6 months just fly by!

Shhhhhh! I know, although I HAVE been unplugged for pretty much 90% of the day. All the kids are in bed, hubs is singing his Zzzzzzz song and my days chores have been done! Yippee! So here I am...thinking it's a MUST to share a little about my new blog and the model shining at the top!

My blog design began a little over two months ago and blink...here it is finally getting to see some bloglight! Chosing pictures, layout, etc was overwhelming to say the least...like lost a few hours of sleep overwhelming. But, what it actually came down to is I'm a simple girl. I like things simple, easy and pretty laid back! I'm not a girl filled with fluff ... in more than one aspect in my life. I'm just S I M P L E! And I love simple! So, I ended with wanting a simple look with few details!

What I do love most about my blog, is the picture that welcomes each visitor. It's definitely a favorite... I can't help but smile each time I see it. The sweetest part of this pictures debut is that I had a 6 month session with the little newbie this week!

Introducing Mr. L....full of cuteness, sweetness, chub and smiles! I absolutely love this age....I could photograph this age all day long. The beauty of this age... they tend to not be mobile, smile with just a look, giddy, and happy to see anyone (including strangers with big, black cameras aimed at them).
L...Happy 6 month birthday! Thanks for thinking I'm funny and being so darn cute that I have WAY too many pictures to narrow down for a reasonable gallery!

Next on my agenda, processing his pictures and boring data entry! I'm thinking processing will come first, although I don't think AZ department of treasury would prefer this order! Hmmmm!

Storyboards

One of my favorite products for clients is a storyboard.  A storyboard is a way of presenting a collection of pictures in a meaningful layout that presents sweet moments from your session.  It's beyond the traditional portrait print, but a display of the little details that remind us of why we smile.

When designing a storyboard, I work with my clients in piecing together 2-12 favorites from their session, telling a story of their child and/or family. Then filling it with pictures that are filled with personality...with the little details.

This is a storyboard I recently put together from a friend's session.  She ordered this in a 20x20 mounted print (minus my logo).  It was too cute to not share!

Here's a 10x20 storyboard from a recent family session.
If you're interested in a storyboard....sweet! You can design one from a past session or from one that is coming up! Let me, or my assistant Mariah, know if you want help with the "how to" and getting it designed.  

*ugh...I just realized that the actual print size doesn't present well on my blog!  Just try to imagine the pictures framed with what would resemble a large mat.  I'll be sure to post a picture of the 20x20 once it arrives!

**Personal Update**

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Remember a few posts ago I wrote that I have an amazing idea to share...well, here I am WEEKS later...but alway in my head just not blogged!  A super sweet mom and photographer, Jodie,  and I chatted about a GREAT idea and she put this mother's dream into action!  She even has a super scrapbooking queen on board...Stacy Julian.  The idea is titled Unplugged....curious yet....curious about what I'll be doing unplugged....and unplugged tomorrow!  Go and read about it here...right   H E R E!  AND be sure to check back tomorrow to see some fun details from my Unplugged Day!

Signs of summer!

Cool Foods....

There is nothing like a slice of watermelon to cool off on a hot summer day!  This little man, L, was seriously digging into his watermelon for all the juice he could suck down...and he worked HARD at getting his sweet little fingers around it but there were times patience simply sucked!

Sweet Treats...

Z's mommy was incredibly fun with her lollipop idea!  I found the chillin' troll nearby and knew it was a must for a chillin' out summertime picture.

A and M, thanks for the fabulously fun time with your children!  I don't think I've mentioned lately how much I love photographing children....LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE it! This session was filled with hanging out and chatting it up with a super cute 2 year old. In my opinion, there is nothing more innocent then hearing how life is viewed from a 2 year old perspective, in their growing voice while they learn to put sounds and words together.

Newborn Special

The real motivation behind the special I'm announcing for this summer, June and July.


My baby, who 5 months ago was this tiny.... and today is now 18 pounds of chub!
Newborn Session Special $125 session fee
includes 24 5x7, two sided, flat baby announcements (valued at $50)
10% off prints
*for session details, please refer to the session portion of my website


While I was planning on taking the summer off, I changed my plans to simply slowing down a bit...I have a limited number of session dates available for the summer months. June has one session date left...contact me if you want it.


