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? : ) 

Holiday mini sessions | Queen Creek, AZ photographer

As I was preparing this little nugget, I had to stop and wow at the fact that it is already time to start thinking about the holidays.  Well, I suppose it’s only time if you don’t want to fall behind.  : )  The end of the year can get so full, so busy and so complicated.  I’m excited to be in the Queen Creek area for some mini sessions on November 11, 12, 13.  The mini session will include a digital image since many like to design their own holiday greetings.  If you prefer to NOT do your own, you can substitute the digital image for other products including customized cards.  I have a limited number of appointments remaining so if you are interested, call or email me! 

My Studio | Queen Creek Photographer

This is my humble abode-my home studio.  I converted what was the living room and dining room, added a bit of a wall, some double doors and called it MY SPACE.  I can think in here, I can sing in here, I can spread out in here, I can teach in here, I can create in here…  I love to have samples on the wall, I love to display COLOR, I love signs that have meaning to me, and those door handles are truly the best part.  There is a story behind those but I should save it for another day.  This is my studio.

Let’s Dance | Queen Creek Photographer

THIS is why I love doing what I do…  Can you even look at these without smiling?  Sometimes goofy really is best.  Remember my thoughts about being REAL?  Can you argue or disagree with their cute little personalities?  They were getting ready for a recital and these little ladies needed to have pictures in their costumes. Sometime (soon) the costumes will be put away, their bodies will grow to the next costume and these days will be a faint memory that only a mother could describe.  It’s hard to imagine that these days will go by as some days feel long and full.  But, its true.  They grow up!  And, want to know the worst part?  Someday they will be “too cool” for this sort of goofiness.  Their portraits at that time will take on new meaning and it will be just as wonderful but definitely different.  In the meantime, let’s take advantage of the moments they share and give away!

Get your kicks | Queen Creek Photographer

Everybody needs a good pair of kicks… no matter your age!  And, add a great color to spice it up!

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. 

Dan | Queen Creek Photographer

Dan the man (well, closer to 14) was in my studio the other day.  What a handsome fellow and quite funny!  I was playing with lighting, using the window light and flash to fill.  I am currently in love with this session because I adore this teenager look, his smile, love the soft background, the side lighting, and that blue tie.  Is it always the last session you love most?  Oh, and he chose one of my favorite colors-GREEN.  Did he do that on purpose?  ; ) 

The Deli | Queen Creek Photography

This may not have much to do with photography but my lunch the other day was delicious and since I had my camera with me I took a picture of their menu.  Have you ever been to The Deli?  If you haven’t, it is certainly time for you to try them out!  There are so many things I love about them, where do I possibly start?  I love their unique combinations to create awesome dishes!  I love that they use local vendors!  I love that their logo, their design, their restaurant and all that they represent is simple, clear and direct.  I love their chicken/corn chowder soup.  I love their napkins.  I love their jar of utensils on the table.  I absolutely love their bruschetta!  I love that they are tucked in a strange place but need not worry because their food and service brings in a crowd!  I love their ice cream.  Shall I continue?  ; )  We have enjoyed our dates there, both with friends and as a couple.  They are located on San Tan Blvd. east of Power Rd.  Go try it out!

Headshots | Queen Creek Photography

Another opportunity to do some real life grown-ups!  Sasha has a heart of gold, I could see that the first time we met!  Her devotion to family is incredible, I sorta wished she was in my family!  ; )  Our goal was to capture her true self, her real smile and her relaxed approach to business and friendship.  She made the session so simple and unique, I was able to get to know her and a little bit of her background.  You know what was even more amazing?  …Her ability to make a decision!  WOW!  I liked her goofiness, her light heartedness and her real-life-ed-ness.  I know, my words are sometimes questionable but how else do you describe it? 

Shutter speed play

San Tan mountain is a beautiful area if you are into the desert-ish kind of stuff.  I have taken my mountain bike out there a few times and hiked around other times.  My most recent visit was about a week ago and I was playing around with shutter speed to enhance drama.  Who doesn’t like some drama?  HA!  Isn’t is crazy how much an image can change just by changing the amount of light?  It is just another opportunity to create your own unique style (call it drama) and see things your own way.  What is even more crazy is what the camera captures compared to what your eye sees.  The more awareness/education you have, the more you may see?  Have you ever wondered why it takes some people a very long time to get the shot, create the image?  They see things… they want to share what they saw and felt and somehow portray the emotion behind the image when it is viewed.  You can take a class full of photography students to the same 10 square feet of space and ask them all to take some photos and return.  Each student would have a different result.  I think life is like this-it is like this.  Some of us experience the same thing but so differently.  We may have 2 different versions of the same story-we saw it differently, we felt differently but yet experienced the same event.  Isn’t that awesome?  : )  It doesn’t make your picture/story/feelings right or wrong, it just makes it different from mine.  Our differences in art and life make the world go round!  Embrace differences, develop and share your style and talents and don’t try to be like another.  Be your own unique self!  Wow, I should step down now.  I was on a roll…  : )      (this is all too serious for me)