College . . . So Soon????

I've long been friends with Valarie and Mike.   Valarie and I worked together when I was still in a "DINK state of life".  She had an adorable little girl name Tori and sometimes, as I made my way through photography classes, I would ask her model for me.  As a "non-mom" at the time, I didn't have a lot of friends with children so Tori was a little trooper posing, while I fiddled with f-stops and lights and learned my craft.   

The other day Valarie called and asked me if I could do some really quick headshots of Tori because she needed to submit them with her college applications. "COLLEGE" . . . I just about yelled.  "IMPOSSIBLE!" . . . another high decibel shout.  Time goes so fast . . .  especially for us adults as we watch the children around us toddle, run, drive and then leave us for colleges near and far.   My own little girl and boy will be needing headshots for college someday and I have to say, that will be a very sad day for me.    

Here is Tori, once a little seven-year-old model holding a bunny, now a young woman going off to college.  We did these headshots in a few minutes right in the neighborhood with some nice creamy natural light.  After the shoot, Tori, Valarie and I plopped down on the floor to chat about what she'd like to do for her senior portraits.  Can't wait to shoot those . . . we've got some great ideas for cool urban locations and poses. 

Dogs Etc.

One of the very awesome aspects of my job is the interesting people that I get to work with. Once again combining my love of photography and dogs, I recently had the chance to do some promo shots for a funky, fun and fabulous dog trainer Cindy Scott of Dogs Etc.   She needed something with a different look than the standard trainer next to dog shot, so we played with lighting and of course . . . a couple of members of her pack Bosley and Bob.   Here are a couple pix from the shoot with many, many more that are just so stinking cute!!!   Love ya Cindy!   Bosley and Bob are definitely headed for stardom.  

Christmas Portraits in July

Since I'm running a little Christmas in July (or August) promo, I thought it would be fun to show everyone in internet-land the results of one of these sessions.   Now there is one more family that will not have to worry about Christmas card photos 'cuz they are all done. (aren't you jeaous)   

The family lives in Pasadena so we thought it would be fun to shoot near their home.   As usual I chatted with the mom about what her goal was for the session and she wanted a nice traditional family portrait outdoors with maybe a few that were not totally traditional. She also thought it would be a good idea to get the kids by themselves for Christmas cards or gifts.   We talked about what they would wear and she picked some nice coordinating outfits that all worked well with a special dress that "grandma' had given to her little girl.   I also wound up getting a few shots of each child individually (which is my favorite kind of shooting) and I'm pretty sure the family will love these . . .   

click here for more info on the promo