Water

So water shots are my favorite!! I should start bringing random children to swim in the pool just so I can take their picture ... that might be a little creepy for the neighborhood!

I love the way the camera captures the water drops - so cool!

Fun With Pineapple

I saw this nifty little idea at a recent party ... and decided to recreate it at a party this weekend for Lexie and her friends. BIG HIT!! And the raspberry/pineapple combination is just all around good!

A Family Of Friends

This is a true "California" family ... one that is not too keen on having their picture taken. We had to play a bit, but they got a couple that they were happy with.

Looking back, I need to come up with better poses. They look a little stiff!

Daughters Are Heart Warmers

It's hard to believe I ONLY wanted boys!! I think some of the individuals turned out okay ... but I wasn't overly thrilled with the group shots. All three aren't as focused and crisp as I would like. Oh no ... guess we'll have to go back and try again! :)

We Remember Moments

A very special moment ... for a very special girl! I loved the way she just threw her arms around her Mom and hugged tight. Such a great relationship captured in a quick picture.

All The World Is A Stage

One of my new friends who is an established photographer asked my girls to be her "models" for her fall/winter marketing campaign. While we were waiting for her ... I took a couple of shots. I really want to take the girls back to this spot and play some more. LOVE the way the blue train just makes their eyes pop. Really need to figure out the lighting and why their faces are so washed out!!

Momma's Boy

This little munchkin could move in ANY DAY!! He has the biggest blue eyes and dimples to match. How could you not love taking his picture.

Moms Make Memories

The Mom of the two cutest boys I know had a great idea for Father's Day ... she just needed a couple of quick shots to finish the perfect gift. So we met at the park. I did "force" her to jump in a couple of photos - every child needs a great picture alone with his/her momma!!

Beach Boy

This little guy does not live on a beach ... but he does look like the ultimate California kid!! He truly is too cool. He did such a great job smiling and posing. However, towards the end, the creek was just too tempting.

No Ordinary Family

Knowing my family story, you can imagine my attraction to this family. Single mom...raising five small children on her own. I am constantly amazed by her inner strength and the positive influence she is on her children and those around her.

After repeatedly telling her I am not a photographer ... I gave in and met her and the kids at the park. I brought Rachel and Oliver (the guinea pig) with me. Don't laugh ... I needed a guaranteed focal point with these small boys. It worked!! The downside was that Rach kept putting Oliver on my head to make them laugh ... and oh how they laughed! The only problem was that I was using the monopod and it caused a little more movement that I wanted. Several of the shots weren't as crisp as I would have liked. The lighting is bugging me too ... their faces have too much light in several, but I'm not sure what I did there either!

The good news is that Jer agreed to give me photoshop lessons to help me fix some of my natural mistakes! Wish me luck!!

When I Grow Up .....

So ... I have been looking for a way to capture my development and growth as a photographer. One day, I would like to be really good at taking pictures. Right now, I have a decent eye for it ... but I am lacking in the technical knowledge! I know I need to take a class and really learn it, but life seems to give me several reasons why that isn't going to happen right now.

I talk people into letting me play photographer ... usually it is my own kids and they are getting really used to the random photo shoots.

I am going to start posting pictures as I take them. This is really just for me, but if anyone else would love to jump in ... feel free! I would love to hear what you like and what you think could be improved.

I look forward to this journey. Who knows ... maybe someday ... when I grow up ... I may get comfortable enough to call myself a professional photographer! :)