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Here you will find all sorts of things: tips and tricks, book reviews, stories of my adventures, client features, and so much more!
Perfect Wedding Guide's Diamond Dash Wedding Show- Hyatt Regency in Albuquerque, New Mexico
About a month ago, I had the opportunity to participate in the Perfect Wedding Guide's Diamond Dash Wedding Show at the Hyatt Regency hotel in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The show itself was an amazing experience, allowing me to meet a lot of brides that were planning weddings in the Albuquerque area. But, it was a LOT of hard work before the show to get this booth ready!
Styled Wedding at Nature Pointe Wedding and Event Center in Tijeras, New Mexico
Nature Pointe Wedding and Event Center in Tijeras, New Mexico is definitely one of New Mexico’s hidden gems. Nature Pointe is a convenient 30 minute drive from Albuquerque, but with a definite feeling of being in the forest. I recently received the opportunity to work with them and some very amazing other vendors on a styled wedding session. Below are all the people that contributed to this collaboration:
How to Get a New Mexico Marriage License and Change Your Name
One of the many things couples have to worry about during the wedding planning process is how to obtain their marriage license and- if you’ve decided to- how to change your last name. Surprisingly, these are easy things to do, but they are oftentimes confusing or overwhelming to think about doing on top of all the wedding planning. So, here’s how to do it in New Mexico:
Los Poblanos Historic Inn and Organic Farm- An Albuquerque, New Mexico Wedding Venue
Wedding photographers often have a secret list of places they’re DIEING to be asked to photograph weddings at. Today, I’m sharing one of the places on my list, in the hopes that, if I put it out there, someone will eventually ask me to photograph their wedding there.
Digital Images Are Important! Or, I’m Lucky to Have My Digital Images from MY Wedding!
Justin and I will be celebrating our 9th anniversary this April 24th, and every day I am reminded of a reason I’m grateful to have married my best friend. Our ceremony took place at the UNM Alumni Memorial Chapel, and our reception took place in Ballroom C of the College Union Building.
How To: Picking a Location for Your Family Portrait Session
One of the current trends that I love in photography is taking family portrait sessions out of the studio and into the community. So much more can be created when you’re outside- especially during the Golden Hour. But, you also need to be mindful of the safety of your location- especially with young kids are around.
Books 1-6: A Book Review
This year, in addition to serving as your photographer, I’ve set myself the challenge of reading 36 NEW (well, at least new to me...) books. I have a habit of re-reading books I love multiple times- which is great- but, there are so many new books published every year, and so many on my to-be-read list, that I need to add new books! So, here are the first 6 I’ve finished:
Heirlooms, Antiques, and Genealogy: What do They Have to do With Photography?
I recently went through the re-branding process, and as part of that process, I had to define my purpose as a photographer. Why did I become a photographer? What did I want my goal with my clients to be? What was most important to me about photography?
Book Review: “Orphan Train”
There are some books that simply stick with you, no matter what. “Orphan Train” by Christina Baker Kline is one that will stick with me for quite a while to come.
How To: Prepping Your Kids for Family Photos
One of the many reasons that I've heard for not getting annual portraits taken of your family is that it's too hard to accomplish with young children. Well, it may seem that way, but it's actually not that hard- you just have to work with your kids instead of against them. Here are my tips for working with your kids and preparing them for family photos:
How To: Planning a Family Portrait Session
Annual family portraits can be a daunting task for many people, especially with young children, but it can be done! Here are my tips for planning your session so that it is an awesome experience for everyone involved.
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.