Naturally Lit Photography

Tyler Haynes

2008-07-08T14:41:00.000-07:00

He's looking right at mom!

I love this one of David

Since my last post; Tyler was born on the 19th of June and today I got to meet him over at Stacey and Davids. He is so beautiful and extremely alert for a newborn. It was exciting as always to watch a baby and wondering how they really are seeing the world at this stage in life. Tyler is a very good baby and they are so blessed to have him. It was hard to choose from all the images I got today but here are some favorites.

David and Stacey

2008-06-02T15:07:00.000-07:00

Sunday afternoon I did a shoot for David and Stacey. She is due with her baby anytime now. It is so exciting to capture the excitement between the two of them. I met them through Katrina and Josh's wedding last November. David is Katrina's brother. I know the whole family is very excited to meet the new family member and pictures are to follow soon!

Bucky and Connie- 50 Years!

2008-05-29T14:08:00.000-07:00

Bucky and Connie celebrate 50 years of marriage! These are my parents and role models for life.
I knew I would never find the right card to express how I feel toward them and especially for this amazing day. I went to the Bible and sought truth about them and below is my personalized card to you both.
To Dad and Mom , Genesis 2:18
And the LORD God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a help meet for him.

With Fox and Bear

To Dad: Psalm 1:1-3
Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.
To Mom: Titus 2:3-5
The aged women likewise that in behavior as becometh holines, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things; That they may teach the young women to be sober to love their husbands, to love their children. To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.
Proverbs 31:10-12
Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies. The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil. She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.

I love you both so much. And thank you for an amazing example of marriage!

2008-05-17T12:02:00.000-07:00

It was time again this year to cash in on my donation at the preschool. Alicia bid on my photo package and today I got to meet her and her husband Blake and their boys. It was perfect weather out at 8am. this morning. The lighting was beautiful and the kids were ready to go. I think they had a great time today exploring and chasing the birds at the park. I really enjoyed working with you and hope to build a relationship to continue documenting your boys as they grow. It is great when you feel a bond right away with your clients. You feel as though you know them and can really capture their family at their best. Here are a few shots from today.

The Noble Girls

2008-05-15T10:27:00.000-07:00

The girls were picked up at school in the Limo!

You gotta love pink:)

The pampering begins!

This station you make your own bath salts!

My client, friend and hairstylist Kim won a terrific prize at a raffle. She won an afternoon for her girls at Sweet & Sassy. This place is a blast! For anyone who has little girls or loves pink; you need to go check it out! Here are some of the photos from that day.

David Greene!

2008-04-14T07:48:00.000-07:00

wish you were here Kim!

David on the phone with a bride

This weekend David Greene was in town shooting a wedding. We had the privilege of a phone call saying he was in town and then invited him to join us for dinner last night. We had a barbecue of carne asada, along with sangria, margs and beer. Some southwestern flare for our Canadian friend:) Most of the evening was photo talk which is to be expected. We also engaged in personal conversations that allowed us all to get to know each other on a different level. David is not only a great photographer he is a wonderful man. We sure did miss Kim though last night and hope that next time he is down here that Kim will join him.

BEE'S

2008-04-13T10:41:00.000-07:00

Spray

This morning at about 7am. I went to the store. When I walked out my front door I noticed about five bees. I was going to kick them aside when I looked up and saw more bees flying around. So I decided not to bother them and when I got in my car and looked up to our palm tree this is what I saw. I called Billy and had him call a bee keeper. Billy took a few shots of the bees and the man spraying them.

4-12-08

2008-04-13T10:05:00.000-07:00

What cute place cards

Every little detail matters

Special notes were passed along behind the scenes

Amanda did a great job picking out her colors

Elvis even showed up!

Last night I had the privilege of shooting with my friend Michell Jonas. It is the first time we shot together other than a studio shoot we did at our church several years ago. The wedding was at the Boojum Tree so I was very happy to join her since I have not shot there yet. Here are some of the shots I got. Thanks Michelle it was a blast!

Ramon One Year!

