Little get away!

I will be out of my office this weekend, for a very needed family get away. Our baby girls are starting preschool in a week and the days leading to this next stage in life are getting fewer and more precious. We're excited to enjoy our last minute adventure. We just told the girls and they already have their bags packed.
I'll return all emails and phone calls on Monday! I hope each of you have a perfectly fun weekend.

And since this is a blog for photography...here is are two sweet sisters celebrating the newest addition to their family.

Celebrating 1 year |Scottsdale Family Photographer

Almost a year ago, a client shared with me a very emotional story about a baby girl that was diagnosed with SMA (spinal muscular astrophy type 1). Shortly after, a session was scheduled to capture a family with their baby girl...baby Scarlett.

When Scarlett was diagnosed with SMA...her parents were told they had days, maybe weeks left with her. They were told that babies with SMA type 1 typically don't live past 8 months.

For me, hearing that from Scarlett's mother was heartbreaking...I couldn't begin to imagine what her family was facing or feeling. Each month was a birthday celebration...thankful for each month she fought the odds.

Since meeting Scarlett's family, I've been lucky to photograph her not only once but now three times. Scarlett's family didn't take hearing the news easily and instantly wouldn't accept it...they fought, they hit the pavement sharing their story, have raised funds for her medical expenses, gave their daughter a voice in what she's living with, and now are giving her the life she needs to live. But more importantly, supporting all the strength Scarlett has in fighting to be with us each day.

While SMA attacked her body, it's left her with a very weak immune system that is life threatening if she gets ill. Just in the past few months, Scarlett's battled illnesses that is heartbreaking to just hear she's dealt with. However, Scarlett fought each virus and won. She fought ... and fought hard. I'm so proud of her. I'm proud of her parents. More importantly, thankful for each day she fights to be here. She is an inspiration....at just 1 year old, she's a hero.

Sweet baby Scarlett is just starting teething. She already has a few teeth but the teething stretch has just begun. Scarlett is typically filled with smiles, now she's getting teeth. Ah, my mommy heart breaks and prays those teeth come in fast and don't give her too much pain.

The strength behind Scarlett's battle with SMA, type 1...her parents.

Celebrating Scarlett's birthday was the main reason for this session but also to include her grandparents in the session. They have been happily married for 48 years.

Scarlett and her mom. What a beautiful pair of girls.

During this session, there were several breaks where I could just watch Scarlett's mom care for her. All her mom wants is to give Scarlett a happy life. And she has done just that. She is an incredible mom. She reminds me of what a mother's heart is filled with. Love for her child. Complete and utter devotion to care for Scarlett. There is nothing more powerful than the love between a mother and her child. It's simply beautiful.

Take 2 |Queen Creek Senior Photographer

A couple months ago, I met up with Alexis who was preparing to graduate from high school. When we scheduled her senior session, it was scheduled in two parts as she wanted to get pictures for her announcements but definitely wanted to do another session after her graduation. The second session was planned to be a short one with just a few goals in mind...

But then, she brought along a fun dress of hers and we were shooting at a new location and we just couldn't end. I just love how comfortable she is in front of the camera and enjoys each session.
Since her session was planned to be a short one, we scheduled it just before sunset...the light was soft and just perfect. The best, we saw a large owl just before we took this shot below.





Our last session together, we bumped into a little snake and I was definitely creeped out. This session, I kept her laughing and one point she said...you're so jumpy Tami. Um, wonder why! Last time we came across a snake and I was definitely looking everywhere before I took a step to be sure it didn't happen again. I've loved our adventures together and so glad I was great entertainment for her.

A young Jennifer Aniston |Gilbert Child Photographer

I recently had a session that had been weeks in the planning. Our calendars finally matched up so that I could capture this sweet girl celebrating her 9th birthday.

Every time I photograph her, I think of Jennifer Aniston. The best part is she is the sweetest.

She is all girly girl and I always seem to photograph her in locations that I know can be very painful for her with all the creepy crawlers...this location kept up to our tradition. And, with me not thinking, I wore flip flops...and found myself trampling through dirt that was softer than sand, in an old crop of something, and ants everywhere. Needless to say, I think I was more creeped out than her. The best part, she did not complain one bit...and I had her in places that were definitely homes to tiny creatures.

I love my little Ryn.

We held this session early, and it was a day I woke up with a migraine...add the blaring, hot sun and it was getting painful. Thankfully, this session was just what I needed to drown my migraine in the mounds of medicine I just took.

Ryn...thanks for being just what I needed that day. YOU were worth all the dirt, ants and bright sun. Hope you had a great day back to school.

9 days old |Peoria Newborn Photographer

I had an incredible time photographing a beautiful 9 day old baby.

This session was filled with meeting his auntie, cousins, two grandfathers and of course getting to know his parents. I loved each second with them...sharing in moments adoring their baby. And, I even got to squeeze in loads of holding, feeding and just being completely in love with him. All these newborn sessions are definitely giving me the baby itch...but we're still certain we're done. It's just torture though...

I've been one busy little photographer lately and already behind in my sneak peeks. Tomorrow is a bright and early photoshoot with a special baby girl who just turned 1. And to make it easier for me to wake up, her grandparents are joining in the shoot and her mother is celebrating her birthday. I love it.

All for this little guy |Pismo Beach Baby Photographer

As I promised earlier, here are several more little moments from my time photographing a little guy and his family.

I was ultra excited to meet with this family as they're a family of strong convictions and completely in love...

This little guy's parents strongly believe in all that's organic, natural and using whats available. Loved seeing this!

Love this picture of baby Jake laying with several pillows his mommy made, scentimental stuffed animals, and of course her special teddy bear from when she was a child.

I'm pretty biased when it comes to photographing a new mommy...there is nothing more special than the relationship between a mother and her baby. The bonding, snuggles, and pure blissful love.
Jake's mommy has beautiful quotes and poetry throughout the house....

I loved each one but seriously favored this one:

Too much of a good thing can be wonderful.

~Mae West

That quote couldn't be more true.

Just days after Jake arrived, his parents were planting an apple tree for him. I just loved this idea and capturing the tree during this session will just be the start in remembering why it was planted and watching it grow.
My favorite "outtakes".

Loved how this split second was captured....lucky me!

Their dog Jozie was there first baby...she was rescued...and in a home that just adores her. Any second she could, she wanted to be a part of the session.
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Being flown to Pismo Beach for this newborn session was a huge compliment, one I am still very flattered by. The mastermind behind arranging the session is the sweet grandmother...a very proud grandmother. Who was my personal assistant...when I was in odd positions, my giggle partner, and an all around fan of her daughter's new family.

To GiGi and the G family...I couldn't thank you enough for my time with each of you. You should have your gallery shortly.