Taking care of business...

Don't know if you've noticed this yet, but at the top header I've added a link titled 'Interested in taking a class'? I've been giving this a ton of thought lately and after some "gentle" persuasion by persistent friends I thought I would at least put this out to the great world wide web. So, if you click on the link above it will take you to a quick poll/survey I'm conducting to see if there is much interest out there.

The Beginner's Photography Class would consist of reviewing gear, settings, terminology, lighting, composition, and most importantly just how to take better pictures (of your kids, pets, anything).

With the Beginner's Photoshop Class I can offer 2 types of focuses; Class A would consist of using Photoshop for photo editing and we would learn the basics to editing including layer masks, adjustments and enhancing. Class B would focus on using Photoshop as your design software for making invitations, announcements and digital scrapbooking - we would cover topics such as brushes, creating and using elements, masking and layer styles

In either class scenario experience is NOT necessary, nor is a high-end camera or the latest/greatest version of Photoshop. However, I must warn you now... I am not a trained teacher! I will probably get off topic, I will probably make up words on the fly and I most likely will learn something new from you before the day is over. Guaranteed. So go HERE and let me know if you're interested.

And since I just finished editing this family session I thought it's only appropriate to post a few more - other than their 'outtakes'.

Enjoy!



and this one has just become a personal fav of mine... it's kind of sweet and simple!

A doozy of a sneak peek...

I am beyond grateful to have been part of this wonderful family - if only for 2 short hours. Not only was this a big occasion because it was family picture day, but it was also a reunion as some of this extended family had just arrived into town for the holiday.

So, THANK YOU for the moments I was allowed to capture!

Enjoy!

How big was your Thanksgiving...

... because this was just half, yes HALF, of the place settings for our family. Directly behind me - the picture taker - was another long table just for all the kids.



For some bizarre reason I seem to be the one "chosen" each year to make the name tag place settings for our Thanksgiving dinner. Not exactly sure why this has become the tradition - I mean we're all family and we usually can find a place to sit, but it is what it is. I usually gripe and moan and complain about this little project but I secretly love it... alright, there it is, cat's outta the bag!

So this was the place setting I came up with for this year... simple balsa wood rectangles spray painted with chalkboard paint and tied to an apple stem. Clever. Simple. Waaaaaay cute. Yes, yes and yes!

There is an abundance to be thankful for this year and I am truly grateful for where I am at today! I have a tremendous family, a husband who I simply adore, a deep love and appreciation for all the little things in my life and a hobby that has become a full-fledge passion which in turn has blessed me with a small business of my own. So, to all my dear sweet clients... THANK YOU! I have enjoyed meeting and photographing each and everyone of you. I love that you let me into your lives; I love that we laugh, giggle and occasionally snort together; I have loved all the moments we've shared together.

Happy Thanksgiving!
2009

What would we do...

... without moments like these?? I just love how children constantly remind us that we are NEVER in charge... and I would know because my day is filled from sun up to sun down with moments like this!



Sorry guys, but I just had to post an 'outtake' from our shoot - it was just too, cute of a shot to pass up! Love you dearly!

Just a couple more good ones...

More shots from my time with Tami and our gorgeous stand-in models. Seriously, I like my place behind the camera much more... our models had a tough job! No joke!

I'm in love...

...like the kind that makes your heart go pitter-patter, the kind where you can't sleep or eat, even the kind that gets you beaming with excitement for what's in store for the day. Truth be told that this love comes from a special place, a place known to some as B&H Photo and the object of this new found affection lies with this... my new baby!



my very own 5D MarkII... someone pinch me because I have to be dreaming!



Oh wait, ummm yeah, I meant to say that I'm madly in love with this crazy guy! He's kind of more awesome then anything I could attempt to write her on this blog. There is no other Man like him and I do love him to death... especially because he sat long enough in one place so I could play with my new toy. What a trooper... (I know he's gonna hate this, Oh well!)

Just a few more of my favs...

To my darling Stacy... Thank you for lending me your beauty. Thank you for your sweet words of encouragement. Thank you for your eager anticipation.





Of course, this shoot would lack all things fantastic and whimsical without the gorgeous Christina (maker of all the hair accessories). Be on the look out for her upcoming Etsy shop - Madame Pumphrey - so you can get your hands on one of her handcrafted beauties.

More things I adore :: good friends, good location and of course good light

... have I mentioned the light thing before? I'm almost sure I have... and this is why it is so important.





A fellow photog, nay comrade, nay BFF had this fantastic idea for a fun shoot and I was more than honored to tag along and snag a few shots. So, to my darling Tami... I can't wait to do it again!