Garcia Christmas Photos

Before I left home for the holidays, my friend Kelley asked me to take family photos for their Christmas card. When I arrived at the house and saw Parker's little pigtails I pretty much melted. I just love her:) We took a drive a couple minutes away from the house to get to a park. Kelley brought an adorable snowman, sleigh, and raindeer headbands for a touch of Christmas out in the desert. It was perfect:) We even got Parker to smile in some of the photos. She did such a great job, we were all so proud of her. I can't wait to see how the Christmas card turned out and to see the Garcia family again soon.

Chad and Karlee's Wedding

I met the Fox family about five years ago. I worked for a tutoring company that connected me with Dyllan (Karlee's brother). I fell in love with the family instantly and continued to keep in touch with them even after Scott and I moved away. I got a call from Karlee a few months before the wedding to inquire about using me as the photographer of her wedding. Of course, I said yes:) Chad and Karlee didn't start dating till after we moved so I never got the chance to meet him. I was very excited to see them together and meet this guy that stole her heart. I flew into Ohio the night before the wedding. I did my best to get a good night sleep before the big day and make sure I was ready for what the day gave. This was only my third wedding so my nerves were building along with my excitement. As soon as I got to the church I met the bridesmaids, walked around a bit, and waited for Karlee and her mom to arrive. Once I heard their voices and was embraced with hugs and joy I quickly forgot about the cold December snow and was ready for a fun and loving wedding. Quickly after meeting Chad and I could see all the sweet compliments that Karlee talked about come to surface. Watching the two of them together was so great:) After the ceremony we drove to the elementary school that they met at and took some photos on the playground. Even though it was super cold I could have stayed outside with the two of them all day just to watch them interact. Thank you guys for asking me to photograph your special day! I wish you all the best that God has for you two:)

Nichole and Marcus

My friend Abby referred me to a coworker of hers named Nichole. Nichole contacted me about taking photos of her son Marcus for their Christmas card this year. Nichole and I decided to go to Kierland in Scottsdale for the shoot on Saturday. I still get nervous when meeting someone the first time, but as soon as I met Nichole all those nerves went out the window. She had Marcus in her arms as she approached me and once we said "hi" I felt like we've known each other and it all became so simple:) Marcus is an adorable 14 month old that was a bit timid when first meeting me, but totally normal. I would be too if some lady was trying to get me to look at this black box and smile ha ha.

In the middle of the shopping area was a big Christmas tree, tons of people, dogs, live music, and of course Santa and Mrs. Clause:) Marcus knew exactly what he wanted, he needed to get to all the action ASAP. He danced and clapped to the music and just did his own adorable thing:) At the end of the session he gave me a hug and kiss and that was a perfect ending to a perfect shoot. I hope to see Marcus and Nichole again soon:)

Alison's Maternity Session

I don't even know exactly how to start this blog...Alison and I met through a mutual friend (Angela). We met at Angela's wedding shower and I kinda clung to her because she was super easy to talk to and we are both teachers. I also didn't have any other friends there ha ha. After that we saw each other at Angela and Gabe's wedding back in April. At this point I had my camera for about two months and was still exploring the idea of becoming a photographer. After the wedding I posted some pictures on Facebook. And I believe Alison was the first to say something about the pictures:)

Not too much time passed when I decided to really throw myself out there and make a photography page on Facebook ha ha. I still think I'm getting way ahead of myself and wonder if people laugh at the notion that i'm exploring photography and would like for it to become my career. Anyway, back to Alison, she has always cheered me on:) Any little comment or encouragment she gave to me meant more then she might even know.

Since then I've photographed Alison's baby shower and was asked by other family members to photograph different events. Now we are here...before sweet baby Sofia arrives to photograph maternity pictures.

Alison was so easy to photograph and so fun:) She was willing to try anything and take our time to make sure we got exactly what she wanted. Alison, if you ever read this, thank you for being you, thank you for your support, and thank you for keeping me going in this adventure. I love you:) I can't wait to meet Sofia!

Brandee, Cory, and Rue

The night before Scott and I flew home for Thanksgiving we met up with Brandee, Cory, and their dog Rue. And yes, I said "we" ha ha. Sometimes I ask Scott very nicely if he could come with me on a shoot:) And, he came really handy:) When we needed to get Rue's attention Scott would bark or make cat noises ha ha. It was great:) Anyway, Brandee and Cory are from San Diego and were visiting Cory's family here in Phoenix. You might remember them from a couple shower I shot a few months back. Since then they got married and went on a honeymoon and officially a family:) I was so excited they called me to photograph a few pictures for their Christmas card this year.

We met up at DC Ranch because there are a lot of great backgrounds and spots for photos. As Scott and I were finding a parking spot I was looking around and noticed other photographers shooting portraits. Of course my insecure side came out and I began to feel even more nervous. To top it off...as I was photographing I passed by Stephanie Fay and her husband Stephen. Stephanie and Stephen are married and two photographers that I admire and follow their work. After seeing them I also saw the married couple that owns Radiant Photography. At this point my thoughts were like this..."what am I doing?!", "I am so insignificant compared to these photographers", "Can I really be a photographer?" oh and there were plenty more thoughts and insecureties that ran through my mind, but I sucked it up and focused on my clients:)

Although I seem super insecure and with zero confidence, its moments like this that keep me humble, that get me excited, that make me appreciate all those who have called me to photograph them, and that keep me learning and working hard to become a photographer like them.