Chris Nelson Photography

Semilla Snack Bags

2012-03-05T22:38:00.001-08:00

Semilla- (noun, feminine): Spanish for seed.

(pronounced: Suh-me-uh)

Semilla- (noun, awesome): an incredible line of eco-friendly, reusable, and fashionable snack and lunch bags.

"Plant the seed to conserve one snack at a time"

-Alyssa Rodas, founder and owner of Semilla Snack Bags.

Thank you Alyssa for making Earth a better place. I am proud to be a part of this effort.

To be a part of the conservation effort and purchase a Semilla Snack Bag visit:

www.semillasnackbags.com

or visit Semilla Snack Bag Facebook

Emma Jane

2012-03-03T20:54:00.000-08:00

You are their sunshine

Their only sunshine

You make them happy when skies are gray

You never know dear, how much they love you

Please don't take their sunshine away.

Emma,

Continue to shine.

Continue to be the light in the room.

{I know you will}

Little Bird and Babies in Green

2012-02-27T22:19:00.000-08:00

I met Ashley about a year ago when I did my very first newborn session with her 3rd {get that right, third} daughter Penelope.

It is always a delight to work with the Medinas but this session was especially special because I got to photograph their entire family (I've known her husband since high school) and because I stand 100% behind her product.

She makes fashionable, whimsical, adorable accessories for infants, toddlers and children....

I am not kidding you when I say you her products are to die for.

Go ahead, look at the photos below...

A D O R A B L E...

Love this photo...

Beautiful, joyful chaos....

Please check all of Ashley's beautiful accessories at

http://www.littlebirdca.com

or her facebook

I truly look forward to working with Little Bird and Babies in Green in the future.

Kirby Family

2012-02-23T21:54:00.000-08:00

What a beautiful family

on a beautiful California sunset evening.

Any friend of my best friend, Teri,

is a friend of mine.

I hope our paths will cross again in the near future.

Marketplace Grille

2012-02-19T21:58:00.000-08:00

Healthy.

Fresh.

Simply Delicious.

I'm not just saying this because I got paid to photograph this amazing food,

I actually got to try it

{and I'm so glad I did}

and so I can say

that this food is to die for.

Are you hungry yet?

{Now you know how I felt the entire shoot}

Go ahead listen to your mouth...

visit Marketplace Grille.

Two locations

La Jolla and Mira Mesa.

www.marketplacegrille.com

Noah and Jacob's Baptism

2012-02-12T23:12:00.000-08:00

A while back I did a baptism for baby Maddie

Do you remember?

The church ended up being closed

so her dedication was outside.

It ended up being so very lovely.

{nice work Jill and Mike}

Where her dedication was suppose to be, inside the Ranch House,

I never got to see....

until last weekend

when the keys were in hands of grandma Monique

and the church was opened.

It. was. stunning.

But what was more stunning than the church were the two little boys who were going to be baptized in it.

Practicing with grandpa..

"the Father...

the Son

the Holy Spirit...

Amen."

"Nice work Noah"

Grandma says.

With their Sunday's best shoes on,

the Holy water in place

the guests arrived and seated

and the cute "programs" in hand,

the baptism was ready to begin.

And so it does.

With the Godparent holding on to their Godchild,

the Officiant begins her words from the Lord.

There is a sense of peace and purity that fills the air.

It keeps some calm....

brings others together....

and brings everyone joy that is in that church.

Then it is time for the baptism.

Noah is now baptized

and a prayer is said for him.

{Noah, you were so brave}

And now Jacob is baptized too.

The beautiful ceremony is done.

and without a glitch {not even a crying baby!}

And now it is time to celebrate:

with kisses from grandma,

photographs to capture the moment,

jovial laughter,

and those special little touches that mean

God bless you, you did good, and I love you.

Congratulations to Noah and Jacob

and their Godparents.

It was a beautiful ceremony that I am thrilled

I was able to be a apart of.

God Bless.

Keplinger Family (x6)

2012-02-09T09:08:00.000-08:00

When I was young I alway thought I would have

lots and lot of children.

4 maybe 5.

