High School Senior, Breanna, Menifee
I have yet to have a session that I have loved so many of the final photos! I won't even tell you how many I ended up giving Breanna because it was just too many but I just couldn't keep them to myself! We did a two day session with two times to sunsets! Thanks Breanna for your beautiful smile and even your fake one! Congratulations on graduation, excited for where God takes you from here! (I seriously ended each sentence with an exclamation point
Jamie’s Baby Shower Invitation: Woodland Creatures
The theme for Jamie's baby shower had been decided to match the nursery for baby Owen: woodland creatures. And when Jamie posted a photo of this little fox plush from Sleepy King on Etsy,** that she had purchased for the nursery, I was inspired to match the invitation to the same look and feel. The color palette was pretty open, natural earth tones. I've always loved Jamie's taste and was excited to create a shower invitation that was unique to her. The shower itself, you can see Jessica's post about it on her blog, was the most adorable shower I have ever been to. Everything was detailed to match the theme down to the food which included acorn cookies and little fox chow. So so cute! Jessica also asked me to make a little print with Owen's name on it for Jamie to keep after the shower as well! And you can see in this photo the wood and other stuffed animals Jessica used to decorate. Again, it was all just so cute! Little Owen was welcomed into the Chapin family already 7 weeks ago (I am so behind in posting this!!) and he's just as cute as I pictured him to be!
College Senior Kirsten, Menifee
Kirsten and I have known each other for a long
Soundsational Parade, Disneyland, USA
I MISS DISNEYLAND! Okay, so it's only been a month since I've been, but just knowing that my pass has expired makes me sad. I need to go and soon. To help with my aching, I was looking through some photos from past trips and realized I had never posted these from my first and only time seeing the Soundsational parade at Disneyland. I am so out of touch of my Disney-ness that I don't even know if this parade is still going! What is wrong with me?! Anyway, enjoy a few photos from the parade as I continue to ache for the happiest place on earth
Brittany and Eric’s Engagement Portraits, Costa Mesa, California
In December, one of my best friends—since second grade—got engaged! Brittany has been known as my laughing buddy because when we get together that's all that happens! She just makes me laugh and her laugh is infectious in the best of ways. Her bubbly personality brings everyone in as if you've been friends forever. And that's how she makes you feel, even strangers. And she sure knows how to have a good time! That's a guarantee when spending time with my P*A (stands for pineapple, don't ask). Four years ago she met Eric. Eric in so many ways is Brittany's perfect guy. After so many years of Brittany making all of us smile, now he makes Brittany laugh and smile—all the time. So if you know Brittany, and thought she was so happy before, wait until you see Mrs. Totah-to-be. You can't help but smile—the whole time! Your cheeks will hurt! In a good way! ha! I am so so so excited for their wedding this November! I am so excited for all the dancing during the reception, but most excited to be stand up with Brittany as one of her bridesmaids as she becomes Eric's wife! Ah!! This is too much
Irvine Nature and Disney California Adventure Redwoods with Rachel
Another day with Rachel, another day of photos to be taken! I am still learning how to properly back light a portrait so this wonderful evening of sun was perfect for the occasion! After I picked her up from University of California, Irvine, we made a quick stop by a local nature preserve. It was an adventure as neither of us knew what was back there but it was totally worth it! Then we drove over to our happy place, Disneyland. We took a few more pictures behind Grizzly Rapids and then went on some rides ourselves! A good night was had by all! Many thanks to Rachel for appeasing my need to photograph someone! Anyone! I am desperate to learn more and more and she is always up for new pictures to add to her portfolio. And also thanks to her for this lovely photo of her view! To see more of Rachel, visit the following posts: Disneyland Next Top Photographer Rachel's Senior Prom and Graduation Parking Structure and Downtown Disney A Year Spent at the Happiest Place on Earth Third Annual Rachel's Birthday at Disneyland Adventure!
The Ice Castles at Silverthorne, Colorado
Oh how I love Colorado! We went there twice last summer, once for my family reunion/cousin's wedding and then later in August for a BBQ competition. But we haven't been there winter for five years. Unlike previous years, there wasn't that much snow. If Summit County always got that much snow, I could actually live in the mountains. But since Dillon got 4 inches of snow just the night after we left, it just won't work, so we settle for visits
Christmas Portraits / Amie, Matt, and Bonnie the Puppy Dog
I have been so antsy to post these pictures but as they were a Christmas present for my friend Amie's mom, I had to wait. And wait. And wait. I took them just a week after Courtney and Andrew's maternity photos, so it's been quite awhile! Amie and I have been best friends since April 10, 2000, at least that's what we like to tell people as that was the day we left for our eighth grade trip to Washington DC. Who knew then that 8 years later we'd be back there again, but this time for Amie's graduation as she completed her bachelor degree in political science. I certainly, never ever, would have guessed that! In those eight years we have taken thousands (literally) of photos together, documenting all of the big life moments and all the ones in between. And now, here we are again, taking photos of moments in between. These aren't engagement pictures, they are pictures just to document life as it is now, Amie and Matt, together with their new puppy Bonnie. As a photographer of Amie since middle school, I can guarantee you, I have never seen her happier. Thanks Matt, for smiling for the
Custom Designed Christmas Cards for Sale!
A few weeks ago I announced that I was partnering with J. Rose Photography this Christmas by custom designing her several Christmas cards. Each card can be personalized with a color scheme specifically chosen to your photo and the wording be updated to your liking. As Christmas comes closer and closer, I wanted to post the card templates that you can choose from. But first, let me remind you of the deal J. Rose Photography is giving to my readers, 10% off her Christmas special which includes 1 8×10, 2 5×7, 8 wallets, and 25 Christmas cards with your portrait session. This is an amazing deal for $135! So please call her to schedule an appointment. However, if you have already taken your Christmas portraits, or have a photo in mind, you can still order Christmas cards through us for just $32.50, which includes 25 one-sided cards with envelopes. You can email me your photo and information at samhatesbirds@gmail.com to place this order. All payments will be processed through Paypal. Anyway, onto the pretty Christmas cards
Courtney and Andrew’s Maternity Photos | Canyon Lake, California
One of my oldest and dearest friend's is having a baby in just a little over a month and I CAN NOT WAIT! I am so excited! Courtney and Andrew are going to be amazing parents! They love their little Jameson so much already and Andrew may be one of the most excited man I have ever seen to be a dad. The way he looks at Courtney is so genuinely sweet and he would just randomly reach over and rub her growing belly throughout the evening, even when I wasn't asking him to. Courtney and Andrew have been together since Courtney and I were sophmores in high school. Since then, Courtney and I went to junior college and then both attended Cal State San Bernardino together, majoring in graphic design. Throughout it all, Andrew was there by her side, being her biggest supporter and encourager. Then, two years ago, I was a bridesmaid in their wedding and got to stand up with them when they pledged to love each other forever. And here we are, awaiting their first child. So needless to say, I feel like we've all been waiting for this moment for 10 years! And now you've