Photography By April Smith

DRUM ROLL PLEASE....

2011-09-29T19:22:00.000-07:00

And the winner of the FREE Mini session this Saturday...

CARLEY!!! Congratulations Carley. Check your email for something from me...

Tanya

2011-09-27T21:09:00.000-07:00

Remember this gorgeous face?

This is Tanya. I did photos with her last November. She is a complete pleasure to work with. It's not very often that I actually feel really nervous to do photos with someone- I was with this session. Tanya has done some modeling for other photographers. It was so intimidating. Once we got started it was so natural and we both had a lot of fun and spent a lot of time laughing.

Tanya- I just adore you. You are a beautiful woman - inside and out. I hope to work with you more in the future.

Enjoy this small slide show of some of her photos from her session.

Tanya 2011 - Photography by April Smith

Months of absence, facebook drama and a giveaway!!!

2011-09-27T17:20:00.000-07:00

I quit my job at the doctors office back in May - how ironic that the last time I updated my blog was in May. A LOT has happened since then. I've had a lot of new clients, some regular clients and a lot of new things happening with Photography by April Smith. We celebrated 2 years in July. YAY! We hit 1000 "likes" on facebook. YAY! We started the processes and completed all testing to start working with the March of Dimes. YAY! We participated in the AZ Bridal Fashion Debut- AZ Bridal Expo- our first expo and a BIG one at that. YAY! (and I sent my oldest to Kindergarten. YAY!) It's honestly been a whirlwind crazy ride but I have LOVED every minute. I am going to try my best to go back and highlight clients and things that occurred over the last few months. Things WILL be out of order. And in no special order- all my clients are special to me!!

This past week I decided I wanted to thank my loyal clients and all my "likers" on facebook by offering a free mini session this weekend. Less than 2 days into the simple contest (tag yourself in the photo type contest) I was told by facebook I was breaking the rules, they locked the photo so that no one else could tag it, I would not be allowed to post any photos and I was in harm of having my account deleted.

Here was my original photo that got me in trouble:

They didn't really give me a reason. I made a new photo, did some test posting and posted another contest photo- we were up and running again.

Or so I thought- I started reading the rules of facebook and determined the way I was running my contest was basically illegal. See facebook contest rules here.

I decided to end the contest immediately. I had a fear of them deleting my business page which I have built for 2 years. I wasn't about to lose contact with the 1000+ people I had come in contact with over those two years.

So instead- I quickly picked a winner. (Congratulations ‎Gregg Scott Hollingsworth! ) Ended the contest 2 days early. I didn't feel it was fair to end it so quickly and found a way to legally run a contest on facebook. Another YAY!!!

SOOOOO I am giving away a total of TWO mini sessions. Contest ends in two days. Session must take place on Saturday, October 1st in the morning- in Glendale, AZ.

I just wanted a way to say thanks to all my faithful likers and clients and let them know how much I appreciate them. THANK YOU!!!

ENTER THE CONTEST HERE!!!!!!!

Mother's Day 2011

2011-05-09T22:04:00.000-07:00

I honestly don't think all men understand how important Mother's day is to moms (especially mothers of young children!). We work hard everyday to try and shape our children. We cook. We clean. Not saying men don't do it too, in fact, I have some girlfriends who don't cook (I still love you girls!) and my husband does A LOT for our kids but being a mom is A LOT of work all the time. We are maids, cooks, unpaid taxi drivers, and thats just to name a few...and most days it goes unnoticed by our children. Mother's day is OUR day to relax and its our day to feel appreciated for all we do! I honestly THOUGHT that most men didn't think about Mother's day until the Friday before and they rush to the local store for a card and some candy? (sorry guys if this makes you mad, it was honestly what I thought, I had no clue!) Well I was proved way wrong this year.

On MARCH 23rd I received an email from Justin:

"Mothers day this year is May 8. Do you have any availability before then to do a session with Hank and me? It would be a surprise for Alexis"

SERIOUSLY? A month and a half before Mother's Day?! Told you I was proved wrong. I was so excited that Justin contacted me. We met at the Phoenix Art Museum. Justin and Hank had on matching outfits. Why the Art Museum? I later found out it was one of his wife's favorite places. HOW CUTE. So much thought into this. He planned this entire thing, bought outfits and managed to keep it all a secret for almost 2 months!

