project ten: comfort

Comfort to me is home.

 It's your relief from the busy world.

It's your safe zone. 

It's where you can lounge in your pj's all day.

Take over all the furniture with your lego creations.

Snuggle on the couch with your favorite blankie.

Read books with your dad.

Create art.

Play games with your kids that they totally cheat at over and over again.

And hanging out with your most faithful four legged companion.

This is my comfort.

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 



back to school...not sure I'm ready

A new school year at a new school.

 

New friends to make.

 

 New adventures to be had.

 

 New memories to be made.

 

My youngest started school. I'm not sure that I'm quite ready for it, but I think they are.

 

I'm lucky that my kiddos go to an amazing school!!

 

 And so with that I say "cheers to a great school year!!" 

 



 

 

 

Christian and Chloe,

 I pray that you have an amazing school year. Soak up all that your teachers throw your way. Know that they love and care for you. Make lots of friends and be a friend to all you meet. Be kind. Be forgiving. Give 100% in all you do. Ask lots of questions. Most of all just be YOU!! Because you are some amazing kids and I am so proud to be your mom. Go take on this thing called school and know that mom and dad are always here to help, support and back you up.

Love,

mom.



times change and so do we...

Life doesn't stand still...no matter how hard you try and make it sometimes. Trust me, I know. I would love to freeze time right now with my sweet kiddos. They are at such a sweet and amazing age...I just want to bottle them up!

Things are always changing and that can be a good thing. For me, and this moment in time... I think it's a very good thing.

Over the past few months I have been a very busy gal and I am extremely grateful for that. It has allowed me to really "come into my own." I have learned what works for me and what doesn't.  I have also learned to be OK with that. There will always be critics and I'm OK with that too. I am comfortable in my own skin. I know what I stand for and what I offer to my clients and at the end of the day that is what matters.

So that brings me to a few changes on the business side. For a while I have been debating, talking with good friends and praying over a few things. Slowly I have been moving away from certain things and running towards others.  As of now I will no longer be shooting parties, showers or events. Also, I will no longer be photographing weddings (except very special occasions). The decision to not photograph weddings has been a hard one for me, but at the end of the day I have to follow my heart. Don't worry, I have great friends and fellow photogs to refer you to! Not to say that I never will again, but for now it's a no. A few will still be popping up on the blog as I finish up this year.

My passion is for the family and all that it includes. That is where I want to throw myself into. I want to capture the very beginnings in a maternity or newborn session. I want to freeze those moments in time for families and their sweet children. When those kids are graduating high school...I want to document those memories too. And when a couple wants to "just be"...I want to create those memories for them also.   

Also, starting July 1st the cost of a newborn session with me will be increasing. So if you are planning on one of these sessions with me in the next few months you may want to get it on the books this month. If you follow me on facebook then you already know I will be keeping my summer schedule light, so if you are wanting a session please book early.

I am also excited to announce my 1st shoot out. This is going to be so much fun and a great learning opportunity as well. Details and registration will launch for this tomorrow (5/8). Please check out the details, this will be limited to a very small group.

If anyone read this far, thank you. I know it was a bit all over the place. ;)  A BIG thank you to all of you for your continued support (and even those non-supporters). ;)  Because of you I get to do a job that I LOVE!!

xo 

I know how you feel {my family session}

A few months ago my own family had our photos taken. I was so excited! It had been a little over a year and a half since our last family photos, I know...gasp, but my kids were just at ages where they wouldn't even look at the camera. Maybe cause they were sick of mine. ;) 

So the planning began. Much talking, texting and messaging between me and my incredibly talented friend and fellow photographer Mandy Lowe. She lives in Texas and was going to be out for a visit so I begged her to fit us in...so glad she did. So location is set and photographer is set. Now to find outfits, well all my original thoughts went out the window and I was getting the final touches a day before the session. Yea, not what I planned on!

 The day of our session my son hates his shirt because it's a button up and doesn't have a cartoon character on in. My daughter who NEVER gets sick is sick. As in...I don't want to get out of bed, move, get dressed, I'm not walking or brush anything sick. ;( Poor thing!! 

We get ready and head out. All I need is just one family photo I tell Mandy and my grumpy kids. I thought we were doomed when Chloe wouldn't let daddy put her down, but that quickly changed. She began to perk up and my sweet girl shined through. She may not have worn her shoes, custom made hair band or accessories, but she was happy and herself. Can't ask for anymore than that.

