kreatid

[prelude]: lauren

2012-02-11T13:56:00.000-07:00

[prelude]: katya

2012-02-04T23:10:00.000-07:00

[prelude]: steve & cristy

2012-01-26T22:32:00.000-07:00

salt & pepper and seeing within :)

2012-01-25T16:40:00.000-07:00

sometimes I like to challenge myself in sessions...personally.
not sacrificing any of what my client is looking for, just one additional "me" thing to be thinking about.
contrast and light was on my mind for this session.

largely in part because of the time of day and this location that I've grown to love shooting at.
the light has a way of completely changing the makeup of this place.
in broad daylight an old tree appears to have a lot of character and regality...
but when light is dimmed, moodiness appears and shadows show stark beautiful contrast.
put simply, it never disappoints artistically and I love it. :)

but contrast and light were also on my mind in part because of this family I had the pleasure of photographing.
the noticeable contrasting personalities of each of these family members was incredible.
incredible because the contrast absolutely complimented each other.
yes, all the girls had stunning red hair and smiles that could light up a room...and crazy beautiful eyes all around,
but it was their interactions, teasing & laughing at/with each other
was what I particularly loved getting to see through my lens...
as a bonus, I've gotten to know the youngest girl these past couple years
and was terribly excited to get to photograph her. :)
not only do I love getting to watch her serve faithfully and love deeply the people around her,
but I simply LOVE the transformation of her features when she laughs and smiles...she literally lights up.
you can't help but smile and laugh with her!
a most beautiful thing of beauty! :)

yes, this happy family session was a happy study of contrasts & light...
contrast that goes together like salt & pepper,
and light that continues to always fascinate me...especially when seen from within. :)

a very pinterest-ing obsession :)

2012-01-24T10:44:00.002-07:00

ahhhh, pinterest.
wait, what's that?
you've never heard of it?!
if the fact that I am blogging about it isn't proof enough of my obsession,
let me explain a little more why I think it's worth checking out! :)

pinterest is an online pinboard that just became one of the top 10 social networks. (i.e. it's a big deal.)
in my words?
it's an online pinboard that if tumblr, blogger, wordpress & facebook all got together and smooshed together,
they would have re-birthed this seriously AH-mazing site! (did I? yeah, I did just say re-birth...just go with me.) :)
it's a place where bakers, seamstress', photographers, designers, crafters, collectors, fashionistas, dieters, readers & a myriad of other people can get a glimpse of creative inspiration by looking at what their peers are looking at and learning from. (in a most non-creepy, non-stalkerish way, of course!) :)
naysayer's would say it's the biggest time suck because you never actually "do" any of the stuff you pin...
oh contraire, haters :)
I am now the proud owner of homemade angry bird plushies, crayon art & wall art that otherwise would never have been created by spending time doing pinteresting things with my crafty kids! :)
yes, there are some dud recipes I've tried, but overall...some really creative good stuff to try out!
some might even say it's the creative type's answer to fantasy football. ;)
but whatever you say or have heard about, I'm telling you I love it!
if you're on there let me know to follow you...I LOVE new inspiration!
or if you want a glimpse into my crazy-town mind follow me here! :)
here's a few of my latest favorite pins...

happy pin-ning! :)

liars and kindred spirits :)

2012-01-23T09:39:00.000-07:00

funny fact:
almost all of you who I have had the privelage to call clients have ALL said at one point
that you don't take good pictures and don't like the camera.
conclusion:
I have the biggest liars of all time for clients. :)
why do I think this?
because there is beauty in everything...in everyone.
I 100% believe that.
it's a reason of why I LOVE what I get to do...
I get to go treasure hunting to find the beauty in what you declare has none. :)
and this girl? yup, lumped in with the rest of you liars :)
this girl not only has easily identitfiable beauty on the outside, but she sparkles from the inside out.
especially the longer you hang out with her...her shyness is a thing of beauty to watch slowly melt away.
her eyes are the first to give her away...and then her b.e.a.u.t.i.f.u.l. smile! :)
sassy, colorful, intelligent, determined AND a kindred spirit of books.
(yup, total anne of green gables reference there) :)
in high school I used to love, love, LOVE reading the Christy Miller book series...yup, I SO did. judge away.
come to find out I'm not the only one! she. does. TOO!
yes, I'm 34.
and yes, I totally squealed like a junior high girl at finding out this fact and having the ability to talk about Todd, Christy & Katie with my new book friend! :)
yup, a most memorable happy session for me to have gotten the privilege to share with this beautiful girl. :)

scenic overlook

2012-01-20T18:23:00.000-07:00

it's friday...and I'm finally smiling on the inside. :)

I posted this record on sunday that was painted by an artist that I like.
beautiful, hand-painted records...not going to lie, I wish I had that kind of art in me.
I posted his art because I kept hearing this song.
the song resonated in my heart all week.
all week, in every uphill conversation...in every message...He is making me new.
me.
last night was the tipping point and I couldn't help but smile knowing that God was laughing at me.
laughing because I couldn't escape what He was continuously whispering to me.
He was reminding me that it's worth it to reach the peak of an uphill week.
whispering encouragement to me that there is an unbelievable view that makes your heart swell and where peace resides.
and reminding me that this journey
is.
so.
worth.
it.

I have a feeling that twentytwelve is going to be an uphill year and that I haven't even come close to reaching a peak.
this friday, at the close of an uphill week the reality is that this is probably only a "scenic overlook". :)
and that's okay.
in fact, it's good.
good because when He makes things new, they're better.
the journey is painful...growth always is.
growing pains remind me of physically growing as a little kid...your legs ache for days on end.
but IN the end you're stronger...taller even.
and so much more fit for walking on the journey.

I feel like this week was a gift of reminding me that on this journey to focus, dependence on Him is essential.
I can be creative.
I can be me.
but dependence on Him is essential.
and in the end if I slow down to pause and listen to His whispers amidst an unphill week...
the scenic overlook is simply breathtaking.

boom, boom, POW

2012-01-12T09:49:00.000-07:00

gotta get that.
gotta get that.
gotta get that boom boom pow...them chickens jackin' my style...

yup, I can never listen to that song again without thinking about this little man and smiling.
most kids rock out to veggie tales or the latest greatest four man group on the disney channel.
not him.
nope.
rock. star. :)
nothing but a little black eyed peas to get him going. :)

I've written about this family before and the ways you can help...and the need is still there.
botox injections and new casts on his feet to help the stretch and grow are next up on the list that you can read about more on her blog that she keeps for him...

but this afternoon was genuinely fun for me...
his happy face lighting up at a little bep,
the girls sweet happy (albeit chilly) faces lit up with smiles playing outside for an afternoon.
and watching their parents simply love on them and be happy to be around them.
yup, this is afternoon to look back on a smile...and remember to take time and get a little "boom, boom, POW!" :)

wonder woman

2012-01-10T10:13:00.000-07:00

I love her.
plain and simple.
I love her.
she is one of the hardest working mom's I know out there.
really.
I know we all are the "hardest working" at what we do...but I genuinely am incredulous at the pace she keeps.
puts me to shame, really.

this is an excerpt from her blog (if you're not following it, you should...she's wicked funny and real about the day to day life of being a mommy, wife, daughter, sister, wonder woman extraordinaire) about what she does:
"...Sophomore Jaguar, Jr. High Rattler, 3rd grade and Kindergarden Bulldogs. Job hunting. Resume building. Reference searching. Website browsing, facebook stalking, email checking.

Softball, soccer, football practices. Birth Certificate copies, 20 page tryout packets, fund raising.
Back to school signatures, school supplies, forms, forms, forms.
Homework helping, checking, signing. Club meeting, soccer tryouts, football meeting. Reservations, scrimmages, tournaments.

Coupon cutting, ad checking, saving 65%. Fry's, Albertsons, CVS. Pantry organizing.
Dish loading, garbage dumping, bed making, Laundry sorting, washing, drying, sorting, washing, drying, sorting.....

6:30 a.m. Drivers Ed.,
7:30 grumpy boys wakeup, breakfasts, make lunches, tie shoes.
8:10 drop off.
8:12 clean, clean, vacuum, vacuum.
10:30 aide the teacher at EVIT
3:15 back home....hungry kids
4:00 juggle four practices, find dinner, help with homework

Fashion disasters, clothes donating, shopping. Weight lifting, treadmill sprinting, ipod charging.
Spray painting, garage organizing, car cleaning. Goodwill hunting, Target browsing, IKEA meatballs.

