Riverview's 1st (and amazing) International Fair

We've Moved

That's right. the new improved Blog is now up and ready to visit. The work on the new website and it's blog has kept me from updating this blog like I would have liked, maybe now that it's done, the new blog will get the attention it deserves. Check it out at Reminisce with Us / Blog

The King's Princess and Prince

I enjoyed being able to photograph Brett and and Siena. They are both a lot of fun and growing so fast. I also thought I would use there photos to play around some with a way of sharing there proofs.

Remember, I said proofs. These aren't finished images here yet.

There's a New Sheriff in Town

We had the pleasure of photographing Miss Lakeside Rodeo 2008, Emily Gay, and there's no better compliment than having a customer tell others about you. So this week, Donna and I were able to photograph the NEW Rodeo Queen, Mackenzie Cayford, and Princess, Jillian Zavadil. Take a peek at a few images from there very fun session this week.

And many thanks to Emily for helping us with it. Your a blast on both sides of the camera.

Roosa Family Video

Just because I've said it before doesn't mean I don't mean it. I love what Donna and I are photographers, and that we get to meet the best people. The Roosas Rock!!!

Tim's video

On the Brink of Change

I love my job! I get to meet the best people, and Tim, a high school senior I just photographed, is another perfect example of that. Guys his age are sometimes a little slow to warm up in front of the camera, but not Tim. He was really fun to get to know, and he easily pulled off the serious looks, and the bright smiles. Thanks Tim and Barbie for letting me capture such an important time in Tim's life.

1+2=3

Sometimes you get most of the subjects in a photo looking just as they should, and other times you just have to add a little Photoshop love to a couple of them to bring it all together. We love getting those ideal family portraits, but there is something just plain funny about what happens when you are getting those portraits.



And another little video too.

Beth & Family

A short video of Beth and her family. Without going on and on, let me just say it's amazing how you can be inspired by different people. Especially those that can ride the storm of difficult times with grace and a smile. This family has inspired me for that reason. More than I'm able to find words for.

Too Many Rolls?

I've heard it and I believe it, that keeping your blog up to date is important, and shows those checking in that you are keeping busy. The thing is, I'm keeping busy enough that I haven't found time to be posting on my blog. Shame on me. I think I may have too many rolls. Wife, mommy, friend, t-ball supporter, elementary school supporter, pre-school supporter, cleaning lady, chef, family CFO, cruise director... and that's just the start of the home stuff. You don't want me to bore you further with the job stuff at this time. I love all these rolls, but it's not easy with only 24 hours in the day.

The great thing is, I am keeping busy. I've been continuing my education, photographing some wonderful families, and even playing around with some images when I get the chance. But those wonderful families I told you about need me to get their images to them, so until the next time, enjoy all your rolls too, and make sure you don't forget to take care of yourself along the way.

Play Ball!

We are now a baseball family. T-ball actually. Opening day ceremonies included an appearance by Mr. Padre himself, Tony Gywnn! We had a blast watching Charlie's first T-ball game. Check out our little movie. You'll learn that I'm a still photographer at this time for a reason. If you want a videographer, hire a professional.
The fun songs are by Trace Adkins and Everlast & House of Pain.

Click To Play

Miss Lakeside Rodeo Queen, Emily Gay

We recently had the absolute pleasure of photographing the 2008 Lakeside Rodeo Queen, Emily Gay. She is just as sweet as she is beautiful. We had a wonderful time photographing her near her new home out in Japatul. Just like many times before, Donna and I said we weren't going to take too many photos, but it's hard to stop when you are having so much fun, and the images are rockin'. Here are a couple from the day.

Kirkemo's -The Kiss

For those of you who don't know, I earned my degree in Art. I may be a photographer by trade, but it's the art that I love creating. It's also fun and rewarding to see the familiarity of an iconic piece in my images. Chances are, you didn't need to study art history to recognize the famous image, The Kiss, by Gustav Klimt. And I think it's clear by looking at these side to side, why I thought of this painting when taking this image. There may be 100 year between these images, but the passion is equivalent.

Old Town Wedding for Leila & Enrique

We ended the year with a breathtaking wedding in Old Town San Diego, and it was a great treat. Leila & Enrique exchanged vows at The Catholic Church Of The Immaculate Conception. The church and the area around it made for some very vivid and rich images. Donna and I couldn't have imagined Leila and Enrique looking more in love with each other after photographing their engagement session, but somehow they both managed to glow with love even more on their wedding day.

