mdukephotography

I've moved!

2009-03-12T00:50:00.000-07:00

I moved my blog!

You can now read about Monique Duke Photography HERE.

Re-work

2009-03-09T19:00:00.001-07:00

I am STILL in the middle of revamping my whole site and blog (and eventually marketing material and packaging too.) I came across these images of my cute cousin and her handsome honey at the beach in California and started wondering if I'll get done with all my work before our vacation this month??? One can hope.

IDK, My BFF Jess

2009-02-25T21:20:00.000-08:00

My best friend Jess and I decided to split the ticket cost so she could come down to New Mexico that she misses so much and hang with me (yeah she misses me too ;) and meet the other half of my kids she has never met.

We went shopping and eating and browsing and crafted a ton and we are both exhausted and yet we are both up chatting on facebook tonight LOL! My kids LOVED her! She was so awesome with them! She could totally tell when I was getting on edge and she'd swoop in and distract them with some question or idea. They searched the sky for her plane after we dropped her off at the airport, expressed their regrets that she had to leave, wished she could come back with her kids (ok I did all those things too ;)

Come back soon Jess! Bring the kids! We'll go get cupcakes!

Little W

2009-02-16T20:18:00.000-08:00

Wow! I forgot how hard it is to get anything done with all the kids home! I took Little Miss W's pictures this morning and was sure I'd get a preview done before now, but those kids of mine! Miss W's mommy has 4 at home too, so I'm sure she understands.

While working on the one below it occurred to me how vintage it looked (before the processing)later I came across a neat-o vintage looking action (a process to edit pictures in photoshop) and knew it would be perfect for this one! Too cute!

The G's Fresh Face Family!

2009-02-14T15:33:00.000-08:00

You know how some days work out just right? All the elements for a perfect day are there and it all goes according to plan? Yeah, it was one of those days! (on a side note... when I uploaded these photos to the web the colors seemed off... I dont want to over adjust them because everyone's monitors are different and what might look cool and pale to you, may actually be warm and rich to me... just know these pictures are yummy warm from shooting mid morning in the village down the street)

sisters

2009-02-11T19:10:00.001-08:00

How sweet are these sisters? We caught the last rays of a beautiful day. Big thanks to their awesome mom who met me out on the mesa to capture these super cute pictures of them! (They really are beautiful girls!)

Time Travelers and Fairy Tales Sessions

2009-02-10T12:08:00.000-08:00

When I was growing up my family rarely did formal family portraits. My dad is a photographer too and took plenty of pictures of us. But if we ever did want to have a family portrait done we did something very unique. Sometimes the costume trunks would be pulled out and gone through. We'd search our closets and drawers for the perfect pieces. And end up with some lovely old timey picture like this:

That picture cracks me up but I love it! It makes me think how much of a family we'd still be even if we lived in a different era. (see the framed picture in the center on the wall? We had that one done one year at Knotts Berry farm...circa 1983?)

When I was in school, I ended up falling back on my familiar photography roots ;) My sister and I arrived at school early often so one day I brought all props and costumes and set up this little portrait near my photo class.

Now with my own children and digital skills, I have been taking things a step further. Miss B was very excited to be Little Mermaid

I enjoy doing portraits like these sooooo much! It lets me use my imagination a bit more, play around in photoshop more artistically, and create something that is almost magical!

I will now be offering Time Travelers and Fairy Tale Sessions. These are a special mini session with the same session fee, but also includes a one image photo package which includes 8 wallets (for friends), three 5x7's (2 for grandparents one for parents or scrapbooking) and one 8x10 for framing. That's a package worth $95! More than the session fee!!! Just email or call me to set up your session.

Happy Valentines Day!

2009-02-03T22:43:00.000-08:00

Dear Families,

Everyone that hired me last year, I have a special present JUST FOR YOU and 100% FREE!!!

Select a design below and I will insert one of your portraits and send the file back to you so you can send out your own personalized Valentines!!!! And if you'd like to have personalized valentines for your kiddos to hand out at school, just let me know which cutie wants which design. I am only doing this until Wednesday February 11th. I will email each of you, but if I have forgotten someone, let me know!
<3 monique

trendy little chica

ramonetec

pretty in pink

old scrappy

mr. scrappy

The First Fresh Face Family = Fun!!!!

2009-01-19T18:24:00.001-08:00

This ~~morning~~ afternoon I was ~~lounging~~ working really hard in my ~~pajamas~~ office and was chatting with my old friend Mrs. T working on setting up a session with them as the first family in my New Faces campaign. It occurred to me that I wasn't really busy today and could totally go for a session downtown. After really thinking about it I figured I could bring my whole family this one time so we could all catch up with the T family (who we haven't seen in 5 years!) and grab an early dinner with them afterwards.

I couldn't have asked for a more perfect session. ABQ was in the 60's today, the T's were fun and silly (which is probably why we get along so well) and they were up for everything I suggested!

Mommy is in her second trimester with baby #2.

They asked "Should we wear our Doc Martens?"

HECK YEAH!!!

Isn't she sweet?!

Near the end of our session we were by a private high school (that had school or a field trip today?!) My hubs helped be get some skaters to ride through while I shot at the gallery next door. Flippin' fun!

After it was all over we met at The Frontier for a good greasy dinner. MMMM Lemonade, fiesta burger, and sweet rolls too! Of course we sat by "The Duke"

Mr. G Returns

2009-01-12T14:42:00.000-08:00

G and his mommy came by this afternoon so I could take advantage of the beautiful afternoon light in my kitchen. It's my favorite and best place in the whole house for perfect lighting.

Have I mentioned lately that I love my job?!

Little mr. g

2009-01-09T18:40:00.000-08:00

Repeat after me: Oh...my...heck...!!!...He...is...soooooo...cute!!!

I think that's what I said when I got my first look a this little guy.

The short winter day was not our friend and I had to pull out the studio lights to get some good shots of him...isn't he stinkin' cute!?

Someone Kidnapped my Kids!!!

2009-01-01T15:58:00.000-08:00

and replaced them with cute obedient robots!!!!

