Simpson Success Stories
About the picture
Snowy Lassen
Manzanita Lake is a favorite of locals for so many reasons. It’s a short 45 minute drive from Redding. The temperature is cooler in the summer making it a great place for a hike or a picnic. And, usually I see someone fishing. Capturing Mt. Lassen at its best is difficult. Previously when I’ve tried to photograph Lassen it’s either too snowy and the roads are closed or not enough snow to show off the peak or covered in clouds. This year Mt. Lassen had an extra abundance of spring snowfall giving this mountain a full fluffy coat, even as late as July. Perfect! From Redding I could see that it was a clear day at Lassen and the peak was just sparkly. I called my dear friend to see if she wanted to go with me up to the lake. She said “Sure…do you mind if I bring the twins?” Off we went with her two and my two on a mad dash to capture this image. It was worth it. We were welcomed with an awesome view.
My intention in capturing this image is to show the beauty of Mt. Lassen reflected in the lake. Looking at the image I want the viewer to feel the intenseness of standing at the foot of a volcano while at the same time seeing its serenity. I often wonder how God, our Creator, could dream up such fantastic explosive landscapes that mellow over time into these gorgeous scenes. The best word to describe this is awesome.
About the photographer
Diana Vader
Diana Vader lives and works in the beautiful Northern (North State) California area pursuing her passion for portrait, landscape, and commercial photography.
Diana has received numerous professional awards (print of the year, best in show and numerous blue ribbons) and is a recognized leader in the academics of photography. Active in various professional organizations, Diana is always quick to support community outreach programs with her time and resources. Two favorite organizations are the Good News Rescue Mission and the CareNet Pregnancy Center & Medical Clinic. Both organizations are beacons in the Redding and surrounding communities. Diana and her husband Mike are active in Little Country Church's worship team.
Diana pursues technical excellence through continued education from both nationally and internationally recognized leaders in the photographic industry by attending and assisting with courses throughout the United States. In recognition of this pursuit, Diana has been awarded the Certified Professional Photographer (CPP) designation by the Professional Photographic Certification Commission. (Less than 3% of all professional photographers ever achieve this distinction.)
Living amongst some of the most beautiful scenery California has to offer, Diana's landscape photography is in direct response to God's living canvas surrounding her home. Diana feels that her photography is an extension of her worship and she strives to uplift and encourage those around her with beautiful images.
Having two young children of her own, she knows all too well the value of patience, understanding, compassion and legacy. As a passionate professional, Diana pours all her energies into every photo in order to live up to the high standard that God has put upon her heart.
"When our family moved to the North State, God opened several doors and led me through them one at a time. Family, friends, colleagues and mentors all came together in concert to bring a long dormant dream of pursuing professional photography to life."
"It's a shame we often forego our passion in order to stay within the lines… Praise God that He didn't want me to stay there!"
