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Why I do what I do
Posted on January 21, 2010
I know that pretty much every blog post I have is a story about my Lucy. The truth is she’s the reason for my photography. Photography has always been something that I enjoyed, but it was an art that lied dormant in me for a very long time. When she arrived, I fervently tried to document every breath she took with my camera, and boom! My photography was born.
Tomorrow is her 3rd birthday. Happy Day Before Your Birthday, Love!
I’ve never really talked about how I actually do have another life outside of Lucy, Mario, and photography. I actually am a high school teacher and I teach English and Journalism. As much as I love being around my “kids” and all the hubub that goes on on campus, it sometimes becomes too much, and stress takes over. During this winter break, I’ve really had to reflect on what is important in my life at the moment and decide what my priorities are.
A friend of mine named Dustin, told me once that I need photography. He told me that photography to me is like a breath of fresh air. It’s a chance for me to be in my element, and be completely at peace. Thanks for those words, Dustin.
I love photography for many reasons, and all the reasons tell me that my life is going in the right direction. I love photography because of the joy it brings other people, and of course the joy it brings to me, and most of all because it’s a chance to focus and spend more of my time and energy with my family. And they are number one on my priority list. So that’s why I do what I do.
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The Natalie Show *Riverside, Ca Portrait Photographer*
Posted on January 12, 2010
I can’t think of a better way to spend an afternoon than hanging out in what I call, Riverside’s Art District.
Don’t make that face!
I love the downtown Riverside area right around the Mission Inn. There are beautiful old buildings, churches, art museums, a photography museum *squeal*, yummy restaurants, and my favorite old bookstore. Soon the Fox Theater will open it’s doors and host an amazing array of Broadway shows and concerts. It’s one of my favorite areas for date nights, family afternoons, and photo shoots!!!!!
I recently got to spend an afternoon with a beautiful little girl in Downtown Riverside where it gave us the perfect setting for her birthday portraits. Here she is! Enjoy!
Introducing Natalie!
This little firecracker is celebrating 3 fun-filled years of life next weekend.
If you ever get the chance to spend some time with her, she’ll tell you all about it.
When you first meet her, you are consumed with just how darn cute she is. Then you get to talking (and talking) and you realize that she is poised, well-spoken, hilarious, and so full of spirit. Which I think leaves her with 2 possible career choices (a) Miss America, and (b) the next Oprah.
Simply breathtaking. Right? Admit it, don’t be shy. How many of you gasped when you saw that image. Natalie you are gorgeous!
We just had a blast on our afternoon together. She knew exactly what to do as soon as I raised my camera to my eye. We talked about all the important goings on in her life, her upcoming birthday party, her big sister, princesses, Disneyland, and of course, panties. Being a mommy to a toddler myself, panties are a HUGE deal, and I completely understood her eagerness to share this new development in her life! 
I just adore these next few images. They need no color commentary from me.
Natalie’s mommy is a friend of mine and she warned me that she may not last too long. Well, over an hour later, Natalie showed no signs of slowing down. Honestly, I could have taken photos of her all day, she was so much fun to follow around.
But alas, all good things have to come to an end, so we did some final shots with mommy.
Natalie, you are rays of sunshine! Happy Happy Birthday!
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Do you see what I see? *Santa Ana, Ca Family Photography*
Posted on January 8, 2010
It was almost a year ago that my new little clan had our family portraits done. Those were days of non-stop bliss. Pure. Unadulterated. Sugary. Bliss. I mean come on, the blessings were everywhere I turned. We finalized our adoption, threw our first little girl birthday party, had a baptism, and on and on and on. I knew that on the inside, my heart was going to spontaneously combust with all the happiness I felt. Then, when I first saw how our family portraits came out, I got to be on the outside looking in. I got to see for myself what others see when they look at myself, my husband, and our precious Lucy. For one thing, we couldn’t stop laughing and giggling. Another thing, I love how my husband looks at me when I don’t know that he is staring. A third thing, how breathtakingly gorgeous my daughter is. And the best thing? How we as a family looked together…complete.
I hope that the awesome families, who invite me to be a historian for them for one day, see their photographs and are as pleased as I am when they get to see what I see.
Right before Christmas I finally got the chance to photograph my cousin’s family. Crazy schedules kept getting in the way, but luckily we got together just in time for the Christmas card deadline. 
So…Lisa, Scott, Pierce and Leighton, I ask you…do you see what I see?
because I see a family who is completely devoted to each others’ happiness and well being. I also see parents who will do anything to offer their children the world on a silver platter, because they are precious and loved beyond measure!
I see a little boy who is super sweet, frighteningly smart, hilariously funny, and fiercely independent.
I see a little baby who is a gentle, calming spirit, a pretty princess, and cheerful as the sun is bright!
I see a little boy who has a “Please stop taking my picture” smile, just like his cousin Lucy, and a little sister who thinks her big brother is silly.
I see Scott madly in love and wrapped around a tiny little finger.
I see joy. Plain and simple. Joy.
