Celebrating Beauty! |Gilbert Family Photographer

A week ago, I scheduled a very last minute shoot for one amazing family.


Since this scheduling...I've literally spent every day thinking about this session...how it would play out, what I had in mind and what to write when sharing their pictures.


But, before I write more...I want to introduce ONE incredibly beautiful, 13 week baby girl...baby S...with quite the perfectly manicured toes if I might add.
And her parents, that are not only astounding individuals but one strong as steel, set of parents that are not only infatuated with their daughter but with eachother.

Strong because a few weeks ago, they heard the grave news that their daughter has a very rare genetic disease called SMA, Spinal Muscular Astrophy. Click HERE to read more able this disease.

But then came the times....the times where baby S's dad shared how helpless it feels to not be able to help his daughter. Helpless to not answer the questions they have. Helpless to not fix what's wrong. Helpless to not be able to find medicine to cure this disease.

And to see her mother's eyes fill with tears when saying how she only wants to hold her daughter. How she can't resist rocking her baby to sleep everytime.


And finally....simply watching their baby sleep peacefully and feeling their hearts overflow with the unconditional love that they want to keep their daughter tightly wrapped in. Imagining themselves waking up from this horrible nightmare.


Since scheduling this session....I've thought...what am I going to write when I post these pictures. How am I going to write their story. How can I give their love the justice it deserves.


When driving home, I found myself crying and thinking....thinking their story is simply a story filled with love...love for their daughter. Whom came into this world, welcomed with loving arms and smothered with kisses. She was blessed with two amazing parents that adore her. SIMPLY love her. And loves that baby girl more than any words I could write would describe.


Right now, I just want to celebrate this beautiful love.

This evening was beautiful.

First up! |Chandler Child Photographer

One of the BEST perks to my job is, I get to know my clients reeeeal well.

This set of boys is just one example of this.

I've photographed these two four times now. And with each shoot...we have come to learn what works best in maximizing our time together and being sure to fill it with as much fun as possible. Now, remember where I wrote I taught boys for 8 years...well, I was able to dip into the bag of tricks I collected from those 8 years with these two.

Because let's be honest, what boy truly loves to have their picture taken? But I think these two just might...as they've learned with me, there is always tons of fun.

As soon as these two came out of the car, they quickly asked, "Miss Tami, can we play hide and go seek?" And, "Can we play freeze tag and duck duck goose?" Before I knew it...we were catching up on their latest sporting activities, school happenings, who goes where now, etc. And I'll be honest...I just love these two and I can't wait to catch up with them again.

Here is just a snip from our first round of hide and go seek. LOVE it...
C and J...can I just squeeze you two next time I see you? And, once again, thanks for a fabulous time, I'll miss you.

And just as I was wrapping up a great game of freeze tag....breathing heavily, beat red in my face and giggling...I was met with three little boys I hadn't photographed in a year. There was tons of catching up to do there...stay tuned for this trio.

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Updates:

This week is the "first week" for the rest of the holiday season. I have a workflow and I'm sticking to it...I have to. If not, I think I might get buried alive with orders, data entry, editing, emails, etc. Today is Tuesday...ugh, Tuesday means data entry. Let's just say it's a loooooong process and I happily snuck away to do this blog post.

Mini Session Availability....

gone... yep....gone!

I was flattered to see the emails come in asking for the opening. Unfortunately, Tuedays are also the day that I'm gone from 9 am to 4 pm and then back out for soccer practice...again, loooooong day! So, I'm sorry if some of the emails didn't get responded to as fast as I'd like them to and I plan to return all the phone calls tomorrow. Thank you ALL for patience.

A teaser! | Queen Creek Child Photographer

I'm breaking out of my box...

...which for this session is a good thing. This session is calling for processing out of my norm and I couldn't image a better way.

::::::Scheduling UPDATE::::::

I have a session opening that just became available for my October 12th mini session.

JUST ONE! If you want it, email me...it will be the first come, first served.

