Fun boys... |Gilbert Child Photographer

Do you remember this band of brothers? If you've been following my blog for awhile...then you've seen this set before. Last year I captured their sweet sides together on a bench...all boy'd out! White tanks...rolled jeans and just being.

I do have to say, I might have a bit of a soft heart for these three. They're the sons to one of my sweet BFFs...Tehya. BUT, I have an extra sweet spot for the guy in the middle...I met him when he was 18 months old and it's been love ever since. It's actually hard to believe that he'll be 10 in April...ah...I feel old thinking about it.

At the end of her family shoot...yes, her husband was there too, just sharing him later...I literally begged her to do a mini shoot of just her. I loved her outfit and couldn't resist.


Sweet Tehya...when she joins me on shoots...she can be pretty quiet. She actually has a very quiet spirit about her and ever so peaceful.

But, this is the Tehya I see...the one that fills the room with her giggles, smiles nonstop, thoughtful of everyone, and supports me in my good and bad times. I think what I love most about her is she balances me. I guess that's the bonus to her helping on shoots, without her I think I would seriously be bouncing off the walls...she mellows me.

And, any woman that can keep up with three super active boys...is grade A in my opinion.
Super sweet little J.

My thumpity-thump-thump Gman. Oh, I HEART him.


Sweet. Soft spirited. Polite....a gentlemen at 9.
And can work the camera like it's his job.
Introducing Big J. This big brother...um, works the camera like a pro. And...so sweetly shared himself today inspite of missing a favorite football team's game!

FYI...15 minutes before this shoot...it was raining and wind blowing so hard that I was thankful I had my camera to hold me down. And..it was 60 degrees! Yikes! For us Arizonians...60 degrees is butt A@$ cold.

***********************************************************************************

Are you ready for this week's lineup...shoots Tuesday-Saturday. Yikes! I'm really cramming them in to soak up all of December. Two of the shoots are reschedules...thanks to the nasty random Arizona weather. One was scheduled and the others are friends that get squeezed in..not full shoots, just a shoot to get THAT Christmas picture and maybe a few bonus ones.

The worse part...my Cam woke up this morning complaining of not feeling good. But as the day went on, she really seemed fine...other then being really clingy to me and super sad I had to leave to shoot. Then when I came home she had a low grade fever, a red nose and it appears something yucky has appeared. She's already woken up 6 times crying...I think it's going to be a long night. My poor baby!
And to make things worse...I have yet to take my own kids pictures for our cards. Now that she's sick, I'm going to do my best to quarantine her from my other two and pray it passes in a few days so that I can shoot them early next week. A girlfriend recently asked me if my husband and I were joining the kids for a family shoot. I laughed! Sorry, but nope...not this year. But, here's a question I'm going to throw out to the internet...Jodie & Kim...are you guys planning on taking our pictures? HA...just had to do that!
For now...I'm filling my nights with prayers that the rest of us don't catch her yuckies and it passes quickly...and my month of rest comes sooner than later!

She cracks me up!

Right after I wrote the last blog post, I left my office to find Cam turning towards me with an uh-oh look, pen in hand and ink all over her face. I instantly covered the smile and giggles that was getting ready to burst out...ran to grab the closest camera and snapped to catch that moment.

After the snaps, I asked, "Why did you do that?"

Answer...."Because, I wanted to look scary."

Okay...she's hysterical! Never a dull moment around my house...

I've got a feeling....

...that December is going to be a good month!

As I'm wrapping up the holiday portrait season...I have to say, I'm proud of myself. Proud because I set a goal to not work during December, AND I've kept it. Well, except for three sessions...one on the 5th and two after Christmas. But, except for those...I'm keeping to it.


The reason for my goal is because I'm just plain tired of late nights and feelings of guilt from not getting the full enjoyment with my family in the past two Christmas' because I worked up to Christmas.


The only bad part of this goal, was that I actually had to turn some family away. It truly broke my heart and while I knew I would love to photograph them...they wouldn't be getting all of me as my heart would be wanting to enjoy my family.


And...the feeling of how December is going to be is because of the past couple days. After my post on Thanksgiving day...I haven't checked my email, edited or worked on orders. I actually took time off.


