Meet Katie. She’s a gorgeous young woman, inside and out, and has one of the most infectious smiles and laughs I’ve ever seen or heard. I love photographing women like her. It’s so easy and natural, almost effortless. She gave me one of the best birthday presents by allowing me to photograph her in this beautiful field of little yellow weeds flowers, and letting me process her images in a variety of (slightly subtle) ways.

I love photographing women – all women – and capturing their inner beauty as much as what’s on the outside. So often we women spend all our time working inside and/or outside the home, caring for our significant other, kids, coworkers, parents, siblings, friends…everyone but ourselves. When was the last time you got all gussied up and did something just for yourself?

Being photographed – for yourself – can be such an uplifting and gratifying experience for your soul. Just an hour or two of letting go, being yourself, laughing and allowing yourself the freedom to leave the stress of every day life somewhere else can refresh your spirit in immeasurable ways. Kind of like a spa treatment, but with something tangible you can keep as a memory and reflect on another day when life seems a little crazy.

Who are you? What do you love? Where is your happy place? This is what I want to capture. You. Being you. Letting all the love you have inside show through the honest and natural expressions brought out in the course of a photography session with me. Sometimes it’s absolute happiness and overwhelming joy, and sometimes it’s a serious glimpse into the more vulnerable part of your heart.

So, if you need a break from the stress of everyday life, would like to take some time to create something special for yourself or your significant other, or just need a day out to laugh and have some fun, give me a call! I’d love to photograph you being you, today. You won’t be the same person tomorrow.

Filed under: portrait, Women

Create some special memories with this special package deal for you and your mom, daughter, sister, aunt, best friend, or whomever you like! You can buy it today (or until May 13th, 2012) and use it anytime before the end of the year. It’s an amazing deal on both prints and a DVD of your gallery images to share with your friends and family.

Contact me for more information or to purchase the Mom & Me Special.

 

Filed under: business

Whether you are searching for a job, working as an independent consultant, Realtor, or insurance agent, marketing yourself on LinkedIn, or just need a new profile image on Facebook, it is always an excellent idea to have a professional head shot for your portfolio.

Ms. A, here, needed one for her resume because in the country where she intends to seek a position, it is still customary to include a portrait or head shot with your resume.

Despite the fact that she is not extremely comfortable in front of the camera, I was able to get her to relax and have fun with it. I used some of the posing techniques learned through a Creative Live workshop I attended a few weeks ago taught by Sue Bryce. She offered some amazing advice, and with her tips, I was able to focus on keeping things light and fun, while knowing exactly what I wanted to do to properly pose my subject.

This next one is my absolute fave from the session. Though I’m sure Ms. A would say she felt like a contortionist in this pose, she looks very natural and relaxed with a beautiful smile. The light caught her eyes just perfectly and, in both the black/white and color version, they just pop right out of the image.

The following is an example of the power of Photoshop; and also, an excellent reminder to carefully skim your subject every time before snapping that shutter.

Notice anything different between these two images? … That’s right! Her collar was up in the original, and though it is an excellent image – good light, nice pose and expression – the collar just killed it for me. I mean, c’mon! You CAN’T put that on a resume! So, with a little bit of magic, the popped collar was tamed and all was right with the world.

Party pictures and poses are a dime a dozen, and really do speak volumes when it comes to making an impression on someone – especially a potential employer. Therefore, mix it up a bit and be sure to have something more professional in your photo gallery; not just the ones of you mixing it up on the dance floor with a rum & coke in your hands. Those may come in handy at the company Christmas Party, but you’ve gotta work for the company first!

So, tell me…are you ready for YOUR close up?

Filed under: business, portrait, Women

As I look back through some of the images I’ve taken over the past couple of years, the ones that I tend to love the most are not the posey-posed portraits one most considers buying, but the imperfect ones and the special moments captured in between.  I almost always tend to edit these in black and white, as it gives them a certain timeless feel, a moment captured in time, an intimate expression shared. These two sisters have such a special bond, despite being so far apart in age. You can tell who has taught whom the “pursed lips model look.” Here, I asked for attitude…how funny that attitude is expressed so differently among the generations! Love these special moments between mother and daughter…so precious. Speaking of attitude…this little one can work it, girl!! Silly faces are a must, and these two had no shortage of them! Don’t get me wrong. I LOVE beautifully posed images that capture the very essence of a person in one glance. But the simple side of me also loves the journalistic feel of capturing people’s personalities and intimate connections with those they love. What do you find yourself most drawn to? Please share your thoughts in the comments…

Filed under: Children, portrait, Women

I did this shoot almost two years ago, just as I was really getting started. She was one of my first clients and was getting ready to graduate and leave town, so she wanted some model-esque images for herself. She was referred through a mutual friend, and when she arrived, I was blown away. She was so beautiful, make up was flawless, and had some legs that would not stop.