Their reception was held at the San Diego Courtyard by Marriott, right there within Old Town. The venue is lovely on it's own, with an ideal indoor/outdoor reception facilities and yummy food (Mmmm). But it was the above-and-beyond service to the couple and their guests that really stood out. Hats off to the Catering Sales Manager, Desiree Weyls, and her team.

Our Christmas Card

Like many of you, the year was just too fast. The next thing we knew, it was that time again to send off holiday cards, and we never got our own family portrait taken. I guess itls like the mechanic with the broken down car. Being a proud mommy, I wanted to show off some of my favorite photos of my two little guys that bring so much happiness to our lives. So I designed the card to show off some favorite photos from the past 12 months. Yes, I know there's a crying shot of Colton and a pout on Charlie's face in another, but they are still some of my favorite pictures of them.

We hope you all had a fantastic holiday and that the year ahead is filled with wonderful blessings for each of you.

What a Great Compliment

I deeply love being a photographer. It's an honor when people ask you to capture their important moments of their lives. Moments that are quickly passing, and will not be the same again. The honor is complimented when customers use my images on their holiday cards, and send them of to share their greetings and these fleeting moments with the ones they love. It's a great compliment when I get a holiday card from someone and it happens to be of an image I took for them.

The first photo posted here is an examples of that. It's a composite of the Davis Family photo session. You may have seen some of their maternity photos that I posted. Where does the time go?



These following images are from a wonderful couple who's wedding I photographed. It's wonderful to be able to record this stage of their life with them as well. I'm looking forward to being baby Russo's first paparazzi. The first one posted of them is what they used for their holiday card (what a great way to say they like my work), the other two are a couple of my favorites from their session.

Charlie's Birthday Party

Charlie wanted a surprise party for his fifth birthday, and that's just what he got. You can click on this posts title to have a peek. I hope you enjoy some snapshots from the day in this little movie.

Leila & Enrique

The best engagement sessions are the ones that really reflect the personal side of the couple, not just a more traditional location. They are more fun for the couple and more fun for the photographer since it may be a place we don't usually shoot. With Leila and Enrique, he LOVES tennis, but Leila seems to know what she's getting herself into, and besides, she can still distract him from the game well enough. The first half of the session began at Barnes Tennis Center. It's a really nice place that I would love to play at sometime. Too bad I can't play tenni
For the second half of the shoot, we went to In and Out Burger. It's got to be the tastiest burger joint ever! And it's the place that this gorgeous couple goes to whenever they have something to celebrate.
Their wedding is the end of December in Old Town. It's going to be BEAUTIFUL!

Sarah & Matt in Cleveland

I know I should have posted these a long time ago, but better late than never, right? Here are just a few of my favorite images from Matt & Sarah's wedding. If you want to see even more, scroll down and look for the link to their movie.





Sarah & Matt were the first couple I've seen "Rock the Reception"


The couple tied the knot in Sarah's hometown of Cleveland, but they live in New York City. And in true NY fashion... the couple's last song was Frank Sinatra's "New York, New York" and they drove off in a yellow cab. It was beyond cool.

Now Look What I've Started

Not too long ago, I was busy posting photos of customers up on my blog, now I'm posting family photos like crazy and there doesn't seem to be any end in site. Don't worry, I'm only kidding. I've got more than a few images from some recent shoots I want to share with you all, but how could I NOT post this picture of Colton? For those of you who know him, he can be a real pistol, but then he'll go off and flash those eyes of his along with that smile you see. Who can resist this little stinker?

A Boy, A Brother, & A Train

It may have been the same day I took the picture of Charlie below that he ended up with his first black eye. That's right, Charlie's little brother Colton decided to throw that yellow metal train at Charlie's head. The black eye isn't really that bad as you can see for yourself, but I had to post the pictures of our first-born's first shinner.



Here's one of the victim with Colton holding People's Exhibit A

Yes, I take pictures of my kids too.

I know I don't often post photos of my own little angels, but I do take their pictures. Here's some proof. Okay, so it's only one of Charlie and his brother is A.W.L., but at least it's a new picture.