Also keep in mind that newborn sessions are best within the first two weeks of delivery. If you are anticipating your sweetie arriving...PERFECT...it's best to get scheduled on my calendar and reserve your session date. For anticipated arrivals, I reserve the week before and after your due date as a potential session date....if the arrival is off from this block, you will get scheduled in.

My current LOVE LIST!

Geesh....it sure has been a long time since I did a love list!  Here is my current top 5!

1.  My girls love for eachother!  Although their feeling for each other change often...one thing is ALWAYS true...they are eachother's best friend. Together they are peanut butter and jelly, eggs and bacon, chicken and egg, two peas in a pod....eachother's everything.  I know as they get older, this may change,  but they will always be there.
2.   My Easton...how he can light up a room with one look from me.
3.  My babies vastly different personalities that keep me on my toes....

my hallmonitor and entertainer!
4.  His chunky cheeks that I can't get enough of and how he rubs my face each morning he wakes me up!  Yes....he gets to sleep with me the the early part of the morning...I honestly don't think I can ever give that up!  Although it might be a bit odd when he's 16....hmmm!
5.  Children's books!  I LOVE...obsessively LOVE...children's books!  Like to the level of an addiction!  My mother in law... whom shares my obsession...found this adorable book for me!   So perfect for any mother!  
AND two of my favorite pages...This is how I feel at every meal of the day!
There it is....what I'm in love with today!  Tomorrow...there will be a new top 5 love list but I guarantee it will involve my three cuties!

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As for update....

I realize I've strung you all along with some promises of postings...so, to not overwhelm you too much!  I will be posting a special tomorrow morning....be sure to check back!  The idea came from my little man...yep, he spoke to me in baby tongue!

My little man!

My little man is 5 months old...WOW!  

When did this happen, how did this happen...and why are blinks so fast? I literally feel like he went from my teeny tiny newborn to my chunky guy...
weighing in just shy of 18 pounds.

Easton is completely spoiled....spoiled to the point where I call him my little Divo!  AND, he has his mommy wrapped around his little cute chunky pudgy finger.  It also doesn't hurt that he knows just what to get me at his side.  

While my little man lives quite the life, with three girls swooning over him and one proud daddy, he has spent 3 of his 5 months with yucky ear infections.  And tonight I think we might have another one...eeeeew!  I will surely be at the doctor first thing in the morning.

Summer update

Each summer, I slow down tremendously....mostly due to the heat but also because our dear friend spends a HUGE portion of her summer living with us.  Without going into FULL detail about my friend L, you can read a little about her here  or how sweet she is with my girls here.

I also take the summer to rest and relax as I prepare for the holiday rush that begins every year in September.   

I am currently only scheduling family sessions to start in September.  I will take a limited number of children sessions this summer and leave open session dates for babies.  If you are interested in a newborn/baby session...I recommend contacting me as soon as possible to ensure a date is available for you around your due date.  Also keep in mind the BEST newborn portraits are captured when your new sweetness is photographed within 2 weeks from delivery.

If you missed reading and seeing the kids that can really get my heart smiling and beating tunes about sunshine....my babies....be sure to come back.  I also will be announcing....

*a children's photography special

* a maternity special

*senior high stuff

*my "getting to know your camera" class

...all over the course of the next week.

Uppity update!

Whoa...I just read this blog post title...

hint...whenever 'ity is added to anything I write, it means I need to go to bed!  Oh, there are times I realize that what I write may seem as though I loathe the late working nights...actually I heart them!  Ahhhh, silence....and I am SUCH a night owl...always have been, always will be!  Now...if I could only get myself to be a morning person, but I JUST don't think those two go hand in hand!  Oh well!

Here are the latest happening around....

Today was an emotional rollar coaster!  My twin sister is expecting her second baby on our birthday...6 weeks away!  It seems as though she has been constantly facing obstacles in enjoying a healthy pregnancy.  To say the least, my sister is exhausted and only prays to spend the rest of her pregnancy celebrating her sweet bump and wishing the remaining time could be worry free.  BUT...sadly, no such luck!  We are now just counting down the days that we can welcome her sweet baby girl and see her come into this world healthy.