This is held at an AMAZING location...

STILL obsessed! | Queen Creek Baby Photographer

After 9 months of waiting for him...and 9 months snuggling with him...it's official! I have a HORRIBLE case of Easton obsession!

This little guy not only melts my heart but he can make me smile BIG on my crankiest days, when I want to chuck my computer through the window and when things just don't seem to be going the direction I need them to. Most importantly, with one look at him, I'm reminded to slow down and enjoy my babies more.

This past Saturday, Easton turned 9 months. Honestly, I don't know where the time has gone.

Here are a few highlights of my little guy:

~proud new owner of 4 teeth, two top and two bottom

~learning to clap

~starting to say mama...{more like ma-ma-ma-ma-ma-ma-ma-ma-ma}

~extremely ticklish

~walks around furniture

~starting to stand on his own

~LOVES, LOVES, LOVES playing with his sister's dolls and dollhouse

~a supreme hunter for any door open to a room he knows is typically off limits

Just when I was checking my camera...he started whispering sweet nothings to me...to the tune of ma-ma-ma-ma-ma-ma! So, while he was talking...I started clicking.
And loving his "learning to clap" moves. Still working on perfecting the hand meet up, but I think I love this clap more

Dear Easton...

Don't EVER change!

xoxo

mommy

UPDATE:

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With this age change...I am being seriousl now....

My calendar is CLOSED for family and children sessions! Like zipped up, vacuum sealed, super glued and buried in the depths of dirty diapers closed...and not set to reopen until January. This breaks my heart...I love visiting with returning clients and meeting new ones, but for sanity sake and my family, I'll shed tears as I reply no and I'll send wishes to see those I've missed in the new year.

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And, now notes on Easton's adorable outfit.

This outfit is the perfect example for a wardrobe example....

the tie, gives the perfect fashionable touch with it's cute details, slanted stripes, coordinating colors and simplicity. The hat...awwwwww, texture...how I love thee! Again, coordinating colors and texture from the yarn and knitting style.

To find this perfect outfit, or hat....or any newborn accessory...click HERE! Pop in and meet Joyce, the creator and give a high five for her adorable creations.

And yet ANOTHER! |Chandler Child Photographer

And... just because I couldn't resist sharing a couple of this gorgeous young lady. Her personality was captivating and her overall beauty was perfection.

ALSO....I fell head over heels in love with her skin. Pure jealousy!

A few more! |Chandler Child Photographer

This young lady....reminded me of a Roxy girl. You know...the perfect down to earth girl that looks like Roxy gear was made just for her...just for her style. The best part, she is so real and unbelievably humble.

Then...this young lady.

This group of young women totally were under the pressure...I had maybe 10 minutes with each one of them...10 minutes to capture them. I'm thinking they did a knock out job...

********************************************************Update:I will be "out of the office" until Monday. All emails and phone calls will be returned on Monday.

NEW favorites album!

In the past, my favorites album has been a favorite among clients. Why?

Because clients are able to showcase 20 of their favorite pictures from their session...in a small album that can be displayed at home or in their office...with a classic presentation.

Here are the fun facts on a favorites album:

~20 of your favorite pictures from your session

~all pictures are sized 4x6

~album pages are your pictures

~thick pages

~hard bound textured cover with a classic, refined presentation

~available in two covers...

I was over the top happy when a client ordered this favorites album from her session....her session was held last Christmas and it will be like reliving our fun time together all over again.

Maternity Album

It's no secret that I love pregnancies....

I love being pregnant. I love photographing pregnancies. But I especially love creating gifts from a maternity session, for the anticipated bundle of joy.

Of course, I realize it's hard to imagine the purpose of a maternity session...but there is a purpose.

A maternity session is scheduled to capture this 9 month, fleeting moment in time in a woman's life. The time that is filled with 9 months of anticipation. 9 months of dreaming of how the baby will look...if it's a boy or a girl...9 months of celebrating your belly roundness...9 months that lead to the most precious time in your life, the birth of your baby. Filling these 9 months with thoughts of the rest of your life and the new direction it's going in.

