Alaina's Digital Darkoom

Headshots

2012-01-31T14:33:00.001-07:00

I talked Liz in to coming over this afternoon so I could practice with whatever light might be available, and purposely didn't check the weather. Sometimes bright, hazy/white winter sunshine is trickier than you would think, so it was good practice for me. Thanks, Liz!

30712

What I've been up to

2012-01-28T00:34:00.000-07:00

Maybe it's just the slow season, but I've got photography on the brain and I'm itching to take beautiful photos. Preferably in summer light, which won't happen for at least 4 months. In the meantime, I'm putting that energy toward updating things like my web page - www.alainasdigitaldarkroom.com - and my tabs across the top up there.

Gathering up my favorite photos from the last couple of years has been downright exciting. You can see some of the best of the best along the Portfolio tab up top. I like seeing them all in one place.

I also forgot about this little beauty, and finding it made my night. Happy January!

30649

Happy Birthday Henry

2012-01-10T23:28:00.000-07:00

While babysitting my only nephew yesterday, I pulled off a quick (and surprise) photo shoot. Happy Birthday, Baby!

I am rather impressed with myself given that I had 3-kids-against-1 and not a single adult to help me keep the attention of this high energy 1 year old. Here's the best I could do, and there are dozens of others on disc for his parents to remember his many facial expressions. So glad to be your Aunt, Henry Rex!

If this face doesn't make you melt, well, you are beyond hope. My heart strings felt a little tug every single time it came up in editing.

And Baby Makes Three

2012-01-10T22:31:00.000-07:00

Jeremy and Cindy had a fabulous winter wedding last year (see here, here and here), and I was overjoyed to celebrate their new family with pictures to ring in the new year and new baby Easton! He is a doll, and I was delighted to see his eyes wide with curiosity toward the end of the shoot (once we escaped the cold to my living-room-makeshift-studio.) Congratulations to this beautiful family!

30466

Finally!

2011-12-19T21:25:00.000-07:00

It seems like Jacque and I moved this shoot dozens of times - sick kids, poor weather, work schedule, poor weather again. I'm so glad she kept coming back to make it happen - the result was worth it! What beautiful people.

30328

Sunny Winter Mini Shoot

2011-12-07T21:36:00.000-07:00

We thanked our lucky stars for sunny and [relatively] warm weather today - the forecasted 20's turned mid-30's and we were grateful! There's a great smile on the little miss near the end; still she was a doll for all of them.

3 Mini Shoots

2011-12-07T20:39:00.001-07:00

I've fallen behind on my blogging for mini shoots, so here's a quick catchup of some darling families and the Christmas card shots we got. I love 20 minute sessions when it's cold outside! They make it so easy; all of these kids were fabulously behaved and made our job pretty simple [and fun!].

Arizona

2011-12-06T09:49:00.000-07:00

Gorgeous weather necessitates photos. It just does. And after freezing in my Utah mini shoots, this session was downright balmy. Mary is the cousin I idolized for my entire growing up, and still do in so many ways. It was so much fun to catch some quick pictures! I especially love seeing every hair color represented.

30093

Little Boys

2011-12-03T10:05:00.000-07:00

This has become an annual tradition, since Ty was six months old. It has been so fun to watch your family grow, and to *try* to capture that energy on camera! I think we got the energy for sure... just maybe not 3 consecutive smiles. Truth be told, I love group candids perhaps more than anything.

30071

What I do for Fun

2011-11-21T22:04:00.001-07:00

Some photographers take time away to take pictures of landscapes, flowers, etc. I just can't get away from taking pictures of people. Test driving the D700 this weekend, I wanted to play with real, cute subjects without any pressure. So I borrowed these twins and their gorgeous front porch and we had fun, fun, fun for part of this morning.

They, in their darling 2 year-old language, said "We need our arms around each other!"

When I suggested kissing, here's what they came up with.

They started to get curious about this humongous camera I was following them around with.

"My turn to see it!" says the brother.

I'm a little bit in love with this front door, and just might copy it someday when I get a house of my own.

30018

Let's try this again, eh?

