N.E. Shots Photography

SOOOOO what I pray for....

2010-11-07T20:51:00.000-08:00

This next session was an absolute delight! I wasn't sure how it would turn out, and I stressed out a little bit before hand. When choosing a location for this family, I thought The Norfolk Botanical Gardens would be a great spot for them. Little did I know, that it was their absolute favorite place in the area. I also had no idea that this place held so much history, and memory for the family. So, of course it was in the cards for it to be a great session. It surely was!!! They are exactly the same age difference as my son and daughter. And if my children love each other HALF as much as these two did, I am going to be a very happy mother. The only thing I had to tell these kids to do, was "pretend I'm not here". And they were so very natural in front of my lens. They were happy. They were goofy. They were AWESOME! Mom was so happy with the "SNEAK PEAK" that she scheduled a family session, before dad ships off to Afganistan. Again, I am so thankful for the amazing people that let me into their lives. It is truly an honor.

Mmmm... Ahh.. to have a sister

2010-11-07T20:38:00.000-08:00

I don't have a sister, and neither does my daughter. I have an A-MAZING sister-in-law, who is beyond Amazing. She just gave birth to twins, and they were both over 6lbs... that makes her amazing in anyones book! I am so happy for my brother and his family. I miss their sweetness, and I already want to gobble up those babies. I met these girls for the very first time, at their session. They were not shy for a second, and shared with me their gorgeous eyes, and smiles. They have a sisterly love, that I know will blossom into a "best friends forever" relationship. And their mom was smokin hot too!

Christmas is coming...

2010-11-07T20:30:00.000-08:00

Being new in the photography business, I assume this would be considered "RUSH" season? When I was in property managment in Ann Arbor, it was "RUSH" when the college kids were coming back into town. Everyone in town was working day in and day out to get ready for school to start. So that is how I have been feeling the last few weeks. WORKING WORKING WORKING!!! I am so blessed to be able to work with such wonderful people though. I have really come to LOVE the moments that I get to capture, and I love being able to see people in a way that most people may not have the opportunity to see. This family is not only BEAUTIFUL... but they are soooo super genuine, and nice. I am so glad that I know them. And it was such an honor to spend time with them.

Showin some LOVE

2010-10-12T20:01:00.000-07:00

I had the tremendous opportunity to have a session this evening, with 2 of the "funnest" kids ever. Just to tell a quick story... about a month ago, I was shopping with BOTH my kids, I passed this mom, and her two kids in an isle, and their beauty took my breath away, (Do I sound like Stephanie Meyers???) Okay, so maybe that was a little dramatic, but I thought these kids were A-DORABLE. It just so happened that they ended up in line right behind me, so I was able to get a closer look. As I was walking to my car, I kept thinking... why didn't I give her my card... I really want these two in my portfolio... as I was pulling away, there they were, in the car right behind me. So, I stopped, pulled out a card, and said, "You have the cutest kids, and I would love to get pictures of them." Then as I was pulling away, I thought, that mom, probably thinks I am nuts. Ah, oh well... at least I did it. Well, a few weeks go by, and then I recieved an email. I was ecstatic. We scheduled the shoot, canceled, re-scheduled, canceled again, then rescheduled. It was totally worth the wait. These two, are not only fun to look at, they are fun to hang out with too. They really adore each other, and I hope that my daughter, and son, have a similar relationship. I made all kinds of deals with these two, "you get to do that for a picture, if after, you do this for me...". It ended up being so super fun, and I really hope I can work with them again in the future. Thanks MOM, for letting me play with your kids. They made me happy!!!

Carnival Party... THAT'S what I call a party (Part 1)

2010-09-22T17:15:00.000-07:00

I was able to shoot a birthday party last weekend, and HOLY MOLY! This mom did not forget "N.E." detail. It was a carnival theme, and the kids were is heaven. This is just a quick sneak peak, with more to show later. I jsut want my readers to know... I'm continually working... coming up.... sugar BUZZ!

Time to get BACK to work!

2010-08-30T08:39:00.000-07:00

Summer is over *sad sigh*, and it is time for me to be back in action. I am super excited about the shoots I have coming up in the future. I have been playing with my camera all summer, and just got a NEW/USED/DIFFERENT camera. So, I have no more excuses for not shooting ALL the time. Of course my family comes first, and as I am blogging my not so little, little baby is playing with… AHHH… SHOES! Oops… well, we won’t let that happen again! But anyways, my big one is at day camp, and the lil one is home with me.

