Chico California Wedding Photography: The First Monday of 2011

With the start of a new year, I always feel motivated, excited and worried .... Yes, I just admitted to the world wide web that I tend to worry. I worry about silly things -- like whether or not I should commit to a whole month without starbucks, but I also worry about the bigger wonders of life. What will 2011 look like for me?

As I have mulled the worries around in my head and my heart, I have been convicted that my worry is simply ridding me of belief in something Great! So my mindset is changing -- and I am believing that this year will be perfect. Perfect, because I believe in a God who has every detail of my life, including this business, planned out. He will give me exactly what is right for me because He is perfect. This year, I will try, try my best not to fret over the unknown.

So, I am excited! I am excited to serve people better than I have before -- I am excited to see who will come into my life this year because of this business. I cannot wait for the weddings this season and I cannot wait to hear from more of you! Please, I would love the opportunity to work with you. It brings me so much joy to serve in this industry!

And because I am in the wedding mood and have been culling through 2010 weddings, I thought I would share with you this photo -- So fun!

Chico California Wedding Photographer: Goodbye 2010

Just like that it came and went...

2010 was an incredible year for me and I feel like it came just as quickly as it went. Next week, I plan to do a blog roll on all of my favorites from this past year, so be on the lookout. For now, I just want to savor the last few moments of 2010 with my wonderful family and friends (including the little man below)!

Cheers to a new year, new adventures, and new stories!

And because we all love a good photo -- Here is something fun:
The other day, I spent some time with baby Jaden and I guess I must be funny or something, because he gave me this ridiculously sweet giggle!

Chico California Wedding Photographer: Merry Christmas

Whew -- I just finished up my last session for 2010, photographing some details for Melinda, at M Creations. It was so much fun, and I left a tease below...

For now, Merry Christmas!
Our Christmas will be different this year, as we will be at home, just the two of us. We will make some new traditions and I am sure it will seem very quiet...
Don't you worry about us though -- we are tuckered and rest could not sound better.
2010 has been crazy and wonderful all at the same time. We have moved to a different state, started a new job, uprooted this business to Chico, practically starting at square one, lived in the bedroom of someone elses home, became landlords, and jumped right into ministry at our new church. We love it -- and wouldn't ask for anything different (unless someone wants to buy our home in Portland), but we are tired. So rest is good for us this Christmas. I am already going through family withdrawals -- we will miss them like crazy and we will be skyping from our living room on Christmas day. Oh, and we will be eating enchiladas on Christmas (at Kenny's request), so if you have a hankering for Mexican food, you know where to find it :)

Anyway, Merry Christmas to everyone! I am overwhelmed by what God has given me through this business. I can't wait to see what He will do in 2011. Thank you everyone!
And like always -- Cheers!

Chico California Wedding Photographer: Chris and Katie's Engagement

Meet Chris and Katie -- beautiful people, who absolutely love one another! As I edited this photo session, I could definitely see the love that these two have for one another. Chris adores Katie -- Once you see these photos you will know what I mean. It is obvious that Katie trusts Chris through and through. They are just perfect for one another.
In June, after four years of dating and graduation, these two will tie the knot! I am so looking forward to their wedding.
Cheers Chris and Katie! Kenny and I are so honored to be a part of your lives!





Don't you just love them?



It is obvious that these two are naturally happy people, but they are also amazing college atheletes, so I had to capture a few photos like these...



At the end of the night, we headed to the wet fields of Ashland for a few more photos...

Chico California Wedding Photographer: Photography as An Art...

The other day, while on a walk, I found both of these things within about one block of each other. These are nearly treasures to a person like me -- the chairs hold so much potential for a re-design and the tricycle is just perfect. While they were just sitting near the curb, and while I could have justified taking them (seeing as they may have been out for that reason), the fact of the matter remained -- they weren't mine. So instead, I took a picture :)

I think this can be related to photography (bear with me): The photography industry has grown so much in the past decade. When I first studied photography in 1998, we developed our film and images in darkrooms. The digital era came upon us and suddenly we were all given the opportunity to pursue this art. This is wonderful! I have had so many more opportunities because of the digital era. However, I think there are some challenges.

Getting back to the photo below:
As a photographer, I have mentors in this industry. With photographers being more present than ever on the web, I am often inspired by the work of my colleagues. This in itself, is a great thing. Where it gets dangerous, is when we start to take others ideas and we no longer have our own. Photography is an infusion of skill and creativity. Skills can be developed, but it is our artistry that makes us unique.

For me, creativity has been the more difficult part of this industry. I am logical by nature and so I love to figure out the technical side of photography. Innovation and design is where I must work the hardest. Really, I have to be conscious that I don't simply copy other photographers. I must have a clear vision of what I want my business to look like.

So, when I am inspired by my mentors in this industry, I have to remember, that similar to the items in the photo below, their business and their designs and their photography is not mine. It is not free for the taking, even when it is so tempting.

I hope this blog post inspires other photographers in the industry to continue to stretch yourself creatively. If we are all working hard to develop our own ideas and work, then we won't be tempted to use someone elses.
Cheers to photography! What an amazing industry to work in!

Chico California Photographer: Wrapping Up...

I am busy wrapping up the 2010 season, with these two mini sessions and an engagement session to come tomorrow...

Brandon, Malinda and Ella are new clients to me and I am so grateful for them. When I first met them, I knew that we would be friends. They are among the kindest and gentle spirited people that I have ever met. Ella is just beautiful! She is such a sweet baby and capturing her has been wonderful! You may recognize them from their dental practice photos as well. Thank you Brandon and Malinda for everything!




Oh dear, I promise that I don't make all babies cry :)




Leah and Yancey and Dylan are some of the people that I have been so lucky to work with this past year. I was able to capture Leah as a beautiful "Mom to be", and then see baby Dylan at just eight days old, and capture all of them as a family last week. Yancey is an awesome Dad and he has done more than his share of putting up with me. I love laughing with these three! They are truly wonderful people!






I can't say it enough -- I am blessed with the world's best clients!

Chico California Portait Photographer: A Tribute to My Clients...

Sometimes we all feel this way...
I adore baby Dylan, and I think he likes me, but let's be honest -- at the exact moment of this picture, I don't think he was too keen on me or my work as a photographer. I understand: There is nothing scarier than a strange woman (me), standing nearly inches from your face, with a big black box (my camera), pointed right at you.
So, this is a blog post tribute to all of my wonderful clients who give me the opportunity to get up close and personal, or share experienes with you, that wouldn't otherwise be documented. You make my work beautiful and I am so grateful for you! Cheers to the world's best clients! And tune in next week, for the rest of Dylan's photo session....