Ornament making. Yes, really.

Desk building, furniture rearranging, new laptop. Checklists, messages, voicemail.
Blog writing, blog deleting, blog blech.

Grandma makes us food. She's Mrs. Incredible.
Grandpa helps with softball. He's Mr. Incredible.

Texting, texting, texting, texting, texting, texting, texting, texting, sore hand.
Driving, driving, driving, driving, driving, driving, driving, driving, need gas.
Too tired to watch movies. Too hot to be outside. Too busy to slow down. Too much for one week. "

I admire her.
I really and truly always have and still do.
not because she keeps a crazy busy pace...
well, maybe a little bit...but mostly because she loves deeply and shows it by what she does on a day to day basis.
and every once and a while when life slows down for us for a nano second,
she's asks me to diet coke, asks me how I'm really doing and reminds me to "maybe, it's time for you to rest?"
(yeah, the irony of the pot calling the kettle black is not lost on me) :)
she sit across the table from me looks me in the eye and makes time for me.
amidst the chaos of her life...time for me.

she's wonder woman.
always has been.
always will be.
she's my big sister...
and I love her. :)

[prelude]: becca

2012-01-10T02:59:00.003-07:00

creative pressure :)

2012-01-09T11:08:00.000-07:00

a friend made the comment that "true creatives in a world of 'creatives' are rare."
I tend to think that that statement is true.
there are a few people that I've had the privilege to meet that I recognized that what I saw that they produced,
genuinely resonated from a personal God-given creative place from within.
I think a person can fake it pretty well online or on heresay...
forming your creative opinion of them before you even meet.
but to meet a true creative person in real life? you can't hide it. it's who you are.
and those "true creatives" that I have the privilege to meet absolutely. fascinate. me.
enter this girl. she's the real deal. :)
she's modern, athletic, fashion-savvy, super smart...and wicked creative.
when she first inquired about a session with me, I have to admit I got a little happy nervous.
partially because I knew she was genuinely cool and partially because she's a photographer as well.
every. time. I photograph another photographer there's an added sense of pressure.
why?
because other photographers frame life the same way you do...know gear the same way you do.
check out your creativity the same way you do.
it's not a bad thing...
just an added sense of pressure knowing you want to "photograph them the way you would want to be photographed."
self-inflicted pressure...but pressure none-the-less. :)
but I'm so thankful to have gotten to photograph these two.
thankful to have gotten to know them better from behind my camera...
AND thankful to be able to grab a dc/coffee with a new creative friend who also happens frame life the way I do. :)

[prelude]: sturgeon's

2012-01-07T22:04:00.000-07:00

unrivaled beauty

2012-01-03T14:25:00.002-07:00

"look for the beauty in everyone."

outside looking in you'd think that in looking at these two that I love that the beauty is fairly obvious.
and it is.
incredibly and undeniably so.
often I look at them and look at their flowy blonde hairs and blue eyes and just smile...
just because they are so beautiful.
but I think there are moments when I think He smiles because of their beauty that radiates from within.
I feel privileged that in those moments I think He lets me see a glimpse of them the way He see's them...
in those moments you can see the beauty in their strength...
the beauty in their soft heartedness...
the beauty in their journey.
in those moments, that is when they are the most beautiful and unrivaled to simply no one.

family who happen to be friends :)

2012-01-02T12:49:00.003-07:00

the last staff meeting we had at our staff, I sat back and smiled listening to him.
and then leaned over and told her "I just love him. he's a good man."
he regularly quotes things like this now:
“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate.
Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.
It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us.
We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?
Actually, who are you not to be?
You are a child of God.
Your playing small does not serve the world.
There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you.
We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us.
It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone.
And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.
As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”

and yes, he's still the sometimes annoying, flicking giant little brother.
but he's also my friend and I love and admire who he is and who he's becoming. :)
and her?
I could go on and on about her. I really like her. and am so happy he has her.
she's beautiful, compassionate, witty, funny and someone I like to call my friend. :)
plus, I get inspired by her creatively and love to stalk her company/blog linny jane vintage.
win for me. :)

yup, this was a fun session to hang out with them and just enjoy being outside
with family who also happens to be my friends. :)

direction.

2012-01-02T11:35:00.005-07:00

*image matthew kavan brooks

I told you yesterday that I have purposely hit the pause button on kreatid for a reason.
next to rest, the largest reason is to take a step back at kreatid and to improve it...
I'm a firm believer that a person is NEVER done improving ones self.
and I am in no way shape or form an authority on wisdom,
but I know enough about it to know that you're never really done learning and growing. ever.
so whether it be as a photographer, designer or even just me being me,
if I'm not improving/learning, I am stagnant.

*enter deep thoughts* :)

focus.
a primary goal for twentytwelve is to be focused.
in every facet of my life, to work hard at being focused.

the beginning of being focused with kreatid is having this statement that gives me direction.
not only does this statement verbally explain why I picked the name "kreatid" as my business name,
but it gives me a firm foundation to grow as a creative individual...
it's not about me, it's about Him and how He's made me to be.
the statement is from a designer that I really admire:

"I believe God created us in His image, and created us with the ability to create things.
I find it really motivating that when we photograph/design things,
we’re doing a small version of what God was doing when He made everything,
when he sat back and said “it is good”.
God is the best photographer/designer and can provide the best inspiration.
I like to see photography/design as a way of honouring God and the creativity that he gave us."

when I read this I gasped audibly.
this. is. me.
this. is. kreatid. :)
so now that I have direction where do I go from here regarding kreatid?

becker said in a recent interview that a brand is "a persons perception or what they think of you."
this past month I've been selectively asking friends and people that I admire what they think when it comes to my brand.
sort of an informal focus group just for me.
kind of scary and a bit like standing in room naked and having people tell you where you need to improve,
but necessary for the next step in kreatid and the outcome genuinely made me laugh. :)
every. single. person.
said I had great images/designs
BUT that my brand was slightly "too busy" and didn't really convey who I was as a creative.
their thoughts surprisingly lined up with what I was already thinking.

*enter focus*

I like my name.
I thought about changing it to incorporate my personal name...
but I've been at this for three years and even though it's hard to spell...it is what it is and I really like it.
I like that I'm getting more consistent shooting and that I'm working into my own "style" of shooting.

BUT I'm not 100% on my brand...
so I'm going to rework all of it. :)
yup, gonna blow it up a bit.
it's a bit daunting, but I feel sure that this facet in my life is present for me from Him.
I need to treat it with excellence and to work hard at it.

so here I go, on day two of twentytwelve.
off to do work and work hard. :)

p.s. if any of you "stalkers" have any constructive thoughts to add, I'd love to hear them! :)

retrospect

2012-01-01T02:09:00.000-07:00

*this post comes with a warning before you dive in...there's a lot of images. no really, a lot. :) *

it's fairly apparent that I've hit the pause button with kreatid since I've been on vacation.
I assure you, it's a purposeful pause. :)
a pause to collect my thoughts that seem to be unable to stop in everyday life,
to take an inventory of the images from the previous year,
and turn and take deliberate steps into the new year.
somewhat cliche, I know...
but it's how I do.
it helps me focus and find new direction after a crazy busy season where cohesive thought seems lost.
it's my retrospect. :)

so, thank you.
no, really.
thank you.
thank you for the 57,106 page loads,
for inspiring 152 blog posts,
for being one of the many clients/families/weddings I got to photograph/design for.
thank you for trusting me with you...your photographs...your memories.
thank you for allowing me to be creative even when you couldn't see the photograph but simply trusted that I could.
thank you for inspiring me to be better.
thank you.

mirror opposites

2011-12-22T14:52:00.004-07:00

up...down.
right...left.
black...white.
nature...grunge.
opposites have a funny way of working well together
but still make you appreciate each entity on its own at the same time.

that quote:
"a sister is both your mirror and your opposite."
is so true when it comes to my older sister and I...whom I love and admire tremendously.
she is the "monica" of our relationship...
she likes things clean,
she has better taste in clothes - not following trends but looking for actual style,
and she gets things done on a regular basis - on time and more than likely alphabatized. :)
wheras me?
I'm cool with things taking their time getting clean,
I have made several fashion faux pas' over the years
(the vest and overall season were not a good season for me) :)
and I take my time gettting things done until the last minute - more than likely not alphabatized. :)
but somehow our differences work well together.