Alexis, he deserves MAJOR brownie points!!

I've known Justin since high school but this was my first time meeting Hank. Holy cuteness! He was to adorable and ALWAYS on the move. He wouldn't sit still for anything, BUT give him a cell phone with some music playing and that kid can boogie! AWE he was so cute. I can't wait to meet baby #2...coming VERY SOON!!!

Happy Mother's day Alexis (and all the other mommies out there) and job well done Justin!!!!

Little Ryan

2011-02-18T21:29:00.000-08:00

This family was so cute. Ryan, little boy, had me cracking up. I had to threaten him with tickles a few times to get smiles from him. But I think I laughed literally the entire time I was with them. They were a lot of fun and so nice! I love meeting new people like them!!! Thanks for the fun session!!!

Jessi and Ben- 1.14.11 - The wedding and Bridal pictures

2011-02-12T11:15:00.000-08:00

First let me congratulate the new Mr and Mrs . They were married 4 weeks ago...WOW how 4 weeks flies by!

Now to the fun part...let me tell a small story about the LOVELY couple. About a year ago I received an email from an old friend/old boss asking me to quote a wedding for her friend. I was more than willing and eager to do a wedding. Why not, sounds fun right? I spoke with Jessi- We did the normal discussion on what she was looking for, where the wedding was..all that good stuff. We booked the wedding!

Jessi and I did not meet until two weeks before her wedding. She had the welcoming personality that I love (and she works at Starbucks...even more to love about her!)!!!! We looked at the church through the window (we made the mistake of meeting up on a holiday!) and drove to the reception location. There was no awkward silence, it was almost like we were old friends chatting. I instantly knew this would be a fun wedding.

January 14, 2011 quickly approached. After some interesting new developments about the church and things we could and couldn't do...Ben and Jessi were married. They had a gorgeous Catholic ceremony.

The reception was just as wonderful. They picked a fun location, Shenandoah Mills. (It has the coolest areas to take photos.)

I have so much I could say about Ben and Jessi's, their wedding, and their reception...but I dont know where to start. I will just say that anyone who was there, or anyone who has meet Jessi and Ben, they know how perfect they are for each other. Their wedding was like a fairy tale. I wish them a lifetime of happiness!

Getting ready

The brides big walk...

THE look. First time seeing his bride walk down the isle (Photo by Vanessa)

The guests...

The Ceremony...

New MR And MRS!

The bird seed....

The guys....

The girls....

the seriously GORGEOUS bride!...

Jessi and Ben- I am so thankful you allowed me (and Vanessa- my 2nd photographer) to be part of your wedding. It was gorgeous just like the both of you. I hope we can continue to be friends. Congratulations on your new life together!!!

Reception photos coming soon............

shutterfly valentines day...

2011-02-07T21:00:00.000-08:00

I found some more photos posted on the shutterfly website..

shutterfly valentines day book...

Valentines day calendar

Valentines day home decor...

and you you can get free prints :)

all featured on shutterfly.com. I can't explain how excited I am!

HELLO SHUTTER FLY!!!!!

2011-02-07T20:45:00.000-08:00

Last year shutterfly approached one of my clients about purchasing some of her photos to use on their website. Since they were photos I took of her kids, I had to sign the release of the photos and in return, I was paid for the photos too...I was excited to see the photos displayed on shutterfly for the second time!! this time on a few parts of their website....

this photo is from the main page of their photobooks

and this photo was from the MAIN webpage www.shutterfly.com

so exciting!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

some things really open your eyes....

2011-01-31T14:20:00.000-08:00

I don't think most people realize how much 30 minutes or an hour, or two hours taking photos with a family can give you such a connection to them. My clients aren't just clients to me. They become my friends, my extended family. I don't just take photos. I make connections with the people I work with,. They let me in their lives, in their homes and let me capture important moments in their lives, moments they want to remember. I am part of Engagements, Weddings, last days of maternity, first days home with newborns, first birthday photos...etc.... I love my clients. They are all amazing and all have such a special place in my heart for so many different reasons. When I started my business in photography I never realized how close I would get to some of my clients.

