Christina Smith Photography

The Heath Family

2011-08-22T09:20:00.000-07:00

Sincere, Genuine, and lovable... these are all qualities that the Heath family holds, these and so many more!! We headed over the hill to on a beautiful day... I was a little concerned of the lighting, but ended up working out beautifully! These pictures were some of my favorite Beach Shots.. Im only wishing I had a studio of my own to plaster these all over the walls... but im not too sure my parents want other families in our living room ;)

Jude Adams {a rolly pollie of a 6mo old}

2011-08-03T09:36:00.000-07:00

This is a way overdue blog.. but life's been crazy!! A few months back I was able to meet Jude, his mom and I go way back, she used to be in the youth group that would switch off babysitting me when I was her kids age, but I had yet to meet Jude, or any of her kids until the day of the shoot, and I must say... cutest little boys ever!! This session was specifically for Jude, I was kinda obsessed with his little rolls and his beaming smile... enjoy :)

::Happy 30th Anniversary::

2011-07-27T20:13:00.000-07:00

A week ago my parent celebrated their 30th Anniversary... About 2 months ago we planned for there to be a Surprise Party :). I know its traditional for the children to throw a party for the 25th Anniversary, but with me living in Santa Barbara at the time, and my brother only being 16... I thought now was a more appropriate time to throw a party!! We tried to throw them off by throwing the party on their actual anniversary, July 18th. Not only was this on a Monday, but also the day after our huge yearly camping trip. So we had everything planned and ready the day before we left for Mariposa, with only one string left... We had no plans on how to get my parents out of the house!! Since we were exhausted from the trip, and a long day at work, all they wanted to do was crash on the couch and call it an early night, do dinner another night! Clearly this wasnt going to work.. I called in the professional, Gina Lugo ;) She wiggled her way into mom and dads plans and was able to persuade them into all going to dinner!! Once they arrived home for the surprise.. it was all worth it :)

SURPRISE!!!

Letters from Dad during their engagement

Cheers with their toasting glasses from 1981

Mom and her dress

Mother of the Bride and Bridesmaid dresses

presents

I redid their wedding album

close up

Mini replica cake from their wedding

Cake Cutting

SMASH!!

She was polite :)

A Kiss for another 30yrs

Southern California Adventures

2011-06-24T09:08:00.000-07:00

So last weekend I had a whole week OFF!! It started off on a very somber side.. I had to head down to Orange County to pay my respects and celebrate the life of a dear friend, Matthew Rzyski who was diagnosed with Meningitis. His life will always be remembered!! So after a long drive on to the OC on Monday morning and a returning drive on Tuesday morning, my oh so loving boyfriend tells me we were driving back Wednesday afternoon to meet up with some of his family and to go to Disneyland.. now how could I not be excited!! So we packed up and headed out early Wednesday afternoon. We took the 101, so it was a little difference scenery for me, but I was also able to stop at my favorite cupcake bakery in Santa Barbara, Crush Cakes :) After a quick stop in SB and a looong stop at Walmart and Chik Fil A (to hold off the getting stuck in traffic!) we arrived!!

Thursday morning we got into the park right when it opened and caught a few "Big Kid" rides before his sister, brother in law and niece and nephew met up with us.. It was about Noon when we met at City Hall, it was like we had known eachother for years :) We spent the rest of the day in Disneyland.

Front Gate

DISNEYLAND <3

after just the second picture he didn't want to smile anymore!

in line for Pirates

Carousel

before we got SOAKED!!

Muscle Much?

What better way to end the day :)

The next morning we got up and headed over to Universal Studios and after that went into Down Town Hollywood to the Kodak Theater.

nothing like a ranch packet ;)

getting prepared for Jurassic Park

Stephanie & I

Sammy and I getting ready for Shrek 4D

On Saturday we slept in a little, packed up and headed into Santa Monica. We found a little spot on the beach right by the pier and acted like little kids all day.. body surfed, build sand castles and boggy boarded!! We caught a bite to eat over at Bubba Gumps on the pier before we hopped back on the road back to San Jose

building a sand castle

All in all this trip was packed with laughter, stories and amazing memories for the future. It was such a blessing being able to spend time with some of his family in such a fun environment! Cant wait to meet the rest of the Cary Clan :)

::Puppy Love::

2011-06-06T21:27:00.000-07:00

MEET TUCKER!!!

So for those of you who know us "Smith's" were known for our house full of candy and dogs!! So we were once again on the hunt for a puppy, a male black lab AKC registered to be exact!! So some of our friends who knew we were looking happened to be in Fresno this past weekend and was glancing through the Fresno Bee looking at new homes for sale, free items and thought why not look through pets too... well lo and behold, they had our exact match for more than half the price that we have ever bought a lab for, so we knew we had to look into it. With much help from Elaine and Matt Miller, they went to the breeders house for us, Skype'd us and we picked out our newest addition.. the catch, we never consulted my dad about this decision because we decided it would be his early Father's Day present. So after Tucker's first car ride, which happened to be 3 hours, we went to pick him up from the Miller's to surprise Dad... and man, was he surprised... :)

{Dad so excited to meet Tucker}

{enjoying the yard}

I was lucky enough to catch this precious picture of him knocked out after a day full of fun <3

Jackson Greer

2011-05-01T13:08:00.000-07:00

Two months ago Michele and I started planning this photo shoot! I were so excited about it, mainly because were family and we NEVER get to see each other. I was so excited to see her and Mr. Jackson, since the l saw him he wasnt even able to crawl, and now hes running!! Due to rain (on multiple occasions and last minuet reschedules) we were finally able to get a date down, after the 4th attempt!! It was a Tuesday, so an early morning on my end, but I managed to bribe my grandma into coming with me for car pool and to see Michele and Jackson :) We met up at the Palace of Arts in San Fransisco. It truly amazes me how close I live to all these amazing structures and have never been to them!! It was so beautiful there, and might I add a beautiful day (God must have had it planned ;)) We started off there then walked across the street to the beach. We were able to grab a few shots at this point, but Jackson was ready for his nap (and he let us know it!!), so we kept it more candid than posed! I am so happy that I got to spend a few hours with my family at such beautiful locations. This little one was so into everything that we even had by standers trying to help get his attention.. As I was trying to get Jackson to look at me and not the ducks this one lady was about 2ft behind me yelling.. "Jackson! Jackson, where's Jackson? Look here Jackson!" or even a local on the beach clapping two sticks together!! It was a fun day full of laughter and great memories!! Next time, let not do work ;)

Here are some cute outtakes of Mommy and Jackson and some of Mommy doing EVERYTHING she can to get the PERFECT Pictures :)

Chuckles and his Chick-lings {Dorcich}

2011-05-01T12:18:00.000-07:00

8th Grade... baggy backpacks, bell bottom jeans, bushy eyebrows and brown lip gloss is how I can describe me in the 8th grade. Today's 8th grader is a completely different description, mainly because of course fashion has changed.. but still I NEVER looked like these 8th Graders, when I was there age! This shoot started out as Madeline's 8th Grade Graduations Portraits which turned into a mini family session as well. It was fun to catch that "Dorcich" personality :)

Meet Madeline.. edgy, sweet and sooo photogenic

Chuckles and his Chick-lings...

Erica {and Piper}

2011-04-12T12:29:00.000-07:00

Erica and I have been friends for almost a year now, and I didn't really know her all that well, until after I approached her about the "cute new guy" in the career class at church {Stephenson :)} and being roommates in Ecuador last summer, she now and will always holds a very special place in my heart!! A few weeks ago she had asked me to take some family portraits, but after some scheduling issues it ended up that she was going to be the only one avaliable, so she said, "why not take advantage and take some new portraits of myself (and some with Piper)" and I couldn't have agreed more. After finding out the initial place I wanted to photograph Erica at had been mowed down the morning of our shoot, we quickly changed locations and I couldn't be happier with the shots :)

Meet Piper :)

For This Child We Prayed

2011-02-26T22:47:00.000-08:00

"For this child we prayed" {1 Samuel 1:27}

This baby has been prayed over more then I probably have my entire life. Her story will amaze you, I don't want to dilute it in any which way or form, but the short and sweet story is that God finally answered "YES" and blessed our dear friends Jimmy and Talena with this little bundle of joy!!

I am yet again, a proud Auntie!!!

Melanie & Connor McDonald

2011-02-14T10:08:00.000-08:00

What better way to start off Valentines Day than a wedding post :) Connor and Melanie have such an amazing love about them. They are so sweet together but can bring the party on!! They have been together for as long as I can remember, and last year they got engaged and had only so much time to plan since Connor has now left for Army Boot Camp. We all went to High School together so this wedding was like a huge reunion for me!! Please enjoy these sweet images of their wedding <3

My trusty assistant Nick and I taking a photo opt for ourselves :)

~Please meet the McDonald's~

HWY 1 Adventure

2010-07-04T20:07:00.000-07:00

Last Monday, Stephenson and I took full advantage of our days off and headed over the hill. Neither of us had ever been to Pebble Beach, so that was decided to be our first stop. So we headed over the hill around noon, hopped onto the 17 Mile drive along the coast, it was beautiful, a little chilly, but the views were amazing!! We didnt stop at every outlet they had for photo ops, but we did make sure to stop at the ones that caught our eyes.

...after a few hours of exploring Pebble Beach we hopped back onto HWY 1 and headed back North to Capitola for lunch. Now, we have a beach house in Capitola, so I have been there countless time, but never have I been to Margaritaville!! By the time we got into downtown the fog had cleared and it was absolutely beautiful, so we ate outside soaking in all of God's beauty and of course some yummy food :)

...After our belly's were full and our faces were burnt we walked around downtown for a few minuets making sure to stop at my favorite candy store and fill up on a bag of Taffy!! We then headed over to Santa Cruz Boardwalk and rode a few rides, we were lucky enough to be there at the $1 per ride time!! After about an hour there were hopped back onto HWY 1 North and headed to Davenport, to my favorite beach... Pelican Rock!! When we got there we were the ONLY ones there... it was a perfect way to end our adventure. Stephenson is from Colorado and has never touched the ocean, so this trip was all based around this monumental event happening!! We didn't count the pictures of him getting wet by the waves at Pebble Beach his "first" experience... But we were able to take our time here, enjoy each others company, some great conversation and of course the epic event of his first time touching the Pacific :)

Its not the breaths we take in life, but its the moments that take our breath away :)

Allee Goble

2010-05-16T16:43:00.000-07:00

If you were to look in Websters dictionary under Silly, Lovable, Creative, Beautiful, Sweet or especially Mascot, you would find the words Allee Goble. This girl is so full of life, always up for any adventure!! When she came to me asking if I would photograph her for her Sr. Portraits I was so excited. We packed up the car with 3 bags full of clothes, shoes and accessories and prayed to God that my antique chair and 6ft ladder wouldn't fall/get stolen out of the back of the truck and headed on our way!! After an hour of laughter and smiles we called it a wrap.. Enjoy Allee, I'm so proud of you on your graduation and am excited to see where God is going to take you during your next stage in life!

