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Michelle and Brady : Anytime
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O ne of the highlights of what I do is the ability to meet many people and document their lives. How we find each other always amazes me and I have the web to thank for much of it. Such was the case with Michelle and Brady. Sorta.
The Glass Slipper Guild, an amazing organization hoping to raise $5 million dollars for Children's Hospital of Orange County (CHOC), hosted a Gala and auction a couple months ago. I was contacted by a fellow Whittier College alum (Hi Jessica...and Go Poets!) who asked if I'd be willing to donate an Anytime session as part of the auction. I was honored and immediately agreed.
Sometime before the Gala, I spoke at the Smarty OC Event. And then other stuff happened in the weeks that followed. Oh, like, I dyed my hair a festive summer color.
Then I got an email from Michelle. She said she's a part of the Glass Slipper Guild (which means she's awesome by default) and heard me speak at the Smarty OC Event (which means she's awesome by association) and has since followed my blog. And, surprise! Michelle bid on my Anytime session and won. She and her husband Brady hoped to have their session before their third baby arrived and I was more than happy to oblige.
Last week we hung out in Newport and had a chance to have some fun... |
| Immediately upon meeting Michelle and Brady (it was the first time we met, outside of email), I knew they were the kind of people who made Orange County a great place to live. They're a great family, they give of their time to charitable organizations, and they're truly in love with each other... |
| I'm particularly fond of Michelle's freckles. But I might be biased. ;) |
| Brady and Michelle are expecting their third child this fall and I have no doubt their family will be extra blessed with a new bundle of joy... |
| One thing I loved about Brady was his familiarity with my camera gear. He loves photography so we talked shop for a bit (and I'm quite certain he dropped not-so-subtle hints for Michelle to add to his wish list) and when we passed by this random spot, I tossed the idea out to see if they'd be willing to hang out for a bit. Michelle laughed because when they walked in earlier, Brady mentioned that place would make a great spot for photos. Great minds think alike! :) |
| I'll end with this photo because Michelle looks incredibly happy...and a kind, beautiful, and giving woman like herself deserves every bit of it! |
    
I didn't know how to write this post. I don't know how to write this post. Most of time I write a story about the person I'm photographing from an outsider's perspective, but Grace didn't let me. Every time I asked her questions to help me later write a blog post, she deflected. It's your blog, she said. Grace explained she didn't feel like she had anything to say. That her life has been brief and the story simple. I try explaining she can speak volumes, that her words are powerful because of their simplicity. Grace shakes her bald head, raises her 15-year-old palm, and disagrees. Very teenageresque.
I've known Grace, well, forever. She's best friends with my little sister, Zoe. Seven months ago, we received news doctors discovered tumors in Grace's body. A lot of tumors. She's been scheduled for 19 rounds of aggressive chemotherapy and radiation...and then doctors will reassess the situation. A situation that leaves everyone begging God for answers.
But Monday wasn't about answers. It was about Grace's photoshoot. An opportunity to showcase her beauty, joy, and unbreakable spirit. It's my hope Grace sees a different version of herself in these images...a girl with a story to tell and a chance to appreciate life's beautiful moments. |
| Grace loves all things fashion, so she brought along her favorite books and magazines... |
| Grace, you're beautiful. So incredibly beautiful. |
| My sister, Zoe, came along to the shoot to offer Grace support and coaching... |
| ...I couldn't tell if they were laughing with me...or at me... |
| The light during the shoot was simply spectacular... |
| After a quick outfit change, Grace was in the mood for photos...and a little music... |
| Grace tried to turn her camera on me....uhh, no thank you! ;) |
| My favorite shot of the day. Because Graces reminds me to live each day. Out loud. And to appreciate my health...and say I love you all the time...and to laugh at every chance possible.... |
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Jessica Claire, Jeff, + Acey : Anytime
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I work hard at being honest on the blog. But sometimes it gets difficult because, well, honesty is revealing. And who likes to be revealed? I mean, I'd love to jump out of a tiered birthday cake as much as anyone, but other than that, being revealed is awkward. Wait, what? You don't wanna jump out of a cake? WHO ARE YOU AND WHY ARE YOU READING MY BLOG?!
So here's the big reveal: I didn't want to shoot a particular session last week. In fact, I almost dreaded it. Because I was nervous and overwhelmed. You see, Jessica Claire called and asked if I could snap a few photos of her newest family member, Acey. I just need one photo, Jas... And that, oh dear Internet, is how I couldn't say no.