I thought I'd start some new traditions for new year's day... make Hoppin' John for dinner, homemade winter spiced donuts and cocoa for dessert, and a photo session. The usual problem with planning ANYTHING around here, is that something is bound to go a little bit wrong... just a little loose thread and then the whole kit and caboodle unravels!

But not today...

Not for one single moment...

there was no fighting...

the kids followed directions...

T actually LOOKED IN THE CAMERA!!!

*sniff* it was the best day ever ;)

I think it started here in this teleporter disguised as a phone booth:

one of her "dont smile faces....just looks crazy to me! I think I'll call this one "The Birds"

another "dont smile face vs. a good smile

Looking for New Faces for the New Year!

2008-12-30T21:15:00.000-08:00

I need some fresh faces for some new ideas! (Previous clients can apply too!) Selected models will receive a free session and more!

I need:

kiddos

-any age
-who are cooperative and can follow directions
-not shy in front of a camera
-I would like one child at a time, but if you have a pair of siblings that work well together, that would rock too!

babies

-brand new babies, less than 6 weeks old but preferably 0-3 weeks

families

-a couple of families (3-5 people) with cooperative kids and a WILLING dad! ha ha
-Must be willing to go anywhere and try anything, even in front of strangers! C'mon you know you want to!

couples

-newlyweds or recently engaged or just hopelessly in love after years of marriage ;)
-must be very comfortable with public displays of affection ;)
-looking for both "clean cut" couples and the funky rowdy type!

SENIOR REPS!!!

I am officially opening my business to highschool seniors! I need senior reps for 2009 and 2010 who are outgoing, motivated, and want something unique for their senior pictures! Reps who bring in referrals will be rewarded!!!

To be considered for a slot, email me a snapshot of the "model" (inserted in the email, not attached) and your phone number to monique at moniqueduke dot com

R and R

2008-12-27T16:36:00.000-08:00

It is absolutely freezing here! Well, actually below freezing! But I ran outside for a few minutes with this awesome aunt and uncle of my good friend Miss S. She's a super sweet aunt, sharing sweet thoughts and testimony at Miss S's baptism today! He's hilarious! Tripping toddlers in the hallway ;) just kidding of course! He baptized Miss S and gave her the sweetest hug afterwards!

Merry Christmas!

2008-12-24T10:20:00.000-08:00

Miss Sofia and Crew

2008-12-22T15:12:00.000-08:00

A Beautiful View

2008-12-18T23:55:00.000-08:00

The Sandias

Baby sisters are a lot like kittens

2008-12-17T14:01:00.000-08:00

Miss B was playing a bit too rough today with little E and got a nice scratch across her cheek. She's been a dream to be with today. My heart just melted when out of nowhere she said, "I can't wait 'til I see Jesus again!"

awww sweetness!

Baking with B ( a good reason to not work)

2008-11-25T23:11:00.000-08:00

You know I love working. I love running off to some location and running around for an hour with anyone who doesn't call me "mommy." And then I love the quiet time I have a night, editing pictures, putting up galleries, and sending in orders. But all that fun added to the responsibilities I have during the holidays leaves me a very tired and stressed gal.

Instead of working today, Miss B and I made Hubs a birthday cake (German Chocolate, his favorite, my least favorite... it is always a little too dry for my taste and I'm allergic to the nummy frosting but eat a little bit of it anyway!!!)

After the cakes got into the oven we made pumpkin scones to take to CO. She begged me to make MnM scones, peppermint scones, chocolate scones...anything but pumpkin scones... she's not a fan.

The B's

2008-11-20T00:43:00.000-08:00

This was the last session of the year for me. And it was a really great session! The kids were all happy!

The weather was comfy!

The sun was glowing as it set!

*Thank you so much to everyone that hired me this Holiday season! I am so blessed to be able to do what I do and enjoy it so much! It makes me happy to hang out with and take pictures for such wonderul families! I resolved not to work this December unless someone really needed a session. Sessions are available for December, however the holiday mini session is no longer available and all December sessions are subject to the minimum $100 print order. Portraits ordered after Dec 14th can not be guaranteed to be available by Christmas, but will be available by New Years. I am also already booking sessions for 2009.

Miss S

2008-11-17T00:27:00.000-08:00

Sometimes things fall right into place during a session. The weather was wonderful, the leaves a perfect glowing autumn yellow, and a lovely little girl.

The DZ's

2008-11-08T16:26:00.000-08:00

Ahh you know them. It's the DZ's! Some of my oldest friends in ABQ and long time clients too! We went down to the Bosque for an afternoon session and found all the good light!

The T's

2008-11-08T12:35:00.001-08:00

Can you guess what dad just said?!

Thanks you guys for being so fun!!!

Mini Session Marathon

2008-11-06T21:59:00.001-08:00

With only 2 weeks (and 3 saturdays) left in my schedule and people still in need of getting their family portraits done, I decided to offer up 2 days and 2 locations for holiday mini sessions.

The first will be this Saturday Nov 8 in the Bosque near Target where I shot these sessions:

The second location is on Saturday Nov 15 off of Jefferson near Paseo where I shot these sessions:

Anyone interested should contact me by phone to discuss times and details.

Also, because of it getting so close to Christmas and the economy the way it is, I am offering a special option to pay part of the $75 session fee ($40) when you book your session and the other part ($35) when you order your included prints (remember 25 4x6's or 5x7's of one image are included in the session fee!!!) If you don't have my number drop me an email with your number at monique at moniqueduke dot com

The L's a proper sneak peek too late

2008-11-06T21:55:00.000-08:00

I just put up this fun family's gallery and forgot to give them a proper sneak peek. sorry.

I loved this bridge and will be using it again. Like I mentioned before part of their session was down by the London style phone booths. What a great area!

one and four

2008-11-04T12:42:00.000-08:00

I absolutely adore this picture of my youngest and oldest. I feel a unique bond to the two of them, being as they represent the beginning of mommyhood and the "ending." I can remember all those things C-bug did for the first time and how exciting that was, and as E goes through them all (like finally really walking this last week) I really cherish every moment, knowing this may be the last time I am witness to one of my baby's little milestones.