2008-03-31T12:18:00.000-07:00

Cake time!

It has been awhile since my last entry. I have been enjoying time with family and going through the usual days in the lives of kids at school. Time is just flying by.
I ran downtown to grab a paper backdrop for this particular shoot I had on Friday. I usually shoot with various materials and painted walls for backdrops. The shoot ended up being as much fun as I thought it would be!
Friday Emily and Ramon came to the studio for Ramon's one year shoot. We did a photo shoot in studio and included a time set apart for Ramon to enjoy his first cake. Here are a couple shots from our session. Cake was flying too by the way! Paper roll-good choice.

DESTINATION ORGANIZATION 2008

2008-02-20T20:52:00.000-08:00

Slide show

Last year I got to be a part of a really rewarding experience called Destination Organization. I was first asked to donate a portrait session for the chosen family. As I found out more about what it all meant; I wanted to document the event.
My friend Susan Stewart; owner of Perfectly Placed, a professional organizer (yes! what a concept, one most needed!) contacted me for the original donation. Each year the professional organizers pick a family to donate a makeover to one room of their home. Well, the donations from the outside monetary and physical allowed Susan and her crew to basically redo the home. It has happened again this year! To be a part of community that loves to give back and lend a helping hand is truly rewarding. I believe that I have teared up twice now during the documenting of each home. This is not something that happens at weddings only. Emotions run high and the anticipation of the families return is a rush of adrenaline. I am so excited for the crew at this point. Thank you again for including me in this very special moment!

Superbowl 2008

2008-02-07T17:28:00.000-08:00

Yeah! We're going in!

Tickets for the NFL Experience-Not the game!

Miss you Kerry and Holly!

The great race

true fan

Games

some needed help

some pass!

Autographs were signed

Ok, where have I been? I'm here in town and well. I've just been working and re-grouping things. We were so excited to have the superbowl here in Glendale. We went down to the NFL Experience and had a great time. It was a 45 minute wait in line to get the tickets and another line to get a game pass. It was all worth it just for the experience.

Dinner Party

2007-12-30T14:19:00.000-08:00

Cosmos do seem to be the choice this holiday season!

Prime Rib

Hanging out by the fire pit about 45 degrees outside!

The guys enjoying a cigar

Billy with Josh and Katrina

Genevieve loves JT

I can't imagine how cold Kayla was!

Friday evening we had a dinner party. I had over the young women I have been leading a bible study with for the last couple of years. It has really been a blessing to see them mature spiritually. I wanted to do something special for them since our class will be moving on to a couples study led by Josh (our recent groom) in their home. I wish the best for all of you and it was an amazing season. Ecclesiastes 3:1
Thanks to our friend JT for sharing the evening with us as well.

ALOHA TO OUR FRIENDS!

2007-12-30T13:49:00.000-08:00

Aloha Kerry and Holly and Savanah and MacKenzie! We miss you already!!! We went out on Holly's birthday last Thurs. and had a going away party. They are off to Hawaii for a few years and several of us hope to visit them before they return. Here is a slide show of the party. Hope everyone has a safe new year! Click here!

Helmholdt Family

2007-12-28T13:34:00.000-08:00

Today I went to the Helmholdt's beautiful home and met their wonderful family. The views at their home were amazing. They had about twenty total and most were in from Michigan. They felt right at home with the weather we've been having lately! Here are a few images from today's shoot.

Christmas Tree 07

2007-12-24T05:39:00.000-08:00

Starbuck's too early for some and not for others!

The Rim

We had so much fun this year cutting down our tree. We went with our good friends the Krecks and the Spillers. We started off at Starbucks when we met at 7am. We headed to Payson to have breakfast at the Knotty Pine which we have visited for several years now and come to find out they will be closing. Sad for all, they had a great breakfast! We headed up to the rim and we were so excited to see all the snow. Here are some photos from our day.
It was a high of 26 degrees!

Bible Study Christmas Party 07

2007-12-23T10:18:00.000-08:00

Cheers!

Thank you for the gifts!

