True's Mama {Wife/Mama/Artist/ Photographer

Benicio {5 days}

2011-07-30T13:56:00.000-07:00

I melt.

2011-07-24T22:52:00.001-07:00

A smile takes but a moment, but the memory of it lasts forever.

I Heart Faces Photo Challenge: Water

2011-07-24T22:01:00.001-07:00

I flipped when I saw the theme water..... I knew I had to enter this picture. It cracks me up and I am sure it will bring a smile to someones face. If you haven't been toI HEART FACESyou should! I love all the beautiful images posted every week. Wish me luck and hope I am a contender :)

Swimming

2011-07-21T00:51:00.000-07:00

We just started swimming class again. I tried to take True when he was around two years old, but it did not go so well! He wouldn't let go of my neck and would hardly go to the teachers. But now he is the big 4, and lately he has been having a ball in his grandparents spa. I worry that needs proper skills, I think it is very important that his love of water and skills are equal.
Trev and I take him to his lessons together, we watch his every move, we cheer him on and give him direct eye contact when he bursts from the water proudly showing us he can go under for a few moments. It makes us so happy to see his confidence building.
I started to notice today we are one of the few set of parents there and not staring at our phones the entire time. Crazy huh! I am so glad I can set all my attention on True. I love summer days and I love my kid, and I don't want to miss a thing! These moments are so wonderful. He is growing so fast!

Natalie's {Dr. Seuss Inspired} Baby Shower

2011-07-16T00:01:00.000-07:00

Natalie is one of the most giving, kind and selfless people I know. She is going to give birth to her son any day now. I wanted to do something special for her to let her know that I truly appreciated how great of a friend she is to me. She is so supportive of me, I am so blessed to have her in my life. Natalie's kids room will be a Dr Seuss theme, so we just went with it! I used an old Dr Seuss book for a streamer, Erika used 3 pages of the book to make the pin that says "Benny's Mama". I designed the cupcake toppers by using images on the web. Everything was very easy to do! Not expensive at all just time consuming. Everything was DIY!
I arranged this suprise baby shower in 4 days, with a lot of help! I wish I could of took more detailed photos but I was trying to be a hostess and enjoy all of our friends who came.
Food was catered by pappadoz pizza in Carson . Can I just say the was AMAZING!! So good! If you haven't tried it. Go! It's fantastic.
My friend (thanks to Nat) Erika Quinones helped me with the decor and baking. We had a fantastic time, Without her I could not have brought my vision to life. Once we get together, we come up with some cool stuff :)
My friend Whitney helped me make the chocolate dipped oreos & marshmallows.
I think Natalie was really surprised when she walked through the door to see all of us! We had an amazing evening.

Angel

2011-07-07T00:29:00.000-07:00

A few of my favorites of Angel's maternity images. She brought along her beautiful daughter Amara. I was instantly smitten!

Mario

2011-07-07T00:26:00.000-07:00

My little nephew is so darn sweet! I wish I lived closer so I could cuddle him for hours on end! He is a doll!!

Loved {Laureano's}

2011-06-22T11:18:00.000-07:00

These images make me happy. Here is to taking chances, making wishes and believing. Thank you Laureano's. You believed in me and gave me a chance and I will forever be grateful.

“It is a wise father that knows his own child.” -William Shakespeare

2011-06-19T10:37:00.000-07:00

The bond between father and child is a beautiful thing to witness. Here are some of my favorites I have been blessed to capture.

Savannah & Daniel

2011-06-05T21:22:00.000-07:00

I love to photograph Savannah any chance I get, I love her to pieces. She is my best friend in the whole wide worlds daughter. I went to Lompoc this past weekend to meet up with one of my friends, so while I was visiting I thought I could scout out new and fun locations. We had so much fun. Daniel came with us to help. I told him he could be my assistant, so he let me boss him around a little bit. He is a great guy! I give him 2 thumbs up!
During our adventure,we saw a mouse run by us, I got ichy feet because I thought it would be smart to wear flip flops in wild brush. After 5 minutes I ran back to my car and retrieved my sneakers!
After the shoot my night ended perfectly. Coffee with my best friend Rita and a visit to wal-mart. That's how I roll in Lompoc! haha!
**All of these images are straight out of the camera. It was perfect out, of course my subjects were too!
I can't believe I held her in my arms the week she was born.
so sweet....
She looks just like her mom to me in this picture.
young love is so cute. the camera loves her.
in the field...........

she is amazing
flawless really.

it's a wrap.