these girls that I got to photograph are no different than my sister and I.
it was genuinely amusing and fun to capture these two opposite personalities
that so strongly reminded me of my own sister...
each unique and gorgeous and so very fun to photograph on this beautiful afternoon. :)

I got the next pose idea from the cover of "cats & dogs"...inspiration REALLY is everywhere. :)

but it made me laugh thinking of my older sister and I and the "moments" we had

that have now become funny "only MY sister" stories now that we're adults. :)

these girls went with my request and it was a challenge to get them to not smile for a frame :)

[prelude]: palacios'

2011-12-18T18:33:00.000-07:00

[prelude]: quinn & cali

2011-12-16T21:50:00.000-07:00

strength, dignity and a whole lot of laughter :)

2011-12-16T12:08:00.001-07:00

"she is clothed in strength and dignity...
and she laughs at the day to come without fear of the future."

she is my faith ann...faither...my sassy lovely friend. :)
I cannot tell you how much I loved having been able to photograph these people.

when matt and I were new to junior high student ministries a looooooooooong time ago,
micah was still a baby.
I had NO idea what I was doing as a mom...okay, lets be honest, as a human being. :)
and suddenly I was expected to have people over and look presentable and put together as a pastor's wife.
enter faith.
she graciously week after week invited our staff into her home so that I could find my feet in life.
it's what she does.
look up hospitality and there's a smiling picture of her and jessie. by their pool. inviting you in :)
the above verse is her to a "t"...
she loves to laugh and serve and is simply beautiful to watch living out her giftedness.
I don't think she'll ever know how MUCH that season of serving meant to me.
or how very much I learned from her.
or how very much I'm still learning from her.
she knew I wanted to be hospitable and just simply couldn't in that season of life.
and I love her for knowing that and stepping in. :)

fast forward ten years.
life has dealt her and her family a lot as of late.
her beautiful grandson was the one I wrote about last week...
there hasn't been as much "laughing at the days to come." as of late.
but now?
now I get to watch her living out the beginning of that verse:

"she's is clothed with strength and dignity."

and she IS strong.
I know she forgets sometimes (don't we all, though?).
but I see her loving her own baby...I see her loving her rylee mae...
I see her trying to sort out the truth that God is indeed good.
I see her loving her husband. her amazing, rock of a husband.
I see her continually serving and being gracious when she's somewhat bruised from life.

yep.
she's my faith.
someone to laugh with...someone who asks how the "real" you is doing...she's my friend.
and a privelage to get to photograph her and see her smile for an afternoon with her handsome husband...
and "laugh at the days to come."

I didn't talk as much about him above...but not because there isn't anything to say.
quite the opposite.
I talk to faith a lot and know without a shadow of a doubt that she is only "faith" because there is a "jessie."
he is her rock.
he is her friend.
he is her love.
I admire his strength and see him work hard with his hands. everyday. hard.
I told him he has "man hands" and he does. with the scars and callouses to prove it. not many men do anymore.
and if you poke him...scripture falls out. a lot of scripture. and it's good for the soul. :)

someone to admire.

2011-12-15T13:26:00.001-07:00

write something on your favorite social media board on politics, sports, or God
and you're almost sure to get a response of agreement or hostile disagreement.
try it and see if I'm not wrong. :)
they're subjects that most feel pretty heated about.
and it's not a secret that I'm not without opinion as well.
I suppose that is why this session was genuinely a privelage for me to photograph.
her son was going to be deployed a few days after thanksgiving and she wanted a few nice pictures to capture her family.
my schedule was already full, and I could have just forgotten about it.
but I couldn't. I wanted this session.
because he's a soldier. her son is a marine.
I admire him. and what he's doing for us back in the safety of our home.
and what's more is that I admire her.
literally watching your heart get on a plane and go to an unknown country and fight for what so few are willing to fight for...and then to wait to hear snippets of news on his well being would be one of the most difficult things to do as a mom.
so I admire her.
and I am genuinely thankful I got to photograph these beautiful people. :)

focus.

2011-12-14T22:41:00.002-07:00

my thoughts are seriously jumbled as of late...and full.
I texted my friend today and told her I was pretty sure I was bi-polar.
I even had a conversation with my closest friend this week saying the same thing...
at least she told me she was too...so I didn't have to feel as bad about myself. ;)

I usually try to ask myself two blanket questions at the end of the year when it comes to kreatid:
"what have you done well this year?" and
"what do you need work on?"
the latter seems to be rolling around my head the most lately.
I can't tell if its just me being wise and looking at the hard stuff first, like saving dessert for last...
or if it's me just being insecure about the things I do.
if I'm being honest, it's BE-yond easy for me to be that. insecure. yeah, I said it. out loud, even. :)
I'm finding out peoples perceptions of me don't include insecurity.
but I am.
about everything.
really. :)
and if I'm being really honest, I think you are too.
yeah, I said that too.

I had a conversation with a friend this week that being a grown up really isn't that much different than being a teenager.
there's still the same group of kids, just grown up....the artists, the jocks, the 4-h club girls, the cheerleaders, etc.
you still feel awkward.
you still look to the right and left to make sure you're doing things "right".
and I'm slowly coming to the conclusion that there isn't a same "right" conclusion that's the same for everyone.
in my insecure moments I lie to myself and say that there IS only one right...
because THAT person, THAT person right over there *insert insecurity* is being awesome and already doing it.
and it may very well be right. for them.

I tell you all the time that I'm a spaz, and I think I'm right in saying that.
a spaz because I like and think entirely TOO many things ALL the time.
it's not good. it's not bad. it's just how God made ME.
I don't really have an "off" switch.
I like photography...all sorts of styles...photo journalistic, bold, story telling, fashion, photos that evoke emotion.
I like colors...bright colors, pastel colors, black & white, gradients, spectrums, neon even sometimes.
I like music...all kinds, really.
       coldplay, david crowder band, U2, county, rap, europop, blue grass, oldies...you name it.
   you'd laugh if I loaned you my ipod. really. it matches my many moods. :)
I like people...all kinds. :)
       people genuinely fascinate me...I really think there's at least one fascinating thing in every person.
I like textures...wood, concrete, metal, burlap, kraft paper, velvet.
I like sports. I like to be lazy. I like diet coke. I like chocolate. I like broccoli.
I like. I like. I like.
God made me to like many things.

my conclusion so far is that I need to work on being focused with all the things He's given me to like.

I watched an interview with stacy pearsall this week and something she said is really resonating with me:
"build your portfolio/body of work around your passion.
carve out time and direction for yourself.
make one sentence that defines the direction where you want to go.
if you can't fit it into a sentence, it's not concise enough."

so my one question is growing into more questions...
what am I passionate about with kreatid?
where does He want me to go with it?
what should I focus on?

honestly, I don't know yet.
my carved out time to ponder this in detail is in eleven days. but I'm not counting. :)
in the mean time, I'm feeling like He's telling me to be okay with me...
to stop being consumed with looking to the right and left...and be okay with me.

it's not one sentence yet, but I REALLY like this for some direction on why I should pursue kreatid...

"I believe God created us in His image, and created us with the ability to create things.
I find it really motivating that when we photograph/design things,
we’re doing a small version of what God was doing when He made everything,
when he sat back and said “it is good”.
God is the best designer/creator and can provide the best inspiration.
I like to see photography/design as a way of honouring God and the creativity that he gave us."

that's me.
that's kreatid.

p.s. thank you to whoever put this on my car tonight...seriously was perfect and beyond appreciated. :)

forever friends.

2011-12-13T14:20:00.000-07:00

typing. then erasing. then typing again. *sigh*
I was told that sometimes it feels like I "load it up" in the compliments department.
I think I disagree.
"loading it up" implies that I don't really feel what I'm saying about the person...quite the opposite really.
how do you put into words the feeling that your heart is super big for someone without "loading it up"?
I dunno, but that's how I feel about these people.
I feel like I have a pretty good gauge on who I am and my inner guts,
and that often makes me sit back often and wonder why I am so blessed with the people I get to love.
and what's more, that I get to photograph them and somehow try and capture what it is that I see and love.