I had a session this weekend with a super family. They found the MOST beautiful location for their pictures. We ran into a little SNAFU… or, WEDDING! when we got there, but the good news was, there were so many beautiful locations to chose from, that lady in the white dress didn’t even bother us. And we did really good not to bother them too. Have a sneak peak at the Burke Family.

"FALL" huh?

2009-10-07T19:53:00.000-07:00

Spending "Fall" in Virginia Beach is sure different than Fall that I am used to. 1) I am used to low 50 degree temps. Today is was 80! 2) Pletheras (is that a word?) of cider, cinnamon doughnuts, apples, pumpkins! So far, NO CIDER! NO DOUGHNUTS, few apples, and NO HONEY CRISP! But, the pumpkins are out in full bloom! Beautiful and in just about every color imaginable. I was able to photograph this lil' pumpkin! She is a doll, so it was easy! I do love Virginia Beach, and I love taking pictures! Happy Fall!!!

Sandbridge Beach Photography

2009-09-01T06:51:00.001-07:00

So beautiful! I love this place called Little Island. It is where we have spent a majority of the summer. Unfortunately, every day gets a little closer to summer ending! But what a great summer it was! Goodbye summer, helloooooo FALL!

Corner 24

2009-07-17T08:18:00.001-07:00

I had a MINI-session the other day with my BEAUTIFUL neighbors. Something that I have been bugging them to do for MONTHS now! It was mini MINI! But, surprising, a few fun images came out of it! I think it took us longer to get through BEACH TRAFFIC than we actually spent taking pictures. These guys are such a great looking family. Here is a little sneak peak of their session. More to come later, if they fit in with my "class" that I need to catch up on. Have a great weekend!!!

Day 4, Cool-ish Edge

2009-07-16T09:19:00.000-07:00

I did learn a little thing or two from this lesson. It was about layering textures, and getting cool edges. So that was fun. Here is a sweet fun picture of my sweetie pie! We love to enjoy Krispy Kreme doughnuts together, and, CONTRARY to popular belief... we only go 2 days/week, NOT every day! That would be absurd! Not that I don't think about that warm gooeyness every day, which, I am sure adds the pounds. But Tuesday and Fridays are our mornings out at the doughnut shop! A habit that will be way harder for HER to break, then for me! (HAH!)

Day 3

2009-07-13T05:14:00.000-07:00

Life has been a little busy... same old excuses, so there is no need for me to go on, however, I am still able to log into my class, so that means I haven't been kicked out! (Take that RICKS COLLEGE!) Anyways, today, I will try to play catch up, and post Days 3-8... EEK! I found this picture while I was looking through some old photos, and it was classic for todays assignment. This was a session that I did last year, in the snow! It will be fun to look at snow pictures in January, when there will be NO snow here. It might be a little sad, but only a little, then I will be happy that the weather here is managable! Here is my photo on Hand Tinting, and Antiquing. (sorry I couldn't get it bigger, I think it might be a copy? Maybe? We have gotten a new computer since this picture was taken, and I must have been loopy when I was transferring them over. I don't know what happened really?)

Day 2 of Class!

2009-07-07T09:19:00.000-07:00

Today we learned about brushes. In Photoshop, brushes are endless. The sky is the limit! It was a good course, and I completed the assignment, however, I can't see a real use for loads of brushes, with what I do. Oh well... I am going to also tell the story of out Fourth on my family blog. I hope you all had a great holiday!

OH MY... sassy!

2009-07-06T10:32:00.001-07:00

I didn't realize how long it has been since I posted! What is wrong with me? Two words, "WITH CHILD". I hate pulling the pregnancy card, but this time around, it has really wiped me out. Just a reminder that, blessings come in all sorts of forms!

Sorry o keep my readers waiting well over a month for a new post, but here we go. I am taking an online course for the next two weeks, and there are assignments! Can you believe that? It is all about having fun with your pictures, and adding fun stuff. To find out more, check out Jessica Sprague. Todays "homework" was to add frames, and words to your picture. Here is the one that I chose. Super cute girl, and although, I don't ever like to think little girls are "sassy", this one came very close! And since her mom and I have been friends since we were little girls ourselves... I was able to see her mom in her... and SASSY fits her, MORE than appropriately!

Seniorlicious

2009-06-04T10:46:00.000-07:00

Two more senior pics, that were so fun! I had a blast with these girls. Editing their pictures made me giggle, and want to to back to being 17 again. Thanks girls!!!

Baby "Moe"

2009-05-30T13:09:00.000-07:00

"Moe" is what her friends call her. I used to babysit "Moe" when she was a newborn baby. Now... she is going to be a SENIOR in High School. *Sniff sniff*. Is that possible, that 17 years ago, I was babysitting? Oh my gosh... I just did the math... UGH! Well, I had such a blast doing her senior pics with her, and her two friends... coming up next...

