I came home to a rare treat this evening. Lori greeted me at the door to let me know she had a surprise dinner planned. I am usually the cook for dinner, so I was VERY excited to see what she had whipped up. On the menu for the evening: parmesan/garlic chicken, baby red potatoes, and just perfect asparagus. YUM!  What a treat! Thanks babe!

Some of you may know that I had my own turn to say “I Do” a couple weekends ago and just recently returned from our honeymoon in Maui, Hawaii.  First, you MUST check out our amazing wedding photos from our photographer, Erika McCauley. 

We opened a few wedding gifts before we left.  Needless to say, we had quite the laugh.  Confucius says, “If you register for it…[even as a joke]…they will buy it.”   Yes, we only registered for ONE box.

 

I was able to snap a few photos on the trip, but I tried to relax for the most part and enjoy the time away. 

Miles of beaches line the west coast of Maui.  This is near the Sheraton Hotel and Black Rock cliff.  This is one of a few tilt-shift photos I captured from the week.



A view from our favorite hang out



Eating out over the ocean and tasting some of the best fish on the island was AMAZING.  Mahi Mahi with stuffed lobster and crab.  Yum.



One great thing about having a photographer along on your honeymoon is there will be no shortage of pictures.





I took a surfing lesson from a guy and he was kind enough to let me borrow his board the next day.  My beautiful WIFE gets the credit for the photo here.  Not meant to look like tilt-shift, but a cool effect. 

 

Before the trip, I had read about the gorgeous sunsets in Maui, but was disappointed when the weather forecast showed overcast and rain for the week.  Fortunately, the two days I brought out my camera, we had the only two sunsets.  We were both speechless…

  

On our last night, we drove up 10,000ft to Haleakala Volcano summit for our last sunset in Hawaii.  The air was thin, very cold (40 degrees) and very windy.  But as promised, it was worth the drive. 



We literally felt like we were on top of the world. 



Lori said, “It feels like where Heaven meets Earth”



Thank you, Lori, for the most beautiful wedding and honeymoon.  I look forward to sharing many sunsets, in love with you.

October brings many things...  leaves changing on the trees, cooler weather, Halloween...  But in our house, October brings two very important dates.  One of them is today.  Twenty-six years ago today a little girl entered the world who would some day become the joy of my life.

Happy Birthday, Lori! 

I just wanted to share one picture from two summers ago.  This has to be one of my favorites.  Even after a 3 hour canoe paddle against 30 mph winds, a mile and a half portage with a 65lb pack, and several 34 degree nights... she put on the biggest smile when she pulled in this bass.  What a great catch....and the fish was nice too.

"May you live to be 100 and may the last voice you hear be mine."  ~Frank Sinatra

I am extremely excited to be writing the first of many posts on my new website/blog.  It has been several weeks and many late late nights in the making, but the website is finally coming together.  As you look around, please provide any feedback that would make the site more valuable or easier to use.  I will do my best to continue to improve based on feedback.

A little about myself: my name (as the website states) is Eric Kraus.  I am not a photographer by profession, but rather an IT consultant.  “I’m a PC”  as some might say.  This website is an example of my craft.  I do most of my photography as a hobby/passion.  However, photography is more than a passion, it is a way I can give back to others. 

I look forward to sharing my thoughts, clients, and most importantly my view of the world through the viewfinder.

I would like to dedicate this site and all of my work to my beautiful fiancé, Lori.  I love you.  Your unconditional support, patience, and inspiration keeps the fire inside me alive.  From the bottom of my heart, thank you.  I can not wait to spend the rest of my life with you.