The "Growning" Laing Family

2010-05-16T16:15:00.000-07:00

Word cannot describe how much I love this little family, and how excited I am to meet baby Emily Marie!!! William and I grew up together, but ever since he met his beautiful wife Lauren, we've all grown closer together!! Lauren is one of my dearest friends, and is truly a blessing in my life, they both are! I cannot wait to see this amazing couple raise Emily!! I have com to Lauren and Will many times seeking advice for almost anything and everything, they are such a grounded couple, truly living through love, I can guarantee that I will be seeking more advice when it comes my turn to be the parent... cause this dynamic duo are going to be AMAZING parents :) I hope you enjoy these few shots I was able to capture of their little family!!

We love you Emily and cannot wait to meet you!!

Addie. Olivia. Sydney.

2010-04-29T22:28:00.000-07:00

A 3 yr old and 1yr old twins... it was an adventure!!

An old friend of the family, Nori, was visiting with her husband Mike and these little beauties from her home in Georgia to celebrate her twins first birthday with friends and family. I laid eyes on them and said "pleeasse please please say we have time for a photo shoot!!" I was desperate, I probably would have got on my hand and knees and begged; I had to photograph them!! We were able to squeeze a mini 30 minute session in before they had to pack up and say their good byes to head back home. It was a true pleasure of mine to take pictures of these adorable little girls, thank you Barth family for squeezing me in.. enjoy :)

Addie...Olivia...
Sydney...Olivia & Sydney.. (Olivia right, Sydney left)

Latest Trend

2010-03-21T23:53:00.000-07:00

Ive been sucked in... Reality FarmVille they say. That's right, Ive followed the trend and started a garden!!

• Orange Bell Peppers
• Cilantro
• Raspberries
• Watermelon
• Cucumbers

A Challenge.. For Myself

2010-02-28T17:27:00.001-08:00

Recently at church they started a Career Group Class, because for a long time we felt unsettled and lost to where we were supposed to be in our lives and our personal walk with God. There was such separation in the College/Career Class.... It was a pretty significant jump from recent kids coming in right from High School to "us" the Career Group.. Almost ready to graduate or ones like me who already have. Its hard to teach to such different age groups.. when were at significantly different levels of our lives.. so after a few months of working through the cracks.. we got it started. Its only week 2 and Im really excited to see where things get going. Today Barrie Laing spoke and asked us simple questions, but then dug deeper and really got a lot of us thinking...

Question #1: What are your passions in life? Things that make you happy... spiritually, physically... anything that might bring you joy.

Question #2: Where do you want these passions to get you in life 5 years from now?

Question #3: How are you going to get to this point? What do you need to do or possibly leave behind?

They are truly such simple questions.. but while he was speaking he dug and dug to get us truly thinking what we need to be doing... Saying that this time next year we shouldnt be having this same conversation. What your thinking about now, should be completed by then if doable!

For me... Its been about a year and a half since I graduated college, and where am I now? A part time nanny doing minimal photo projects.... Dont get me wrong I LOVE my job.. buuuut lets be honest.. its not paying the bills and Im not doing what I absolutely love and have a passion for. So I challenge myself. To invest time into what needs to be done to grow a clientele, and be able to book weddings.. or even better be able to turn away projects because I am so booked. I know that this isnt a snappy process, it takes work and time and MONEY!! But it seems to be that Ive lost motivation.. and today Barrie... you kicked me in the butt and im ready for the next challenge.. and im ready to overcome it!!

Baby Silvera {still in the making}

2010-01-25T09:23:00.000-08:00

Where do I begin with this little family... lets see, I have known Rachel for the bulk of my life. My cousin Rochell and her are best friends, and they both have had a huge part in raising me... ya know the "fun stuff:" first trips to Vegas, initiation into the Buffalo Club, extremely helpful information and talks about relationships and life and honestly they are ones who keep me laughing!! Then Mr. Leo comes into our lives a few years back and was the breath of fresh air Rachel needed. He's grown to love our crazy habits between all of our relationships, ahhh Leo :) Once we got the news not only that they were pregnant but that there was a mini Rachel in there our first thought was that this little girl has some big shoes to fill :) and of course that a photoshoot must be done, she had no choice, and neither did Leo. After some convincing, on Leo's part, we beat the rain and had some "belly fun". Thank you Rachel and Leo for being such great sports in everything!!! Enjoy

this has a great story behind it: you know your hot when your posing for prego pictures and you get honked at 3 times in a row.. lol

::MY FAVORITE::

A proud older brother

21 Days...

2010-01-10T23:10:00.001-08:00

Lets see... what can be accomplished in 21 day?

Maybe reading a book or two (depending if you read as slow as me or not), putting a few quality Wedding Sample Albums together , a handful of amazing crafts, but specifically, most important... days, hours and minuets that can be spend in quality time with God.

Today in church, Pastor Bret gave us a challenge, not only as individuals but as a church whole... Fasting, 21 days to be exact. During his teachings we learned that fasting is not only specified to Food or consumption but that it is something that you set aside that you enjoy, and have a right to, for a period of time for the expressed purpose of spending time with God. Yes of course the tradition for of fasting is going without food and only liquids for however many days God places on your heart, but there are so many other things that you can cut out of your life for a period of time and use that time to focus on him.

This will be my first time fasting, Ive always wanted to experience the joys of fasting and go at it full force, but for 21 Days, im not sure I can survive without food. So it took me a while to figure out what to cut out of my daily routine. If I was going to do this I was going to do this right. I thought to myself, maybe I will cut a certain food item out, but honestly... I dont eat a routine diet or have an addition to coffee for that to mean something to me...because another point Pastor focused on was that if it isnt important to you, its not important to God. If you already don't eat breakfast and choose to fast the breakfast meal... that's pretty much cheating, lol.

So I have come to a conclusion.. and I am going to write it down on here, so YOU can be my accountability partner in making sure I take part in these vows...

Starting tomorrow, as cheesy as it sounds, I will be starting my Media Fast. I will not partake in Facebook for 21 days as well as setting aside an hour of each day, turning off all media (Computer, Tv & Phone) and focus in God's word, worshiping him and listening to him. I have no doubt that this isnt going to be the easiest.. Its going to be hard to switch the casualness of checking my FB on my phone to deleting it for 21 days... but I know that during this time and the final reward is going to be so much more.

So, if I may request... keep me in your prayers. Not only for will power to not "cheat" but that in the end God will have moved through me and will bring our relationship closer than before. Pray for the others taking part in this, for they all have something that may be important to them but are giving up for God.

One last thing... I now challenge you.. Can you give one, two, three things up for 21 Days? If so, join me!!!

A New Year

2010-01-05T12:38:00.000-08:00

5-4-3-2-1... Its those little number that bring in a New Year. Some were ready to start a new year while others wanted to keep living in 2009, me... I was ready. It wasnt so much that I had a "bad" year, but that I am honestly just looking forward to the future.. to this year, to see what may come of it. Im not one to set resolutions and keep them.. Ive tried, and failed.. numerous times. lol. So this year, my resolutions #1 KEEP the resolutions all year.. #2 No Soda... #3 Read More.. I think I may be able to reach these goals this year!!

To bring in the New Year, I celebrated by being in the Happiest Place on Earth, Disneyland!! In a 14 Hour day we walked probably 10 miles... and rode almost 20 Rides.. A record for me! We then counted down the New Year by Cinderellas Castle and danced in 2010. After a whopping 3 hours of sleep we ventured off to the Rose Bowl Parade to only fight more crowds but had a blast.

I hope everyone had an amazing Holiday Season.. and a HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

Tis the season to be ...Thankful

2009-11-30T10:21:00.000-08:00

Turkey, Cranberry Sauce, Mashed Potatoes, Gravy.. the list goes on of all the fine foods we are blessed with this time of year, but for me I'm thankful for much more. This is a little morbid to say im thankful and then tell you what Im about to say.. but don't just loose me yet.. read on. Saturday Novemeber 21st, 2009 our family suffered a great loss, Salvador "Uncle Sam" Cuilla. He passed while in his sleep and this passed weekend we said our final goodbyes. In this tragedy I learned how much more I need to treasure my family. It so sad that it takes a death for me to realize how blessed I truly am. God gave me a family that supports me and most of all loves every inch of me, inside and out. Since the loss, our family has obviously been super emotional, and all we have wanted to do is spend more time together... get as much in of eachother as we possibly can. Cause you honestly do never know what might happen, when your last hug will be, the last smile you see or most important in our family.. the last time you will share supper all together at the table. Since Wednesday evening of last week.. we have spend every waking second with eachother and have loved every minuet. We have also started new traditions.. decorating each others trees after we cut them down (one a day of course).. but this also gives us time to eat the millions of pounds of left overs we had from the "BIG" day!!! So here are a few pictures of the weekend thus far... and still the festivities arent over.. lol

with every death there is life... 4 days after Uncle Sam passed away his 4th Great-Grandchild was born. God is truly amazing.

In loving memory of Uncle Sam
you will truly be missed and always loved!!

"Life is a Highway...."

2009-10-17T10:39:00.000-07:00

Last night I was yet again able to cross something off my "Life's List"...Attend a Rascal Flatts Concert!!! Tiffany got our tickets about a month ago, and we had no idea they would be such great seats!! We had a blast singing our hearts out, acting like we had boyfriends to sing the love songs too, watching the little too tipsy people sing along, and of course just enjoy time together! Here are a few pictures of the night...