I always wanted my kids to have siblings to play with and I always

wanted large holiday gatherings and events.

Ahhh.... the dream.

*pop*

That was my dream bubble being popped.

Because after the birth of my first child I realized that it would NEVER happen.

Sheesh! 1 child is more than enough,

we're thankful we made it with 2.

It has and still is challenging.

So I can't image having 5...

Dick and Judy: you. guys. are. saints.

How you did it?

I'm not sure.

But I can image that your life has been overfilled with

love

laughter

and

pure joy.

You did good dad and mom.

What a beautiful family you have.

**again sorry for the blurriness of the photos, still trying to figure out what happened with my blog**

To view clear photos click on this first photo and scroll through images in their true clarity.

Keplinger Family

2012-02-06T20:47:00.000-08:00

I have had the fortune of photographing this beautiful family

3 times.

And each time it has been such a pleasant experience.

But I do have to admit something...

when Aisha told me she wanted her last session to be at the beach...

I cringed.

Let's just say the beach is one place that I love to be at but it is my least favorite to photograph.

Too over done.

Too crowded.

Too many factors.

That being said, after this shoot, I was pleasantly surprised at

all the creative possibilities I was never thought the beach could offer.

So A + C.... you asked for California

and I hope I captured it for you.

I hope that you will be able to look at these pictures in Virginia

and see, feel, and be here in sunny SD.

I know you will be missed by many

{especially this special woman}

Thank you for always trusting in my work.

You amaze me every time I see you.

See you in DC.

;)

**Inside joke picture that had to be added**

PS these pictures are much more blurry on the blog than they really are... I'm trying to figure out what happened to my blog settings.

Ragland Sneak Peek

2012-01-30T22:27:00.000-08:00

Brody and Donovan remind me a lot of my two children...

Brody: sweet. mellow.

Donovan: spirited. high energy.

Brody: calm. willing.

Donovan: determined. independent. fireball.

Brody? Yeah, he's having a blast of the photo session.

Donovan? Oh, he's definitely not. *Till we pull out the candy ;)*

And just like my children,

nothing makes them quite as happy and bonded

as when their best pal shows up...

{little} man's best friend....

....that is for the moment...

Ahhh... can you feel the sibling love? ;)

Sydney

2012-01-27T21:29:00.000-08:00

I always feel bad when I don't blog about a family, especially one I like so much.

So better late then never...

When I met the Ramsey's last summer

I fell in love with their calmness

and their careless spirits.

Emily was only 5 month pregnant then and now

they have this sweet little girl, Sydney.

It's funny to think that the little bump then was

this perfect little angel.

J, E, E, and S

like I said before, it is always a pleasure.

I hope our paths will cross again.

(perhaps for another newborn session.... for a little boy? ;) )

Vision board

2012-01-15T15:52:00.000-08:00

When I first heard of a vision board a few years ago (do you remember "the secret" from Oprah?)
I thought it was a crock.
But then shortly after I realized how powerful positive thinking is.
And I realized that I had been doing it all my life.
Before I met Wes I had a specific list of 24 thing I wanted in a man.
It was hidden in my box of cards for years and
when I took it out 3 years after I had married Wes, I realized that he met all 24.

When it comes to my photography I am a lot less confident.

It is competitive and this industry is saturated with amazing photographers and images.

But,

I have to continue to be true to myself and I have to continue to believe that

I. WILL. SUCCEED.

I made a vision board today and I'd like to share it with you,
if it is ok.

1. This is a name tag I had when I worked at a small resturant in San Luis Obispo. That place made me very happy.
2. To be amazing in my photography.
3. This fortune has been hanging on my work cork board for over 15 years. It says "dont give up, the best is yet to come"
4. 300 likes on facebook.... not a fan? become one! click on the link and push "like"
5. Photography success- how it will be measured will be one or all of the three things happening:
- a large company (ie: Gap, etc) will hire me to do photographs
- someone will hire me to travel to take their photos
- my photograph will be in a magazine ad.
6. To be fit and 110 pounds.
7. Reminding myself that I am worth it.
8. Following my drive is going to help me succeed. I can't be anyone but me,
9. My friend told me this today "the squeaky wheel gets the grease"- make myself present
10. I wrote a letter to myself to remind me that I have to believe in myself and that others do to.
(thank you to those who do)
11. Stop drinking alcohol. Its bad for you. (so good though right?)
12. Ever since my Kookie Karma shoot, I'm changed. I want my kids to willingly eat vegetables, real food... specifically broccoli.
13. My kids names and footprints... just to make me smile.