Alyssa is ONE!!

2011-06-03T00:40:00.000-07:00

Time just keeps flying by. I can't believe my baby Alyssa Rooney is already a year old. I have been there to see so many special moments in her life. I have to put up a timeline! From belly, to newborn, baptism, and so much more. What a blessing she has been in my life :)
She is such an elegant little lady!
she loves her mama.
one more look at her sweet smile
my vintage buggy I bought just for her :)

The whole family and Benny's on his way!!

I melt.

2011-06-01T13:53:00.000-07:00

BFF's

2011-05-20T21:28:00.000-07:00

A friend is someone who knows the song in your heart,
and can sing it back to you when you have forgotten the words.

My loves

2011-05-11T15:14:00.000-07:00

This makes them happy and they make me happy. I am a lucky woman to have two handsome fellas all to myself!

True's 2nd Haircut

2011-04-29T12:03:00.000-07:00

Well technically 2nd at the barber shop. We tried it the first time when he was around one, it was a disaster. He cried and I cried. So I started cutting his hair myself. I don't claim to be a hairsdresser nor want to be, but for the last four years I think he had looked pretty handsome. I would get tons of compliments on his "great hair". The time has come for him to go to the barber with his daddy and get it done right! We talked about a week before he went in, and promised him ice cream and a toy if he would sit and be a good boy in the chair. I think he did awesome! Here are some photos of our big day :)

Trash 2 Treasure {Thursday}

2011-03-24T17:34:00.000-07:00

I looked at the office supply stores for a pen holder that I would like for my new desk at work but couldn't find anything that I loved at all. So I made this. I think it is so pretty and easy to make with fabric remnant and findings.

{loved}

2011-03-20T19:45:00.000-07:00

My kid.

Trash 2 Treasure {Thursday}

2011-03-17T00:07:00.000-07:00

My sister in law gave me a bag of my niece Trista's old halloween costumes and some play dress up clothes. This Minnie Mouse dress had ripped seams so I cut it up and made some lolliop flowers. I love when I am able to re-use something and make it into something fun or useful.

Wordless Wednesday

2011-03-16T10:32:00.000-07:00

I have been meaning to start wordless wednesday on my blog, because sometimes there are no words necessary. I cannot express how over the moon I am that someone would take the time to make this for me. I love it and when I tried it on, it was a perfect fit! Unbelievable. Thank you so much Torres Family! Really I am speechless. I want to cry. It's gorgeous and so me! Thank you!! I can't wait to see you soon and meet Gabriella & Charlotte in person. So grateful for this beautiful gift! And even though I wanted to try wordless wednesday I have to express my huge gratitude :)

The attention to detail is fantastic.

I love the girls personalized birdie tag! goodness. how cute is that??

My wrist is big and I can never find a perfect fit. It fit me perfectly!

Daisy & Marco

2011-03-11T21:54:00.000-08:00

Cousins

2011-03-08T01:32:00.001-08:00

True {Inspiration}

2011-03-08T01:11:00.000-08:00

I must have a guardian angel. God sent me this beautiful child, and I feel so complete now that I have this baby boy in my life. I took this image back in October, True had just started school. He was having a really hard time. He didn't know any of the kids, he was scared and would cry and say he just wanted to stay with mama & daddy. When I went to pick him up, he would be sitting all alone on a bench looking at his feet. I just wanted to cry and take him out of school, keep him with me all the time. But, I knew deep down inside it would get better and it did. On this day, when I picked him up he told me Mama I cried for you, but I had fun today. His sweet smile, his brave little self. I am so proud of him, he is growing into a great little boy. He says the most interesting things, he prays at night and has the best sense of humor. People say my images look happy. They are happy images because I have this inspiration in my heart. This child is my light. He makes everyday with him the happiest I could ask for if I can be with him. I am so grateful.

