Smiles for Scarlette

As I sat writing my blog posts for this week I stared at the blank page with Tipton at the top wondering what to write.  This post is raw and from the heart as my heart is so heavy for this family.  This is not what I wanted to write about - I prayed so hard it would be different but its not....

I met Simone when she was all of 2 years old!  She was the most beautiful little girl in my Sunday School class and so funny!  We had to ditch the lesson once because at story time Simone told us all she had Beauty and the Beast panties and showed us! (sorry Simone!)  Then all the little girls in the circle had to share what panties they had on. I panicked a little at the though of what was happening.  What if, when asked after class by their parents what they learned, they all said what kind of panties everyone had on!  That's why I have always loved Simone!  She is strong, she is beautiful and she is funny!

Last November I did Simone's maternity shoot in San Juan Capistrano.  I was so excited for Matt and Simone to be having a little girl!  We had so much fun - laughed and joked a lot that day.  We joked at the end that Scarlette could be my first Tiny Footprints Project baby to shoot.  (Tiny Footprints does complementary photo sessions for families with babies in the NICU)  Since Kayden their son had come early and Scartlete was threatening to follow in her brothers footsteps it was a possibility.  That was a Saturday and Simone was in the hospital Monday in labor at 31 weeks.    

So I did all I knew how to do - I prayed.

Big brother Kayden

In and out of the hospital for the next few weeks but they managed to keep her cooking another month.  Somehow I knew something wasn't right.  I waited a day or so and contacted Catherine Simones mom to see if everything was ok...the answers were vague as to her condition but she had something wrong with her arm.    

So I did all I knew how to do  - I prayed.

Five months have passed and Scarlette has had several surgeries.  She was born with a large tumor in her arm and back.  The past 5 months have been a roller coaster ride for the family.  Scarlette has spent more time in the hospital than out in her short 5 months.  Things were looking up with the last surgery.  They were able to remove much of the tumor in her back and for the first time since birth she had a normal back.  Last week Matt and Simone got news no parent should have to hear especially with a 5 month old - the tumor was malignant - Sarcoma of some sort.  Another vague answer.  Her condition is so rare that the doctors say there will be books written about her.

Sheltraw girls visiting (photo credit Tom Sheltraw)

Praying without ceasing - I am doing all I know how to do.  I have had many sleepless nights praying for this sweet smiling baby!  While my heart breaks for Matt and Simone and the family, I know they are strong.  I know that their faith will carry them on this long road.  

If you would like to help the family on this journey please visit their website on Youcaring.com.  You can also follow their Facebook page here Smiles With Scarlette.  Please share their story as they are praying someone out there may have answers.  The internet can be awesome like that!

Simone's blog can be found here.

Praying without ceasing......

OC Photo Summit | Rancho Santa Margarita Photographer

Education is SO important to me, I spend most of my business dollars investing in keeping current and fresh.  I will be trying to pass some of my knowledge on in future blog posts - so stay tuned!

I attended the amazing Orange County Photo Summit last September and again this past weekend.  The Summit is held at Saddleback Church and is completely FREE!  They have top notch speakers and workshops and did I mention its FREE!!  Ok so investment was time but it stilled payed big dividends!  If you are in Orange County are look up the Photography Basics Meet up group at Saddleback Church- they have such great classes, everyone is welcome, and its always FREE!!!  Click here to join the meet-up!

Last year since it was my first time I sat amazed at the big name talent that was teaching.  Hanson Fong was the main speaker he is a Canon Master of Light.  He is a master of posing - Ah-mazing!  

I did a workshop with a local wedding photographer - David Do check out his site here (not that I'm doing wedding!).  David  is a genius when it comes to quick flow posing for couples.   These are some of the images from his workshop...

amazing window light

amazing window light

Studio Lighting...

Studio Lighting

My next workshop was with Rebecca Thatcher you can check her out here.   She had the cutest little models!  Posing was the big draw for me here also...its my weak link!  I think I am finally starting to trust myself and what I have learned! 