I see how a hug from Mommy magically makes everything all better.
Do you see it? Lisa, Scott, Pierce, and Leighton, you are a lovely family and I enjoyed our afternoon together!
Okay…are you ready for this? My newest niece, Leighton, posed for some close-ups to celebrate her 6 month birthday. Styled by her super-chic Mommy, these photos need no words to accompany them, I don’t think there are any superlatives that properly describe her sweetness and her adorableness.
Being a super-model baby can be tough work!
I hope this little piece of sunshine has brightened your day as it did mine!
I’m Back! Happy New Year!
Posted on January 4, 2010
I had a fantabulous winter break. Christmas was literally a marathon of fun and unforgettable moments. About two thirds of our family gathered from all over the globe into my mom’s home on Christmas day, all in all it was about 75 people. It was nonstop laughter at a volume so high that my ears were ringing for days after. A few of my cousins were there, about 20 or so, we were missing quite a few. My Christmas wish is to get us all together someday, every single one of us, I really don’t know how many cousins that means, I’ve lost count after 30.
I handed off the camera to one of my aunts, can you spot me in this picture? It’s not perfectly in focus, everyone is looking at a different camera, but everyone is consumed with so much bliss that it makes it one of my favorite images from that day.
Cousins – we seriously have to have a cousin party sometime. Maybe something huge, like VEGAS? What do you guys think?
Currently my little bug has 3 cousins, not nearly as many as I have, but the excitement that builds up inside her when I tell her we are going to visit them is grand!
It was a great Christmas. It made me focus on what is truly important in my life…my family. That’s for another post coming up very soon!
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Orange you glad I have another sneak peak for you?
Posted on December 17, 2009
Okay, that was laaaaame, but these photos taken at Old Town Orange are NOT lame, they are pretty darn awesome! That’s what happens when you’ve got sweet light, sweet locations, and sweet family. Enjoy!
More to come soon!
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Large families are pure JOY! *Temecula, San Diego Family Photographer*
Posted on December 16, 2009
I cannot wait until Christmas! My mom is hosting our family celebration in her home…and by our family, I mean me, my husband, my daughter, my two brothers, my sister, her boyfriend, 7 of my mom’s sisters, their husbands, 1 of my mom’s brothers, his wife, about 12 cousins, two of my great aunts, 4 or 5 of my mom’s cousins, and their families. Got that? Were you paying attention? There will be a quiz afterward. I hope I didn’t leave anyone out. I don’t even know how many people that is, somewhere in the ballpark of 50-60 or so. People are coming from all over Southern California, a few from the east coast, and even a few from the Philippines. With this large family, it’s not always easy to get together, so this Christmas will be extra special, extra chaotic, extra loud, and extra fun. I am so excited. I love having a large family! Christmas is going to be fabulous!
Last Sunday, I spent the afternoon with two beautiful families. I got to meet Deanna, her husband Steve, and son Gavin. Steve’s brother, Jason, and their mother, Jerrie. Deanna’s brother, Carl, his wife Katy, and daughter Maya, and Deanna and Carl’s parents,
Carl and Diane. Got that? They all gathered to celebrate each other and of course their littles.
There was something special in the air that day, everything just worked. They were in a beautiful setting, the light was magical, and the weather was brisk. I watched as they all gathered around, happy to see each other, happy to be with the babies, just happy. I felt so blessed to be able to witness and take it all in, and of course capture it on camera.
I am usually never at a loss for words, but when I see these images, all I seem to be able to do is smile. It was a great day. Truly great, I simply love to be around large families, and I hope that this Christmas, amidst the chaos, I can enjoy the moments with my large family just like I did this day.
Here are the images…please enjoy.
You’re smiling aren’t you? As much as I love to talk, sometimes I just need to let the photos do all the talking.
Deanna and family, thanks so much for letting me be a part of this day! Happy Holidays!
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Sisters *Murrieta, Ca Family Photographer*
Posted on December 7, 2009
My little sister and little brothers call me Ate (pronounced ah-teh). Technically it’s the title given to an older sister in the Filipino culture. I love being Ate, so much so that it makes me cringe when I hear my brothers or my sister call me by my name (which they never do!). I love being Ate when it means that my siblings know that they can rely on my for anything…no matter what. I love being an Ate when we are all together laughing so hard it literally feels like our stomachs are going to burst. I love being an Ate when I see Lucy light up whenever her Auntie and Uncles are around. Ate, that’s me, it just means older sister, but it’s a title I cherish and am so proud to have.
Recently I got to spend an afternoon with my friends Kristy and Charles and their two little girls, Ryen and Raegan. (please don’t be upset if I spell that wrong Kristy). Watching Ryen and Raegan play and interact with each other was such a joy. If they were Filipino, then Ryen would be called Ate Ryen. They are so adorable together, playing and laughing, causing mischief, keeping their mom and dad on their toes. It was fun trying to keep up with them, I wish my camera were a wee bit faster in doing so! They are definitely a dynamic duo.
