Shelly and Dan were visiting Southern California from Minnesota last week, and came to the beach for a private photo session of just to two of them. Of course I thought that was a fantastic idea.  I was so impressed with these two who have been married for nearly 13 years and have 2 kids.  I love that they took the time to enjoy time alone away from it all.

In the days leading up to this session I was really worried about a storm that was coming.  We rescheduled, and were extremely lucky to not only get dry weather, but gorgeous ideal lighting, and dramatic beautiful clouds.  As we pulled out of the parking lot after we were done it started to rain.  We were very lucky indeed.

Last week was hard. I had 2 very sick children all week. Those of you with kids know that when you have a sick baby it is 24 hours of constant care, especially when they are congested. I was going to doctor’s offices and pharmacies, and not getting any sleep which finally led to getting sick myself. It was just awful.

One afternoon while Tim was home for lunch I was laying on the couch trying to get my baby to sleep. Tim came inside and handed me a package that was left on the door. I had no idea what it could be, but was very pleasantly surprised to find the very first magazine cover I shot inside.

In case you didn’t pick up the December issue of Managed Healthcare Executive I was the photographer for their feature story about Health Care IT. It was different and fun to branch out into the commercial world a little. Even though it’s a magazine nobody I know reads it is still fun to see my work in print.

Natalie and her mom planned the perfect spot for her senior portraits.  It’s a quiet place close to her house where she likes to go hiking.  It was just gorgeous there that afternoon. It was a place that perfectly complimented Natalie’s personality and style.  She’s an amazing girl who already has some of her college general ed done even before graduating from high school.  She’s  heading off to BYU in the fall to study Engineering. Be sure to notice her necklaces, some of which she designed and made herself.

Baby Derek is one month old, and oh so handsome. Look at that adorable smile.

His big sister, and big brother were big helpers during the photo session. It was so fun to chat with them.

The other day I had a great time hanging out with two gorgeous little girls. Seriously, they are just stunning aren’t they? I just love their bright blue eyes with the dark hair.  I don’t know how I get so lucky to work with the most beautiful children, but I do.

Little S showed me her room, and we got to play together. She was so delightful and charming. Her cute little voice calling me to come play with her melted my heart.  Her sister is equally charming and lovely. Here you can see her smiling for her mommy. I’m a sucker for those looks babies give their mommies.

We also went in the backyard so she could show me how she climbs trees. I’m so impressed with her tree climbing skills at just 3.

The next series of photos are some of my most favorite. It’s my first official pillow fight during a photo session.

Isn’t it crazy how 5 months of being pregnant can last for an eternity, but the first 5 months after the baby is born flies by?

He’s already 18 pounds, is rolling over, and is just starting to eat solid foods.

He shoves everything into his mouth with gusto.  It’s as if he will just not survive if he doesn’t get whatever he’s after into his mouth as soon as possible.

His hands are very busy busy grabbing and pounding away at everything around him.

He wants to be held all the time, and doesn’t sleep well at night.

His naps during the day are not regular, and only last around 15 minutes.

He’s very friendly, and just loves it when people talk to him.

He’s squishy and cuddly, and despite the lack of sleep and the ability to get anything done, I’ll keep him.

This gorgeous girl just turned one. When your baby turns one it is a big milestone. Her birthday was celebrated with a big party with lots of people who love her to pieces. We took these photos the day after, and although she was tired, she was as sweet as can be.  Happy first birthday cutie pie!

Oh how I love doing senior portraits.  I graduated from Moorpark High School way back in the day when a senior portrait meant going to the local studio where we all got head shots wearing the same black drape everyone else did. This makes for a very uniform yearbook layout, but it doesn’t make a memorable portrait that allows for how different and unique each student is.

This year I am offering 2 types of Senior portrait sessions.  The first is the Solo Session.  This is a session we plan all around you, and what makes you unique. We will talk and plan a session that totally fits your personality, your special talents and interests.

The second type is the Friends for Life Session. Do you have a bff, or a group of friends that you can’t live without? Why not do a session with them for your senior portraits?  These sessions are also customized to what you like to do together. How fun would it be to have a special custom photo session with you and your friends? Oh how  I wish I had done this when I was a senior.  It is about 5000% more meaningful than a head shot with a black drape.

I am so excited to start these sessions I am going to offer a special for the month of February.  I will be giving away a select number of FREE sesssions, either the solo session, or the friends for life session.  Everyone else who books in February will get 50% off their session fee. I will also be adding some special free products like cell phone skins with your photos on them, and autograph books to help you remember your senior year.

If you are interested  just comment on this post, or go to the top of the blog, click on “contact” and give me your info.  If you know someone graduating in 2011 please let them know about this special offer. The more people I have interested the more freebies I’ll be able to give away.

It’s time to get all my kids ready for Valentines this year. We did photo ones, and they require some cutting and assembling. I want to wish you all a very Happy Valentines Day. Enjoy it with the sweethearts in your life.

I am kind of embarrassed about my house. You see people think that because I’m a photographer my house is decorated beautifully with my photos. Oh how I wish that were true. Yes, I do have some up, but most of them are still on my computer waiting for the magical day when I will make beautiful albums out of them. Better yet for now I would love to have some stylish wall displays of my photos. Today I was looking around for some great ideas on on the internet.  I have a room we just switched into an office/play area, and I would love to decorate it with some fun colorful photos of the ones I love.

I love this idea of a grid of photos. It helps undecided people like me who have a lot of photos, and can’t pick just one.

(above photo from coolphotoideas.com)

And of course a beautiful canvas adds color and personality anywhere.  I LOVE this mantle display from Ali Edwards

This one is great for shelves where you can display books as well as photos mounted on accordian style mats.

(above photo from marthaswtewart.com)

I also like these oval frames for a different, more artsy look.

(above photo from marthastewart.com)

I would love to do something like this up my stairs. Martha Stewart give some great tips on hanging photos on her website.

Of course you can never go wrong with the Pottery Barn catalog for inspiration.

For the images below Pottery Barn even has downloadable templates to help you with these looks.