What's your vision?
Will you make it happen?
I know I will.

Teagan's 9 months!

2012-01-10T14:40:00.000-08:00

Do you remember her?

At just few days old, she captured your hearts in the wild flowers....

And at 6 months she made you smile in orange grove...

And now at 9 months, she will warm your spirits and create pure J O Y.

What will she make you do at 1 year? We shall see...

Pierce and Roman

2012-01-05T21:55:00.000-08:00

Dear Roman,

I love how when I look at the pictures of you laughing,

it literally makes me laugh out loud.

It is contagious.

I love your cool hair.

I love your skinny red jeans.

I love that you will eat sushi with your mom at 10 in the morning. That's just awesome.

And I love how much you love your parents. Rock on.

Dear Pierce,

Thanks for playing chase with me at the play ground, I had fun. Did you?

Maybe next time you can be the monster and you can chase me.

You're really good at blowing the white things off the dandelions.

Finn loves to do that too, so maybe next time you guys can do it together.

You're a cool little man.

PS its a bummer you don't like that vest. It's quite cute on you.

Dear Juli and Wes,

How come you have some of the cutest kids ever?

I had a great time.

xoxo, C.

Kookie Karma

2011-12-30T22:55:00.000-08:00

I am beyond impressed with Juli Novotny, founder and owner of Kookie Karma

At 24 she started her own business

and now her products sell nation wide in (what I like to call)

"good for you" grocery stores (ie: whole foods)

Her products are handmade fresh, natural, organic, vegan, gluten free and most of all delicious.

If my kids will eat it (loved the kale chips) then you will too...

As their logo says "eat real food"

Simple idea, but so true.

Juli said to me once

"what you put in your body is what you will get from it"

(hence the karma portion of the name)

And now that the new year is here,

I am promising to eat better....

whole, natural, from the earth foods.

This includes Kookie Karma products.

This one was my favorite

Top 11 of '11

2011-12-30T20:16:00.000-08:00

What a great year I've had photographing truly amazing people (of all ages)

I have been blessed and it is because of the support from my awesome clients that I can continue to do what I love.

Thank you.

Thank you so very much.

So here are my top 11 images from '11

(got this idea from another photographer)

These images are chosen simply because the emotions present in them are so raw and so real.

Additionally I liked the "photographic technique" (using that term loosely) I used.

They are in no particular order....

Enjoy.

I look forward to another year.

And I was going to add these in the top 11, but my own personal photographs don't count.

So here are my favorites from this year of the two most lovable and special people I know.

The Penas

2011-12-27T20:37:00.000-08:00

I couldn't be more delighted to have photographed this family.

J&M what a beautiful family you have.

Happy New Year!

xo, C

The Spencers

2011-12-10T21:53:00.000-08:00

After I bought my very first Canon camera,

I took it to a surf competition that Wes was in.

One of the very very first images I ever captured (other than of Linus or Wes) was of two (at the time) toddler children, Alyssa (then 3) and Ty (then 1).

The image I took was that of Alyssa kissing her brother on the forehead.

A moment between two siblings.

A moments of innocent and unconditional love.

Today I had the opportunity to photograph these two amazing and loving children once again

but this time with their fabulous parents...

There is no doubt that this family is full of genuine love.

Spouse to spouse.

Sibling to sibling.

Parents to children.

Children to parents.

Its the kind of love you get when you spend endless hours of playing, and talking and bonding with your children.

Heart to heart.

Person to person.

Friend to friend.

I admire the Spencers for the family they have built and I can only hope that one day Wes and I will have the same.

It was a great pleasure to have captured these for you.

Relish and Enjoy!