I've written about her before, but it just feels like the longer we do life together, the more I just love her.
she is my confidant when I feel like I'm going to explode with thoughts.
she is kind and gracious...quite the opposite of my spazziness.
many times I walk away after a conversation where I verbally vomit all over her thinking "you. are. a. spaz." and come to the conclusion that I have no idea why she loves me.
but she does. and I am better for it. :)
she's hardworking and thinks about life and responds to life in a way that I love and admire and learn from.
and she loves her husband and handsome boy tremendously.
and him? he is a forever friend.
the kind of friend who's on your speed dial for emergencies when my husband is unavailable. :)
the kind of friend that I can show up with no makeup on or my hair done and not feel weird about it.
the kind of friend who is genuinely a great husband and dad and friend to the people I love. :)
and the boy. :)
micah & maddie are knit to this little man.
in someways the relationship my son has with him reminds me of the relationship I have with her.
two totally different ways of seeing and doing life that somehow work well together. :)
I love his "jump first - ask later" attitude...his ability to have fun in almost every situation.
and I love that he likes to talk to me and tell me his stories.

so in conclusion, if that is "loading it up" too much, I am sorry.
they are worth talking about and loving on. :)

yeah, he has the coolest "no shave november" look. he wins. :)

[prelude]: josh & lindsey

2011-12-10T23:47:00.000-07:00

happy birthday

2011-12-10T12:46:00.001-07:00

one hundred and eighty two days is how long I've been procrastinating at this post.
but it would have been his 1st birthday today. and it seems fitting that today is the day.

I did this session back in may as a surpise for his mommy.
her life reminded me of mine nine years ago and my heart went out to her.
I watched her juggle her stroller, diaper bag, toys, snacks, a toddler and a newborn during the HOT arizona spring
and my heart literally ached for her.
those of you who are mommies get it...its just a lot to try and keep your sanity most days.
one day talking to her mom and my close friend, God put it on my heart that she needed pictures of her babies.
so faith and I set up her backyard and I snapped a few in their spiffy clothes as a surprise for her and her husband.
looking back I wished I had spent more time on it...wished I had taken just a few more.
but God knew. and He is good.

cooper went to be in the arms of Jesus on June 11th, 2011.
there are no more tears there.
there is no pain.
just running and playing and celebrating his first birthday with the best Father any kid could ask for.

today, I am praying for his mommy and daddy.
and so terribly thankful that I got to spend a beautiful afternoon with their two beautiful kids.

family family. :)

2011-12-08T12:26:00.000-07:00

I love that throughout life there are people who God lays in your path that although they aren't related family
they somehow fall into an entirely fitting category of "family family".
these people are some of those people who fall into that category in matt's & my life.

she is someone I admire a lot.
she tends to fly under the radar with her wit and servants heart...
she's helping raise two boys with that have the rare quality of character
and it speaks volumes about her own character and heart. :)
he is someone you can't help but smile with and listen to.
he is literally a friend to everyone.
especially to my family.
always looking for a meaningful conversation and has the best God stories to listen to. :)
and these boys?
they are boys who my son has quietly watched and tried to mimic for a while now.
(in a most non-stalkerish-non-creepy kind of way...he loves their style - swagger if you will and their love for all things spongebob square pants) :)
I happily encourage his non-stalking...these are guys that aren't just "cool", they're worth stalking.
guys with character. rare to find in a world that says it isn't worth it.

[prelude]: anna & luci

2011-12-06T21:41:00.000-07:00

[prelude]: marinello's

2011-12-05T19:21:00.000-07:00

this family :)

2011-12-05T10:26:00.002-07:00

ahhhh, this family.
when I first met him it was summer camp eleven years ago at dinner before the students arrived.
all the seats had been taken except for the one next to him...him, who I did not know...
him, who had been the captain of asu's baseball team...
and him, who had a fisherman's hat on. :)
little did I know it was one of my most favorite pre-camp moments...he's a great conversationalist.
made me feel the least like "the only girl" in a group of all guys.
and what was normally a night of me listening to conversation ended up being a super fun night FULL of conversation.
to see him now as part of a pastoral leadership team at our church literally only makes sense.
God's hand is heavy on him and his family and he engages everyone he comes in contact with...
very cool to sit back and watch.
and her? she has her mother's way about her.
the kind of way that just oozes graciousness with and underlying smidge of dry wit.
kind of what I imagine jackie o. would have been like...
she's amazing with her three kids and to be honest she just fascinates me. :)
and her kids?
they have become favorites...how could they not?!
each with distinct and unique personalities that somehow work perfectly with this family.
the oldest is going to be like his dad and grandpa...articulate, funny and a good mix of all boy and gentleman.
the middle makes me laugh. hard. he's fearless. he's competitive.
he's loves to love his little sister and wrestle with his brother.
I can't WAIT to see how he turns out. :)
and then the littlest one...oh, how she lights up when she smiles and chats away at the world...
she is pure sunshine!

bonus! the cousins showed up...these girls are TOO stinking cute! and auntie sarah saved the day providing toys to shake and rattle and make smiles happen all the way to the end of the session! :)

I couldn't have done this session with out my good friend kiersten...who just happens to co-own liberty market and who just happened to have presents for the boys (their famous cinnamon rolls as big as his head!) for doing such a fabulous job at being happy the whole session! thank you kiersten! :)

best job ever. :)

2011-12-01T13:26:00.003-07:00

some sessions you have to pinch yourself as a photographer.
cute baby + barbie/ken look-a-likes + perfect fall weather = best. job. ever. :)
liam has the sweetest personality - much like his parents...it's incredible to see how much he's grown since here!
loving to smile at the camera, drooling in the most adorable way and his little rolls are simply TOO cute!
(don't you wish you could say that as a grown up?!) :)
and his parents are witty, classy and gorgeous people inside and out...I just love them and this session! :)

wardrobe change...who doesn't love a naked baby?! :)

[secret session]

2011-12-01T09:50:00.006-07:00

Valentine's Day.

it's what's on my mind this December 1st.

I'm very excited to announce that on January 13th and 14th I'll be offering a limited amount of

[secret sessions]

at the Hotel Valley Ho in Scottsdale, AZ

ladies, it's the perfect gift for your husband to open up on Valentine's Day.

husbands, it's the perfect gift to give to your wife to not only make her feel gorgeous...

but let's be honest it's a win-win for both of you.

[secret session] includes: thirty minutes of beauty time, (make up artist & hair stylist to help with your session)

thirty minutes of photography time including twelve of your best images on a dvd
for two hundred fifty dollars

*seventy five dollar upgrade option for your images to be made into a little black book to share
*all images are completely private and password protected

sessions must be arranged before December 13th
this session requires a fifty dollar deposit that is applied towards your session.

email jendriesbach@kreatid.com for more information on this extra special session or to schedule your [secret] session.

[prelude]: osborne's

2011-11-30T00:03:00.001-07:00

the carnival :)

2011-11-29T12:52:00.001-07:00

as a kid one of my all time favorite things to look forward to was the carnival.
I love it all...the lights, the kettle corn and cotton candy...
the ferris wheel that made you feel like you could see the entire town!
and the swings...oh, how I loved the swings...almost as if you could fly!
so, needless to say I was more than just a little excited to hear that the carnival was coming downtown.
from my office at liberty market I could see the giant cranes lifting up the soon to be lit rides and giant ferris wheel.
yup, I felt like I was ten again counting down the days to get to go to the carnival.

it was only fitting that this family would be my first ever carnival session.
I love, love, LOVE getting to photograph them year after year...for a lot of reasons...
gina is as classy as ever, danny still has more swagger in his pinky than most men do, hayden is more and more a stunning lady like her mom and kyle suprises me with his super duper blue eyes every session!
but mostly, mostly because of jack. :)
I've written about him in past sessions and this session didn't disappoint.
way back when when I taught preschool, jack was one of my first students...
high energy and ALL boy...a quick favorite of mine.
weekly I would hear "mrs. driesbach? I love you." even while sitting in time out :)
then at this session, totally on accident as he was leaving he said "love you!"
but then blushed and stumbled saying "I mean I like you."
made my whole week!
I simply smiled at the no longer little boy and said "it's okay jack, I still love you too."
and off he ran off to grow up for another year. :)

love seeing his expression watching the roller coaster go around :)

[prelude]: webster's

2011-11-26T21:03:00.000-07:00

[prelude]: bernal's

2011-11-25T22:10:00.001-07:00

I should pause here and let you know I don't normally get choked up on sessions.
especially happy, christmas family sessions. :)
but for a moment on this one, I did.

you see this beautiful woman's oldest son is a marine.
he's being stationed in a war torn country next week.
and I was struck for a moment with an overwhelming admiration not for her son (which was definitely there as well!)
but I was overwhelmed with admiration for this woman.
this mom.
in my mind I easily imagined my own son all grown and my heart couldn't help but be squeezed a bit.
she made one request...the below picture.
what an absolute pleasure. :)
this family will most definitely not be far from my thoughts and prayers.

