A Vacation Portrait Session

Recently J & D came up to to the Bay Area to visit with friends.  Since they were here from Port Hueneme (Southern California) where D is currently stationed, they were able to take advantage of my military discount (which applies everyday) and have a portrait session done.

With our friend H on makeup and acting as our impromptu stylist, off we went!  You can't tell by these images, but it was REALLY cold!  We were out and about at 9:00 a.m. to make sure they still had the rest of the day to spend with friends.

They were such good subjects and great sports about being cold - especially J out there in that dress!  They looked adorable and I was thrilled with the results of our shoot, which was a first for me for many reasons, including photographing someone in a push-up pose!

I hope you enjoy these images as much as I do - can you feel the love?

A California Afternoon

My husband and I celebrated the 13th anniversary of our 1st date recently, so we decided a "date day" was in order.  My lovely in-laws took care of Peanut and we had ourselves a regular old afternoon together.

Our quiet time took us to the Benicia Waterfront for the afternoon. Way back when, Benicia used to be the state capital of California - who knew!

They have a lovely pier and there were all sorts of people there fishing. We are having a bit of an Indian Summer here and temperatures were in the mid-70's on Sunday.  I feel somewhat guilty enjoying this beautiful weather in the wake of Hurricane Sandy.  I understand another 'Nor Easter is on it's way to those poor folks.

Meanwhile, back in California, we are really enjoying this beautiful weather.



Take time today, wherever you are, to say a prayer or send good thoughts to our fellow citizens who have been affected by these storms and be grateful for all of the sunshine in your life, even if it's just a friend's smile rather than the actual sun. :)

'Til next time...

Practice Session: Waterfront Sailboats

After a LONG day of being a Mommy on Saturday, I absolutely needed a  time out of my own.  Around 5:30 I got in my car and drove down to the local marina.  I have been down there before to photograph the sailboats, but it was when I was first starting out and the photos were not as good as these turned out.

As the sun went down, the photos got more interesting.  I could feel more emotion coming through when I was editing them.

As much as the trip was just a run up the road to take a break, these photos embody peace and calm.  

Thanks to my husband for taking care of the rugrat so I could have a "time out" today.  I needed it, and I think it was worth it.