2011-11-17T23:11:00.000-07:00

My worst nightmare came true, and I deleted this shoot from my memory card before it was uploaded. I know, five years of doing this and you think I'd know better, right?

I'm so glad it wasn't a wedding. Software can usually recover these things, but for some reason, not this time.

Rest assured, I learned my lesson. Never again.

Aaron and Katie were so good to humor me and repeat the session, same time, same place, same clothing, one week later. *Which* all ended up being a good thing, because little Miss Em was a bazillion times happier in the second shoot, so it's a win-win for all involved!

29974

Sam & Co.

2011-11-15T12:47:00.000-07:00

You would never guess that this shoot took place on the coldest, windy-est day of the year thus far, and we had the whole thing accomplished in less than 30 minutes. I drove home, my fingers slowly regaining life, thinking about what a great catalyst cold weather is for quick photo shoots. And I'm thrilled! I'm thrilled at what beautiful photos this gorgeous family created.

29987

Fall Mini Shoot

2011-11-10T21:23:00.000-07:00

Quick and easy, which is always a bonus when you've got three kids to juggle - and they were great! This has become one of my new favorite spots, and their darling family made it all the better.

29840

Fall Family Fun

2011-11-07T21:06:00.000-07:00

Remember Eric & Brittany's engagements [see here]? It was so much fun to see what they've been up to in their first married year and meet the whole family!

Below are two different pictures, taken at different times, to be made in to bookends. (Yes, I'm pretty impressed with myself about how much it could look like one picture.)

These boys had me laughing while I shot, whenever I thought about this shoot, and the whole time I edited.

29795

Let's try something new, shall we?

2011-10-22T20:36:00.001-06:00

This is one of those dream-come-true shoots where every single photo we took in our 1 hour was a winner. Not kidding, usually I shoot 500-600 photos in a session with kids, but here we ended up with a miniscule 332 original photos, narrowed down to about 90 favorites, and I'm having a hard time narrowing it down any further. (and don't get your hopes up for a shoot this lucky. My family shoots are the exact opposite, and I'm okay with that.)

So here are a BUNCH. [I really hope this works].

.......

Eh, blogger won't let me post it as wide as I'd like, but oh well. You get the idea. This will save me 2 hours of blogging them one by one :)

The stars aligned so perfectly that the 90 shots would look very over-done if I did any more editing to them. Here are a few more that I wanted to see bigger on blog, however:

29682

Kayla + Josh

2011-10-17T20:51:00.001-06:00

Remember Kayla's graduation pictures here? I'm so honored to capture the next big step in her life - congratulations Kayla! You chose a very photogenic guy - he was so great to work with, look at that winning smile. Best of luck and happiness to you both!

29614

It's a sad day

2011-10-16T21:02:00.000-06:00

To the senseless defacers of a beautiful historical building, as well as a much-loved photo spot:

Shame on you.

In addition, I feel sorry that your hearts and souls are so empty that this sort of activity brings you entertainment.

We had some good times. Your beauty will live on in a zillion photographs, taken by me and many others.

Because I begged them

2011-10-13T20:51:00.000-06:00

I drove by this library spot late one afternoon and have been thinking about it ever since. I have been stalking Kendall (my sister and neighbor) with texts like "Uh, want to do family pictures thisafternoon?" or "Hey, how about tomorrow?" They gave in to my pleading and I loved the result.

29547

Tessa

2011-10-03T21:26:00.000-06:00

Alternate title: I want her furniture.

We had a blast in the Provo Orchard, catching red apples in season - she came prepared to make the best of it! Shoots are always even more fun when time and preparation have gone in to them - Tessa & my Aunt Erin didn't disappoint. L.O.V.E!

29441

Mallory

2011-09-30T20:25:00.002-06:00

I've been itching to use a cement block wall like this as a backdrop for over a year. I finally scoped out a good one and Mallory was so good to oblige me. She is gorgeous, and I can't help but see my Mom in these gorgeous photos.

Jan as a teen, for reference:

29367

Angie's Boys

2011-09-30T14:59:00.000-06:00

Angie has a husband just as busy as mine, so we decided to go ahead and get pictures of just the little ones this season. I'm glad we snuck Angie in a few pictures, though - I love her striped sweater!