The kids are all home today, so it was a perfect opportunity to do their Christmas pictures. Last year I was doing sessions well into December and didn't get to our family portrait until late. This year I plan on spending as much time with my family as possible, which is why client sessions will be ending by Nov 22...unless of course you don't mind paying my holiday rates ;)

The L's Sneak peek to a sneak peek

2008-11-01T17:28:00.000-07:00

For my second session today we hit 2 locations near the center of town. The first was in that area with the English style telephone booths. I had to post this one to show mom and dad this cute smile ;)

The A's sneak peek

2008-11-01T11:26:00.001-07:00

We had to take a little hike over logs, and through cactus patches, but it was soooo worth it! The colors of the leaves were just beautiful and almost glowing in the morning sun!

Mr. T here was a hoot with his "trick-or-treat" smiles and determination to lead us to the perfect spot.

And little Miss A, a little irked at me for dragging her around the bosque, was still an adorable doll!

I think the A's scheduled their session for the most perfect day of the year!

My Photo Styles

2008-10-23T17:18:00.000-07:00

I wanted to upload this so that you can see what styles I offer. If you click on the image it will bring you to a larger version so you can view the differences. It's important to note that my color style is a bit brighter than what some people are used to. This is my style. I like my clients portraits to be vivid and stand out. This is what I offer. If it isn't what you like, I encourage you to look for a photographer whose style you do like.

I also have this up so you can see what other styles are available for your portraits. I really want to offer portraits that can be customized for your specific needs. When ordering you can choose any of these 6 styles in your gallery by selecting "other option" and specifying in your comments or by phone. And definately call me if you have any questions.

Hearts!

2008-10-21T17:48:00.001-07:00

I found one I had to share! Miss G was so excited to discover that the leaves were all hearts! Don't you just love that new discovery/new experiences thing that kids do?

The P's

2008-10-17T18:07:00.000-07:00

Remember little sister in this picture? Well it was time to take her big sister out for her photos today. Mom and dad took me down to a place near the bosque I hadn't been to yet. We had a bit of a time trying to find a place to cross a bubbling stream so we could get closer to the river and cottonwoods. (We found a bridge later LOL!) But it was all worth it! Look how beautiful Miss G is here:

The F's

2008-10-13T23:47:00.000-07:00

Most of my clients are people I see every week. Families that we play with, go to church with, hang with. The F's are one of the families. One of the cool things is these two little gals are the same age as my two littlest gals. In fact, Little Miss S here and my Little Miss E were born less than a week apart! (You see Miss S is up and walking though, while Miss E is being a bit lazy about the bi-ped thing)

It was their mom's idea to go shoot their Christmas photos at these British style telephone booths we have in town. I've been wanting to do a session there so I was super excited to do it. We all worried a bit about getting there during Albuquerque's Balloon Fiesta Traffic, but had no problems at all. The weather was great! The sun beginning to fall and a Starbucks just down the road (mmmm green tea fraps and chocolate chip blended cremes! It's not all coffee you know?!)

I had to snap this one of mom. The sun flare was just right and I processed it to look like an old aging 70's photo. Mom here, loves good vintage, so I knew she'd dig it.

My 2008 Christmas Templates

2008-10-07T13:46:00.001-07:00

I really love my templates this year! Most of my clients have been requesting "fun" sessions, something unique and happy, so I really wanted come up with some card designs that were also fun, unique, and happy.

All clients that book a mini session have the option of using one of these designs for their 25 4x6 or 5x7 photos. Photographers can purchase the 8 templates for only $25!

Check them out here:

enter password: 2008

Want Some Candy?

2008-10-02T21:49:00.001-07:00

We just HAD to make a Halloween Lolliprop! My kiddos are way into these (they want one in Kansas City Chief's colors and are even making up their own color combos that really dont follow any logic except theirs.)Need the details on geting your own fake Lolliprop?

These polymer clay Lolli-"PROPS" are now available in any two basic color combination, measure approximately 4 1/2 inches across,and have a 12 inch white stick for only $10 (shipping in the U.S. included!)

Click on the lolli-prop below to purchase yours (enter passcode "prop" and enter the two colors you want in the comment section when checking out)

Also I am looking for some local adults and teens who would like to get a FREE Halloween session done...here's what I need and what I need it for, you need to
a)Have a really great Halloween costume idea
b)Have it ready by the end of next week
c)Be willing to be my model for marketing purposes (I will be using some of these portraits for a special service that I will be offering very soon, and would love to get out and do some creative shoots during this busy Holiday Portrait season)
d)Submit your costume idea to me (monique at moniqueduke dot com)
e)Be available for a free session sometime between the Oct. 13th and18th
f)And understand that I will only be choosing a few people to do this, so I will have to turn some away.

C'mon, think up something good!

Lolliprops for photogs

2008-10-01T13:38:00.000-07:00

Ever need a lollipop for a special session but can't find one? Maybe you like the look, but not the mess? Perhaps you need something special like school colors or another rare combination?

When a client asked for a holiday lollipop for their session I was a bit stumped on where to find one so soon before the holidays. SO I did the next best thing (and probably really THE BEST THING!) and made a FAKE one.

Click on the lolli-prop below to purchase yours (enter passcode "prop" and enter the two colors you want in the comment section when checking out)

A lovely day

2008-09-27T14:18:00.000-07:00

We had arranged to meet our family for a picnic in Albuquerque's Old Town today and arrived 15 minutes early. Our "littles", of course, would not tolerate us waiting in the car and a wedding was being set up in the gazebo, so we took a little stroll down the less busy alleyways. It was a great opportunity for us to stop into a couple of shops we hadn't been in before and find some neat-o doorways for portrait backdrops. There's only about a month left of the nice warm days...sweater season is around the corner!

Holiday Mini Sessions

2008-09-21T20:50:00.001-07:00

People are asking what my mini sessions are all about. So here are the details. If you do want to get your family's portraits done, definitely call soon. I'm already filling up and will not be working after Nov 22, except to deliver orders. Call me or email if you have any questions.

The S's!

2008-09-20T11:49:00.001-07:00

This S's have been my clients since the beginning. I do their pictures every year, and poor dad wishes it was every other year ;) Anyone who knows the S's has seen how much personality and fun exists in their family. It makes it very easy for me to do my job and get fun shots of them. And they are always up for whatever craziness I have in mind!