Jamie, you are so talented! The blessing made for all to cherish. I asked Jamie to make bookmarks for everyone and of course Jamie outdid herself!

Holiday Cheer

Cummins Dodge Gang! They have twin trucks

Priceless!

Even the big kids enjoyed Santa! Krafts for the kids

Kids loved the fountains

My Class!

Our kids

It was soooo much fun last night! I am so blessed with the ladies in my Bible study. I have been leading a study for a group of women since the fall and we have all grown together and become very close friends. Last night we had a party with our husbands and kids, Santa even paid a visit for the kids. All of you be blessed this season and will see you in the new year!

PUG CHRISTMAS PARTY 07!

2007-12-23T08:32:00.001-08:00

Billy loves JT and it shows!

Billy & Michell playing at Dave and Busters

JT I feel like bookends! We have matching smiles!!!

Cosmo Girls; Thanks Tammie

Long overdue I know; so sorry fellow puggers! I have been so busy this season and even have a shoot today. I hope that you all have a Merry Christmas!

Menees Family

2007-12-22T13:31:00.000-08:00

such a cozy effect on the photos

caught you two laughing!

It started out very chilly this morning for our photo shoot up in Anthem so we took advantage of the beautiful decorations and had a good time capturing a wonderful family. Eventually we made it outside to bear the cold for a few more shots. Love you Ginger!

Vatsaas Family

2007-12-14T04:37:00.000-08:00

Britta and Tim!

It was beautiful and we got to shoot outside for my friend Lynette's family. Every couple years we do a family session and custom greeting cards. Here are a couple shots from the shoot.

Wrapping it up

2007-12-09T15:26:00.001-08:00

Kim and her family

We were hoping for rain

Kids having fun on the playground

All the girls

All the kids

Saturday I had a couple shoots back to back; which I love. We are wrapping it up to a close on holiday shoots to get in time for this season. I can't believe it is so close. The first shoot you see is of my great hairstylist and friend Kim and her family. I just love shooting her girls they are so beautiful and love to pose! I have shot their family for sometime now and it is because of their faces that my portrait business has grown! Thank you always for all your referrals! Kim is a loyal client and I love to be around her family. You will also see some shots of Susan's family and extended family. Ten kids total from age 9 and under!

BLUE RIBBON AWARD SLIDE SHOW

2007-12-07T05:53:00.000-08:00

Just a bit more on our school. Click here to view the slide show from Blue Ribbon Presentation
for Challenge Charter School.

CHALLENGE CHARTER SCHOOL

2007-12-06T13:09:00.000-08:00

Ceremony Site

Today was amazing. I can only sum up the emotion felt here today with a comment made by my friends husband and parent from this school. Ken Nichols said "It validates the choices you make as a parent for your children's education."

The kids filing in for the ceremony.

Wendy, Mrs. Miller and Tom Horne.
They really love our kids.

Tom Horne and Pam Miller

Mr. Miller watching all the kids getting settled.

The grass was wet so the kids had to sit on plastic bags this morning.

The Pledge of Allegiance

Tom Horne the State Superintendent getting the kids pumped up for the award. The kids reacted well when he had them recite how much they love the Aims test!

Thank you Mr. Horne for your support of Charter Schools.

Principal Mr. Miller introducing Christopher Wright.

Such emotion was shown today when Christopher Wright from the U.S. Department of Education presented the Blue Ribbon Award.

Joy overflowing

Miss Neitch presenting a beautiful mosaic made from faces of the school after delivering an amazing speech of gratitude toward the Millers.Finishing the ceremony with Ms. Cambra and Miss LaConte leading the students
in their school song.

Kids were dancing with excitement. Mr. Miller announced there would be ice cream and cookies in the classrooms for the celebration.

The teachers were dancing too!

Challenge Charter School received a Blue Ribbon Award.

To learn more about the award you may visit Blue Ribbons Schools.

