Sleeping Beauty | Newborn Photographer

Today I got to work with the sweetest little thing. She was so alert and ready for her photo shoot... she didn't want to miss out on anything! She stayed wide awake for the 1st half of our session... Then decided she needed her Beauty Sleep.

You + Me = FIVE? | Family Photographer

Nothing like Cramming in a last minute session right? My sisters family is probably one of the busiest families EVER! I honestly waited weeks to have all of them under the same roof at one time...
At lease she got her cards out before me... My Christmas Cards should have been New Years Cards!!!

People might think that these sessions would go a lot smoother because I'm the Auntie... and they know me... etc....
Well, I'll post an image.. just to show you that it doesn't matter who you are or how well you know someone... Kids will be Kids. ALL sessions are different and not un-common if things aren't going so well.... :)

Siblings in Style

Always honored when asked by this family to do photos. I LOVE working with them and I love seeing all the creative styles, location and lighting come to Life. I knew this session was going to be a surprise, so let me just say how hard this was to Not post Samples right away. Stinkin Hard ok?!?! So, I think I'll just stop babbling and let the photos speak for themselves... Love. Love. Love.

Merry Christmas to ALL

Well my friends, Christmas is almost here and gone. I can't believe how fast time has flown by. It's been a while since I've written on this blog, but I honestly rather get my orders out on time this Holiday Season and Respond to all these emails flowing in like crazy. I can't tell you how Thankful I am to be here doing what I love. I sat up last night looking back on Who I was, who I am, and who i've become.... and honestly what I got was a big scrambled mess....lol. This Recession has done some DAMAGE! If it hasn't affected you in some way or another then Good for you all, but if it has... then Good for you on becoming such a Strong Individual, a Strong Household and a Strong Heartbeat. I swear i've felt my heartbeat in my stomach a few times... Staying true to myself has been the hardest part of this whole adventure. Don't get me wrong, I've lost myself a few times... In fact.. Have you seen me? lol... All jokes aside, you have to be REAL.

I did this workshop a while back and was asked what goes through my mind on a Photo Shoot? How do I keep it REAL? What do I think about? Was it lighting? Well, yes... You have to think about were your light is and where it's coming from and how's it going to make this picture POP. Was it Camera Settings? Yes, absolutely! If my setting weren't looked at with every move I make or the client, then there goes the picture. Was it the Client? B-I-N-G-O.... Every Client is different. You can stylize a shoot and make it look like an ad, but is that my client? I know for a fact, I can stylize my oldest son and his image is going to ROCK. Why? because he likes the camera and the camera likes him....LOL. (just an easy way to put it) My middle son can also be stylized, but I kinda want him to pick out his style because he is 90% of the time mismatched... or in dirty jeans...lol. My daughter can be put in some really cute dresses... I try so hard with that girl... but give her 5 minutes and her hair will be in her face and there is no way I can stop her from posing herself. That's them. I know them. If I tried to stylize...let's say my brother in law....LOL!!!!! There is NO possible way that photo would be HIM. OK, I just visualized him in cuffed pants and a newsy hat. That would never happen. He is just a traditional photo guy who loves T-shirts and possible sweatshirt. I still need to make the photo work. You have to put people out of their comfort zone sometimes. If that's the only way to get the image, then you must make them a little uncomfortable and then think of ways to make it more comfortable... Hope that make sense. Pictures to some aren't the easiest thing to do. Some LOVE themselves so much that they have to take a photo of themselves everywhere they go.... they don't even need a photoshoot... which is great! Posting yourself everyday is a person who is comfortable and I'm sure they soak up those comments like crazy... which then leads you to take more photos of yourself.... fun. Some on the other hand don't want to take photos of themselves nor would they ever... completely the opposite. Then you have the "go with the flow client" I think this is where I'd fall into place too. You have the ones that are there doing this and will just be here.... perfect! These are all GREAT clients!!! These are all clients that I've worked with, that I love and that have inspired me to capture Who they really are... I've learned this year, that I'm a very Universal Photographer. I feel like I can photograph anyone. Even my brother in law....LOL. Thank you ~V you know I love you. This is just my personality though. I can be around anyone ... clear my throat.... mostly. I think the client should know who I am and how I photograph. They should know my work. They can't book me based on a referral or priced range and Not know anything about me or my photography. Photography is everywhere now... everywhere. I think it's so great seeing people who love to take photos and sharing what they love. This is what I love, and it's also my business.... I'm going out this year with a BANG... Thankful for God and all the Blessings in my Life, Family, Friends, Our Health and somewhat thankful for all the challenges because I feel like I can take on ANYTHING. Bring on 2012!!!