Ariana is Two {Monkey Themed Party}

2011-03-06T21:38:00.000-08:00

Ariana is such a sweetie. It's awesome to see her growing up! Her mama really outdid herself at this party with lots of help from her BFF Beeper. We made a little photobooth with lots of props. We had so much fun!

Erica {loves} Crafts

2011-03-06T20:15:00.000-08:00

I went shopping in Downtown LA recently. I stumbled into a store that had the most gorgeous beads. I found these really beautiful stone skull beads in pastel colors. I had to get them and share them with my BFF Kay who lives in Colorado. I can't wait to make more earrings and a few necklaces! Here is my first pair I have made from the strand I bought. I also used swarovski beads that I have had for a while. My mind is spinning with ideas. I also can't wait to see what Kay makes too! As soon as I make more I will be sure to post.

Mario {3 days}

2011-02-25T22:13:00.000-08:00

My sweet little baby nephew is here!! I drove 3 hours in the pouring rain to see him. I couldn't stay away. I love him.

Try something new!

2011-02-23T01:10:00.000-08:00

A few nights ago it was raining so hard that it started to come down in sheets. Trev, True & I ran out to the porch to just stare out at the rain. Then I grabbed my camera and played with my bulb setting and here are the three images I took. I shot them in RAW format and played with the temperatures. So much fun. I had never done this before. So I am so glad I tried it and can't wait to do it again. My friend Whitney and I always talk about how much we like light writing. So will definitely have to get together and do this. I might even have True help me :)

Maya {Loved}

2011-02-13T23:25:00.000-08:00

There is nothing better than to love and be loved. I had so much fun with Maya. Her mama let me have creative freedom so I made her hair piece and painted up this sign. I love the results! Also her adorable dress is from the gap!!

Family

2011-02-09T08:07:00.000-08:00

This week we took True out to the track to play on his new motorcycle. Trev my hubby even asked me to bring my camera. Ha! I drive him CRAZY with my photography. So normally he thinks its annoying for me to drag my big heavy camera everywhere. I tried to get as many pics as possible. True is growing so fast I don't want to miss anything!!
The whole family got together and we had a really fun time. My brother in law Tom and nephew Trent go all the time. Trent can ride for hours and is so great on his bike it was fun to see him racing around the track leaving Trever and Tyler in the dust. Hope he can help True to get as good as he is. When True wasn't riding he was running around with my niece Trista. Lots of dirt everywhere so he was happy! If anyone knows True, you will see that he LOVES to get dirty. Here are just few images from the day.

True on his first motorcycle

My gorgeous hubby and kiddo {my whole heart in one image}

Trent & Trev

My handsome brother in law Tom

Papa & kiddos

This little light of mine

Diane, Buster & Trista

This pic is so cute! I love it!!

Semper Fi

2011-02-01T00:26:00.000-08:00

When I look at this image all I can think is one brave son is a proud marine, who is protecting our country so his baby brother can sleep in peace. Thankful for those who protect our country. We wanted to do something special for baby Dylan's brother while he was in Japan. His older brother loved this image :)

I heart Faces

2011-01-31T23:51:00.000-08:00

I always check out I heart Faces website. This week I had to enter the contest, the theme was FACES. I just took this image of True last week and he was making funny faces for me in the doorway of our house. He is such a crack up. I wanted to get one of him smiling but had to take a funny face, a sad face, a silly face and believe it or not this is supposed to be his mad face :P

Erica {LOVES}

2011-01-26T00:37:00.000-08:00

I was over the moon when my friend Monica gave me these Betsy Johnson earrings and a beautiful hair band as a thank you. How lucky am I??

