Jessica was a little hesitant at first.  Not really sure what to do.  Posing was not something that she was used to doing.  I mean really, this has to be the hardest part for the client… and let me tell you it’s not easy for me either but something, something happens in the moment and the passion takes over on my part, on my clients part… and everything seems to come together beautifully.  Jessica was wonderful!!!  She has a spirit that really makes you cry out with joy.  A beauty that radiates from within.  I was soooo excited to know that the modeling agency signed her on after she presented them with photos from this session! Score!!!  Makes me all giddy inside.  For all the hard work she put into this.  For being that much closer to her dream.  Dream big Jessica and never give up.  The world is in your hands and you just have to make sure that you know exactly what you want to do with it.  You are amazing.  I wish you the best of luck and cannot wait to see what you have in store for us all.  Hugs!

Hello Gorgeous.

Rawr.

Absolutely love this one!

Cute Cute Cute 

Such a beauty!

Life is great.  When you add close friends that are like family to the mix, makes it even better.  Sonia and Mark have made it to my blog many of times, you probably already feel like you know them, their wedding, their pregnancy, the birth of their baby and now Roman’s baptismal.  I love being a part of such special moments in life and I am so very happy to have friends that are dear to my heart like this couple.  Makes life worth the ride.  I love you guys beyond words.  I hope you know that.  Thank you for always allowing me to be such a huge part of your world.  Huge hugs!

He sleeps like an angel.

And even though you can’t see it here… he cries… loud. 

Back in the arms of his daddy where he feels comforted.  Nothing like a Dad’s love to calm you down. 

The proud Nina. 

Love you Sonz. 

My handsome lil man.

 Those hands.  Those hands melt my heart.

That smile completes me.

Time to partay… 

What an amazing experience! It was such an honor to be able to document such a special moment. Marlea’s Bat Mitzvah was nothing short of perfection! Great food, fabulous venue, and wonderful family and friends who came from near and far to celebrate this special occassion. Marlea looked gorgeous thanks to my wonderful friend Anjela DeFer Allison for doing such a fabulous job with hair and make-up.  The venue was at the gorgeous Fire Sky Resort located in Scottsdale, AZ.  What an amazing place.  So many lovely locations.  Enjoy~

He is what you would call a cool cat. Sometimes so cool you would think you could not even touch him. But when he gets around his family he is so silly, goofy, an almost 19 year old stuck in a 12 year olds body. He is playful, funny, loving and ooooh so sweet. He makes my heart smile with is carefree ways. He has no limits. He will get what he wants out of life and he will be happy doing so. What Senior would ask for his mom to make a cameo in HIS photo shoot?? This guy!!! That is how cute he is. He has a huge heart and he deserves the best in life to come his way because of it. I love you Chris. I am so proud of you!! Here’s to the Class of 2010!!

We did the shoot at South Mountain.  And it was gorgeous!!! 

This is where he goes “Boom” and lifts his eyebrow and winks his eye.  Apparently the ladies love. It.  I think its comical! 

Awww he wanted his momma to be in the photos.  How cute is he? 

He makes fun of my daughter for always having flowers in her hair or her photo shoots

I wasn’t lieing when I told him I would post this.  He didn’t care. 

I put him in the asphalt in 85 degree weather. Scorching hot.

I put him in danger with oncoming traffic.  I am a horrible aunt!!!

But it was so worth it!!!

Some Suzuki’s passed us by.  He tried to hitch a ride.

It was a no go.

Oh we got a straggler… 

Love this wall art.

Lookin good babe, lookin good!

I had a blast!! Thank you for making me smile!

Marlea is such a sweet soul.  She is beautiful inside and out.  I am not sure that she knows that or not but these photos will tell you otherwise.  Marlea dreaded this day.  She argued with her mom about why she needed an hour of photos taken of her, she would already have tons taken at her Bat Mitzvah which I am proud to say I will be photographing in May.  Either way, I showed up and the rest is history.  Marlea is very talented and has many skills.  She loves to read and currently was enjoying The Lovely Bones.  I think I brought her out of her shell?   Wouldn’t you say so?  By the end of the shoot we were laughing and messing around and just plain having fun with it all.  When I got a text from her mom that evening.  My heart about popped.  She said, “I don’t know how you did it, but Marlea said she had the best time ever, you have such a talent with making people feel comfortable in front of the camera and making them feel beautiful.”   My heart was content.  I know it’s hard being in front of a camera.  But the person behind it needs to make you forget about it.  I don’t know how I do it, I just try and relate with my clients the way I would want someone to relate with me if I were in front of it.    And maybe it’s because I don’t think of this as a job but more something I totally adore doing and have such a passion for that it all comes naturally.  Marlea, I can’t wait for your Bat Mitzvah and I know next time around it will be a cinch for you to pose for me and just be your beautiful self!! xoxo

Marlea, you are stunning! 

