There are a million ways to say "thank you" as there are, I'm sure, more than a million things to be thankful for. From the smallest thing like having a pillow to rest my head upon to bigger things like having a warm home and a family that supports and loves each other.

Like the Mastercard commercials, everything to be thankful for is priceless. My dog and the way he jumps ontop of my bed in the morning and dives head first into my hand. Waking up and having breakfast with my mom everyday and taking in the morning over pancakes. To stuff like thanks for movies and Netflix because I just love movies!

But at the end of the day, I am just thankful for being allowed to enjoy one more day of life, love, and all the small things in between.

My dog on Rolleiflex 120mm film.

New announcement! I have added a client proofing section to my website just for you! Each future shoot will now have 20 days to view and purchase prints right from the comfort of your own home (or office chair).

If you had a past shoot and would like to have an online gallery of your photos, shoot me an email and I will gladly have that up for you within 24 hours and for a duration of 10 days. Email is info@jackielamasphotography.com

Happy Monday!

I remember the very first time I met Ms. Hodges. She entered my 5th grade classroom and showed the students various musical instruments because she was recruiting more members to the elementry band. When the flute in all of it's lusture was held in the badly lit flourenscent room, my eyes gleamed. I went straight home and told my parents what I had seen, I had seen the most wonderful instrument in the world! Or, at 10 years old, it seemed that way.

Then Ms. Hodges turned into Mrs. Jones and after 8th grade was over, we parted ways. I continued to High School and was promoted to the marching band while she stayed behind to show her shiny instruments to other students.

Now, Mr. and Mrs. Jones have two little Jones of their own and let me tell you, they are too cute for words! So, because of this I think I'll just get straight to the photos :)

Thanks Jones Family for allowing me to shoot these two little handsome guys, I had soooo much fun!

During my high school career, as part of the band, we were cordially invited to attend the graduation ceremonies of those who were off to bigger and brighter futures. We got premier seating to the right of the stage next to all of the staff who proudly wore their college graduation regalia.

We were the official ceremony orchestra and got the privilege of playing

Pomp & Circumstance

over and over and over again during the processional. When I mean over and over again, I mean that we played it so many times it was like the sheet music was there just for show because by the time the graduates stopped walking and were seated, I had already memorized the damn song.

That was high school.

College was a whole different ball park. They had loud speakers playing the pre-recorded song as we walked our way to our seats. But now I can hear the song in a whole different way. A week ago, some good friends of my dad (and I mean good friends as in the kind that they were friends before I was born kind) had the chance to give me a very special kind of gift.

I must admit, I am not a snow globe type of gal but I have this one sitting on my desk where I can see and hear my college experience whenever I want. Because after all, college was so much better than high school!

Every now and again I am asked to design a greeting card, birthday invite, or grad announcement and although I didn't major in graphic design, I am always thrilled to accept!

I aboslutely rejoice in the opportunity to creat something that is uniquely and originally made for my clients. It also allows my creativity to blossom and go places I haddn't explored yet. I know it sounds cheesy but having a blank canvas is sometimes so refreshing! I'm no painter, but I can design a kick ass card that is definitely a preview of my clients' personality. And that, gives me utter joy.

A few weeks ago I shot the beautiful Alexis for her birthday (HAPPY BIRTHDAY!) invite. Her colors: Red and blue. at first I thought, "how am I going to make red and blue work for a 7 year old invite?" But after much erasing, deleting, and changing colors, here is the final product!

Hope you enjoyed your birthday party Alexis!

Think: My Big Fat Greek Wedding. I was going to American school with our pancakes and eggs and cheeseburgers for lunch. At home was a whole different world. My father would practice his English and we would practice our Spanish. I was learning two cultures at the same time, and trust me, there was resistance in learning the culture of my parents. I was speaking English better and faster and my Spanish sounded, well, not so great.

However, as I got older, things began to make sense. I am proud to be an American, to live in a country where my parents' culture can flourish and I can celebrate both worlds with no resistance. This of course, includes the great home-made Mexican food that you can't get anywhere else but at home. Chorizo con huevos is my favorite breakfast of all time. Growing up, I'd wake up to the smell of the chorizo aroma filling the house as my mom prepared the burritos I would eat on the bus on the way to school.

And now, more than a decade after those early morning school bus rides, I am enjoying the same aroma and great taste of my childhood.

Happy Wednesday!

Look at this face...he's just so happy that he gets petted every day, fed and given kisses everyday and even cuddled with. Seriously sometimes I could eat him all up!

Happy Monday! Check it the 365 HERE :)

Little Ms. A is just the cutest! She will be 7 in a couple of days and so we had some fun hanging out at the park taking some photos for her invitations.

Here's a sneak peek! Happy Friday and heeeellllooooo weekend!

I have a surprise waiting to be revealed! Stay tuned this week!

I met Cory my freshmen year in High School, during band camp. Yes, I was a marching band member and we totally kicked ass! She was funny, helpful, talented and smart. We were fellow Blue Star Regiment members.

I was so excited to shoot some photos of her and her basson mainly because I know how it is to have something you're so passionate about that it becomes an extension of you. Like me and my camera. It also gave us a good chance to catch up on things and reconnect.

Cory now lives in London where she received her Master's degree in music. Even though marching band is years behind us, she is still funny, helpful, talented, and smart.

Thanks Cory for allowing me to take photos of you, maybe some day I'll go to a concert and hear you play (in London, of course!)