Cards :)

I will be the first to admit that I couldn't be where I am today without all the support of those around me who constantly believe in me and push me to persue and live out my dreams. A few weeks back, some dear family friends of mine gave me this gift as a reminder of their faith in me and and encouragement that they believe I can do anything.... I squealed as I unwrapped the card-holder because I have always LOVED wonder woman but every time I whip this thing out I will be reminded that I have this amazing support group who make me feel like I can conquer the world :)



And after months of trying to get these suckers, they are finally here! Just in time to utilize my gift from the McCartney Family! :)

Disneyland

I first really met Aimee at church when Jack was 3 months old. After a year long intership in the Youth Department I was hired as the creative assistant in the children's department at the church and one of my first tasks was to photograph of the all the babies recently born. ( which was like 12 babies in two months!) Jack was among the baby boom and that began a wonderful relationship with an amazing family that has since become very dear to my heart.
For the last three years, the Edwards family has vacationed at Disneyland and they always bring me along... yesterday was by far the most fun yet!

Here are a few pictures from the day :)

Couple of Crosses ;)

Finally! Here's the slideshow from Dave and Jenny's wedding a few weeks ago :)

**Click Here**

Can I reiterate how much fun this couple was?? Its people like them that make my "job" so much fun!

Hard Core!

Its always a treat hanging out with Mr. DJ and yesterday was no exception! :) Anyone who lays down in the middle of traffic to get the shot has GOT to be fun!...

Bless your Cotton Socks!

"Bless your Cotton socks"
"Teach a Grandma how to suck eggs"

Oh how I love British Idioms!
Throw a marvelous British accent on there and you have the setting for entertaining laughter in a room full of American Wedding photographers .

Yesterday I had the privilege being in the company of some of Southern California's most prestigious weddings photographers for a special training on the new Aperture software. Thanks to the enduring patience of Martin, the product manager for Apples's new program Aperture who happens to hail from Britain, we managed to spend nearly five hours laughing at his british humor and drilling the poor gent with endless questions about the program.

Mike Colon ( wedding photographer extrodanair) was gracious enough to open his home for this event to the likes of other wedding-photography-heavyweights such as Becker, Jessica Claire, Joe Photo, Jon Barber, Dane Sanders, Aaron Delesie, Jim Kennedy, Mike Kitada, & Jasmine Star. A star studded event indeed ;)

This program seems fun like it will be awesome to implement! Im excited to see how it can work for me :)

(ps)
'Bless your cotton socks'= expressing a term of endearment for someone you care about. Sorta like "bless your heart"

'Try to teach a Grandma how to suck eggs'= Trying to offer advice to someone who has more experience than oneself.

My Funny Valentine...

Ok, so I must be honest and admit that I totally forgot Valentines day was tomorrow... Someone reminded me today and so in honor of the 'day of love' I popped in Michael Buble's "With Love" CD I bought last Valentines day and crooned along to the melodic tones of Mr. McTalented....
The song "My Funny Valentine' came on so I thought I would introduce you to MY funny lil' Valentine

Meet Mr. Mark Barlow...

Earlier today, I received word that this lil' man offered to take me out! haha
You may be thinkin' "he's a little young"... but I consider myself a pretty lucky gal ;)
Not only do I appreciate a 'take-charge' kinda guy but I am a sucker for the musically inclined, and this kid is a musical prodigy!

So, Marky, since you cant drive, how 'bout I pick you up at 8 ;) (I promise to have you home before curfew!)





(ps) the above shots were taken by his super-talented and incredibly-adorable Sister!

OSPwest

I am so truly blessed to be surrounded by unique and amazing friends and family who validate and encourage me to live and pursue my dreams. I am equally honored to be surrounded by fellow photographers who likewise encourage and challenge me to do the same.
Someone once told me that the key to being successful is to surround yourself with those who believe in you.....
In retrospect, I can honestly say I wouldn't be where I am without each and every friend, family, mentor, etc who has poured into me... As much as we think we can dream and conquer our dreams in our own strength, we need to know that someone ELSE believes in us to be able to see those dreams comes to fruition :)
I am not claiming to be successful, I am simply saying I feel so rich and empowered to someday be that way because of everyone I have around me!

I spent the weekend in Pismo Beach at a Photographer get together and felt like I was 'hooked up' to an I.V. of empowerment... After being around the kind and caring community of photographers who all call OSP their home, I left knowing that with friends like that, I can do anything.....or at least TRY! :)

Unlike everyone else, I didn't do much shooting but rather had the opportunity to spend time with some amazing new friends.
While sitting at lunch yesterday, however, we asked one of the waitresses if she would be willing to model for us. She agreed and she met us after work at the hotel where I did her hair and make-up and we snuck away for a private little night shoot.
Along with Jason Groupp, TJ Cameron , Chris + Lynn Jaska, and Susan Han, we succeeded in having a blast and getting some really fun shots!


Check 'em out....! :)












Here are a few of us in action...

and here is TJ using Lynn as a tri-pod ;)

OC Din-Din

It is such a blessing to be a part of a wonderful community of Photographers!
Tonight a few of us got together for a little dinner in the OC and it was a fun mix.
Jason Groupp is in from New Yawk, TJ Cameron from the good 'ol NW, Chris & Lynn Jaska from Canada.... 'eh?
Sara France from San Diego, Carrie from Irvine, Lori Creech from Gary Fong's condo, the infamous Regis Chen from Africa and Dawn from...um...somewhere south of the OC ;)

It was really a fun group and I think Jason is now tied with Luke as my favorite New Yawker! Truly a kick in the pants and a blast to be around!

Again, I feel so blessed to have the ongoing opportunity to meet amazing people from all over who come together with the same passion. ( Cheesy, I know, but I mean it!)

Disclaimer: These were taken post Alcohol ( not me...them!)

Two Crosses and a Devil

I had the wonderful pleasure of shooting Jenny and Dave's Wedding this past Saturday in La Jolla. It was the perfect day for a white wedding ;)
I was reffered by the awesome Jeff Youngren who totally stepped in an helped me out while being the best man at the same time..... he definately rocked!!
Thanks Jeff, I had a BLAST...seriously!!

Ok so now onto the story.... I had my first 'church lady' experience and it resulted in getting my name put on a list that banned me from shooting there ever again! LOL!!
You see, APPARENTLY there is this little rule that the photographer must be seated two rows behind the last seated guest and cant move....at all!!
What?! Thats ridiculous!!!
Anyway, the bride gave me permission to do whatever I needed to do to get the shots and I think, personally, that she is who I am there to please. The church lady never actually TOLD me the rules so she really didnt have any foundation for her reaction but I simply avoided her the whole ceremony and did my own thing. It resulted in getting chewed out afterwards and being banned from shooting there again but at least we got great shots!! hee hee. She has affectionaltely earned the nick name "devil" for her horrible treatment of the bride and bridal party. She pissed off so many people that I think everyone wanted to chew her out by the end of the day. She even went as far as telling the bride and groom that they couldn't have communion during the ceremony right before it started...after they already obtained permissions from the church officiant! They had to sneak off last minute an have communion in a side room before the ceremony.
The lady even went off on some on some of the bridesmaid....EEEK...it was an adventure!!!
So yeah... she was the wedding nazi that kinda put a damper on the day... REgardless though, Jenny and Dave were soooooo happy to ber getting married and they truly enjoyed themselves despite the opposition.

I couldnt have asked for a happier chill couple to spend the day with! Despite the fact we only met on Saturday, i feel like I have made brand new friends :)

Here are a few more from the day...
I will post a slideshow soon!!

Without further adieu......Jenny and Dave Cross...