Sarina's 40th

2011-12-08T23:20:00.000-08:00

Lets just say that when I turn 40 I want a party just like this...

Plenty of great drinks for guests

adorable little details

Yummy desserts

Your own personal photographer ;)

and you got it...

this party had me at Chanel.

Kidding (sort of)

The best part of this party, was none of the things mentioned above...

it wasn't even the fancy (and beautiful) shoes

or the gorgeous jewelry

it was more than those material things....

What made this party exactly what I want for my 40th party is the

L O V E

and

F R I E N D S H I P.

As Sarina told me

"I wouldn't trade it for the world"

S O much love.

S O much laughter.

S O much fun.

People danced.

Talked

and enjoyed each other's company.

They were all gathered here

for this one special young lady

A toast for Sarina

What a night.

What a party.

What a girl.

It seems as though, Sarina,

you are very loved.

The Herreras

2011-12-08T21:47:00.000-08:00

Isn't this place dreamy?

You would hardly know that is right off a major road in San Marcos/Carlsbad

ahhh.... so peaceful. And the lighting was just perfect....

Cue the security guard...

Yep, this beautiful little park is where this beautiful little family (and I) got kick out of.

Nice try Tanya.

Your visions were straight out of storybook and

I wish we could have photographed there.

But where we ended up worked out just fine because

in the end all you need is your amazing (and handsome) husband

and two spirited and sweet children.

I hope I accomplished your "green grass/park" look you wanted.

The Carrolls

2011-12-06T22:53:00.000-08:00

Third time photographing Luke and his beautiful mom and dad.

Each time you (Luke) get cuter.

Each time I become more and more fond of this loving, classy, and admirable family.

Hope to be photographing you again in the near future.

xo, C.

The Runeys

2011-12-05T22:38:00.000-08:00

Lollipops for the kids and next time I'll have beers for the adults. ;)

What a good time I had with you, your husband, but especially your boys.

The Action Jackson Girls

2011-12-01T22:43:00.000-08:00

I'm so excited that I finally got to meet these three awesome little girls.

(seen so many pictures on facebook)

Sassy, spunky, sweet, and so well mannered.

Enjoy!

I'm retiring this shot after this session. Too over used, but oh so fun to photograph!

The Varelas

2011-12-01T21:07:00.000-08:00

When I was just 15 years old I met my good friend Matt.

The last high school friend I still keep in contact with.

I remember the first time he told me about Jessica like it was just yesterday.

"I think Im going to marry her"

And you know what?

They did.

And I love her just as much as I love him.

Matt is like the brother I never had. (so trite to say that but it's true)

He gets along so well with my husband Wes, and most of all he accepts and loves me for who I am and the person that I have become.

When others let go, he held on to our friendship.

(even at my worst)

And I just love that.

I could not be happier for Matt and Jess for their new addition.

Charlee Linda.

She is a true blessing.

A treasure.

I cannot wait to watch her grown

and I cannot wait to watch this family evolve into and even stronger and more beautiful entity than they already are.

Matt, I don't tell you this enough, but you are so special to me and I cherish the friend you have been to me, the friend you are to me now and the friend you will be to me in the future.

Hugs,

Christine

PS Jess- I can hear your laugh through this picture. It is so delightfully contagious.

The Cohen Brothers

2011-11-29T23:17:00.000-08:00

Every time I work with you,

it is always a pleasure.

Enjoy!

The Berglunds

2011-11-29T21:22:00.000-08:00

By far the best dressed child I have ever photographed.

(I think the suspenders and bow tie made him win this title)

You will agree with me when you see these photos.

Enjoy!

PS love love love his name.

Uriah

The Smiths

2011-11-27T22:12:00.000-08:00

It was a pleasure when I worked with you,

It was a pleasure when I photographed you and your family last year,

and once again, it is truly a pleasure to photograph you and yours again this year.

Your kids are unbelievably cute and so well behaved. You should be proud.

Enjoy!

(PS so good to see you after almost an entire year!)

The Pinedas

2011-11-25T22:26:00.000-08:00

It was such a pleasure to photograph this beautiful family.

