That Tricky Weather Man

The weather man said it was going to be cloudy and gloomy. "A thick marine layer" he said. That's the keywords for "yucky" here along the California coast- especially in Orange County. But it ended up being a beautiful day! And as the even drew closer and closer I thought for sure the sky was going to cloud over at any moment (which by the way, sometimes makes beach photos even better). But the beach I had planned on shooting the "V" family at is one of those that can be real hard to pull off on a clear, bright day- so I was getting nervous. But luck was on my side tonight! The perfect amount of cloud cover (aka June Gloom) moved it. Just enough to give us some soft light, but not so much that we missed out on the spectacular sunset!! It was the perfect combo!

Not my favorite photo of the bunch, but it was such a beautiful sunset shot that I had to post it! I'll add my favorite photo later.

Someone Was Not So Happy to See Me!

Little Miss "P" was not at all happy to have her photo taken while we were trying to get a good family photo for the "D" family Christmas card!! That little munchkin cried almost the entire time! But the part that really got me was that as soon as I packed away my camera and we called it a day, she looked right at me and gave me the most picture perfect smile! I had to laugh! Here I thought maybe she didn't feel well or was tired... oh no, she was having fun with me!! Too funny!!

We ended up getting a couple good ones. And big sister, Miss "D" was such a good sport through the whole thing! So was dad, who really just wanted to be at home watching the playoff baseball game!! LOL!

Luau Time!

I just had to post a few shots from the Dale Velzy Luau we went to. There is a surf contest during the day (was too lazy to bring the camera) and the luau at night. It's always a unique experience! A great mix of old and new surfers and the food and "jungle juice" are always great- not to mention the entertainment. This year was the best it's been as far as the hula dancers go, but we did miss having a band afterwards.

So if you are ever in Dana Point in October and want some good hawaiian style food and entertainment, stop by the Dale Velzy Luau in the harbor!

Getting Ready for the Holidays!

Time to start thinking about the holidays!

Book early to get a good spot! Weekends always go quickly! Please check the "Availability" section on my website for available days. Sunset beach sessions will take place around 5:00pm. All holiday orders must be placed by November 15th to ensure holiday delivery.

Don't forget there is more then just the beach to choose from (although it does make those relatives in Wisconsin really jealous!). There are some great parks here in Dana Point and Laguna Niguel, both green and rustic, as well as some unique locations in San Juan Capistrano and San Clemente to choose from. We can even do a photo session at your home.

"Digital negatives" are available for purchase for those who prefer to order their own Christmas cards through places such as TinyPrints.com or Costco. I also offer a wide range of cards, custom designed for your family. Contact me for more information.

A Sad But Sweet Story

I was so happy to be able to photograph the "W" family the other day! Their youngest, little "B" is fighting cancer! Leukemia to be exact- although I'm not sure which form. They found out in April and the poor little guy has gone through hell since then! Unfortunately, it's not over yet- but at least it's looking darn good.
The saddest thing was that mom asked me to photograph the whole family while little "B" was home from the hospital because they didn't have any family photos! None of all of them together! I'm so happy we were able to get a few good ones of them before little "B" had to put his germ mask back on and head back inside.
You can follow up on his progress on a blog his parents posted http://benji-walters.blogspot.com/

Opps! Time to Play Catch-Up

It's been too long since I've updated my blog! Life has been busy!! Some of you who know me already know- I've been homeschooling my youngest for the past few months. It's a long story that I'm happy to share with anyone who really wants to know- but I won't bore the rest of you!

Anyway- it makes for a full day!! So marketing the business has slowed to a crawl- which given the way things have been going in our country the last few months, has made for good timing. But don't for a minute think that that means I'm not available or I'm not working. Yes, things are slow- but Spring is always a slow time of year for me anyway- I'm gearing up for Father's Day and will be posting info on Mini Sessions in the next few days.... so be sure to check back- or even better, drop me an email and I will add you to the email newsletter list. Don't worry- I only send emails when there are specials or as reminders to book before the busy holidays. None of this once a day junk I get from some of the email newsletters I've signed up for in the past!!

Newest Addition

The "C" family is proud to annouce the newest addition to their family- little Ms. "K"!! Sweet little Ms. "K" (who apparently sleeps all day long when I'm not around!! LOL).

The girls were so sweet with her! I love the image of the 3 of them! It's even better in black and white, but I didn't want to OD on black and white for this post. I'm a color kind of gal!

I haven't had a lot of opportunity to photograph newborns but I sure do love it! I could have spent all day capturing the sweet moments like these. It just makes you feel so warm and fuzzy inside. Almost makes you want to have another of your own- almost, but not quite :0)

Thank you "C" family for letting me be a large part of your afternoon!

Family Reunion

I had the opportunity to photography the sweetest family the other day! They were all together to celebrate their dad's birthday. Two of the families had flew in from Washington and the other drove down from Central California. Later that afternoon they had a big surprise party planned! Wasn't that sweet! Tight planning made for tight timing on our shoot, but I think I got some shots they will love. I hope you guys had a wonderful party!

Mini Sessions Extended!

I've extended the expiration date for Spring Mini Sessions to Monday, April 6th.

In case you haven't read below- Mini Sessions are miniature versions of a regular session that are only $50 for the session fee instead of the regular price of $175! There is a time limit on Mini Sessions that I do not put on regular sessions as well as a person limit of 4. Any questions? Email me!