Could I have two better stinkin' cute models?!

The Jack Attack!

2008-09-18T15:13:00.001-07:00

With all the computer issues out of the way, I officially started doing sessions again today. And who could ask for a better model?! Mr. Jack was as happy as he always is! Cooing, waving his arms around, sweet drool covered sloppy smiles! What a cutie!

California On My Mind

2008-09-17T00:24:00.000-07:00

After a few late nights (which I love) with late night chat buddies to keep me on task and distract me (whom I adore) and loads of processing (which I love doing), I can now say I am finished with my California sessions. No more sandy beaches to look at... must plan a mini vacation soon...anyone want to do family sessions in CA? I'll wave the fee for a plane ticket and some boarding ;)

Finding Seaside Treasure

2008-09-15T22:52:00.000-07:00

As I find all my files and finish working on things I had started before the big CRASH, I am delighted when I find files I haven't seen in a month! You might remember that I did a senior session for my cute cousin, Miss V, while I was in California. Here are a couple I found of her being adorable at the beach!

This one was taken right befor a big wave came crashing up the beach and soaked her dress! I felt horrible for being the culprit that forced her into impending wet doom but she was such a good sport and just laughed it off. Doesn't she rock?!

Back to business

2008-09-09T01:55:00.000-07:00

FINALLY all computer problems have been fixed. Files and programs have been recovered or restored. A big thanks to my dad, my brother, my hubs, and support and generousity from my friends, sisters, and mom.

I am booking all sessions now. Give me a call to get a good day.

Photography for Nie

2008-08-21T15:26:00.000-07:00

I cant even begin to tell you how much this saddens me and how much I hope Nie's strong spirit and testimony of the gospel and our Savior will be the strength that pulls her and all of her family and loved ones through this hard time. If there is anyone in the world I want to be like it is Nie. She is sweet and generous, and if you can be too, please go donate.

In addition to this I will be donating a portion of each holiday session fee to The NieNie Recovery fund. Not trying to toot my own horn here, just want all of my clients to know that they will be contributing to this fund.

Miss V

2008-08-09T22:55:00.000-07:00

Another beautiful cousin of mine! Miss V is graduating this year! It blows me away how much she looks like our opera singer grandma did "back in the day." V definately inherited all the gorgeous glamour! All I got was an acute sense of womanly inner strength...but I think all us Bachman girls got that ;)

J and S

2008-08-09T00:54:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to my sweet cousin Summer, and her new husband Jonny! We went to a beautiful beach after the wedding to take pictures. Great waves, lovely landscape, dolphins! Summer's friend and Albuquerque photographer, Jenny Hunter was also there taking some shots of her own (I'd love to take a peek at those;)

Summer Bride

2008-07-20T00:08:00.000-07:00

This is my very lovely cousin Summer. She has been waiting a long time for her handsome marine fiance to come home so they can start their wonderful life together. Summer and my aunt came to visit this weekend so that we could take Summer's bridal pictures. Isn't she flippin' gorgeous!

In just a couple of weeks I'll get on a plane to California (all by myself! with no kids or hubs!) to fly out for her wedding. I'm going to have a wonderful weekend and enjoy meeting Jonny!

Miss G

2008-06-28T19:51:00.000-07:00

Today I had the fun opportunity to hang out with this lovely princess, but I have it from her mom that she has an alter ego and is oft seen fighting crime alongside the likes of Batman and the boy wonder as none other than Batgirl! Such a spunky girl! We shot these down by the river and were on the constant watch for the wicked witch and her minions hiding in the bushes! I love my job!

Girl Power

2008-06-23T01:02:00.000-07:00

Something to think about

The S's

2008-06-13T10:31:00.000-07:00

Two sweet little princesses running in the woods sitting on a fairy's tree stump chair, pulling apart cottonwood seed pods, listening to the birds and spotting a few lizards. Aren't they adorable?!

I let them get behind the camera a bit too. Here's a cute one that Miss R took of mom and dad:

E

2008-06-12T11:25:00.000-07:00

Aren't those great shoes?! They belong to a really great 5 year old!

I adore this family! His uncle was a good sweet friend of mine long ago and now I have the opportunity to know this little guy and his family. His siblings are full of personality and his mom is awesome! It's so easy to show up at a session with them and just easily let everything fall into place. Awesome family!

Here's one for dad:

Mr. C

2008-06-11T15:02:00.000-07:00

When I showed up for this session, the three oldest were in the driveway playing roller basketball! How cool is that!? And so smart, wearing their helmets too!

I've known C's family a while. They once lived only a few houses from my mom when their oldest (who is 12 now) was only a handful of years old. His mom is an excellent teacher at church...she always has these great, relevant, meaningful stories to accompany her lessons. I wish I could remember half as many stories from my life as she does. Guess that's why I take pictures ;)

We had a very fast and easy session. Baby's brother and one of his sisters did an excellent job of making him smile for a bunch of shots. Got some realy cute ones! I was worried after being on such a long break that I'd have a difficult time falling back into work...guess not! Big thanks to mommy E for making it so easy to do this!

Time for Everything

2008-06-06T13:11:00.001-07:00

Hi it's me. We've taken this week off from almost all responsibility. My oldest is off at girls camp and the weather has been pleasant so we're just chillin' and playin'. Next week is a busy week, I am booked full and I know it's going to take the entire next week to do all the editing from those 6 sessions. My kids are going to get a little shock after all the time off with mom.

Knowing sll this, I took them out for a little shoot so that when I put the print orders in, I can slip in a couple of portraits to surprise them. Here's the one I got of T. That kid! His smiles are always so freakin' huge! I have to tell him to "smile small." We also have to tell him to "kiss nice" as opposed to the sloppy wet ones he always lays on us.

A quick update

2008-05-20T14:10:00.001-07:00

I've been a bit too busy for blogging lately. At our house, school is just ending, the heat has arrived, vacation plans are being made, new schedules are being planned. We're so excited!

Summer session dates are filling up so call me if you still need to schedule yours.

Miss M

2008-03-19T14:52:00.000-07:00

So Miss S wasn't the only newborn session I've had recently.

