Project 10: Layers

Children are the most interesting subject to study.  They have so many nuances and layers to their little personalities. They are trying to grow up, but they are still innocent at heart.

My daughter, Kaylee has so many layers to her personality, so I thought she would be the perfect subject for this month's theme.

Kaylee has had the same stuffed rabbit since she was a baby. Actually, rabbity was bought for her before she was born, and he slept in her crib every night.  She lost him once when she was two and he managed to show up again when she was three.

Although Kaylee is growing up, and getting more intelligent as time goes on, Rabbity stays with her through it all. He is always by her side no matter what.

Kaylee loves to have fun, laugh, and be herself. She is so untainted and truthto her nature, I am dreading the day she becomes aware of society and loses a little of that part of herself.

These different layers and parts of her personality make me appreciate her innocence. The older she gets, the more layers will form who she is as a person.

Rabbity will always be there to remind me about the core layer of her childhood.

Jaxen, Emmie & The apples

Saturday was beyond busy! So busy, my family and I drove from Mesa (my daughter is in pop warner cheer) then back down to phoenix for a baby shower ending in a birthday party. I did manage to fit in a family photo session with my friend and fellow photog, Ashley Aniol with EmmieRae Photography.

Ashley specializes in maternity, newborns, babies and children. But even photogs have to have family pics taken, so she came to me :)

Ashley, her husband Ray and their two kids Jaxen and Emmie are a hoot! This family is hilarious, the kids were so much fun and so adorable! Ray was fun too, He carried all of the furniture props for me, thanks Ray!

Since its fall and all, I decided to bring apples for the session. Jaxen and Emmie bit into every single apple in the wooden bucket! They love apples. Getting the apples out of their hands for a photo was a task, but between, Ray, Ashley and myself, we managed and get some great shots (most of them eating apples)

Check out a few photos from out "apple" session!

Never Stop Learning~

Today was a wonderful day...I have been looking forward to this day for months. Jessica Downey, a photographer whom I admire immensely, held a beginners workshop for photographers that I was able to attend. You might ask, "Why a beginners workshop? You already have a business" or " I thought you knew what you are doing with that montsrosity of a camera". Well, the answer to that is simple...there is nothing wrong revisiting the basics. Most of the time you learn something new that you never knew before. That "aha" moment where it all finally REALLY pulls together. That happened to me today. I am so glad I went to that workshop, it was one of the best decisions I have made regarding my business.

A photographer has to be open to change, open to education, and a new way of viewing our own work. If a photographer thinks they know all there is to know, he/she will not grow as an artist or a business person. Ok I am done with my rant:)

Here are a few photos from the workshop Jessica Downey so kindly put together. If you are interested in mentoring or attending a workshop OR just for inspiration, check out her website and FB page

www.jessicadowneyphoto.com

www.facebook.com/jessicadowneyphoto

Anyhoo......on to the pics

The Ties That Bind~

Family is an important part of everyone's life. When you have positive ties that bind you, that makes life even better. Today I had a session with my sis in law,  Jamie, her hubby (and my bro in law of course), Steven, along with my niece and nephew, Lucas and Lexy.

Jamie has not had family photos taken in a while, and the last time was at a studio. The whole "candid" term is relatively new to her. So, thank you Jamie for taking a chance and trying something new.

My whole purpose is to capture real moments and the subjects personality. This family has so much personality, I really wanted to showcase that. When Jamie looks back on these photos when her children are teenagers about to head off to college, I want her to say "Oh I remember this, Lucas was always the comedian", or "Lexy had the funniest facial expressions when she was 6".

We had a great time out at the session, everyone looked adorable. I am so glad to be a part of capturing a moment in time with Lex & Lucas. Of course we did the normal stuff too, but we got some great personality shots. Lucas is a riot! The kid should do stand up comedy. And Lexy will be someone's boss someday. I totally see her as an entrepreneur when she grows up. I

This is why I love photography. Its not about money, or boredom. Its about giving a family the gift of memories and art for their walls. Something they truly appreciate and love, not just photos that say "cheese".

“You don’t take a photograph, you make it.” -Ansel Adams

Smiles from Xavier~

Saturday morning, I headed out at 5:45 am for a morning session with the Almada family, yes thats right, 5:45, in the am. What prompted me to such craziness? Well, Ill tell you...baby Xavier. A more good natured baby cannot be found, definetley not mine :) I have never seen a 6 month old smile so much or so often, I just love that little boy.

For those of you that don't know, Lexy and Mando Almada are one of the first clients that took a chance on me. I have been the photographer for the Almadas since Lexy was pregnant with Xavier.  It has been such a joy to watch Xavier grow, and to watch Lexy come into her own as a mother. Xavier is truly a miracle baby and I am honored to capture his life and personality as he grows into a little person. I cannot believe he is already 6 months old. Time flies when there are cute babies around. And as always, Lexy and Mando are hilarious, they make my day. Love all three of you~

Here are a few photos from the session....gotta <3 Mando's shirt;)

True Love~

How could life be different when you find your true love? Can true love change who you are, how you live life? Absolutely. My friend Janis found the love of her life, Mark. After kissing frogs, she finally got her prince, and I got a front row seat to the romance this past Saturday.

These two are so in love, it rolls off of them in waves. And for someone like me who has been married for seven years, it made me remember the early days when love was so new, and also made me miss my hubby even more (he was in Wisconsin at the Green Bay Packers game).

Janis and Mark's session was full of laughs, love and smooching. I was laughing so hard, I had a stomach ache at the end of the session. Mark and Janis are just wonderful and I am so very happy for them.

Check out a few photos from Mark + Janis' session~

Terrific Two's

Ever heard of terrible two's? Well, this is what I call terrific two's!
I had such a fun session with beautiful Joana and her little girl Mia. She is a little girl that knows what she wants (bubbles & balloons) and there is no way you could get her off track. She is so gorgeous with her beautiful eyes and pretty brown hair.

Baby girl was a live wire running all over! I wish I had the energy of a two year old! Luckily, we had her gorgeous aunt there to help. With mom, aunt, and myself, little missy gave us all a run for our money. We as adults forget what is like to be a child. We forget what it is like to wonder at everything. It was refreshing to see life through a child's eyes, even if just for an hour. Thank you Joana and Mia for an incredible session.

Here are a few pics from our our of bubbles, balloons, and fun:)