Pocket Beagle: {Pet Photographer Mesa, Arizona}

 

I had never heard of a pocket beagle but boy am I wanting one now.  They are so darn tiny.  This one, Bailey, was the sweetest little petite thing.  She licked my face and it was all over.  She licked her way right into my heart and if I'd of had a pocket, she might have come home with me!

 

 

 

 

 

 

And then again, I may of had four little kids chase me take her from my pocket and put her back in theirs.  I didn't really feel like fighting anyway. Buy hey, if you run out of pockets. . . . you know where to find me!

First Place Smile

 

I knew when I saw this smile, I had to capture it. 

There is something special about a baby's smile that is so open and full and big--like a giant face hug.  I try to smile like that but then my children complain so I leave it to the babies of the world to open mouth smile as much as possible.

 

When I saw this image of Tatum on my computer after the shoot, it immediately got earmarked as a favorite and sent off to Light room for a black and white conversion.  Sometimes an image begs to become colorless with only black and white to pull out emotions that sometimes hide behind color.  But more than color or no color, this picture is great because the baby is adorable and sweet and lets me squeeze her thighs at church!  She had a rough start but is doing great now.

 

So, anyway, I guess someone else liked it as much as her parents and I and "big smiley" got  first place in a photo contest. 

 

The prizes? 

 

 

Bragging rights that a photographer I admire and blog stalk, Skye Johansen, picked it out of over 700 other amazing images!!!  I am talking seriously amazing pictures of babies.  So seriously amazing that if I could talk to Skye I would be like, "Are you so sure????"  and "Are you sure you don't need to tally up the scores again?"  and "Can we be best friends now?" 

 

The other prize? 

 

Unlimited access to thigh squeezing.

 

 

Oh ya, and a little button too.

 

 

 

Ok.  I am done tooting my horn.  Off to enjoy the first day of summer.

First Place Smile

 

I knew when I saw this smile, I had to capture it. 

There is something special about a baby's smile that is so open and full and big--like a giant face hug.  I try to smile like that but then my children complain so I leave it to the babies of the world to open mouth smile as much as possible.

When I saw this image of Tatum on my computer after the shoot, it immediately got earmarked as a favorite and sent off to Light room for a black and white conversion.  Sometimes an image begs to become colorless with only black and white to pull out emotions that sometimes hide behind color.  But more than color or no color, this picture is great because the baby is adorable and sweet and lets me squeeze her thighs at church!  She had a rough start but is doing great now.

So, anyway, I guess someone else liked it as much as her parents and I and "big smiley" got  first place in a photo contest. 

The prize? 

Bragging rights that a photographer I admire and blog stalk, Skye Johansen, picked it out of over 700 other amazing images!!!  AND, indefinite access to thigh squeezing.

 

Oh ya, and a little button too.

 

 

 

Ok.  I am done tooting my horn.  Off to enjoy the first day of summer.

Smile. Smiling. Smiled.

 

Considering that I love taking pictures of babies, kids, people, pets etc., some might find it odd that I actually detest having my own picture taken.  But there are others out there who hate having the lens on them as well.

 

This little doll, (who is the daughter of my cousin and who has the most adorable name which I won't reveal because then all the girl babies born in the world in the next 5 years will all have her name) it seems also shares my views.

 

Ignore.

 

Ignore.

 

Run away.

 

I am like my dad though and very determined to cheer her up and capture a smile in her Grandmother's lovely garden.  So I pulled out the big guns.

 

Her mommy's magical tickle fingers

AND

the irresistible, indispensable Tinkerbell Pez dispenser.

And wha laaaaa.  Help me count the smiles.

ONE

 

TWO

 

SKIP A FEW

 

NINETY NINE

 

100!

 

Plus two more for good measure.

 

Beautiful and mission accomplished.

 

But I still don't like my picture taken. Even for PEZ.

Hot! Hot! Hot! Justin and Jen {Arizona Engagement Photographer}

 

Not only was the temperature hot (only 102 degrees), but this couple was smokin'!    The best part?  They were as nice as they were good looking.  We really had a great time. 

Engagement pics are a big deal and can be a bit stressful but when you find a couple (especially the guy--you were a great sport Justin) who will play along with bubblegum, chalk, markers and getting into a fountain for the camera, you know you the photo shoot is gonna go just fine! Jen came with the markers and bubblegum idea and it made it so much fun!   More of their pics will be featured on my Face Book page.

 

I wish you guys the best and know you will have a lot of fun and laughter to enjoy for the years to come.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Two, Four, Six, Eight. . .

I think this family is really great!

This photo shoot is the product of 1 hour, 2 parents, 6 children  and 24 years of friendship.

I never dreamed that 24 years ago when I met this darling girl

 

who married this handsome guy

 

 

that I would be staring down my lens at their beautiful family and enjoying the great honor or photographing their wonderful family.

 

 

This spot is for their oldest son who is serving a religious mission in Mexico. 

 

 

 

Handsome son number two joined the class of 2010 and graduated just days before the shoot.  He has a bright future with endless possibilities. 

 

 

This sweetie is every mothers' dream daughter.  I wonder if she gives lessons?

 

 

This guy knows what he wants and is a great helper.  I know he is a great friend. 

 

This beauty has an angel's voice and the sweetest hugs.  And how about that teeny tiny dimple?!

 

This sparkling eyed boy is busy and cheerful.  I think he is the entertainer in the family.  Am I right?

 

And the dear sweet baby of the family has the most endearing smile and quietest voice.  He very much made me miss my 6 year old baby.

 

Thank you for a wonderful night and many new memories to add to all the old ones!

Just b-cuz

 

This pretty little girl

 

and this pretty little girl

are cousins.

Cousins by birth.

Friends by choice.

A few reasons they are lucky to have each other?

 

Bcuz--they will  always have some one to make them laugh.

 

Bcuz--they will  always have someone to help them see past the obstacles.

 

Bcuz--they will always have someone to squeeze them just so.

 

Bcuz--they will always have someone to hold their hand tightly and help them skip into the unknown.

 

Bcuz--it means they share the same wonderful Grandmother!

 

Thank you ladies.  All three of you!