Blackaby Sneak Peek {Mill Valley Couples' Photographer}

Meet Daniel Blackaby, fourth generation author. Currently writing the second book from his fantasy trilogy, as well as being a student and a teacher; it's a busy life. With such a great smile, we had to work for the serious shots, this is one happy guy!

Needing updated head shots as well as wanting current photos of he and his wife, we started our session on a beautiful afternoon in Tiburon and ended in FREEZING fogginess in Mill Valley. It's amazing how quickly the temperature dropped once that typical Southern Marin fog rolled in.

This couple make each other laugh so much and it was a pleasure to spend a couple of hours with them, capturing their love. I hope you enjoy your sneak peek guys...more to come.

Space Shuttle Endeavour

NASA's Space Shuttle Endeavour flew over the Bay Area this morning (atop a 747) on the last phase of her journey to Los Angeles, where she will spend the rest of her days in a museum.

It was a beautiful morning, so after taking the two older children to school I headed out with my littlest to see what we could see. We waited, anxious and excited, with a small crowd who had gathered; some walking dogs, some with binoculars or cameras (many with smartphones, checking the progress on Twitter or the news).

It was incredible to watch from our vantage point in Strawberry, Mill Valley, as she circled the Bay. We were granted a striking view and I could not believe how close she flew by; it was spectacular, moments I will not forget. To know that she had flown into space 25 times and now was flying her final farewell, right above our heads was pretty amazing, although also a little sad. So glad I got to see it.

Day In The Life - September 2012

Often photographers end up neglecting the documentation of their own families. Sometimes it can be due to being too busy with client work, or a lack of inspiration, or just not being able to balance everything. This is my 'Day in the Life Project'. I have chosen the first day each month to document, from morning to night, so that each month I am guaranteed photographs of my family and my life.

September 1st we were away for the weekend. With a husband in school, resources are tight and we are grateful that Jenness Park offers a discount for Seminary students. We had previously visited in the winter and the kids had a blast sledding and playing in the snow, so this was a very different experience. The weather was wonderful and they got to fish and play in the water and kayak, while I caught up on reading for pleasure and did not have to worry about cooking and cleaning (that's what a real vacation is all about). It was only a couple of days, but it was a great way to end our summer.

These are not technically perfect (far from it), or portrait-worthy, this is just real life. If you are doing something similar leave me a comment with a link to where I can follow along with you, I would love that!

Twins {Cotati Newborn Photographer}

Before I had children of my own, I remember thinking how wonderful it would be to have twins. The adorable matching outfits, best friends for life and sure it would be a lot of work to start with, but it would get easier and they would always have someone to play with, to confide it. Then I had my first child and was overwhelmed and tired and wondered how anybody would be able to do it with two. Now of course we never had family around to be able to help, but even so...parents of twins have my utmost respect and admiration!

I recently had the pleasure of photographing adorable twin girls. So tiny and perfect! Twice the fun and twice the work; we had to be patient and just as one would finally settle down, the other would awake. In the end I think it was all worth it, they are beautiful, just like their Mama. Enjoy!

A Day in the Life - August 2012

Often photographers end up neglecting the documentation of their own families. Sometimes it can be due to being too busy with client work, or a lack of inspiration, or just not being able to balance everything. This is my 'Day in the Life Project'. I have chosen the first day each month to document, from morning to night, so that each month I am guaranteed photographs of my family and my life.

August 1st came and went and I completely forgot it was my day to document. Oh well, there are no rules so I just chose another day, which ended up being August 7th, the day after I realized my neglect. My poor husband worked the previous night and came home at 3am that morning, with a toothache. He ended up with an emergency dental appointment and five hours later a (very expensive) root canal! These things cannot be predicted.

These are not technically perfect (far from it), or portrait-worthy, this is just real life. If you are doing something similar leave me a comment with a link to where I can follow along with you, I would love that!

Welcome Baby Owen - Bjerke Sneak Peek {Davis Newborn Photographer}

You are duly warned, this is a picture heavy post :)

Two people making a new, perfect combination of themselves and in a moment life is changed forever! Each child brings change, but the firstborn turns lives upside down. Never did time fly so fast and so slow simultaneously. Sheer exhaustion and elation.

It is an amazing thing when a child is welcomed and loved and a family is created. The chance to finally understand, in the smallest of ways, how our parents must have felt, the chance for relationships to change and grow.

It was so great to visit Jenny and Mark and see them as parents! Crazy in some ways, yet perfectly natural now that it has happened. I loved his little room they worked on, with all the owl details. I wonder how many hours were lovingly put into making each little owl perched on the branches of the tree and hanging from the mobile?

Owen is the cutest baby, all 9lbs 2oz of him. Just look at his adorable lips and chubby cheeks. If I was his Mama I would be kissing and squeezing him all day long.

Of course there was even an owl hat!

 They are a family!

  

Congratulations again Jenny and Mark, Owen is just perfect!

A Day In The Life - July 2012

Often photographers end up neglecting the documentation of their own families. Sometimes it can be due to being too busy with client work, or a lack of inspiration, or just not being able to balance everything. This is my 'Day in the Life Project'. I have chosen the first day each month to document, from morning to night, so that each month I am guaranteed photographs of my family and my life.

July 1st was a Sunday; we headed to church and that Sunday we also went to a Creekside Picnic. My kids love to play in the creek and it's always fun to hang out with friends. These are memories being built and friendships being strengthened. Thanks again to the Burtts for sharing their space with us all!

These are not technically perfect (far from it), or portrait-worthy, this is just real life. If you are doing something similar leave me a comment with a link to where I can follow along with you, I would love that!

Happy 4th July

Happy Birthday America! This is the country I call home, and have for over 13 years. I am blessed to live here and to get to appreciate the freedoms it shares. Of course I miss England and the people I left behind there, but I have nothing to complain about. I have made amazing friends, I get to live in the beautiful Bay Area and I do not take it for granted.

I skipped the parade this morning but will be celebrating, with friends and family tonight. Stay safe and don't forget to be grateful everyone!