Roland Adams

2011 © Ash Adams

What can I say about my brother Roland? I don't know where I would be today without him, professionally or otherwise. He's been there for it all; I've never known the world without him. He's the one of the nicest, most creative guys you will ever meet, and he often hears (and not just from me!) that he's the best designer in the largest state in the U.S. But you won't catch him tooting his own horn, because not only is he talented, he is humble.

If it weren't for Roland, I don't know if I would be a photographer today. When I was 18 (and spending my days being a skate rat on the couch or at the park), Roland lovingly threw the classifieds at me and told me to find a job before leaving for work. My first reaction was then what it still would probably be today: Who finds anything in the classifieds? But, I swallowed my pride, picked up the paper, and the first thing I saw was a job ad for a "Photographer's Assistant" and a phone number. The number turned out to be that of Clark James Mishler of Clark James Mishler Photography, who has become one of the most influential mentors in my career. I went to the interview and was hired on the spot. I worked for Clark for two years before veturing out on my own and starting my own photography business (Clark and I are still very good friends today.).

After working for Clark, Roland acutally referred me for my first commercial photography assigment for Kaladi Brothers Coffee. After that, he encouraged me to push my portfolio to the various ad agencies in Alaska, from which effort I landed my first large ad campaign, an Annual Report for the largest hospital chain in Alaska. At 20 years old and without a college degree, I couldn't have done any of this without Ro.

And these are just the things I can tell you on a blog. There is so much more--so many road trips, ski trips, hikes, porch talks, long afternoons and evenings at home, family dinners, and so many firsts we shared together.

The photos above (by Ash) were taken last week while Roland was in town visiting for a much-needed vacation. We did a lot of sightseeing in the city, but some of my favorite times were those in which we were all just hanging at the house and catching up on this long year. After he left, we felt his absence all over again, and we can't wait to be under the same roof with Ro at the end of this summer.

We miss you brother, and we will see you soon!

Tonia & Justin, continued

Photos © Brian Adams

Above are a few more photos from Brian's shoot with Tonia and Justin last week! Isn't film wonderful?

Tonia & Justin

Photo © 2011 Brian Adams

It is so heartening to meet two people whose love for one another and the world around them is undeniable, radiant. There is no feeling as sure as a good love; we know it in ourselves and those around us like we know pain, true as taste. Love has nothing to prove; it just is.

This week, Brian was able to photograph two dear Alaskan friends of ours visiting New York City after a month of European travels, Tonia and Justin, who are engaged to be married this year, and the photos speak for themselves: these are two people who are generous with their happiness and their love. Their genuine and effortless enthusiasm for all things beautiful and alive is no question, even on film. We are blessed to know them, and their friendship is something we deeply cherish. Tonia and Justin: you are an example to us all, and we love you.

A Year Ago Today

Photo © Brian Adams, 2010

A year ago today, Brian proposed to me in our favorite restaurant in New York City, Prune, and I, of course, said yes. Brian knew I'd say yes, and I knew he was going to ask (it was the only way to explain our trip to New York that week), but it didn't make it any less magical. And it didn't make either one of us any less nervous; I remember so clearly the subway ride to the restaurant, where I knew he'd propose, and the shaky anticipation that trembled almost visibly between us. The moment we were seated (at our table), Brian couldn't hold it in for a second longer. He grabbed my hand, got down on one knee, and blurted out that he loved me, would always love me, wanted to spend the rest of his life loving me, and would I marry him. We both laughed and cried and dreamed out loud about everything we would do together in the coming years. The staff at Prune hurried out with complementary flutes of champagne and marinated veal heart ("Heart for a proposal makes sense," said one of our favorite waiters), and the whole restaurant seemed to celebrate with us. It was one of the most fun, most exciting nights of my life, next to our wedding and everyday Brian and I spend together.

To read the original post, check out the post we wrote last June here.