Let's thank Master Shifu from Kung Fu Panda for this one and remember... "Yesterday is History... Tomorrow's a Mystery...but Today is a Gift... that's why it is called a Present"....

All Boy

Today I got to work with such a fun family. This group of handsome boys are always so well behaved, as are the parents...lol. The boys each got to bring their NFL jerseys and when I asked one of them which team he likes the most, he replied "the Cowboys".....So I replied "oh, the cowgirls".....(CRICKETS). As I turned to ask Dad what his favorite team was, he replied "the Cowboys"..... AAAAAWWWKKKWWWAAARRRRDDD!
All jokes asaide, they are a great family to work with, and it's been an honor to document these simple memories.

It's that time of year again

We arrived at the location with mom and three kids. While we waited for dad, I decided to take some of the three kids alone. Working in such an open space really spiked curiosity in these little ones in every direction. Poor mom, was probably so worried if all this was really going to work out. Having three myself, I know how these days can go. So thank goodness I'm a (lifestyle) photograher. In my eyes a good image doesn't always mean everyone looking directly at me or anything looking too unnatural. My job as a photographer is to tell a story especially your own....

Stylin Family

The first thing I thought when I saw this family was (WOW), they look STYLIN. Seriously...I need to take some lessons on how to dress from this mom. After photographing such cute, good looking families....I anticipate Clint and Stacy, from What Not To Wear, showing up on my door step soon.

All Toghether...in the Rain

Chance of showers was all I heard for this weekend. We all knew the rain was coming, but lets face it...when your trying to get ten people together for a family session, that's not a simple task. So rain or shine, everyone was in. First location wouldn't work because of the mud, so we quickly changed locations and busted out with umbrella's. As I scramble around looking for whatever dry spot I can find and seeing the look of doubt on some of their faces...this loading dock seemed like the perfect spot.
I really did enjoy working with all of them even if I was soaking wet.

Down to Earth Senior Session

The perfect location where rustic meets urban is this spot right here. She was such a fun down to earth girl, which worked out great, because I am a fun down to earth photographer....HOLLA! Mom did an excellent job as a walking wardrobe, she was just as easy going. My clients are the sweetest, most kindest, and I'm so blessed to work with such great people.
This senior has so much going for her and I wish her the best in the years to come.

JOY to You and Me

Two little assistants accompanied me today for this family session. They not only put on a show, but they also carried all of my props. This came as a good distraction for the family to show some true genuine smiles. Another wonderful session with a wonderful family.

Simple Family=Simply Beautiful

The Chavez family was such a joy to work with. Having family photos taken should never be stressful..... They should be simple, natural, and tell a story. The story should show who you are together as a family and nothing is more beautiful than that.

Rock It Out | Senior Session

Senior sessions are way to fun. I make it very clear you stay true to who you are and that I am able to capture the "real" you. Beka rocked out this session and showed exactly who she is. You are only a senior once (lets hope) and these photos freeze this very important journey of your life.

Handsome Bradley | Newborn Photographer

I swear I have the best job ever... I not only get to work with families, kids, couples, and bride and grooms, but I get to work with the greatest gift God can give us.... New Babies.

Bradley couldn't have been a better client, he slept like a champ and mom and dad weren't to shabby either. Being around them for the short amount of time, already showed me what a sweet loving family he is welcomed by.