The four of you are perfect exactly as you are.

There is really nothing but love in this family.

Enjoy your photographs, I really did have a fantastic time.

xo, Chris

The Leal-Robles Family

2011-11-23T23:15:00.000-08:00

Their first family photographs.

What a honor to have taken them.

Thank you for driving all the way down from the OC and allowing me the opportunity.

Hope you enjoy,

Aiden and Keanon

2011-11-22T15:08:00.000-08:00

Let me preface this with telling you that this is a very, very busy time of year for pretty much all photographers.

That plus the rain causing multiple reschedules for the last two weekends has made me a very scattered person.

SO I was beyond embarrassed when I stood Jessica up last Wednesday.

I could have sworn on my children's lives that I scheduled her for the following day, Thursday... but low and behold I saw my email to her saying "See you Wednesday!"

Good grief.

So she waited, and waited, and waited, for close to 1 hour...

(children waited too)

So Jessica, I am so so sorry and thank you for being such a good sport. If it were me I don't think I would have handled it as nicely as you. Its a lesson that you've taught me well.

Patience and forgiveness.

Enjoy the pictures you have been long waiting for.

xo, C.

The Mercados

2011-11-21T12:30:00.000-08:00

I couldn't have been happier to photograph this old high school friend and her family.

What a beautiful family.

I hope you enjoy.

Hugs, C.

Stock Sneak Peek

2011-11-19T13:26:00.000-08:00

I bet many (if not all) would agree with me when I say my friend Ashlee is one of the most kind, sweet, giving people that I know.

When I was on the look for a vintage sled, who found one for me? Ashlee.

She is always letting Finn borrow bikes and toys.

She is so sweet my baby girl Sunday, even with her moods.

She is always giving my kids juice and snacks (and Wes and me beers) and inviting them over to play with open arms.

She is a giver. A natural mom. A naturally good friend.

I am excited that I can finally give her something.

I hope you enjoy these photographs.

You are amazing.

PS. Jeff, you're not so bad either. ;)

PPS Just tell Fish this says "sponge bob"

Zayer Sneak Peek

2011-11-18T20:33:00.000-08:00

When I initially started my photography business several ago (before I quit.... only to return a few years later) the Zayers were my one of my very first clients.

Jett had only just turned 1... and Jagger was just a twinkle Jay and Jenn's eyes.

So it is so wonderful that I once again get to photograph this beautiful, special family... years later.

I hope you enjoy and I hope to photograph you again in the near future.

You are truly a magnificent family.

xoxo, C.

snowflakes that fall on my nose and eyelashes...

these are a few of (your) favorite things...

Johns Sneak Peek

2011-11-17T21:49:00.000-08:00

9 weeks ago I was given the opportunity to take baby Ashley's newborn photos.

And last week I had the pleasure of once again photographing baby Ashley but this time with her lovely mom, dad and older brother, Noah.

It was truly a delight.

Enjoy!

Bruce Sneak Peek

2011-11-13T07:58:00.000-08:00

To say I was honored to take these first family photographs (since miss T was born)

is an understatement.

This woman, this man and these two beautiful babies

I have grown to love so much.

It is with great gratitude that I call them my friends, my family.

I love you all very, very much.

I hope you enjoy.

PS we are going to kick some booty at the mud run.

Just engaged!

2011-11-09T12:34:00.000-08:00

No, literally this couple literally just got engaged about 2 minutes before I took these shots.

Her hand still shaking...

His mouth smiling ear to ear....

Do I know these people? No. I don't even know their names.

So how did I end up photographing them?

I went down to the La Jolla cave today with my family.

When I arrived at the bottom I saw a young lady looking down at her hand at an engagement ring.

When I asked if they just got engaged, they told me yes.

I told them I was a photographer (again, I use that term loosely) and asked if I could take a few shots.

What a special moment that these strangers and little old me could share.

I will forever be a part of their history.

And one day when their children look at these photos, they can tell them the story of me.

By the way to the couple who is reading this.... (because I did get her email address)

My name is Chris.... Chris Nelson and I am so, so happy to have had the opportunity to capture this very special moment.