Savage Family

2007-12-02T15:27:00.000-08:00

Did we luck out today with the weather for Melanie, Jason and Chase. It was beautiful out there today. I can't even believe that Chase is already 6 months. He is absolutely beautiful. I have so much fun when I get to photograph clients on a regular basis. I love to see their families grow.

Hashimoto Family

2007-12-02T11:30:00.000-08:00

I met Ikuko at my friend Jamie's fundraiser for the 3day walk for cancer. I had donated a portrait session and Ikuko won as the highest bidder. This morning she and her family came over to the studio. Here are a few of the images from today. Thank you Ikuko for supporting our friend Jamie!

Molitor Family

2007-12-01T21:58:00.000-08:00

So Romantic!

Shooting in the rain-I love it! Today when I got up I wasn't sure I would hear from Kourtney to confirm our shoot. She is one of my most creative driven clients. I just love to get together with her and her family. I have been shooting their family portraits for a few years now and it is always a blast. There is a new addition to the family this year and I also had the pleasure of photographing extended family. The kids really had a great time today especially when we brought out the umbrellas and said they could get in the puddles.

Katrina and Josh's Wedding 11-30-07

2007-12-01T20:17:00.000-08:00

Waiting to see Josh

The first glance

showing off the dress

Katrina and mom

adorable

Yeah! We're here. It is so beautiful and the rain didn't stop us. The most important thing today was the marriage between two beautiful souls. May they be blessed all of their days.

Katrina's Preparation

2007-12-01T19:33:00.002-08:00

The coolest walls in this room

Bridesmaids

The cool makeup chair

I met with Katrina in the morning before the wedding for some photos of getting ready. What a cool salon Dolce is! I would love to do a photoshoot in the bridal suites. Even though it was raining we were all so excited and couldn't believe the day had finally arrived.

Katrina

2007-12-01T19:33:00.001-08:00

The Stewart Family

2007-11-28T20:13:00.000-08:00

Sunday I met with Susan and her family. Susan's kids were in a wedding that we shot a few years ago. Susan is a professional organizer! Her company name is Perfectly Placed. She is really great at what she does and very helpful when you don't know where to begin in your own home to get organized. We had a lot of fun on the photo shoot. The kids were great with the soccer ball and the jump rope; even climbing trees. These will be great for their Christmas cards.

Jamie's family

2007-11-28T19:58:00.000-08:00

I love the laughter

If you remember Jamie is my good friend and I did the photos for Troy's birthday awhile ago as a surprise. This weekend I got to shoot with the whole family including a couple of their animals.
It is so fun to shoot at someones house and find a perfect setting that they didn't think they had for photos.

Hopper Family

2007-11-20T20:46:00.000-08:00

This evening I met with the Hopper family. Thank you to the Stannart family for your referral! It was a good shoot today with a great looking family. For some reason the waterfalls were shut off today when we arrived at our destination. We made the best of it and got beautiful shots of the family.

I hope everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving!

HOLIDAY CARDS

2007-11-15T13:20:00.000-08:00

I have had a request for some samples of my custom greeting/holiday cards. So I put a couple together this morning. You can choose from a selection of background color, borders, font and choose from one to three or even five images for your custom card. Please call for details on pricing. I still have some openings for family sessions:

Sunday Nov. 18th 9am or 3 and 4pm.
Sunday Nov. 25th 4pm.
Sunday Dec. 2nd 3 and 4pm.
Sat. Dec. 8th 9am.
To make schedule your sitting email me at elizabeth@naturallylit.com or call: 623.363.7002

Garcia Family

2007-11-12T11:41:00.000-08:00

Yeah! I just was done shooting Tristan's one year photos a couple weeks ago. Rosalinda had me meet them yesterday for a family shoot for the holidays. It was so fun to see Gus's son again since we hadn't seen him since the wedding and I got to meet his daughter as well. I really enjoy the time I get to have with Rosalinda; she has always been an encouragement to be around and so kind not to mention her beauty! I have always loved taking photos of her. I got a few shots of her and Gus together. So many times I have found with many clients that the main couple hasn't had their photo taken together since having children. I always make sure to include a portrait of just the parents in all my sessions.

