The Kelly Family Portrait Session

30 Shots, 11 Kids, 6 Adjustments, 1 Family Portrait

 

If you're thinking to yourself, "Wow, 11 kids in one picture (between the ages of 6 months and 13 years old) without anybody crying, hitting, yawning, looking away... running away... It's too good to be true!"

Well, You're right. Despite the fact that I took about 30 pictures of this same scenario, I didn't have a single shot where all the kids were 'on point'. In fact, 6 out of 11 of the kids in the above picture have been altered to make the final image. 

Most of the shots looked more like this:

The 3 year old just did not want to stand still and the baby was not happy that he had been awakened from his precious nap for this silliness. In actuality, it was a lot of fun to work with this family. They were full of energy, totally adorable, very patient and we had a lot of laughs together, BUT it was tough to get the money shot. So, I simply created it and I'm pretty happy with the end result. 

Ed the Hotdogger

While Ryan and I were downtown at the courthouse last week to be 'officially' married... we realized while waiting, that after a long days work, neither of us had eaten for hours... So, we went on a hunt for food nearby. What we found (or should I say who we found) was a wonderful downtown gem - he goes by the name, Ed the Hotdogger.

He sets up his cart on Jefferson and 3rd Avenue and makes the most delicious hot dogs - But even better then the hots dogs was the man himself. He wore a smile from ear to ear, he was kind and was very proud of his dogs (as he should be). Just being in his presence, I could feel the surge of positivity that gushes from him. I read a recent article about him that talked about how his beloved wife has cancer and has fought it multiple times - I can imagine that this is not the only hardship in this mans life. But from talking to him you would never know that the man has a worry in the world.

I like Ed the Hotdogger a lot, I just met him but I can tell in one short visit that he is a man who depicts what it means to be a hardworking, happy and grateful being.

If you find yourself downtown and hungry, I highly suggest you stop by his hot dog stand - it will be the best decision you make all day - for more reasons then one.

I'm in love, I'm in love and I don't care who knows it!

I gave Ryan his wedding gift today. It's one of those gifts straight from the heart... You know, the mushy gushy lovey dovey ones. I thought it would be fun to share it with all of you. I made it, all of it and then I had it matted and framed... I'm pretty happy with how it turned out. :)

A Holiday Message

I had such an incredible time shooting The Kopp family yesterday. This ADORABLE family has a simple message they would like to send for the holiday season. They are wishing those close to them a holiday full of faith, health, happiness, love, friends and family. This wonderfully-beautiful-creative idea was all theirs and I am so happy that I could help them make it come to life.

Shoot with Weston

I had SO much fun shooting Weston - He was high-energy and didn't stop moving the entire shoot but his playfulness and spunk allowed me to get some great shots. This is one adorable and photogenic kid!

"Don't worry, I just want to nibble on your intestines..."

In the spirit of Halloween I thought it would be fun for me to share some of my pictures from a recent job at The Nest Haunted House in Chandler.

First off, this haunted house is incredible. Being the photographer, I got a behind the scenes look at the haunted house and still, with lights on and the actors not even in place yet... I almost pee'd my pants, twice. It's no surprise to me that The Nest has been nominated as one of Good Morning America’s Spookiest Haunted Attractions in America.

If you're one of those crazy people who enjoy getting the crap scared out of you... Head out to The Nest this weekend, believe me you won't be the first person they've found curled up in fetal position.

Yes, they have creepy clowns

And REAL dead bodies...

Zombies...

And glow in the dark monkey-like men that stare at you with their black eyes.

Look at those eyes... They're saying, "Hey, come visit me, it'll be fun!"

This one follows you home and visits you in your NIGHTMARES!

Pictures, Portraits... Portraits, Pictures

Between photography classes, photography assignments, photography work and now, a photography internship (!!!) - I think I can officially say that I am a photography fiend.

I feel myself getting stronger and more comfortable everyday and it is an incredible feeling. My life has only continued to get more and more crazy. It seems like the more I learn, the more I shoot and the more I want to shoot.

Lately I have been shooting a lot of portraits and I am really enjoying it. Here are a few of my latest shots:

Oh yeah and I'm entering these three shots into a photography competition - Wish me luck!!

Love, Sandy Beaches and Cerveza!

I must admit, I LOVE mine and Ryan's Save the Date shots. Oh, by the way, we got engaged. ;) There has been A LOT going on in both of our lives recently so it has been tough to keep the latest up to date on the blog. But for now, here are the Save the Date shots we took, on our own, with my lighting and backdrop. If you can't tell, we're going to Mexico! Tiempo para la fiesta!!!