Congrats! To many years of wedded bliss!

I will email you these images so you can keep them forever.

Frey Sneak Peek

2011-11-08T18:01:00.000-08:00

One benefit of being a photographer (and is use that term loosely) and having photographer friends is a little thing called a photography exchange.

She does our family portraits and I do hers.

Rena is a very talented photographer- I'm not lying check her work

So I was honored that she was able to take our family photos for the last two years.

The second benefit is that photographing a photography family is that it is probably the easiest thing ever since the kids are used to being photographed!

Thank you Rena, I hope you enjoy your sneak peek and I look forward to seeing ours.

(PS may I add its stressful being on the other side of the lens!)

Rena's frame and an idea I think I will steal! If you don't mind

since she's always behind the camera.... I thought I'd snap this of her and her boys.

Did I tell you?

2011-11-06T12:26:00.000-08:00

That last week I got a not so nice email from a photographer (who will not be named, but I want to tell you all so badly) telling me to essentially stay of her field.

Yes, its true.

A commercial real estate lot that she claimed was "hers".... I can go into details, but basically I found out that she was lying to keep her spot hers.

I understand, that lot photographs so beautifully.

Lots people in this photography business are very protective, I get it, but there is a fine line between being rude and lying and being honest and protective.

I will still use that field to prove my point, but I was on a quest this morning (since my shoot got cancelled) for a new field.

Here is what I found....

and thanks to my wonderful model, Finneus.

You rock little man.

Thinking I should contact a modeling agency?

Enloe Sneak Peek

2011-11-05T22:30:00.000-07:00

What a pleasure it was to photograph (for the second time) these adorable twin boys and their beautiful mama.

Enjoy!

I had a great time at "peacock park"

LePetite Tank

2011-11-03T22:21:00.000-07:00

My friend Robyn asked me to do some photos of her new product

Le Petite Tank.

I was more than thrilled and honored that she would ask me to do this.

Her invention is amazing...

A tank every woman should own.

I'm not kidding when I say this.

Check out her website www.lepetitetank.com

It's a multi purpose tank/cover up that fits like a sports bra and is to be used under articles of clothing.

It comes in black and white, here is the white

It can be used to create a layers

It can be used if you need extra coverage if your shirt is too low cut

Or my favorite way would be to use it instead of wearing a strapless bra

It adds depth without the bulk or extra clothing you may not like.

For more information check out www.lepetitetank.com

or you can find her website under my "link" tab in my website

Model Sarah Davidson is wearing

Le Petite Tank, in black and white

Saito Sneak Peek

2011-11-01T22:15:00.000-07:00

The very first day at my new job at Woodland Park Middle School, a strange man came up behind me and hugged me....

Being taken away, I looked up and so embarrassingly did the man look down and me and say

"oh my God, you're not Kim!"

I'm guessing it was the long black hair and the tan skin that made him think I was Kim....

And the funny thing is, that through out the first few days of school lots of people confused me for her.

At one point students believe we were sisters.

(but for a child, if you're both Asian, then you must be related right?)

Lots of people can find this type of mix up to be quite annoying.

I however, find it beyond flattering to be compared to Kim.

If you know her then you wouldn't disagree with me when I say

she LOVES. (and so passionately).

She LOVES so much....

Starting with the two most important little people in her life....

These two are her (and Marc's) world.

Sassy and sweet.

Sweet and sassy.

She loves this boy like no other mom I have ever met.

Giving him her all.

Dedicating her every ounce of energy to the well being of this little man.

And Kim, it is working.

He is WONDERFUL.

And she loves this little girl like she loves no other.

Her free spirit.

Her love for life.

Her bond with her brother.

This family....

A mother and her daughter

A father and his son

A mother and her (forever) little boy

A father and his (forever) little girl....

...and when you put it all together...

this family, simply put, amazes me. Everyday.

Marc and Kim, you have a beautiful family and I thank you for letting my life be apart of yours.

Domingo Sneak Peek

2011-10-30T21:53:00.000-07:00

Nurse? Check.

Video Game Tester? Check. (BTW, how awesome of a job is that?)

