H & P Engagement

A friend of mine referred me to this fun couple as a wedding photographer. After booking me, we started discussing ideas for the engagement shoot. They weren't sold on an idea of an engagement shoot- we talked about some different ideas and locations, but none really got them enthused.  After being in their home infused with art and style for a bit, and learning they both loved to read, we decided to style an "outdoor book" session. They were sold on the idea and totally committed to the shoot!

We decided to set their “home” up in a beautiful outdoor location. I purchased a sweet garland made of book pages from an Etsy seller, Smiley Wileys. We brought vintage and favorite books, furniture, rugs, and a Mickey Mouse that held special meaning to the bride. 

This couple was amazing! I had so much fun and loved the energy and attitude H & P had. I'm thrilled with how the photos came out. What an amazing session! 

Strive...

Every day I strive to be better. A better mom, a better wife, a better photographer. The hardest part about this is that in striving I actually have to put in some effort. It's a verb, so it requires action. 

To be a better mom, I talk to other moms to get another perspective on life, on motherhood, on my own ideas about the job I'm doing. I learn from other moms- things I may try, or may try to avoid. Both are helpful. 

To be a better wife, my biggest hurdle is just keeping my mouth shut somedays. Because really, I think my ideas and ways are better 99% of the time. (I'm pretty sure they are). But my husband doesn't necessarily agree. And that's ok- everything doesn't have to be a debate. 

To be a better photographer I participate in photography forums, I join workshops, I read, and I take more pictures. Hands on has always been the best method of learning for me. I need to do it. Lately I've really been putting in effort (aka striving) to take more pictures every day. Nothing major, just basic events in our daily lives. And sometimes I submit these photos to photography websites with weekly themes. 

This week I'm honored to be have several photographs published. My work is included in the current issue of Trivia: Voices of Feminism, an online journal. I'm also one of the featured photographers in Beyond the Wanderlust's Instagram Friday Favorites. Finally, this week, I received an honorable mention from Finding the Light workshop photography contest. 

Things like this always keep me feeling like I'm doing what I'm meant to be doing and inspire me to strive even more. Cyclical, you know? It's also really important for me to share these types of things. First, I'm proud of myself. Second, if I can do it, anyone can. That includes you. 

Go. Do better. Be better. Put in effort. Strive. 

But before you go and get all improved and stuff,  you can look at some of my shots from our daily life. And for the record, this was a pretty tough day to put it mildly. These pictures are a result of me giving up trying to control them and just letting them do what they wanted to do. For about 30 minutes. Then I dragged them to the car kicking and screaming. :sigh: 

Day-to-day...

I learned a very important lesson from Jennifer Tonetti-Spellman of Jellybean Pictures- when shooting a session, have your camera ready when you arrive and don't put it away until you get in your car to leave. I've captured some great images because of her wise words. 

My favorite thing about taking photographs is being able to capture the moments. The moments between the posed or group shots. The moments someone steals a glance or shares a laugh. The moment when your child is totally unaware of the photographer and just get busy being themselves. 

That's why I do this. I like to document life. To make a visual history of relationships. And of course this includes my daily routines with my husband and kids. The day-to-day happenings in my home are some of the most precious things I can capture. I'm not sure if they are totally annoyed with me yet, but they may  be. I remind them how much they'll appreciate me later. 

I use Instagram, of course, to post some of these day-to-day images. Some are on this blog as well. Today I'm sharing one of my favorites thus far. I'm not only sharing it here, but I'm also entering this photo in the Chic Critique Photography Idol contest. I think it's priceless and it shows exactly who I strive to be as a photographer. 

The S Family

My process always begins with a conversation about what you like to do as a family. Or a couple. Just a little bit of a 'getting to know you'. This gorgeous family wanted to have photos of Grandma with all of her adorable grandchildren. Upon talking with them, I learned they liked to visit this private lake near Grandma's house. (Private lake!!) I was so excited when they agreed to let me follow them and take their photographs at the lake. I had such a blast watching them interact and play. I got to witness so much love....I'm so grateful to be doing this.

The C Family

I meet so many amazing people and families doing photography. Including a new addition to this lovely family. This sweet baby girl had a couple of photo shoots. Dad got called out to work right before I arrived for the first one, so I happily returned a few weeks later to capture the three of them together. Both of my visits resulted in some amazing moments. You can never imagine the love you are capable of until you see that little extension of you face to face. I love to capture love. 

Sweet moments...

I really want to express how much I appreciate my husband, my life, my kids. Being able to stay home with them, watch them grow, their sweet moments together. I'm so grateful. There are so many moments I don't capture on film, because honestly, I want to be a part of the moment, see it with my own eyes...and other times the moments last long enough and my camera is handy. 

These girls love each other so much. They have their squabbles, but for the most part they are generous and kind to each other. Although Quinn is still "learning her manners"- but she has an amazing role model. They are so sparkly....

Weddings? Yes, please...

Many moons ago I helped out a friend of mine shooting a wedding. When I say many moons ago, I'm talking pre-husband, pre-children, still able to rock a strapless dress. At that time I had no equipment, but was willing and ready to learn. I learned weddings fly by when you're trying to capture all of those amazing moments. They can be a stressful, and you definitely break a sweat-  but I do love a good wedding...

I had so much fun; probably cause I was rocking a strapless dress and no equipment. No matter- I knew I loved it. Mind you, since then I've kind of hesitated at shooting weddings. I've always wanted to do it, but also feel I needed to be more prepared mentally, equipment wise, and have more experience in order to do it justice. Weddings are major and it matters to me.

Recently I had an amazing opportunity to second shoot a wedding with the extremely talented Teri Kramer of tarte :: photography. I was thrilled to be there, to capture such an amazing day. The couple was married at a beautiful church in Montecito, CA, Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church.
The venue was gorgeous. Directly after the ceremony we drove to a private estate in Santa Barbara to take more photos. I had an amazing day, with an amazing couple, and an amazing partner. (Did I mention it was totally amazing!?!)

I've been waiting to share the photos with you all. Wanted to make sure the bride and groom got them first. :) I'm only sharing photos I've taken and edited. Miss Teri has another batch of deliciousness herself!
Next wedding in September...can't wait!