You see, today my  sister slipped and fell down her stairs...while it was only a few stairs...it was enough to have her admitted into the hospital.  Thankfully she fell to her side but the fall was enough to bring on contractions!  Ummmm....not so good!  She continues to be in the hospital until tomorrow evening as they monitor her baby, the contractions and other mumbo jumbo medical stuff that I simply don't understand but am scared of.  

So I turn to you...my sweet blog readers, my friends, my clients, and my family!  I turn to you with a request...a request to pray for my sister and her family.  I am HUGE believer in the power of prayer and positive thoughts. I would be over the moon, with happy tears, to know that many prayers are being lifted to our God to protect her sweet baby,  to keep my sister's sanity, and to build strength in her family during these weak times.  She....is in need of your prayers!  

Today...I was broken for her...as her twin, a mother and her sister.  I couldn't think of a better remedy than prayer.  

MORE uppity updates.....and on the upside...

To my clients waiting on their galleries...they should be arriving to you shortly!  For those waiting for products...I'm thinking any day now.  I actually had the UPS truck drive up today...as I beamed with excitement to get a client's GORGEOUS gallery wrap...my UPS buddy sadly got the address wrong...nothing like a disappointing build up!  BUT, it only makes it THAT more exciting for when it actually arrives.

AND...I can't believe we are already at the end of May!  Geesh...here I am...  with May ending I have a few things to fill you in on...that will come in the next couple days.  Trust me...you will be lovin' them!

Last but not least....can't help but share a sweet picture of the peaceful, yet wonderous looks that go with one year olds!

With memorial weekend starting tomorrow...I hope  you all have a fabulous relaxing time!  We had a little family trip planned but with my twin having some belly issues...I'll be sticking around here for the weekend!  SO everyone...please go and live it up and I hope to hear stories or read fun emails!  

Deadlines are good right?

In my former life...pre-children...I was a multi-tasking goddess!  Post children....multi-tasking challenged!  

What the?  Where the?  How the?  Honestly, my mind is constantly in a swirling direction...!  Thank goodness I have the best clients...best in patience, understanding and tolerant of the new mom of three.  

I've have had several plans in the works for marketing, newborn photograph ideas, creative children shoot ideas and a "How to" work a camera class.  My assistant, my sweet organized goddess assistant...has politely been on me to get these things going.  While I could have, should have, handed these projects to her...I'm way too much of a control freak to outsource this.  It is NOW that I'm finally starting to scratch the surface in taking control of these.  

That is where deadlines are good for me...the problem is...I typically don't get it done until the final days before the deadline set.  This actually isn't a new bad habit...had it through both my undergraduate and graduate course work.  So here I am....trying to attempt to meet my deadline while getting editing done...geesh...I only do it to myself.

While going through old files...I heard that song...."Through the years"...playing in my head.   I couldn't help but sniff at my wonderful clients I've watched grow and get to know during sessions.  I also came across pictures that sooooo needed some bloglight!

Here is one....ONE, that just grabbed my new mom of growing baby boy heart.  

Now...back to editing....

Soul

For me....the soul of a photograph is clearest when shown in a black and white.  This picture made me smile BIG as I'm wrapping up my editing for the night.

QUESTION:

If I put together a simple "Getting to know your camera"  class, would you be interested?  Do you own a DSLR (Digital Single Lens Reflex) camera ?  Do you take it out of the auto mode....

A.K.A. green  mode, the mode that's titled AUTO or on the camera icon?  Would you like to venture out of that mode and TRULY get your moneys worth out of your beautiful camera?

ALL to often I hear clients telling me that they have a fancy, schmancy camera but only shoot in auto mode because they're scared!  My opinion, shooting only in auto mode is like buying a Ferrari, only driving 2o mph and on side streets.  Your camera wasn't built to shoot only in auto...it was built to do incredible things.... show off it fabulousness!

If you want to know how to create stunning pictures with your camera or just want to understand it...send me an email letting me know. At  tamiproffitt@yahoo.com .  I think I have JUST what you need!

Favorite adventure!

We have spent the last few months working on trying to get a family session scheduled for this fabulous family. The family of one of my dearest friends ...for her mother's day gift. While I couldn't imagine being a part of better family than my own...I would have to say, this family IS my other family. AND I think it would be safe to write...that my family is simply an extension of theirs.