Teens and Pooter <3 Rascal Flatts

Art vs. Hobby

2009-10-07T19:09:00.000-07:00

I keep things in... to myself. I let it boil up and then BAM! [Explosion]. I'm very bad at confrontation or even letting people see the angry side of me, cause that's not me. But lately there has been one thing festering in my mind.. Photography and the fact that people are calling themselves "Photographers" because they bought a camera!! I'm not one to boast or brag about anything [except my absolutely adorable nieces and nephews] but there is just something that jerks me the wrong way about how so many people are taking the art and creativity of photography so loosely. I spent thousands of dollars getting a top dollar education in this field, and im not saying that's the only way to be successful because I know plenty of amazing photographers, who I strive to be like, who didn't get the education I got, and that's perfectly fine, because these professionals are truly professional. Yes, anyone can click a shutter, move around the exposure and work photoshop, with a few months of screwing around with the camera my 9yr old cousin could do it! But photography is art.. where you don't have to rely on post production to enhance your images, to where when people see your work they are at a loss for words because they have seen nothing like it, an art to where you are so personal with your clients it shows in your detail and attention to their wants and needs.

Not click "I'm a Photographer"

I admire people who love the art and love the creativity, but either choose to make it your passion and truly consume yourself with it.. or make it a hobby! Dont make websites with price lists and contact info if your showing nothing that can influence photography, or challenge your competitors.

One thing I have learned is that this business is very competitive and you have to be so unique, so creative but stay true to yourself the entire time. Be who you are and your true calling will come.. Photography or not!

..now this is the side people always see...
Im sorry if this offends anyone, but its just something I needed to get off my chest.. this is a blogg and this is what its for right? lol

Foto Friday and Birthday Bliss

2009-09-18T12:14:00.000-07:00

This weeks picture is in honor of our beautiful birthday girl... Nicole Taylor Sullivan.. Happy 1st Birthday!!! One year ago we got the call.. Amber was in Labor. Being the most impatient person EVER... I sped over to the hospital only to sleep on in the lobby for hours waiting to hear more news, but I wouldn't change that for anything :) After many hours and family arriving, later that day we welcomed baby Nicole Taylor Sullivan into the world!! The picture above is the first time I held the precious one.. I was such a proud auntie!! Honestly.. Love at first sight!

Its unbelievable that a year has already gone by, the first crawl has already happened, the first words have been spoke (Hi, Mom, Dad... etc)and the first steps have begun.. I cant wait to experience your next first Nicole.. know your auntie will always here for you.. usually with a camera in hand. lol. Here are a few favorite pictures I was able to capture for Nicole's 1st!!

Adventures to Neverland...

2009-09-08T20:14:00.000-07:00

Mariposa is not only legendary to our family but a very special bond started there with some of the most important boys in my life.. "The Lost Boys". Yes taken from the very memorable movie Hook, these boys have nick names as each of the lost boys do on the movie. Its like their own little family, a fraternity you might say. It all started back in the early years of High School.. on a church "End of Summer Bash" trip.. and its only grew since that trip. They take it very seriously on who takes part in their group... even special initiations happen!! They recently designed a crest and now each of us have sweatshirts and shirts to represent the crew... Proverbs 17:17 (A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity) reads across the back under the crest. Back to Mariposa.. we have had many camping trips there over the years with family, friends and just the Lost Boys.. but this trip was memorable for many reasons. We were playing around with camera exposures by the fire pit and lighting pieces of wood on fire then taking a long exposure while moving the stick around...it all started out with one letter.. then we thought.. hey if we get 8 people we can spell Lost Boys.. so attached is below is a video and under that is the final photo product of the video...

Were pretty excited of our long exposure.. it pretty much in a nut shell describes these boys to a "T"

...until next time boys...
::BANGERANG::

Spontaneity

2009-08-30T18:18:00.000-07:00

..."Carpe Diem"..."Seize the Day"..."You Only Live Once"...

Ive been trying this act.. and Ill say, I'm pretty impressed with myself! lol

-------Foto Friday

2009-08-28T08:43:00.000-07:00

"TAKE 2"

So its that time again... Foto Friday

This week's feature is from back in College. Being in a photography school with a ton a friends in the business, we would always ask friends to model for us in return we would model for them. This particular photo shoot was for a Stock Photography Class and the subject that the photographer needed to portray was "Fun" so what better fun than a water balloon fight!!! We literally went to an open field filled up water balloons and had a good ol' fashion water balloon fight!! The picture shown was the last shot of the day.. they popped a HUGE water balloon over our heads and its probably one of my favorite pictures ive ever modeled for!!

::Friends Day::

2009-08-26T21:48:00.000-07:00

Through it all she has been there, she has seen every tear, heard every cry and laughed beside me countless times.. shes what I call my "Frrriend" There is no other like her and her name is Amber "Stefani" Sullivan. We don't get to see eachother as often as we'd like.. due to crazy schedules and baby colies naps..lol.. so as often as we can, we declare any normal day a "Friends Day!!" This day might include nothing at all or a million and one things thrown into a 24 hr period... this particular one was one of my favorites... a "nothing" day!! Veg out on the couch, do a little goggling, snack on Nicole's snacks and catch a few terrible reality TV shows.

So in a few weeks their precious daughter is turning "1".. its unbelievable!!! So as a request from Nicole's grandpa.. we took a few snapshots of this adorable one.. here are a few that make me smile :)

::FOTO FRIDAY::

2009-08-21T09:20:00.000-07:00

I follow a good handful of my friends blogs and my best friend Amber posted something about a month ago that struck my interest... and yes Im going to steal her idea..its okay I talked it over with her.. ;)

Foto Friday
- noun
1. Gives one a chance to look back on past and present photos.
2. Memories.
3. Lets you finally explain yourself for that 'one time'

So here's my 1st entry for Foto Friday......

3 words... "Spice Girls Concert"

One man's junk is another man's treasure...

2009-08-20T14:58:00.000-07:00

Garage Sales......Antiquing...Estate Sales.. these are a few of my favorite thing ;) I LOVE when I driving by on a lazy Saturday afternoon to find there is a stocked full garage sale down the street from me.. or even miles away!! First of all I love being nosy.. seeing what other people have interests in...and second of all i LOVE finding one of a kind things, and what better place to do that at Garage Sales. But in all honesty most of the 'treasures' we find soon end up in your ::SALE:: piles... but for that moment in time.. its worth that $0.25-$5.00

It looks like its become a tradition in the Smith home to have a Garage Sale at least once a year.. and that time has rolled around again.. I just dont understand how much CRAP one can accumulate in just one year. When I moved home from school last year we packed up everything labeling "Room" "Attic" and "Sell" so it was a little easier to get through and decide what was going and staying. This time around we started from scratch, went from the back of the house forward. Starting in the garage.. moving to the back bedrooms and bathrooms (You'd never believe how many old floral arrangements and baskets I found in the bathroom cabinet.. 6??) to the Middle Bedroom!!! Ohhh the sight of opening that door to the "Storage Closet". If you cant find a place for something "Throw it in the middle bedroom" mom yells... or if you cant find something, have fun searching.. its like the needle in a haystack. So Mom and I tackled that last night. Clearing the boxes of miscellaneous junk out of the way was the first task then hitting the closet of moms "layaway" outfits while shes on her diet... lets just say I did her a favor by tossing 90% of it!! lol.. Oh the treasures we found. Pictures upon pictures.. man did I look tore up growing up!! hahaa.. to the Mickey Mouse hand gloves to Moon shoes... I had a tough time giving them up. lol. Then we hit the other side of the closet.. High School Formal and Bridesmaid dresses.. ohh man.. Time to sell!! How many times do you hear the famous quote "Its such a nice dress... ill shorten it and wear it again!!" lets be honest.. its time to let go! ;)

Let the selling begin.....

Celebrating 70 Years of Tsunami Living

2009-08-10T13:07:00.000-07:00

"We've been spending most our lives living in Amish Paradise..." Those lyrics by weirdo Weird Al Yankovich sure came to mind while exploring 858 miles on Pennsylvania!! Recap of why we went to PA (cause its not a common place to Vacation...) My Grandma Beverly is turning 70 this October and we decided to celebrate earlier due to schedule conflicts around her actual birthday. All she wanted was to take her girls to PA and meet up with my Uncle Mike and explore, adventure and experience the true PA. Sooo.. 9 days, 9 women, 1 man, color coordinated days, Jarassic Park theme songs, 1 1/2 car rides, a 15 passenger van and 858 miles later we did just that!! There are over 700 pictures and too many to chose from to put up, so here is a sample including all our group pictures (I tried to get one from every day so make sure to notice that color corrdination!!)

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

Thursday

Friday

Thank You Grandma for taking on this trip!! I had a blast spending time with each of the amazing women in our family as well as the Annoying Chet (Uncle Mike) ;)!!! And a special thanks to Auntie Wendy and Uncle Mike for opening their house to 7 other women and letting us invade your space!!! CHET... YOU ROCK!! You deserve an award for spending 9 days with 9 women!! And you spoiled us like no other... above and beyond!! Thank you for all you did. Love you all :)

Life Support

2009-07-23T19:17:00.000-07:00

"You Will Always be My Friend.... You Know to Much"

There is no quote that could be more fitting for my friends. In this past year I have learned so much about myself and my friends. I have learned that they are more than just 'friends' they are my extended family. We have done everything together from sharing secrets, laughing at the most obseen moments, giving/taking advice to crying with one another when you lose a loved one, your job, or just because (cause we do that a lot!!). We have been through it all.. and all I can say for it is that I am truly blessed.

I have been through a lot this past year... graduating from college, moving back to San Jose, loosing some friends, reuniting with old and of course gaining new ones. But in the end there are a select few that are my life support. The ones I can entrust anything to. The ones who will stand up for me even if I were wrong.. and most of all the ones who tell me like it is... good or bad.

These are just a few pictures that make me smile :)

Thank you to you all.. you know who you are! Thank you for being you and being apart of my life.

Hard Hats, Vests & Work Boots...

2009-07-21T11:29:00.000-07:00

Sooo... Unemployment sure is an adventure. Trying to find a place where you can settle into without compromise... is there really such a thing? Ive yet to find my perfect job.. although I know its out there! So in the mean time Ive taken any sort of work I can get.. cause honestly money is money, right ;) So I worked as a receptionist last week, did a few babysitting jobs over the weekend then moved straight up to the construction world! lol.