My sister and her kids came and stayed the night with us on Thursday and we just hung out. And then I left for some midnight black Friday madness with a girlfriend and scored some serious deals for my girl's birthdays and Christmas. And the rest of the time, I've enjoyed ongoing down time and family goodness. We've stayed up late watching movies, baked chocolate chip pizza cookies, took walks, played games and had a lunch date with good friends.


And while I sat on the couch like a giant slob each night, I smiled. Smiled while thinking that I will get loads of this in December...and fun late nights scrapbooking the past year of my kids. Confession: I don't have ONE picture of Easton printed...excluded portraits I've taken! That is sad...


During our lunch playdate, I broke out my camera for some captures of my sweet friends.

My sweet friends...who I love more than words could describe.

Tehya...you've seen before and I couldn't even begin to list what I love about her. It is complete and utter explosive love for all she is and stands for.

And Ashlee...this girl. Well, since I haven't posted on her before let me introduce you to my most worldly friend. Who I met 7 or so years ago. It all began when she was one of my instructional assistants for almost 2 years, I think. And then sadly, left me to go on a mission for her church...a mission in the Phillipines for a year and a half. When she came home, I was just going on maternity leave with my twins.

Now, sweet Ash is in Utah...attended BYU and now University of Utah...studying Middle Eastern studies and anthropology. I think what I love most about her is she LOVES enjoying life. She is in no hurry to do anything. While most girls are thinking about marriage and starting their family...she knows there will be a lifetime left for that. That right now she wants to experience life. She just wants to live. And I love that. I admire her for that. I love hearing her stories on what she's done, where she's gone since I saw her last, where she plans to go in the next year, and her new goals. Especially loving how her goals aren't mapped out in years but months... She literally lives one day at a time, and not wanting to miss a moment of each day.

The last time I saw Ashlee was in the hospital, after Easton's birth. And today...I learned a few things. One, she's going to be in Seattle just days after I leave there in January...sniff sniff! AND, that it's confirmed we ARE related. You see, I have a HUGE extended family and long history in Arizona. Basically, we have the same Great Great Grandfather who is the first Spanish Settler in the White Mountains, who founded and named Round Valley while having an actual monument...I'll spare you the boring family history though. But, Ashlee's cousin gave her a monstrous family tree that tracks it all back. Next time she's home, she'll be bringing it along to share with me...and I can't wait, along with my dad.

{excuse the glorious tungsten lighting...ugly I tell ya!}
Sorry Tehya and Ashlee...but Easton is too cute in this! I couldn't resist! AND notice how their ignoring my camera!
Tehya...baby whisperer!

My super cute and funny girls!

We were in the restaurant for over two hours talking and giggling. As it was getting closer to dinner, we thought it might be time to wrap up our good time before the restaurant thought it was odd we had a pizza delivered after we pigged out on their chicken. We had a GREAT time hanging out. Girls...I love you both!

And....yep, I made an appearance in front of the camera thanks to Tehya. But, my goal for 2010 is to do this more...for my kids sake! But maybe not grab them! What the heck was I doing, seriously....

Giving Is Awesome!

When it comes down to it...I love to make others happy. Sometimes...a bit too much.


But, how can I resist. I love to see smiles rise from faces that have been bogged down with everyday issues, eyes that light up with anticipation for a gift, and giggles from the feeling of overwhelming happiness from a simple act, gift or idea.


I simply love making others happy.


At the end of this CRAZIEST portrait time of the year, I'm in a giving mood....to give the gift of timeless memories.


This gift is for a certain person/family. And, you know them.


{Here's the deal}


Do you know someone who has experienced a recent tragedy, is struggling to make ends meet, or is volunteering selflessly despite extenuating personal circumstances. Someone who truly cannot afford custom photography, but who would cherish it this holiday season. Someone who deserves a year round reminder of his/her family's spirit, love and beauty.


Nominate that certain someone and he/she will receive a complimentary custom photographer session....valued at $775 . The gift will include a family session and CD with all edited high res digital negatives from session, with print release.


{The sweet part}


The person who nominates the winner will receive a $150 print credit.


Can you think of a better holiday present for this "someone you know"?




{Here are the rules}
~You may not nominate yourself. The nominee must sincerely be incapable of purchasing my services.


~The nominee must reside within 25 miles of Gilbert. Identify the nominee, what they're experiencing, and why they deserve my artwork. Be sure to include a way to contact both you and the nominee.