I came across this poem and thought it appropriate to share before the last [prelude] photograph...

"I held him as an infant; I hugged him as a boy and through the years he has become my greatest pride and joy.
I love him more than I can say, his life more precious than my own,
but gone are the whims and notions of the little boy that I had known.
for the years have passed so quickly since the time it all began and now he stands before me with the conviction of a man.
He wants to serve his country, he states aloud with pride as I try to sort out the emotions that I'm feeling deep inside...
a union of the uncertain fear, which I cannot control and the allegiance which lies deep within my patriotic soul.
I trust that my years of guidance will serve as a strong foundation as he performs the duties requested from his beloved nation.

God please guide him as he travels to the places our soldiers have bled
and walk with him through pathways where those heroes' feet have tread.

Sweet Land of Liberty, humbly I give to you, my son
praying you'll return him safely home when his work for you is done."

[prelude]: dudley's

2011-11-23T19:50:00.000-07:00

seriously. cool. people. :)

[prelude]: johnson's

2011-11-22T11:48:00.000-07:00

quick wit. :)

2011-11-21T07:46:00.000-07:00

this session was a birthday present for her...just the three of them. :)
their wit and their constant laughter at/with each other reminded me of emma thompson's character -
beatrice in "much ado about nothing"...
quick wit laced with affection amongst three gorgeous ladies best describes this afternoon.
most definitely a fun, amusing session that was a pleasure to have gotten to photograph...
thank you, ladies and happy birthday! :)

[prelude]: cristofano's

2011-11-17T21:37:00.000-07:00

so I might have heard there is a carnival in town?!
love these people and this session! :)

and the infamous boy (who is barely a boy anymore!) who stole a piece of my heart all those years ago...
yup, he's kind of awesome still :)

joy

2011-11-16T23:04:00.005-07:00

there are some days that I think God is blatantly trying to get my attention.
today was one of those.

this time last year was very similar to this year.
photoshoots in every available time slot...then editing the shoots, then producing the shoots...
all the while "normal" life was continuing and beckoning and had been getting busier because didn't you know it's CHRISTMAS TIME!?
whatever spazziness I might be during the ten other months of the year...those two that year topped it. by far.
definitely happy getting to do what I love but somehow I had lost something for the first time in...ever.

I lost christmas.

and I can remember the exact moment it happened.
it was the week before christmas.
I was sitting in my car.
alone.
and that "where are you christmas song" from the grinch came on 99.9.
the busyness came to a screeching halt and the tears began to flow.
yup, totally cried to a grinch song. not my finest moment.
blubbering to myself wondering where indeed had christmas gone? :)

fast forward to this year.
I can feel the hustle and bustle creeping in.
but today I felt like God was putting last years "grinch moment" in the forefront of my mind.
it started with blake's facebook status update the night before
(which I read at 1:30a.m. in the morning...yep...hustle and freaking bustle.) :)
all he wrote was "He is jealous for me."
it's a line from one of my most favorite songs right now.
that was the first little flick at my heart from God...reminding me that my joy was starting to creep out the door.

the day ensued until something caught my eye this afternoon before I went to pick up the kids from school.
you see I had cut back all the rose bushes in my front yard last week...they needed a rest in my mind.
the sun only shines in one part of the rose bushes at about two p.m. this time of year.
and to my surprise, I saw one single white bud open, with the sun shining perfectly on it.
it was a present.
just for me.
from Him.
whispering that He is indeed jealous for me and that I need to slow down and smell the roses.
and not only was it a rose...but a white rose (they don't bloom that much for some reason.)
this white rosebush is called peace.

needless to say, the first tired tear of the day was shed. :)

THEN, tonight justin taught about joy.
he declared "the joy of the Lord is my strength."
yup, go ahead and laugh. I did. God was being a little more direct with me at this point. :)

as soon as he uttered the word joy - my mind flicked back to this weekend to my friend emily's encouraging email to me.
she had lovingly written not three days ago:
"joy is a flame that glimmers only in the palm of the open & humble hand.
in an open and humble palm, released & surrenedered to receive,
light dances, flickers happy."
joy seems to be the theme God is whispering to me.

Justin went on to teach that true joy and the chief end of man is to glorify God and to ENJOY Him forever.
to enjoy the presents He gives you...yes salvation and His Word...but in the day to day as well.
and for me His presents often come in the form similar to that of a single white rose.

I tried explaining all this to my girls tonight.
not sure if I succeeded, but I'm not sure that really matters.
God succeeded in grabbing my attention today and reminding me to find my joy.
joy and peace can be found for me in the day to day.
I just have to be intentional about seeking after them

"a thankful heart is a happy heart." (thank you veggie tales.)
true happiness = joy.
so it begs the thought:
what do I need to be thankful for today?
remembering that is where I will find my peace and joy...my christmas. :)

you won't find me in a puddle in my car this year.
nope, there's too much to be thankful for.

the show.

2011-11-16T00:36:00.000-07:00

there's a song that reminds me of this girl.
partly because of the cover of the cd matches her personality to me...
and also partly because the lyric's match the stage of life that comes with being a graduating senior in high school.

this girl?
she's unique.
she's funny.
she's quirky.
she's gorgeous.
she makes me laugh.
she likes to laugh. a lot.
she's got an incredible heart.
she's katlin.
just enjoy the show :)

I have confidence that no matter what she chooses in life, it's going to be worth getting a front seat for. :)

thirtyone:twentyfive

2011-11-15T13:21:00.000-07:00

I love, love, LOVE helping brand new business'.
especially new creative business' on the ever inspiring etsy.
and in this case, I even got to photograph a bit! :)

shelley's new company ThirtyOne TwentyFive is a chic boutique using knit fabric as her creative medium.
her ability to take knit and create a fashion statement is super fun & most definitely unique!
I can't wait to see how far she goes with her new venture! :)
good luck and thanks for letting me be a part of it! :)

as usual it starts with a story-board...

to a finished product :)

a special thank you to linny jane vintage for her loaning me some of her anthropologie inspired photo props! :)
made my job super fun! :)

go show her some love on her new facebook page and like for updates and new store items! :)

[prelude]: kristy

2011-11-14T21:09:00.000-07:00

yup, she's kinda cool :)

just for fun, a study in contrasts... :)

[prelude]: will, melissa & liam

2011-11-14T20:08:00.000-07:00

SUCH a fun beautiful fall night session with one of the happiest babies I've had the privilege to photograph! :)

she is TOO fun and TOO beautiful! she makes my new couch look good! :)

it's my pleasure. :)

2011-11-14T09:58:00.002-07:00

it started because of a moment.
and the knowledge that moments are fleeting.

so I am not giving one, I am giving three.
because I can. :)

rebecca nelson.
I don't know this girl, but I already like her.
she prayed...something that to the world is un-important, but to her it was...and He answered.

and I get to photograph this girl. :)

the klontz'.
she's a wife to a man that I admire. she's an incredible friend to people I love dearly.
and she is a mommy of one and one more to be.

and I get to photograph this incredible family.

the zehrings.
the night it happened I sat on a stairwell with my friend and saw her heart on her face while she held marleigh.
it was a moment that for me will forever be etched in my head as a moment to remember.
she is a beautiful mommy.
she is a beautiful wife.

and I get to photograph this lady and her beautiful family.

my very close friend always tells me "it's my pleasure" when I ask a favor of her.
not like the chik-fil-et people who HAVE to say it. :)
she means it.
every time.

so to the winners I say "it's my pleasure."
and to all of you who let me know that these three people/families should have a session...

thank you.

[wedding] a night of romance

2011-11-09T17:37:00.004-07:00

one of the last songs they danced to was sung by the beautiful norah jones.