One of my clients, who are now like family, are the Bogue Family. I met the Bogue Family on March 24, 2010. I met T and J for a maternity session. She was due any day. In fact she delivered 4 days after our photos together. T had the most welcoming personality, I felt an instant friendship with both her and J. They both insisted their baby would be a boy, I instantly thought girl!

A few weeks after their maternity photos, I got to meet baby Savanna (Yes, I was right, she was a girl!). She was so young yet already full of so much personality. I had so much fun taking baby Savanna's photos. She was like a little angel.

A short time after their session, they moved to TX. I was so sad. No, I didn't know them well. But like I said, my clients become like family.

In November, I went on my first vacation alone. Without my husband, without my kids. It was a trip for ME. I needed it. I had a blast. But I came home to horrible news. God needed another Angel in heave. He picked Savanna. I cried. I had friends call me upset by the news, they didn't even know the Bogue family, but felt like they knew them because they followed my photos. I felt like someone I was so blessed to have known was taken to soon. She was 7.5 months old. I know its a few months after Savanna left to dance with the Angels...but I still think about Savanna, T and J on a daily basis. T posted a blog yesterday, they got the autopsy report. SIDS. Even though I spent about 3 hours total with the Bogue family, I would have done anything to be there for them during this difficult time.

Savanna- I wish I could have seen you for your first birthday. Promise to dance with the Angels. Watch over your mommy and daddy and show them signs that you're still around and help heal their hurt. Let them get enough closure to continue on with their everyday life. Please know sweet Savanna, anyone who has ever been lucky enough to have met you was truly was blessed to have known you.

T and J- You will always have a friend in me. If you ever need anything...let me know!! I could never thank you enough for trusting me to capture so many special memories for you.

T - NEVER stop writing. You have an amazing way with words. Someday - your words should be read by the world. And when they are, I will be one of the first ones in line to buy your books!

Losing a child is something I wouldn't wish on anyone but it made me learn something. It made it more clear to me how much I open my heart up to the families I work with.

I can honestly say- I have the BEST clients and I love them all!!

RIP dear sweet Savanna- until we meet again!

Please read T's amazing words

Valentines day preview...

2011-01-30T20:46:00.000-08:00

Oh how I love this family. Seriously. I met mommy (Ali) through a mutual friend (thanks Sarah!!!!). Not only did we become great friends, but she has become one of my most loyal clients. I often think her husband is going to hate me because she comes to see me so often for photos....

.....But he can't hate me, he gets along with my husband to well.

If you know Ali (AND Sarah for that matter), then you are extremely lucky to have them part of your life. They are amazing people...and they make amazing dates for desserts when you've had the most stressful days ever (by the way were due for one of those SOON!) and they don't judge you by the amount of calories you consume in one sitting on said dessert dates! What's not to love about these girls!

ANYWAY back to the photos and I will stop bragging about my amazing friends!

Ali contacted me...she had to have photos for Valentines Day. I know its one of her favorite holidays. Its Pink. Its full of LOVE. Its full of sweets. And its full of hearts. Whats not to love.

We instantly thought up some great ideas for some Valentines day photos.

ONE SMALL PROBLEM...they are kids. Do they every REALLY do what we plan on. But we did what we always do...we did what we could with what we had. I will say..Little Miss L didn't hate me this time :) She actually smiled on purpose! Anyway I really love this family. I love their kids...they are pretty much the best! Thanks for letting me capture some more cute memories with your cute little girls!

Sanders family 2011

2011-01-29T20:08:00.000-08:00

I met the Sanders Family in 2010. I did pictures with Sweet little Sonny was 3 months old. Well...he just turned 1!!! Its insane how fast a year goes when the babies are you own, but it amazes me how fast it goes even when they aren't your kids. This family is great. I wish I could tell you all about them and let everyone see how great they really are!! For now just enjoy the family photos and Sonny with his first birthday cake!

first check out a photo from our first session and a recent one:

Baby A

2011-01-09T20:47:00.000-08:00

Before I post any picture let me tell a little background. I went to high school with Baby A's mommy. We met our freshman year of high school, the first day of school in P.E. Class. We became instant friends. That was 12 years ago. We were great friends for awhile, and like many people, we drifted apart. Thanks to the wonders of facebook we became friends again. Amanda and Steve were my FIRST paid photography clients. So I guess you could say they were the first ones to truly support me in my new passion (not that ALL of you don't support me 110% and I appreciate you all!) I will never forget how weird it felt to take my friends money to take pictures of them :)

Here is a picture of my first session with them

Such a cute couple. I remember this session well. I had my girls with me and we discussed babies.