This year my hubby came along.  He enjoyed the Canon Master of Light Jennifer Wu you can check out her work here.  She does landscape photography and is an amazing artist!  And then there was Jasmine Star, I took a full workshop with her earlier in the week and have to say she is the bomb!  A wedding photographer with a gift of sharing her story and helping other photographers become who they truly are! (more in another blog post coming!)  Thank you Jasmine for opening my eyes and giving me direction!   

Jasmine*

I wound up not doing any workshops this time - just chatting for me!  I ran into an old friend and made a new one while I was there.  (girls watch for a new Hair and Make Up Artist for your shoots coming soon!)  

I will leave you with a few images my husband captured with his borrowed gear from Cannon - 6D with a 24-105L lens.  

Looking forward to whats in store for next year - it just gets better every year!

Gentry Family | Irvine Regional Park Photographer | Senior Photographer

"There are certain people in your life that no matter how long you go without talking whenever you do, you pick up where you left off. Or no matter how many miles apart, the distance will never change a thing"  Karen Kostyla

This is so true of Maureen and I!  Time passes because of busy lives then we connect again and we just catch up and pick up where we left off!Maureen and I met when we were 9 years old.  We moved to this new frontier called Laguna Niguel - it was LOTS of open space with some houses sprinkled in.  We both got jobs at Gemco (now the Target off Alicia in Mission Viejo) and thats where we met our hubby's!  They worked in mens wear and we worked in fabrics.  The guys became roommates - the weddings followed - kids after that and we just somehow lost touch.  We still live in the same town and catch up when we can and its always a good time when we do!

Last year about this time Maureen called to have me do Senior Portraits of her daughter Emily and a family portrait.  Emily was graduating from Trabuco Hills High School and going off to college soon.  Of course I was super excited for this shoot!  They chose the beautiful Irvine Regional Park for their shoot one of my favorite places.

This is Emily she is so beautiful!

Mom wanted one of Alise and Emily together in letterman's jackets - she had a plan for hanging her portraits on the wall!  I love that they are on the wall where they can enjoy them!  (we had to take a few without the jackets!)

I love this beautiful family and their super cute dog named Bodie.  I think Bodie was smiling for the camera!

Or maybe Bodie was smiling because he thought he could catch a peacock - they are every where at Irvine Park.

These girls are incredibly intelligent as well as beautiful!  Alise graduated with high honors from UC Davis and is now at Cal State Berkley.  Emily is just finishing her first year at UC Santa Barbara.

Ben and Maureen have a lot to be proud of with these girls!

I Don't Know What to Wear....

How to choose your session wardrobe in 10 simple steps!

Be You

Wear what you are going to be most comfortable in!  Look in your closet and choose a color you wear most often and a style that is you!  If you are doing family portraits do your best to bring in everyones style while still harmonizing with the rest of the family.  

Be Comfortable

You want to look relaxed in your photo and the more comfortable you feel the more relaxed you will look.  Make sure that you are comfortable sitting, standing and possibly laying down in whatever you choose.  

Ladies: V-neck and open collars will elongate the neck.  Bulky sweaters and turtlenecks will cause you to look bulky.  Form fitting but not tight is best for flattering your figure!

Guys: Collared shirts will frame the face and make you look your best.  Same goes for you guys with the baggy clothes - they WILL make you look bigger!

Be Bold and Bright

Choose maybe one piece that is bold or bright in your color scheme and build from there.  Maybe your daughter has a dress you love with a colorful print, choose 3 colors from the dress and build everyone else’s outfits from those colors.  Try not to mix too many patterns or prints together we want you to blend and coordinate.

Tip: Wear something that contrasts your skin and makes you stand out from the clothing rather than blending with what you have on.  We want You to be the main attraction of the photo not the clothes!

Be Clean and Pressed

Seems like an easy one but some need a reminder!  Please make sure your clothes are clean.  Dirt and stains will show up in photos and are not always able to be Photoshoped out.  Make sure you iron before the shoot - I don't do ironing at home or in photoshop!  

Ladies: Fresh polish on your nails (fingers and toes) looks so much better than chipped up polish!