Miss M was only a month old when I took these. Of course she's now only almost 2 months old. She is so sweet and tiny as newborns are. And she slept so well! Mommy did all the right things before the session (fed her, turned up the heat, got her dressed and ready.) But holding her during the session was such a shock to my poor heart. In comparison, my now 6 month old BABY is a COW! You really lose track of the time that flies by and before you realize it, the newborn becomes a baby and then a toddler right before your very eyes!

little miss S

2008-03-19T13:36:00.000-07:00

Little miss S is the newest addition to a family I've known for about 7 years. When I first met her mom, she only had 2 kiddos ( I think) and I had one. Now we're both up to 4 in those few short years! And this baby couldn't belong to a better famliy! I hear great stories about her daddy from my sister and brother in law who have gotten to know him well. And mommy is the sweetest gal I know!

You know with a famliy so great, this smile is going to stick:

t.w.e.l.v.e.

2008-03-14T23:59:00.000-07:00

12 is a pivotol year in our lives. It's when the girl becomes a young woman. She's so very excited about being 12. I'm sure she feels so mature...I on the other hand feel old!

I can still remember how cold the floors were, the echoing in the halls, and my husband sleeping on he floor while I labored naturall and in quite a bit of pain. An OB with big hands, rank Mc Donald onions that smelled so good to a starved mother to be, and some noisy lady in the next room of the 160 year old hospital! (yes they left the women to birth in a building that old!)Now there's a birth story worth telling!

But it's about her: the always helping, always creative, always unique, forever changing, amazing young lady!

Mi Familia, well my brother anyway

2008-03-05T19:44:00.000-08:00

Isn't my little brother so cool?! As soon as we got to our grandparents' house he pulled on his dinosaur ski hat. I can't remember where he got it. I know we all picked up a little something with grandpa at a ski accessory clearance sale one spring. Maybe he got it there? (see my hubs in his way cool hat )

I think I might be posting a bit more often and informally this month as I spend time with family. We'll be back and forth a couple of times to see my grandma and help her with things. I'll be busy with a handful of sessions too, so stay tuned for sneak peeks.

Rockin' Relatives!

2008-03-05T10:57:00.000-08:00

I was out of town for a couple days for my grandpa's funeral. It was very sad and very unexpected. He was a healthy active man until he suddenly fell ill. But there was one lovely upside to his passing, as there is to almost all passings. He has 65 descendants (one more arriving this month and another in June.) All but 18 were able to make it! So I got to spend a nice chunk of time visiting my extended family! LOVED IT!

The smashing fellow up above is my cousin Rob. He owns Rob's Vintique in Riverside, CA. If you can't get there, check out his ebay store for funky vintage clothing!

I also got to hang with my aunt Kathi who is a photog in the High Desert area (Hepseria, Victorville, CA etc.) We got a good thing going, she shared the frame I used in Rob's picture that makes it look like it came straight from an old film camera, I sent her the brush I used to make the apocolyptic clouds. Cool eh?

And my grandpa was a photog too! He even bought me my first camera bag and gave me my tripod. Love you grandpa Bob

I love you California

2008-02-21T09:15:00.000-08:00

"I love you, California, you're the greatest state of all I love you in the winter, summer, spring, and fall." (That's the state song btw.)

I was born in CA almost 33 years ago, my parents were both raised there, and even though I only lived there about 3 years, I miss it all the time.

We spent last weekend there, mostly at Disneyland, but also went to the beach one afternoon...a cold but beautiful day! Hubs worried about hypothermia, while I relished the moment, watching my kids run into and out of the Pacific. For me it was the happiest hour of the whole trip.

I'll be back again in August to shoot a wedding...counting the days ;)

I leave tomorrow for Utah for a workshop, and I have photo orders to send out after I get back. If you need me, drop me an email.

The winner

2008-01-22T12:20:00.000-08:00

I'm a little late on posting the results, but I'm sure those of you anxiously watching the contest already know the winner is #7 ( You can see the results here)

If you didn't win, don't sweat it (I hear some of the leading votes have many friends and famill online.) And I am cooking up some other specials and contests for the year, so keep an eye open.

A big thank you to all of the contestants and the 265 voters!

2007 Contest

2008-01-06T11:50:00.000-08:00

Friends! Thank you so much for hiring me this last year to photograph your lovely families! This has been a dream come true for me to do something I really love!

I went through and pulled one of my favorite's from each session for this special contest. Simply vote for your favorite portrait. Anyone can vote, but only one vote per household. Go ahead and send a link to this contest to all your friends and family. (Don't forget if they book a session you get a $5 print credit towards your next session.)

The winner will get an 11x14 print of the winning portrait! Voting ends Jan 19th!

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week 1

2008-01-04T22:19:00.000-08:00

Journaling has always been a big part of my life. Since I have been focusing so much on my photography, I haven't had much time to journal. It is one of my goals to document my week, especially pertaining to acheiving my goals this year. At the end of the year I will have all of the images professionaly bound in a hardback book.
Here is what the text says:
Week 1
I am feeling really good about 2008. It’s gonna be one of those years that Imake things happen. I will go to Disneyland twice, get the camera I want and need, live a greener life, live more spiritually, get out of debt permanently reduce the clutter in my life, become more prepared for the unexpected, create an inhome studio and work on plans for my dream studio, spend better time with my children, help my husband make a movie, and actively plan and pursue all of my dreams!

2007-2008

2007-12-28T23:17:00.000-08:00

I hardly posted any pictures to prove it, but I had a very busy couple of months with some of the best families in the world! Thank you everyone who booked a Holiday session with me this season! I'm so lucky to be able to do something I love with such great people as clients!

I'm working on a great selection of mini sessions* this year, starting with a sweet Valentine deal! The Valentine package is $30 and includes 8 wallets for your sweetest Valentines.

I am also offering Boudoir sessions for all you lovely ladies to surprise your handsome hubbies with! The session is $200 and includes a wonderful stylist, private shooting during school hours at a very nice hotel, and a black accordian album with 6 4x6 prints of your choice wrapped in a sexy cheetah print box! Give me a ring if you're interested!

(*mini sessions generally run about 30 minutes and are limited to a handful of poses. Groups can be shot for the $30 price, but individual shots will be considered separate sessions and charged accordingly.)