"...I want to walk with you...
                                 on a cloudy day.
                                                       in fields where the yellow grass grows knee-high...
                     so won't you try to come...come away with me and we'll kiss...
         on a mountaintop...
come away with me and I'll never stop loving you ...

romance was definitely the theme of their most beautiful wedding that my lovely sister of elizabeth ann photography
and I got to photograph on this perfect fall evening...

no detail went without notice...
the detail of her dress, the custom tailoring of the tuxedo's, the flowers of deep burgandy
arranged by everybody loves flowers, artistic and tasteful hor'deurves by chef robert,
the custom wine hand selected by the groom himself,
sweet stringed music sung sweetly as the sunset over this most gorgeous backyard wedding.

yes, romance.
and a very happily ever after for this gorgeous bride & groom. :)

[prelude]: john & kerri

2011-11-07T18:04:00.001-07:00

business trip :)

2011-11-04T17:14:00.000-07:00

yes, I'm here to shoot a wedding with her tomorrow...but it sure feels an awful lot like vacation.
and it's been a good v.a.c.a.t.i.o.n. with much needed rest.
waking up to 40 degree weather that turns into 65.
crisp fall leaf smell mixed with the unmistakable cold smell of winter.
hanging out with my sweet niece and nephew who seriously say the FUNNIEST things...
getting some seriously fun one on one time with my baby girl.
leisurely time finishing up edits as I watch the sunset over the mountains...
but oh yeah, it's a business trip ;)
I'll post a wedding prelude tomorrow...but here a few of my favorite shots from this trip so far :)

amber :)

2011-11-02T11:36:00.002-07:00

oh my goodness, how I love this crazy girl.
I'm not sure I can call her a girl anymore...but its what she will always be to me in my mind.
I first met her when she was in my 7th grade small group six years ago.
she asks me a lot if she bugged me and annoyed me because of how high energy she was...
and to be honest, she didn't.

mostly because seventeen years ago, I acted an awful lot like her. :)

yes, she's loud, funny, exuberant, clever, amusing, comical, absurd, & nuts.
but I LOVE that she's loud, funny, exuberant, clever, amusing, comical, absurd, & nuts.

it's what makes her who she is.

I've had the privilege to see her love the people around her in a larger than life way.
she is always the first to have a good time...and not in a bad way...life just seems more fun to her.
she is faithful to the people around her to a fault...literally never gives up on them...fights for them.
she is the first to laugh and make light of a situation...easing awkwardness by being awkward on purpose.
she has learned pieces of wisdom along growing up and she shares them with the people she loves.

she likes to tease me and say "wouldn't it be funny if I came back and was maddie's small group leader someday?"
I just smile and genuinely say "I hope so." :)

yup, I hope so. :)

free moments.

2011-11-01T10:13:00.001-07:00

a very classy lady went to be with Jesus this week.

three handsome little boys that I know are with her.

no more pain. perfect healing with Him.

and yet my heart still hurts, even though the truth of them being with Jesus rings true.

my heart hurts for the ones who are left behind.

I'm a doer and I like to roll up my sleeves and help.

but with grief, the only thing that seems to help is time and memories.

so I prayed all day yesterday.

prayed for my friends.

prayed for my own family and the inevitable future that is to be someday.

just prayed.

and this morning I woke up with a lighter happy heart.

I CAN do something.

I capture moments that turn into memories. (insert slow smile of a grinch who's heart grew three sizes)

with the camera that God has given me...I get to capture your smiles and moments.

and I want to give that to someone.

no rules.

no contest.

just an hour for me to spend with you capturing your beautiful self/family/pet/etc. you name it and I'll photograph it.

so on this 1st day of november until november 13th, I would like to hear who you would like to give the gift of memories to. it can be yourself, it can be a gift for someone else. even if you have a session already scheduled with me...you could still get your session for free.

I want to do this.

all you need to do is go to my facebook page.

simply write a/your name there...then tell your friends and family to write a/your name there as well.

I'll count up all the recommendations and the person who has the most recommendations for a session will get one.

good luck!

light in the heart

2011-10-29T16:13:00.000-07:00

there is a saying that I like...

"beauty is not in the face,
beauty is a light in the heart."

this holds true for this particular girl.
yes, she is undeniably beautiful on the outside, second to none in my opinion.

but the thing that makes this girl stand apart from the beauty that is a "dime a dozen" is the light from within and the unmistakeable beauty that resonates from within as she travels with grace on her journey of transformation.

crazy beautiful, girly girl to the core, brown eyes that flicker when she's about to be sassy and explode into laughter...and oh, how she loves to laugh...and most definitely crazy in the best way possible! :)

yes, it has been a privilege to have gotten to walk a bit with her on her most beautiful journey.
absolute privilege.
thank you isa-bee...you are a joy to me! :)

did you see her SHOES?! yeah, they deserve a pic of themselves...because they are a "themselves". :)

[prelude]: katlin

2011-10-23T22:40:00.000-07:00

[prelude]: heidi, sara & jill

2011-10-21T20:34:00.000-07:00

birthday present for their mom?
I think yes :)

sweet moments. :)

2011-10-17T05:00:00.003-07:00

this session was particular sweet for me for a couple reasons...
reason one:
because I love these people and I don't get to spend a lot of one on one time with her and sarah is pure sunshine!
sunshine even right after having a new little handsome man and juggling being mommy to an infant AND toddler!
yup, sunshine. :)

reason two: because I got to see another side of joel that I don't think I've ever gotten to see.
I typically only see the "band joel", or the "camp character joel", or the "mad dancing skills joel" and sometimes if ben verbally flicks him too much the rare "angry joel" - which secretly makes me laugh. hard. :)
nope, this joel was better than all the other "joels".
I got to see him love on his wife in a sweet & gentle way.
I got to see him gently hold his newborn son and chat with him.
I got to see him be a really good daddy to lilly...playing with her, laughing with her...super fun to watch.

reason three: lilly. beautiful, hilarious, sassy lilly.
this little girl has the sweet face of her mama and the explosive laughter and sense of humor from her daddy. she was seriously fun to play with and talk with during this session.

and finally most obviously - reason four: isaac.
they have a most handsome new little man. sweet smelling skin, soft baby peach fuzz...I loved everything about him...seriously.
so thank you buckingham's...for allowing me a sweet moment in photographing your sweet family! :)

nine.

2011-10-15T17:39:00.000-07:00

I love her.
so much that it genuinely hurts sometimes.
and when I look at these pictures of her, I genuinely wonder where the time has gone.

how is she nine?
this lovely, funny, compassionate, sweet, beautiful baby girl...
how is she mine?
I am blessed. and I know it.
she will forever be my butter bean, peanut, pumpkin, sweet pea, cherie, mon amie, moodle, peanut butter crunch pants, lovey girl.

forever. :)

[prelude]: sossaman|tolmachoff wedding

2011-10-09T20:51:00.000-07:00

happily ever after

2011-09-27T11:30:00.000-07:00

there are moments when you kinda get outside yourself and take a step back from what you're absorbed in and audibly gasp at the beauty you get to behold.
this was one of those moments for me.

you see I've had the privilege to have known this girl for about ten years.
the privilege to see her weave through adolescence with grace, beauty and passion.
to have had the privilege to see this lovely young lady grow into the most beautiful woman inside and out.
and on this day? this picturesque sunshine-y day fit with the most beautiful sunset?
this beautiful day I got to witness her say "i do" to her handsome fireman/rancher man who visibly loves her.
tremendously in fact.

she looked like cinderella.
literally.
and I simply love this woman and wish her nothing less than her happily ever after.

