I ran across Melissa Jill on Pictage about a year and a half ago, while searching through photographers. I have been an avid follower ever since. When she blogged about the MJ 2 Day Workshop, I about almost fainted! What?! A workshop in MY town! Yes please!!!!! This workshop by far left me speechless!!! I was amazed by how Melissa welcomed 13 photographers into her home with such a loving heart. I left the workshop feeling pumped, excited to try new things with my business, confident and truly Blessed. I met 13 wonderful and crazy talented photographers that I am proud to call my new friends. They came from all over the world. How crazy is that? Other photographers just like me that wanted a little more to learn, a little more to take with them on their journey, a little more knowledge to take their business to another level. When I walked into this workshop I was hesitant, embarrassed by how little I thought I knew about photography, fear of the unknown. When I walked out, my head was held high, my confidence was sitting on my shoulder with her hair blowing in the wind, my fear was stepped on with a stiletto. Take that fear… you will haunt me no more!!! I am a different person. I am a great photographer. I will continue to learn, to improve my skills, to soar like an eagle. Thank you so much Melissa for not holding anything back. For being so generous with all your knowledge and for telling us all your secrets… or as you mentioned in the workshop “There will be no secrets”. You said it with such confidence that I was floored!!! Enamored by how confident one could be by letting all guards down and telling it all without a care in the world. Amazing. Brilliant. Blessed is what you are. Oceans of thanks to you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Big shout out to Jessica for all her hard work in assisting Melissa with the workshop and keeping all the goodies stacked and for cooking us a fantabulous dinner the last day. You are such a sweetheart!!!

And now introducing the oh so fabulous photographers that will change the world… drum roll please………….

And this is the ever so cute Amanda Pair, one thing I found out about her was that she liked Rock, Alternative Rock, but none-the-less…. I would have never guessed!!! She is such a joy. I found her a few weeks ago after a blog post by David Jay featuring her new show it website. I immediately fell in love with her personality and saved her to my favorites. And can you imagine how smitten I was when I found out she was one of the photographers that was going to be at the MJ 2Day… Holla!!! She’s even cuter in person!

Courtney Stephens. Such a quite, sweet soul. I don’t think I heard a peep from her until the 2nd day there. I am sure I probably intimidated her with my loud, obnoxious tendencies!!! xo Courtney!

Jessica Hampton was such a hoot!! This girl has a personality like no other. So out going and super friendly!! Thank you Jessica for everything you did!! Totally appreciated it! You are such a great friend and I wish you the best with your photography business!

Dallas Galbreath was a sweetheart and a half. She was so photogenic and so sincere. Hugs all day for her!

Lucy Cavassana was such a loving person. She wears her heart on her sleeve, something I really admire.

Anna Sawin was an absolute doll.

Robin Watson was so quite at first but then came out of her shell. She was such a pleasure to be around. She has some amazing children that she totally adores, it makes your heart melt.

Bruce Clark came all the way from Canada. The only guy brave enough to be around 13 women!! Ha!!! You are such a trooper Bruce!!!!

Holly McCaig is the kind of person you want to surround yourself with. She has such positive energy it screams out at you and I love it!!!!

I didn’t have a chance to take photos of Jana Overend or Kelly Wachs but these two ladies were super sassy and full of laughter!!! Mary Serantoni had to leave before the shoot… missed you Mary!!!!

The two photos below were taken by the talented (left) Anna and (Right) Dallas. Thanks ladies for the great photos!!!

And now for the super cute, super talented and super patient teacher of all teacher, photographer of all photographers….. Melissa Jill!

Isn’t she adorable??!!

Hard at work with the mock engagement shoot in target=”_blank”>Old Town Gilbert.

Here are some shots I got of the uber gorgeous couple Kindra & Michael. Thanks for being such great sports and allowing us to photograph you. You guys are super wonderful and full of chemistry and character it was hard to choose just a few to post!!!!

That’s all folks!!! Keep in touch everyone!! I look forward to seeing all the wonderful things in store for you!

Photo by Bruce Clark

I had the lovely opportunity of photographing such a blessing and very moving moment for my friend’s two gorgeous boys. The Baptism of Derek and Nick was nothing short of perfection. Afterwards we all strolled over to the family’s casa for some good food and great company!! Thank you so much Doreen and Vince for allowing me to be a part of this special occassion. xo

The trip back to my mom’s home town, El Paso, TX was nothing short of amazing. It was such a quick trip but well worth it. I was able to see my 101 year old grandfather once again. I don’t get to visit often. It is amazing that we take all we have for granted and to see how simple my family lives is such an inspiration. They don’t have much but they are rich with family and friends. And seem to be happy even though times are hard. The laughter was contageous. Sitting out in the backyard enjoying each other’s company was calming and glorious. The older I get, the more I appreciate Life.Love.Family.

My 101 Yr old Grandfather

These birds woke me up each morning

He was such a charmer

This shed has been around as long as I can remember

Laughter is good for the soul

She was a little shy

Yummy Carnitas!!!!

Laughing at a Dallas Cowboys joke

Aunt Lily….making all the great food!

Quality time

My mommy and her daddy… love this one.

The Lozano Family

Verbal… such a spoiled doggy!

Daisy looooved my Camera

The fields my Grandfather plowed for over 50 years

Just love these two pics

Aunt Leca and Aunt Lily just enjoying the company

Josie…thank you for driving all the way to El Paso… you are a trooper!!!

Gorgeous…

The Kitty chose her spot to watch the fight

The six toed Kitty

Sweet

Soooo cold….

Love this sign…

Precious

These hands are absolutely adorable!!! They make me cry, they are hands of a very strong man!!

My Grandma’s Grave

She has been one of my best friends for 22 years.  I have seen her struggle, smile, cry, laugh and push her way through life.  Although it has NEVER been easy for her she keeps on chugging along.  Even though she didn’t have much to give, she gave her all.  She always helped others in need, even if it was her that was in need.  You would never know.  She had too much pride.  She hid the fact that her life was hard.  She hid the fact that she lived paycheck to paycheck.  She never let you know that her life was not perfect.  Because to her.  It was.  She had her daughter and she made things happen.  Because she had to.  As a single mother, I too know how hard it is to make ends meet.  I envy her.  I admire her strength and her integrity.   She almost gave up on meeting the perfect man.  The guy who would sweep her off her feet and bring her complete happiness.  She prayed for him.  Every day.  God finally answered her prayers.  She ended up marrying the man of her dreams last year.  The man who loves her and her daughter unconditionally.  The man who treats her like a princess.  They are now having a baby of their own.  How exciting I am for them!  Sonia, you deserve every single bit of happiness that you are finally receiving.  I know its because you are constantly giving and you are finally getting it all back… ten fold.  I adore you and your family!  You are like a sister to me and I appreciate you being in my life.  So if I don’t say it much.  Now I am letting you know.  And the entire world as well.  I love you!!!

We took her photos at Scottsdale Center of the Arts in Old Town Scottsdale.

fg

Sonia is going to KILL me for posting these next images… but how could I not??? She looks radiant!!!! Absolutely beautiful. Sorry Sonz, I love you!

Tanya decided to throw this crazy Wig, Lash and Stasche bash for her birthday.  It was so much fun.  So many good costumes!!  Everyone had such a great time.   It is times like this were you cherish your friends and family and enjoy every single minute you spend with them.  It leaves you wanting more.  More crazy memories, more laughing until your sides hurt, more hugging and more singing and dancing your heart out.  Thank you for always making me smile Tanya, your love is infectious.  Muah.