Unfortunately, I failed her. I hate to admit it, but I never finished editing her images. I had been feeling so crappy for about a week, and a week later found out I was pregnant. After that, nausea and fatigue set in and I just…well…dropped the ball. I owe her a huge apology and hope to have an opportunity to set things straight with her. She left town and I never heard from her, nor did I attempt to contact her and explain.

Looking back on her images, and taking time to edit/re-edit them, it’s actually pretty cool to see how far I’ve come in that time. Perhaps there is a reason why I could not finish her set then. I wasn’t ready. I wasn’t ready to do them justice, because she is a knockout and deserves a proper finished product. I hope you agree that, despite how long it has taken, I have delivered.

Shar, if you’re out there, holla! I’d love to get these images to you.

Which one is your favorite? I can’t decide…

Filed under: portrait, Women

In January, I had the enormous pleasure of photographing the most precious preemie I’ve ever seen. Born at 35 weeks, and one day shy of 2 weeks old the day we photographed her, this adorable child was adopted by a most loving family.

Out of respect, I won’t be showing any images of her sweet little face, but it was so awesome to capture the love in the hearts of her new parents, big brother, and grandmother, who is in town to help with the transition of having a new baby in the house.

She is a strong one, born 4 weeks early and able to go home with her new family within a couple of days of being born.

I am so happy for this family and all the joy this little one will bring into their hearts and home. And, I am so grateful for the opportunity to capture the newness they were experiencing with her.

Filed under: Newborns

I’m checking out Hootsuite to manage my personal online profiles on Facebook and LinkedIn, as well as my photography page and blog. So, let me just say, Happy Hump Day! And, call me if you’d like to schedule a photo session this spring! ~Peace & Love~

Filed under: business

One of my goals for 2012 is to focus on developing a niche for my photography. While I enjoy shooting children of all ages (with a camera, of course! ), my creative juices really flow more naturally with seniors, couples, and moms-to-be. Being a mother, myself, I have a certain affinity with the pregnant body. Personally, I find nothing more beautiful than a woman developing life inside her womb. It is magical, mystical, and miraculous what our bodies can do, if we are fortunate enough to have the opportunity and make that choice.

She wears 37 weeks well, doesn’t she?

About a week later, she gave birth to a beautiful baby boy.

I only wish I could’ve been present for that, but alas, she lives too far away.

Birth photography is something I have a great interest in, but have not yet had the opportunity to explore. It is, essentially, having a photographer with you during your labor and delivery process to document the experience of your birth. It can happen in your home or in the hospital delivery room. It is not invasive, and generally uses only natural light so as to not annoy anyone with the use of flash. The result is a tasteful, journalistic account of the birth experience, typically presented in an album of black and white photographs to cherish for years to come.

If you, or someone you know, would be interested in having a birth experience documented, please contact me at any time.

Filed under: business, goals/objectives, maternity, my style, portrait

After almost a year’s hiatus, I am finally getting back into the swing of things with photography. Having a baby will take it out of ya, let me tell you! Not to mention the guilt of taking time away from said baby, plus my son, who is now 4, my husband, and my home…running a photography business isn’t just snappin’ pictures and uploading them to Facebook!

So, it’s taken me some time to both work up my energy, and find a balance that allows me to make time for new clients. That being said, I could not have started the ball rolling again with any better client than this beautiful mother and her two gorgeous children. It is fitting, actually, that they mark my return, as they were my last client prior to taking leave in 2010.

It’s amazing to see how much they have all changed in just one short year.

Last year:

This year:

Last year:

This year:

Such a beautiful family.

Stay tuned for new changes coming up! I’m working on my website and hope to have it launched by the end of the year. A new pricing schedule has been worked up for 2012. And, if you – or anyone  you know – is in need of portraits, please feel free to pass along my contact information. I am hoping to schedule one to two clients per month, as time allows.

As always, feel free to leave any comments, and/or share with your friends.

See you soon!

Filed under: business, portrait

I shot this beautiful family back in September. It was supposed to include their father as well, but unfortunately he was called away to a meeting at the last minute. So, it was girls’ evening at the park, and we had a fabulous time.

Mom and her two daughters, but I swear, they look like they are all sisters! I love all the colorful flowers in the background. Really makes their purple pop!

Note to self: check posture!!

I just could not get enough of this little cutie! She LOVED the camera…and the camera loved her!

Sometimes black/white conversions work well…sometimes they don’t. This session, the conversions worked.

Probably my favorite image from the entire session. I know it’s awkward to look at vertically, but it works better than having one upside down, IMO.

Such sweet sisters. Taking photographs is easy when clients are so beautiful and happy.

Filed under: Uncategorized