I first met Jessica four years ago and she was--and is--one of the top wedding photographers. I was nervous meeting her and I was inordinately intimidated...and it stayed this way for a while. Throughout the years, we've both developed our businesses and I've finally found my voice. By watching her, and many others who inspire me. So one might imagine the dread I felt when she asked for a photoshoot...my hands were literally shaking when we started the session. Twentyfive minutes later, we were done. Jessica, probably seeing the nerves tango on my face, repeated the same thing she told me before--I just need one photo, Jas--and that was that.
Jessica, Jeff, and Acey, thanks for letting me document your lives...I hope you like a few of the photos and if one appears in your house one day, I'd be so happy I might just appear at your front door. In a tiered cake! |
| Here's Acey...completely fascinated with this crazy thing humans do called cuddling... |
| Jeffy, you're so sweet... |
| The sun was too harsh where we wanted to shoot, so we walked to a nearby greenbelt and just hung out for a bit...clearly, they think I'm hilarious... |
| Jeff suggested laying on their bellies, even though Jessica and I thought it was cliche. We ended up doing it anyway--even though it verged as a nod to Olan Mills--I think it's cute. So, there. Jeff, you were right. Further proof we need to listen to you more! ;) |
| Acey is infatuated with Jessica... |
| ...Acey is also infatuated with Jessica's hair. No, really, Acey wants to constantly paw Jessica's hair in no uncertain terms...here are a few outtakes that I find particularly hilarious... |
| I know it's totally lame to admit, but I kinda want a photo like this of me and Polo... |
| Jessica, you're beautiful when you smile. And, really, you have a great hat head. |
| I'll end on this note...because Acey just stole my heart... |
E very so often I get the pleasure of documenting my clients in a deeper and more intimate capacity. During these times, I'm extraordinarily thankful to be invited into their private worlds to capture more of who they are. A couple weeks ago, I had the pleasure of joining my client, Erica, for her boudoir session at The Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel in Hollywood.
I shoot boudoir photos for my clients only and it's such a special gift a bride gives to her future husband...the best part is being able to document the groom's reaction as he opens his album. The look on his face is always priceless. Lucky for me, the ever talented Tanya Bures was onsite for makeup, and Tommy Cyr for hair...they're such a dynamic duo in Los Angeles!
Here are just a couple teasers posted with permission...
Erica's fiance plays water polo for the US Olympic team, so we had a little fun in some of his clothing... |
| Then she changed into something a little saucier... |
| Erica, thank you for feeling beautiful...you seriously shine out loud. |
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Janelle and Greg : Anytime
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I 'll never forget the first time we met. We'd been emailing for a couple weeks, but when Janelle decided to meet me in regard to booking me as her wedding photographer, I was excited. We met at a Starbucks not too far from where I worked (I worked part-time when I first started the business) and we spent time just chatting and getting to know each other. She loved dancing hip hop, sang in her college choir, and met a city boy with a cowboy heart. I sat there--feeling intimidated because, really, the blare of the espresso grinder was DEAFENING--and wondered if she could see past the simplicity of my situation.
She did.
I shot Janelle and Greg's wedding during my first year as a full-time photographer and it was a perfect day. Since then, so much has changed for us, but I was thrilled when Greg wanted to surprise Janelle with a photoshoot to document their love's progression. It took us a while to find a date that worked for all of us, but last week we enjoyed the day walking around Downtown Orange for a few photos.
Janelle and Greg...thank you for listening past the noise of the espresso grinder, for feeling how much I wanted to document your love, and for seeing potential in someone who couldn't quite see it in herself. I loved catching up with you both and I know God has even bigger and better things in store for you. I appreciate you more than I could express. Much Love and Appreciation...j* |
| Greg, it must be hard being that handsome. I mean, really. |
| They're just as photogenic as I remembered... |
| Janelle worried she'd laugh too much and not get the type of pictures she wanted, but I think she redefined fierrrrce! |
| We found some awesome light by a dump truck, so we had a little fun... |
| I loveloveloved Janelle's tattoo and it's such a perfect reminder... |
| One thing I adore about Janelle is her ability to laugh and love every moment...and Greg's continuity at all times...they're such a beautiful balance! |
| Janelle and Greg...you're perfect. Please don't ever change. |
2010
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