So when I say that "I know how you feel"...believe me, I do!! And although it didn't go the way I planned in my head, it was beyond perfect. Our family was captured as we really are and those moments are captured forever to enjoy. I will forever have my kids frozen at this very special time in their lives.

I know what it feels like to anticipate my photo session, wait for the preview, anticipate the package in the mail and cry viewing the images with my family.

To Mandy I say "thank you!!" You have given me a priceless gift that I am forever grateful for and I love you.

To all of you who have let me do that for you...I am honored.

Here is just a peek at some of my favorites... 

I am so in love with this next one.

 

This next one captures her perfectly. She LOVES flowers and make-up.

she holds a piece of my heart {family}

She is one of those special people that you hope you are lucky enough to find.

Someone that you trust.

Someone that you know has a soft and good heart.

Someone that will know how to soothe their little heart's when you are not there.

Someone who will guide them in the right direction.

She is that someone for me.

She was my son's kindergarten teacher and will be my daughter's.  

And she holds a piece of my heart!! 

Dena, thank you for caring so much about my littles! And thank you for trusting my to capture some memories of your special people.

xoxo

   

Happy Halloween!! {mine}

May your day be full of lots of sweet treats and few tricks!

Happy Halloween!



I was a spotlighted {Inland Empire Photographer}

While I was out of town with my family over 4th of July I got a text from a good friend congratulating me on my feature. Yea, I had NO idea what she was talking about!! I quickly called for my hubby so we could use his spiffy phone to pull up the article.

You see, I had done the interview for this feature a while back and didn't even know if it would ever be used. Thank goodness one friend saw it and spread the word to my informative friend.

The article was used on our Church site and is a fun and easy little read. You may even see some familiar photos.

You can read the full article HERE. I do have to admit though that a quote was used that was NOT mine. This is under the " How has photography influenced your spiritual understanding?" Sorry guys, I'm not that good! haha!!! 

Enjoy...and always thanks for all the support and love you all give me. It's much appreciated!! 

Michelle Peterson, Southern California

How long have you been a photographer?

I am just starting into my third year.

What got you interested in photography?

Well, I started just wanting to get good pictures of my own children, and it just grew from there.

What is your photography specialty?

Children and families—it just kind of happened that way.

How did you get interested in submitting your photos to the Church?

My mother and sister-in-law found an article in a Church publication and told me to go for it.

How do you feel you can use photography to build up the kingdom or share the gospel?

In my profession I get to shoot photos of a lot of people who aren't members of the Church, and I try to be an example for them.

What about photography inspires you?

I love seeing families and children interacting. I love when a photographer captures a smile or a moment that can later bring tears to your eyes and make the moment last forever.

What part of photography is the most rewarding?

Seeing people's reactions when they view their galleries or when I deliver their photos.

How has photography influenced your spiritual understanding?

Years ago, I had the opportunity to have dinner with a freelance photographer for National Geographic. One tip he shared was perspective, and to look to the light. Looking for the light has been my inspiration. The way light rests upon any subject can turn an average photo into a masterpiece. Without light, there would be nothing to photograph. As light rests upon the subject, the subject radiates to its full potential. We also radiate as individuals when we allow the giver of all light, our Savior, to rest upon us. We then rise to our full potential and become a masterpiece in His hands.

If you could take photos of anything, what would it be?

My family and loved ones. I want to document life's moments for those I love the most in this world.

Where is your “dream location” to shoot?

Paris, France. I love the character and the charm of the “city of lights.” And my hubby served his mission in France, so that helps too.

Where is your favorite location to shoot?

Outdoors with that yummy natural lighting.

How would you describe your photography?

Fun, colorful, candid, and natural.

What tip or trick have you learned along the way that made the biggest difference in the quality of your photos?

Don't push for a perfect shot. Capture life as it is. Just let your clients be themselves, and the moments will happen.

What advice would you give to new photographers?

Take the time to really learn “your” style, and don't be afraid to just be yourself. You will always have critics, but just block out all the negativity. If you like your photos and your clients like them, then that is all that matters.

How much do you edit your photos?

As little as possible. Every picture is different, but you don't want to lose the realness of the image.