getting to talk with many of the teachers. It was a huge blessing to be able to experience this not only once but now twice. While it wasn't something that expanded my photography skills by any means, the MusiCollege changed me as a person. This was about learning to serve God and minister to others--one of my biggest goals in photography.

Checking in from Pennsylvania

Hundreds of voices blending together in various melodies and harmonies filled the auditorium. It was only our first real practice, but by tomorrow night everything will be set for the big concert. That's how it goes at Majesty Music's MusiCollege. Pictures will come, but right now I'm practicing my part and soaking in the awesome experience. Wish you all could be here!

Kelly & Katie Jane

Photography is best when used to capture those you love. I may not get to see these girls often, but they are so special to me!