Springtime in Arizona

March was a quiet month for us. We took advantage the "down time" and ventured out into the desert in hopes of capturing the beauty of springtime in Arizona!

On March 10th, we went out to Lost Dutchman State Park to photograph wildflowers. The abundance of rain we saw over the winter months has brought the desert to life! The dry, brown landscape has been transformed into beautiful, lush green as far as the eye can see. We found hundreds upon hundreds of Mexican Gold Poppies, interspersed with Lupine and other wildflowers. It was absolutely gorgeous!






We wanted to go back out the following week and shoot them when they reached their peak, but we weren't able to get back out to the park until Easter weekend. The poppies were past their peak for the most part, and they were just starting to wilt. Still, we weren't disappointed... Brittlebush was just starting to blossom, carpeting the desert in bright yellow flowers. The lupine was still beautiful, and Blue Dick was also just starting to blossom, so we were provided with lots of fantastic photo opportunities!



April is going to be a busy month for us with three weddings in the first half of April, including Eli and Sawana, and several couples meeting with us as well. We're looking forward a great month. Here's to Springtime in Arizona!!

CAF: Arizona Wing

north american b-25j mitchell
Originally uploaded by MatthewPHX

"Maid in the Shade"

Flying out of Serraggia in Corsica during 1944 and 1945 with the 319th Bomb Group, this B-25 flew 15 combat missions against the Axis in Italy. Restoration is very extensive due to the condition of the aircraft but when the Arizona Wing finishes this B-25J, it will be restored to its 1944 configuration.

For the past 25 years the B-25J Maid in the Shade has been under restoration at the Commemorative Air Force: Arizona Wing.

On July 19, 2006 I was able to watch the Arizona Wing conduct the first engine test since the project began. The engine that they were testing hadn't been run in 20 years. Unfortunately, they had to shut it down early due to a clogged oil line and fluctuating oil pressure. Since then they have conducted many successful engine tests, and one day soon this amazing aircraft will be flying again.

I am happy to report that Maid in the Shade's restoration is complete. The FAA has checked her over, and is now in the process of going over all her paperwork. As soon as the paperwork is approved by the FAA she'll begin her flight testing.

As a member of the CAF: Arizona Wing, the Wing Leader has put me in charge of her photography. We'll be putting together some portrait, high-speed taxi, and (once she is flying) aerial photography shoots. It'll be a lot of fun, and the Arizona Wing of the Commemorative Air Force is very excited to get her flying!


--Matt