2007-12-06T19:59:00.000-08:00

I took a little break from work (note: I will reply to the phone calls and emails by tomorrow night.) I realized yesterday that I haven't done my own pictures yet!

This is really what I love to do! I get to use a little bit photography, a little bit of illustration/painting background, and PLAY PLAY PLAY! If anyone is interested in doing something a little unusual during their session... a little bit of dress up and some artsy stuff, let me know ;)

Beautiful!

2007-12-01T16:24:00.000-08:00

Isn't this beautiful?! I am totally crediting the mom with it's beauty! I'll probably post another from this family/newborn session I had today. The girls were extremely photogenic, totally silly, and wonderfully adorable!

Village People

2007-11-10T20:30:00.000-08:00

Well not VILLAGE people ;) It was Raesha's idea to do her session in the little village just down the street from our big metro! Seriously! Just down the street!

I had a blast! It's a farming/art community with some richer people moving in. (They just put a pro studio branch in on the main street.)

We parked at an old adobe "strip mall" and walked around looking for great spots. We found a bunch of cool doors and walls thanks to the old Spanish architecture! I =was able to get a bunch of fun shots. I wish I could take all my clients there, but group size makes a difference when walking the sidewalk-less streets of a small town. hmmm

Do you know these kids?

2007-11-02T18:40:00.000-07:00

You probably know some just like them. My first session of November was awesome! We ran around the neighborhood, sneaking into backyards of neighboring houses (don't worry, nobody lived there.)

Something I noticed about these kiddos is how different each of them is. Sure, they all loved having the camera on them, but each one had a bit of personal spunk that shined through those smiles! The kids rock!

Hunting Sesaon

2007-10-31T18:35:00.000-07:00

Location hunting that is...

This morning as I drove home from my kiddo's school, I saw it. Autumn, the peak of autumn, was finally here. Every tree is turning, leaves are blowing from their scraggly branches, long romatic paths into the bosque are glittering gold in the sunlight.

I'm absorbing it all for the long brown winter. SO happy I have these photos to remind me how beautiful it can be.

Copy Cats

2007-10-27T20:41:00.000-07:00

We HAD to copy my sister's great idea! C has this very vintage dress that was perfect! The dress btw is some special designer dress my GRANDMOTHER wore in the 50's! Ceili is like a size negative 6???!! How the heck?! Corset I guess!

This was her last night, looking too old for her 11 years! whoa!

Yes we'll be watching her very carefully!

I love it!

2007-10-25T08:22:00.000-07:00

I've been spending a lot of time on the computer this week! Hours! Hours a day! Even whole days! ha ha! It's just that busy time for me and I am loving it! Between working on client sessions, I've also been keeping up with template orders, taking pictures of my baby, and working on galleries for my website.

I totally finished the baby gallery! Take a look!

p.s. book your holiday sessions now! November is filling up!

Perfect Recipe

2007-10-14T21:41:00.000-07:00

Making a good picture is like making a good chocolate chip cookie (try regan's recipe btw.) There's some prep work, maybe some careful planning, some mixing, and a watchful eye. And hopefully after a small amount of time you end up with something pleasing to the senses as well as the soul.

4x6 envelope question

2007-10-12T23:17:00.001-07:00

Derek asked about using envelopes for the 4x6 templates. First I want to say, I designed these templates specifically with my own clients in mind. My clients in general have a lot in common with me. They have families, they have bills, they have to keep expenses within reasonable limits, and they know, because they are so wisely frugal, that $2-3 a card is too much to spend on a Christmas card. Maybe this isn't the case with your clients, but because I too am frugal and I want to encourage my clients to continue their wise ways, I designed them this size and have a great holiday price for a batch of 4x6's.

Envelopes are widely available in sizes that will accomodate a 4x6. I recently ran out of a HUGE box of them that I picked up at a flea market for $20. Locally I can purchase envelopes at stationary and office supply stores. I searched for 4x6 envelopes on the web and found many different companies selling them. I am offering envelopes to my clients that use a template with their pictures, but some of them are just sticking them in their store bought Christmas cards.

Another option is to change the dimensions of the template either directly or by increasing the canvas space and getting creative ;)

Thanks for asking Derek!

Whew!

2007-10-10T22:01:00.000-07:00

I'm done! I finished up the Holiday templates for 4x6 prints! You can see them here. I had to watch 2 Christmas movies and tune into Christmas Music on Pandora to stay in the mood. I'm glad it's done, because I REALLY don't want to get burned out on Christmas before Halloween!

If you're interested in the Holiday Templates you have 2 options, paypal me (mokistar at aol dot com)$25 for just the Holiday set OR you can order both the baby announcement sets and the Holiday set combined for $40.

Well, I've got to get back to work...just pinning down final details for upcoming mini sessions.

Pleasantly Surprised

2007-10-08T10:18:00.000-07:00

I finished my baby boy announcements and popped on to flickr to show some friends and found that there is interest in buying the templates. What a happy Monday morning surprise!

If you're interested, here are the details:

Galleries:girls and boys

There are 9 girls and 9 boys layered templates in psd format designed for 4x6 prints. Also included are instructions on how to add your pictures. If you would like to purchase the files, paypal $25 to mokistar at aol dot com and make sure to specify that you want the birth announcements (since I am finishing up the holiday tamplates today)

Baby Girls

2007-10-05T15:40:00.001-07:00

I had my baby. I'm sure most of my readers know that from the other blog I write and my flickr account. It's been 2 weeks already! Time does fly...when you're not 40 weeks pregnant ;)

I've officially gone back to work and had my first session this week with my good friend Nikki's baby...born just 4 days before my little e. So I spent today getting the sample announcements for baby girls done and up in a gallery. You can see them here. Let me know what you think. I tried to make them different from other templates I've seen... a little more my style.

Being patient

2007-09-18T11:41:00.001-07:00

B and I were just out playing on the porch with the great light...When I came back in to process them, the mommy of this lovely baby stopped by to give me a foot massage!!! How sweet is that! She's anxious to put me in labor! LOL! We're headed over to their house for lunch now, so I think I'll bring my camera along and do a freebie session to pay her back....anybody else want a freebie session? Just give me a foot massage!