Adorable Baby Toddler? Check.

Beautiful Family? Check.

I hope you enjoy these photos as much as I enjoyed working with you.

I just love this one

Suter family sneak peek

2011-10-24T20:46:00.000-07:00

Small sneak peek for this charming family of 4....

and for you Katheryn, the sun will come out tomorrow... ;)

...Enjoy...

Nate's But Farm.... I mean Bate's Nut Farm.

2011-10-22T20:39:00.000-07:00

This was our first time as a family to Bate's

It was actually my first time ever to Bate's even being a native San Diegan.

From the second we got there (could have been the long car ride there)

the kids went bonkers.

So much to do...

Feeding and petting the farm animals

Going on the pony ride... although he chose to pet the pony instead of ride it (said he didn't like the poo on the ground)

Picking out our $70 pumpkins (ok I'm exaggerating, but it was more than I thought it would be.... but I support local family owned businesses so I'm not complaining)

Picking out (and eating) yummy bags of candy... And can you believe it? The candy store was not their favorite part...

This was...

The look on his face was priceless.

Oh! Here it comes!

Tractor ride!

Feet firmly planted on the hay

Holding on to dear life (because for a 20 month old this feels like a real ride)

Looking at all the amazing things the pumpkin patch had to offer.

Truly a child's dream come true.

And when it was over, I watched him gaze over every now and again looking at the kids that were riding the tractor wishing he could do it again...

That is until

His best friend showed up.

Screw the tractor, Grayson's here!

Oh what fun did they have.

See you next year Bate's.

Thanks for giving this beach family a taste of the country life.

Harneski Sneak Peek

2011-10-21T22:48:00.000-07:00

Mia was my old roommate. We lived together for several years and

I had the privilege of photographing her lovely family last year, and again this year.

So much can happen in one year....

Starting with the most important addition...

....a new brother for Jack.

Someone to laugh with,

someone to share small but powerful moments with,

someone to love,

someone to call...

his "little brother."

The bond between these two boys is unbreakable.

Forever they will have each other.

And forever they will have this family.

Mia, I couldn't be happier for you.

I am truly proud of the woman you have become.

And the life you have made for your family and yourself.

Including Satchel.

I hope these images will bring joy to so many people during the holiday season,

I know they already have for me.

Dario and Shannon... engaged! Sneak Peek

2011-10-18T21:25:00.000-07:00

Last week I had an opportunity to meet two fantastic individuals and I got to shoot at this new "urban" garage door.

It was fantastic.

Congratulations on your engagement Shannon and Dario, you make a beautiful couple.

you guessed it, they met in Vegas!

Teagan (toupee)

2011-10-17T20:03:00.000-07:00

I have been photographing this family since the start of my photographic endeavors several years ago....

So many bad photos...

But Opal and Chad have always believed in me

And finally I feel like these pictures provide the work I have always wanted to give to them.

There were too many pictures to choose from

If I posted all the ones I loved then this blog would be too long.

So here are just a few to preview.

Thank you O for always believing in my work.

(and being such an amazing friend.... and for having the most adorable children... more please. I demand more)

xoxo always, C.

Keplinger Sneak Peek

2011-10-10T21:21:00.000-07:00

Years ago (many many years ago) I went to high school with Aisha....

from what I remember she was the sweetest, most outgoing, bubbly person I had meet in a while.

Refreshing, actually.

So when Aisha asked me to do a family photo session for her and her beautiful family (her hubby's a firefighter too!), I graciously accepted.

Thank you for making my job positively absolutely wonderful. You were beyond easy to photograph.... it's hard to not be with a baby boy who looks like this (and he was an angel too)....

(you should have seen his hands after this shot... thank you prepared mama!)

Maddie's Dedication

2011-10-07T20:30:00.000-07:00

I met Maddie when she was just six weeks old.

How could you forget a face like this...

When Maddie's parent's asked me if I would photograph her dedication, I was more than thrilled.

So I accepted with honor and the day for Maddie began with one of the most beautiful venues I have ever been to.

From the bell on the chapel that once rang years ago

to the fine details that showed the history and age of this building.
This place was breath taking.