Fastforward: About April/May-ish 2010 I get a text message from Amanda...

SHE'S PREGNANT and Due December 25, 2010

I was so excited for her and Steve, seriously and we pretty much right away started discussing maternity and newborn photos!!

Baby A entered the world a week early. On December 17, 2010 she joined this amazing family at 2:13pm. Weighing 6lb 9oz.

I first met Baby A when she was about 2 weeks old. Already full of spunk and personality. I showed up for our newborn session and left a little over an hour later (and about 15 photos taken) and a date for the next week for photos, She wasn't ready for me yet. We did her next session a few days later and she was amazing. She is a gorgeous baby. And will surely be famous for her many facial expressions!! See for yourself:

And since she was due on Christmas....

Congratulations again Amanda and Steve...she really is a true beauty!!!

2010-2011

2011-01-01T21:47:00.000-08:00

2010 took good care of me and my business. I was VERY busy. Which is amazing. I am so thankful. But it's not good for those of you in blog-land. I have neglected you. BADLY. I kept my facebook up to date. My goal for 2011 is to stay up to date on my sessions on here and not fall behind. I kept planning on going back and updating from there I left off BUT it's a new year. A new clean slate. A new chance to start over on updating. So tomorrow I will be doing my first official session of 2011. A newborn session. New year..new babies...what better way to start. I WILL post pictures!!!

GIFT

2010-11-30T10:11:00.001-08:00

this is a gift I had made for my brother and his wife for Christmas this year. They loved it...and so did I!

Blank Project Canvas Print

Unique party invitations and greeting cards by Shutterfly.

View the entire collection of cards.

out of order....A preview for Jocelyn:

2010-04-26T09:54:00.000-07:00

A B and RCAR -I- Family Photography

2010-04-07T18:00:00.000-07:00

Alicia is a friend of mine who I will always hold close to my heart. She was my very first roommate. We moved into our apartment 1 month out of high school. We have had a lot of ups and downs, and were AMAZING friends because of it. A LOT of my favorite memories are with her! She much like me, grew up and started a family. Her and Benito and an ADORABLE little boy, Riley. We've already decided that our little ones need to get married when they are older so that our kids will have awesome in-laws. Thats all besides the point...This fantastic family now lives in NY....and they came to visit. We HAD to do pictures....

Life has been crazy...

2010-04-06T11:05:00.000-07:00

Not in my wildest dreams did I image I would pick up a camera and fall in love with photography the way I did. EVEN MORE, not in my wildest dreams did I image so many people would fall in love with MY photography. I love it. I have been soooooooo busy with it. I still have my 8-5 job. BUT someday I hope that I can do photography full time. For now I am saving and investing my photography money on my business. I bought a new website..have you seen it?

Photography By April Smith

I ordered new business cards!

AND I bought a new camera and lenses. (D300s and I love her!!) and my husband surprised me by buying me my dream camera bag...Meet Belle

My time has not been busy JUST spending!!! I HAVE BEEN SO BUSY with photo sessions, working on the website, NOT updating my blog (SORRY...i'm fired!) did I mention raising two young kids, plus taking care of my husband and the house. I wouldnt trade it all in for anything!!! I LOVE IT!!!!

I will try and get some of my most recent sessions uploaded later today and tomorrow.

And a special congratulations goes out to Ali, Asaf and London who welcomed baby Berlin and to Tabatha and Justin who welcomed baby Savanna (there maternity pictures will be posted soon...so cute!)

Red Means LOVE

2010-03-27T09:15:00.000-07:00

AND I AM IN LOVE with a Red Camera bag by Epiphanie Bags. (I am in love with all their bags!!) I have been on the search for the perfect GIRLIE camera bag. I found it and I NEED it. I literally find myself on their website DAILY staring at the bags, trying not to drool Guess what...beyond-snapshots is giving away one for free!!!!!!!