Eddie & Mari {Waiting for Mario}

2011-01-21T09:15:00.000-08:00

This couple means a whole lot to me. My baby brother and his wife are having a BABY!! what even makes it more bittersweet is that they are naming their son after one of the greatest men I have ever known....my stepdad Mario. He is in heaven now taken too soon but now his name will not be forgotten. My nephew is going to have an amazing guardian angel. I cannot wait to meet the little guy and squeeze and hug him. If anyone knows me they know I am gaga for little babies. My brother is going to make a great dad if how he is as an uncle is any indication. He is the best and Mari will be great! They have so much to look forward to.... Enjoy some of my favorite images from our shoot in Manhattan Beach!!

Sweetest days.....

2011-01-19T17:40:00.000-08:00

Buttery light and a beautiful family.... what more could you ask for. Some of my dearest friends too.

i love to tell the story without saying a word.

2011-01-15T22:59:00.000-08:00

Erica {LOVES}

2011-01-09T00:06:00.000-08:00

I love this image I took at my Nat's wedding it was shot with my film camera. I made hair pieces for all of her bridesmaids and this is one of them.

Bella & Natasha's {Fancy Nancy Party} & {Photo Booth Fun}

2010-12-17T19:09:00.000-08:00

So much fun to spend the day with awesome friends. I thought it would be a fun idea to add a photo booth to Bella and Natasha's ultra glam Fancy Nancy party. The candy bar was so adorable and Lucie (their mom) always does everything top notch and puts a lot of love into her little girls party. If I were a kid I would of died and gone to heaven to invited to a party as fun and fab as this. Such lucky little girls!!

maple leaves are magical

2010-12-14T00:25:00.001-08:00

God is so good. I just love love love when the maple leaves start changing colors. They are so magnificent. I had to take by baby boy and get some pictures before they are gone for the season! I think I am going to make it my goal this year to get all shades of maple leaves and photograph them next up orange!!

portrait {my style}

2010-12-02T00:32:00.000-08:00

Thankful

2010-11-25T11:09:00.000-08:00

I never thought I could love so much. I still need to pinch myself every once in a while that I have this little guy. He has changed my life in every way. My sister always makes fun of me and says "I waited 12 years for a babbbaaayy" when he is driving my crazy. Mocking me.... :) smarty pants.....but, really it's true. I waited a long time (not by choice) for him. He was so worth the wait. I volunteered last week at his school for his classroom celebration. The class prays before every meal. I was so proud of him, watching him pray with his friends. I was lucky to grab this shot. A little out of focus, but perfectly imperfect. Just how life is sometimes. At the end of the day he has taught me to just appreciate all the little things. That's what I am thankful for. These tiny moments. I will cherish them forever.

Sylis {7 days}

2010-11-03T11:53:00.000-07:00

This is me........

2010-11-01T20:48:00.000-07:00

One thing that is really important to me is that True have a love of books. I have read to him nearly every night since he was around 9 months old. We get piles of books and cuddle in bed in our Pj's and it is our special time. I really wanted pictures of us being US. I asked my sister to take some photos of us when I went to Solvang a few months ago. These moments are the things I want to remember and hold onto after my baby has grown. I adore all of these pictures for what magic they are capturing between me and my boy. All of these were taken with her Contax camera. She is very brave shooting medium format film with her crazy nephew running around and acting silly. But you cannot duplicate the look. It's like butter. I am so happy, I love these!!

all images ©Linda Chaja

Getting Organized

2010-10-23T22:14:00.000-07:00

I love to make things. LOVE. One thing I am not good at as I would like to be is organizing. I am getting my craft space back together and thought if I had pretty containers to keep my stuff in I would be inspired to keep things organized. I hope :) Here are some holders I made with saved cans from beans I used to make a pot of chili last week. I cleaned them, took of the paper and wrapped them with lace, adorned them with flowers and other pretty things like vintage buttons my friend Kay gave me and butterflies. I think they came out super elegant and useful to boot.

New life {inspired}

2010-10-22T17:34:00.000-07:00

feeds our souls I think to make pretty pictures, and capture a moment that can be looked at and appreciated even after we are gone.

2010-10-13T22:33:00.000-07:00

Andrew & Kristin {Wedding}

2010-10-11T20:09:00.000-07:00

Aydan

2010-10-03T23:25:00.001-07:00

For the family

2010-10-01T13:31:00.000-07:00

I am so behind. I am blogging out of order. I love to blog but just not enough hours in the day :) Here are some for Andrew and Kristin's family.... who are the most awesome, welcoming, loving and coolest family you could ever spend a day with! I was so excited to get to take baby Jayson's pics. Here are just a few......
Mama & baby my most favorite.

gorgeous family

the new generation of Ponce is a beautiful work of art........

Jayson thinks I am funny.

sooooo does Andrew

yes. Kristin is absolutely gorgeous and so are the men in her life :)

glad we could document how tiny and very precious he is.......

Alina {6 months}

2010-09-28T23:56:00.000-07:00

Where does the time go? Princess Alina came to visit California and have her 6 month pics taken. It's so awesome to see her growing up and documenting it. I photographed her mama when she was in her belly. I visited Alina for her 3 month images in Nevada, so it was a real treat to have her come here and she was sitting up and had the cutest personality and the sweetest smile. We of course had to take advantage and head to the beach. I love this sweet baby girl.

One of my favorite images EVER!!

See what I mean about personality? She is so stinkin adorable!

She loves her mama so much she just wants to eat her up! LOL!

Mama & child there is no bond stronger or more beautiful in my eyes.

Ashley {Mount Rainier Washington}

2010-09-25T15:23:00.000-07:00

Took these while on vacation in Washington. More coming soon!

Pretty as a picture {Alina}

2010-09-22T00:23:00.000-07:00

This is our baby cousin Alina. I try and take her pictures a few times a year. It is so great to see what a little lady she is becoming. These are her official 3 year old pictures. She and True are a few months apart and have lots of fun getting into trouble together :) He came with me to take her pictures. We went out just the three of us and he played Thomas the train while I took pics of Alina. At the end, he decided to take time out and let me take a picture of the two of them. Made my heart melt, they are so cute together.

i wish i could style her everyday!

unlike my kid, alina loves getting her picture taken!

she is such a beauty......

Makes my heart melt.

Then True says "come on Awwwweeeeeena" let's go! too funny!

Tony & Ariana {Love}

2010-09-18T21:49:00.000-07:00

God Bless America Land that I Love

2010-09-11T14:32:00.000-07:00

Cynthia & Ariana {mama & baby}

2010-09-07T00:01:00.000-07:00

Just breath.

Smile.

Hold her close.

Always in her heart, and never forgotten.

Heart filled with love.

Smile that can melt your heart.

There are no kisses sweeter.

always a joy to spend a few moments with these two beauties. Enjoy the post :)

Steve & Liz {Married}

2010-08-24T22:06:00.001-07:00

I shot this wedding along side my good friend Kristen at the beginning of the year. I had the very best time at this awesome wedding. Good times with great people and friends :)

Beauty

2010-08-21T01:32:00.000-07:00

Beauty is everywhere. Take a minute to appreciate the little things is something I have to remind myself of when I get overwhelmed. There is nothing I can't overcome if I take it one second at a time. I took these images when I went to Lompoc with my hubby and son. We drove to Surf Beach and on the way back I asked my hubby to stop so I could run along the side of the road and take some images of the wildflowers. Pictures remind me of great times like those :) I love road trips with my family. We have so much to be thankful for.

Robert {Portraits}

2010-08-17T19:31:00.000-07:00

This is my baby brother. I haven't seen him in 10 years. Missed him. He is a wonderful guy! On the way to drive him to the airport it was high noon and really bright outside,but I was determined to get some images of him so we drove around and found some open shade. Here are some of my favorite images from our day. I miss him so much already!

Natalie {portrait}

2010-08-17T09:23:00.000-07:00

Yvette {Isn't she lovely}

2010-08-11T22:09:00.000-07:00

Yvette is not only beautiful but one of the sweetest persons you could ever meet. REALLY!! SO NICE!! I remember her pulling up to my house, my sis and I looked out the window and both said "ohh she is so pretty!" My sister has just finished graduating from Marinello and had not styled any person on her own yet. Yvette decided to take a chance on her. We had so much fun getting to know her. We had plenty of time to talk while my little sister Brenda did her hair and make-up. I think she did a fantastic job.
When it was time to start shooting, at first Yvette was nervous but after a bit she relaxed and was so easy to direct. It was the perfect girls day out. We had a blast! Here are some of my favorites, I know it's alot but there were tons more that were beautiful it was so hard to pick!!

Buddy, Cesar and Scooby Do

2010-08-08T23:26:00.000-07:00

I just got home from the best family vacation I could ever ask for! Although I ran out of time to do everything I wanted to do and did not get to spend as much time with everyone as I wanted to. I am so happy. During my visit I went to see my Nino and Aunt Sunny. He has a beautiful 10 acre home. A photographers paradise. So beautiful and serene. He also has 3 amazing dogs who guard the property. He has 2 mastiff's and a Saint Bernard :) Here are some portraits I took of them. They were 3 huge sweethearts!!

sneak peek {alina} 6 months

2010-07-24T15:19:00.001-07:00

A birth story {Christian}

2010-07-21T22:43:00.001-07:00

I was waiting on pins and needles for the day. When I would get the call, to let me know Christian was on the way. It is always so exciting when one of your friends has a baby for the first time. Especially when it is someone who you really care about. Kristen has been such a great friend to me. I can't believe how lucky I am to have found her. Now besides our love of photography, we will have the bond of being Mama's. Before Kristen was even pregnant we would take my son True with us on mostly all of our trips to the coffee shop, or to breakfast and she is so awesome with him. I truly appreciate how she never minded having him come with us. I was so happy when she found out she and Joe were having a baby. I am thrilled now we can take both of our boys places with us :) So when the day finally arrived, I couldn't wait until I could go see Christian at the hospital. I got to meet him when he was 2 days old. I had to wait for my hubby to get home to take care of True, so I arrived Kristen's hospital room later in the afternoon and it had only one window to give a little light. Here are a few images I was able to capture :) More coming soon from our proper shoot. Congrats to Kristen and Joe, little Christian is perfect in every way!

Alina {LOVED}

2010-07-13T22:54:00.000-07:00

Little smiles. Melt. My. Heart.

I am so lucky I know pure true deep love that is unselfish is bigger than you can imagine, thank you True for giving me this. love, mama.

2010-06-25T02:22:00.000-07:00

Kristen & Joe {Waiting for Christian}

2010-06-23T06:53:00.000-07:00

Big Yellow School Bus

2010-06-06T00:06:00.000-07:00

Every time we passed the lot where the school buses are parked, I always found myself thinking it would be great to take some images of my kiddo in front of them. The color yellow and all the buses lined up justs pops. Luckily, we drove past them on our way home from a birthday party and True was already slicked up. He was in a playful mood. He said "mama I take pictures with the school buses? Yes? I take Mater & Wightning Mc Queen" No Typos peeps. That's how he pronounces it. So cute! That's how he says it WIGHTNING :) It was perfect lighting so I parked my car, handed him his toys and and let him run around while I got some shots. I took these images with my old camera too! A canon 10d. That little baby still does a great job.

Erica {LOVES}

2010-06-03T08:59:00.001-07:00

I have been thinking awhile about posting every now and then things I love. Something just for fun. Maybe my favorite drink, favorite shade of glitter, whatever! So let me start with something True & I both love to do. We love to bake :) True loves to help me in the kitchen any time I will let him. He is such a great helper. Love it :)

The Bell Family {Las Vegas}

2010-05-27T12:50:00.000-07:00

I was fortunate enough to schedule a time to meet up with Vanessa, D & Alina at my hotel room in Las Vegas when I went for a few days for my anniversary. Vanessa did not want to impose on me and kept asking "are you sure?" and here is what I said..... What!!! A few of my all time favorite things jammed into 2 short vacation days? I got to see friends I love, meet Alina for the first time in person, D too! And take their picture. I could not think of a more awesome way to spend my morning. Alina was not too happy with her schedule being re-arranged though......So I did the best I could to capture some sweet and tender moments and said we could meet up again when they came for Alina's uncle Kris' wedding the next week. So there will be another session I will be posting soon of their California visit. Here are my favorites from my hotel session :) So meet Alina at 3 months old :) and I just found out I get to see her again for her six month pics too. So I am THRILLED!!!!!

***oh and another cool thing is D is a model and at our hotel there was billboards all along the front of the valet with him on it! how cool is that??

Danielle

2010-05-07T07:50:00.000-07:00

What can I say about Danielle. She is amazingly beautiful and the camera loved her. We had so much fun shooting these images. She is graduating from high school next month. I can't believe how fast time flies. I remember meeting little bugsy when she was so teeny tiny and maybe a year old? Wow. Craziness!

Alyssa {5 days old}

2010-04-28T20:56:00.000-07:00

Sweet Dreams turn into this :

Beautiful smiles and she has dimples

I honestly could spend an entire day cuddling this precious baby

hard to believe this baby was in her mama's belly just a week before

Just one baby, so many looks! God's masterpiece.

I adore babies with all my heart.

Sweetest little girl

I think I want another baby. :)

Cousins Rock!

2010-04-22T12:20:00.000-07:00

True & Alina had a blast playing around in this empty lot. They are growing up so fast! I have the best time shooting them together :)

Those who dream by day are cognizant of many things that escape those who dream only at night. Edgar Allan Poe

2010-04-19T23:15:00.000-07:00

Going Back

2010-04-13T20:32:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I feel proud of myself for how far I have come and feel so very blessed to have what I have. I went on a little field trip to my old Junior high school and childhood neighborhood. A lot has changed and a lot is still the same. I took True with me and snapped some personal photos. Here are a few I will share.

Inspiration {it's everywhere}

2010-04-11T22:43:00.000-07:00

Imagination is more important than knowledge. For knowledge is limited to all we now know and understand, while imagination embraces the entire world, and all there ever will be to know and understand.

Albert Einstein

Sneak Peek {Alina}

2010-04-09T22:09:00.000-07:00

The very first time I met Alina's mommy Vanessa in person, she said to me "Whenever I have a baby, I want you to photograph them".....then we laughed and I said "I would love to" little did we know that she had a seed of Alina growing in her already! Here is Alina at 2 months old :) More coming soon!

Meet {Avalyn}

2010-04-04T23:08:00.000-07:00

Lovely Avalyn was 3 days old when I tagged along with my friend Kristen to Ventura to shoot her newborn session. So fun to go on a roadtrip with my friend :) When we arrived at the hospital, I was nervous because I didn't know what the lighting would be like. It was fantastic. Score!! Little Avalyn was was tiny and perfect and so very gorgeous. I love babies with all my heart. Such pure and amazing little beings. Soft and sweet what more perfect way to spend an afternoon.

Perfectly imperfect

2010-03-29T23:46:00.000-07:00

I love these images. I love the magical and colorful look of random lens flare, the blurriness of True walking past me. Although they aren't perfect pictures, to me they mean everything. I love my son. I love spending time with him. He makes life beautiful. I just want to be with him and love him forever and always.......

Lucie & Natasha {Sweetest Days}

2010-03-19T08:22:00.000-07:00

I love capturing sweet and tender moments that otherwise would just slip by. This gorgeous mama had a vision and let me take it from there. We had a fabulous day together and I can't wait to do it again. Not only did she open her home to me, she opened her heart. I made a new friend :) One of the things I couldn't help but be excited about was that she had so many luxurious baby items!! I was in heaven with all the beautiful things and the beautiful ladies.........

Love Always { Eddie & Monica}

2010-03-11T22:49:00.000-08:00

These two are renewing their vows. I think that I am in awe. That is one of my goals in life. Love is so special when you have the real thing. It should be honored, cherished and is something you have to continually work at. What an inspiration to be around two people who believe the same :)

Self Portrait :Mama & Son

2010-03-11T15:51:00.000-08:00

Ohhh how I love my son. I just wanted some pictures of us being us. So I took these self portraits, the kind of pictures I take of other people, that's the kind I would love to have for myself.... I am sure that you can feel the emotion...my heart on film.

Beautiful {Bella}

2010-02-02T00:21:00.000-08:00

I enjoy spending time with fun & frilly girls when I get the chance...... Such a treat since I have a two year old son who loves dirt, trains and playing rough...... Bella was a natural in front of the camera and was so fun to chat with :) Her baby sister was the cutest too. I will posting those soon :)

The following two are my favorite.... she is such a doll!

Today {Sunshine is gorgeous}

2010-01-27T21:23:00.001-08:00

We went to the park today and I took my good old reliable 10d camera. I took True to play on the equipment then the sun started to set and the sky looks so buttery I begged and bribed him to let me take a few pictures. I am so happy with the results, he is such a silly boy :)

Santa Barbara Mission {nature}

2010-01-27T00:19:00.000-08:00

True {@ the park}

2010-01-25T20:23:00.000-08:00

One of True's favorite things to do is go to the park. We try to go once a week at least. We pack his snacks, some toys and I load him in my car.... Then we have conversations that go something like this....Me: "bubby, are we gonna have fun at the park? True:"mamaaaaa, we go park and swiiiing and slide and have sand castles" Me: "yes! yes Baby, we sure will...... I don't want to forget the little things.... He is growing so fast. I know I will wish I can go back, as he gets older. I am enjoying every second of being his Mama.I am trying to live in the moment and savor the sweetness of his childhood. I love this kid.

I make things

2010-01-24T19:01:00.001-08:00

I was feeling inspired a few weeks ago to make some hair pieces for Christmas gifts. I of course made a few for myself. What do you think? I used elastic, flowers and seashells with shimmery glitter. So much fun!

Film

2010-01-07T16:42:00.000-08:00

I have a Canon EOS3 that I shoot with occasionally just for fun, and I found these rolls of film that I shot a while back and I was pleased to see some nice images. You never know what you are going to get. The best thing about film is the awesome color saturation... the greens are so vibrant.. I need to take this camera out more often :)

Happy New Year 2010

2010-01-04T23:08:00.000-08:00

Can't believe my kid got a hummer before me :) Santa was very good to him this year.

The S Family {Sweet}

2009-12-10T12:49:00.000-08:00

Today you are you, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is youer than you. Dr. Seuss

2009-12-08T23:12:00.000-08:00

{savvy}

2009-12-02T23:15:00.000-08:00

Natalie & Armando {Expecting}

2009-11-29T21:43:00.000-08:00

True's 1st Christmas Tree

2009-11-28T00:21:00.000-08:00

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

New Pretties

2009-11-27T17:57:00.000-08:00

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.........

Happy Thanksgiving

2009-11-26T23:53:00.000-08:00

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!

Meet {Maxine Rubi}

2009-11-21T20:08:00.000-08:00

April Getting Ready

2009-11-17T17:28:00.001-08:00

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!!

Natalie & Armando

2009-11-13T20:02:00.000-08:00

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.

Emma {Pregnant}

2009-11-11T00:30:00.001-08:00

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 :)

Why I love Photography

2009-11-07T18:06:00.000-08:00

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}

2009-11-07T17:07:00.000-08:00

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

Happy {True}

2009-11-04T18:55:00.000-08:00

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.