Such a cutie! 

She said she hated taking pictures.  That she was dreading this day.  That was before I told her to just have fun with it.  I asked her to get some props that she had and after that… wahlah!!!  She was doing her thang.  You couldn’t tell that she hated taking pics.  She was so in a zone that I lost track of time!!  Heee heee.  Marlea, I had such a blast with you and I can’t wait for your Bat Mitzvah!!!  You are a doll!  I’m glad you let loose.  You will be too once you see all your photos!  xoxo

Happy Easter everyone!!!

I had an awesome opportunity to photograph the Arizona Diamondbacks interact with the kids at the Boys & Girls Club of the East Valley.  One of my friends from grade school, Bruce Hutchinson, invited me to come along and join in on the fun.  What a great time.  Great facility with a gorgeous view and the lovely Diamondbacks to top it off.  The coaches showed the kids how to bat and catch a ball and the players were inside playing Rock Band, hanging out at the batters cage and getting their butt kicked at some Pool in the recreation room.    A.J. Hinch, Ian Kennedy, Miguel Montero, Mark Reynolds, & Daron Sutton were a few of the Dbacks that showed up for the meet and greet.  What a fabulous time.  Thanks Bruce for such an awesome experience!!!  Check his club out folks.  Here is some great information he provided about it.

We are a community-based, character building youth development organization open for all youth & teens. We are open Mon-Fri 3pm-7pm youth hours & 3pm-8pm teen hours. Annual membership fee is $20 and free membership for Gila River Indian Community Members. Our summer hours are Mon-Fri 8pm-5pm youth hours & 12pm-8pm teen hours. Weekly membership fee is $25 and free membership for Gila River Indian Community Members which includes annual membership fee of $20.

They met at a friend’s graduation party. For her it was love at first sight. For him, he was wondering who this crazy girl was, chasing after a frog, trying to save its life. She is the kind of girl that can make your head spin with her energy and loud, spaztastic ways. He is the type of guy who is calm and collected with a smile that could make your heart flutter. Together they are one. One whose love shines bright, one who could conquer all life’s fears. Their love is so strong, when it ignites, they could light the entire world on fire. Mike and Chelsea, your sweet, young, innocent love inspires me. Love you both with all my heart.

Click here to view slideshow!

I’m pretty sure this laugh melts your heart.

They are so sweet with each other 

  Mirror Mirror on the wall…

Fist Pound 

I love the sweet smiles here

Are they not the cutest couple ever?

Full of non stop coolness 

I just love the dead trees in the background

Chelsea you are beautiful! 

I absolutely love this shot.  Something about the mood in this photo, captivates me.

You guys are awesome!!  Enough said! 

Dancing like no one is watching 

Fist Pumping… yes they did. 

I love their closeness 

Sweet light

Absolutely stunning!

Lighting the world on fire with their love

I love you guys! 

I have known Jazzie since she was 2 years old.  Watching her grow up all these years has been fun.  Seeing her bud into the little woman that she is, is very emotional for me.  My friends are like my family.  Her mother Tanya is like my sister.  Tanya wanted to have something big and special for Jazz’s 15th birthday because it marks a HUGE milestone in her life…. but Jazzie just wanted a laid back party with just her closest friends to celebrate it with her.  So that is what happened.  The kids seemed to really enjoy themselves and dance to the great music, laugh at their silly jokes, eat like they have never eaten before and just chill, like the teenagers they are.  Her cousin Michael played the guitar for everyone right after Jazz opened up all her gifts.  What a talent he has.  Such a beautiful moment as we all sat around mesmerized.  Jazmyne you are a beautiful young lady and I know you are going to rock this world!!!  I am sure you will get everything you want and more out of life.  Love you girl!!!