ROCK THE SHOT - "RED" contest

My friend, Pam and I spent a day in Jackson, a quaint little town a few weeks back.  I found this scarf/hat in a cute little antique store and just knew I had to have it for a photo shoot some day.  It was right before Christmas and I decided not to purchase it.  Bad idea.

I couldn't get it out of mind my so Pam graciously and eagerly drove me back to Jackson to pick up this beautiful red scarf. I knew I wanted to take my images with Pam in mind. I bought the scarf (thankfully it was still there) and we hit a few more antique stores and went home.  I was happy!

A few weeks later a few of us were going to lunch after church and I had this scarf/hat in my car. Purposely placed in my car just in case I had a chance to use it.  I asked Pam if she'd pose for me for a just a few shots before we ate lunch.  Literally, this image was taken in the parking lot of Chilies. I only took a few shots and this one came out and captured her beauty. She said she loved wearing the hat and it was keeping her warm too.

This will be one of my favorites for along time.

Favorites Images from 2012.....

As I look back I realize what a wonderful time I had with some amazing clients and friends.  It was tough choosing just a few images from each shoot but it reminded me how much I love photography and the art form it takes on at each shoot. I did some personal work too for my own benefit, using new ideas and skills, and creating  and enjoyed that as well. 

Thank you to all of my clients over the past year.  You have been such a support to me and I appreciate you greatly.  

Facebook friends as you glance through this last post of 2012,  let me know a favorite of yours over the year.  I am truly interested in knowing.  You all have been an encouragement to me along with your kind comments.

May God smile on you in the coming year.  

Blessings,

Kathy

Creative Fall & Summer all in one shoot.....

It was such a fun day shooting Charlie and Stephanie at Lodi Lake.  At first I thought I might have to go to plan B since we were locked out of the park because of a run/race taking place with a variety of schools. Yikes...now what? Maybe I'll post a shot of the runners who almost trampled us down. (I couldn't resist) Thank goodness for one of the coaches for warning us since we were literally right at the spot they were going to be running.  

I shot some fall and summer images that I had wanted to shoot. I love props and choose the balloons to match Stephanie's dress.  We chose some colors that they liked and added a pop of color with the red scarf to enhance Stephanie amazing blues eyes.  

Are they the most gorgeous couple you've ever laid your eyes on?  Charlie's sister, Rochelle (who is adorable too) set me up with this shoot and I so thrilled to meet them.  Charlie works in Lodi and Stephanie is going to school at Sac State and works there too.  They are both from Lodi and love adventure and outdoor activities.

Oak Farms Winery Restful Night with Friends and Hummingbirds

I was invited by friends, Jim and Jodi Fecteau to an evening event at Oak Farms Winery. I believe the night was called "Stress-Free at Oak Farms".   There was music playing in the background with a hired pianist playing on a baby grand and a bass player.  We sat at an outdoor table and the trees above us had hummingbird feeders as the hummingbirds gathered for us to relax and watch.  Then they served us wine, homemade apple pie and ice cream as we watched the sunset. It was a perfect summer evening in Lodi.  Warm but a cool breeze to enjoy.

I took the opportunity to capture a few photos of the flowers on their property.  Jodi said I should bring my camera so I'm glad I did. Thank you Jim and Jodi for a nice evening.

Jim and Jodi at sunset and a glass of wine.

Hummingbird Feeder

Vintage themed photo shoot!

I had a great time with the Siken/Chacon girls for a themed shoot last weekend.   I really wanted to shoot a vintage theme with pretty girls, vintage clothes and fun props I found. (going out of business antique store...scored the suitcase)  Justine had the perfect dress and shoes which added to the fun of the shoot. Pam wore a dress she bought for her honeymoon. Jessayln decided she wanted in on the action so she got in a few of the shots too.  It made it nice to capture the three of them together. 

You too can have a shoot like this and invite a group of friends, sister, mom. See below my new adventure just for you.   Limited time only!

Flat Invitations by Vistaprint

I think this is my favorite of the day....

Color or Black & White?

Which one....black and white or color? Leave a comment at the end.

Love these...which one is your favorite?  One, two, three or four?

WOW!  I love this one!  Beautiful Pam!

Yes, mom and her daughters!  I know..... they all look like sisters to me too.

Random happenings!

I thought I'd post a little random happenings.  Always having the camera ready to go to capture those moments. 

Amazing Valedictorian Senior Alisabeth Cotton

Alisabeth and her family have been super busy with cherry season so we finally pinned a time down last week to capture some lovely images for Alisabeth and family.  It was such a joy working with her. Wearing her pretty white tutu that she wore in a ballet was something special she added to the shoot.  She has poise and grace which I'm sure she learned from taking many ballet classes over the years. I hope when she comes home from college to visit  we can do another photo shoot just for fun.  What ya say Alisabeth?

Here are some of them that captured her beauty and amazing smile.