More of Cory

2007-11-12T11:02:00.001-08:00

Kickin outside the cafe

At the library

Beautiful!

Ok, I did some more editing this morning getting the images ready to upload to her event site and wanted to show off more shots of Cory. We really did have fun! One of the things I love about photography is going on location and taking advantage of what is around.

Bar-b-que

2007-11-12T10:26:00.000-08:00

Dave and Karen

Karen's Snicker Pie

This weekend was a big cook off at Rawhide. We went with our family on Saturday and met up with my parents and their friends Dave and Karen. Dave and Karen were in the cook off contest. Their brisket, chicken and ribs were a big hit. Karen placed second on Friday evening for her Snicker Pie. As of right now we don't know how they did on the bar-b-que.
We had a really great time with them and had fun walking around the old western town.

Cory

2007-11-10T17:26:00.000-08:00

Riley's footprints

Today Cory came by for her senior portrait session. We started off in studio and then went out for some beautiful shots of her. She is absolutely beautiful as you can see. Her eyes are amazing! Cory is going to head to Colorado for vet school next June. We ended up with some images of her with Riley the family dog. I took a shot of Riley's footprints for you all to remember her. Cory's family is moving to Hawaii any time now and they will be leaving Riley behind. I think Riley will be heading to Colorado with Cory!

JOSH AND KATRINA'S AUTOGRAPH BOOK

2007-11-09T10:13:00.000-08:00

The guest book has arrived! These are a few of the pages. I love it and so does Katrina! At the time I gave her the book Josh wasn't around to see his reaction. They will have the traditional guest book at their wedding for their guest to sign in. This book is a little different; it gives an opportunity for their friends to leave them messages. It also has a few pages throughout of just images to show off how in love they really are.

Happy Halloween!

2007-10-31T21:08:00.000-07:00

Thank you Dave and Sharon! You have always had awesome decorations for every holiday. We are going to miss you when you go. We wish the best for you both.
We got to take advantage of a perfect photo-op in front of our neighbors house. So here is what we got to see this haunted evening.

The scariest of all...

Just for fun

Little cuties

Earl and Rita had their own set up too!

Hot stuff Tami!

Lots of kids!

This is our dog Genevieve at the end of the night taking on a pumpkin. She loves to play with a pumpkin like a ball until she realizes it's edible! Check her out!

She got it!

TIM AND JENI

2007-10-28T16:09:00.000-07:00

Today we met with Tim and Jeni out in Gilbert for their engagement photos. We spent time walking around this beautiful park. We talked and laughed and got to know each other. This is why we love to shoot a pre-wedding or engagement session. It is the best way to know your bride and groom before the wedding day. After we were done at the park we took them to lunch at Gordon Biersch down in Tempe. There we had more opportunity to know them better. Tim and Jeni are a great couple. They are so nice, they are a great looking couple with beautiful smiles and they are lots of fun. We talked about cooking quite a bit so we will have them over for smoked brisket and fish sometime! They are also in love and it shows.
Thank you to Sam (Jeni's sister) for the referral! Sam was one of the swim coaches for our girls a couple of summers ago.

Ramon 6 months!

2007-10-20T15:06:00.001-07:00

Ramon loves to play with his feet
He loves his daddy's cross too
Ramon in his Christmas best

Wow! Ramon is getting so big. This morning we took Ramon's 6 month photos. We really had a great time with Emily and Ramon senior visiting and taking sooo many shots of little Ramon.

These next shots we set up in the back of Ramon's truck. Emily is always prepared with props and cute outfits!

What a sport! It was hot today

Ramon decided to taste the pumpkin, I think he was ready for a bottle and a nap at this point

The Stolts Family

2007-10-19T18:47:00.000-07:00

Every year I donate a photo session for full value to Stepping Stones Preschool. It usually gets a bid in a silent auction rather than a raffle drawing. I believe this year it was a raffle and this amazing family, the Stolts won the ticket. I went over to their home today and we had a great time together. Its so neat that family is so important, but to many our animals are as well. It was important to them that I spend time capturing their special pets.
Jada usually has her photo taken with her stuffed panda each year for a holiday portrait. I thought I would I would do something a little different and fun for them this year.

