The Force Be With You!

May your day consist of a few frights, sweet candy bites and a simply wonderful HALLOWEEN night.

Let this video be a reminder of what this holiday is ALL about...
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Justin and Jackie

Take a little peak as Jackie and Justin say their i do's surrounded by green vines, beautiful flowers, colorful lanterns, filtered sun and twinkling lights. There is nothing like getting married in a summer wonderland.

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All it takes is forty-five minutes!

Okay you families out there that haven't had your photos updated in a while (you know who you are). I wanted to share an example of one of my "no fuss" sessions to show you that it only takes 45 minutes to capture memories that will last a lifetime. Corny lingo, I know, but honestly how am I supposed to make a grandiose impact without using some cheesy words.

Check this slide show out

For those of you who have a hard time selling your hubbies on the time it take out of your weekend to take photos, I promise we have fun. If that doesn't work bat your eyelashes like you used to and tell him it would mean so much to you. All you have to do is get them there, I'll do the rest. There is some posing, but the majority of the time is play. I'll give you some "alone time" while I photograph the kids (no additional babysitting fee) as well as lots of quality moments with your kids. Now isn't that what weekends are for? Maybe not with a 10 inch camera lens in your face, but you catch my drift.

I have sessions every other Sunday for the next couple months. The holidays are coming so think about all the ways you could use some new photos. All the information for sessions is available on my website in the everyday life section.

If you have questions please email me or give me a call, I am always willing to help with any inhibitions or ideas you may have.

something different

Sometimes it is fun to play with unique ideas and see what the filters in photoshop can do. For the past couple years I have photographed the staff at the school my kids attend, Red Hill Lutheran, and each year they have a theme. This year it was "around God's world". I tried to think of a unique way of showcasing this idea other than the typical tallest in the back, shortest in the front line up. After some research I came across this idea of creating planets with a panoramic photo. It isn't my typical photo journalistic style, but it is definitely cultivated a very unique staff photo.

girls, sweet girls

As a mom of three boys, i love, love, LOVE sessions where I get to do the girl thing. Not that I don't enjoy boys and their energy, but nothing beats girlish colors and accessories! Plus most of the girls I photograph want to be little models, how fun is that! These two beauties have their own individual style that was showcased in bathing suits, sparkly mermaid like dresses and wonderful flapper outfits. From purple hair to a bearded dragon, nothing beats an afternoon hanging with the girls.

Celebrating the past with the present.

When our kids are young, we feel this need to freeze time. Capture the moments before they are too grown up to remember what it was like when they were little. Then schedules become more hectic. Time, or lack there of it, starts to dictate our priorities. Then right before the kids leave for college, we realize once again that we must freeze time.

Of course I speak of this like I know what I am talking about when my oldest is only seven, but I can imagine that when he is eighteen and ready to move on that I will start wearing my camera as a necklace so that I don't miss one moment just as I did when my kids were first born.

A session with mature kids is a nice change of pace. The family dynamics become more like friendships and the interaction is very relaxed making the process of taking photos a piece of cake. It makes it easier to direct shots and fulfill creative visions.

Killing two birds with one stone, Brent and Tracey McKee celebrated their 25 years of marriage and documented their grownup teens.

Why not capture where you began, as well as how far you've come.

Who says summer is a break?

Summer, that's my big excuse as to why it has been so long since my last post. With three boys home, I wouldn't exactly say I am sitting around eating bon bons. I've resumed the role of mom during the day and moonlight/weekend photographer. That is until school starts back up again. I thought I'd post a couple photos from a trip we took in June with a couple families. Each year the kids discover more and more ways to keep themselves occupied. This year in between ski runs, they fished with grapes, observed the stars at dusk and swam until they fell fast asleep. Now that what I call a summer vacation!

Watch them Grow

Photographing life stages, and watching kids grow up is an amazing part of my job. I photographed the Harris family when their son was a newborn and now, years later I was able to see how he has grown and meet the new addition to their family. Connecting with families on more than just a professional level is really important to me. It is such a great feeling when the kids come to their session excited to see me and wanting to be photographed again.

The New addition

The Connelly Clan

Talk about an easy group. I arrived at the Connelly's home in Newport Beach ready to pull out all my "flair". With 6 kids, 7 and under, I thought I had my work cut out for me. Contraire mon fraire... All the kids behaved so well. I was able to get through the group photo without any problems. Playtime was so much fun and we were able to capture just about everything within 45 minutes. Now that is awesome! Here are some of my favorites

The photographers' child

My camera is in tote wherever we go, but admittedly I have not been good at taking regularly scheduled portraits of my own boys. This year I scheduled their session by officially booking it on my work calendar, then shopping for clothing, picking the location and in turn experiencing the stress that goes along with having photos taken of your own children.

We arrived at Balboa and first dropped our stuff off at the beach where they immediately dove into the sand, covered themselves with soot from the fire pits and ate snacks that ended up all over their clothes. I always advise my clients to go with the flow; natural photos are better than clean, unnatural ones... easier said then done!!

When you've spent the time to pick a date, take showers, pick out clothing etc, it becomes very hard to let go. I'll admit it first hand, but as the session went on and as I slowly let go of my visions and instead let what happen, happen, my boys began to relax and enjoy themselves which lead to photos that captured the beauty of my kids.

Sometimes it is hard to relinquish control, but as I experienced myself, the best photos are taken once we drop our expectations and let the kids, well, just be kids.