Today's session...I'll sum it up with...NON-stop adventure with bugs, a sheriff's deputy, humidity, fears lurking around each corner, location hopping and loads of laughter.

My baby...Kylee...{sigh}! Why is it years pass and yet, I don't feel older...but I take one blink and those I knew as children are now grown teenagers. I BIG PUFFY HEART this girl...there will definitely more of this sweetie, one picture JUST isn't enough of her.

In the next couple weeks, I have senior portrait sessions planned for these guys. I SO have my work cut out for me...they couldn't stop joking or rattling off one liners from movies the entire family session today.
PROUD MOMENT....

Introducing a future major league baseball player...Kyle eats, sleeps, and breathes baseball! Last night, he played in the 5A, high school state championship game and WON. He IS the center fielder that helped his team land this championship with his catch. I was giddy when my husband woke me up to reading the write up in the Arizona Republic announcing the win! Way to go Kyle....

To read the article announcing this victory, click on the link below!
http://www.azcentral.com/arizonarepublic/sports/articles/2009/05/16/20090516spt-5a2base.html

just because...

...i can't post a picture of one without sharing a few others!

I have a fantabulous shoot planned for tomorrow...I'll be back to share some fun and funky pictures with you soon.

Just a couple more....

When pulling pictures for a blog post...I typically have four times the amount of pictures I want to share than what I do.  While all my clients are beautiful, I love how simply beautiful and unique they each are on the inside.  AND I get to capture it.

Twins....it's no secret twins just tickle me happy!  This set....pure sweetness.  

Choo Choo!

This week....busier than usual...I had two back to back photo shoots.  But oh how lucky I was...I had two incredibly fun and sweet families to photograph.

Meet Mr. R. The beauty of photographing toddlers... they don't pretend to be anything...they are just who they are.  Leaving me with little work to do and letting me simply sit back to do my photography thing.  I had ONE fabulous time with him. 

The best part was when his parents or I said, "Choo Choo!", he broke out in full blown giggles.

What a happy little guy!
I was just tickled by this set of golf clubs...and I do think he might have golfing in his future.
R and M...thank you for a wonderful afternoon.  You have a beautiful family and I loved every single second capturing your love.  I'm anxious to share the rest with you...

Sass, sweetness and spunk!

Photographing these three is always a creative adventure. I think the best part is when their mother and I prepare for their session...down to the last piece of clothing.  I have to admit, I get tickled in the days before our time together...as ideas start swirling in my head.  Ideas of how I'm going to capture all the personalities...how I can push myself creatively and how to keep the little guy entertained.

Thankfully his sister does an excellent job...

I ALWAYS can't wait to photograph this sassafrass...she keeps me on my toes and on the ground laughing.  Pictures like this of her aren't easy to come but when she's ready...she's ON...and I become C's personal papaprazzi!


The session was specifically to celebrate Mr. H's first birthday. AND I can't believe he's one already...he was actually one of my first newborns photographed.  Thankfully I've been able to photograph him along the way.  Isn't he the cutest...those eyes, those eyelashes and his squishable cheeks!
I know their mother has been dying to see some pictures from her session...and I still can't believe she didn't ask to see any in camera!  To the proud mommy....wait until you see the rest!

Lost photo

I'm catching up on a few little things when I stumbled on a picture that never made it to my blog....but so blog worthy!

How cute is she?  And how fun is it to pass the time on a swing! 

That is one thing I will never outgrow!  I recently found a ladybug tree swing for our backyard and I spend more time on it than my girls!  Swinging is where my childhood dreams were made!  In a few weeks, the swing will be making a trip up to our family cabin.  I'm sure it won't be long until I replace it!

It gets deep every now and again!

Photography is a beautiful tool. A tool that captures beyond what words can describe and a mind can remember. It's also one of the top things everyone shares as a commonality in embracing a memory. I can't think of one person I know that doesn't use their camera at least once a day.

I read photography blogs like I drink water and breathe air. It's something I just do...but there are times I wish I didn't... as an artist.

As an artist, I'm never really happy with my photography. It could always be better....

whether it's my settings...or not capturing exactly what I was feeling or seeing, or not having the look down just how I envisioned it in my head. But I don't ever think I would ever want to get to a point where I say I'm happy with what I have but just keep reaching beyond what I see with my eye and connecting more with my heart.

