Asukabook of the month club!

Hello all,
Just wanted to share the great news! I just made November's Asukabook of the month club. I have dreamt of this day for awhile, trust me on that. It's quite the honor actually that out of the thousands of submissions they receive each month, they chose lil' ole me? Wow, they certainly made my Friday. Below is the cover of my book and if you'd like to see more follow the link below it. Enjoy~

click here to see more

The workshop child models have arrived!

Yes, if you've kept up with my recent posts you'll know exactly what workshop I'm talking about and I've finally narrowed down a few of my faves. Keep in mind these kids are not pro models in any sense, just everyday kids who happen to be "very photogenic". Thanks to the parents who brought them out for us to work n play with!
Enjoy...

Hi there!

Well, I must say it's been a long weekend. Yes I realize it's Wednesday but it's more like a long weekend for me since I got back a few days ago from traveling to AZ & VA. I must say as much as I enjoy visiting new places, shooting, and meeting new people the actual "traveling" part of it really sucks the air out of your lungs. I wish there was some kind of secret rocket you could kinda jump into, hit a couple buttons and WHAM! you have arrived : ) But nope....it's just my imagination again. So I'm just happy to finally be back home again and keeping busy editing, designing, blogging, researching, online shopping, surfin the web, shooting, etc. etc. My next post will certainly have some pics for ya! I know you look forward to those things.

Phoenix, Arizona

Hello all,
Recently visited Arizona for a photography workshop but the photos below were not part of the workshop, rather taken for personal gratification. As many of you already know I love to travel and collect photos which capture the mood of each place I visit. This is actually my 3rd time visiting Arizona and I still have to go back and capture something very specific (one day you too shall see). In any case I share with you some of the things which captured my eye. Enjoy~

Traveling...

Hi there me again,
Just want to let you know I'm currently in Phoenix, AZ for the Skye Hardwick Photo workshop. I've done tons of workshops but this is the first hands on children's workshop actually and I'm enjoying every second. Today is the last day and I've made xtra room in my little brain to take in as much info as possible. Afterwards I'm headed over to some cool spots for nature type photos which I'm sure to share in a few days. Check back soon for updates!

Holiday cards

Hello all,

I know it's been awhile since I've blogged, bad me! Anyhow I've been busy designing custom Holiday cards and books and scheduling Holiday sessions. Below are some samples of what is possible. Cards are available in either square format, 5x7 horizontal & vertical. Design options are endless as I use no templates and create a unique card from scratch for you and your family.
Holiday deadline for sessions is November 30th. If you don't get in before that day I cannot guarantee cards to arrive in time for the holiday. Call to book your sessions soon as only a few spots are left!

Kristine & Richard's wedding

Gosh I love weddings! Kristine and Richard's day was no different, what a wonderfully awesome couple these two are. And great sports considering they didn't mind me interrupting during dinner to sneak a few more shots. It seems everyone was just so nice, maybe it was the drinks? Kidding...I'm a joker. Anyhow here are a few of my faves. Thank you for your patience guys, I wish we could go back and do it all over again...I'm still smiling : )

Cutey pie Baby J

Sweet baby J was so awesome to shoot. He didn't mind being photographed at all (I think he really enjoyed my flash attachment). I think he's a natural, his parents are very lucky because he is soooo mellow. Thanks Jamie & Luis for having me out to meet your little bundle of joy, he is gorgeous! And now...a few of my faves. There were so many!~

Local farm

A few blocks from where I am staying was this farm which I watched evening after evening as the locals came by for a visit with the cows, sheep, geese and emu. I decided to go check them out and I met a very sweet cow (did I just say that?) Norman. Norman it turns out is about 10 months old and a little greedy when it comes to being fed. He was so adorable how could anyone resist though? He is featured on the last 2 photos. This was a pretty unique experience for me because A) I'm a city girl and B) This was a real farm. It was so neat to meet the man who owned these guys and chat for awhile. Turns out he raises the animals organically which made me feel good but then the thought of them being eaten made me sad so I skipped thinkin bout that. These guys are just too adorable. I don't think I could ever be a farmer, I'd get too attached. Funny, I'd never known how affectionate cows and sheep could really be until this afternoon. Animals are just so special I guess, each having their own sweet personalities. Oh yeah, the Emu was shy and not interested in my bribes with bread so I don't have any pics of him. At least not digitally. Yes, I shoot film also : ) Old school but I luv it!

Artesa wineries

Hmm....where do I begin with this story? I think I should be a photographer for a travel & leisure magazine of some sort or perhaps sell postcards on the side? I soooo enjoy photographing each of the unique wineries visited with Artesa being my absolute FAVE in the aesthetic meaning at least. Sadly at times I'm more interested in capturing the locale as opposed to the actual wine tasting but I can always just buy the wine later on no? Anyhow this place was fantastic and extremely visually appealing. It is located in Napa, California and definitely a must see! I'd decided while doing my research up front this was one I wasn't going to miss despite the drive there (bout an hour away). I'm so glad it made my list. I highly recommend anyone visiting the Napa area or simply in Cali for the wine tasting to visit this unique locale. Make sure to take the tour of the facilities as it was a wonderful experience as well : ) By the way, these photos are only "slightly" retouched meaning adjustments to contrast/saturation were slight and no other means to enhance were done. It REALLY is this beautiful! Enjoy~

Armstrong redwoods & Goat Rock beach.

Today was an AWESOME day. It all started with a trip to the Armstrong Redwoods state park in Guernville. What a beautiful place! I looooooove the woods and had never really experienced these amazing giants. The park was eerily quiet (which was excellent of course) and very picturesque. Photo 2 shows just a hint of their massive size. I didn't get to spend all that much time at the park due to the day's schedule but afterwards I took a trip down to Goat rock beach in Jenner. Of course, everywhere you go there are vineyards and I couldn't resist just one more shot of grapes! I was told this was the best place to watch the sunset so I arrived just in time for "THE sunset". Isn't it beautiful? Yes, I know I couldn't see it either due to all the fog! It was not only insanely foggy but also quite cold 58' for a Floridian is cold, especially in the summer. Anyhow I loved wearing a jacket in August and escaping the Florida heat. The beach was totally empty and well, as you can see, very foggy. I shall have to come back when it's clear as it's actually an amazing sight. The last photo is actually where I'm staying which is the Windsor Worldmark resort, all the comforts of home and definitely recommended. I love the apt style feel of the place.