Keplinger Family

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

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

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

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!

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

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.