Little Bit of Hump Day Happy...

While going through some Images I shot when second shooting a Wedding with Amanda Young of Swoon Over It, I found this and I love it. Hope it makes you happy too.

This Family was just too Funny

Okay, so I will admit it, Christmas can make one a little cranky. You have a long to do list and you are just trying to check it all off. I was doing my best, when I got the sweetest e-mail from a woman about a gift they wanted to give her mother for Christmas--a Family photo shoot. Her sister would be in from LA and would I mind doing it on Christmas Eve? I got a deep laugh out of it. Then I thought, I know how my mother in law feels about my sister in law living in Utah, so, I will give this girl a call.

I did. She was awesome, we planned on the 28th. I loved them. We started out with a large Family photo.

However, since we had just finished a nice snow, and it was melting, I had the pleasure of getting snow from the roof falling on my head. It made for a good laugh. I told them it was part of my shooting style.

Snow aside, we did a little "funny" too.

And why not take pictures of the daughter that put it all together? Kristin and her husband were so cute!

Of course I loved their dog too!

In all, I think Mom was pleased with her Christmas gift this year.

Just a sucker for a sweet face

Whether it be that sweet face, their beautiful eyes or sometimes their smiles, I am just a sucker for a sweet dog. I love their affection of kisses and need for belly rubs. Often they can be your partner when you need one most and they can sense when you just need that right amount of space, but still need a friend in the room.

I was actually doing a family shoot and asked to shoot their dog. I think they were taken aback by how much I liked dogs. No, I was not rolling around on the floor, but hey, dangling treats works doesn't it? Look at this sweet doggie...

New Year, New Life...

The New Year's Eve Wedding of Missy and Brian was beautiful in every way. Here is a sneak peek photo, more to come!

A Look Back on 2010

Wow, a whole year has gone by, was it just a year? So many things have happened, good things and learning experiences. I developed a quick "highlight list" that sort of captures those things I like as well as the shots I enjoyed. I hope you enjoy too!

--I dropped HRO Photography. It just was not me.

--I launched a new website, got a Logo, launched this blog and I love it all.

--I actually left my home office and attended "Shoot the Shot" workshop held by Isabel March Photography. It was great to learn from her, do some relaxed shooting and make contacts. It was a fun day.

--Leaving my comfort zone, I hopped on a plane to Las Vegas and went to "Summer School". I do believe that you need to do something each day that scares you, and for the first time in a long time, I was scared to death. Who would I meet, were there expectations? Would I get the big L for loser girl? It was an educational opportunity to further hone my skills and hear leaders in my new field speak about their art and business. When I returned, my mind was spinning. It was the best investment in myself I have made in a long time.

--Through all the above, and in the spirit of doing things that scare me, I really have been attempting to network. As outgoing as I am, I just like to be genuine, to be real, to be me. I have always thought of "networking" as being the polar opposite of myself. However, I have found that meeting people of common interests, such as Photography, Weddings, Event Planning and the like are really people just like me. We are all creative people, it seems that we are all creatives, with our own sense of style and individuality. So, I was referred to join a group called "Photo Betties". Women just like me.

Oh, so without further delay, here are some shots that I have LOVED this year. You will see the love, laughter and emotion that I enjoy in my work...

The Wedding of Steph and Randy = Sneak Peek!

Baby, it was cold outside. But these two have each other to keep warm.

Naughty or Nice?

And that is the face. The one that drives me insane. The one that does not seem to be quite Santa or Easter Bunny repellent. He may have just been told "No" or perhaps, "time for Bed". Whatever it may be, he's not happy. The moment I see it, I swear my blood pressure goes up.

How did my cute, sweet cherub, who was so Nice, turn into this Naughty little boy? Granted, he still gets good reports from Preschool, that he is the classroom model of politeness and sharing. Oh my, who knew?

But it is just this crinkled face he does. It is like he knows how to try my patience, to push my buttons and slowly drive me insane. Does he not know that Mommy is already insanely crazy for him? Why ruin it my boy, why ruin it? Besides, I will note all issues you give me to Santa anyway.