All I have to do is post an image that shows red. I LOVE my little girls red boots...so what better picture?

I really hope i win this bag....wish me luck!

Baby "J" -I- Newborn photography

2010-02-25T17:21:00.000-08:00

Oh baby "J". This was my first experience doing a shoot with a new born baby BOY. Oh is he cute. He was 2 1/2 weeks old when we did this shoot. And let me tell you...Baby "J" has amazing aim. I was pee'd on 3 times and we had a few issues during the shoot but it was soooo fun and the pictures turned out great. I hope you enjoy:

Marshall Family -I- Family photography

2010-02-19T08:55:00.000-08:00

Do you remember the Marshalls Maternity session:

Well....Baby J Offically joined the family. What better time for BIG family get together for pictures?! I dont know what the actually count was on the amount of people at the house, but I think we have like 16?! maybe more, maybe less. It was a lot of fun. Here are a few of my favorites...

"M" Family...a few more...

2010-02-19T08:25:00.000-08:00

I love this family. So I had to share a few more pictures......

BUSY as a BEE

2010-02-19T08:15:00.000-08:00

My kids are obsessed with Bee's right now. Not a love, more of a hate toward bees if they are real. Every fly is a bee. Which can be interesting at times. Not fully sure why I found the need to share that but I did. I have been Soooo busy lately. Between my "8-5" job at the doctors office, my photography, being a mom of two girls and being a wife, I rarely have time to just SIT....sad thing...I LOVE IT! I have become more and more confident with each session. I have found that the past few sessions, I just shoot. I dont even think about what I am doing, its becoming almost second nature. I feel most at ease and comfortable when taking pictures, it has become a true outlet for me. I've started saving money from my sessions to upgrade. Its going to take awhile but I WILL own the D300 or D700.

With all this being said, since I have been BUSY AS A BEE, I have been neglecting my blogs. So....pictures from my recent session will follow......

Dawn -I- Glendale, AZ portrait photography

2010-02-08T21:12:00.000-08:00

Back in November (I think it was November) I did a maternity session with the Marshalls. Dawn has a new grandbaby. That's right the Marshalls had baby Joseph one week ago. Dawn came all the way from California to visit with the new baby and she was sweet enough to want to share some time for a mini session with me to get some photos of herself for her hubby. She was such a nice lady and I enjoyed her company a lot. Ok ladies can you believe she has 6 kids?! She looks great doesn't she! Dawn I hope both YOU and your husband enjoy the pictures!!! You're beautiful both inside AND out!!!

"M" Family -I- Glendale, AZ Family Photography

2010-02-08T21:05:00.000-08:00

Meet the "M" Family. You may recognize little "M". Her name is London (oh how I love her name) and she was the subject of one of my first sessions! Mommy "M" is pregnant with another little girl, due in March. And London just turned 18 months. What better reasons to have a session?! I will post more pictures once mommy and Daddy approve. but for now...Enjoy these:

Lucy -I- First Birthday Photography

2010-01-31T20:17:00.000-08:00

LUCY IS TURNING ONE!!!! I met Lucy back in November when Lucy's mom and dad did their wedding party pictures with me. She was MISERABLE in November. She cried and wanted nothing to do with pictures. BUMMER! She was sick so its to be expected! Let me tell you, for her first birthday pictures Lucy was a DOLL! She is such a sweetheart and she photographs so well. She brought her new puppy with her too, they even shared some cake!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY LUCY!!!

exciting

2010-01-26T14:15:00.000-08:00

All kinds of exciting things going on. After my Boudoir session my email has been blowing up. A lot of people wanting to book sessions! I am extremely excited about it. I am really busy the next few weeks, but don't be afraid to contact me, I can always squeeze some more in :)

Also, tomorrow I am doing another Session with Too Strong Apparel.We're doing photos of the clothing for the website. They should all be up by Thursday night. On Sunday Joe "Deisel" Riggs is fighting on Showtime and Too Strong Apparel is his sponser!

Lots of big things coming my way. I am thankful for every session I book and I am thankful for everyone who has believed in me! THANK YOU!!