A friend of mine works for the company that is doing the remodel of the San Jose Airport, and once a month he goes out and documents the progress of this. So yesturday and today I geared up in my MBI Hardhat, yellow and orange safty vest and a good ol pair of work boots!! Yah, I never thought id be that outfit either..lol.. but we actually had a blast! We had security clearence pretty much throughout the whole airport. Yesturday we were in the construction zone for the new terminal and today we were in the new parking garage as well as in Terminal A... we even got to go onto the runways.. I was in utter awe!! Unfortunatly I didnt get to be behind the camera, I was the assistant recording the data of the stuff Nick was photographing.. but all in all it was fun.

The best part...I was able to cross one of my "Things To Do" OFF my list... walk on an airport runway... CHECK CHECK :)

Life.. and ohhhh the facts of life!!

2009-07-13T16:16:00.000-07:00

LIFE....how do you break down that word? It can be decribed in so many thing: Adventourous, Exciting, Dramatic, Troublesome, Risk-taking, Impluse, Growth, Energy, Vitality.. or even just 'being'.. but for me right now the one word that comes to mind is Faith! I have to have so much faith right now in my life. Faith that God will open the RIGHT door for me to go through to start my career, Faith that he will provide for my fanacial needs when I am not making any income... Faith Faith Faith!!!

I was in Orange County this past weekend spending time with Matthew and some family, as usual, we went to church on Sunday, only this time we went to the church that Joh and Christine go to... trying to find a church that can be called my "second home church", and comparing them all to Bethel, is HARD!! But the Pastor was amazing, I can truly see what Jon loves so much about him. He takes you places, paints a picture in your mind of what hes trying to portay. He focused a lot on this particular verse...

"If clouds are full of water, it will pour rain down on the earth. Whether a tree fall to the south or to the north, in the place where is falls, there it will lie" Ecclesiastes 11:3

At first when he read this I thought he was crazy.. I didnt understand what it meant or how it could even slightly relate to my life.. turns out, it fits me perfectly. He emphasised on the fact that you cant change the plans God has for you. You need to have Faith and believe in him and be open to his doors that he has planned for you to walk through. He only wants the best for us, and for us to follow his commands we need to be willing to go through him to reach our full potential.. in him and in life!

I am currently unemployeed, as are many others. In this, I am going to put my chin up, continue to be faithful in him... Tithe, Pray and Seek! I truly believe that the right door is out there, and he will open it for me... soon and where is the only question!!

Jon & Christine...Take III

2009-04-21T20:55:00.000-07:00

I have been lucky enough to be able to not only share in planning the wedding for my wonderful cousin and his oh so beautiful finance Christine, but am able to Photograph them on their journey towards marriage as well and the "BIG" day this weekend!! We've done a few photoshoots which have been posted already, but this one was a favorite of mine. We went up to Villa Montalvo, requested by Christine, and got some really fun shots of the almost newlyweds. Hope you enjoy them... Next post you see will be of Mr. & Mrs. Jon Lugo!!!!!!

Snow Camp: The After Math..

2009-03-02T20:33:00.001-08:00

SNOW CAMP 2K9
end result: AMAZING!!!

The Best Cabin EVER!!!!!

The Whole Gang

Snow Camp 2009

2009-02-25T21:58:00.000-08:00

So its that time of the year again.. Bethel High School's Snow Camp!! Its been 7yrs since I have gone and that was as a student.. I bet those of you reading this are thinking about the million memories we had from years past: Ice Skating at Long Barn Lodge, Boys running outside in their undies, Amysue's "Donkey" cry, The multiple amount of pranks that got us in deep trouble, Laughs, Cries, The Infamous Heaven Bound Sisters and who could forget the appearance from the Backstreet Boys!!! lol.. Man the memories.

This time I will be going as a Leader. I cannot wait to see what God has in store for us and how he moves in the students, as well as the leaders. I have been on a high for this for months now and decided that I needed to make something for my cabin girls. When I was a student my cabin leaders always made stuff for us or brought stuff for us to make together, a little cabin bonding time. So I decided to make something for them to use throughout the weekend.. a prayer journal. Something they will be able to take notes with, write their thoughts and prayers down, I just remember being there, having a million thoughts going through my head, how I was feeling when God was moving through me and I wish now I had written them down. So I made 12 of them.. all different of course...

I hope these get put to good use.. :)

"Its Beginning to look a lot like Christmas..."

2008-12-22T14:24:00.000-08:00

What better way to bring in the Christmas Spirit than hanging out with friends.. laughing and making Gingerbread House's.. well I'll tell you. Put all that together and make it a competitive contest.. so we did just that. We all gathered over at the Melynchuk's the other night to brag about our creative ideas and watch eachother make some of the biggest messes and masterpieces. The rules: Must be in teams of (2). All ingredient must be edible.. and 2 Hours to complete. The awards... "The BEST" "Most Creative" & "What the CRAP is that??" Game on!!

Yah!!! Our House Won "THE BEST"

.."Most Creative" went to Jacob and Madeline.
..."What the Crap is That??" went to Kyle and Amanda.

Overall we had a great night.. cant wait till next year. Merry Christmas.

Jon & Christine

2008-12-09T14:35:00.000-08:00

So I not only have the privilege of being able to photography my amazing cousin and his even more amazing fiance for their wedding in 2009, but I also got to collaborate and come up with a unique and adorable photo concept for their engagement/save the date pictures. You know those ideas that come to your head and you cant wait to fulfill them and see the outcome.. this was one of those shoots. It all started with the inspiration of Fall. After getting our Christmas Trees we were driving along side the road and saw an entire sidewalk full of yellow leaves, so we of course HAD to take advantage of it and do a mini photo fun shoot. Then the idea only grew further.. Christine and I drove all around Saratoga raking up front lawns, sidewalks, street corners of all these amazing leaves... I think we ended up with 7 ful garbage bags containing some of the most amazing fall colors (red. orange. yellow. browns. purples and greens). We then took these bags to a park and made the magic!!

Here is the final product (there are of course a million and one more.. but these are my ultimate favorites!!!)

Thank you guys for choosing me to help celebrate this amazing time in your lives.
Love you both!!

Thankfull

2008-11-27T23:35:00.000-08:00

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!

First and foremost I hope everyone had an amazing Thanksgiving.. spending it with loved one and enjoying time and laughter together.. what else could you ask for.

A Few things I am thankful:
God - For him giving his Son to die on the cross for our sins. For his care and passion for my life. For his concern for my fears and feelings. His love that is never ending. His support when I am down. I could not thank him enough.
My Family - They are always there for me.. Through thick and thin, hard times and great times. They are the one thing besides God that will never ever leave me.. they are going to be there forever. You can choose your friends but you cannot choose your family (and I got lucky and got a pretty amazing one) Mom and Dad: Thank you for trusting me in everything I do. Thank you for setting an example of Godly parents and loving eachother enough to make me want a marriage exactly like yours. Kyle: Thank you for being you. You are an amazing brother and friend. I can never truly apologize enough for the things I put you through when you were younger.. but now that we are older and more alike.. I am truly sorry for it all (now will you please stop hurting me physically to show everyone how macho you are..lol).

My Friends - You guys are my life. You have stuck my side through it all. You are all so amazing and I dont know what in the WORLD I would do without any of you. You are all so special to me in such unique ways. Ambies: Thank you for being my other half, my inspiration my sister that I never had. Thank you for letting me be such a big part of your BEAUTIFUL daughters life. Jon: Where do I even begin for you.. THANK YOU!!! Thank you for dealing with my insanity of relationships, and giving me the most amazing guidance, and for being 100% true and honest with me about it all.. I am so lucky to have my cousin be one of my best friends. Becca: Thank you for being there for everything. I know we got blessed with this amazing frienship that isnt something that will blow out over time.. we will truly be friends forever. Domi: Thank you for being you. Thank you for setting an amazing example for me to follow on how to serve and follow God. I cant believe that from Africa we have grown the closest. I love you and cant wait to see you (1 more week!!!!) All of you and MANY others.. thank you for being who you are and letting me be who I am with you. I am beyond blessed to have some of the most amazing bunch of friends.. others should be jelouse for what I have :)

I am thankful for my house that keeps me warm and dry.
I am thankful for my full and smelly garbage cans, cause that means I have eaten well.
I am thankful for the running water in our house to keep me clean.
I am thankful for the perfectly good car I have.
I am thankful for the job I have.
I am thankful for my life, for every breath I take.

During this Holiday season I hope each and everyone of you can enjoy life and appreciate life as much as I have come to realise. It is not the material things that you have that you should be thankful for, but for the everyday, extra ordinary daily life events you should be thankful for... The red lights that we get angry at when we are in a hurry, those keep us from millions of car accidents a day... the taxes we pay; be thankful you have a job. the electricity bill; be thankful for the roof over your head.

I can go on forever, but I will come to an end. The luxuries in life may come and go, but the lasting relationships you have made with friends and family are never ending.. do not take advantage of these relationships, charish them.

Again.. Happy Thanksgiving :)

::UPDATES::

2008-11-20T23:14:00.000-08:00

So yes.. I have been the ULTIMATE slacker when it comes to my blogg.. I dont even honestly know if anyone out there reads it.. but I now feel guilty for not posting ANYTHING for over the past month.. wow.

My last entry was a little more on the serious side.. and is something I am still dealing with in my life. It has become something that I now. I am on a mission to find myself.. through God. I want to be one with him.. give everything to him, every worry and every fear. Its been a huge struggle.. its weird. You grow up knowing what you need to do, but you avoid it.. and when you finally grow up and know what you need to do.. you still cant do it. Ugh.. So yah.. life besides that is amazing. In the past month I have never felt so uplifted.. more like me than I have in a long time. The ability to put God first in my life.. closely followed by my family and friends is amazing... which who by the way are the most AMAZING people in the world. I couldnt ask for better friends.. they have been my life support these last few weeks... special thank you too Amber. Becca. Jon. Johnny. Loni. Auntie Sheila. Elisia and even Domi (yes all the way from Africa I have support) I love ALL of you more than you will know and have honestly been a huge help through all this...

Okay now onto the FUN from this past month.. here are some montages of events that have happend in the past month, that I once again apologize for not updating you earlier...

(click on pictures to make bigger)

Mini Day Trip to LA to see ELLEN!!!
... I took a quick flight out to LA for one night to not only get quality time with my Amanda (who I hadnt seen since I moved back to San Jose) but to also go on the ELLEN Show.. It was amazing. During our adventures we went to the WB Studios and went on a tour and to top off the whole trip, we got to sit on the Central Perk set from Friends!!!