Double Twins

2009-05-30T11:46:00.000-07:00

This session... I WORKED! Two twin boys, 4 years old, and their siblings, also twins, a boy and a girl, 18 months old. It was really fun, and even though I never got them all to cooperate at the same time... I did get some unforgettable shots. Julie is one of those moms, that she never leaves the house without a hair out of place, the kids always match, and HUGE lollipops just magically appear at the exact moment they are needed. I gave her special instruction to take the day off from matching everyone. I think she was out of her zone leaving the house like that, but they all looked great. I hope you enjoy your sneak peak.

Mulitple session... 1

2009-05-28T14:01:00.000-07:00

This mom has my vote as one mom I could never be. She has 2 older kids in school, but this session was just about the kids not in school. Imagine this, you have a three month old baby, and you find out you are pregnant again... WITH TWINS! These girls may have been tiring, but they were so adorable, and it was so easy to pick out the pictures to peak at. When the mom said, "We can't ever get the twins to smile at the same time!" So, I am not sure if this counts as smiling, but they are happy, and they are both looking at me... and to me... that was an accomplishment. Enjoy your sneak peak... Up Next... Another MOTHER OF THE YEAR! WITH MULTIPLES!

The single 3yr old!

2009-05-28T13:34:00.000-07:00

This was the first session of day two. Which as you will soon see, was also an exhausting day. This lil man was ready to do it. His mom punked him out, and he had the personality to go along with it.

Up next.... multiple multiples!

SOOOO Super HOT!

2009-05-27T17:05:00.000-07:00

This was the session that I felt the most comfortable at. (Is that alright to say?) John and Kathy are getting married this summer. I was researching locations for the mini sessions, and when I found this spot... I immediately thought of John and Kathy. Come to find out, they weren't looking for a photographer, but were more than willing to participate in my little show. And am I glad that they did. I am afraid these pictures don't do them justice. They were so beautiful for the camera. The location is a photographers DREAM come true! A whole neighborhood where the junk is turned into art! And fabulously dirty scenery for a HOT engagement session. Thank you guys for making this a super awesome session for me. I couldn't have asked for a better couple! There are so many images for me to choose from, I may just have to post more in the future. "N.E." time we are in the area, we need to get together just to take picutres!!! Good luck on the upcoming event. I can't wait to see the pictures from it. =)

Hardie Mini Session

2009-05-27T16:01:00.000-07:00

This session was a dual session with the previous post. Besides what I already mentioned I learned, I also learned I LOVE little girls with ATTITUDE! They are fun to capture, and fun to edit. There are so many possibilities! Enjoy your sneak peak... up next... John and Kathy! TOO HOT!!!

Mini session OVERLOAD... Take 1...

2009-05-27T10:36:00.000-07:00

While I was on my "Vacation" in Michigan, I was so blessed to have over 20 mini sessions scheduled. This was my time to shoot a range of subjects, and build my portfolio while attempting to capture a few successful images. During my FIRST session, of my FIRST day, with my cousins... we received a call that my grandmother had unexpectedly passed away. This was not part of my plan for the week. My heart was broken, and sad. I was so blessed to have known her for almost 30 years. She was a tender, and stubborn spirit, that would never interfere with anyone, or their plans. So, I did my best, tried to keep my spirits up, and carried on like business as usual. My babysitter a.k.a. Lulu, a.k.a. Mom, was not able to do the same. She had daughterly business to take care of, and so my schedule needed to be rearranged. I am sorry to report that there were several sessions I had to cancel. I was bummed, but I was also blessed to have been in Michigan for the arrangements of my grandmother.

Now... lets talk pictures... The first session was like I said, of my cousins kids. There were 5 kids all 6 and under! YIKES! I had my work cut out for me. They arrived all darling, and I am sure... bribed. I did learn a few things from this session, and either you can agree with me, or learn from me... with kids, there are lots of things to keep in mind... run fast, click click click click click, check lighting often!, HIGH shutter speed! These are things that I learned after the session. Thank goodness for PHOTOSHOP... I generally don't like B&W pictures, but in situations, where I quit paying attention to silly things, it sure does make for a cute shot. I give you... The Hemmingways. (Doesn't that sound so classic? Mmmmm... I love it!)

