Mama's Little Helper

Occasionally, I come across a book that makes me (and my kids) jump up and cheer.  This little hunk 'o paper is worth it's weight in gold.  My only regret is that I wish it would have come out sooner (and that I would have found it sooner.   With many tips on how to handle boredom (inexpensively and  without a lot of hoopla) in different situations, it can become a lifesaver for any mom or dad.   It will now be one of my standard baby shower gifts and I think I need to buy a couple of copies and use them for a contest on my blog.   Whaddya think?  If you just gotta get it right away go to Amazon and pick it up pronto.  BTW, this is not a paid advertisement.  The photographer recommending this book (a.k.a. me) is not getting any kind of perk from recommending this book.  I just had to tell all my mom/clients about it because it is oh so helpful.   From one Supermom to another . . . live long and prosper.  

Paramount Ranch

OK,  so I've been reminded by a few folks,  I'm behind in my blogging.   I've been busy.  Got a backlog of fun images to post.   Just a couple of weeks ago, a photographer and friend, Jen May, organized a photo session at Paramount Ranch.   What a fabulous spot to do a portrait session!!! Without too much convincing and bribery a friend agreed to make the trek with me to get her portraits done and I'm  so glad  she did.  Not only is she incredibly beautiful, but her look just seemed to fit in with the whole country feel of the place.  (although when you look like Olivia, you look good ANYWHERE and you make anywhere look good).   

The ranch is a state park now, but many movies and TV shows have been filmed there over the years. If you're interested mosey on over to http://www.seeing-stars.com/studios/ParamountRanch.shtml for the full back story.    Olivia and I had a lot of fun out at the ranch taking pictures and enjoying the great facades.   Here are just a few of my faves.   

Zoee's Slide Show

Since Zoee seems to be developing quite a fan base I thought I'd post her slide show. Those ears!!!!!

Cute Little Sisters

Late last week I did a session with two very sweet little girls. In addition to their sweetness though, I got to get a glimpse at their budding personalities which is what I love to do. I wanted to break free from the typical "all pink" type of background and attire, so we went for bold use of color and a damask patterned background. I like mixing it up a bit and who could possibly strike out with such adorable faces as the subjects.

The baby was spunky and all about running the show. You can tell she had us all in the palm of her chubby little fingers. The Big Sister was smart, sensitive, reading each comment and situation and thinking it all through. While she was so very quick to smile and look exceedingly girly, there was this one "Mona Lisa" smile that summed up her personality so very well.

Cookie Magazine Styled by Mom Contest

I love Cookie magazine because it's fun, hip and they put in extra effort when it comes to photography (which of course scores high in my book).   Here's something some of my clients might be interested in:  Cookie magazine and The Children's Place are offering a fun contest (that me and my pint-sized crew are entering too).  You simply send in your child's photo, with them fashionably dressed, and a paragraph on how your fashion sense is reflected in his/her look.  The grand prize winner gets a trip to New York City, a cookie photo shoot, and a $500 gift card.  There are other cool runner up prizes too.   For more info, go to cookiemag.com/go/styledbymom  And if you need someone to photograph your fashion diva or GQ dude for the contest . . . I happen to know a local photographer who specializes in children's portraits.   

Zoee the "Doggee"

I love dogs!  Love 'em.  All kinds of dogs . . . mutts, pure breds, big, small, energetic and lethargic.   We have two rescue doggies (Ginger, the couch eatin' Dal mix and Buddy the Chi-Terrier mix) and sometimes I get to "have over" a client doggie to photograph in the studio.  It's very much like a play date and so much fun for me!!   Yesterday I was able to combine two of my loves (dogs and photography) and we did a session with Miss Zoee.   Now let me tell ya, Zoee is absolutely the funniest little dog I've ever met.  She loves, loves, loves everyone and she has the cutest ears I've ever seen.   Her parents were very nice also and they were oh so helpful in the studio (ya know, dishing out the doggie treats and all).  Zoee is apparently very well loved.  Here is one of my favorite shots of Zoee in her bumble bee suit.  

Free Stuff for Mothers/Fathers Day

So the parental holidays are upon us and we are all thinking what do I get mom and dad.  Or in many cases the thoughts turn inward . . . what demands do I make of my mate or children on this day that I should be honored.  Well don't give it another thought, because everyone (including you) wants adorable photos of the people they love.   So to help out all my clients and future clients, I'm running a fun promotion.  If you book a session between now and May 31st  or buy a gift card for a session, you get a free slide show!!!  Yep, a fun, fast moving slide show  set to music and one you can post on facebook or your blog to share with all your friends.  Now aren't portraits a lot better than flowers or a new tie.  Of course they are. 

Fishing Derby

I have to admit that I'm not much of a fisherman and neither is my husband.  We grew up in big cities where fish is served to you on a plate and you don't have any idea how it got from  flipping around in the water to grilled with a mango relish.  But somehow, we created a child who lives and breathes to fish.  He talks about it constantly, watches it on TV and whenever he can, organizes a fishing trip (and gets us to accompany him).   When I heard about the Fullerton Fishing Derby I rushed to sign us up.  What a wonderful idea I thought . . . to get families out for a day of fishing together in the warm Southern California sun.   So that is how we spent last Saturday . . . fishing and photographing.   I think it was just about a  perfect day.  

Hats, Eggs, and Texture

So we are still in the sweet spot when it comes to holidays.   The kids have not yet reached the age where hanging with your folks all day is boring beyond belief (I know that day will probably come).  Easter is preceded by the the anticipation of getting out the tights, white gloves and bonnet and there are eggs to be colored and baskets to make.   My son is not incredibly enthused at the thought of dressing up, but he is into hats, as long as I find him a  cool hat, everything comes off without a hitch.   This Easter we met our family, including tons of Scarsi cousins, at a restaurant that has some really interesting architecture and the light was warm and soft.   I took this shot of my daughter and it begged me to add some texture . . . so here are the results.  I feel a texture phase coming on . . .  wait, is that a pun.  

The web site is live, the web site is live . . .

It's done. It's finally done. The all new spiffy flash web site is complete and live. Now I gotta tell ya, that for someone with my apparent lack of programming skill, this is nothing short of a miracle. I had to learn a little about HTML and control panels, but now I can say "Dondes Estas El Banyo?" in geek. So without further ado, I'd like to introduce my web site www.lisascarsi.com . Oh, and please, pretty please, let me know what you think.