Welcome!!
Here you will find all sorts of things: tips and tricks, book reviews, stories of my adventures, client features, and so much more!
Using Your Wedding to Give Back
Philanthropy is the act of giving either money or materials to an organization for the betterment of others. And, it is also becoming a trend for many to use items or gifts from their wedding to give back to others. So, what are some ways that you can give back?
Bridal Beauty Tips
Everyone wants to look and feel your very best on your wedding day- after all, it’s the one day you’re guaranteed to be the center of attention. Luckily, there are some things you can control when it comes to how you look. Here are my tips:
The Mendez Family- River park, Los Lunas, New Mexico
I met this spunky family last September on a beautiful Fall evening. This sweet family was simply hoping to update their annual portraits, so we chose the lovely Los Lunas River Park for their session.
Jennica and C.J.- An In-Home Family Portrait Session in Los Lunas, New Mexico
I have known Jennica for many years- we were on Swim Team together in High School- so, when her sister, Cara, asked if I had time to do a portrait session for her as a Christmas present, I jumped at the chance to see my old team mate and friend!
Planning Your Trip to the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta
Every year Justin and I load up Christopher and Joshua really, really, really early on the first Saturday of the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta and take them to go see the balloons. In the five years (or so) that we've been doing this, we've learned a few lessons, tips, and tricks that I want to share with y'all today.
This Year's Goals
It is so hard to believe that it is time to write new dreams and set new goals. I fell a bit short on a few goals from last year, mainly those of photographing 40 family sessions (I made it to 33!) and running a 10K (that didn't happen at all!), but I actually accomplished my other two goals of reading 36 books, and photographing 5 weddings. It was awesome to realize that I'd achieved those! It was also awesome to look back and realize that I'd accomplished so much more. I was featured on another blog, I was recognized as one of the best photographers in Albuquerque, and I met so many incredible individuals while doing something I love. How do I top all of that? I don't know, but I'm gonna try!
Underwood Family Portrait Session- Elena Gallegos Open Space Area, Albuquerque, NM
I first met Nicole when she reached out to me a few months ago, looking for a photographer who could do a family portrait session while the whole family was together over Christmas as a gift to her Mother-in-Law. Luckily, I had availability that met her needs, because this sweet family was coming together from all across the country for the first time in two years!
Have You Considered a First Look Session?
It used to be a tradition that brides would participate in a Bridal Session before the wedding. Many would use it as a trial run for their hair and make-up, and to make sure that their dress fit and generally, to see their whole look put together for the first time. Brides would then meet with their photographer to have their bridal portraits taken before the day, so that it was less hectic on the day of the wedding, and to have some special portraits of just her. But, this tradition seems to have fallen off. Today's brides just aren't interested in doing these sessions because they're so crunched for time, or because it just seems like a waste.
Xavier's Newborn Session- Rio Rancho, New Mexico
I have known Hali and her family for a number of years- her daughters were actually in my Girl Scout troop- so when sweet Xavier arrived, I was excited to take portraits of him! Xavier arrived on July 9th, 2017, and weighed in at 7 lbs. 15 oz. and was 20 inches long. He was greeted by Dad, older sisters Maddie and Lyiddia, and older brothers Sebastian, Alex, and Bryant, and our mutual friend Amber.
What Serving YOU Means to Me
I recently had a conversation with another wedding friendor (a wedding vendor turned friend) about my commitment to customer service- or rather my over-commitment to it. It made me realize that I haven’t publicly shared something about myself and my business that I’ve been hoping y’all would just figure out (and some of you have!!!). What I need to share about myself and my business with y’all is that my commitment to service is not superficial or something that I know I should have because I’m providing a service to you guys. It is an ingrained part of my core being, and something I do, no matter what.
Rebecca’s Maternity Portraits- UNM Duck Pond, Albuquerque, NM
I met Rebecca several years ago in what probably appeared to be a very shady parking lot exchange of Girl Scout cookies. My troop had extra cookies, and her troop needed a few more for the end of the season. Since then, I’ve gotten to know Rebecca even better through Facebook, and I can honestly say she is incredibly smart, very witty, immensely talented, and more loving to her partner Kyle and daughter Adoli than I can describe.
Books 25-36: A Book Review by a Photographic Bookworm
The final set of reviews for 2017! I made it, with a few days to spare. Well, let’s get to it:
MaKayla’s Newborn Session- Los Lunas, New Mexico
In full disclosure, I’ve known Ms. MaKayla’s mamma, Monique since we were babies ourselves. My mom and grandma used to babysit her while her mom worked, so we were together until I started school. Our age difference was just enough to mean that I was a year ahead in school. The stories that we could share about one another!
Preparing Your Groom for Your Engagement Portraits
Many men avoid having their picture taken for various reasons. My husband is an expert at dodging my camera. But, most acknowledge and accept that having engagement photos done is necessary, so they begrudgingly agree. There are some things that you can do to help them prepare for your portrait session, though.
Simpson-Parrott Family- Albuquerque, New Mexico
I have had the pleasure of knowing Meg for a number of years now. We first met through Girl Scouts, and if it weren't for her, I'm pretty sure I would have given up on graduating from college. I've taken her family's portraits since I began my business nearly four years ago, and in that time it has been an honor and a pleasure to watch her family grow.
What to Wear for Your Engagement Photos
Your engagement photos are the first formal photos that you and your fiancé take as a couple. They say a lot about you as a couple- from the type of setting they're in to what you wear, they help people understand who you are and what you enjoy doing together. That being said, what to wear is a HUGE question, and to help you figure it out there are a few smaller questions to answer first.
The Gray Family- Belen, New Mexico
I had the pleasure of working with Patty, her daughter Jamie, Jamie's husband Ryan, and their daughter Leah this past Saturday to capture their very first family portraits in many, many years. While Jamie, Ryan, and Leah actually live in Portland, Oregon, Patty and her husband (who was still traveling home) have spent the last two years working in Poland. Before that they traveled the country working for various contractors in scientific research, design, and develop capacities.
A Bradshaw Family Christmas, And My Obsession with Hallmark Ornaments
One of Justin’s favorite Christmas movies is ‘National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation’, and he insists on watching it every time it’s on Freeform during their 35 Days of Christmas, and for those of you who don’t know, they show it A LOT. I usually sigh, roll my eyes and settle in to some task or another while listening to the movie with him (I listen to t.v. shows and movies more than I actually watch them). While I pretend not to like the movie, I actually really relate to Clark’s desire to have a ‘traditional family Christmas’.
Why Engagement Photos are Necessary- And What to do with Them
Engagement photos are the first opportunity that I have to actually work with my couples after you book your wedding with me. And, this occasion is the first chance I get to begin learning about both of you as new friends. For these two reasons alone, I highly encourage all of my couples to do engagement photos, but there are also a few other reasons.
Making Strides Against Breast Cancer- Rio Rancho, New Mexico
At the end of October, I had the pleasure of photographing the American Cancer Society’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer event in Rio Rancho, New Mexico. This event celebrates the culmination of a fundraising season, in which the participants have committed to raise a specific amount of money to be donated via the American Cancer Society to support breast cancer research and support for those undergoing treatment.