Week 25 • “Celebrating Teens” Photo Challenge

Being a teenager brings back so many memories. I wish I could go back in time and change so many things about my H.S. years. If I knew then what I know now... I would forget the petty things like popularity, I would forget boys... cause they truly were just a waste of time then... and I would focus on myself, my girl friends, my grades and my future. I made a lot of mistakes growing up as a teenager. I think I caused most of the grey hairs on my mom's head but it brought me to who I am today. I am happy. I am proud. I am hardworking, honest and fair. I have a great husband, 3 wonderful kids and a career that I love. God has truly blessed me... although it probably was not deserved.

Have you ever heard that song by Garth Brooks called "Unanswered Prayers?" This song always brings me back to my H.S. years. I remember the prayers that I prayed to Him. The things I thought I wanted or needed. But now I know that God knew better and I am so thankful that His plan was so much better then My plan.

This week at http://www.iheartfaces.com/ we are celebrating teens. so my entry is below. Two very special teen girls and the boy that they are both are in love with! And don't boys have a great way of showing their love back? Go visit other great entries here.

Another Honor....

I love http://www.iheartfaces.com/  Fix it Friday! it is so amazing to see one photograph in a hundred different ways. People are so creative and it is so inspiring to see what people come up with.

This fix it is extremely special to me because Julie Rivera is one of my favorite photographers. Not only is she one of my favorites, she is also the sweetest most kind photographers I have ever met. If I ever need photography inspiration I go to her blog and just look around at all her amazing photos. If I ever have a question or needed some tips I would ask Julie and she was always open to giving me advice. I am honored to fix her photo. I hope she loves her edit. Your daughter is beautiful Julie and thank you so much for everything you have done for me.

Here is my edit

Here is the original

What an honor....

It really is such an honor to have your photo chosen as the winner for Boise's I Heart Faces Photowalk. There were so many amazing entries and many photographers that actually knew what they were doing... (Ooops did I say that out loud!) :D

I think the greatest thing about this photowalk though wasn't winning the challenge but just meeting local photographers in the area and sharing tips, locations, photo ideas and just sharing a compassion that everyone equally shares. I didn't choose to be a photographer (I was going to college to be an accountant) but photography chose me. It is a passion that has only gotten stronger over the years. Thank you to everyone who supported me through my journey.... especially my husband who has probably (with a smile on his face of course) sat through hours and hours and hours of looking at photos and giving me advice.

So here is the photo that was chosen. It was actually taken with my 17-55mm Sigma lens (which I no longer own!! What was I thinking!) I am trading it in for the 11-14mm Tokina lens so hopefully I can capture even better panoramas of Boise!

Here is me in action! I didn't even know these photos were taken so it was pretty funny to find them on Michelle's blog who lead our photowalk.

If you look closely at this photo in David's camera you will see I am looking at this photo. Isn't that a cool photo! So creative and I didn't even see this as a photo opp!

And here is our Group on the Blue Turf! Everyone know Boise as Potato Farmers and Football Players with the Blue Turf! And for all those that don't know already.... yes we have street lights here... and yes I have been asked that question!

Introducing the Wedding Reception Book

I am soooo thrilled to offer this amazing product to my brides to be! This book is truly amazing. It will be a keepsake item for every bride and groom to cherish forever. It replaces the "boring" guest sign in book with a modern, fresh and creative album that would look great on anyone's coffee table. This album can be printed in a 10x10 or a 12x12. It can also be printed in an album or a spiral bound book.

It is a fun idea and your guests will be talking about it for years to come! It is one of the newest and freshest ideas for modern day brides and I only wish I had one of these when I got married! These can be purchased separately after an engagement session and I will use the photos taken during your engagement session to create the album. If you are interested in one of these amazing albums please contact me for pricing.

Front and Back Cover of the Album or Book


Page 1-2


Page 3-4


Page 5-6


Page 7-8


Page 9-10

Page 11-12


Page 13-14


Page 15-16


Page 17-18


Page 19-20

Baby Boy "L" Photo Shoot

When mom called me for a photoshoot of Baby "L" she asked if I could remove all the baby pimples on his face. When I got to her house... I almost had to pull out my microscope to even locate one! She said he broke out in a rash on his face and was afraid it would show up in the photos. He had the absolute perfect baby complexion. He had a few dry spots above his eye brows but seriously... he was pure perfection.

He was so good too. He had the sweetest little newborn cry and by the end of the session he was so clonked out he just let us move him around every which way to get some cute photos of him.

"D" Family Photo Shoot

This photo shoot was special to me because this is our old Pastor from our church at Calvary Baptist. It was hard to see him leave to a church in Cali. but they are doing amazing things there and loving their new location. God works in wonderous ways!

Their youngest daughter got married this weekend and they wanted to get some family photos while they were visiting Boise. With the children living in different states it is hard to get family photos. So this was a special time for them.

Thanks so much for letting me take your photos!

Make-up, Nails, Glitter, Girls, Tutu's, Dancing, Cheerleading = PARTY!!!

Do you have a little girl? If you do you HAVE to HOST a Make Up party for them! I have never seen girl's have more fun. My sister hosted a Make-up party and I got to photograph the event... She had some of her cheerleaders (she is a coach) come and help entertain the kids. They did their nails, toes, hair, make up, they taught them to dance. Oh my gosh it was the cutest thing ever!! All the kids had a blast! Check out all the smiles...  :D

Even our make-up artists let the girls put make up on them!!! So cute!

Cheers! I had too many favorites and wanted to share them all! I had so much fun photographing these girls! They are just gorgeous and were the perfect little models!