I'm a Liar ;)

2007-09-11T20:13:00.000-07:00

See, I tell you I am wrapping things up, but then I take a special trip downtown to do some test shots at a new-to-me location. I think the light is BEAUTIFUL there and would love to go down in the morning to try the other side of the building as well. It's so close to some of my clients favorite photo spots that it would be so easy to make it a second loaction for any session and have a picnic there too!

Wrapping it up

2007-09-10T18:01:00.000-07:00

The two older kiddos have been in school for a full week. Mostdays B and I get so bored...well she gets bored while I'm trying to work ;) Most days we end up leaving the house. But on this particular day, her outfit was too cute to not do a mini session with her.

My due date is coming up in a little more than a week. I can't believe how fast it's gone by and how easy it was to continue working in my third trimester. I hope the trade off for having an easy pregnancy won't be a difficult baby ;)

I have a few more orders to process before the weeks over and then plan to spend all remaining time putting together my holiday promotional packages. I'm very excited about all the new clients and potential clients that have been contacting me about doing holiday pictures! And don't worry about me taking too much time off for maternity leave! You can't keep this photographer from her camera! I'll be back to work a few weeks after this bebe joins us.

The Last Baby

2007-09-03T19:33:00.001-07:00

As far as I know, this little gal is the last baby session I have until I do my own baby's session. Like all of the babies I've taken pictures of this summer, she was a doll, and awake! Most photographers luck out(?) with sleeping babies...I luck out with awake babies that are just dreamy and sweet. I even get to hold them and coo ;)

Don't you just love her hair!?

In not too many days...

2007-09-03T18:08:00.000-07:00

Our 3 will become 4. I'm still cramming some sessions into these last couple of weeks. I think nesting energy is kicking in and helping out a little bit ;)

New Baby Session

2007-08-30T22:26:00.000-07:00

Nope, not mine. I've got to finish proofing this session and do another newborn tomorrow before I can even think about having my own baby. ;)

Yay for me!

2007-08-24T16:18:00.001-07:00

So the news I have been waiting for! I entered a contest for a seat at Skye Hardwick's Business Bootcamp workshop in Salt Lake in February! Brrrrr! And I won! I'm so excited!!

mmmm yummy actions

2007-08-21T10:49:00.000-07:00

Whenever I explain what a PS action is to those that don't know, I compare it to a recipe...Take one pic of mine, a couple of ingredients, follow the "recipe" and voila! yumminess

Anna from Indie Art Photography has her cool indie actions on sale (2 sets for $20) until midnight tonight. They have been on my "to buy" list for a couple of weeks, so I HAD to pick them up now! I think they are a perfect package of everything you need. What I like best, with how they work with my pictures, is the great contrast I get out of the black and white and mocha actions after I add a small curve adjustment. I'm always looking for that!

An Ideal Morning

2007-08-11T09:50:00.000-07:00

When a session goes this well, I just have to post within hours!

We went out early, in the perfect morning sun. The W's had chosen wonderfully cozy autumn clothing, but an early morning here is only about 70 degrees...perfect for a pair of jeans! (I even got to wear jeans for the first time in the past hot weeks of pregnancy.) Their little Miss K had the perfect smile every time! And little Mr. L?! He had the best ideas for poses! I'm ready to hire him as my assistant!

N and D and baby

2007-08-09T20:38:00.000-07:00

Ingredients:
Clouds
Wind
My big pregnant belly
Her big pregnant belly
A cozy doorway
innovation

Mix together and voila!!!

My friend N is due just a week or two before me...we're miserable together.

My Kid

2007-07-31T15:53:00.000-07:00

Her aunties and I contribute to her rebel side...I even let her ditch school today! She has only a few more days before her month long summer break, but I couldn't resist. Her aunties contribute in their own ways...typically adorning here with skull and crossbone suspenders, "Nightmare Before Christmas" t-shirts, and any other fanciful yet semi-punk rock item.

My hope is that with all this fashion support, there won't be a need to rebel too much once those teenage years come along ;)

We shot this in one of our favorite spots in our favorite little local village. I've got some local location scouting to do for up coming sessions. I can't believe I haven't used this one yet!

How Could I Forget? Oh yeah I'm pregnant...

2007-07-28T18:22:00.000-07:00

I was looking through my sessions and family shots this month and can't believe I didn't post anything about this cute little gal with the bubbles!

Her mom is an interior designer and totally appreciates an artistic eye! They also come back a lot for sessions. I've done big sister's session last year, mom's maternity session, and now this new little miss! I hope they stick around for a long time so I can watch the cuties grow up!

e.e. cutie

2007-07-25T07:37:00.000-07:00

Let me tell you what happens when you get pregnant...you forget things...like you forget you have a doctors appointment, you forget your favorite show is on tonight, you forget to wash your socks, you forget to send a client a link to their gallery...that's what happened with this cutie...lost for a bit on my computer, I got the sweetest email from his mom, wondering if I was okay, am I feeling fine with this pregnancy, oh and do I have the gallery ready?...

Yup, I'm okay, my brain just fell out a couple hundred miles back ;) He's so super sweet, isn't he?!

Our Pirate Friends

2007-07-24T17:40:00.000-07:00

We call these cool guys our pirate friends...a couple years ago, my T-man and these two fellas went to a Halloween party as pirates. They had pretty much just met and became fast friends, running around the church, attacking princesses and ghosties with foam swords. So since then, they are our "pirate friends."

This is the second session I have had with their family, (mom is a good friend.) I don't know what it is about these guys, they are so flippin' photogenic and LOVE to get their pictures taken!!! I should kidnap them some afternoon and take them around town for some random bright shots!

Self Portraits...not an easy thing

2007-07-22T21:57:00.001-07:00

I pulled out lights, backdrops and costumes tonight to play around. I'm so a do it myself kind of gal, so of course I had to take a shot at doing some of my own maternity pics...sure wish Joleen was coming through to do them for me ;)

Have I mentioned???

2007-05-22T12:15:00.000-07:00

Have I mentioned that I love digital photography??? There's really so much you can do! Can you imagine, someone comes to me and says "I'd like a portrait of my family, but I want something REALLY different...something funky, loud, original." And I can say "no prob, bob."

