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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!
Dorinda’s Maternity Portraits- Los Lunas, New Mexico
I honestly can’t recall how many years Dorinda and I have been friends now, but it’s been a long time. I watched as her and her husband Nick (also a good friend) became parents half way around the world (Nick was stationed in Japan with the Navy), and again after they’d been reassigned to Chicago. After they finally moved home a few years ago, I finally got to meet and cuddle their sweet kiddos. So when Nick and Dorinda announced they were expecting baby #3, I jumped at the chance to capture her pregnancy this time around!
What You Need to Know About Photography Business Models
I was recently watching a masterclass for photographers, and the speaker- another photographer by the name of Matt Kennedy- was teaching about pricing and business models for photographers. I realized right off that there is A LOT of confusion about business models for photographers, not only among photographers, but for our clients as well! If we can't event figure out what business model we follow, how can we explain it to y'all?! Well, I'm going to try to clear up some of the confusion for you.
Rancho Rendezvous 2017
One of the things I look forward to every year is returning to my childhood Girl Scout camp for an Adults-Only weekend. There is a magic about the place than none of us can explain, nor do we even want to try.
My Family Reunion
When anyone mentions the phrase ‘family reunion’ most people think of the most boring, long, and hot day of their summer. You probably conjure images of almost-ancient distant relatives pinching your cheeks as a child, your parents reminding you to play quietly while the grown-ups talk, and cousins that you barely remember from the year before. But, have you gone to this same reunion as an adult? I have. And this is why I went.
Wedding Collective New Mexico’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.