When I first decided that photography was it, my calling, I was shy and thought landscapes and table top still life was the way to. This way, I wouldn't have to interact with people, tell them how to pose, invade their personal space and get all up in their face. Even though I'm a hugger type of gal.

Then I thought, why not look up all the awesome photographers and see what they're doing. And so I did, and I came across some amazing photographers. I studied their posing, lighting, locations, and whenever possible, saw videos of them working.

And to this day I still look up photographers for inspiration and guidence. And because I do it daily, I thought why not blog about those who inspire me. So... I've now dedicated Thursdays as my Inspiration Thursday and share who I check out and maybe it'll inspire other people as well.

This week's Inspiration is...

Melissa Rodwell! She has been in fashion since 1987 and hasn't looked back since. She also has a Fashion Photography Blog where you can see videos of her shoots and learn more about the fashion photography world. Do check both links out!

Shot only using one big octagon softbox.

Isn't this one fabulous?! It's from a Romeo & Juliet themed shoot.


Hope you're inspired! Happy Thursday!

I mentioned yesterday that there is a storm watch. Sounds simple enough but now there is talk about a tornado watch in Orange County & Riverside! It also hailed about an hour ago and that, I've only seen a couple of times in my life in Riverside.

Hopefully it doesn't get worse than rain, thunder, and hail. At least I have a basement in my house just in case!

I think Honey feels the same way I do. We're keeping an eye out! Hope everyone stays warm, dry, and out of the way of a tornado! Happy Tuesday!

We've all been there. At work, low on caffeine, having a bad hair day, and gum stuck to the bottom of your shoe and you realize: It's Monday.

I've decided to install this new weekly blog post at the Case of the Monday's post where I post random facts of my Monday. Doesn't seem very interesting and I assure you, maybe it won't be but lets face it, we've all had a case of the Monday's.

I know I have and since Monday doesn't have such a great stigma attached to it, I've decided, that perhaps I can liven it up for you, even if it's just random tid-bits. But I like to think myself funny, sometimes. I'm sure my friends would be laughing AT me right now but I'll take it!

So here it goes:

• I was watching the movie Up, which won best animated film at the Golden Globes and I think it was well deserved. Anyway, as I was watching I started thinking, maybe I should contact Mythbusters and see if they can experiment what the old man in the movie did with balloons. Hey, you never know maybe you can have your house float with balloons.
  
• Weather Channel is reporting 4 inches of rain. Seriously?! I don't know about you but I'm a spoiled Californian and I need my sun and dry climate! Plus, doesn't help for shoots.
  
• I have been listening to Ximena Sarinana and she definitely helps me get through this gloomy weather. Her soothing voice and lovely lyrics are mesmerizing.
  
• If you haven't check out Post Secret, I suggest you do. People send in their secrets anonymously on post cards and they get posted on that blog. I haven't sent one in but it seems very liberating and I just might do it one day.
  
• I am loving the HDR compositions by Trey Ratcliff he posts on his blog Stuck In Customs. Check them out!
  
• And if you weren't aware, today is Martin Luther King, Jr. day. With out him many would be with out rights and because of his efforts, we are closer to being a more just country.

That's all for today. And here's where I'd like to be instead of the rain:

La Paz, Baja California, Mexico.

Showing my favorite images of 2009!

Happy Monday!

Since it's a new year, here's a New Years Promo for all of those on a budget! Class of 2010 & Families!

Hello 2010!

New year, new outlook is my motto for this new and exciting year. As the days pass, I have been thinking more and more about my business and ways to learn, grow, and hopefully pass on the knowledge to other up and coming photogs out there.

I am in no way seasoned, and yet I feel that I've learned so much in the past three years since I began this journey that I hope one day to become a mentor and tell others what not to do. This uphill climb has been interesting and although I am not going to reach the top for some time, I am excited to get to there and look back at what I've learned, grown, and passed on.

I have my goals written, my camera at the ready, and my mind open to all 2010 has to offer!

Tonight marks another year coming to a close end. One of love, laughter and shared memories. My family gathering over the huge pot of pozole and tamales. As we eat, I will be thinking of how this year was better than the last, how we as a family have grown, learned and shared. How we have come to appreciate life and love more than the days before.

I must admit that I was not in the holiday spirit and even began to wonder what time of the year it was with 80 degree weather. The week of holiday music ringing in my house, the mini christmas tree I have in my office, and even the holiday gift bags weren't enough to get me in the mood. Except for today, it hit me like a train full speed ahead!

Today when I saw my mom preparing the super huge pot of pozole, I turned to her and said, "Merry Christmas, mom; I love you." And with that she hugged me back and I felt the warmth of the season, the love it brings about, and all of the wonderful memories shared.

To all of those who are a part of my life, my family, friends who are like family, and friends who are family: I love you and wish you the best holiday season you can possibly have.

And to everyone and all: Happy holidays, may this time be spent with family and warmth.

Happy Christmas!

Like I said in the previous post, I had such an amazing time shooting this family! We had a great time running around, exploring, and staying dry.

I first shot Presley about a year and a half ago when she was only a wee tot of 6 months! She has definitely grown and it was such a pleasure to photograph her again!

Here are a few of my faves!

This is one of my favorite faves! They were blowing kisses to each other!



Happy Saturday!

Loved this family today! Had such an amazing time! Here is a little teaser to keep you on your toes while I finish editing their photos and some from another session!

Happy Friday!

I woke up in a frenzy today. I vacuumed, cleaned, set up a table and mirror, lit a candle, and created a play list of background music. I had scheduled a collaboration shoot with a hairstylist, make-up artist, and model and the mood in my office had to be professional yet laid back.

Four hours later, Alissa, the gorgeous model, and I sat in the drive thru of Inn-n-Out ready to end a great day of modeling and photography. I have to say, waking up in a frenzy paid off because the photos I am about to show you are bitchin!

Everyone was easy to work with and mighty talented! I have listed the contact info for each of the girls in case you want to get a hold of them for future shoots! Thanks girls!

Hairstylist: Melissa ( sheargenius83@gmail.com )

Make Up Artistry: Elanie ( inyourfacebeauty.blogspot.com )

Model & Wardrobe: Alissa ( ohashi_20@hotmail.com )