I'm thinking of doing a nice big funky loud portrait of my own family!

Today we drove to the park that our play date was to be at, only to discover hundreds of running screaming children had invaded the park (some sort of field day.) So we drove up to the gas station, picked up some fun (nasty for me) blue Jones sodas, and hit a quieter smaller park. The kids had so much fun and I got to take loads of pics to play with! Ahhh if every day was this easy...

Eat it RAW!

2007-05-17T14:45:00.000-07:00

A little "Popeye" movie humor up there in the title...always think of that line when I hear the word "raw."

So here's the story. Marina Miller is an admired phtographer over on flickr. She's got a fun style with a bit of punk rock edge. She is releasing a big set of raw settings for photgraphers to give the'r pics a similar tweak. (if you know stuff about digital photography and adobe, then you have an idea of what I am talking about.) Well, guess what! I hadn't shot in raw yet (sucessfully) so I spent a good amount of time this morning making sure I had all the Adobe updates I needed so I could. And look at the fun results!!! I love it!Not really something for my clients ;) but still SO FREAKIN' FUN!!!

This girl cracks me up!

2007-05-11T21:51:00.000-07:00

In fact, I say it so often that whenever she does make me laugh, she asks, "I 'cack' you up, mommy?"

What a nut!

I love digital!!!

2007-05-06T15:16:00.000-07:00

What I really love about photography in this day and age is all the capabilities of digital. Everyday people can gather information from any number of sources and create a beautiful picture. And there are so many talented artists willing to share techniques, tools, and secrets!.

Something I always enjoyed when I was younger was using cameras, lenses, and filters that gave you different looks. In high school we played with a technique called polaroid transfer. Using a special polaroid film and machine you could transfer photos to watercolor paper and they generally had a really funky worn edge. We also made pinhole cameras (a box with a pinhole to let light in that would then "take" a picture onto the photo paper inside!)

Now with digitial I don't have to use film, large quantities of chemicals or spend loads of money...wellllll, not on film, paper, and chemicals anyways. But with a couple of computer tools and techniques I can turn one of my everyday photos into a textures worn, aged piece of art. It's not really something that sells to clients, but something fun for me to do in my spare time...like when I'm recuperating from a bad sprained ankle ;)

He BETTER be wishing

2007-04-10T09:49:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, hubs had to kick T-man off from his computer time, for only a minute, to double check and address on ebay. Boy! Was T-man upset! In fact to get back at us he went back to ebay and placed a $5000 bid on a 1998 Harley Davidson and won! Now I have to pay $67 to the seller so he can relist! Yay!

First session of the year is a new baby!

2007-03-30T13:31:00.000-07:00

After a long dreary brown winter, I am getting busy again! My first photo session was with a brand new week old baby! Aren't his feet just so little!?

I haven't done a newborn session in almost a year so I was a wee bit nervous at first. But things went smoothly. Baby was in a pretty good if not hungry mood ;) I have at least 2 more baby sessions in the next month and know a good deal of other pregnant mommies due before the year's over! I think my infant experience will be quite full this year!

Notecard Swap

2007-03-26T14:48:00.001-07:00

I signed up for Regina's notecard swap knowing full well that I wasn't going to craft anything but instead use some photos I did last summer. These pics have gone over really well on flickr. I think in combination with nostalgia, the colors really help push it over the top.

It's not something too hard to do, if you want to take some commercial looking pics of some of your collectibles. Just set up a piece of scrapbook paper on a table and prop another one up against a stack of books. Open a window with some good light and set up your fun! I submit my digital files to Walmart and get 12 ¢ prints...really cheap for the beginnings of a notecard that looks like a boutique sold it, no?

(cross posting on my new craft blog.

Without the clan

2007-03-21T22:07:00.000-07:00

It's really a rare day when C-bug and I can get out by ourselves to do a session. Not only do the other two punkin heads want to always tag along with mom, but their daddy is more than happy to oblige them. But with gentle pressure from me and a contest to prepare for, the Mr. "let" us go alone.

We drove through a couple of village streets looking for the ideal location. Plenty of fields and stream-like irrigation ditches but nothing seemed right. As we drove past C's great grandfather's property I looked down the long lane as I do every morning and afternoon when I pass it on the way to or from school. He's got a security gate which is always closed. But today it wasn't.

We love the man DEARLY, but only see him a couple times a year (which is pretty pathetic considering he lives only a few miles from us!) But it's one of those kind of relationships if ya know what I mean. We pulled half way through the lane and I stopped. I felt so silly...How do I go up to his house and ask if we can take picture of C around his farm??? And then I saw him, standing in his driveway about 300 feet down staring at my big red van, probably wondering what wierdo had decided to pull half way down his lane and stop! Wht could I do? I took my foot off the brake and slowly finished the drive.

So, do you think he shooed us away, or laughed at me, or gawked at my MESSY van? Nope! He told us to go ahead and do whatever we wanted, had a good long chat with us afterward and told us his gate is always open...and if it's not, the code is #XXXX.

One more sunny day

2007-03-20T13:12:00.000-07:00

Finally, a drive down the local village road shows the greens, pinks, and whites of spring! My tulips are beginning to bloom, the apricot blossoms have come and gone and left little nubs and small green leaves, and the skies have been dotted with billowy white clods every late afternoon.

We've been scoping out locations for all my spring time shoots. The botanical gardens have yet to impress though. I think they have been mostly landscaped to endure our hot summers.

And the forecast tells us that today may be the last sunny day for just a little while. The final tell tale sign of spring in New Mexico, thunderstorms! Love 'em!

Yesterday's Birthday Girl

2007-03-16T08:39:00.000-07:00

Her being 11 makes me feel old! How silly is that?!

The funny secret behind this photo is that there was a 12-14 year old boy out skate boarding. We passed him as we walked down the street a few minutes earlier. C-bug kept her gaze straight ahead (and confident) while he tried to discreetly peek at her through his long shaggy bangs! She didn't believe me when I told her!

I had to tease her later when he was again trying inconspicuously to watch us do this picture. If he only knew what a child she is! LOL!