29344

Ellie - 3 years!

2011-09-26T21:24:00.000-06:00

I've lost count of how many times Ellie & I have taken photos - from birth through her first year to now. Here's a link to some of my favorite baby photos ever, including this one:

My, how she has grown!

Dancing with her sister to warm up those smiles:

29241

Jordan, Cari and Fam

2011-09-21T21:53:00.000-06:00

I was only supposed to touch up a handful for Cari's mini-shoot after the big family shoot, but I can't help it - especially those candids along the pale blue wall in the middle - there were hundreds of cute ones! Thanks for your patience Cari, I had fun working on these.

"Please, no more photos."

Sometimes, I just love textures, and maybe I go a little crazy.

29154

Lighting Practice

2011-09-19T21:51:00.001-06:00

As you can tell, I'm pushing it and trying new things - today was no exception, with the help of Aaron Despain (if you want to see someone amazing who has become a sensation overnight, check out his work on facebook or his website.) I am in awe of his lighting, and he so kindly tutored me today in a middle-of-the-day shoot. (Who does that!? I'm terrified of sunlight, haha.) Massive thanks for a fun and helpful time.

You won't believe me, but I didn't do a single thing to enhance her eyes here:

Backlighting + soft box flash:

I love this backdrop and how these silos popped blue. Without Aaron's softbox, I could never have exposed her so well and kept the detail in the background.

Have I mentioned I love this girl? She is the greatest. Thanks for modeling, Raquel - you are a natural, no matter how much you protest :)

29115

Family Fun

2011-09-19T15:49:00.000-06:00

We planned this shoot around this car, and I'm quite pleased! It was fun and new to gather 'round it. I love the grandkids with Grandpa in the car the best.

29100

Sometimes, you just get lucky

2011-09-14T21:04:00.000-06:00

This attractive couple didn't seem all that excited about getting their pictures taken. You know how it is when a sis-in-law drags you to a required family picture, right? You will see this handsome couple in the big family post coming up next, but I just keep thinking about these perfect photos we got in about six minutes. Sometimes the stars align and you have beautiful natural light, beautiful people, and just a fun, fun time.

I think every one of these pictures is naturally gorgeous (very little editing) and full of fun & personality.

After this shot, I say "Husband, sit up a little straighter."

"Here, like this?" he says.

"Don't be stupid," she says.

"Don't YOU be stupid," he says.

"Here, is this better?"

And then we get a winning shot:

...and she says "Good job, I knew you could do it!"

I beg to try them out in one more pose:

Another winning shot:

Let's kiss. The end.

28979

Jessie & Boys

2011-09-10T16:29:00.002-06:00

Jessie is a dear friend & neighbor from my Pleasant Grove days. She & fam were some of my earliest models - see here, and here - and we've been talking about doing pictures ever since. Finally, here they are!

She just might kill me for posting so many of her, but I really love this candid, carefree smile & messy hair - such a beautiful girl.

As a photographer, sometimes you learn valuable lessons (aka make big mistakes) while shooting. I love everything about this shot, except for the fuzzy, hazy presentation - not crisp like I usually strive for. That's what happens when you try to use a f/2.8 on a big group who is far away, with a too-slow shutter speed (I think it was 1/125). Lesson learned, but appreciate my beautiful mistake regardless!

28979

Cari's sneak peek

2011-09-06T21:02:00.000-06:00

Here's one of the winning family shots. I'm actually most excited to touch up the candids of these gorgeous kids, so stay tuned for those.

We also did the full extended family shoot after Cari's little family, with a really fun prop. More to come here, too!

Jeni-O & Em

2011-09-02T20:33:00.000-06:00

If I don't blog them RIGHT NOW, I may never do it. So here they are!

The color version was equally gorgeous:

28876

The next-door trade

2011-08-24T21:19:00.000-06:00

My neighbors have a pretty sweet old shed in their backyard; I can't believe I didn't discover it until just recently. I traded them a family mini-shoot for rights to use their yard again for other shoots. I think I got the better end of the deal - there's even a tire swing back here! A perfect photographer's playground. Thank you, neighbors!

