Hallways of our Lives

Okay, I admit it. I cracked up when I saw this sign on Stef's bedroom door. And this wasn't a note that my mom or dad left for her, no-no-no. Stef was kind enough to leave a note for herself while she went out antique shopping. It was probably more for the benefit of the parent who walked into her room first that day more than anything. No profound thought here~just don't forget to clean YOUR room today!

Holiday Mini Sessions::Gilroy Photographer

I am so excited to be offering mini sessions for the first time! **squeals** Okay maybe the squeal was redundant but that's me...excited. Below I have listed the answers to as many questions as I can think of in regards to mini sessions. If you have any other questions or just think this is a fabulous idea please leave a comment!



QnA:
(Q)What are the details?

(A)These sessions will take place in half hour increments at Christmas Hill Park on October 17th. Because it's already starting to get darker earlier and the time will not have changed yet on the 17th, we will be going from 2-7. So, there are 10 half hour sessions. To book please email me. Looking forward to seeing you on the 17th!

(Q) Soooo what exactly is a mini session?

(A) Soooo mini sessions are half hour sessions that take place at a given location, in this case Christmas Hill, for the purpose of getting some updated photos. Mini sessions are a fantabulous way for you to get an updated photo of your family for use on your holiday cards, to hang over your fireplace or just because you NEED an updated family photo. And because I love giving I'm throwing in a bunch of goodies with this session (read on for more about Press Printed Cards).

(Q) How are minis different from full sessions?

(A) Minis are, obviously, on half an hour long. The great thing about minis is that you don't have to schedule your whole day around taking photos. They are quick half hour sessions which is perfect if you have antsy ones and just as perfect if you have busy ones. =) On the other hand you don't get the luxury of changing outfits, going to different locations or as many photos as you would have in a regular session. In short, mini sessions are a taste (albeit a wonderful taste) of a full session.

(Q) What are press printed cards?

(A) Press printed cards are beautiful, gorgeous, one-of-a-kind greeting cards. My most popular ones are 5x5 tri-folds which print out just beautifully. I have yet to have one client (or any of their friends) say they didn't like them. They are so unique and have a much better quality and feel to them than just plain ol' regular photo cards. The cards included in this mini session deal are 5x7 double sided. Extras in sets of 25 can be additionally purchased at a discounted rate.

(Q) Can I schedule 2 mini sessions back to back?

(A) Since this is the first time I'm doing this I'm not able to do back to back sessions. I will definitely look into in the next time though!

(Q) So if we can't change outfits what do we wear?

(A) You know I only have one cardinal rule: NO, none, please-don't, let's-not-and-say-we-did, PLEASE don't wear white shirts as a family. Is this a bad look? Absolutely not! However, its not very often I'm walking down Main Street and see a whole family walking down the street in white shirts and jeans. I do see people in red and khaki though...oh wait...that's my dad (because for some reason he REALLY likes that look) and he doesn't even work at Target. =) (Lots of hugs and kisses to my dad).

Okay so to seriously answer the question: Solids with textures (not loud patterns) work best. The more elements you have in your photos (scarves, hats, belts, cool hair)the better. These are YOUR photos. What do you want to see when you browse your gallery? A really great tip is to pretend that you're going to dinner at Maggiano's (mmmm...I think I'm hungry), you wouldn't necessarily show up in your grungiest t-shirt but you aren't showing up dressed to the nines either. Use your judgement--if you don't trust it then call me. :)

(Q) When will our photos be ready for viewing?

(A) All sessions will be available within two weeks. They will trickle up online as the two weeks go by. Within 5 days of your gallery being up I will have a mock up photo card for you to approve. When you approve your photo card you will also let me know what photos you would like for your 5x7s and wallets. Your gallery will expire 10 days after being up for viewing. Ordering prints is an option from your gallery. How great a gift it would be to pass around an updated photo of your family to your family!

Those are pretty much all the questions I can think to answer. If you have any other questions please feel free to email me. I'll get back to you asap!

