So Cal = So Fun!

After nearly a week in Vegas, the ocean (and ocean air!) was a welcomed treat! We woke up early on Friday morning to wander around San Diego before heading to Oceanside for a shoot with Nate (more on that as soon as we see the proofs!). Here are some sights from southern Cali.

What trip to southern California would be complete without a visit to Disneyland? One of my favorite things we did there was to visit a 'museum' they had set up celebrating the first 50 years of Disneyland. To think that the whole thing was built on what was once considered an undesirable chunk of orange grove farm land in the middle of nowhere, is amazing. Walt was a true visionary. I like to think we can all learn something from him in that way. :)

We are THRILLED beyond belief to have had the opportunity to work with the famed Bui Brothers on an exciting KaBloom project. An extra special bonus? Kjerstin and Joel live somewhat nearby and were able and willing to join us on Sunday. Thank you all SO MUCH!

Proud to be a Photographer!

To belong to this fabulous field that gives me the opportunity to be creative, to take care of people and give them something as special as custom images of their loved ones.... well... it's just pretty darn awesome. This week was a chance to connect with other professionals who truly loves their craft and care not only for their clients... but also for each other. Emir and I had the chance to connect with some old friends as well as meet some incredible new people we already can't wait to get to know better. Thank you to all my photographer friends (new and old!) for your companionship on the journey we share together, and a huge gracias to my all my beloved clients who so generously trust me with their memories and hearts!

This morning my genius musical friend Christian treated us to breakfast (thanks Christian! Can't believe we forgot to take a photo!) then we picked up our rental car and headed west! This part of our trip is focused on fun and photos for our own enjoyment. Here is some of what we shot along the way...

Emir makes me look good! (The red shoes don't hurt..... ;)

Shooting in the desert is always fun!

So handsome!

More as we roll onward!

More WPPI Fun

Our last night in Vegas was filled with treats! This beautiful serving of eye candy is none other than the famed collection of hand-blown glass flowers by Dale Chihuly that greet you in the lobby of the Bellagio.

The Botantical Garden...

We caught up with my friend Charles (currently a musician in the Blue Man Group band at the Venetian) after an incredible dinner with photog friends including Cathy & David, Hanssie and more!

Two lovely ladies asuka book who actually remembered my Alphabet Book! Great to meet them in person after all this time!

WPPI Whirlwind

How crazy is THIS!? While cruisin' the trade show floor, I stumbled upon an album that someone had built using the Alphabet Book design template they bought from me! My first alphabet book design was featured on Asuka Book's Book of the Month club. Since then, I've been flooded with requests to purchase the template. If you're interested, let me know!

Proud moment, for sure. :)

We've been in Vegas since just last Sunday... but it feels like forever! The hotels (and casinos) have made an art form out of helping you slip into a vacation coma and completely lose track of time, what day it is (and how much money you've spent).

Here's a shot of the New York, New York hotel. I think it looks more like New York meets Miami (check out that color scheme)!

This is the MGM Grand where the conference is being held. They even have a lion habitat inside where you can get all up close and personal with a couple cats... made me miss our two little wild ones. :)

This is the view from our room....

The escalators are the glue that hold the whole conference together. It's estimated that there are nearly 10,000 people in attendance. The show is spread out over three floors and several buildings.

Here's Emir chilaxin' in the blogger's lounge on the 2nd floor. :) He has been such a good sport putting up with 10,000 crazy photogs! :)

Charmed Life

I'll admit it. I've never been much of a sucker for traditional Valentine's Day gifts. It's not that I have anything against teddy bears, diamond earrings, or oodles of long stemmed roses..... it's just that.... it's not my thing. Thus, I was surprised when I recently found myself wanting a necklace. Not an expensive diamond crusted 'collection' piece that seems to flood TV ads in early February, but just a simple charm. Something that I can wear all the time that means something special.

But... of course, I'm picky. And impatient. So, a week or so ago, I ran into something I liked, and bought myself my own v-day present. (ha!) BUT.... last night after Emir's and I enjoyed some fine mexican cuisine, I was surprised to find this gorgeous necklace waiting for me back in our room! What's even cooler is, he picked it out all on his own from a local fair-trade artisan store (Ten Thousand Villages). It was hand crafted by an artisan in Indonesia.

Now that's cool. Zales.... eat your heart out!  :)

(a few quick pics we just snapped at the MGM Grand awaiting the annual Canon sponsored 'wedding dinner.' I'm starving!)

Vegas Baby!

Just got in and already ran into a few old friends and even made some new ones! The crowds are expected to top 7,000 starting tomorrow. Lotsa new friends to meet!

I am Woman. Hear me ROAR!

I am SO stoked to report that I will have the distinct honor of presenting at the upcoming annual Women's Day event (put together by the fine folks at Bryan LGH!). Color me flattered! I'll be sharing some tips on how you (yes YOU!) can take better photos of life's most precious everyday moments. So grab your girlfriends, and sign up now! (The deadline is March 8th... and it's expected to sell out fast!) Also presenting is the fabulous Jeanne Baer. It's double the fun.... Don't miss it!

Miami Boys

I spent the day chasing Ryan & Adam around various locations in Miami. We started out at Tropical Park then made our way downtown for lunch before heading to Matheson Hammocks to hit the beach just before dinner. What a treat! Shooting in such a fab city, how could we not have a blast? Thanks for going along for the ride boys!

I wasn't sure what to expect when we headed to Matheson Hammock park.... but suffice it to say that next time I'm in Miami, I'm bringing Emir here for some scene soaking!

What trip to the beach would be complete without some sand castle construction?

Mama and the boys!

Can't wait for next time gang!

Me + Illustrator = ???

Emir and I recently spent time with Ryan Holt trying to absorb his illustration genius. Illustrator is such a crazy program. You have to 'think' completely differently than in Photoshop. So, in some ways, I feel like a fish out of water. But... when have I ever let THAT stop me? :) Here's something I built while screwing around focusingly diligently on learning more about Illustrator. (Look out... I sense a whimsy new collection of Christmas cards on the horizon!)

Double the Cuteness!

Ashley recently called and asked me to photograph her twin girls. Already about 8 weeks old, they are adjusting with gusto! They were good sports, (and so was Grama when they gave her a good excuse to wash the bedspread!).