28806

The rest of Cherri's Family

2011-07-30T15:31:00.000-06:00

Four boys! Isn't she a lucky mom.

To make it even better, they are all sweet, well-behaved boys, too.

For Chelsea

2011-07-22T22:17:00.001-06:00

We ran around the bell tower fountain and got some great shots tonight. It's going to be a little while before I edit the rest, so I'm sneaking one up for now. :)

Okay, okay, one more: 100% natural sun flare. Since it's so easy to fake it in photoshop, I have to brag about the real thing. It is a lot of light, but I think it's fun to see something different. That was my goal on this shoot, playing around with different sources of light! I got my wish.

28579

Our other family

2011-07-19T21:52:00.000-06:00

Adrie spent over 2.5 years with Cherri's cute family while I was at work, and I cannot say enough what a blessing they have been in our lives. We miss seeing them every day, but look forward to a lifelong friendship anyway. Here's a sneak peek from our quick shoot in Lindon. You wouldn't believe how well behaved her boys are! Uh... don't let the biting shot at the bottom fool you ;)

Family Together

2011-06-27T10:24:00.002-06:00

A funeral is not the happiest of reasons to get together, but this charming family seemed peaceful and content with the circumstance. We had a lovely day capturing their togetherness in American Fork.

Back in the Saddle

2011-06-27T10:17:00.000-06:00

So, I had a baby. A big one. It was sort of nice to have a quiet time off from photography during those last few miserable months of pregnancy and the first six weeks of figuring out how to mother a newborn again, but now this little guy is 13.5 pounds and sleeping through the night, so I'm back! Time to get to work, I've missed it.

28414

Graduation Mini Shoot

2011-04-07T21:53:00.000-06:00

Happy college graduation Kayla! This is the first time I've been outnumbered - dogs to people - but I think we did pretty great. They make for some fun, fun candids as you can tell. We had a gorgeous day and gorgeous lighting and a gorgeous girl, so I was one happy photographer. Best of luck and congratulations again.

28127

Five Years!

2011-03-22T21:06:00.000-06:00

Gracie and I have done this for a number of years, and it just gets better! She is the perfect five year-old model; we run around and play and manage to get lots of cute shots - including little sister. Happy Birthday Gracie!

28024

Jeremy & Cindy's Party

2011-02-24T20:13:00.000-07:00

The luncheon/reception was held at La Jolla Groves, and what a party it was! The food was neverending (and delicious! as you can see). It was clearly evident how many people were honored to celebrate this bride and groom.

Finally catching a break!

The Bride & Groom

2011-02-24T19:30:00.000-07:00

On this wintry February day Jeremy and Cindy were sealed in the Provo temple. Congratulations you two!

27818

Valentine's Day Edits

2011-02-14T20:56:00.000-07:00

Working on a beautiful wedding as part of my V-day evening - here is my favorite artistic one thus far, and the sneak peek of what I posted for the bride & groom, who are in Hawaii (but checking the www anxiously :) More to come, hopefully sooner than later!

27726

"This is quickly becoming a family shoot"

2011-01-17T22:11:00.000-07:00

I do love newborn pictures... but I love them even MORE with snippets of parents in them. In my new nephew Henry's case, LOTS of snippets of parents. I couldn't help it, they just make such a great backdrop. Plus, we got the one needed winning shot of Henry somewhere there in the middle.

*as I worked on their cute faces, I couldn't help but remember editing their wedding pictures in what feels like not that long ago...*

Josh's cheesy idea that of course, I took seriously:

Isn't she a beautiful mom? I am a proud sister.

27503

Winter Reception

2010-12-15T21:26:00.000-07:00

On a snowy winter evening we partied for two hours at the Blue Lemon. It was a blast, as you can see!

27258

Holiday Magic with another Little Boy

2010-12-04T14:57:00.000-07:00

This has been the season of shoots where holiday magic has turned more than one little boy into an easygoing model. Sam was no exception, and I think we got a TON of good smiling shots of him! It was great to catch up with old friends and enjoy the last of the holiday photos for my season.

27146

A little darling

2010-12-02T21:27:00.000-07:00

Even though this was technically a family shoot, you can tell who was the very deserving star of the show. She warmed up to the camera, don't you just love that smile!