A maternity session captures your wonderous eyes, smiles of overwhelming happiness, celebrating the last days before your family adds one more. A maternity session is perfect. And it's the perfect gift to give your baby when he/she's older. To surprise your grown baby with a book that presents the loving arms that anticipated his/her arrival.

Think...what would you give to have an album solely dedicated to your parents celebrating your anticipated arrival.

Me...I would sell my left leg for one.

My cousin created an album with this in mind and I loved it.

{This album is a personal album}

Personal Album

After looking, looking and more looking...I finally found the album I was excited to offer as my Personal Album. This album is fully custom....presenting your pictures in a album layout...all personalized.

Album facts:

~8x8 album

~custom photo cover

~pages lay flat

~most importantly, kid friendly

Please ask about the details to this album and the variety of layouts available.

Saturday Crazies! |Chandler Child Photographer

This past Saturday, I photographed 11 beautiful young women. This session was absolutely crazy as I only had a very small amount of time to work with each one. While my time was brief, it was maximized with beautiful smiles while getting to know each girl.

Here is just a small handful of them....

Mini Gift Album Set!

This isn't just you're ordinary mini album set...this is THE brag book set.

This gallery piece was just added to my gallery pieces and is hands down my favorite item. It is perfectly cute and makes such a statement.


Here are the fun facts on this "MUST have" item.


~It's sized 3x3 inches.
~Presents your favorite 10 pictures in a sweet layout.
~pages have a linen texture {my favorite}.
~Album covers come in two finishes....eurohyde and linen cloth.
~Sold in a set of 3.
~This is a perfect gift item...the "what can I give my parents that don't need anything" perfect item.


You might remember a post with this picture. This is the set of three brag books with a eurohyde cover.
Here are a few highlights of the book alone. But trust me...the pictures do not do this piece any justice.



This album is now one of my sample pieces. Why? Well, if you look close enough to read the weight...is 19.5 ounces possible?

Reason #5,689 why I shouldn't create albums, or cards, late at night.
The best part of these albums...is they are being offered to all my holiday sessions as part of my gift line up. Which, within this line up the prices are lower than my regular pricing... another added perk to scheduling a session with me this holiday season. This item is among two other sweet gift pieces.
While all my ordering is done online, as in person ordering isn't conducive to my family priorities....I'll be taking up the role of the traveling salesman. I will be bringing this piece, among other sample pieces for you to hold, touch and see in person.
Honestly, this makes me uneasy. It reminds me of retail stores where the salesclerks work off commission. Please know, I am not a pusher...I simply know how I would prefer to see it in person and want each of my clients to have the same. So, please don't think I have the used car salesman or pushy clerk mentality...it's simply available for you to see in person. When you have a session with me...if I don't bring it out...please ask as I'm probably feeling shy about this.

Where do I begin! | Queen Creek Child Photographer

How about starting with I'm in a world of hurt when it comes to narrowing down the keepers from tonights session.

Why...

...here is just a teeny tiny, sneaky peeky as a clue.

This sister duo...is classic. This is the second time I've photographed them and I was in heaven.
The lighting tonight was not just pretty or beautiful or breathtaking or stunning...it was the kind that lead me to singing praises. Which isn't always the best since I'm tone deaf.

I started tonight's shoot as I do with each one...metering the light...figuring my settings. With my very first test shot...I smiled BIG. I couldn't contain my excitement...and I had to share it.

So, I turned to the parents of these cuties and prefaced it with, "I'm sure you could care less but you have to see this killer light!" To A and C...thanks for entertaining my sharing the highlights of my job!
Finally...this young beauty. There honestly wasn't a moment in this session that she didn't NAIL what I was wanting.
This session was probably one of my fastest sessions to date. It killed me though...I could have shot for at least another 45 minutes...but there was one problem. The mosquitos were dive bombing us like it was WW3. I literally left with 7 bites on my upper right arm. But each bite was definitely worth the overwhelming feeling I'm having at chosing my favorites from this amazing session.