Jessica -I- Boudoir photography

2010-01-24T09:39:00.000-08:00

Seriously, this was such a fun session. It was my very first attempt at boudoir and I am so happy Jessica was my first client. She is so outgoing and made it fun. I had visioned my first boudoir session having a tutu. Don't ask me why. But I thought a cute, short, sexy, flirty AND black tutu would be so fun. Why buy one when you can make one? So I made my first tutu for my first boudoir session. Jessica worked that tutu. She loved it and had a hard time taking it off. I definitely see more tutus in the future!!

I had so many fantastic pictures and I wish I could share more, BUT some are a little more then Jessica would like to show the world wide web...sorry. If you want to see some classy yet sexy photos, then book your own session :)

Sami -I- Senior Portraits

2010-01-24T09:17:00.000-08:00

Sami is my husbands 3rd cousin. She will be entering her senior year this next school year. Every January her and her mom venture from South Carolina and come to visit the Arizona family. Sami and I planned on doing some sample senior pictures for her. Of course they plan their visit the worst week EVER...We had the worst storm we have ever had this past week. Arizona actually had tornado warnings and reports of some touching down. Anyone who knows Arizona weather...this is very weird. We received over 4 inches of rain in one week. The day we had planned for pictures, I think we received almost 3 inches of rain. Either way we were determined to take a few pictures, rain or shine. I am thankful for the 5 minute break from pouring to sprinkling and for my mother in laws super cute bedroom! I think we did good considering the weather conditions:

Too Strong Apparel - Joe "Diesel" Riggs

2010-01-03T19:47:00.000-08:00

Here are some more of the pictures from my shoot with Too Strong Apparel with MMA Fighter Joe "Diesel" Riggs. check out Too Strong Apparel. And keep an eye out for Joe's fight on Showtime later this month.

PREVIEW:Too Strong Apparel and Joe "Diesel" Riggs

2010-01-01T12:33:00.000-08:00

I had the privilege to work with Too Strong Apparel and MMA Fighter Joe "Diesel" Riggs this morning. I was approached to do this shoot earlier this week. Too Strong apparel is sponsoring Joe in a fight that will be at the end of this month that will air on Showtime. The pictures we did are going to be used for press and for Too Strong Apparels website. It was a fun experience:

C & C -I- Children Photography

2009-12-09T21:15:00.000-08:00

I discovered the worst part of photography. You are always BEHIND the camera. Actually I don't mind it at all until I needed/wanted to send out Christmas cards. I finally realized. I didn't need me and my husband in the pictures, I could sent out equally as cute Christmas cards with pictures of JUST my daughters. I took them to the park in their Christmas Dresses (minus the tights because I still need to find them) and did a Mini 10 minutes shoot with them. I was happy with the results and I cant wait to pick up our cards tomorrow. Here is a sample of some of the pictures I took:

I love this

2009-12-08T11:12:00.000-08:00

I LOVE that this almost looks like a painting. Thinking about blowing it up and using it as christmas decor in my house. Its a picture from last weekend of my nephew:

"B" Family -I- Family/ Holiday Photography

2009-12-06T21:35:00.000-08:00

I had the honor of taking my brothers family photos for their holiday cards. My nephew was NOT feeling the photos at first. But he eventually came around. And we got some really cute pictures! We found the best Holiday photo area in Avondale. It was picture perfect:

Ostrus Family -I- Family Photography

2009-12-01T22:19:00.000-08:00

I went out with the Ostrus Family. Mommy I have known for at least 3 1/2 years, since she has been pretty much the ONLY doctor I will take my girls to. We love her. She just had her first baby and it was fun hanging out with the. Baby Ostrus wasn't a BIG fan of me and my camera. But I still enjoyed taking his pictures:

Marshall Family -I- Maternity Photography

2009-12-01T21:49:00.000-08:00

A friend of mine is expecting her first baby. I remember being pregnant with my first daughter, I always wished I had gotten maternity pictures done with her. I was invited to her baby shower, I wanted to do something special for her, I did a complimentary mini maternity session. We met at my favorite park for a quick 30 minute session and we ended up with A LOT of pictures!! Enjoy:

Big Exciting News!!

2009-11-28T14:29:00.001-08:00

A friend of mine, Amanda, who I just did pictures for recently called me today and asked me

"How would you like to go on a helicopter ride?"

"I've never done it before but I think it would be fun....WHY?"