27105

Jeremy & Cindy

2010-11-23T22:14:00.000-07:00

27001

If third time's the charm...

2010-11-23T21:16:00.000-07:00

...then the fourth time has got to be pure gold, right? I have loved watching this little family grow, from Ty's 6 month shoot through his one- and two-year pictures, and now adding a little brother for the complete package. This was also a double mini shoot, so I think it's pretty awesome what we came up with in our short time together!

Mini Shoot - take two!

2010-11-22T21:01:00.000-07:00

The first time we met up, after braving football game traffic the sky opened up with pouring rain. They were so good to meet me a few weeks later, (wearing the same clothes, I begged them when I saw how darling they were the first time) and we were able to get our pictures! It's amazing what you can get in 20 minutes.

26974

Holiday Treats

2010-11-20T21:21:00.000-07:00

Five shoots last weekend - and I am halfway finished with all of them. I feel like a kid peeking at Christmas presents; every single shoot left me excited to edit so I've played with all of them and finished none of them. Haha, here's the peek for now, and just all of you know that they're well under way!

26933

Eternal Fall

2010-11-15T21:37:00.000-07:00

Can you believe this warm weather? Into November, and this darling warm-sweatered family may have been a little tooo warm. But nonetheless, darling smiling children result. Gorgeous!

26854

Appetizer

2010-11-12T09:22:00.000-07:00

I should finish the rest this weekend, but here's one for now!

26732

The Sharpest Family

2010-11-08T21:12:00.000-07:00

The thing that cracks me up about this shoot is that their 2 year old was an angel. Terrible twos are rarely well behaved for pictures, and he surprised us all! And, as you can see, we took turns on the "cat walk"... or, the railroad tracks. There are even more that Kim can post elsewhere, lest I overwhelm you all. Love it all, I had so much fun. And Kim, you'd never guess you're in a second trimester of pregnancy :) That baby's going to feel left out someday, so hope we can do it again sometime next year!

26732

Peek for Kim

2010-11-03T21:21:00.000-06:00

26628

What I can catch of my own

2010-10-31T21:08:00.001-06:00

It was the fall leaves. I wouldn't let my husband clean them up until I could get a quick shoot of Adrie in our driveway, and they were getting a little ridiculous. So welcome to a Sunday afternoon at our house.

And yes, it took 251 pictures to get a few winning shots. Children's shoots just go that way, even when it's a quickie.

Amelia's Crew

2010-10-29T15:28:00.000-06:00

We had the dual mission of 18 month old pictures + a family shot, and we had a LOT of fun playing in the leaves while we figured it out. I love little girls full of spunk and personality!

26518

Fall Mini Shoots! November 12th and 13th, Provo and Lehi

2010-10-23T17:26:00.001-06:00

Friday November 12th and Saturday November 13th.

*In case of rainy/dark snowy weather, this can be rescheduled the following weekend.

Payment must be mailed ahead of time to reserve your spot.

Details:

$50 for 20 minute session

One location, a variety of poses and groupings in that one location

All the best photos on disc in color-edited + black and white, with copyright release.

Finished disc by December 1 for holiday cards!

Fri November 12 - Provo State Hospital

Orchard: 3:00 pm, 3:20 pm

Castle: 3:50 pm, 4:10 pm

Sat November 13 - Lehi Osmund Studios

Rock Walls: 2:30 pm, 2:50 pm, 3:10 pm

Railroad Tracks: 3:40 pm, 4:00 pm

One little preview

2010-10-22T22:15:00.002-06:00

After working all night, I had to get one up. More soon!

Third Time's the Charm

2010-10-06T22:44:00.000-06:00

I don't know whether to call the third one the charm because they get more gorgeous, or because my skills have improved with each shoot - either way, this it the sort of family shoot that dreams are made of. This lovely bunch has been with me since early, early days - click here for 2007's version, here or here for 2008's version. It's so FUN to watch your family grow!

26138

Fall Again

2010-10-05T22:17:00.000-06:00

Just a peek of family fall shoot #3!... meaning, the third year we have done it. Stay tuned for more soon.