~You MUST email the full story with the nominee's contact information to: tamiproffitt@yahoo.com by December 15th, 2009

~The winner will be notified on December 24th, 2009.


~Portrait sessions being given to be held in 2010.




To each and everyone of you....

Today, I'm thankful for my wonderful husband, gorgeous kids and my loving family. And I can't forget to mention my amazing clients that keep me smiling each day and long night.


Happy Thanksgiving!

Meet my future son in law. | Queen Creek Family Photographer

Here is one of my favorite little guys...who happens to be born on the same day as my twins. Whose father has been friends with my husband for over twenty years and mother is one of my BFFs. AND has a sister who is utterly infatuated with my twins and secretly wishes to be the second mother to my son, and/or has already begun the paperwork for her arranged marriage to him.

This shoot was important. VERY important. Because, I've photographed Mr. Rman since he was a newborn and....since his family is super tight with my family...they sometimes get the shaft in pictures. Whenever we plan a photoshoot, it's totally on the fly and often a test for a few new ideas....which some don't always play out.

So this year's shoot, our goal was to rock it out. We talked. We mapped locations, actually drove for over an hour with our kids begging to see eachother and curious what movies eachother were watching. We talked layout. We drooled over Etsy for wardrobe ideas. We set goals. And when it came to the day...it was A-mazing!

My sweet Rman and his sister Missy P.

NOW, when this moment happened. I was doing something else when Rman busted out his moves...I caught it in the corner of my eye and literally spazed over to him in rapid clicking motion.

Um, hello...CA-utie!
In my heart...I love...swoon love...a good color picture.

But, every now and again...a texture vintage wash is required. I'll be honest, I AM torn. It's equal love.

Now...below...my future son in law. One day to marry my Camryn...or Cashlyn, which ever. He's just forever in my life.

And my Missy P...oh...I literally get giddy happy when I see her. I could just squeeze her!

*******************************

As for the BIG announcement set to be today...well, it's getting put off to tomorrow. I had one too many things on "my plate". However, I couldn't think of better day to post this idea than on a day that is about thankfulness!

All things girly!

The mommy of this sweet set of twins is also an amazing creator of all things cute and girly!

The creates the cutest bows, puffs, and fluffy hair creations.

One of the newest creations is her puffy goodness. The best part, I left this shoot with one of her newest creations...which my girls absolutely love. Cashlyn wore it in her hair on Monday and couldn't stop checking it out in every mirror she could find! SO cute!

Here is a sample picture of one.

And a glimpse of her bottle cap necklaces! So cute...my girls have a couple of these that my girlfriends have given them...which they love!

I honestly couldn't think of a cuter gift for a little girl.

One of her sweet tags!



You can find more of her gorgeous creations at local boutiques and on a link provided on the left side of my blog....tutus and all things girly!

Joy of twins |Chandler Child Photographer

This year marks the third time I've been fortunate to work with and photograph this adorable set of twins. Whom by the way are turning 3 in a few weeks.

Any parent of twins can just smile and laugh when thinking of the pictures they've had taken of their twins. The chaos. The silliness. The umteen attempts at getting a picture of them two of them together...sitting nicely for more than a millisecond.

Getting a picture of twins together is a hope...a high hope. But what I love about parents of twins, of course they long for this peaceful picture...but they are laid back in whether or not they get it.

What I can say, as a photographer of several families with twins and a mother of twins...it does get easier with age. And, what I've found...the magical age tends to be around 3.

This shoot is just the example of this. The parents are incredibly relaxed and the twins were fabulous. Totally rocking out this shoot.

And, they stole my heart.

This picture makes me laugh out loud...it reminds me of myself with my twin sister when we were little. The thought of her kissing or hugging me drove me to run...and to run fast. I remember her chasing me around our kitchen table, trying to kiss me and me calling out to my mom to make her stop. With my sister telling me I had to do what she wanted because she was older than me...um, yeah...by like 7 minutes.
The energy and happiness in this cutie...could be bottled up and sold in the masses.

This shoot was bittersweet. It was just a reminder of how blessed I am to watch gorgeous children grow up. And then the sad reminder of how fast time passes.

********************************

Update:

I wanted to give each of you a little heads up on an announcement I'll be making on Thanksgiving Eve.

I recently read a little reminder on life...that was just a spark to light this fire. It's this idea that I'll use as my clue.

"Be kind. It will come back to you. I promise."