Ontario Ridge Trail

I have to excuse that there hasn't been a recent blog posts on this site since we made our move to the Central coast back in Nov., 2016. Life brings changes, good or bad,  and what's driving me to post a new blog entry was a recent Facebook post. A page I follow posted something that caught my eye. It read - "Are you #SoSLOCAL?", prove it. Curious, I continued to their link for more info. and voila, here's my first blog entry since July 2016. Thank you for motivating me to share what's hidden in my phone photos and computer.

I already see myself as a SLO CAL storyteller since starting a new Instagram account, @walkerinlife, that highlights all the scenery that surrounds this beautiful county that we now call home. As my IG profile states, "trying on the Central coast lifestyle with my hubby and our girls (pugs). Where the beach meets vineyards that stretch for miles." Now I hope I'm one of the 6 people to be selected to share my adventures with them and their followers.

Moving from the city to make SLO County our new home was a very easy transition. I'm in awe daily and spoiled with our home view of vineyards, red oaks and rolling hills. I haven't picked up my DSL camera since we moved. That's most likely due to my camera phone which is always readily available to capture the spontaneous lifestyle we're currently enjoying. The landscape is diverse with it's rolling hills, vineyards, lakes and the pacific ocean all within a short distance drive. We have kayaked, hiked, wine tasted, drove on the beach, watched whales and monarch butterflies, attended food and wine festivals and concerts...this list goes on and grows as we continually seek out the hidden gems from North to South county.

This photo from Laetitia vineyard at sunset really sums up the lay of the land. Golden colors stretch across the ocean through the perfectly lined grapevines. I posted this on my Facebook page and the comments were of the nature of "that picture is so beautiful it doesn't look real." Oh, but it is real and this is what the central coast displays daily- a splendor of picture perfect moments that are very surreal. 

Laetitia Winery

We had the opportunity to hike the Pismo preserve trail that was really quite special. It's not fully open to the public but you can schedule a docent led hike. There are a few dates where it's open to hike on your own. It's a moderate hike through oak woodlands. With not much effort, the panoramic vistas of the pacific ocean are breathtaking. Hiking trails are in abundance in SLO county and you don't have to drive hours to seek one out. 

Pismo Preserve Trail

Ok, so I'm about to share what I love best about the Central coast...wine, wine and more wine. Yes, we are surrounded by wine trails, vineyards and tasting rooms. We have visited so many that I lost count and yet, we are still able to experience new wineries from small production to established wineries where we've passed plenty of time meeting people, sip'n wine and enjoying the best that the Central coast offers. Summer comes alive with free summer concerts at wineries and local establishments. I stumbled across a social media music site that lists all of the free concerts in SLO. It's our daily reference and we like to refer to my talent as the CEO, Chief Executive Entertainer. There's not a shortage for things to do if you seek it out. I should reveal who I am, this photo was taken a few years ago at Pear Valley vineyards. We're Christine and Joey loving and living life.

Pear Valley Vineyard

Well, I have so much more to share so I'll leave it in the hands of SLO Cal if they'd like to see more of our adventures. I think it's pretty cool that they're looking for real life people to help spread the word that where we live is a vacationers dream.

Oceano Beach Dunes

One very important thing to mention before signing off is how dog friendly the area is. That's Bella posing on our '67 bronco at sunset at Oceano beach. 

Thank you for visiting.

Christine Walker

Newborn Portrait, Long Beach CA

I was pretty amazed when a neighbor called to inquire about a portrait session three years after leaving a marketing piece on her doorstep that I designed for my neighbors. Melissa called to inform me that she hung on to the postcard for that long and they recently gave birth to a beautiful baby girl, Morgan. She wanted a lifestyle portrait session in the comfort of their home. I typically don't advertise that I photograph newborns and communicated with her what I could deliver. Well, here's a few of my favorites that I captured of their family portrait session. Since they're neighbors, I get to see them walking their dogs with baby Morgan in tote who was just three weeks old when I photographed this lovely family. I also designed a birth announcement with one of Mama's favorite photo. Congratulations Melissa and David!

Wedding at Earl Burns Japanese Garden, Long Beach CA

My intuition upon first speaking with Kasi which led to a consultation with Leigh, was that they are two genuine and strong women. When they asked for me to be their photographer, I was ecstatic. I really felt that I would capture their beauty, strength and their love for Ashley and Skylar, their two adorable girls. I've photographed several weddings at the Japanese Garden without there being a professional wedding coordinator. They hired Alisha Herrick with Torchwindevents and it made such a difference. The details were a reflection of Kasi and Leigh's soul. You really get to know them by their selection of photos on their photo quilt. The guests were asked to take a precious stone before the ceremony. The officiant provided a moment of silence for the guest to hold the stones as a sacred moment of witness, prayer and well wishes for the brides. It was a beautiful day filled with great moments, memories and a family joined together in commitment and love. Congratulations Kasi and Leigh.