Don't Match

Coordinate is the word here!  Gone are the days of everyone in jeans and white shirts! (I have a few of those in the house)  Choose no more than 3 colors and coordinate everyones outfits.  Example: You can use grey as your base color and add pops of yellow and turquoise.  Layers are great for photos a scarf, well fitting jacket, or cardigan sweater add great texture and depth.  I have a Pintrest board (here) set up with lots of ideas of what to wear and how to coordinate.  

Don't Be Dated

Wear something classic so that you wont be too dated looking back at your photos. Logos or pictures will date you and they just don’t look so great in a portrait! This goes for hair and makeup also, don’t go too trendy.

Don't Forget the Shoes

Make sure your shoes coordinate with your outfit.  A great pair of boots or heels can make a fun statement and are a good place to show a little more personality.  Never under any circumstances wear athletic shoes!  They are a big NO NO!  

Guys: go with simple black or brown to blend.  

Ladies: If you are wearing a dress remember heels will make your legs look longer and leaner!  

Do Accessories

This is a place you can get fun and funky!  Hats, scarves, hair accessories, and layered necklaces are all a fun way to add texture and pop to your photos.  This is also a good place for that personality to shine through!  Props make good accessories also, an instrument, sports item, books, or anything that you love and want to incorporate into the photos.

Do Plan Ahead

Make sure you start planning your wardrobe as soon as you book your session.  This will cut down on that last minute stress and help you be more relaxed for your session.  

Tip: Looking at your decor and where you want to display your photo may help you decide on a color palette.

  

Have Fun

This is the most important part!  In years to come you may look back and laugh at the clothes or hairstyle you chose, but you will always cherish the photo!  So have fun, relax and create a great memory to look back on!

Peterson Family | Mission Viejo Family Photographer

I had so much fun doing this family! Julie approached me about doing their family Christmas photos and had a fun idea. She wanted an awkward family photo and a "real" photo on the card. I had fun looking for a location that had something awkward for them and found it at the Oso trail. I knew the "oso" or bear would be the perfect place for their awkward photo. They showed up with their awkward matching clothes along with the real outfits. We had so much fun!! The bear shots were awesome and then we decided to have some fun and did some hiding in the bushes and peeking around the trees. I love some of the crazy faces they made to make it really awkward!

McCormick Family | O'Neill Park | Family Photographer

Got the Christmas card (so cute!) so its safe to post...

O'Neill park has become one of my favorite places to shoot.  God's handiwork is evident in every little crevice of the park. We live in such an amazing area, right up against the city of Rancho we have this wilderness park that makes you feel like you're so far away. The phrase of the day for this shoot was "look you guys this is right in our backyard!" I love that Darlene, I think about it every time I'm there now.  We are so lucky to live in such a beautiful area.
Ok, I have to say I LOVE this family!!! I had so much fun with them a few months ago in O'Neill park. I think I was laughing through most of this shoot.  Darlene you have a beautiful family inside and out!  I love your kids they are a blast...Thank you Patrick, Darlene, Abby, Chris, and Gracie for a fun afternoon!

Ross & Debbie Chapman | Los Rios District San Juan Capistrano

My sister and her husband came down for their anniversary trip to Disneyland in September.  When they were married 2 years ago they made Disneyland their honeymoon spot as they are both Disney Lovers!  They come down every year for their anniversary and we get a chance to hang out at the Happiest Place on Earth!  This year we took a side trip to Los Rios Street in San Juan Capistrano for lunch and a few impromptu photos.  I had been trying to get photos of Cody and he was not wanting grandma to take pictures of him AGAIN, but when I was shooting Debbie and Ross he backed himself up against them to be in the picture!  Love you guys and can't wait for your next Disney trip...

The Tipton Family | Rancho Santa Margarita Lake

I know I am really behind in getting some families on the blog!  So here goes...

I had the pleasure of shooting the Tipton family way back in August!  I have known Simone (mommy) since she was in my preschool class at church!  I remember the first time I had Simone in Sunday School, when the kids left I said to my husband "I can't wait to see what she looks like grown up" she was beautiful and still is!  It seems like yesterday she walked into my class in her cute little dresses and now she's all grown up, a wife and a mommy!   I did tell her it freaked me out a little when she said  "my husband"!  You are a lucky man Matt to have Simone and little Kayden in your life!