She then explains how she was looking at the City of Glendale Fire Department Calendar proof. SOMEHOW the department got a hold of my picture of their helicopter "Halo" from the Glendale Fire Prevention Parade.

She explained to him that I was the one who took the pictures and they needed my permission to use it.

Of course I said YES! I am very supportive of the public Safety departments. I told her my only terms were a copy of the calendar and photo credit. She told me the department would like to take Daniel and I up for a ride in the Helicopter. I have to get them a print release and then it should be in the calendar.

I AM SO HONORED AND EXCITED!!!

Here is the picture:

C & C -I- Child Photography

2009-11-20T09:45:00.000-08:00

I LOVE unposed pictures. I am a sucker for candid shoots. Enough said:

Charissa -I- High School Senior Portraits

2009-11-10T17:17:00.000-08:00

Charissa and her mom were such characters. I had the best time with them taking pictures. These pictures were not only to celebrate her senior year of high school BUT she just had her braces taken off and she turned 17 just two days before her pictures!!! And seriously...how pretty is this girl! Congratulations on your senior year, Charissa!!!

Vanessa and Matt -I- Wedding Photography

2009-11-10T06:00:00.000-08:00

Vanessa and Matt came to me by referral. I went to High School with both of them but never knew them. This wasn't a "traditional" wedding. Yet it was a lot of fun. Vanessa and Matt got married a year ago but didn't get their wedding pictures or reception they wanted and deserved. So they rented the tuxes, bought the dresses (BTW she had the most gorgeous wedding dress EVER!) and flowers, and I captured their wedding party pictures. They are a truly lovely couple and I hope I can continue a friendship with them in the future:

P.s. Megan if you read this...thanks for the Referral! :)

Amanda & Steve -I- Couples Photography

2009-11-07T06:55:00.000-08:00

I met with Amanda and Steve in downtown Glendale to take some pictures that they intend on using for Christmas. Have I mentioned how much I LOVE downtown Glendale. So cute. Its almost as cute as Amanda and Steve:

Paul and Mel -I- Coronado Island Wedding Photography

2009-10-14T08:43:00.000-07:00

My brother Paul and my dear friend Mel got married over the weekend on Coronado Island. It was a GORGEOUS wedding. I got so many great pictures, it was hard to only pick a few to share on here!!!!!!!!!!! Congratulations to the bride and groom. I love you guys!!

San Diego / Coronado Island Photography

2009-10-14T08:34:00.000-07:00

The family and I just went to San Diego for a wedding. I LOVE San Diego. I miss it. I lived there for a SHORT 2 1/2 months. It was my first time driving over the bridge to Coronado Island. Man is it pretty there!

Glendale Fire Prevention Parade -I- Event photography

2009-10-14T08:20:00.000-07:00

Every year I TRY my best to try and attend the Downtown Glendale Fire Prevention Parade. I never knew how much fun it could be to photograph a parade!!

C & C -I- Child Photography

2009-10-14T07:40:00.000-07:00

I have a love hate relationship with messy foods. I love taking pictures of my kids eating them, I hate cleaning it up afterward. This is the type of relationship I have with chocolate pudding.

please note, I DID give her a spoon....and yet she is a mess and its still spotless!

C & C -I- Child Photography

2009-09-25T08:50:00.000-07:00

Cool day, sidewalk chalk and kool-aid. I can't think of a better combination for a September afternoon mini photo shoot:

Paul and Melissa -I- Engagement Photography

2009-09-13T11:13:00.000-07:00

My brother and my future sister in law are getting married next month. They hadn't done any real engagement photos yet and really wanted to have some nice ones to frame for at the reception. I took them out yesterday. What a great time. I am really happy with how they turned out! I think they were too

Can't wait to post pictures from the wedding in October :)

Audrey -I- Infant Photography

2009-09-12T15:45:00.000-07:00

Its hard to believe how big Little Audrey has gotten. Last time I took pictures of her she ONLY slept and was only 2 weeks old. She is about 3 months now and if its possible...even cuter! I can't wait to take more pictures of her in the future!!!

I cant Help it...

