Changes in the near future

It's been a little over a year since I've made photography a business. And what a year it's been. I've learned a lot, made some mistakes, attended some workshops, followed some of the world's most fantastic photographers (well, not followed as in I traveled with them. Follow as in watch/read what they say online :) )

So now that I'm learning more of what I like and not like, I'm starting to think of the future and the changes that need to be made.

With that said, please be patient as there will be changes made to my website, blog, etc. Keep checking back for these updates.

Thanks everyone!!! :)

Waiting for new life...

Pretty soon, like any day now, my aunt will be having her first baby. This is very exciting...for the whole family. :)

A couple of weeks ago I did a mini maternity session with her. It was nice because I've never talked to her in a long time. It was also funny because she was worried about her smile, so she would laugh at trying to smile. Soooo happy that she laughed at herself because those were the best photos...being real :)

Here are the lovely photos :)

See you soon baby :)

Tomorrow is their big day...

Last month I had the pleasure of photographing Adela and Luis for their engagement photos. They chose Santa Cruz for their location, which I was happy to do because the last time I was there was when I was little. It worked out well because for one thing it was my birthday, and it sounded way better to spend the day in Santa Cruz doing a photo shoot than just sitting at home waiting to go to dinner and a movie. :)

Another reason why it sounded fun was because I wanted to take the boys to the beach. I'll save that portion for another post, but may I just say that they loved it!

Back to the happy couple...

The first portion of their session was photographing around the boardwalk. It was a Saturday, so there were TOO MANY people there. We had to resort to taking photos on the outside of the boardwalk.

The second half of the session was photographed on the beach. This was the fun part :)

Here comes the water...

The splash looks harmless and small, right?

Adela laughing at the water...

Adela's reaction to that harmless splash drenching me with water. :)

Adela and Luis, thank you for that fun, interesting day :) I am very honored to be photographing your wedding tomorrow. Yay!! :)

Hope everyone else has a great weekend! :)



A special message...

Kind. Friendly. Bubbly. Beautiful. Smart. Creative. Funny. A-type.

Mother. Wife. Daughter. Sister. Aunt. Best Friend.

These are just a couple of traits that describe a great gal, and my photo BFF.

We met at my current job (her previous). I was the receptionist, she was a coordinator. I didn't speak with her much other than sending calls to her and teaching her some job functions.

I'm not quite sure when our friendship blossomed. All I know is I was creative, with a love of clip art, font, and different types of paper. And she was creative, with a love of clip art, font, and different types of paper. HOW AWESOME IS THAT, RIGHT??? :)

Somehow I believe it was her who brought up photography. Or maybe it was me when I brought my Nikon D60 to a staff appreciation day. It wasn't long til it was "Jasmine Star" this, and "Melissa Koehler" that. And "did you hear about WPPI in Vegas?" Both dreaming of attending and the day our photography dreams were a reality.

We planned, drooled over other photographers' work, did some mock shoots, met over Starbucks Frappucinos and yummy pastries.

It has been over a year since we've been at this. We've learned a lot in that year, with a lot more to learn in the future.

Thank you Lateisha Plascencia. Thank you for always being there for me, to critique my work, to offer advice, to being my second shooter, and to everything else you do.

Thank you for being you!!!

With that said, I'd like to wish you (another) HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! This time on my blog... because you are THAT special :)

Happy Birthday girl!!! Can't wait to pick you up from the airport so we can chat away. Have a safe flight!

Graduation

I would like to congratulate the 2011 High School Seniors that have helped and supported me through the beginning stages of my journey. Your high school days have ended, but YOUR journeys are just beginning.



CONGRATULATIONS Dionne, Rhaynehl and Clara!!! May you find the right path that will lead you to happiness and success. Best wishes and thank you for everything!!

Happy Memorial Day!!

Thank you to the servicemen and women who have fought and died for our country, and to those who continue to do it. You guys (and gals) are brave and are true heroes.

I hope everyone has enjoyed their weekend and are out enjoying today's sunshine. :)

Love, part 2

Here comes the bride...