Saturday, November 28, 2009

True's 1st Christmas Tree

Married 14 years and with True it feels like a whole new world...... we see everything with new eyes and it's beautiful.

Friday, November 27, 2009

New Pretties

I always refer to myself as a wife/mama/artist/aspiring photographer..... but lately I haven't posted or done very many art projects. I owe my friend Marissa Rodriguez a pretty for being such an inspiration to me, and I am so behind on getting anything to her. I really do have a good reason!! I have been so busy working , family functions and taking care of True. But, today we (me & True) went out into my little craft studio and I made and photographed these. I can't say what she is getting. It will be a surprise. Post a comment and let me know what you think.........



Thursday, November 26, 2009

Happy Thanksgiving

I have so much to be thankful for. I have an amazing husband who is such a great dad and best friend to me and my son. We just love our family, friends and most importantly God. We are so blessed to have great friends and family. I pray that everyone is blessed, happy and healthy. I am grateful to God that I had a day spent with my loved ones. I hope I make the most of every opportunity to make Him proud with everything I do. I am so grateful to have my son. Everyday is an adventure. Have a wonderful holiday season!

Tuesday, November 17, 2009

April Getting Ready

April was very calm and excited all at once. I arrived when she was finishing up her make-up. I noticed right away how radiant and happy she was. Her nose crinkling with the biggest smile. Her best friend and sister in law Lorraine and her mom by her side. Helping her with the last minute details. Here are some images from the start of her day...........






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See how radiant she looked! Wow!!

Friday, November 13, 2009

Natalie & Armando

They Rock. They were up for anything and let me be as creative as I wanted to be. Loved them. Such a sweet couple and so in love. Just wanted to post a few images for them to see what we did today.



Wednesday, November 11, 2009

Emma {Pregnant}

Emma is one of my oldest & dearest friends. We worked together at our first job. My aunt & uncle owned a video store and that is where we first met. But, when we were both on duty all we had was a heck of alot of fun. I would go visit the Santa Ynez Valley in the summer. Emma was my first friend in the valley. Over the summer we became best of friends. So, when my grandma announced we were moving there, I was so grateful to have my friend Emma.
Recently I took her oldest sons senior class portraits, and I asked her if she had ever taken maternity pics with any of her kids, she said "No, I haven't". When I heard that I was eager to do these photos for her because she is having her 5th child and this is probably her last chance.....I told her also I need some of the water from the valley because I only have my one baby...LOL
Emma looks so beautiful and I love her. She and Charles are expecting a baby girl very soon. God Bless them :)








Saturday, November 7, 2009

Why I love Photography

Well first thing I should say is "what's not to love". Seriously I love, love, love it all. Photography has been such a big love in my life for as long as I can remember. I always loved looking at art books, magazines, family photos. Growing up poor, I loved going to the library and looking at the images in books and it would take me far away.

My grandma gave me a disk camera when I was about 9 years old. Wow. I just remember thinking "wow" my own camera. Ohhh I can't wait to take a picture of everything.... My friends, my family. all the things I love.... won't that be so cool.
From Elementary school until high school I carried that thing with me, Then, when I got into high school I joined the yearbook staff and the school newspaper. I was assigned a camera, with a big lens which to me equalled big stuff. I took photography class and loved the assignments and going into the darkroom was awesome! I would set up photo shoots in my front yard with my little sister and uncle and we'd get dressed up and goof around... I had hundreds of picture taped to my wall in my bedroom and framed all over my dresser. Stacks of photo albums.
After high school I worked in Solvang at a photo studio where you dressed in old western outfits. I would take the photo and tell the customers to come back in a half hour and I would go into the darkroom and develop the prints. It was great meeting the people who would come into the shop from all over the place. It's funny how when you are behind the camera you can capture a story. It's amazing, and enthralling.
That's where the story ended for a while. I always thought photography was a fun hobby and nobody would want me to take their own family pics or images. In the years after I stopped taking pictures I was an artist. I painted and crafted. My sister had gone on to college and got a degree in photography. Then, my son was born and it was amazing. I didn't want to miss a second of anything he did. I had no time for art via painting or anything really crafty but my camera was my new canvas. She sold me her old digital camera and some lenses because she wanted to be a 100% film shooter. My son was my muse.
So after I bought her old camera , it became my new passion. I took pictures of my son every week, heck almost everyday. I just loved it. I started a blog. Then, on his first birthday I took him to the park and wanted to make a custom birthday card for his invitation. I got him dressed up like a cowboy and took a whole bunch of images. I showed them to my sister, she said I had something special. Keep it up. Well, the more excited I got the more she would say don't call me during the week about photography, or in the evenings. Maybe the weekends. Basically, I was on my own to learn.
It's an expensive hobby. So, I think about every purchase I make. I only get what will really help me grow. I took a photoshop class at Adult school, which was somewhat helpful. But, everything I know I basically taught myself. I can definetly say my style is my own. I cannot be bothered with trying to duplicate someone else's style. I am always looking at it as art, and making a connection with the soul of my subject. Trying to pull out their inner beauty. Saying a million words with the heartfelt smile. I am constantly learning and growing. People started noticing, started to contact me for advice. I am starting to make so many new friends because of this passion of mine. I have a few friends and family members who constantly encourage me. My husband is the best. He always believes in me even when I doubt myself. Here are some pictures of True for his first birthday and him last week at the pumpkin patch at around two and a half.... This will show how much I have grown as well as he in the last year and a half :)
You can see more of his 1st birthday images here True's Buckaroo Party ***Scroll down to the bottom of the page***





The Invitation looked like this.



The S Family {sneak peek}

Childhood is the most beautiful of all life's seasons. ~Author Unknown

Wednesday, November 4, 2009

Happy {True}

My son is so happy and confident. He has parents who love and adore him and I feel like it shows in everything he does. Just look at that smile.

Monday, November 2, 2009

Alina {beautiful}

Alina is such a sweetheart. I loved her fairy costume.