26109

Little Miss Sunshine

2010-09-22T22:03:00.000-06:00

Okay, okay, I use this title in jest, and hopefully you get a laugh out of this first picture. Ellie has been a favorite of mine, I have caught her milestones since birth - for example, see her darling 9 month pictures here. With her second birthday, she told her mom the entire drive to our shoot "I am NOT going to smile." It tooks some coaxing - and 3 lovely assistants - but we managed to win. What a beautiful girl :)

25825

Family Fun

2010-09-16T23:03:00.000-06:00

With so many little ones, we took our time, had lots of fun, and took LOTS of shots - and surprisingly, a zillion of them are great ones! Thus, the long post. I'm also very happy to start breaking in to the "friends and neighbors" market here in Provo - they are my first!

25666

Peek from tonight

2010-09-15T21:56:00.000-06:00

Spreading the Love

2010-09-13T23:20:00.000-06:00

After Katie's cute family had their shoot, rumor has it her mom wanted one, too. So here we go! This shoot included a mini shoot add-on for the other darling family. Love that curly hair!

This was the most unexpected shot just while I was getting my lighting. Love it.

The boys.

The girls.

The "stink-eye"s.

25557

The After Party

2010-09-09T21:50:00.001-06:00

It started with amazing food, at the groom's gorgeous home in Pleasanton, CA.

Note the cake on his nose. She had cake in her nose.

I don't know why these cute little ladies in line strike my fancy so much.

And, the dancing. Oh, the dancing - it was superb. Pictures don't do it justice.

The grand exit! My favorite photo of the night.

25441

The Big Exit

2010-09-08T21:28:00.001-06:00

25401

The Beginning of Fall

2010-09-04T23:24:00.000-06:00

Eliza is a budding photographer in Las Vegas, and we've been planning this senior shoot for months. We couldn't have dreamed that red apples would be the perfect surprise to her goal for greenery.

25219

I left my heart in San Franciso...

2010-09-04T16:34:00.000-06:00

Are you singing it? Because I am! I had an unbelievable time in San Francisco/Oakland, and Kelli and Mark (and their families) were a dream come true to work with. Stay tuned for reception photos and more!

25200

Gettin' Married

2010-09-01T22:42:00.000-06:00

I used to babysit Tara decades ago; it's always a treat to catch up with people from the past and be part of their milestones! She is getting married in Arizona this fall, Congratulations!

PS your skirt & belt & colors were to die for.

Baptism Photos

2010-09-01T21:22:00.000-06:00

Remi, I want to know your secret! I think your shy little smile is enchanting. Thanks for hanging out with me this day, I had fun and I think you are darling.

25135

Sneak Peeks

2010-08-30T22:34:00.001-06:00

Two other projects in the works!

25074

Miss Photogenic

2010-08-26T22:14:00.000-06:00

Kelli, oh Kelli, my job would be so much easier if you didn't look gorgeous in every single photo taken. My eyes hurt from paring down 2,000+ photos. (...but don't be fooled, I'm loving every minute). While I'm busy at work, here are two favorites for now:

24919

Greg & Bella

2010-08-25T22:18:00.000-06:00

The only thing that would have made this super-quick session better would be doing it on their home turf in Chicago. Maybe I'll aim for that soon.

Josh & Mandy

2010-08-25T22:11:00.000-06:00

...and Gus.

We had a mini session in a charming area of Mandy & Josh's neighborhood called Valley Junction, and made it quick! My best compliment came from Josh, who at the end of our shoot declared, "Whew! That was easy!" (You know how most men love pictures.)

24853

In the Garden

2010-08-24T20:47:00.001-06:00

Believe it or not, this shoot was a lot of fun. Their mom might say otherwise, but I think these guys were darling and very well behaved. You can see all of our teasing and laughing shots showcased in Grandma's gorgeous garden.

24819

Love

2010-08-09T22:25:00.000-06:00

I'll post a bunch for Allison because she's got to wait a few days for her disc to get to her via mail - so enjoy for now! You'd never guess it was a hundred degrees on this afternoon (at least it felt like it) - ah, young love!