Shelly and Michael I hope your holidays are blessed this year!

Tristan One Year!

2007-10-15T17:15:00.001-07:00

Wow, I can't believe he's one! I have been photographing Tristan every three months and time has really flown by. He is so adorable. It was really great today since his dad Gus came along for the photo shoot. I haven't seen Gus since their wedding. I know Rosalinda is going to love these!

Weekend Car Show

2007-10-15T13:57:00.000-07:00

Some kids entered theirs too!

I caught my reflection in this truck wheel

This weekend our church CCV had its annual car show. The show is open to anyone who wants to register their vehicle. And that means any vehicle such as monster truck, boat etc. Here are a few photos from Sundays show.

Ken's Birthday

2007-10-14T12:37:00.000-07:00

Great color choice

4-Generations

Just for fun, Happy Birthday Ken Jr.

Yesterday I had the pleasure of photographing a family up in Anthem. It was a surprise for Ken's Birthday. He was joined by his kids and grandchildren from California. Ken senior was there and agreed with me that he has a most beautiful family including the blessing of enjoying great grandchildren. Thanks to Kara the color choice was perfect for all.

Thank You Kathy!

2007-10-14T08:15:00.001-07:00

What a great way to say thank you!

Kathy is Katrina's aunt and she sent me a gift for shooting the shower last weekend. Typically I don't include shower documentation in my packages. Katrina and I are very close and of course when you are the photographer of the bride and are invited to the shower; well you show up with your camera. I received three great bottles of wine. So far I have enjoyed one of them and it was delicious. I know the others will be too. Also, Katrina's wedding invitations came in the mail yesterday. Below are a few shots of them. They are very classy. I believe they were hand made.

Invitations

Look at me!

2007-10-14T08:05:00.000-07:00

Billy took a couple shots of me before I went to Katrina's shower. Here I am sporting my new camera bag. It is called a shoot sac and it was designed by Jessica Claire. She is an amazing photographer and quite and inspiration. I purchased the shootsac at the pictage conference. I am so glad she had a booth there. I feel that I can go on a shoot not only looking professional but also fashionable now!

KATRINA'S BRIDAL SHOWER

2007-10-06T20:18:00.000-07:00

Today was Katrina's bridal shower at Sweet O Lounge in Glendale. I had the experience of enjoying some wine and chocolate with Katrina and Josh at Sweet O when we did their engagement photos awhile ago (Aug. post Josh and Katrina).Today was a wonderful party put on by her aunt Kathy. We enjoyed wine, a great lunch and some amazing chocolates. Katrina had several friends and family to celebrate with. Katrina you have an awesome family and I look forward to spending time with them again at the wedding!

Thank you to the owners and staff at Sweet O!

BREAST CANCER AWARENESS

2007-10-04T22:14:00.000-07:00

Tonight was my good friend Jamie Johnson's annual fundraiser for her 3 day walk to help fight breast cancer. No, my friend is not in a battle for her own life. Jamie is a very compassionate person and has had some friends go through the battle. She is so dedicated to this walk and trains for it all year. It was my first time to be able to actually attend the event so I took some photos to share what went on. I had a great time with seeing some women I hadn't seen in years. We played some fun games and I even won! I also won a raffle tonight. Thank you to everyone that contributed to this amazing evening!

Stephanie and Pam

winning prizes!

Donations!

Great Food!Fun and Games

Support Lane, mom and Jamie

It was great to see you Julie and Joanne. Jamie and Stephanie-GOOD LUCK!

If you want to donate to their walk you can go to www.the3day.org click on DONATE and enter Jamie Johnson and follow the instructions.

