Happy Birthday Robert

Every year Robert likes to tease me by announcing the fact that there are indeed almost THREE MONTHS or 50 days - oh yes, I have counted - in which I am actually older than him. Big deal, I say...maybe that's why I'm more mature, I joke back.

This weekend we'll celebrate another year of life and blessings with family, friends, and fun. I hope to take him to a local theatre production and give him the gift of music he so adores. Although he could also go for a pair of ring side tickets to the next UFC Mixed Martial Arts cage fighting competition, but I think a musical would be more suitable for the whole family, wouldn't you agree?

Happy Birthday to my best friend...a man who I admire, respect, and trust. I love you.

Photo taken by Nicole Liebgott.

Isaiah And Sheileen Engaged

When my friends Isaiah and Sheileen announced their engagement I was thrilled for them, and when they asked me to be their wedding photographer I was honored. Unfortunately, I was not available for travel to their destination wedding in Rosarito, Mexico this Spring.

On the brighter side, I was very happy to provide a mini engagement session of my services and capture a few images for thier print announcements and wedding related needs.

Here are a few of my favorites!







Isaiah and Sheileen, congratulations and best wishes to a bright future together!

Happy Monday

This morning I woke up to the sound of rain drops and gray skies outside my window. Before my feet could hit the ground my mind was already racing with 'things to do' and the reality of Monday morning was setting in all too fast. Frustrated that the time was already passing me by and wishing there were more hours in a day, I didn't want to disappoint and worried if I already had.

All that to say, somewhere in my quiet contemplating I came across the words to this wonderful song...I want to share it with you.

Who am I, that the Lord of all the earth
Would care to know my name
Would care to feel my hurt
Who am I, that the Bright and Morning Star
Would choose to light the way
For my ever wandering heart

Not because of who I am
But because of what You've done
Not because of what I've done
But because of who You are

I am a flower quickly fading
Here today and gone tomorrow
A wave tossed in the ocean
Vapor in the wind
Still You hear me when I'm calling
Lord, You catch me when I'm falling
And You've told me who I am
I am Yours, I am Yours

- Casting Crowns


Sometimes we try to be everything to everyone, wondering which hat to wear in every situation. In this song I am reminded of who I really am.

This photo was taken of me in Harlem, New york 2008.

Happy Monday!

A Video

The other day I came across a blog post by photographer, Zack Arias. I met Zack last year in San Diego when I registered for his One Light Workshop, which is amazing by the way.

I have a lot of respect for him as an artist and his philosophy regarding the photography industry. In Zack's particular blog post he created a video project for Scott Kelby. I want to extend the video's exposure by posting it here with hope that a few more readers might see the video and connect with Zack. I hope you find it as interesting as I did.




Have a great weekend!

Adam And Melissa Married

The new year began for me with a fun opportunity to second shoot a wedding in Arcadia for my friend and industry peer, Rowena Curtis.

It was a beautiful January day filled with warm sun, blue skies, and one stunning bride. My favorite moments of the day were when Adam and Melissa chose to see each other before the ceremony otherwise called a "First Look", and of course, the choreographed "First Dance" they performed for their guests at the reception.

Here are a few of my favorites!

WPPI: Archived

It's here again and in full swing! The Wedding and Portrait Photographers International convention at the MGM in Las Vegas has arrived. Thousands of Professional Photographers will flock to the tradeshow floors and lectures from around the world as the super bowl of photographer conferences chalks up another year of education and fun.


Weather permitting, I will be attending on Tuesday and Wednesday. So far, the drive isn't looking so safe through the passes.

In the meantime, I found some of my favorite pictures from last year's WPPI when we passed around the point and shoot camera among ourselves to document the hoopla. I'll spare the photobooth shots, lest I be sent to walk the plank.


WPPI 2008.


Note: In case you wondered...that's me in the red checkered pajamas. Photo by: Melissa Koehler.

Geek Status

It finally happened. Not only am I a coffee drinker but I may very well be a real coffee geek now. As of today we kicked our drip coffee maker to the curb for a French Press. Why? Because we were introduced to a new method of coffee bean consumption by our cousin, the real coffee geek, Ed. Thanks Ed!

The french press takes four minutes to make and tastes like silk. Just try it for yourself. We'll still use our drip maker for hosting, but for now, the new love to our daily groove is the french way. It's the bees knees.

So, if I don't sound geek enough, did you know there are actually coffee forums and websites devoted to the hardcore coffee connoisseur, like coffeegeek.com, which is where I found a helpful break down on all things french press. Which again led me to realize that I have arrived to coffee geek status.

Happy Monday!

Taking Joy

A few weeks ago, I expressed my desire to make small changes in the new year that I hoped would have a significant impact in my daily life as a wife, mother, and friend.

Since that blog post, I had purposed myself to do things like read more, listen better, and talk less. Like I said before, the little things that make a difference right?

This past weekend, I am happy to say I was invited by a friend to attend a conference in Irvine for Mothers hosted by Clay and Sally Clarkson. And I'm SO glad I was, it was amazing. I have felt inspired and encouraged to be the best that I can be to my family in the midst of the hustle and bustle of business, schoolwork, chores, and parenting.

So, when I found Sally's blog, I was excited to share her blog website here for a parent who could benefit from her sweet and inspirational writings about motherhood and taking joy.

Calderon

Meet the Calderon's. A family full of love, life, and warm hospitality. Robert and I met Danny and Lisa years ago on a random outreach trip we volunteered for to an orphanage in Mexico. We've been BFF's ever since, celebrating our holidays, birthday's, and yes, even our most vulnerable moments together. We certainly look forward to our happy visits and just love them, kinda like we love our morning coffee, now that's A LOT.

I was honored to photograph them for their family session. Here are some of my favorites...

Josh Holley

I had the privilege to photograph an up and coming solo artist, Josh Holley, for the cover of his debut CD release titled Avenue. Josh contacted me after his original photographer injured his hand in a sudden accident days before the shoot was scheduled. I was happy to meet with Josh and fill in to get the job done. Here are a few of my favorites...

Josh Holley
Avenue