Will & Lauren Laing's Wedding
...by far the cutest couple...Had a blast dancing with my girls (and boys) enjoyed catching the BOUQUET!! better have something in it for me this time..lol

One of MANY movie nights
...this particular movie night brought MANY laughs, johnny's shake-a-face to be precise..lol

Apple Hill for Grandma's Birthday
...tradition is for Grandma's birthday every year we do a day trip out to Sacramento to go to Apple Hill.. buy random crafts, eat a lot of yummy foods and just have quality time together celebrating my amazing g-ma!

Sharks Game with church.. It was also Nicole's 1st Game :)
...self explanitory..lol

Johnny's Birthday
...a fun suprise party for Johnny's 24th birthday involved a fun night of Pictionary and oh to many memories of people's drawings.. Richards imparticular. lol

Halloween
...Candice and Lee threw such a fun party.. costumes were a MUST!! Appearances included: Fred Flinstone, Shaggy, King Kong, 70's Dancers, A Daisey and mannny more.

Domi's Birthday!!
.. so yah.. if you dont know the full story, bascally Domi is in Africa and for her birthday we made a carboard cutout of her and took her EVERYWHERE for her birthday.. we got a lot of wierd looks, but overall, we dont care. lol... Shes almost home!!

Jason Mraz.. (Johnny's Birthday Present!!)
...for Johnny's birthday I got him tickets to our most favorite singer...Jason Mraz. We took the day and drove out to Berkely to the beautiful Greek Theater and enjoyed a rainless day and lots of memories...

Beach Day (Pelican Rock)
... 80 degrees in Novemeber, how can you not take advantage of that. A few of us took a drive out to Davenport to go to Pelican Rock. We got there about an hour before sunset.. watched one of themost beautiful sunsets I have seen in a long time.. navigated though the mini tad pools... and yet again.. made lasting memories.

... so thats been life over the last month. Made some amazing memories and cant wait for the next few months to make more... I promise I will update more.. Just got out of the groove and lost it.. but Im back.. I promise :)

night.

Growing Up

2008-10-14T17:30:00.000-07:00

There are many choices you have to make when you change from a child to a teenager to finally an adult. What school am I going to go to. What do I want to do with my life. Who will I marry. Where will I live. And the most heart wrenching one.. who am I. All these questions not only help answer the way of life you will live, but how you will grow as an individual. How you will carry yourself and how others will perceive you.

My heart and my head have been telling me two different things for the past few months, and I finally took control of it all, even though it hurt someone else.. and of course myself, I had to do it because it was best for ME. I have to give myself a chance, my thoughts a chance, find out who I am as an individual person. It isnt an easy move, to hurt someone, but it is something that needed to be said and done to not prolong the pain.

I have taken a leap of faith.. one that I pray everyday will grow me more in God and to see what his will is for me. Some might say I made the biggest mistake of my life, but never have I trusted in God so much to do what is right for me. Its hard, its lonely, and is painful. But having a smile back on my face says a lot.

Lets see what the world has for me... im ready :)

veronica.

2008-10-04T09:51:00.001-07:00

Im trying to build up my portfolio by shoot a bunch of different people in many different environments to show my versatility. I asked my wonderful friend Veronica if she would be interested.. she jumped right on it with excitement (that always helps when your model is actually willing to help instead of being forced). I had asked her because she has such a fun and energetic personality with such a youthful spirit.. I just wanted to have fun on this shoot.

I wanted this to reflect my vision as a photography not a clients. This is my style and I love doing it. Thank you Veronica for 1) being open to trying new things 2) being so flexible with my weird and insane schedule 3) for being you :)

enjoy.

Thank Heaven for little Girls

2008-09-22T13:59:00.000-07:00

On Sunday I was able to go spend some quality time with my 'niece' got to talk with her, make her smile and just stare at her beauty. After a quick diaper change, she was laying so relaxed on her changing table, so yah... i took advantage of it and grab a few shots :)

...Nicole Taylor Sullivan...

2008-09-19T08:13:00.000-07:00

7lbz 6oz 19in of a miracle.

Shes here, she is finally here. 9 months FLEW by. 15 hours of labor and shes here. She is perfect.. not to brag, but she really is. Her little turned up nose, and her daddy's lips, and the perfect little fingers and toes... those two have made a beautiful baby. Amber did amazing. I am so proud of her, she was exhausted, which I mean of course most moms are when it comes to that time to "PUSH!" but she did it.. and with no complications. We waiting and waited to get the text that said.."We Parents!!" and at 2:54pm on September 18th... we got it!! The entire waiting room was filled for this baby, she is going to be so loved, its incredible. Pictures to come, don't you worry, just the perfectionist in me has to upload them, edit... approve with 'mommy' on which ones can be shown and then post.

"Mommy" so odd... My best friend is a Mommy, Amber 'Stefani' (Sullivan) is a mommy. I am so proud of her... after everything she went threw, she didn't even look tired or as if she had been in labor for over half a day. We know she was alert cause when we walked in to see them, she was texting away sitting Indian style.. lol.

Baby Nicole... I cannot wait to see that things this world has in store for you. Who you will be in years to come, what your little voice will sound like, which boy you will have a crush on first (we will keep that a secret from all your uncles, they might want to hurt him) but always remember, I am here for you, you can come to your mommy, daddy and I for anything. love you so much baby and I have only known you for 10hours :)

Wake-Up Calls...

2008-09-18T01:33:00.000-07:00

Usually the late night calls equal something bad; someone is hurt, in trouble.. the things you DON'T want to hear about at midnight. Tonight I got one of these calls..only its been one I have been waiting for, wither it be at midnight or 3 in the afternoon... the phone call saying "Were on our way!!!" or better yet "She's on her way!!!" Its 12:10am phone rings, I answer "hello??" David replies with "its time...were on our way to the hospital, our baby girl is on her way!!!"

So now, I sit and wait..until baby Nicole Taylor Sullivan comes into the world
more to come, when she arrives :)

Pack Rats

2008-09-13T19:20:00.000-07:00

How many times have you said to yourself..."Ill wear that again?" I say it A LOT and today I found that out. We had a garage sale and after selling over $200 of what I might call JUNK... it doesnt even look like there was a dent in the driveway.. there is SOOO much more left. As I hang the shirts that I have said the above question to a million times I think Why? Why did I keep the furry angora candy apple red turtle neck for ALL these years? Why did I ever in my right mind weat that leather flower painted choker? and best yet.. why do I have a million and one random books in boxes and boxes when I dont even read??? They always say one man's junk is another man's treasure.. and man is that true. Usually when I have garage sales we get a pretty good outcome but not so much sells.. this time a MILLION things to sell and a MILLION people buying.. it amazing me watching them buy my crap..lol. I love to people watch and see how people react in situations.. I mean seriously, I think a never used mini cupcake tin being sold at $1 is a gosh darn good deal... but it seriously amazes me when someone is trying so hard to get me to go down to $.25 just cause its a garage sale and they can... They want it THAT bad.

So yes, with all the money we made and all the people we met, there is still sooo much stuff that needs to be sold, or better yet, needs to get rid of.. we will attempt it tomorrow. Another day, new buyers, more money!!

Never Forget

2008-09-11T18:34:00.000-07:00

With all the craziness in the world, it seems that no matter what everyone has on their plates; today, September 11th, is day that everyone in America gathers together and remember the tragic day we all experienced 7yrs ago. Its weird to think 8 years ago is when all the craziness we are experiencing now started..and soon hopefully to be over with.

I got an amazing email from a number of people today titled: "Meet ME In the Stairwell" it made me think about all the people that were caught in the tragedy and lost in the rubble. People who might not have known God in that time of their life, but turned to him in the last moments of it. It amazing me at how many people might deny God throughout their whole lives, but when they have minuets or even seconds left in their lives they turn to him, and no matter what God listens. Please take a moment while reading this and take a moment of silence for those who we have lost and the families who have lost loved ones and especially for the soldiers who are fighting for our lives at this exact moment, and to never forget September 11th.

'MEET ME IN THE STAIRWELL'

You say you will never forget where you were
when you heard the news On September 11, 2001 .
Neither will I.

I was on the 110th floor in a smoke filled room
with a man who called his wife to say 'Good-Bye.'
I held his fingers steady as he dialed.
I gave him the peace to say,
'Honey, I am not going to make it,
but it is OK..I am ready to go.'

I was with his wife when he called as she fed breakfast
to their children. I held her up as she tried to
understand his words and as she realized
he wasn't coming home that night.

I was in the stairwell of the 23rd floor
when a woman cried out to Me for help.
'I have been knocking on the door
of your heart for 50 years!' I said.
'Of course I will show you the way home -
only believe in Me now'

I was at the base of the building with the Priest
ministering to the injured and devastated souls.
I took him home to tend to his Flock in Heaven.
He heard my voice and answered.

I was on all four of those planes,
in every seat, with every prayer.
I was with the crew as they were overtaken.
I was in the very hearts of the believers there,
comforting and assuring them that their faith has saved them.

I was in Texas , Virginia , California , Michigan , Afghanistan
I was standing next to you when you heard the terrible news.
Did you sense Me?

I want you to know that I saw every face.
I knew every name - though not all know Me.
Some met Me for the first time on the 86th floor.

Some sought Me with their last breath.
Some couldn't hear Me calling to them
through the smoke and flames;
'Come to Me.. this way... take my hand.'
Some chose, for the final time, to ignore Me.
But, I was there.

I did not place You in the Tower that day.
You may not know why, but I do.
However, if you were there in that explosive moment in time,
would you h ave reached for Me?

Sept. 11, 2001 , was not the end of the jo urney for you.
But someday your journey will end.
And I will be there for you as well.
Seek Me now while I may be found.
Then, at any moment, you know you are
'ready to go.'

I will be in the stairwell of your final moments.

God

Life is turned crazy

2008-09-03T09:06:00.000-07:00

WE DID IT!!!!!

We graduated.. its over, and yet I still feel like im enrolled in school, on a week break and will have to drive back on Sunday.. but NO!! Im back in San Jose FOR GOOD!!! Saying goodbye to my girls was one of the hardest things I have ever done, but I know they are friends for life, and I will see them again and again... Future Ellen Trips and NY Trips are highly awaiting us :) So yes, life is crazy right now.. moving is horrible. I have boxes and bags EVERYWHERE... Today is sorting day, that should be like Christmas all over again..lol. I am planning on starting work again sometime next week, have to talk with Deanna to sort a few things out, but Im ready for work!!