[prelude]: isabelle

2011-09-24T15:39:00.000-07:00

contagious

2011-09-21T22:14:00.004-07:00

growing up in my house on a friday night you could typically hear this at full decibel level on my parents tv...

to say the least, my dad was a mega chicago bull's fan.
his enthusiasm was contagious.
I LOVED the bull's and the hype because of his enthusiasm for them.
    true, at the time we had the dream team of pippen, jordan & rodman...
        and yes, I'm a bit biased since I'm from outside of chicago...
            and it might have also helped that my dad's enthusiasm made our house
                 THE house to hang out at on game night...
                       that, and the fact that we had a giant freezer large enough to hold a grown man filled
                            with ice cream 24/7 right next to our ping pong table...
but that is a whole other blog post for another day ;)

all this to say...deep down, I have a soft spot for basketball.
so when I got the opportunity to design a basketball tournament logo for a local christian high school, I said yes!
they were open to new somewhat non-traditional ideas, so I got to have a ton of fun in this design process...

it starts with a idea board:

that lead into some ideas:

which finally led to a finished logo...very minimal, modern and clean...I can't wait to see the outcome of tournament! :)

[prelude]: amber

2011-09-19T20:20:00.000-07:00

and I kid you not, it was there...during her session...a present if you will. :)

color :)

2011-09-15T12:21:00.002-07:00

that could be said of both of these ladies I got to photograph. :)
one is small in stature - but definitely not small in personality...
it was literally like God MADE her to smile...incessantly!
pink, ruffles, ginormous ballons, vintage chairs, laughing...it's a session to remember for me. :)

but the other lady I got the pleasure of photographing is someone I genuinely admire...
she inspire's me artistically - how can she not with the color she exudes?
she's an incredible mom to her now five beautiful kids...
a beautiful wife of fifteen years today...
she super creative and witty...
oh, and yeah - she's smokin' hot. yup, I said it. :)

thank YOU lisa, for another amazing, colorful session!

but then the color...she has her mama's eyes and they're stunning :)

and I would be one of the most foolish photographers EVER if I didn't spend some camera time on just her...

seriously, I admire her and I love her personality on camera...

she is one of the most "tell it like it is" people I've known...

there ARE smiles and laughing and playing being a mommy,

but then again there is also pensive, overwhelmed and thoughtful being a mommy...

I feel like she conveys that...

yup, I like the realness of her. :)

running shoes :) - tempe, arizona

2011-09-13T16:26:00.001-07:00

"can I come with?" my friend kristy asked me...
totally, just make sure you wear running shoes!
"running shoes? why?"
because this boy? he was made to run!
which isn't suprising considering his uber athletic parents...
yup, I was super happy to get to spend time with these friends of mine...
but even more happy because I finally got to see and love on their newest arrival!
and just like his older brother did a few years ago...he absolutely stole my heart...how could he not with his ginormous chocolate eyes and sweet chill personality?!
thanks, ricc & holly! can't WAIT for your next session! :)

linny jane vintage

2011-09-12T14:53:00.000-07:00

I love that my brother married a cool chick.
a seriously witty, funny, beautiful cool lady.
who happens to love old suitcases, hot glue guns, spray paint, thrift stores AND him.
yup, she is one seriously cool lady and I'm super glad I get to be her sister in law!

it was an easy "YES!" when she asked me to help design a logo for her new business "Linny Jane Vintage"
her idea board was fairly simple to come up with...her love of vintage & girly - yet still womanly was something that resonated with me...and I loved being inspired by her!

from there, the actual design process came together pretty cohesively and she didn't need a whole lot of edits...I love her business name, too...almost like you could see it as a clothing label on children's clothes...

to finally the winner! :)

I'm seriously excited for her and would whole-heartedly suggest following her blog for her latest projects & inspiration:

Linny Jane Vintage Blog

and also, you should "like" LJV on facebook!

Linny Jane Vintage Facebook Fan Page

seriously, go do it! :)

[prelude]: buckingham newborn|family session

2011-09-09T20:55:00.000-07:00

there is something so incredibly beautiful & special about getting to witness a mommy love on her brand new baby boy. :)

just fresh concepts - design & decor - vancouver, canada

2011-09-07T17:19:00.004-07:00

that kind-of explains what lights me up about design...
taking another person's thoughts and putting a visual to it.

the art of literally crawling inside another stranger's head and hand painting a visual
is kind-of a strange and accurate analogy of what has to happen for my clients to be happy. :)
and with each client, I feel like I'm understanding how to better see & create their thoughts.

so meet justyna of just fresh concepts - design & decor!
based out of canada, the floral arrangements she's created are simply gorgeous!
thanks to her creative nature, I had a lot of beautiful, colorful, whimsical, unique & vintage-y thoughts to play around with! :)

for me, it starts with an idea board...

an idea board that flowed into quite a few different logo concepts...

that started to come together a bit more into what she was visualizing...

to finally the final choice after tweaking it just a smidge... :)

thank you so much for letting me be a part of your design process and I look forward to seeing more of your beautiful work!

[prelude]: connery & lisa

2011-08-27T11:59:00.000-07:00

this little girl and her gorgeous mommy were an absolute pleasure to photograph early this morning!

I simply can't stop smiling as I edit these off my camera...she is such a sweet, happy, funny little girl! :)

and I simply cannot NOT photograph her by herself...she's stunning! :)

[prelude]: stewarts

2011-08-26T11:11:00.000-07:00

super fun way to start the weekend...albeit hot...but fun! :)

[day|mason] wedding: a weekend to remember - colorado springs, colorado

2011-08-23T11:38:00.002-07:00

second shooting a wedding is a strange, wonderful thing.

the anticipation, the first looks, the beautiful ceremony, the toasts, the tears...
they're all still there.

but that weight?
that weight of the gravity of knowing you're shooting someones
only memories of one of the single most important days of their life is somehow lifted a little bit.
not that it's gone entirely, but the knots in your stomach seem just a smidge less
and it allowed me the freedom I felt to look up and see the sway of the tree's as the wind blew through them,
the freedom to see the in between glances between two loves,
it was like a breath of fresh air. :)

so for me, THIS wedding?
this wedding that I got to capture with my uber-talented sister elizabeth of elizabeth ann photography,
was simply carefree fun.
getting to share something I absolutely love doing with one of my favorite people in the world
in one seriously amazing location with some gorgeous fun loving people?
yeah, I'd say it was a weekend to remember. :)

to see more of this wedding click here

[prelude]: simanton|rezzonico wedding

2011-08-21T22:02:00.000-07:00

[i heart faces] eyes

2011-08-15T17:33:00.000-07:00

"my eyes are my favorite part of me,

not for how they look...

...but for how they see."

[chris sebastian]

more eye entries here

wasting time...

2011-08-02T21:02:00.000-07:00

I've got a stack of books ranging from harry potter (yes, I'm just now picking it up, I know.) to the outliers.
I've got two sets of newly purchased knitting needles with projects to go with them.
I've got diet coke in vintage glass bottles (I've never seen these before!) at my disposal.
and to cap it off, I just got done watching an incredible midwest lightning storm roll through.
yes, I'd say it's time to rest and not waste anymore time. :)

the book of love - wedding - scottsdale, arizona

2011-08-01T00:08:00.002-07:00

someone once said that:
"for every situation, there is a suitable line from a song..."
and I believe it to be true.

and their song?
their most beautiful song?
their song they danced to for the first time was peter gabriel's "the book of love".
in that moment, time stood still and it simply took your breath away.

the whole day did really.
and not just because of "Sassi"'s gorgeous picturesque setting...
and not just because of how unbelievably stunning she is...
and not just because of how his eyes shone when he looked in her direction throughout the day...

no, that particular moment took your breath away simply because it was the culmination of the entire day of getting to witness the overabundance of love the two of them shared together.
and mr. gabriel's song?
well, that only enhanced what was simply a pleasure to be seen in living color...

just because.

