Today I was eating a ham and cheese sandwich, wanted to blog stalk a little, and came across a posting that asked how confident are you as a photographer.  Hummm…. I don’t think I have ever thought about that.  I think that right before I go to a photoshoot I have a few butterflies dancing around in my belly, but I think they are doing the happy dance.  I hope the day never comes that I am not giddy with excitement about capturing people’s stories.     I love and admire so many other photographers work and hope to one day produce such brilliant images as them (so in no way do I think I am even close to being the overall expert at shutter clicking).  But what I do know what brings me some confidence, it is I knowing my clients aka…my soon to be friends…aka…my supporters.

I always make efforts to have a conversation with those wonderful people I put in front of my lens.  Yes, I like to talk a lot, but I also like to get to know people a lot.   I want to hear their story.  Not long after I get to talking/emailing/texting with someone, I begin to visualize their idea of the perfect picture for them (mind you each couple, each bride, each mommy’s perfect idea is so very different).  But, because I take the time to know my clients, I know that when the day comes, I will have the confidence to make them a beautiful time keeper we call a photograph.

Here are some of my new found hippy-chick  friends.  Their mommy was a model and I think in this case, the apple does not fall far from the tree.

On Saturday, one of my favorite little friends is celebrating her 2nd Birthday.  I met her way back on the day when her mommy had first taken her preggo test…. literally a tiny little miracle bean growing inside one of my favorite people, her mommy.  It is so hard to believe that was nearly 3 years ago.  Little Miss D is such a princess inside and out.  I know she is only 2 but she is already super smart, loves my little Lissy, can flaunt some fashion, and can have a full conversation if you let her.  Ummmm…. her cute little smile makes me melt.  Happy Birthday, Davis and may you always cast a cute little smile for my camera.

Hugs and I luv  yous~

Miss Gina

My camera makes me happy.  I love that split second moment that I capture the unexpected look, the glimpse of a non posed grin, or the ache that coincides with a belly laugh.  I love to laugh and my camera makes me happy, people make me happy.  There were times this weekend that I knew I had a shot I wanted and a shot that I knew my clients would love.  Those captures from this weekend will make them happy, and make me happy.

I have been reflecting alot lately and I can’t really decide what I love t shoot more, soft newborns, giddy toddlers, blushing brides, or in love couples.  I often wonder if it is okay that they all make me and my camera happy.  I came across a few of my favorite photographers who often talk about the fact that they don’t do anything else but “________”, whether that be weddings, children, or newborns.  I hope it is okay that I find joy in all of my clients and truly love the work I do. And I wonder if it is not okay, to whom should I ask permission to?    I can’t seem to find it in me to limit my happiness and the happy faces of my clients when they see their portraits for the first time.  I want to be greedy and love it all.

This little girl makes me happy.  She is a sweetie pie from Phoenix who’s mom let me catch a few special moments of her sassy self.  Ahhh…she made me and my camera happy.

It started with a simple phone call from Liza.  She mentioned that the super sweet people in “Google-land” invited her to call me.  I am so appreciative of my cyberspace colleagues.  I am appreciative because I was able to meet sweet Liza, her witty hubby, and their precious daughter.  The sweet little miss is only a few weeks old but is as alert as can be.  Her parents are awesome and decorated her room so girlie, chic, and of course pink.    After having a great breakfast, the sweet little miss was fast asleep for about 15 minutes and then, “Surprise, Mommy, I wanna see that lady with the big clicker thing (my camera).  She played my little games of peek-a-boo, baby talk, and a few little snuggles here and there, a few “fig leaf” pics that are way to cute, and then was ready for cuddling with momma…again.

Liza is a first time mommy and one of the best I have ever seen. Even when the sweet little miss had a bout of unhappiness, she still managed to giggle at the uncertainty and coo along with baby until the little miss was satisified that mommy was by her side.  I could only wish that I had been that calm with my little newborn some 7 years ago.  All mommies could learn a thing or two from Mrs. Liza.

I had so much fun visiting with you… Little Miss, Your Mommy, and Your Daddy.  You are one luck little thing who has some pretty awesome parents.

Congratulations on your little bundle of preciousness mommy and daddy….she is super sweet.