With the ridiculously long list of blogs I read...comes the neverending feeling of longing for what I see other's capturing. It's like a sickness. With my only remedy being...that that is them and I can only be me. But today, one of the blogs I faithfully read had a link to a video that was just what my photographic soul needed.

In the current photographic world, pictures are often viewed with questions....

camera brand?

what lens?

what settings?

direction of lighting?

curious about the dialog between subject and photographer

processing style?

how can that picture be recreated?

It was a great reality check to bring photography back to the original art form it was created in. Remembering that when a traditional portrait may seem boring, the artist had an idea of the message captured with it and a casual portrait with a snapshot feel....was probably embedded with a life message. Simply getting back to seeing beyond the picture.

If you have a second....click on the link below for a beatiful video by a great photographer, Zach Arias....creator of the One Light Workshop.

http://www.scottkelby.com/blog/2009/archives/3433

Enjoy....! If you have a second, leave your thoughts in my comment section! I would LOVE to read what you think!  AND since this is a photography blog....my Cash striking her pose during some backyard fun!

Happy Mother's Day!

I had an absolutely incredible Mother's Day!

My husband spoiled me rotten with the gift of time.  The best part of today was having him do all of those annoying little daily duties that seem to take way too much of my time.....

A.K.A.  doing laundry and hanging clothes!  How did I get so lucky!?!

Last week, he asked if there was something I particularly wanted...  it was then that I actually realized I've become my mom, or that mom....or I guess officially assumed the mom position in life!  

I'm sure you've heard the staple mom response when asking your mom what she'd like....

blah blah blah.....I just want to be with my family.  Or...I just want everyone to be happy.  Or...I've already been blessed with all I could have ever asked for in life.  blah, blah, blah....

I always viewed this answer as similar to the staple answer that Miss America contestants gave....

All I want is world peace!  

IT was then that I realized....it's just simply the honest mom answer.  I think when a girl becomes a mom, they look at life with different eyes.  Important things are no longer the latest style released, the cutest guy being featured in People Magazine or whats new in the gossip circle. The important things suddenly become celebrating what makes us smile and what makes our world go round.  Our family.  Our children.

So, what did I want.  I simply wanted to spend time with my family. Spend time with my sister's family, my parents and my husband's family.  And I got just that!  The entire day was filled with giggles, chasing kids,  playing in the water, watching tv, cooking and loads of talking.  

Yes...I had a glorious day.  It was filled with what makes this mommy happy!

AND finally....after several weeks of disappearance on my blog. My son...my growing son!  Who is now 4 and a half months. Who weighs in at 17 pounds, 6 ounces.  My little chunk!

Since he was a little guy, I bathed him in one of my kitchen sinks.  The past few baths I've given him, I've told my husband that it was the last bath in the sink as he's just too big.  Now my husband just reminds me that I always say that and how he'll be 4 years old and I'll still be squeezing him into my kitchen sink.  

He's my baby. AND my baby is growing up way too fast!

Happy Mother's Day to you all!  I hope your day was filled with what makes you smile.  And your created memories that will make you smile on those tough days....making you thankful for your blessings.

Brown baby!

My oldest baby...while the trip was a fully anticipated with excitement...it was also full of questions...wonders and her 3 year old anxiety.  You see, my oldest twin isn't much for unpredictability, instead likes to have the details laid out like the weekly wardrobe of a high school teenager...hairbands and all.  

Once we were on the plane to leave, I truly think she thought that was it...get on the plane, sit, stare, touch things, people watch and maybe get a snack. But it was the real deal.  While she sat sporting her akward, plastic princess backpack...the engines started and her head flipped in my direction.  Within that instant, the panic set in, the tears began to stream, the cries grew louder and her words begging to go see her Mimi (my mother, whom walked us to our gate) became more insistent!  I then had to talk her down from the wing of the airplane, saying that all was fine and continued to spell out the details of what was to happen within the next few hours.

My Cash...she is my proper twin...everything OPPOSITE of me!  She walks the very, VERY, very tight "right" line.  I think I can count on one hand the few times she strayed from this line, which resulted in toddler therapy on a couch smothered with fruit snacks.  To give you an idea of how she LOVES to to all that is right...it took me 5 days to potty train her. She had ONE accident that left her in a meltdown and has been trained ever since.  Also, all car rides are filled with her announcing when someone isn't wearing a helmet or seatbelt, dogs without leashes and children not holding hands when crossing crosswalks. 