24558

Stephanie & the Harp

2010-08-07T22:39:00.000-06:00

What an amazing talent is this!? Of course we had to showcase it. The red dress makes these pictures absolutely pop. I LOVE color!

I'm playing around with a larger picture size for future blogs - what do you think?

24558

Sisters

2010-08-04T22:11:00.001-06:00

Remember Meredith? Miss Utah's Outstanding Teen?

I am honored that she thought of me for portraits before she heads off to college and her beautiful sister off to work. We had SO. MUCH. FUN and I don't know how it's fair that one family can be so photogenic :)

Good luck to you girls in all that's to come for you!

24506

Finally Paying Up

2010-07-29T21:53:00.000-06:00

For March Madness 2009, I gave up grocery shopping, and took bets on when I would cave in.

I almost made it a month.

Tara was the lucky winner of the guessing game, and I promised a photo shoot to the lucky winner! We finally got a chance to square up, and it was FUN. Tara is a budding photographer herself, so we edited together and traded tips & ideas. Your family is beautiful Tara, start rocking the San Diego photography market!

This was actually our opening shot, in getting her to cooperate with the camera:

24377

Growing Up

2010-07-29T10:06:00.000-06:00

Emily is getting married! Once upon a time in 2007 I had a new camera and was dying for some practice shots - and Em was my very first senior shoot - see here if you want to see how she & I have grown :)

24332

Logan - part three

2010-07-24T15:42:00.000-06:00

I am still amazed that we got this many young ones to smile so beautifully - simultaneously - for this perfect family picture. Only two head swaps were needed, and only one of them was a child. Let's see if you can guess who. I loved their spring colors, too. All in all, it was an ideal shoot, and I'm happy to come to Logan as an excuse to visit if any others in the area would like to schedule shoots on the same weekend.

24196

Logan Sister - part 2

2010-07-24T14:11:00.000-06:00

Maja and Brian haven't had pictures since their wedding, over 2 years ago. I think they're as gorgeous as ever, and they were totally willing to humor me when I stumbled across this vintage skating rink. LOVE! I'm so happy to be related to beautiful subjects on all sides of my family.

Lucky in Logan - part one

2010-07-24T00:27:00.001-06:00

I would be so happy to have all little girls - Arianne is living the dream. I'm so happy to have nieces finally, too! We have been trying to get family pictures for almost a year now, but every time I visit Cache Valley I seem to bring the rain with me... we finally got lucky!

And I love this first picture - except for one thing. Can you see what it is? *wink*

Oregon Lighting

2010-07-10T12:03:00.001-06:00

Kaelene combined family pictures & large family pictures, and we had a fun time playing around on one dark evening in Lake Oswego. Weather in Oregon is always a gamble; I feel like I'm finally outwitting it with a flash. Nearly all of my shoots are done in 100% natural light; but this shoot is 100% flash and I'm pretty pleased. It was lovely to meet you and your fun family Kaelene, I appreciated all of your suggestions and all those playful men!

Siblings. Gotta love it.

24001

Practically Relatives

2010-06-26T11:23:00.001-06:00

We have been planning this shoot for months - it was a Christmas gift, actually - and you might think that with four little boys, it would have been crazy. Quite the contrary. Cherri has those boys well behaved, and we had a quick & easy shoot. My Adrie spends her daytimes at Cherri's house, and I couldn't ask for a better family for her to be with while I'm at work. We love and appreciate you, and we are grateful every single day for you. I loved trying to capture the personalities of your boys.

These last pictures made me laugh sooo much, every time I look at them. It goes like this:

1) "TJ! Can you see your reflection in my lens?" He lurches forward.

2) Aha! Bingo. There's a handsome guy.

3) Pleased at how we laughed.

23833

Windy Day

2010-06-25T23:50:00.003-06:00

I don't know how we got so lucky; I'm still a little shocked at these gorgeous shots that came about during a windstorm (thus, the minimal backgrounds - we were ducking for cover!) What a beautiful family, I had so much fun working with you - and I couldn't resist posting a few windy ones.

23825

Kelsey & Jordan

2010-06-24T22:00:00.003-06:00

Jordan and Kelsey had already done some amazing bride/groom shots in an awesome, rustic location, so we had a goal to get more temple-based shots on this day. I just love the windows on the temple and I'm pretty satisfied with how I captured them in a few shots. It was a fun day Kelsey and Jordan, so happy for you both!