SHAWN

2007-09-29T09:10:00.000-07:00

SHAWN

Love you Shawn

Shannon

Tamara

Shawn and Nan

Last night Tamara and I went out with our dear friend Shawn. We met with Shawn, Nan, Shannon and others to have a nice farewell party for her. Tamara and I took off after a drink and some munchies and the others went on to dancing. I hope you all had a great night! Shawn is moving to Kansas on Sunday. Shawn, I will miss you dearly.
I have known Shawn since 1998 when I had my first open house for my photography business. Shawn started off as my manicurist and quickly we became friends. I never thought of her as anything other than my friend. I had the pleasure of shooting her family portraits over these past several years.
Shawn is an amazing women and is also very talented in her art of Permanent Makeup. I hope the best for you my friend! Someday I believe some of us may take a road trip to visit you.

HOLIDAYS ARE HERE!

2007-09-27T12:38:00.000-07:00

The holidays are just around the corner. Nothing makes a better gift than a photo. So contact me to get your portraits scheduled. We also make custom greeting cards. You can also purchase gift certificates from me directly for your family and friends.
Please contact me elizabeth@naturallylit.com for details.

NOT FORGOTTON

2007-09-27T06:41:00.000-07:00

Me and David

Me, Kim, David, Billy

Jennifer and me

Dane you rock!

Here are a few more images form our trip to LA for the Pictage conference. You have not been forgotton our friends. We just had a rough go after we got home as you can see from the previous blog. We really enjoyed hanging out with all our friends. Hey David, Kim is great! She's a keeper! Hope to see you in Phoenix soon.

Overwhelmed

2007-09-23T06:12:00.000-07:00

It has been a very long week. I had two friends lose a loved one last weekend and I was consumed with all sorts of emotions this week. God says in Romans 12:15 we are to rejoice with those who rejoice and to weep with those who weep. The definition of the Greek word for weep here is to sob, or whale aloud. Well, did I ever weep this past week! The emotions were so intense. I think that we live in a quick fix society today. It's almost as if we try to put a patch on everything; even grieving. I used to find it hard to try and come up with something to say or do to get the persons mind off of their situation. But to be able to just sit, listen, weep with those who weep and not try to fix it; well it is an amazing act of love. My prayers are with you Britta and Lacey.

Party at Blue 32

2007-09-14T15:09:00.000-07:00

Mark and Billy

Jayse and Billy

Ashley, me and Chelsea

This was a party thrown by Kiss Books a new album company; we're looking forward to trying one of your albums. The party was at the Blue 32 club in Redondo beach. Thanks for the pink hats! And thank you guys for putting on this very fun party. Here's me with my new friend Ashley from the Virgin Islands and Chelsea from Las Vegas. Chelsea was having some fun on stage too!

PARTNER CON 2007

2007-09-14T14:40:00.000-07:00

Pictage Partner Conference is so amazing. We have been attending yearly since the first partner con three years ago. Every year it gets better. It is a place to build relationships, learn from the leaders in our industry and network with fellow photographers. There is so much to say about the conference so I will begin with a shot of good friends from our local pug group. Melissa Jill is our pug leader and she had a chance to speak at the conference this year. She did a great job and her topic was on blogging! As a matter of fact she was the inspiration for me to get my blog started. I will be posting more images and information so check back later.

Jennifer Bowen, Kimberly Jarman, me, Jared Platt, Billy and Melissa.

Lynette

2007-09-04T15:02:00.000-07:00

Lynette is my very dear friend. She just joined Susie and her real estate team with Stephanie and Margarita. They needed portraits for their business cards etc. I am so excited for Lynette. Lynette is a women of integrity and will be very successful. I really enjoyed working with all of you today. What a great group of new friends for Lynette to get started with. Susie, Stephanie, and Margarita; best of luck to all of you and blessings to you my friend!

WORD OF THE DAY

2007-08-31T07:52:00.000-07:00

TAGGED
to attach as an addition
well this is one of the definitions of the word and this is what I figure applys to the previous post
so I tagged Mary and not sure if she's been on her blog yet and Michell well, I can't get a post in?
Blog looks good my friend so here is an old shot of me and Michell at New Year's 07 sipping fine champagne and she enjoys a good cigar!

