We don’t get a lot of sunny days here in the Northwest. So when we do get one, we are extremely grateful and embark on all sorts of celebratory activities, such as swimming or biking, hiking or even just a quiet evening stroll after supper.

After a full day of shooting, my family and I went for a little dip at a river in our town. There, we met our friends Alex and his family, pure coincidence. The sun was ambling slowly westward, its golden evening light making sparkles on the tranquil waters of the Snoqualmie River. Teenagers frolicked and soaked in the remaining rays. We sat and chatted and watched as our children built sandcastles and dams and pretended to fish.

I have many things to be grateful for, but today, I am most thankful for the longer days, where after a hard day’s work I am still able to make it home, throw on my flip-flops, gather my family and head on down to the beach to enjoy the sun.

And of course, to shoot purely for leisure.

Welcome to summer, my Northwest friends. We deserve it!