I can't image the things this building has seen, heard, and been through.

What ever the case was, this was a place for sanctuary.

And for Maddie it was a place for her dedication.

Flower arrangements arrived

her dress was pressed and ready to wear

holy water set in it place

and scripture and words of wisdom ready to be read.

Except the chapel had not been open...

And so Maddie and the rest of her family and friends waited patiently...

Giving her comfort in a time of uncertainty,

feeding her in her time of hunger and

keeping her cool in the unusually hot October day

But the chapel never opened, and so willingly and acceptingly did Jill and Mike improvise.

With out a complaint or tear, I over heard them say

"it doesn't matter where we have it, as long as her family and friends are here"

What great attitudes.

They were right. It didn't matter where it was, the ceremony was

B E A U T I F U L.

The offcient started the ceremony

while those dear and near gathered and listened.

taking photos

holding one another tight

sneaking glances of pure joy.

The holy water was blessed

and placed on Maddie's head.

Then a prayer for Maddie, her family and her Godparents.

Maddie had been dedicated to her Godparents and to the Lord.

After the ceremony Maddie rested so peacefully.

Family and friends took pictures to remember this special day

hugged in congratulations and gratitude

and gathered all for one very special little girl,

Maddie.

Mike, Jill, and Miss Maddie,

I wish you nothing but happiness in the many, many years you have together.

Your family is

amazingly beautiful.

It was an honor to be apart of this very special occasion

and I thank you for choosing me

to share a little piece of your world with me.

I feel truly honored.

Thank you.

School Photos

2011-10-06T15:22:00.000-07:00

Finn had his school pictures this last week with another photographer....

I've seen her flyers and prints all over the school

Seems silly to me to pay for more portraits, when I myself am a photographer.

Yes, she's talented, but there is no way she could make my child smile or look like this....

So here is to an awesome first year of preschool...

A first of many school photos.

(PS I will be buying the class photo)

(PPS I know the backdrop is wrinkled, steamers broke, off to Bed Bath and Beyond to purchase a new one!)

(PPPS Interested in this mini school portrait shoot? Email me)

Baby Cohen Sneak Peek

2011-10-05T22:08:00.000-07:00

We welcome you to this wonderful world Baby Cohen.

As always Becca, Stephen and Big Brother Pierce it was a pleasure.

Castro Sneak Peek

2011-10-03T23:21:00.000-07:00

It was all because two people fell in love....

...and because they did, this is what happened....

They raised three amazing and beautiful women

who met three amazing men.

Now their love grew one by one.... till there were

6 of the most loved children ever.

The love that started when two people fell in love

passes down like a waterfall...it overflows then spreads

no sibling rivalry

just sibling love.

Just brothers and sisters who love each other as their parents love one another.

The love in this family is

S I M P L Y A M A Z I N G.

In moments of comfort,

in moments of silliness,

when they are by themselves,

with their siblings,

with their cousins,

with their families,

or all together

they will always know that

THEY. ARE. LOVED. (so very much)

And it was all because two people fell in love.

That was good right?

Do I get my Jan Jan treat? ;)

Thank you Jay, Jan, Jenna, Matt, Jaysie, Trevor, Jianna, Adam, Jorja, Gigi, Glori, Vivi, Cayson and Brooks for spending the (unusually hot) fantastic morning with me. It was a true pleasure.

Simple fun

2011-09-29T21:32:00.000-07:00

When they aren't fighting (and that is rare)

it's amazing how much fun these two can have.

A few weeks ago (when it was hotter than heck) I sat and watched these two have the time of their lives with 3 things:

1. Water

(Yes I covered her who-ha with cute decals.... no baby nudity on my blog)

2. Odd end containers, buckets, cups and shovels

and

3. Each other

Just going back and forth...

...forth and back

dumping water in the trucks

and on themselves

Oh the joy!

In a panic to protect my lens, these images turned out much fuzzier than I would have liked....

but the kids were having a blast

and my lens was dry and waterless.

Linus on the other hand.....

was scared out his mind thinking he was the next target....

and he was.