California Chic

I participate in many online sites to ensure that my photography skills continue to grow.  There is nothing better than a creative group of peers to keep you motivated.  One of my favorite sites is Chic Critique Forum.  They even have a wonderful magazine aptly named CHIC.  When they announced they needed an image for their cover, and that they like to showcase images with a fashion editorial feel (i.e. Vogue, Elle, W)  I thought of the image below right away. 

This fantastic session was with a fab NYU student who happened to be in California for spring break.  I loved it that she wasn't afraid to try something different, and so we created this great gown out of tulle and window screen and "hit the town".  It was a tad chilly in San Jose that day, but thankfully this resilient gal was used to New York weather and we had an amazing time.

Be sure to visit Chic Magazine to see the other entries in the contest as well. There are quite a few talented photographers that have already submitted, and since the contest is open until the end of Feb, I'm sure there will be quite a few more!

Self Rescuing Princesses... Please Apply!

I just received this crown for some 2013 photo sessions and LOVE it!   It's actually a pretty cream, and is so gorgeous in person, I can't wait to try it out on a little (or big) princess. I envision this gorgeous crown on so many princesses... ones who dream of their prince charming, and ones named Buttercup... and even the self rescuing kind.  (Such as Elizabeth in "The Paper Bag Princess".) What's your favorite Princess story? ~ ~ ~ And boys, don't worry...  this crown is actually white, and when reversed it would rival Max's crown from Where the Wild Things Are! ~ ~ ~ 

Creative Couture

I recently took an amazing free course through Creative Live, and LOVED it.  I was looking to bump up my game in 2013, and the intense three-day "workshop" was just what I was looking for.

The first day they had a model with a gorgeous gown, and I was shocked to learn it was made without sewing! I decided then and there I had to try this for myself.

Unfortunately my internet connection crashed during the "How to Make the Dress" portion, and so I was flying blind, so to speak.  (This colorized image reminds me of Twilight for some reason.)

Thankfully my willing model was more than happy to help me try, and we had such fun! (Isn't she gorgeous?)

Since I was already in a creative mood, we pushed the envelope and did some more creative shots as well. I love this one above, even though the light is a tad harsh. (she loved it as well)

She was channeling Grizabella from CATS for this shot. I loved the rusty old bridge and back lighting. The blurry effect was created with my Lensbaby lens and a creative aperture disk.

This image is one of my favorites. I just love how her gown turned out, and how gorgeous she looks.

As luck would have it, they did a free replay of the course on Friday and I actually managed to see the "How to Make the Dress" section I missed,

and I can now use that info for the next creative session I do.

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This session was such fun, I am still smiling when I look at all of the creative images we managed to capture.

As if that wasn't enough, yesterday I was featured on another Blogger's site, Holly Clouse Photography!

Do stop by and check it out, there are likely a few familiar faces there.

A Great Start to the New Year

One of my goals for this year is to give this blog a bit more attention.
When I'm in the middle of client sessions I sometimes don't take the time to post here.
So to start 2013 off on the right foot, I'm featuring this cute little newborn.

She was SO active, and didn't really want to sleep through her session.
Her idea of fun was to be held or fed.

But when she did fall asleep she looked quite angelic.

 There's something about tiny toes that just make me smile, and I'm so glad she held them still long enough for a few captures.
I can only wonder where these feet will take her during her lifetime.
Welcome to the world baby O, your parents (and big sister) are truly blessed.

Fashionable Family

I can't believe 2012 is coming to a close! My last session of the year was this lovely family.

It was a rainy day and we almost had to cancel the session, but luckily we had access to a great country club that provided some shelter from the storm.

Our goal was to capture some images for some New Year's cards.  

Thanks to all of my clients, friends, and family members that made 2012 so amazing.

As the year counts down, I'm looking forward to even more fun with you all in 2013!

Full of Fall Colors

The late fall in California made for some wonderful background for a photo session over Thanksgiving weekend.

Such gorgeous color is almost unheard of in this area of California (at least in such abundance).

It was so nice to look through my viewfinder to see such happy faces!

The fact that their outfits looked so great against the foliage was an added bonus!

Holiday weekends are extra special when your boys are home from college.

Especially when they headed off to college early!

The fact that they were still smiling at the end of the session made me happy as well. Thanks for making my job so easy (and fun)!

Holiday Giving (and receiving)

It's that time of the season when Holiday Drinks are in the local coffee shops,

and children are making their wish lists for Santa.

So from now until December 9th, anyone who books a mini-session and brings an unwrapped toy valued between $15 and $30 will receive 25 free holiday cards!

Be sure to contact me ASAP to schedule your session time!

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 

Can't make a mini-session? 

 Feel free to donate via my Virtual Giving Tree!

Happy Holidays!