23793

Sneak Peek of the night

2010-06-21T21:42:00.000-06:00

Somehow I'm simultaneously working on 3 shoots at once. Here's one for Kelsey for tonight :)

Headshots

2010-06-21T20:03:00.002-06:00

I could post a million. You'll see some more with her family pictures, up soon!

23687

Summertime

2010-06-19T15:03:00.002-06:00

Summertime means family gatherings, and that means large group pictures! You may recognize Taryn from some smaller groups; I am so excited to capture her whole family. Those little girls were darling and we have hundreds of candids, as you might guess :)

This perfect shot was captured when setting up the one below it. She is a doll.

23561

Library Love

2010-06-16T22:26:00.001-06:00

The downtown library has been on my list of spots to try for a very long time, and this awesome couple happens to have spent a lot of their dating time there, so it was perfect for both of us! This was a day of ever-changing lighting, so they cover a wide range of moods/settings... so much fun! Congratulations you two, and good luck in everything.

Tonight's Favorite

2010-06-16T20:55:00.002-06:00

Would we let 30 mph winds deter us? No way.

Here's one that jumped out to me in scrolling through to make sure we got a good one.

Colorful Family

2010-06-12T16:48:00.003-06:00

Katie is one of the first people I remember being a friend to me in my last church ward, and I'll never forget the day she announced her first pregnancy in a meeting and mimicked throwing up in front of 50 people - good times. Her family is darling and fun, just like her, and I was SO happy to get to catch up and catch their darling summer outfits!

23244

Impromptu Engagements

2010-06-09T22:20:00.000-06:00

This darling saw her little sister's engagements and called me while she was in town for a quick shoot. We met up one Friday morning and had a blast! I think they are a gorgeous couple, and very, very photogenic. Thanks guys, and good luck!

23165

Sneak for Katie

2010-06-08T22:40:00.001-06:00

These two little princesses gave me a run for my money - literally! It's been awhile since a children's shoot, let alone two little kids, and I forgot how much creativity (and endurance!) it takes. But oh so much fun. There are hundreds to wade through, so many of them good, so here are a few that jumped out to me so far. More to come :)

23138

For Brittany

2010-06-01T23:24:00.000-06:00

Just a sneak peek. Because it will be a few more days :)

Nat & Gary Part II

2010-06-01T23:02:00.000-06:00

This was one of those magical days where the weather cooperated despite forecast of rain, family was quick and easy, and we got a million awesome photos in under an hour. How's that for a wedding present? Congratulations you two, I had so much fun and I wish you the best of luck!

23059

Nat & Gary Part I

2010-05-29T22:26:00.003-06:00

The Timpanogos temple is my favorite for exit photos, hands down.
Natalie & Gary had a beautifully perfect day, and we got a million lucky photos. Here's installment #1!

23010

Gabbe & Duck

2010-05-10T21:08:00.003-06:00

Gabbe claims she's not photogenic.

I don't really know what she's talking about.

Those eyes! Congratulations, you two :)

22767

Megan & Nick - Part Two

2010-05-06T23:27:00.002-06:00

Nick & Megan's after-party took place at a charming hall in Midway, the same spot where their proposal took place. Yes, we got cheesy and re-enacted it. Fun!

22683

For Raquel

2010-05-05T23:59:00.004-06:00

I can't say enough good things about Raquel as a photographer, or as a person. She inspires me in every way.

We traded shoots tonight, and I'm hurrying to beat her to the sneak peek (she's always so much faster at it than I am!)

You are gorgeous, girl.

22654

Megan & Nick's Big Day - Part One

2010-05-03T22:54:00.002-06:00

I owe Megan extra special photos for two big reasons:

# 1 We've been talking about her photos since before I got engaged and then eloped (4 months ago!) I feel a little guilty for beating her to the altar.

# 2 She's been waiting beyond patiently. Despite seeing me at work multiple times a week, she hasn't asked even once. Amazing. My sick-in-bed-for-many-days-of-April-plague thanks you.

22598