Spring has Sprung! Time for Mini Sessions!

Spring is almost here- but don't tell that to the flowers- they think it's already begun! Now that all the beautiful mustard and California poppies have begun to bloom it's time for Spring Mini Sessions! Mini sessions are smaller versions of regular sessions, meant for up to 4 people.

We will spend about half an hour together at one of various fields in the area, photographing your family. (Mini sessions are best for one or two people, but I will accommodate up to 4). Just like a regular session, you will have a private online ordering gallery from which to place your order in about two weeks.

Regular Flower Field sessions are also available. A regular session will last longer then a Mini Session (about 1-2 hours), can accommodate more people and will have more images to view in your online gallery.

Mini Sessions are only $50, Regular sessions are $175. Hurry though!! The flowers will only be in full bloom for the next couple of weeks so sessions must be scheduled before March 30th. Unlike in the past, Mini Sessions can take place at any time between now and March 30th.

Gotta love living in So Cal!

Gotta love living in So Cal in February! I got to go down to the beach early this morning and shoot photos for the Marco Forest Middle School Surf Team/Surf Club and the weather was perfect!
Scott Weinhart- he's always lookin' for more sponsors! If anyone in the surf biz is looking for an up and coming surfer....

Merry Christmas to All!!

Merry Christmas!!

I hope that you have a wonderful, peaceful and enjoyable holiday- full of loving family, good friends, good food and great wine!!

Thank you so much to all of you who have visited my website and my blog. Feel free to leave a comment or two (or email me!). I hope that I can post your images here next year!

Here's to an AWESOME 2009!


PS- for those of you who watch my blog- you know sometimes I comment on how challenging some kids can be to photograph (adorable, but sometimes a bit challenging!) Well, I have forgotten to mention just how much more I would rather photograph the most challenging, rambunctious, crazed little ones rather then photograph my own girls (who almost did not live through this photo shoot!!!!)!!

PS- The older one is not Italian (talking with her hands), she's just 13!! and an audible "Uhhhhhh!" went with each hand jesture!! LOL! The younger one...well, she just egged her on when ever she could!! Needless to say.... I enjoyed a much deserved glass of wine that evening!

The "C" Family

I've known the "C" family for many years- even worked for the very talented "T" (see his website http://www.tinology.com/) But I never realized just how much their daughter,"R" looks like Miley Cyrus!. It seems to be the season of Hollywood look a likes!! LOL!

(Sorry "R", but the look a like is too funny after my Michael Chiarello look alike!!)

Perfect!

As I left my house to meet up with the "L" family, I thought for sure it was going to be a repeat of the "Blustery Day". It was windy and cold and looked as if it might rain any moment! Not long after I arrived at the beach, the wind died down and the clouds eased up (Whew!).

The light was perfect! The water was perfect! The family was great! It was one of those great sessions! And to top it all off- we had an amazing sunset!

Love Their Smiles!

You gotta love the smiles on the "M" family! Not only do they have great smiles, they are always smiling!

We had fun hangin' out in the fields on one of my favorite rustic spots- until little Mr. "B" discovered the tree! He's 3 and all of 25 lbs, but the kid is a daredevil! He was up that tree so fast! And then he wanted to jump down from at least 7 feet up. After we pulled him out of the tree he was done with photos. Done- he even pretended to be asleep so that I wouldn't take any more! Not his brother "J" though- he was ready with his Hollywood smile- and adorable glasses.

Opps!

Let me start by saying- I've know the "L" family since before they were even a family! "B" and my husband were friends before he know his wife "H", we were at their wedding in Hawaii and have gone to the boys birthday parties since they started having them!

They asked me to take their Christmas photo again this year and we decided to try the beach again ("B" is an avid surfer). The night looked promising- nice weather, no wind. The boys were in good moods and all should have gone great, right? Well, the beach was more crowded then I've seen it since summer- which of course distracted the boys (and "B" in more then one shot!) and no one wanted to look on me. And then came the powerful allure of the ocean! Finally the boys just couldn't resist it any longer and charged in fully clothed! Can you say "reshoot"? LOL!

A Blustery Day

I woke up Sunday morning, long before the sun was up, to howling winds outside. Branches crashing, umbrellas falling, even chairs and outdoor furniture scraping long the ground from the strong winds. And those winds never let up! It was a Blustery Day, as Pooh Bear might say! I had two sessions that day, and I was being to worry neither of them might work.

The first was an adorable couple. "H" called me last minute, after being referred by his sister. I didn't realize it was just going to be the two of them until we meet Sunday morning at the beach. "H"'s new wife "A" had to fly back home to Europe that afternoon, so there was little time to discuss things such as "how big is your family?". But it was a pleasant surprise! Lucky for us, the cove I chose was somewhat protected by the wind.
We were not so luck that afternoon!



You may recognise the girls "R" and "M", and maybe even little Mr. "N" from last year. The girls with the stunning eyes! We tried to do the whole family this time- but Mother Nature did really want to cooperate. The winds never let up- they howled all day! But we thought we would give it a go anyway. Unfortunatly, I didn't think about how, after all the dust was blown around all day, it might affect the clarity of the images. Not to mention it made for bad hair! We gave it our best- but this one is going to have to be a reshoot. The dust and other stuff in the air, just made for images that are not sharp enough for my taste. Did I mention that not only was it windy, it was COLD!



And to top it off... "N" puked all over at the end!