EIGHT LEVELS OF NARCISSIM

2007-08-30T20:54:00.000-07:00

Eight Levels of Narcissim is the topic among most bloggers in the wedding industry lately. I was just tagged by my friend Kimberly Jarman a fellow photographer that I get the pleasure of spending time with once a month and a couple times a year at different photography seminars.
Thanks for including me on this one! So I am to share 8 bits of info about me so here we go...

1- I don't know eight other bloggers other than a few that Kimberly tagged already! I do have a couple to tag though.

2- I fell in love with Kauai and want to retire there.

3-I was a hairstylist and then a massage therapist before I decided to go professional with my photography.

4-My husband Billy and I met playing pool at a biker bar!

5-When I am shooting a wedding ceremony I usually cry.

6-I love talk radio; Prager and Medved.

7-I love a good champagne; dry for sure.

8-I will pick a hotel for vacation based on what the pool looks like and what food is available for room service.

I will tag you...
Mary- Photos by Mary
Michell Jonas

WORD OF THE DAY

2007-08-29T14:29:00.000-07:00

FRIEND
to be attached with another by esteem, companion
My friend Jamie came by yesterday for a portrait shoot. It is a surprise gift for her husband. We had so much fun laughing with the kids and ended up with some great shots for their family.

WORD OF THE DAY

2007-08-28T13:52:00.000-07:00

DICERN
To detect, recognize, identify
One might suspect I traveled afar for a photo such as this when in fact I didn't travel more that a few hours from my home. I love that when I look at this image I feel as though I am somewhere far away.

WORD OF THE DAY

2007-08-27T16:42:00.000-07:00

EXTRAORDINARY
going beyond what is usual, exceptional, such as exceptional beauty
This is Genevieve our beautiful dog. She enjoys camping with us especially since she has her own camp chair!

WORD OF THE DAY

2007-08-23T09:52:00.000-07:00

DWELL
to remain for a time, to keep attention directed, abide, linger

Shot with the Olympus Stylus 700 underwater camera

WORD OF THE DAY

2007-08-22T08:49:00.000-07:00

CHARISMA
Personal magic of leadership, a magnetic charm or appeal
I would like to think of myself this way. I have been blessed with such
great friends in many various areanas of life.

WORD OF THE DAY

2007-08-21T16:58:00.000-07:00

BENEVOLENCE
An act of kindness, a generous gift, disposition to do good

This would be a choice that one would make. I realize that I have met several benevolent people in my life; thank you all for your graciousness. I especially want to thank my parents for an amazing example of benevolence. They go above and beyond the definition of this word. I love you both.

WORD OF THE DAY

2007-08-20T07:49:00.000-07:00

AFFINITY
A love or attraction to someone or something. Who or what do you have an affinity for? What do you have passion for? This word inspired by Jerry Ghonis at a recent seminar I attended.
Jerry Ghonis and Bambi Cantrell rock by the way.
Passion for God, people, photography, and life are mine. Oh, and fine wine!
Feel free to leave your thoughts.

Jamie and Gunnar

Josh and Katrina

2007-08-18T23:34:00.000-07:00

Billy and I had an awesome day with Josh and Katrina. We were shooting their pre wedding session which started off at 7am with Katrinas dogs. We headed over to Glendale and ended up inside at Cabela's. We wrapped up the shoot at Sweet O Lounge where we enjoyed some chocolate and wine.

TRISTAN

2007-08-17T16:31:00.000-07:00

I had the pleasure of photographing Tristan's 9 month photos. He is the son of one of our brides from May 05. It is so fun to keep in touch with our couples and see their family growing. I started shooting Tristan at 3 months and I can't believe he is already close to walking!

First blog post

2007-08-11T12:20:00.000-07:00

This is Katrina, she is the bride for a wedding coming up in November. She has become a friend to me since leading her bible study. She needed head shots for a theatre audition. Katrina loves to be photographed and is obviously going to be a beautiful bride to shoot!