Ryen and Raegan, you will have hundreds of nights of giggling, storytelling, clothes and makeup sharing, fighting, hugging and much much more. I am thrilled that you both have an instant best friend! Charles and Kristy, you have a family that is beyond beautiful! You two are amazing, I am in awe of you and your lovely family.
Have a wonderful Christmas!
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Dear Veronica
Posted on December 2, 2009
I just want to take this moment and tell you that I think you are an amazing person. Even though I really have only known you for 3 short years, you have come to be one of my most treasured friends. I will never forget the day that I received a phone call at school telling me that I was going to be a mommy to a baby girl. I was running through the hallway looking for one of my friends to talk to and the first person I saw was you. Remember? You were leaving early to take Veronica to the doctor, and you stopped what you were doing, dropped your bags, held my hands and prayed with me. Right in the halls of the Washington building. Ever since then, I knew that God had brought me a friend for life, who will be honest with me no matter what, who will love me for who I am perfect or not. For that I am grateful.
Okay, take a tissue. I’m sure you have one in your office or your purse. I know because I’ve cried in your office many times. I’ve also laughed hysterically in your office many times. You’re going to need more when you see these pictures…
I loved coming over to your house to take your family photos. I loved when we wanted to go drive somewhere to take them and Paul said, “Why would we want to go somewhere else?” So true Paul! Not because your house is gorgeous (which it is) but because it’s home. I was amazed by how much LIFE there was in your home. So much life and love coming out of the walls, the floors, outside in the yard, in the nursery. Just life and love growing and living everywhere. Your home was the perfect setting for your photos, why would we have gone anywhere else?
Veronica, I am so blessed to call you my friend. I love you, I admire you, I thank you. I hope you love your photos. Your family is beautiful.
~Lindsay
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This is Hannah *Canyon Lake, CA Family Photographer*
Posted on November 30, 2009
This is Hannah…
She is a lover of country music.
She does not like wearing hats…although flowered headbands are acceptable.
Hannah is tiny…she did just introduce herself to the world this past October. See how she fits perfectly in her Daddy’s hands.
and how tightly she clutches on to his finger…
Hannah is perfect. She is just that…perfect.
Hannah is a lucky girl. Her parents, Courtney and Travis, are fun, funny, and full to the brim with joy and laughter.
Courtney and Travis are going to fill her world with music, dancing, games, and silliness.
They are going to fill her world with hugs, kisses, and love.
and more love…
and more…you get the picture.
Yep, Hannah is a lucky girl. Hannah’s is a world that will be full of sunshine and excitement.
What more can a girl ask for?
Courtney, Travis, Hannah, thank you so much for welcoming me into your home. It was so lovely to meet you all. I adore your little family and had so much fun spending an afternoon with you. I wish you continued joy and happiness!
Courtney, let me know if Santa puts a fancy camera in your stocking we’d have so much fun shooting photos with it!
Janet and her boys *Temecula, CA Family Photographer*
Posted on November 28, 2009
As I write this blog post, my little girl sleeps on my chest. She was about an hour into her nap, (which is my usual edit photos/blogging/laundry/shower/clean house/grade papers time) when she woke up suddenly…and upset. I found her in the hallway on her knees sobbing and crying out for me. I scooped her up, whispered in her ear that mommy is here and that she is safe and loved. She held on to me tightly and fell back asleep. I couldn’t bear to set her back in bed, so here she sleeps, in my arms, the safest place in the world, as I sit and work.
A mommy’s job is to love her children unconditionally, but equally as important, a mommy’s job is to keep your children safe and protected from harm both physically and emotionally. I love my job description.
What makes my photo job so much fun is that it allows me to focus on being a mommy. As much as I enjoy teaching English to a group of hormonal teenagers, I don’t think they would allow me to do that while I rock my little girl back to sleep when she awakes from a bad dream. I am thankful everyday for the chance to do my art, and to meet other women fully committed to their toughest title…Mommy.
Meet Janet. Beautiful. Smart. Loving. Mommy.
I loved getting to spend time with Janet. She is the kind of person whom I could sit and talk with for hours over chai tea lattes, sharing stories of the silly things our children do. She was so excited about having family photos taken and I was so excited to be the one chosen to capture this special time in her life. Janet is loved by her husband Charles, her little boy Charlie, and another little boy on the way!
She and Charles met in Mexico while Charles was studying there. I love stories of two souls from completely different parts of the world coming together. It’s tells so much of the amazing power of love. How powerful are the sparks that draw you to someone no matter how many hundreds or thousands of miles you are away from each other.
Together, they have Charlie, fun, spirited, classic little boy. He loves rolling around on the ground, exploring, and picking up any cool looking thing on the ground! He also is very gentle, loving, and sweet.
In just a few weeks, they will be celebrating the arrival of another beautiful baby boy!
Thanks so much for letting me be a part of this special time in your lives. I am so excited to meet your newest baby boy…and of course to take his first photographs. You are such a lovely family. Janet let’s have a play date for our littles!
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