{San Juan Capistrano Shootout}

This week I had the privilege of being one of the 50 photographers that were able to attend the latest Photog ShootOut. I’ve told you before how much I just LOVE these events. The whole combination of learning and socializing is great! It’s so fun to network with other photographers and just become better friends with all of these great people that share the same passion, and have such amazing talent!
But I have to say that this was most definitely the best one yet! I had such an amazing time! I swear I drove all the way home from San Juan Capistrano with the hugest smile on my face and the best feeling ever.

The day started out fun enough – being able to carpool and chat it up with Michelle of Mila Photography. Then I got to chill with the amazingly talented Kacee Geoffroy who hustled to do the amazing make up for all of the models – you go girl! (whom I highly suggest for any bride who wants to look fab on their wedding day, she’s got make up skills!).

The Shoot out started with the ever amazing Jasmine Star. Listening to her speak was so motivating and uplifting ,and let me tell you, this girl is just as sweet in person as you would expect! I will stop there before I seem like too big of a fan or something ;) .

We then broke off into groups with some super talented teachers and got our learn+shoot on! Here are a few of my faves :































One of my faves!


I'm pretty sure this is my favorite of the day.


























Love this one!

...and of course a shot of me and J*.....you know, just chillin ;)

After the shoot, I got to sit down and eat a delish dinner (thanks to ShootdotEdit) . Socialize a bit, and then if all of this wasn’t enough, Michael and Anna Costa got up and shared so much valuable info. And really put a few things into perspective for me.

If you are a photographer, I highly suggest heading over to PhotogShootOut and joining. These events are just so fun and are truly priceless!

An extra special thank you goes to : Rob, Hanssie, Matt, Michelle , Kristin , Jasmine Star , Michael and Anna Costa... (and all the other teachers+leaders+planners) for making this happen. You guys are so great!

Overall, I have to say that this day could not have been any more perfect, and I feel SO blessed to be part of this group!

See ya’ll on 8/29!

Whittier Engagement Photography - { Laura & Genaro : Engaged! }

Sean and I met up with Laura and Genaro in uptown Whittier for a fun shoot. Genaro is the music coordinator for his church and has such a crazy schedule, dedicating so much time to what he loves. So we squeezed in a quick session between his church services that day and I think we got some pretty fun stuff!

































Midway through our session we were shooting behind a parking garage when a man came out and started telling us that the location we were shooting at was not very pretty, but I assured him that we were hitting plenty of places and we will definitely be getting some “pretty” shots. He went on to talk to us about a lot of things, including his car, and President Nixon's law office, and A LOT of other things. Then…. he invited us up into his apartment lobby for some “pretty” photo locations. We all looked at each other and totally just went with it. So as we entered from the back entrance, we soon realized that we were in a retirement home. And we totally worked it out retirement home style!

As we finished up – we thanked him, and Laura told him that they just might be back in 40 years or so, I LOVED it! :)

yeah, you know I had to do it.....




























Laura and Genaro,you two are the sweetest and we feel so blessed to be able to capture these memories for you! We just cannot wait to shoot your wedding in a few months, I just know it will be so much fun and so full of love!

And to my future brides – luckily for you Genaro plays a mean piano and just might be available to play for your big day! (How cool would that be!?) For more information you can contact him via e-mail at GGARCIA1@JUNO.COM .

Edited to add: Whoops! How could I have forgotten….. MAJOR props to my BFF Sue Ellen for referring this amazing couple to us. Love ya Sue!

Fullerton Portrait Photography - { Jen : Just for fun }

Let me tell you a little story:

Jen was once a little bit bummed out.
I asked her if she wanted to get together to hang out, and maybe take a few pictures.
She happily agreed.
We hung out.
We chatted.
It was freakin hot, but Jen looked fierce anyway.
I took some pictures.
We enjoyed each others company.
Now we are both happier people in general, because hanging out with other cool people will do that to ya ;)

Here’s proof:












































(ummm....hello sexy girl!)

The End.

(…..but not really because we will hang out again soon, maybe there will be some margaritas involved though…..and I will probably leave the camera at home.)