*************************************Up next on my blog:~sample pictures of my favorite "newest" gallery piece, The Brag Book. ~a few peeks from a session with 11 girls...which not one of them was under 5'6" and I'm 5'4".~maternity album~AND...I been asked a couple questions regarding the pictures of my girls in the bathtub and whether I used the flash in them. I did not... Here's my opinion on the flash.Flash=BAD resultsI'll be posting more on this in the upcoming week...I'm hoping.

Crazy fun! |Queen Creek Child Photographer

Just yesterday...one of my girls asked if they could feed Easton. AND I smiled big...and thought...YES! How fabulous would it be if I could have one of my girls feed Easton while I finish cooking dinner and wash dishes. Oh, the good life!

Then...after 5 minutes of Cashlyn feeding Easton and me in my dinner making world...I didn't pay attention. Imagine how loud I giggled when I saw my son wearing more of his dinner than what made it in his mouth. AND I giggled louder when I unbuckled him from the highchair to find it half way down his diaper and covering his legs.

I don't ever want to forget this moment!

Um, yeah...Easton wasn't a huge fan of my picture taking and really wanted to be green bean free. Oooo, but I just love this face.
Then...as the night went on...I had promised the girls that they could have a bubble bath in our bathtub. Right after dinner, Camryn asked if she could get the water started. Sure, why not. When I went in, I found the entire bottle of bubble bath empty, two very happy little girls and one very wet floor.

When they saw my reaction, they surely thought they were in trouble. I'm sure it didn't help when I darted out of the room for my camera....and came back to little girls just staring at eachother now knowing what to make of me.
ISO 1600 35mm f2 SS 1/125
My mommy heart melts when I look at the picture below.

Just as I'm finishing up...Cash stops me...telling me to take a picture of her looking like this. I shouted a double YES YES...little models in training.
I love my babies....I love being a mommy...I love my crazy days....and I honestly could have baby after baby after baby...but I'm not thinking my bankbook would do so well. So, I'll say I'm more than happy with my three. That these three give me more than what I could have imagined in my crazy dreams.

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Random side note:

Just a few minutes ago, I received one of the sweetest emails. That literally made my eyes well up with tears.

I'll skip the bulk of the email and go straight to the sweetness...

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Hi Tami,

I am Michele's mom and I have been here in Phoenix for this week.

I love all your pictures of {blank} , my heart melts at the sight of him, but BUT you have captured the essence of Michele in such a way that I praise God for allowing me to live to see her as a mama.

{insert my sigh and I'm here again welling up with tears!}

Congratulations on being so busy, you deserve your success.

Karen

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THIS...this...THIS ...is what drives me to work until 1 am each night. That forces me to get in my car to leave my babies. To capture those in a manner in which we want to remember them at that time...at that stage in life. This is the good life.

I'll be honest, after today being filled with fun at Michael's, Chick-Fil-A and a couple hours swimming...I had to think....is working worth my time away from my babies? While in my heart, I know it's healthy for me to have time away, my heart is always with them. BUT it is this email that reminds me that I love my job. I REALLY do.

I love my clients. I love photographing them. I love saying odd things for reactions. I love snorting like a pig for giggles. I love leaving a shoot with my jeans covered in grass stains, my feet blacker than a black jelly bean and dirt in areas that really gross me out. I love hearing how parents meet. I love the story of each child's life. I love ... love...love...love... love every aspect of my job.

Wait...I don't love working late at night...I don't love it when my computer speaks Japanese when I need it talking English...or when Photoshop want to color like a three year old...or the papers that irractically decorate my desk.

But I do love my clients and that's good enough for me.

Karen, thank you! Thank you for taking the time to write that out. Your note will leave me smiling for days.