A Full Tank of Love {San Marcos Family Photographer}

The Hawthornes are some of my most loyal clients and friends. I have shot everything from family photos, images of their children, birthday parties, even commercial photos for Heather's mommy-business, Raving Tans. I can't thank them enough for supporting me from the very beginning of Juneberry Photo. Heather was my first real session when we shot her maternity photos. They are beautiful people, inside and out and great, loving parents to boot! This session was a very special one for alot of reasons but one very fun aspect of this session was that the location was a place they spend alot of time in. When they approached me to photograph their family, I tried to think of something new to keep things fresh. I eventually asked if they would be willing to choose their family business for the location. The Hawthornes run and own Hawthorne Auto and Tire Service in San Marcos. Its an amazing space to shoot in. Classic cars, checkered flooring, antique decor and personal meaning. They recently had their shop revamped and renovated on the Style Networks Peter Perfect! The episode really touched my heart and it was such a great boost for their business. What better way to celebrate something so unique than to photograph their family in this environment. I hope that years down the road their children will look back at these and remember playing toy cars in their dad's retro lobby and playing with tools in the garage. I'm so glad they trusted me to pull this off. I'm sure Heather thought I was a little nutty when I suggested we photograph her lovely family in a greasy garage. haha. Thanks for the wonderful day of memories you guys!

A different view...{Murrieta Lifestyle Photography}

Today I had some fun shooting just for me. I had a little spark of creativity and needed to make something of it. So, I glanced down at the table and saw my vintage film camera (that I usually use as a prop) and remembered something from a past shoot. I recently was in front of the camera with my hubby and I brought along this old camera as a prop to use. As we were shooting, our photographer noticed how beautiful it was to look down into the view finder and see how that lens was "seeing" our surroundings. I instantly loved what I saw. The image was all of a sudden vintage, gritty, and "old-world-like." I asked her to see if she could take a photo of my husband and I but instead of pointing her camera at us, to shoot what that old viewfinder was seeing. I knew I'd need to re-visit this technique later on and today was just the day to try it.

As I glanced around to find something to photograph, I spotted my beautiful arrangement of ranunculus that a good friend (and talented florist) had sent me. So off I went creating! These photos take me to another time...when things were slower, the days were longer, and everyone had a porch swing and drank iced tea. I had so much fun with this that I am inspired to do a weekly blog post using my vintage camera. Each week I will take a photo similar to these and see what I can capture. I am hoping that by doing this, I will stop and notice the little things and make some fun photographs in the process. I also challenge you all to find something each week or ( for you over-achievers) each day that will remind you to slow down, breathe, and take in your beautiful surroundings. Maybe one day, we can remember that at one point in time, life was simpler, the ice tea was flowing, and fresh air was in abundant supply.

Beautiful Mama {Murrieta Maternity Photographer}

This may be one of my most favorite maternity sessions yet! As my very last session of 2010, I knew I needed to go out with a bang! Andrea is one of my oldest friends (well she isn't actually old- but you get the idea). I was so happy and honored to be photographing her first pregnancy. I love when I get to document special moments for my friends because I feel a real connection to the moment. I have very fond memories of my pregnancies and I think this is such a magical time. I know not everyone has this experience with morning sickness and other complications that can occur but Andrea definetly had that "glow". I know that this baby (name unknown), will be entering this world with a loving mother and father and a life full of opportunity. Iam so excited to meet baby girl and shower her with super cute hand-me-downs! After all, I have 3 of basically everything! haha. Congrats my dear friend and all of God's blessings to you!

Chestnuts Roasting by an Open Fire...{Escondido Family Photographer}

One of my last family sessions for the year just happens to be one of my favorites! I loved hanging out with the Chestnut family! We almost got rained out but the day turned out great and no one got drenched! This family truly has a style all their own (which i loved!) and were so fun to photograph. Little "K" is such an angel! She is as sweet as she is adorable. As I walked along the pathway to meet them I noticed a group of bushed off to the side all decked out in Christmas decor! Random! I had to take advantage of that so we added some last minute shots of little "K" playing around them. I loved her expression when she saw these decorations! So cute! Thanks for a wonderful afternoon guys!!

The Howard Family {Menifee Family Photographer}

I had the pleasure of photographing one of my clients who has been getting her hair done with me for years now. Sheryn and I instantly clicked when she first sat down in my salon chair. She asked me to give her a whole new look the very first time we met so I knew she would be a fun client and friend. I was so glad that when I started my photography business, my hair clients were supportive and I am so excited that Sheryn asked me to capture her family. During our short session, we had lots of laughs and at one point, couldn't get the giggles out! hehe Sheryn and her hubby are so adorable together and have a great sense of humor. I can't wait til she gets a little further along in her pregnancy to do maternity portraits! I just know this baby will be coming into a household full of love and laughter. I should also add that this was my second session within a week of eachother that included 2 dogs, husband and wife with baby on the way...must be a good formula. :) Thanks guys for the great afternoon! I couldn't have asked for better subjects! :)

Fay, Mark & Their Cute Crew {Temecula Family Photographer}

Uh! My brain! Where does it go sometimes? Let me play a little catch up with Fay and Mark! Please don't kill me for how long this has taken to get up. :)

Old Town Temecula was the location of choice for this family session. The day was cloudy and it had allready sprinkled that morning so I was hoping and praying it wouldn't rain on us. I guess my prayers were heard because the rain stayed away and the light was so perfectly even. I love those overcast days even though I prefer to shoot in rich sunlight. Fay and Mark have 2 beautiful children, Braydon and Taylor. Big brother "B" did so well during our session and had the best GQ face ever! I loved his little swagger! :) Little sis has the most beautiful eyes and really is the sweetest thing. I loved hanging out with them for our mini-session. Thanks guys for letting me capture you being you! You have a beautiful family and are such amazing parents. :)