Regarding future mini-session posts... I am posting in order that they were taken. I will process and post till my puinney little brain can't take it anymore, then I will play with my two year old, then take a nap, then cook dinner, then post some more. You will receive your digital images in 2-3 weeks. Up next.... The Hardies! =)

Travis and Meagan's Wedding/Sandbridge

2009-05-27T09:57:00.000-07:00

This must be the season for beach weddings. Wait... in Virginia Beach, I think it is always the season for beach weddings. And I get to assist in shooting at them! Not being from the "Beach", makes it extra exciting for me. I would imagine in other parts of the country, a photographer would LOVE to shoot in settings such as these ones. It is extra special for me to be able to tag along with Amy. The couple is beautiful. The setting is beautiful. The weather is of course beautiful. Wedding Photographer life is pretty nice. I LOVE IT!

Joe and Chrissy's Wedding/ Sandbridge Beach

2009-05-27T07:11:00.000-07:00

WOW! I really haven't forgotten about my photography blog. I am so flattered that I actually have followers. I never even imagined! I have been crazy busy taking pictures, and LOVING IT! Well, there are some things that I love, and some things that I just like. And in all honesty... some things I don't like at all. Here are a couple of shots from the very first wedding ever, that I got to shoot at, with Amy Sandoval. How can you not LOVE weddings? This couple made it so easy for me to love shooting at weddings. They were breath takingly beautiful, and LOVE oozed from their smiles. The first thing I learned here, is that I can't hide my tears with my camera... it fogs up the view finder. The sneak peak is way past due, so I just picked two of my favorite images. Lots more pictures to come this week.

What a COOL JOB!

2009-05-09T04:28:00.000-07:00

Since I have been an apprentice for Amy Sandoval, I have been HOOKED UP! The more time I spend with Amy, the more I am so glad that I took this opportunity with her. I have been able to have experiences and learning opportunities, that most photographers don't even have until that have their own business. She is such a great motivator for me. Today I am going to be a second shooter at a wedding with her. WOW! Can you believe that? So, in order to prepare for the wedding, she gave me her back up camera to learn on, with the option of shooting with Canon, or Nikon. So, here is the perfect example of an opportunity that doesn't just happen for everyone! So imagine my dilemma....

My very first camera, one that has been there for me from the very beginning, one that has inspired me to continue on this journey of capturing pure and raw emotions. Ticks me off sometimes, and makes me want to throw it, but still, I have a connection with this lil peanut!

Then, big bad 30D just falls into my lap. It is MASSIVE! It is so amazing! It is HEAVY! It also captures the pure raw emotions! I love it. I have yet to want to throw her.

These pictures were taken at the same exposure, same shutter speed, same ISO, same exp. comp. and they get a very different look. Of course the picture taken by the Nikon is a touch out of focus... what else is new? Hence, me wanting to throw her! Wish me luck on my shoot tonight!!!

Trying this photography thing out!

2009-05-04T11:03:00.000-07:00

Welcome to my first post on my photography blog. I'm not sure that this whole photography thing is for me. What I do know, is 1) I have been passionate about it for 2 years! 2) I enjoy taking pictures, and even have a pretty decent camera! 3) It is so frustrating and yet equally fun! So, I have created this Blog, to put some of my stuff on. It may turn out to be more than I thought, and may never be updated again! However, as for today, I have a post!

Before I tell you about this awesome family, I would like to establish rules for my new blog....

1) Please feel free to comment. I love to hear what people think!
2) Blogs are usually used to blow smoke... but I am here to learn. I am here to try and see if it is at all possible for me to become as good as the "real" photographers. So, if you are going to "BLOW SMOKE" please do so, however, please help me to be better too.
3) If you don't have something nice to say, say it anyway! If you are more comfortable emailing me, because you don't want everyone to know you are being critical, that is FINE I understand. I chose to KEEP IT REAL on my blog posts, and that makes some people uncomfortable. So email me anytime!
4) If you chose not to abide by these rules, then I will throw you into the fiery pit with all the junky pictures I take, and you can yell when you are ready to play by the rules!

These are our first friends in Virginia Beach. They are here only for a few months while training to be an Officer in the Marines, but while they are here, we are having fun playing. The mom is pregnant and due to deliver in August, and is so absolutely adorable as a pregnant gal. I really want to shoot maternity pictures for her. The problem is she doesn't think she is as adorable as she really is. Which I think is pretty typical with most expecting mommies.

About the pictures... I am learning how to play on CS3. Thus far, is the most stressful step. I am not good at art work on computers. I found this action that I thought was fun. Not really typically my style, but I don't know how to convey my style yet, so this is how they turned out. There is so much to learn, and I am trying to tell myself to be patient, and take baby steps. UGH! It's too hot for baby steps! And really, I am too old for that! But, I'm trying. And just like life, you have to do a little bit at a time, then come back and tackle it again. So, thanks again for visiting! I hope there is more to come!