2009-09-02T17:10:00.000-07:00

..I am a sucker for taking pictures of my own kids and family. I take more pictures than I should BUT pictures last forever. I love that in the future I can pull these pictures out and show my girls how cute they were as babies. These pictures were taken at a family get together for my husbands birthday (his birthday but only took pictures of the girls...go figure). They are too cute NOT to share!!!

oh and I can't forget my Sister-in-Laws cat....

Sweet Baby Taylor

2009-09-02T16:49:00.000-07:00

I did these photos a few weeks ago...but my computer had an issue and crashed. After Some frustrating nights I was able to recover them and finish the editing I needed to get done!

Oh, sweet Taylor is just the cutest thing. She is definitely a mommy's girl and she is in a hurry to get on the go...Mommy you're in trouble!! She was a complete pleasure. We did this shoot in her living room with a simple black backdrop. Maybe next time I can get some outdoors pictures of her with her brothers! She is a blue-eyed beauty and we just love her and her family...Enjoy:

This sweet sweet little girl also underwent heart surgery today. I am thrilled to say that we heard she is doing well. We hope for a quick recovery and and happy healthy heart for this sweet little angel!!!

Shanna (Maternity)

2009-08-05T18:11:00.000-07:00

I did my first indoor and first maternity session today. Shanna is a friend of a friend and she is 7 months pregnant with her second baby. She is so sweet and has the best personality..and she brought a friend who was the BEST helper! I haven't had a chance to edit all the photos yet but here are a few I did:

Sheets family part 3:

2009-08-03T22:04:00.000-07:00

How could I get this gorgeous family together and NOT snap some shoots of them! We plan on doing it again when it isnt 115 outside! :

Sheets Family part 2:

2009-08-03T21:53:00.000-07:00

As well as doing the Sheets anniversary pictures, their cute little boy turned one recently. How could we NOT take pictures of this adorable little boy!? :

Sheets Family...Part 1

2009-08-02T13:43:00.000-07:00

Today I met up with Sharee and DJ for pictures to celebrate their 6th wedding anniversary. We went to my favorite park to capture some cute "made for the movies" moments. DJ was a good sport. And we got some great pictures out of it! :

Carissa and Landon

2009-08-01T14:30:00.001-07:00

I met up with an old friend from High School to take pictures of her kids Carissa and Landon. Carissa was a little camera ham, I think she thought she was a model and was so photogenic. Landon was hard to keep in one place...he was always on the run. I wish it hadn't been so hot. It was still a lot of fun photographing them:

London

2009-07-31T18:01:00.000-07:00

Today after an appointment I decided to visit my dear friend London for some promised photos. We didn't have as much time as her mom and I would have liked...But I think we got some cute ones:

Baby A

2009-07-26T10:05:00.000-07:00

I had the pleasure of photographing baby Audrey. She was 2 1/2 weeks old and a complete angel. Her mom was my favorite teacher in high school and now a good friend of mine:

Stevin

2009-07-25T21:58:00.000-07:00

I stole my nephew for a few hours today. He is super photogenic. It was my first time ever taking his pictures. We went to one of my favorite parks and spent some one on one time together...Oh how I love this kid:

rub a dub dub...

2009-07-25T21:54:00.000-07:00

I love bath time!!!

Unposed kids being kids

2009-07-25T21:49:00.000-07:00

I love unposed photos. I love capturing kids being kids. Thankfully I had my camera around when Cheyenne crawled in the oven of the kids play kitchen...doesn't get much better then that!!

Happy 1st Birthday London...

2009-07-25T21:37:00.000-07:00

I had the pleasure of attending London's first birthday. We were a little late to the party so we missed her cute outfit and the cake. But I was still able to capture a few photos of her. She is full of sass and attitude and such a special little girl...Happy Birthday London...

We love food.

2009-07-25T21:28:00.000-07:00

Well...I love food. Thankfully my little ones share my love for it too. My youngest has the evil stare down which she was nice enough to share with Daddy when he tried to take her cookie away:

Water balloon Fun

2009-07-25T21:21:00.000-07:00

Other then the pool, nothing helps beat the heat like water balloons! We spent an evening after work outside playing with waterballoons:

Summer time in AZ.

2009-07-25T21:15:00.000-07:00

Let's face it. Arizona is HOT! The only plus side....swimming and the great photo ops it brings: