This session took place on one of those rare weekends this spring that it actually rained. Dawn contacted me because she wanted to surprise her mom and grandmother with a 4-generation portrait session. We were thrilled to do this, especially because Dawn’s mom works at Dr. Valdez’s office (the awesome Roseville pediatrician we work with). We met with the gals before the session date just to get to know them a little and discuss wardrobe, etc., and were so excited because we knew it would be a blast. On the session date, as Dawn appproached our door, I immediately knew something was wrong. I quickly discovered after she got off a teary cell-phone conversation that Dawn had just learned that her father-in-law had unexpectedly passed away. As the rest of the family arrived, they were engaged in teary-eyed conversation. I immediately asked if they would like some tea, because what else can you do in a situation like that? Dawn talked with her husband via phone and he wanted them to stay and proceed with the portrait session. We were unsure if this was the right move at the time, but decided we would take all the time they needed. We all sat, talked, and sipped tea for almost an hour before everyone felt ready to head to the studio. I was amazed at the strength and sense of humor in these women, and knew these portraits would hold extra special meaning to them that day. We had planned to go outside at the end of the session, and of course, that’s when it started to rain. We decided this session was about overcoming less-than-favorable situations, so off we went, umbrellas and all. We felt privileged to spend this time getting to know these wonderful women, and so appreciated their openness and sharing that day.
~Stefani
We had the pleasure of meeting Miss H and her family and just had a wonderful session all around. First of all, they were all so fun and easy to work with–including the dog! H was at that age that is just magical–about 9 months or so, before they start walking and try to run away! She was THE happiest baby that we could have just kept photographing her forever, but eventually we had to let them go home. As adorable as Hannah was, we couldn’t help but love the image of dad and his best friend, and the sweet one of mom and dad together. Thanks for the great time guys!
We got our yearly fill of sparklers, ground flowers, fountains, and every other non-dangerous firework(thanks to our neighbors), but this time the girls would actually hold them. In fact, they got quite possessive. That and the fact that they have no understanding of combustion made things interesting. It went a little something like this:
“Dad, can you light my sparklers?”
“Sure. Can you point it away from my face first? Ok, here we- No, that’s my leg. Teagan…Tea- OWWW!!!!”
Anyway, I asked them to all make their sparklers go in a circle for a photograph. As you can see, Reilly had a little trouble with the circle concept, as well as a wardrobe malfunction.
Hope you all had a Happy Fourth!
Mr. S and big sis came to see us for his Bebe graduation session not too long ago, and we thought their outfits were appropriate for an almost 4th-of-July post here! S was one of the most beautiful babies I’ve seen, and he has grown into an even more stunning toddler. His shock of curls and amazing blue eyes are just out-of-this-world! It’s funny to look back at his newborn images, because his hair stuck straight up, almost in a mohawk-looking arrangement. As fun as it is to watch them grow over their first year, it’s been just as satisfying to see how much big sis has matured as well. She has become quite the little lady and didn’t mind being photographed at all (which wasn’t always the case!). We just love the Felahy’s and their kids! I should also mention that dad is Dr. Felahy, a wonderful family dentist in Rocklin (Sunset Oak Dental). He gave Reilly her first filling a few months ago, and he was great with her. She didn’t even realize that she had gotten a shot of novacaine he was so good!
~Stefani
About a month ago, I received an invite to Star Trek themed birthday party at the drive-in from a fellow photographer. I was on a session and unfortunately couldn’t make it. So when Stef and I got an invite from some friends last week, we decided to saddle up the kids and check it out.
I didn’t really consider what time of year it was and forgot it has to be um.. dark for the movie to start, so showtime wasn’t until 9pm…about an hour after our girls normally go to bed. Well, they made it (I almost didn’t) and I had plenty of time before hand to go and explore this interesting place.
Well, our Ladies Night Out event was a smash hit. Over 40 beautiful women attended the event and enjoyed great food & wine, and got pampered with hair & makeup thanks to the wonderful peeps at Article Salon in the Fountains. Stef and I had an awesome time watching everyone turn into a fashion model for the evening. Here are a few from the event, you can see much more on our Facebook page HERE.
Thank you to all who came, we can’t wait to do this again!
Meet beautiful baby B, the gorgeous little girl we started photographing when she was still in mama’s tummy (see the Zander maternity post). She was just shy of 2 weeks when we photographed her, and she was still so teeny tiny! We love getting newborns this small, because we’re able to do things we wouldn’t be able to do when they’re bigger and awake! The first image here is a prime example–I’ve been dying to photograph a baby on our column, but they’re usually too long and squirmy. I was determined to get her on that column, and so glad we did (she proceeded to pee all over it 2 seconds after this was taken!). Mom and Dad liked this image so much it was used on her birth announcement as well as a framed print for her nursery. Just a beautiful baby girl (and mom and dad aren’t too shabby either!)…can’t wait to see her for her next Bebe session in the fall!
-Stefani
Teagan decided last winter that she wanted to quit gymnastics for a while and try out tap and ballet dancing. After almost 6 months in her new class, she just had her first official recital this week. I will be totally honest–she was not what one would call passionate about this hobby. I would hear the other moms talk about how their little girls would go home from class and want to tap everywhere, all the time. Well, Teagan came home and never once did a dance move….not one! As her performance drew closer, I had my concerns about what she would do during her performance, if anything. I just had to hope that putting on her poodle skirt costume and being with all the other girls would excite her at least a little. Thankfully she loved her costume when she put it on, so there was at least that if nothing else. I dropped her off at the side door ready to go, her hair done to my best abilities for how short it is. I apologized to her teacher for not getting it into a bun as instructed; she said “don’t worry, I’ll fix it right now.” So I think to myself, “knock yourself out!”
Fast forward to us sitting front row and her whole group entering the stage and beginning their dance. We had no idea where Teagan was. I was so distraught I was almost in tears. I just knew she had either chickened out at the last minute and refused to come out, or that she was so exhausted that she had fallen asleep in the “holding room” and they didn’t wake her up. I couldn’t believe that we went through all of this for her not to appear in the show. I continued scanning the girls and about halfway through the routine, finally discovered Teagan in the line-up. Her teacher had made sure all of their hair was completely slicked back, including bangs. I had never seen T without bangs, so none of us recognized her! I was relieved she was there and bummed I had missed seeing half of her dance! Truth be told, I don’t think I missed much. She tried, but was clearly nervous and not too sure of what came next. Who cared at that point? At least we found her, and I was quickly reminded of why she has bangs! Here are a few snaps James took after the performance–she was super excited because we were taking her to Big Spoon to celebrate. Dance class is now over…back to gymnastics with big sis next week!
I love it when clients suggest an interesting location I haven’t been to before, it’s always an adventure. Alexa wanted her senior portraits taken at the bluffs in Fair Oaks, a fantastic spot full of trees, amber grass, greenery…and attack moths.
Stef and I had such a wonderful time on this session. Alexa did a fantastic job of matching her look/style with the environment, a perfect combo. She brought her mom & sister along who were in charge of the portable clothes changing station (a brown bed sheet!), and moral support.
We are so fortunate to meet so many great people doing what we do. Thank you Alexa for introducing us to you and your family, and for being such an inspiring subject.
I could fill two pages with my favorites from the day, but here are a few.
Been a while since I’ve taken some photos of Reilly performing at gymnastics. I don’t think I realized how far she had come until her competition. Flips, jumps, rolls and everything you can think of was in her arsenal and she did great. Here she is taking the floor…and taking the prize!!