THANK YOU to everyone who has supported me during this experience, I had an amazing college experience. and you all were help towards that. There will be a party in the next few weeks, and will be posted on here when, if you are able to make it, I would greatly appreciate spending time with ALL of you and thanking you all.

My Support Group

2008-08-29T22:11:00.000-07:00

Its weird.. its all coming to an end. I knew it was happening, and I knew it was happening fast, but it really is here, its all over. 2 more days and I leave... I leave my life I have been living for the past 3 years. My friends... I cant even imagine life without them.. the nights of endless laughter, the days of stress and tears... all of it, and they were there always..Amanda and Marlena... how am I going to live without you girls. Tonight we ALL went out to dinner.. My family, Marlena's family and Amanda's family.. we went to a restaurant that accommodated all of our needs.. yummy food.. PLENTY of space for the 25+ people eating and of course the amazing site of the shores. Memories shared, laughter spread and new friends were made within families, it was a great night. We had a mini gift exchange between the three of us, we wanted to be able to actually enjoy opening our presents without the rush and pressure at Graduation, so we did that tonight too. It was such a fun night.. here are a bunch of pictures to capture the moments...

You girls are AMAZING and I am going to miss you more than you will EVER know. I look forward to our mini trips to LA and to NYC to go ice skating :)

Boxes. Boxes and More Boxes

2008-08-21T00:27:00.000-07:00

With the countdown down to 7 days untill family arrives, 10 days untill Graduation and 11 till the cars are gassed up for my last road trip down the 101 to move back home, I started packing. I have about 10 boxes done including items such as: Kitchen items, toiletries, random books, old assignments, a million and one slides and 4x5 film from the first year at brooks and of course a million and one pictures. I discovered I was a pack rat.. I have a MILLION things I remember buying saying to myself at the time "I need this" or "Ill use this" but no.. never touched it.. good thing the bulk of it was either dollar bin finds at target or random nicknack's from our golf land and arcade ticket winnings. Lying in my bed, at this very moment, I look around my room and it looks untouched.. sad isnt it. I haven't even touched my closet.. im afraid to go in there. I know there is a million and one things that I haven't worn in the entire time I have been here at school, but once again will pack it in the keep box instead of into the one labeled with pink duct tape SELL!! You would think that living in such a small space would limit your spending and what you own, but no, it didn't stop me. I found pom poms, sequence handbags, every possible selling item from Bath and Body works, binders and page dividers, sleeves and a shelves worth of paper from Calumet. I always though I had run out of paper and ran out in a frantic to buy more... instead of checking under the couch or on the side of my dresser, I would not only spend more money on gas, but on another box of $50 paper, that a week from now I would also think was lost.

Even with all the stress of packing, making sure you've got it all, I have actually enjoyed it all. All the assignments I crammed up in the corner of my closet so I could get the horrible memory out of my head forever, was a BLAST to scan through again and realize all I have accomplished. It feels good to graduate.. it feels productive to pack.. it even feels more amazing to know Ill be back in San Jose in just a little over a week!!

Mr. & Mrs. Yoder

2008-08-18T22:30:00.000-07:00

They did it.. they tied the knot, and it was the most beautiful wedding at that. Set in the hillside of Gilroy, Ca.. we gathered at the Guglielmo Winery. Surviving the heat, Kendall and Dusty shared their vows, prayed for eachother and kissed as husband and wife!!! When the reception started we ate amazing food and danced the night away... and I mean we danced the night away. With the live band singing the most diverse selection I have ever heard at a wedding: ACDC, Journey, The Hit Crew, Kool & The Gang to Frank Sinatra and Conga Lines...it was amazing.
Here are some pictures of the night!!!

Congratulations to the new Mr. & Mrs. Yoder!!!

Addictions

2008-08-02T16:08:00.000-07:00

"Catch a game when you know your at GSN"... those lyrics have been on repeat mode in my brain the past few days. First step to recovery: Admitting a problem... Hi my name is Tina, and im a GSNaholic. Thats right, im completely and utterly addicted to Game Show Network. When I was younger.. a lot younger, my Great-Grandpa and I would watch game shows all the time.. I found the GSN channel a while ago but never was as addicted as I am now. Family Fued, Card Sharks, Lingo, Chain Reaction, Password Plus, Pyramid and best of all Lets Make a Deal.. they get my every time. I catch myself telling danny.. "This is the last show.. just let me finish the 30 minuets..I promise" but then another amazing show comes on. I have a problem. Im like the 90yr old caught in the 20yr old body. I seriously believe that this is the one thing that brings me closer to my Papaw. He passed away a few years ago and I know he would want me to watch these shows for him... although im pretty sure in heaven hes playing them instead of watching them on a 15'' mini screen with a fuzzy cable connection!! The addiction developed a while ago im sure started taking a toll on my life a few days. I came back from San Jose and Danny came home with me.. not knowing that I have had the GSN channel here I FLIPPED out when I walked into the room and found him watching Lingo.. thats when the problems surfaced.

We all have addictions, we only know that word as a bad thing that taken over our lives: alcohol, drugs, gambling but there are millions more that can bring joy to your life. The difference is.. when people don't want to be around you or associate with you, thats when your addiction had become a problem..I feel that yes my few addictions may be annoying at times because I do become a little obsessive over them, but that is who I am.

gotta go... Bingo America calls :)

Weekend Madness

2008-07-30T20:36:00.000-07:00

First things first... apologies for my lack on entries.

Driving home for the weekend is usually for one event stretched out to me hanging out the house lounging and relaxing not worrying about school.. this trip home was planning planning more planning and go go go. Friday was Amber's first baby shower.. we through a small get together for mainly David's side of the family and some close friends that do not attend Bethel. I got there a little earlier to help set up...pink pink and more pink was all that was around me.. it was adorable. We had yogurt par fee, French toast casserole, mixed fruits, mini beagles with a variety of spreads, it was all so elegant yet simple. We had about 25 guests, so it was a nice small gathering. From the conversation of life to the crazy story Aunt Lisa getting chicken pox's while pregnant..it was all an adventure. With laughter from watching all the women smell the 'dirty' chocolate diapers to some guest guessing twice the size of our dear Amber's belly... a day with the girls was one well needed.

Later that day I went home to celebrate Brejenae's 8th birthday.. she got a new beach cruiser so we got her a helmet so I would be able to spend some quality time with her and take her on a bike ride. When I was younger my cousin Amber used to take me on a ride whenever we had a family event over at Grandma's...she would always ride grandpa's old maroon bike and I would always ride the kiddy one. She would take me the long way so we could hang out longer :) We always ended up at the "Lock and Key" shop.. random i know.. but it was the only place that gave us a structured layout to teach me the figure 8 on a bike. We would be there forever.. always loosing track of time and getting into trouble when we returned... I remember those bike rides and always smile.. I wanted that with the girls, and Bre was finally old enough to do that.. so I jumped right on it to get one on one quality time with her. We took her to Toy's R Us to let her pick out a helmet.. it was blue with white flowers, matched her bike perfectly.. then we head off... we rode through the streets making funny faces, laughing at the fact that we were sliding off our seats due to the amount of sweat coming from unwanted places.. sorry TMI... just when I thought it would be time to head back she said.. "No, Im having to much fun with you to go back.. I dont want to share you.." so yah my heart broke and I kept on peddling. ::LIGHTBULB:: I had asked her if she had ever been on the overpass to wave at the people on the freeway, her eyes lit up and quickly answered "NO!... Can we go!!" So that was our adventure.. it was a blast watching her smile made all the sweat, noodle legs worth it.. quality time with my girls mean the world to me... i just cant wait to do it again.. and bring Jae along when she is old enough.

After Sunday, the day of rest...it really meant it after this weekend, Monday we started to prepare the Lugo's house for Jon and Christine's Engagement Party. With much preparation and time and money the new backyard looked AMAZING and was finally ready for the party!! Details were so subtle but made the biggest impact; hydrangea centerpieces places onto round mirrors with pink and green tea lights, perfectly placed napkins with silverware tied together with curled ribbon and lights hung on the patio and in the trees. After saying I cant believe all the work that we has been put into this just for an engagement party after it was all done, I wouldn't have wanted to see it any other way. With guest arriving, food being served the event was amazing. Family meeting Christine for the first time, while we met hers as well.. the joining of two families. With many smiles, laughs and kisses, I am so proud of my cousin and his finance.. watching them only makes me want to love harder. I cannot wait till it is my turn.. and I think we all know I want it to be my turn..lol.. but when it is my turn I want to be just as in love as the members of my family who have set out amazing examples for us to follow!

These are the 'His & Her' Tool Boxes that were custom made by Me :)

The ol' WHS gang with a side of Becca, Kyle and Amanda

..and here are some detail shots from the whole day

Congratulations again to the soon to be Mr. & Mrs. Lugo II

Mamma Mia!

2008-07-18T22:09:00.000-07:00

A night out with the girls... and Jarvin (hes one of us, and he loves it). Realizing that I only have less than 2 months with my girls, I strapped the belt, spend some of my last dollars to go see Mamma Mia with them... it was worth EVERY penny spent. Not only is ABBA one of my favorites, but now Mamma Mia is added to it. We sang, we cried, and most of all we laughed.. we laughed a lot. Amanda was hysterical to watch... she held back so much from standing up and dancing through the isles to every song. While watching it we found out that we are almost JUST like the characters... Me=Donna, Amanda=Rosie, Marlena=Tonya (even though she really wasnt she got stuck being her cause the others were too much like Amanda and I)

During one scene I started to cry.. realizing that in two months, two of my favorite girls will be MILES apart from me. The song Chiquitita playing said all the words I have ever felt for these girls and will always feel for them...(here is the part that says the most)

Chiquitita, tell me the truth
Im a shoulder you can cry on
Your best friend, Im the one you must rely on
You were always sure of yourself
Now I see youve broken a feather
I hope we can patch it up together

Sooo.. after the movie we went back to Amanda's to run the excitement out of us and listen to a million more ABBA songs as well as watch the ABBA Gold movie.. While doing so Jarvin was able to snap some shots of us..see any resemblance???

