The archives | Queen Creek, AZ Photographer

I love going back, reviewing the past.  I often find pictures that didn’t stick with me the first time I viewed them.  As I change, I find myself liking images that may not have impacted me on round one.  So, you can understand why round two (maybe three and four) is needed.  ; )  So, I remember being in this family’s backyard and while some of the members were putting on shoes or finalizing their last minute preparations for pictures, I took a stroll with the ones that were ready.   We were getting a grasp on lighting.  They were so accommodating and cooperative.  Maybe there was no pressure, they were simply allowing me to “get ready” for pictures.  Typically the bottom of shoes isn’t a pleasant view and maybe frowned upon (and possibly offensive in some cultures??) but aren’t rules made to be broken? : ) 

In The Moment | Queen Creek Photographer

I was having some thoughts today as I was struggling to listen to my kids tell me all sorts of things about their day.  I realized they were asking questions and I was giving answers but I never heard the question.  Have you ever done this?  Please say I am not the only one.  Anyhow, one of the questions asked was, “Mom, when does Karate Kid come out to the movie theatres?”  My answer (and the ah-hah moment that I was NOT in the moment) was, “Tomorrow.”  What was I talking about?  I had no idea!  I was just talking because I was hearing talking with a slight influx of the voice and a pause which typically means it is time to answer one of the million questions being asked.  (I was caught when the next question was, “really, tomorrow?”  Then I had to stop and realize what I had done and ask her to repeat the question. Embarrassing?)

I was sad.

I wanted to erase what was swimming in my mind.  I wanted to delete the other responsibilities in my life and really be MOM at that moment.  I wanted the kids to count on me being honest with a open ear.  I wanted to make a conscious effort to be In The Moment with each hat that I wear.  I want to be In The Moment when I photograph, I want to be In The Moment when I teach, I want to be In The Moment when I mother, etc.  Should I add that to my 2010 goals?  Oh, when is the cutoff date for new year’s resolutions and goals?  Did I miss that memo?  : )

I am always after the real stuff.  I want people to be In The Moment.  I want to capture their true interactions and real emotions.  Lately, I have been loving my 70-200 2.8 lens so I can get a little further away (hide I suppose) and get those real moments.  There is some pressure when being in front of the camera, a pressure to perform.  The closer I am, the more pressure.  I have tried to back up and I like that experience.  Ya know, I am always changing (learning and growing) and by challenging the way I do things, new worlds open up!

Here, a mother truly being In The Moment with her daughter.  This was in between some pictures I was doing-I turned to see this and tucked myself in a corner so I could capture its realness.  To me, it is a beautiful, real “In The Moment” type moment!

Mission Beach, San Diego | Queen Creek Photographer

I would have loved to say {San Diego Photographer} but that is neither here nor there…  I was at the beach and that is what is important. 

All I said here was, “Girls, on the count of three turn around and strike a pose.”  I think it wasn’t truly a beach day-it was more of a stop at the beach on the way to do other things, type of day.  Hence the full clothing (that probably wasn’t a full sentence but added for emotional appeal and dramatic effects.  How did I do?)  They made due by turning pants into shorts, ditching sweatshirts and removing their shoes.  What is more fun than a bunch of girls having a blast on the beach (even without their swimsuits)?  My fun was sitting back and being photographer for the day/moment.  I probably was smiling and just as giddy as the girls.

Oh, and by the way, I am never to busy to be your beach (family vacation) photographer!  Really…! 

Real moments | Queen Creek Photographer

Well, so long are the days of, “sit and say cheese” and thank goodness for that!  Don’t you think this is more of a natural look?  : )  It may be funny but true.  This represents stages in a family life.  I love pulling pictures from past photo sessions.  Things stand out differently after time has passed.  During this session, he was simply not interested in sitting by the family-probably because we were asking him to.  Well, looking back, this is one of my favorites since it tells time, tells the story!  You can assume he is pouting and mom and dad are trying not to be frustrated.  I’m not sure if they were bribing with ice cream at this point or not.  ; ) 

If I could let each family know the importance of real moments, I would use this as an example.  It is ok for children to be not quite on board with the moment.  It usually stems from a little “pre-session” stress when mom is trying to get everybody dressed, running out the door, forgetting something, and all along the way reminding the children to hurry so, “we won’t be late.”  Then, when the moment comes and the camera comes out, they have their own way of expressing their dissatisfaction with the process.  Sometimes kids don’t like me before they have even arrived… no fair.  My goal is to change that, to interact, to enjoy the moment.  My goal is to capture a unique moment for the family, a moment that shares real feelings.  Enjoy being a family and know that this picture will be the one remembered.  One like this sums up the entire session.  One more thought-I would love to walk in a home and see this- a large printed version!  Nobody has this kind on their wall but its original, its real. 

Play time at the park | Chandler Photography

Thanks to these little ones, I have discovered some fun play time at Tumbleweed Park in Chandler.  I didn’t even know this play structure existed.  I also didn’t even know that it could be so hot in April!  I got lots of exercise chasing them around with my 200 pound camera with my 70-200 lens attached (or maybe it was more like 400 lbs).  Nichole was ready for a snapshot at any moment-like she had been watching the movies and studying the moves of those being photographed.  She pivoted, turned her head, straightened her back, popped out her hip, etc.  It was a riot!  I loved to watch her catch the camera pointed at her. Then there was Joe who was jumping, climbing, running and hiding like the camera didn’t exist.  I hope to always be young at heart!

That Mouth | Family Photography | Gilbert, AZ

So this isn’t really FAMILY but our goal that day was family pictures.  The cutest little boy was sleeping with the cutest little mouth.  AND, I am a lover of color, especially green.  You put all those wonderful things together and I can’t help myself!  Obviously, I like to post pictures that I love, right?  This is sneaking to the top of the love list!

The Princess | Queen Creek Photography

She is the only girl (as far as kids in the family) and I love that she can pose like no other.  She has got the cutest skirt and jacket (ok, full outfit). Her smile is contagious! Oh to be young and vivacious!  I have more of this darling girl-in her outfit for a special birthday.  She is full of fashion (or could it be her mother?) and I can only imagine what that is like.  I love the dynamics… if you saw last year’s pictures we captured a true family moment.  This year (actually end of 2009), one year later they have all grown to be more handsome and beautiful.  These are some of my favorites for this family but I really like the last/bottom right.  I may need to put that in my studio one of these days!    

Part of the Family | Queen Creek Photography

Lily, this cute pug, has been in their family for quite some time!  She is getting old and has cute grey whiskers to prove it.  We did family pictures in their backyard to make sure that Lily could be part of the action. 

Sisters | Gilbert, AZ Photography

What is better than having your best friend also be your sister!  I can see the comfort and love between these two and they were simply adorable! I have loved this image since the day it was captured at Power Ranch in Gilbert, AZ.  Our goal was family pictures and their family looked beautiful.  They were coordinating with black and gray/silver.  When the girls twirled in their awesome holiday dresses, I stood back and snapped away.  Their dad was such a trooper… he had just returned from a business trip and was ready to roll with family pictures the next day.  (maybe he wasn’t happy about it but he was truly a happy camper)  Anyhow, family relationships are so fun to capture, each unique.  The feelings are always different for me-I know the behind the scenes shots and actions.  My favorite images usually tell their story!  Sisters…

Spunk | Gilbert Photography

So, when I say can you show me sass and there is no problem I love it!  (still playing with watermark)  These girls were spunky and sassy in a good way!  : )