I've got so much coming up soon!  I want to share some previews with you to get you excited! Mostly because I'm excited! 

Meet Ryan.  He's graduating this year and he rocked his Senior Session.  There is more to come!

This session was so fun!  There is something so fun about brothers.  Especially when they like to have fun!  We spent the first half taking the traditional shots, the smiley ones.  The ones the boys do not like.  And then, I gave them the green light to get dirty and that's when the fun started! They tackled each other and rolled around on the grass.

When I came home, I was greeted by this comment from their mom Diana:

"My boys (ages 10, 9 and 8) had a wonderful time - and they usually HATE getting their pictures taken! On the way home, they said, "Can we do that again tomorrow?". How great is that?!"

Doesn't this one look like something out of The Outsiders??  I love the seriousness in their faces.

I pulled out of the parking spot, smiling, happy, and with the energy of a 2 year who just got chocolate and soda wasted.  Jumping around singing along to what ever cd has been in my car for the last few months.  When I got home, I began to tell my mom about the session I just had, talking a mile minute and gasping for air in between sentences.  Tripping over my words and making absolutely no sense.  An hour later, I crashed and found my equilibrium once again.  

Then it hit me, this happens to me every time I get home from a session where kids are present.  By kids, I mean those under 11 years of age.  

Most recently, this happened when I met with the Baeza Family at the UCR Botanical Gardens for their session.  This was probably my most memorable family session to date.  Their 4 year old son would not look at my camera.  He'd talk to me but when the camera went up to my face, he'd look away, shut down.  Or, run away from me.  I was at a loss, trying to think of what to do, which technique to use.  

I know God was listening because in that precise moment, he began talking about Diego and Dora the explorer.  He looked up at me with bright eyes, and said, "You can be Dora and I will be Diego."  From that moment on, I had him.  

It takes a lot of energy to photograph children.  You have to be willing to jump around and act a fool.  Sing along and clap your hands.  Spin around and chase.  Make believe and be the kids best friend.  And when a kid tells you to be Dora, you damn well better be Dora.  Otherwise, you might miss the real expressions that make their personality so unique.  

Hasta luego amigos!

Jackie

**In all fairness, I do kind of look like Dora, lol. 

Here is a quick sneak peek of baby L!  She was so quiet and calm.  We'd feed her and she'd fall right back asleep.  We kept it warm and comfy for her while she modeled for us :).  She has some awesome parents too.

More coming soon!  

First of all, I want to thank these beautiful people for putting up with crazy flying bugs that attacked us the whole session.  Borderline, gross.  I had no idea that it would be that bad.  And they toughed it out light champs!  Despite all the bugs, we had such a great time with such gorgeous light!

Thanks Stacy + family for toughing it out.  We got some amazing photos and I can't wait to show you the rest!!!

With ♥, 

Jackie

Happy Thursday!

Remember my cousin, Ralfy?  He asked me to photograph him and his date, Mindy for prom this year and I happily obliged.  Ahhh, prom.  You gotta love how it's a true testament to fashion, hair styles, music, and dance moves.  Luckily, these two are classic in style and swag.  

Don Draper would be proud.  Yeah, I said just said that. 

Mindy, you're gorgeous, no need to be nervous :)

I met Leanabeth three years ago during an internship.  She was a student at Cal State Fullerton just like I was.  We hit it off right from the start.  While she held the reflector and while I second shot.  We'd talk about relationships, speak in Spanish when we didn't want anyone to understand us, and eat cake during the receptions.

That was also the same time that she and Brian began dating.  As time passed and she spoke more about him, I knew that he was perfect for her.  They just fit so well and I am so happy that they are still going strong, not that I had any doubts of course :).

We met up at the park down the street from my house. The weeds growing tall, succulents growing wildly and green trees.  Once, while running, I noticed the sun set behind this untouched wilderness and I knew I had to shoot a session there someday.  That someday was for Leanabeth + Brian.

They booked me for an anytime session.  Not an engagement session but rather, a session of just the two of them.  Who they are, together.  No labels, no pressure, just who they are right now.  At this moment, three years later.  Let me tell you...it's a beautiful thing.

Leanabeth + Brian:  You two rock!  I had so much fun talking about anything and everything.  Laughing at my lame jokes and getting to know you better.  We've got to get together soon!

Here are my favorites :)

I had such a great time with Anyssa!  We met at the UCR Botanical Gardens on a very hot day.  Headshot sessions are so fun for me because of the one-on-one style.  It's a great time to get to know a person and talk to them like we've been friends forevah.  Of course, I love family sessions too, but these sessions allow me to relax and take my sweet time while I talk too much.

Anyssa is an actress.  She's been on Hanna Montana and a couple of other shows (that I can't remember because I thought being on Hanna Montana was just soooo cool!)  I know that she's going to go far because of her humble and sweet personality.

Anyssa, you were awesome and I had a great time getting to know you!  I'm going to keep my eye out for you next time you're on the tube ;).

Happy Saturday!

I have been so busy editing away all of the wonderful sessions I have had the pleasure of photographing lately!  Lots of families, cute kids, and loads of fun!  All of my Living Social families have been such a dream to photograph and I hope that they all love their photos as much as I loved photographing them.

I normally would do one post per family but I decided to post them all in one since they're all sneak peeks ;).

If you have not redeemed your voucher for your session, call me asap!  You have until June 29th to get your session photographed!

SOPHIE | BABY SESSION:

This little one was born a bit early than she should have but being that she was so excited to be in the world, she didn't take no for an answer.  Mom and dad were happy to have her come home from the NICU and have her photos taken.  Look at how adorable she is!  Mom did a great job with the little sign :)

STRANGE FAMILY | FAMILY SESSION:

Yes, that is their last name.  But they aren't strange at all.  In fact, they are all fun!  And look at their coordinating color scheme!  Gotta love yellow, white, grey, and black!  We had fun hanging out Downtown.  I gotta say, photographing 5 beautiful girls is one great treat.  Each showing their unique and beautiful personalities! From oldest to youngest of course.  And look at that tutu!!! Gaaahhh! LOVE!

NGUYEN FAMILY | FAMILY SESSION:

How cute are these kiddos?  The little one was full of laughs and the oldest was full of energy and kept running around.  We had such a great time!

TAPIA FAMILY | FAMILY SESSION:

This family was full of cool style!  From the black and white to the bow ties and pearls.  This family has it going on with looks and spunk!  We roamed around downtown and had a great time with the kids showing off their own little personalities.  Loved this family!

SWARTOUT FAMILY | FAMILY SESSION:

It is always great when I get a family that hasn't really experienced having a family portrait taken.  I love the challenge of giving them a great experience along with great photographs.  I had a great time with this family and can't wait to welcome the baby soon!

Whew!  That was a lot!  I hope you enjoyed these families because I did!  Can't wait to show you more families soon!

Happy Wednesday!

What I have loved so much about doing the Living Social Promotion is meeting so many great families!  This little family was so much fun!  Their little one kept running around and exploring!  Such a cute happy family!

Here are some sneak peeks!  I've got more coming soon so stay tuned!