I don't think that I'm the only photographer out there who finds it challenging to photograph their own children. Poor Charlie and Colton are pretty much over the camera and so they seem to go running when I point it at them. It never seems to be as easy with my own kiddos. This picture is a good example. You see, it was going to be one of Charlie sitting under the tree, then it turned into him on his belly, which eventually turned into him laughing while chillin' on his back. The only reason I got this one was because I've got a pretty fast trigger finger these days and I really need it with my kids. What keeps me going is when I get a sweet shot like this one. It makes it all worth it to me as a mommy and a photographer.

P.S. I really need to work at getting my images the same size on this blog. Don't worry, I'll work on that.

Something must Matter to YOU, right?

I was doing a little blog hopping today and found this gem on another fellow photographer, Jessica Claire's, site. I love her style which is why I stop by her blog from time to time to see what going on with her. She had this video posted and I couldn't agree with it more or resist posting it here to help spread the word. Please share this with everyone.

Travis & Aliah's Wedding in Mexico

In August, Aliah and Travis exchanged vows South of the border at the Estero Beach Resort. It was a blast of a weekend (see the post called "FRIDAY IN MEXICO - CLICK HERE" for proof). Aliah & Travis are inspiration and a blessing rolled up in happiness and laughter. Congratulations again you two and thanks for a fabulous weekend.



The ring bearer, Cash, gave it his best shot, but the day proved to be too long for him. Luckily, his Uncle stepped up to the newest and greatest roll in a wedding... The Ring Bearer, Bearer.


I'm think I'm fully in my "I love old looking pictures" phase.

Sarah and Matt's Wedding Day Movie

To view the movie best and a little larger, do NOT click the large play button you will see. Instead, go to the file name below or to the left and open it up directly from there.

Now, click on this posts title above to take you to the movie and enjoy some pictures from their day.

Happy Anniversary Adrian & Justin

Today is Adrian & Justin's 2 year wedding anniversary. Thanks to the "hurry up and wait" military lifestyle, these two hurried their vows along 2 years ago today. This Saturday, they had their wedding portraits taken. I was so happy to learn that they didn't just push it off and end up never doing it. Photographs really are just too important. I'm glad these two feel the same way and gave us the opportunity to make this happen for them. This wonderful couple deserves a wonderful happily ever after. Happy Anniversary Adrian & Justin!

Dawn and John's Wedding

I can tell you that I have been to LOTS of wedding both with a camera and as a guest, and I can sincerely say that I enjoy them very much, and I really do cry at nearly everyone. REALLY. There are just still so... romantic about them still to me. There were lots of beautiful things about about Dawn and John's wedding, but if I could only tell you one special thing about it, it was just watching John look into Dawn's eyes throughout the ceremony. I don't think I've ever seen a groom immersed in the moment or the event the way John was. There was no nervousness, no timidness, only a poised man, confident and thankful for this beautiful woman and this day.
As usual, here a few images from their very special wedding day.

Friday in Mexico - Click HERE!!!

If you would like to see some picture from the Friday before Travis & Aliah's wedding at Estero Beach, Mexico, click on this posts title for the link. Once there, don't get suckered into the big button in the center. It's a small file. Instead, click the MPEG4 file on the far left under the VIEW MOVIE area, or the link in the INDIVIDUAL FILE area.

Beautiful Day

I am back from my trip to Cleveland and have a couple other things that I'm working that you'll be seeing shortly, but I wanted to post one quick photo from my latest adventure.

Why am I sharing this one with you when you know that I have many others that are close up and show the beautiful faces that filled the day? Because I was there and although it may not be artistically stimulating, I experienced certain emotions as took this image.

I'm drawn to it because it shows the large sky. A sky nearly as large as the love that was felt on this day. The sun, like their love, triumphed over the clouds and the rain to make for a day that could not have been more magnificent. Textured with the clouds as it's remains, the storm was destined to be defeated by romance and love's entitlement.

Bravo, Sarah and Matt!

Kira

Kate and Kyle have a baby sister, and isn't she beautiful! Kira was born in July and these are some photos from her session when she was less than a week old. As you can see for yourself, she's in good hands.

Looking at my photos, you can see that I do use some actions on many of them. That is not the case with big brother Kyle's picture. Straight up, this little guys eyes are this striking.