Do you want to see one of my favorite sessions of all time?  I’ve posted 5 sessions tonight so I could end on this one.  And then I get a break.  :)

This session was so awesome because Caitlin and Johnny are awesome!  No really, they are.  During the photo session, they had fun together, were up for anything I suggested, and brought some great clothes and props.  They really thought about how they wanted their engagement session to go.  And it doesn’t hurt that they picked an amazing location with incredible light.

I love this sign they brought.  It’s perfect!

Shortly after our session began, we heard the ice cream truck coming through the parking lot.  Caitlin and Johnny must have thought I was insane when I suggested getting some ice cream.  But they were kind enough to humor me.  And it probably helped that it was a million degrees on this hot summer day.  I heart this shot.

Then we had a mini picnic, while Johnny teased Caitlin.

After a quick wardrobe change, we were back.

Cute!

We headed over to a little more wild section of the park for these.  I love the intimacy in the next few.

I love the look in Caitlin’s eyes as Johnny tenderly put a flower in her hair.  They simply adore each other and it is contagious.  I adore you guys too!

One last quick wardrobe change before we lost our sunset light.  The light was amazing.  I couldn’t get enough of it!

I just had to show a few of their details.  Johnny’s tie has bees on it – the theme of their wedding.  And I love the golden yellow color they are using too.  And Caitlin’s boots – aren’t they adorable?  I am seriously coveting them right now.

A few last ones – I could post this whole series (but I won’t).  Caitlin and Johnny were that awesome!

This picture just feels so warm and cozy to me.  Love.

Caitlin and Johnny, thank you for inviting me to be a part of this special time in your lives.  I can’t wait until your wedding in March.  It is going to be fabulous!

I’m on a roll tonight – here is another one!  A few months ago, I was asked to take headshots for two boys with a modeling and acting talent agency called Off the Ricter Models.  Both boys were really great models and had many talents to show.  The agency likes to show many different looks on their comp card, so we did a lot of wardrobe changes and different activities.  First, here is Connor:

Next is older brother, Chad:

Funny story.  After the agency saw my work, they began referring other clients to me for headshots.  The casting agent, Renee and I agreed to meet so I could better understand their process and how to help their clients.   After meeting with Renee, I was so impressed with her and their agency that I asked if I could submit my own two boys.  I felt kind of weird asking because I really didn’t want her to treat them any different than another submission.  But Renee was very gracious.  She later met with my boys, and I decided to go ahead and list them with the agency.  So far I have been incredibly impressed with Renee’s communication and flexibility.  And we’ve already gotten 3 auditions for my older son, Elijah in the past month!

Again, a while back I had the opportunity to photograph this sweet, loving family in San Clemente.  They all came together for a family reunion and made time for some fun family portraits at the beach while they were here.  First, here is an extended family portrait.  I like this one out of all the traditional portraits we took because it looks so casual and relaxed.

Then we got to photograph each individual family for a little bit, so they could have their own portraits.

Thanks for a fun time at the beach.  You chose a great location!  I would be happy to photograph this beach anytime with all the different nooks and locations to use.

So, now that I’ve told you why I’ve been MIA for the past few months, I am going to make an attempt to get caught up on posting my photo shoots.  I am embarrassed to admit that I am at over six months behind!!

So, please forgive me Errin.  I know you graduated from CSUSB last spring, but I would love to share a few of your lovely graduation portraits.

Errin also has some exciting news since I photographed her for this session.  She is now engaged to be married this summer!!  Congratulations Errin!  I knew there was something special about Danny when you told me about him during our session.  You simply glowed as you talked about him.  :)

Congratulations, Errin!  So many exciting things happening for you.  You deserve it!

I know.  Just what you wanted to see.  A stick I peed on.  It’s positive.

Am I positive about adding another child into the mix?  Yes and no.  Is it going to be easy having 3 kids under 4 years old?  No.  Would I do it if my kids stayed this age forever?  No.

But even though it is hard when my two boys are insanely hyper and I have to endure dirty looks from people without kids (like the time they knocked over a lady and an entire display at the grocery store), I wouldn’t change it for the world.  I love my family with all my heart.

I know this is what I want for our family.  My husband and I have always wanted a big family.  I want my children to grow up with siblings and a strong sense of family.  And they won’t stay this small forever.  They will grow up, and it will (eventually) get easier.  At least that’s what I keep telling myself.

I am about 9 weeks along.  This is why I’ve been MIA for the past couple of months.  I’ve felt tired and sick and just kind of down lately.  Which is a paradox because I am really excited to be welcoming a new addition to our family, but I am also overwhelmed because I don’t know how I am going to handle life with 3 kids.  Oh and it probably doesn’t help my mood that we’ve been having construction on our house since before Christmas and had to move out this week, but that’s a different story.

If you are wondering how this will affect my photography business, I plan to continue photo sessions and weddings through July.  I will be on maternity leave during August and September, and then will take a reduced number of clients through the end of 2011.  So, please plan ahead for your holiday family sessions.  You might want to consider booking your family session this summer, so you will be ahead of the game for gifts and cards once the holiday season comes.