FUN MINI-SESSIONS 2011

A couple of weeks ago I determined that I had become stagnant. I have this dream to become a photographer but I wasn't doing anything to help me reach that dream. I would always come up with excuses why I couldn't work on my photography: I'm too tired. I've worked hard all day and I just want to relax. It's my turn to make dinner (when is it NOT my turn?!). The dogs deserve my undivided attention. But, as I recently read, "Excuses are the nails used to build a house of failure."- Don Wilder and I don't want to be a failure. So, I decided to do super short, almost free sessions to help me practice and give me a little fun with some awesome friends/clients! Here are a few of their photos!

MY MOM: MY BEST FRIEND

I wanted to post this yesterday but I couldn't quite decide what to write. My parents divorced when I was 8 and unlike many kids, I wasn't saddened by it. It didn't make me feel like they didn't care about me or make me want to become defiant. I knew, even at 8 years old, that this was the best choice for my parents; for our family. My mom, my 2 sisters and I went to live with my grandma and grandpa (Mami and Papi respectively). Mom always made sure we had everything we needed. She is definitely the most selfless person I know, David says I get this from her. I'm proud of that. We may never have had all the cool gadgets and I may have never gotten that Barbie Jeep I begged Santa for, but we were always happy...even with our dollar store toys. I'm thankful for my childhood. For my wonderful Mami and Papi but I'm especially thankful for my mom...my best friend. Not only did she make our lives wonderful, she ensures that the lives of my nephews are even more amazing.

PHOTO BOOTH FUN!

The older my nephews get, the more fun we have! Joshua spent the night on Saturday and we had a good ol' time playing on photo booth. Notice my scared face on the "roller coaster"...I wonder if this is how I look on a real coaster? Sounds like it's time to plan a trip to Six Flags, I don't think Joshua would be able to keep that smirk on his face then. Have I mentioned lately that I LOVE my nephews? Because I do...more than chocolate! Yep, I just said it!

THE JOYS OF PARENTING

A few weeks ago I posted on Facebook that my backyard was a monkey graveyard thanks to Stig. Well, my house has also become a monkey graveyard. This is what I come home to when I leave daddy alone with the kids...

J & J SOCCER UPDATE

Soccer season is underway and the boys sure are enjoying themselves. I say enjoying but what I really mean is Jordan is enjoying running around a field, completely oblivious to the game he's playing and Joshua is enjoying pushing other kids around. Ahhh, makes me want kids of my own...NOT! But I really do love these boys. Jordan's team is The Dusters and Joshua's team is Spidermans and no, that is not a misspelling :) I don't know why they smile like this but it doesn't make them any less cute!

JUST A STROLL ON THE TRACK

His dream is to become a MotoGP racer.  Until then, he's got to work hard and practice harder. David's first race was a couple of weeks ago and I am pretty darn proud of my man (snap, snap)! We worked on the track together Saturday and Sunday, while he raced, I worked again (they call it "corner working" but not that kind of corner working... where's your mind!?) Anyways, I was actually ON the side of the track and silly me, forgot my 70-200mm in the car so I was stuck shooting with my 85mm 1.2 and let me just say, this lens is far from ideal while trying to capture a bike going 170 mph on a track. But I made due with what I had and this is how those images turned out...

                                                   
They look like little ants in a great big world. I was disappointed in myself but knew cropping was always an option...

Then I was able to get a little closer at a different angle and get these..

While I struggled to get some decent shots, one of the photographers on the track came by. Brandon Bones was his name and he was crazy and kind enough to lend me his 70-200mm so I could catch some sweet pics of David. Here's how those came out...

I'm excited to be able to capture more great moments of my even greater husband :)

SARAH + CAIN : WEDDING

One of my favorite aunts, Sarah, was married in June and I brought my camera along to snap a few photos. This wasn't my first wedding to shoot but BOY, was it a learning experience for me. Although I didn't do everything right, I'm thankful that my aunt and uncle appreciate that I tried :) After all, it's always humbling to photograph photographers! Here are a few of my favorites!