While in Kansas, things were a bit out of sorts for her. Children running everywhere with screams of joy, giggles, and lots of children curiousity.  So needless to say...our little "hall monitor" was on high alert the entire time. I cracked up when I found her with the magnifying glass...so symbolic of how she looked at others and events while we were there.  She was my shadow the entire time...my baby!  Oh how I love her...

Daily events....

I came home to loads of boxes...one filled with not one, not two but FOUR gallery wraps!  Each time I see one, I insist on wallpapering my home with gallery wraps of my babies then realize that might be a bit of overkill. BUT that is how much I love them!  

A sweet baby boy totally out of wack to the point of minimal sleep taking place in my bed.  Then today, I took him to see the doctor to find out he has aNOTHER ear infection. That makes 3 infections in three months.  So, needless to say...I've fallen behind with work.  

NOW, in the works...

*two sessions to edit

*data to enter

*galleries to release

*finalizing the LONG awaited new blog

*a new album design...A TO DIE FOR NEW ALBUM DESIGN

and preps for two fun, back to back sessions this week

Oh to be back in the saddle again...

I'm BAAAAAAACK!

Yes everyone...I am back and back with all my children. The trip to visit my sister in Kansas was incredible....and incredibly relaxing. I did make it through the flights with ALL three children easily. But I would have to give a HUGE shout out to three amazing ladies that did help me along the way....and a huge thumbs down to the seriously rude people that we encountered. While I did have random thoughts of dive bombing them with a few of my babies dirty diapers....I chose the upper road.

I heard many horror stories of traveling and saw many scrunched faces when I mentioned flying with my darlings....I wasn't worried about them behaving as I truly believe I have good kids but more worried about some weirdo kidnapping one of them. Unfortunately, I tend to have an overactive imagination...to my husband's dismay.  All and all....my children were AMAZING travelers and I was one VERY proud mom.

The biggest bump in my travels were two layovers in Denver.... both giving me JUST enough time to get from one gate to the next...with the gates being on OPPOSITE sides of the terminal though. Thankfully I had my tantum stroller from my baby twin days. So...I made my blonde, animated twin, Camryn, incredibly happy and let her ride in Easton's infant car seat, with Cash riding in the front of the stroller, carrying Easton on my chest in a baby carrier, with my camera bag over one shoulder, back pack on my back, princess backpacks shoved the tiniest openings and I can't forget to mention a baby blanket wrapped like a turban around my babies head to keep his head from flopping as I HAULED booty through the terminal. Needless to say...I attracted a bit of attention...more of the pity kind of attention. AND, I forgot to mention, that while Camryn was living in pretend baby heaven with her occasional baby cries, she would randomly pop out of the carseat canopy with a "TA-DA!" With each pop out, I had visions of a Jim Carrey movie....and just laughed while thinking how much I love my children and that nothing can get me laughing harder then them.

Now that it's over...I would totally do it again for another piece of my sister's family and Kansas heaven.

AND yes, while I was there, I had a little impromptu photoshoot with my neice, nephew and a worm.

My first neice....sniff, sniff...now a gorgeous soon-to-be 14 year old.  I'm sharing quite a few pictures for her little divaself.

The weather during our stay was damp, overcast and PERFECT weather for these Arizona babies. With this gorgeous weather brought fun worms....as a child, I was a HUGE worm lover. Right when my Cam spotted a worm...it was all down hill for that poor little guy. She instantly grabbed it and whispered softly to him...."Do you miss your mommy?"  Then prompted to give it sweet princess kisses....EEEEEW....and invited to come home with us in her pocket.  

My sweet 1o year old nephew....another sniff sniff!  I think this means I'm getting old...and them too!
At this point...I am running around crazy...getting orders wrapped up, orders placed, session to edit......etc.  Basically kicking booty and taking names....there is NO messing around with me!  Now...I'm back to off and running...

ONE more thing...I have an incredible idea to share with all of blogland...be sure to check back soon JUST as soon as I can figure out how to post it! hmmmmm...I'm truly computer challenged!