QnA: What to Buy

"Where have you been?!" asked the unused computer of the photographer.
"Everywhere!" said the tired photographer.
Literally. Everywhere except here. And I truly am tired. =) But I must get back to life. Denice's wedding was beautiful, my hair semi-cooperated, my shoes lost their cuteness right after the ceremony, we house sat for her for a bit but were quickly bored because of the lack of internet and now am back at home.

So as an initiation back to my sadly forsaken blog, I figured I would dedicate this post to a question I get a lot:

What camera would you recommend as a good starter camera?

There is no easy answer to this question and I am by no means an expert but here is my little take. First, I'm a Canon girl. I love my Canons and have owned three (and I still want to own about 4 more, at the same time this time) :). The first camera I would totally recommend if you're just starting out or want a great all around SLR is anything in the Canon Rebel series. I started out with an Rebel Xti and loved that camera. Depending on what kind of shooting you're doing will depend on what Rebel you would want to buy. The Rebel XT is the most basic, whereas the new Rebel T1 has HD video. Super cool. Once you have the basic camera body, the possibilities are ENDLESS with the lenses you can put on them.

There are so many other directions that this conversation could go so I'm keeping it super basic. Canon, as well as Nikon, are great cameras. I have always found the Canons to have easier navigation menus than Nikons however. As for taking a great picture...well...that's completely up to you! Happy Shooting!

A pictorial ode to my Rebel xTI:

Happy.

In one week she'll be the newest Mrs. Lanides. She's already moved, started making a home for the two of them and started preparing for the married life.

She has no idea.

No idea how much work it really is, how fun it is to be a permanent couple, the arguments that happen or the making up that makes all the work worth it. She has yet to discover the joy of sharing a home with her soul mate, creating new traditions, developing new ways of thinking and all the hypothetical situations that become realities.

And I am so excited for her. Happy that my childhood friend will have her love with her, by her and for her. Happy that my girlhood roommate is so content. Happy.

Happy that she is my sister.

Denice, this week I am so happy for you. Much love, relaxation and un-stressfulness to you. You're wedding is going to be beeee-you-tiful!

xoxo


**Apparently we need a new photo together!! =)

I Have Watched Her Grow

There's something about watching a child grow up. One day they talk with the cutest baby lisp and next day that same young soul is spouting off things like the pythagorean theorem and trying to work out philosophical ideas. Well...kind of. Claudia isn't quite at that point. But she will be...tomorrow.

I have had the privilege of becoming friends with this wonderful family over a year ago. Rebecca asked if I would do her maternity photos and I've seen her every 3 months since! =) I can't believe Claudia is already a year old, time has rushed on by. To see other Claudia shoots check here, here and here. =) She only gets cuter (and more teeth).

JR & Rebecca~Thank you so much for letting me capture your baby in her first year! I have loved watching her grow. Hugs and enjoy!

::sidenote:: I should really change the term "sneak peek" to, oh I don't know...monster view? There were so many and she was quite the trooper. And I think I love oh-so-many of them.



























To all my loyal fans: Thank you and good night! No more cameras please!

He's Becoming a Man

He's super quiet. Unobtrusive and shy. Unless you razz him about "his" teams. Mat had the nerve to say something and M was just as fast to counter everything Mat threw at him. They went back and forth teasing each other about what team was better, who had the better players and what the heck were some players thinking? And I just listened and laughed, pretending to have a clue.

I was so flattered when my cousin drove 3 hours to come have M's senior pictures taken. And M was such a trooper. I think we found his calling. He's a BIT of a natural in front of the lens. We hopped around Gilroy and had a great time. And I discovered that we do in fact have tracks that go NO WHERE! You have no idea how much that made my day--apparently it doesn't take much to get me excited.

Sylvia, M and Brian (and Lupe ;)), I was so happy to see you guys and thrilled to be able to take photos! I can't believe M is a senior already! I love you all. xoxo























And one last one...isn't he sooooo cute??1?! =) I can say that, he's my cousin.