My Last Round

2008-07-16T14:31:00.000-07:00

Summer break is over and school has once again started...only this time, its my last time :) FINALLY im in my last session at brooks. Once this is over, never again will I attend a pointless GE class and never again will I argue with Financial Aid... but then I think of the other MILLION things I will miss. College was a blast.. freedom of not being able to work, and getting a loan check every few weeks (forgetting that I will someday indeed have to pay it all back). And the friends I have met while here.. wow am I going to miss them, even though most all of them are from either Nor Cal or somewhere close in California.. still just being in the same atmosphere and seeing eachother mostly everyday is going to be such a change when we all go our separate ways. I know we will all stay in touch, but its still so different. Then the tiny things that don't matter, but make the biggest difference... The Habbit, Something Fishy, The Spot, and of course the one and only Freebirds.. how these restaurants will be missed.

But then again.. I look into the next 5 years of my career, and I get excited.. really excited. I am honestly ready for the job scene, im ready to get to work and photography a million weddings. Im so ready for it!! Finally ready to get paid for shoot instead of paying for them... But most of all I cannot WAIT to be back in San Jose. It has killed me since the day I left not living there. I am so a Nor Cal girl. People don't understand the difference between the two.. once you move down south.. you get it!!! Just ready to be back with my family, Danny and most of all my friends.. so many who have grown up so fast in the past 3 years, getting married, having babies.. and i missed so much of it.

So look out world.. im almost out!!!

Kyle Stephen Smith

2008-07-03T20:39:00.000-07:00

HAPPY 18th BIRTHDAY!!!!

I cant believe its that time.. I feel so old. I can remember back when I thought he was the most annoying little brother and person in the world.. and now, I dont know what I would do without him. Through the years we have grown more and more, and like I just said..if I didnt have him in my life, I might not be able to get through half the things I do. He is the funniest person I know..and no matter what the situation is.. he is ALWAYS making people laugh.. including me...dont believe me.. check out his National Anthem video (http://youtube.com/watch?v=Te1iXf8lcV0).. I guarantee you will laugh harder than ever.

So this morning we woke up at literally the butt crack of dawn...7am (so it might be normal for you, but thats early for me) and we took him to breakfast at Stacks..of course :) He had to work today.. on his 18th birthday of all days...but he said he had fun. He works at the church in the children's summer program and they are always taking them on field trips, so today he got to take them to The Jungle and got to play games all day.. so I guess that beats sitting at a desk. But now he is off with his girlfriend to an amazing dinner in Capitola..wish I could have gone, its one of my favorite restaurants... Shadowbrook. There is so much history at that place for our family, its where my dad proposed to my mom.. so now we all do our romantic couples dates there to carry on the romantic tradition.

So it was quite an early morning, but well spend. I am just glad I have him in my life and was able to be home to celebrate another year of life with him..I love you brother :)

Back on the Mainland...

2008-07-01T10:51:00.000-07:00

Man did that week in Maui fly bye too fast. Going from 13 or more days to 7 was really hard, but we had a blast. Lazy mornings, tanning afternoons and eventful nights was what we were all about this past week. Didn't really do much of anything but hang by the poolside and eat amazing foods..lol.

When I am in Hawaii I feel at home. I have decided that in 5 years if my life doesn't play out the way I have pictured, as far as my career... Im heading to Maui. There are so many photography opportunities there...Kiosks in the mall with Family Beach Portraits, Hotel Family portraits and even Luau portraits. There are so many places I would be able to fit my nitch in, just have to get there.

These are just a few pictures to make you a wee bit jealous and to maybe entice you to go if you have never been :)

until the next time...Aloha Maui!!

Aloha Bound...

2008-06-22T22:20:00.001-07:00

Living the good life right now in Maui.. more to come in a week. But for now, I'm going to enjoy on my vacation of doing nothing but enjoying life!!

aloha.

Getting back to my roots...

2008-06-21T08:58:00.000-07:00

Steel Toed Boots.
Cowboy Hat.
Brad Paisley.

How could the first night of summer been any better??? So in case you didnt get it, last night was the Brad Paisley Concert!! It was amazing, even better than last year. We sat on the grass this year with a bunch of friends: Me, Dad, Dom, Jon, Christine, Johnny, Jacob and Maddy. It was a blast. Surviving the 107 heat we got to the concert early enough to get good seats, we sat right in the front of the grass we had amazing seats, even better than the ones we paid big bucks for before I think.. well of course besides front row.

He played such a variety of songs it was great, he went back 2-3 cd's, but ahh it was amazing. Here is a collage of just a handful of pictures of the night.

I can remember when I was younger and I HATED country music, but as I grew up I realized that this was just who I was and I shouldn't deny it. Im a redneck and Im proud of it. lol. Plus I think its funny how so many people make fun of people who love country but then show up to a Brad Concert and love it!! I think its the country twang music like Dolly Parton and old George Straight that people get stuck in their heads as to what Country music really is.. but man has it changed.

Overall tonight was a night to remember, and something to make you look forward to next year. Our goal... FRONT ROW!!!

Montecito Campus Tribute

2008-06-18T20:42:00.000-07:00

Beautiful. Tradition. Foundation. Inspiration. Classical.

These are just some words that can describe the Montecito Campus at Brooks Institute of Photography. This campus is the foundation of Brooks, it was the founder Ernie Brooks home. It is in the mansion territory, and it certainly is a mansion. This is where I first fell in love with Santa Barbara and Brooks. It was the first stop on the tour when I visited the school for the first time. The views were amazing, the landscape was impeccable and the whole feeling was perfect.So after all these praises.. the school decided to sell the place... WHAT???? It has been in the plans for about a year now, they got rid of all dark room print labs as well as all faculty offices that were out of this campus, and the classes were minimal in the past year, I was lucky enough to have more than a handful there to embrace as many memories from this campus. So yes, the campus is sold, no longer Brooks.. it was a sad day today. The president of our school held a tribute to the campus today with fellowship and speakers. It was actually quite fun, and to spend the last days at the campus while it was still Brooks Institute was fun too. These pictures and memories will stay in my heart forever.

These are some of Marlena and I around the campus

This was the first classroom We had at Brooks...101 Baby :). Oh the memories..First critiques, mistakes, laughters, cries, stress.. looking back on it now.. it was ALL worth it.

SURPRISE....

2008-06-17T08:35:00.000-07:00

So the secret is over.. I flew home this weekend to surprise everyone for the million events that went on back home. It was all schemed up about a week ago when I really wanted to drive home for everything including Fathers Day, but I was already coming home the next weekend and with all the traveling I get so tired of driving back and forth, back and forth, so mom suggested that I fly home, we remembered that I had a free Southwest ticket from a year ago and it had to be used by September... so we booked it. I flew in late Friday night from LAX and when I got home I crawled..literally crawled into my dads room so he wouldn't see me then popped up and screamed HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!!!! He was so surprised.. he kept saying omg what are you doing here. So he loved it. Then woke up the next morning and drove up to Sacramento for my cousin's Jordan's 8th grade graduation and of course to surprise all of them. I walked it and I thought my grandma was going to cry. It was the perfect reaction. We spent almost all day up there just laughing and chatting about life, pretty much what we always do when were together. And I also got to see my Aunt Debby who flew into town, its been a while since we've all seen her, so that was another plus to the trip. We then found out that there was a SONIC on the area.. the best fast food ever!! So of course we had to stop there on our way back.. ohhh im getting hungry thinking about it now. Then on the road...NEXT surprise..we were now on our way back to San Jose to go to the end of my other cousin Melissa's High School Grad party... and to surprise that side of the family, my Uncle Mike and cousin Genna flew into town from PA for that as well..It was a great surprise. Fun to see everyone. On Sunday we went to church, Black Angus for lunch then to the Lugo's for desserts and swim. It was a full weekend of family visits, travel and memories.

A little help from a friend..

2008-06-08T00:21:00.000-07:00

The last time I was home I was telling Dayna Hundrieser about a few photoshoots I had to do this session because I knew that she would be so excited about them and maybe want to model for them for me.. and yup I was right. We figured out when she might be able to come to Santa Barbara and model before my assignments were due. So Friday night Jan and Dayna drove to SLO to visit Kendal and then woke up and drove to me today to do my shoots... then, crazy them, drive home later that day, which they did. The first shot we did was a Body Paint. I did something very simple but fun. I had an overall idea but once we started playing with the paint we got more and more creative. I love it when Dayna models for me, she always gets so excited to do whatever I am photographing and then 100% more. She is so creative and our ideas just bounce off of eachother to make an amazing outcome.

The second shot was Fashion without Fabric. They are so many things to do...what should I use. Thats all I thought when we got the assignment. Basically we had to make an outfit to be fashionable but we couldn't buy clothes. We were able to use clothes as a base but no normal everyday fabric could be used or seen. A Plastic wrap dress or a Trash bag wedding dress, or even a feathered shirt.. Well I decided to keep it once again simple and of course cheap and quick and make an aluminum foil dress. And honestly it turned out way more than I expected, and the model was perfect :).

Jan & Dayna...Thank you for taking time out of your weekends to drive down here and help me with my assignments. I owe you two big time. I cannot wait till our girls trip to the cabin!! I love you guys so much..and Thank You again.

Last Time

2008-06-06T10:55:00.000-07:00

Today was the last time I have to EVER wake up early to make sure I get into a certain class.
Today was the last time I will ever have to deal with Financial Aid.
Today was the last time I will ever have to register for classes for college....and it feels amazing!!!

Its almost over, all this work, and its over, one more session. Am I ready for the real world? everyone keeps asking. If you don't know already.. im already in the real world. Living on my own, paying rent, working my butt off and the answer to their questions is that I am more than ready, I'm excited!!
Im sick of assignments, im sick of grades, im sick of prep weeks, im sick of Santa Barbara... yupp you heard it right. I'm such a San Jose girl.. i cant wait to be back.

Dont let it get to your head...