2011-07-29T17:47:00.002-07:00

"happy girls are the prettiest girls."
audrey hepburn

one of the benefits of having a boy AND a girl is getting to love on each of them in a unique and different way.
this week it was the girls turn for a "just because" tea party.

on the agenda?
dress up with make-up and glitter hair spray,
pink lemonade "tea" with grandma's very adorable & very pinteresting owl cupcakes,
princess crown shortcake and "acorns",
pink paper owl craft,
a fashion show set to "the hamster dance song" and "firework" ala ms. perry,
and because it's maddie...be done with the girly stuff, get your play clothes on and play out side with the boy...which ended up being super cool cause we found a hummingbird egg!

a super fun afternoon...just because. :)

pieces of sunshine - colorado springs, colorado

2011-07-27T23:25:00.002-07:00

this is my little sister and her beautiful family.
and she is so much more than just my little sister.
she is an amazing wife. a most beautiful mommy. an unbelievably creative entrepreneur.

but to me?
she is my beautiful little sister who happens to be my closest friend.

the kind of friend who makes you laugh until your lungs feel like they're going to pop.
and most of the time she doesn't even mean to be that funny...she just is.
you can see it in her eyes when you surprise her with your laughter...they start to sparkle and then she just runs with her hilarity.
yes, that friend.

she is the kind of friend who eyes fill up with tears when you share hard things but then somehow finds a way to make you feel like it just isn't that hard of a thing anymore and that you can conquer the world...

she is the kind of friend that if you've found that you're cornered, she's the first to jump in swinging.
and only after the last foe is found lying in her wake will she even begin to think of asking what she was defending you from.

there is a poem that I love and it reminds me of her as I watch her live her life:

"...she left pieces of her life everywhere she went...
it was easier to feel the sunlight without them, she said."

but the secret is that she is sunshine.
not only to me...but to most who encounter her.
and that is what she does...she leaves little pieces of her sunshine on whatever path God gives her.

waterfalls and butterfly's. :)

2011-07-19T09:23:00.000-07:00

do you ever have difficulty finding the swing of things?
kind-of like a pendulum that's swinging hard unable to find the center.

today that's me...and I know what the reason is...
I come home and want to conquer the world in a day.

but there are too many things pulling at me...
and I simply have too many thoughts...
gravity and turn to stone keep hovering on my playlist.

but then I remember the wind and the moment and smile.
there's an echo playing on my stereo...

"...I turn the music up...

"...I got my records on.

"...as we saw, oh, this light...

"...I swear you emerge blinking to tell me it's alright...

"...as we soar walls..."
ahhhh, arizona sunsets... :)

"...every siren is a symphony and every tear's a waterfall..."
and promises. :)

she'd laugh at me today.
and tell me to get a grip.

plus, there are presents from Him to be found.
presents and butterfly's. :)

[prelude]: day|mason colorado wedding

2011-07-18T09:56:00.000-07:00

wander

2011-07-17T00:47:00.001-07:00

"not all those who wander are lost."

we're fairly arrogant in arizona about our sunrises and sunsets...and rightfully so.
but, and a big but at that...
colorado has got some serious breathtaking drama in theirs.

I've enjoyed my wandering here...and I feel tremendously blessed.
and I love my family here. tremendously, in fact...
but home is calling...because home is where he and they are... :)

[prelude]: weitz

2011-07-15T22:59:00.000-07:00

thoughts.

2011-07-12T18:06:00.002-07:00

these last two weeks have been and are going to continue to be crazy.
the fourth of july, two weddings in two states, two birthdays, two family sessions, and hopefully a newborn session
on top of the regular day to day summer life.
I'm not complaining...just feeling like I have a moment in the midst to try and gather my thoughts.
typically when I run four hundred miles a minute, I'm flooded with tons of thoughts.
and this week didn't disappoint in the thoughts category.
and what random thoughts they are.

learning thoughts.
I've come to a realization.
I don't think I am ever going to be done learning.
I might never go back to traditional school (halle-freaking-lujah!)
but the act of learning will hopefully never come to a stopping point.

I was watching SYTYCD (yes, I recognize the oxymoron...and yes, I know I CANNOT dance.)
the beauty of art in dance never ceases to amaze me.
seriously, watch this dance about addiction and not be moved...

this week on the show I was struck with travis' statement on his taking another one of the choreographers dance class.
I don't know why, but I just assumed that he didn't take classes anymore.
he's a winner of the show and now a choreographer/judge for the show and yet he STILL takes classes!
it just brings more truth to the fact that I will never be done learning this life.

there is a statement that I read from another photographer, and I learned something this week:

"become a storyteller rather than a photographer."

it's still resonating with me.

he went on to ask the question:
"why tell stories with your camera?
I enjoy looking at a story over a snapshot any day.
telling a story with your camera forces you to slow down and think about what you're doing.
what is it about this scene that makes me want to make a photograph?
what moves me or is attracting me to the moment?
is there a point of view that I am trying to capture and preserve?"

I have a need to tell a story as a photographer and I'm not just interested in taking snapshots.
every wedding, every family session, every [unique] session needs to tell a story.
just like every good story has a beginning, middle and an end.
every good photograph should have an obvious way to draw the viewer in, something to hold their attention once they get there, and then leave them with somewhere to go when he/she is done.

I've heard a photographers say they wouldn't photograph something because "it's already been done."
I've even been guilty of saying that!
but that is the exact opposite of creative thinking.
there is always a different or even better way to shoot what has been photographed before.
you just have to "see" it.

this photographer I was reading went on to say:
"it's simply in-authentic to do something JUST BECAUSE it 's new - if you don' t feel it in your heart.
I saw a beautiful portrait at this year's WPPI hanging in the print competition.
while the younger folks might have called it "old fashioned" I called it "classic."
it scored very well and should have. I am sure the maker was proud of it.
I am sure the subject of the portrait and her family loved it.
but yet , I heard one young woman laughing at the photo because it used a painted muslin background.
she was having a field day attacking both the image and the image maker because that was such a "cliche?"
really!?
sort of like her blue hair was a cliche. seriously.
just because you make a spectacle of yourself ala Lady Gaga or Paris Hilton, that doesn't make you cool or new. it's the talent underneath all the tattoos, lip rings, dresses made of meat , hair colors that are off the RGB spectrum, etc. that matter.
I understand the need to set yourself apart.
and I don't really care what color your hair is or how many tattoos you have.
what I do care about is whether or not your photographs represent your true vision.
I care about the artist underneath all the trappings.
if you expect me to be impressed with your outrageous attire or attitude, forget it.
that's boring by now."

big words, and big thoughts for me. :)

my mom.
I told you. random thoughts. :)
my mother is astounding me lately with her creativity and thoughtfulness.
you see, she came to me a couple weeks ago and let me know she wanted to "help" me in some way.
she recognized that in my "four hundred mile an hour life" that maybe I could use a little help in the dinner category.
a category that gets very little attention.
and when I say "very", I mean pretty much almost never.
which when I stop and think about it, it's kind of strange...she is one of the best cooks in all the land and you'd think I would have gleaned that tid bit from her.
but, nope. I did not.
thus, the inauguration of grandma's special feasts.
what is it?
um, I'm a little hesitant to say...
JUST KNOW that I know I'm spoiled and that I have the most amazing mother ever.
she makes a huge family dinner (with enough for leftovers) over to my house once a week so I don't have to cook.
I KNOW!
(say it like craig fergusen, it's much more amusing and lessens the jealous thoughts you might be sending my way right now.)
she says she loves to help this way and her creativity is simply oozing out of her...slightly thanks to pinterest, but mostly because she's just wired that way!
however she got her creativity, I'm unbelievably thankful for her and eating a ton better too!
here's some of the things she's made us...

nature thoughts.
it's getting close to vacation. I can feel it.
vacation symbolizes peace to me.
I get to walk in non-hell-like temperatures. seriously. 117 degree's. awesome.
I get to see tree's and flowers and birds and just rest.
but it's not quite time yet and I read a quote last week that is helping me:

"peace.
      it does not mean to be in a place where there is
      no noise, trouble or hard work.
       it means to be in the midst of those things
                  and still be calm in your heart."

I like that.
I feel like I'm finding moments of that.
oddly enough, when I look at my flowers that I found at fresh and easy.
did you know that fresh and easy sells peonies? and hydrangea's?! and orchids?!!
flowers I simply haven't seen outside of chicago and california.
but they are there nonetheless.
and I buy them each week because they remind me to find peace in the midst of life. :)

[prelude]: dall|moe wedding

2011-07-10T11:29:00.001-07:00

my joy. :)

2011-07-10T09:30:00.006-07:00

I am one of those moms today.
the kind that is found in a creepy corner clutching a baby blanket blubbering over her little boy.
the kind of mom who is overwhelmed with her little boys memories of slobbery kisses, special rocks, favorite toy trucks, special blankies, pretending to be dash from the incredibles, having a love affair with lightning mcqueen,
and not being too big for snugglefests...

the kind of mom who realizes that their little boy that is no longer a little boy.

even though my little boy promised.
he promised he would stay little but then he simply couldn't.
and he didn't. and somehow he grew into this giant stinky, goofy, sticky wonderful little man.

so this is me today.
me shedding a tear over my beautiful little ten year old of a man on his wonderful golden birthday.
I love him.
and I will love him forever.
and he will forever be the boy who brings me joy. :)