2008-06-03T19:00:00.001-07:00

That's what my teacher told me today, "Don't let it get to your head" after complimenting ALL my images in critique today!! He's very funny and tells you like it is.. and wanted to know if I was feeling complimented by his comments but didn't want me to get an ego off of it.. even though I kind of did..lol. They were the images I shot of Kyle and Amanda. I was only required to turn in one image of "Intimacy" but I did that as well as 5 other extra credit outtakes...I didn't turn in one of my last assignments, so im trying to get grades wherever I can. But as he was critiquing them he mentioned that if this wasn't the field I wanted to go into then I must be crazy...so it was a VERY uplifting comment from him..especially since I've been creatively challenged this session with thinking up one to many conceptual ideas..I just want to shoot people in their natural setting and this one was right up my ally!!!

soo today was a good day :)

Designer Names

2008-06-01T18:31:00.000-07:00

Today I had did a shoot based on Eyewear.. I did two of them even though I was required one. I didn't do one of my assignments that I am no unable to make-up so im trying to turn in extra credit left and right..lol. I know my bad, but before Grad review it was like my life was in one of those mystery houses at the carnivals.. your trying to get up the stairs but they are sliding left and right under your feet, just a crazy life this past session. But its coming a little closer to the end with some assignments I'm looking forward to and loving. I wasn't sure how these pictures were going to turn out because I met my model in class the other day and I didn't know how experienced she was with modeling, but her facial features were amazing and exactly what I was looking for.. she had come to class with our guest speaker and I had never met her before, but I maned up and asked her to model for me.. she sounded pretty excited and I'm glad she agreed.

check them out.....

A HUGE weight off my shoulders...

2008-05-30T20:17:00.000-07:00

3 years...
17 sessions...
100 sleepless nights...
5,000+ assignments...

all to prepare me for today!
GRAD REVIEW!!!!

I decided to base my portfolio on a Children and make it into a tabletop book. It turned out way more than my expectations. I fell in love all over again with photography. Doing the things I love over the assignments I am forced to 'conceptually' think up. It is simple, clean, emotional and has a whole lot of love put into it. On top of our portfolios we needed to have all of our promotional pieces put together to get graded on as well. Luckily enough my lovely roommate Erin was able to help me with my logo and letter head design. Overall today I presented to 4 judges a 16pg Children's Tabletop album, Cover Letter, Resume, Business Cards and Promo Cards.

A lot of money and a lot of time...DONE!!!

This was a project that would determine if I graduate or not.. if I am ready to go out into the 'REAL' world!!....and it looks like im ready for both :)

if you want to see a bulk of my images from my portfolio you can visit my website and find them under the Children's portfolio.

Kyle & Amanda...

2008-05-30T19:10:00.000-07:00

So I was able to FINALLY take some pictures of my little brother and his amazing girlfriend.. they have been asking me forever to do them, and I was actually able to take advantage of the situation and use it for a school assignment as well. They were so much fun to work with.. at first Kyle's comment was "Do all the people you work with feel this awkward?" lol.. I was like just relax. pretend im not here and it became a lot more at ease for them. Its so weird to watch my little brother be romantic with someone.. but at the same time its great to see that sensitive side of him. Plus I ::LOVE:: Amanda is so amazing and like the sister I never had, which makes it a lot easier to love her!!!

....check out my website for some others :)

All Grown Up

2008-05-27T22:50:00.000-07:00

Congratulations Class of 2008!!!!!

Kyle Stephen Smith I am so proud of you! You did it Bud!!!!

So this cold Memorial Day weekend we celebrated the graduation of MANY high schoolers: Kyle Smith, Justin Stefani, Amanda Melynchuk, Amanda Sanchez, Jennifer Irby, Tiffany Ferrante, Gina Portale and Michael Morrison. It was quite a weekend.

A word to my dear brother...

Kyle, you did it!! I am so proud of you. Everything we have gone through over the years, I am so glad we have only grown closer not only as siblings but as amazing friends. I don't know what I would do without you in my life. You are the funniest person I know, you always keep me laughing!!! You are such an amazing man of God. I cannot wait to see how he uses you in your future decisions and adventures. You are going to be amazing in college and succeed more than ever. You can do anything you set your mind to. Just remember to keep God in your view and he will never steer you wrong. I love you and am so proud of all your accomplishments and cant wait to see you grow in the next steps of your life. I love you!!!

....only a few more months till my turn :)

Home on the Range

2008-05-22T23:44:00.000-07:00

So today I had to do a photo shoot for a Cd cover. We have to choose 2 genres and depict a photo as if the album title was "In Dreams." Kinda cheesy right.. well we had no choice so I had to work with it. We have to do 2 of them and I still have no idea what to do for the second one, but for the one I shot today I decided to shoot for a Country album.. like an Alan Jackson type feeling. I searched around a bit this week researching where I might be able to find horses that I can photograph with a person, then I remembered that Courtney's, my friend who passed away from leukemia about a year and a half ago, parents are very involved with Equestrian Centers and events so I thought they might be able to help point me in the right direction. When I contacted her mom Debbie she told me that Pat, her husband, had horses and would love to model for me on the horses.

So when I got to the stables today, which were about an hour away from Santa Barbara in Fillmore, it started to rain on me...weird right?? All I was thinking was seriously.. why? It wouldnt have been a big deal if I didnt already know what I wanted, cause it would be kind of fun to do a shot like that in the rain.. but I already knew how I wanted the picture to turn out. My thoughts were to have the horse running free in a wide space with a dust trail behind him.. kind of every cowboys dream right??? Well here is how they turned out..

This is the picture I will be turning in to class for my CD Cover assignment:

....these are just a few fun ones of Pat with Norma Jean

...and lastly Pat let me ride Norma Jean back to the stables,
and of course I had to take a picture.

So I think today was a successful day..got a shoot done and got to go horseback riding. Pat told me I can come back any time and ride her... you can bet ill be there a lot!!

I Accept...

2008-05-21T23:37:00.000-07:00

So things turned around today during my internship... I fell in love with it. I only wish I had this requirement 2 years ago. So I know I complained about the photo shop deal and how many files and stuff, but really.. I only got to dabble in it the other day.. today I had a full 8 hours of it and even started another wedding..and in the end I was sad to say goodbye. Luckily enough for me..he didnt want to say goodbye either.. he offered me a job!!!! Its really nice how this is going to work out.. like I said before he is also a Brooks graduate, so he knows how crazy school life is here and wants me to focus on that first, but he also said.. call me up anytime you have some free hours or days and you can work for ::PAY:: anytime!!! You better believe I took the offer...

So in 2 days you really can accomplish a lot... learned (2) new operating systems...PS3 and PhotoMechanics... even though I know Photo Shop pretty well I havent worked in PS3 at all really... now I feel completely comfortable and NEED it.. lol.

Deanna and Ashley.... ive got to show you what I learned.. its absolutely amazing :)

so yupp you heard it first here... Ive got a job!!!

This is all too familiar

2008-05-19T23:01:00.000-07:00

So my photo class has required us to do a 2 day internship with a working photographer we have never worked with before...so I did some research and found a great couple in Santa Barbara that do amazing work. They of course are Wedding photographers with a great creative background, he graduated from Brooks in 2005 with the same degree I will be receiving, a Bachelor of Arts in Commercial Advertising, nice to know that there are fellow Brookies out there making good for themselves so fast.. But he and his wife are a set team, kind of like how Deanna works, so it was a very familiar atmosphere.

They of course do thing a little differently, some I will take and some I will leave with them, but overall it was a good experience today. I first edited a wedding which was fun to see their style and all the pictures from someones special day (that is my favorite part of post-production). Then, this is where they do things differently, I had to open all 500+ images and color corrected and photo shop them.. because I was only there for 4 hours I was only able to get through 100 of them, it at least gives me something to do when I go back on Wednesday for my second day to complete my internship. Only that was the part I didn't like. I feel it was a waste of time for 500 images when people only choose about 150 of them...but that is the something ill leave with them..lol

But I do recommend looking at their website, they are amazing.
http://www.michaelandannacosta.com/

Photoshoot Mania

2008-05-18T22:18:00.000-07:00

Our school has a great system for photo shoots.. we get 3 hours in a studio block and whatever equipment needed to do our shoot for free.. well of course its included in our outrageous tuition.. but still, its nice to have the ability to use whatever I want whenever.
Today I needed to do 2 shoots so I tried to cram then into the 3 hour block and still be professional and efficient.. I believe I did a good job, do you?

The first couple pictures are for a model comp card, kind of like a promo card for models, showing their best pictures in a compilation. The ones below were just for fun. The train was coming by so it was a great background and her expressions were so much fun!!

As fun as the first set were, honestly I had more fun shooting the ones below. In the past year I have realized a lot about my photography and my passion in it. It changed a lot through the years..
• I started as wanting to be a Photo Journalism Major concentrating on Sports photography.. wow did I get over that fast
• Once I arrived at Brooks I decided I wanted to be a High Fashion Photographer. That was fun and I still enjoy an occasional fashion shoot every once in a while but then I once again changed motives...
• Celebrity Portraiture. It was a done deal. After one of my classes, a Celebrity class, taught by amazing photographer John Russo, I saw how fun it would be and how incredible to meet and work with all these celebs...once again that ended.
• For my summer session of 07' I decided to move back home for the summer and intern/work again with Deanna Graham Photography. At this point I honestly and truly found my nitch in photography. When I started out, I never wanted to be a Wedding Photographer.. I told everyone, go ahead, ask! But yup, you got it, I found my passion. Weddings and Lifestyle Portraits. I realized how much I hated being the studio, setting up lights, trying to control the ratios and exposures, and realized how much I loved the simplicity of natural light...Its a wonder why I love the second set of picture more than the first...

Lazys Days

2008-05-17T23:41:00.001-07:00

So I thought it might be a nice idea to do NOTHING today. Well that was accomplished and now im regretting it. My first thought was ahh.. sit next to the fan, turn on some lifetime tv (i get addicted to those stupid shows) and relax a day of nothing because the week ahead of me is going to be a crazy one.

Turn out of the day... nothing good was on Tv, my back hurts for not leaving the couch for over 10 hours and because i suffered from pure boredom ..junk food became my friend again.

• Feeling of the day - Useless •

How I wish I would have left the house today...

The start of a new obsession...

2008-05-16T21:40:00.001-07:00

So I hear this blog thing is the new trend. I figured I should explore it and see if its something I can get into and probably get addicted to. Plus I thought this would be a great way to document my photo adventures while in school for friends and family to see day by day!

So lets get started.
Here is the last assignment I did.. It is for my People class and we had to do 20 pictures with difference camera angles, lenses and directions. So I did a 'mock' engagement session with one of the cutest couples ever Paula and Rudy.. enjoy :)