High School, Gold Shoes and Doors | Queen Creek, AZ Senior Photographer

One of the best things about photographing high school students and seniors is seeing their ability to put clothing together.  I am always amazed that I am far from having the latest styles hanging in my closet but I get to see individuality in them.  Each one comes with a different flare and spunk, different colors and textures, something that reflects who they are at that time.  Tori had some great shoes that sparkled-ahhh, just like her cute personality.  I loved her sass and her giggles.  I loved her dark hair and fair skin.  I loved her accessories.  AND, I was able to capture different sides of that spunkiness…    Loved this morning with awesome models, beautiful light and fun personalities.  And Tori, maybe I could borrow those shoes?

Make-up by Patrick Brannigan (love this guy!)

Babies | Queen Creek, AZ Photography

What is better than perfect skin, bright eyes, and baby giggles?  Ya know what I love about this age?  They can’t run away.  : )  I get my fair share of chasing kids (I have two of my own) so this was a nice break.  She sat perfectly-mostly in her own world, watching the park goers and leaves blow by.  She had some drooling here and there and loved it-some may clean it up, clone it out of there but I thought it said, “I am a baby and I drool.”  :)  These were taken on a beautiful March day in Queen Creek, AZ at Power Ranch.  One of the greatest benefits of being a Queen Creek photographer is scheduling sessions during spring and fall in Arizona is the chance to take a break from the cold and soak up the sunshine and eat at some of my favorite places.

I used my 24-70mm lens because packing all my favorite stuff wasn’t an option.  I really wanted to bring them all but I am not keen on checking anything with camera equipment in it.   I love that lens!  So, here is this darling baby girl-proud to be sitting up and posing for her photos!

For an update on my Photo A Day project, check on my Flickr page!

High School Models | Queen Creek, AZ Photographer

High School. Style. Hair. Make-up. Friends. Weekends. Texting. Shoes. Sports. Cars. Dates. Fun. Talents. Sleep. Work. Play. Laugh.

I am searching my brain for more words but I am drawing a blank there.  I recently did a photoshoot with several high school students and the first to make it on the blog is this darling girl.  She is spunky, as a matter of fact I think her nickname is Punky!  She has a contagious laugh, her hair is a gorgeous brownish red and she has got serious style. She is a dancer (probably since she was three) and is sweet to all those around her.  I love those curls and have wished several times since this photoshoot that I could sport that with my hair but apparently 2 inches isn’t much to work with.  She woke up early for this fun morning and patiently sat while Patrick, our make-up artist, completed her make-up and lashes.  My goal with this photoshoot was to back-up.  I have a tendency to get tight crops.  All the time.  I wanted to be certain to capture her shoes-that would mean that I was backing up!  I used my 70-200mm and loved the flexibility of the zoom.  You may think (like her mother) there is added red but I assure you there is no boost in color!  : )   I did a custom white balance before each model to be certain I was on target with colors!  Those red bricks really show off her red tones!  She is adorable!

If you are following Photo A Day, visit Flickr to see the updates!

I’m too sexy for the camera | Queen Creek, AZ Photography

I was sorting through the largest Queen Creek Photography family session I have done to date, which by the way was my own large family of 28-if I remember correctly, and found these treasures.   My dear boys arrived early with me to set up and check light.  They were so patient and willing, it was unbelievable but fortunately I have these pictures as proof.  I’m not sure what I promised for this kind of behavior…???  They sat while I played with dials, set up lights, took down lights, switched out lens, and started all over.   Eventually, the rest of the party showed up but thankfully I had these two to help me prep.  The session went smoothly, I loved the light and the building structure was a perfect size for our bunch.

Happiness is… | Queen Creek, AZ Photographer

Why do we (parents, mothers, etc.) try so hard to plan extravagant vacations, introduce and expose our children to activities, spend our money in the meantime?  Well, I am taking notes here… 1. go to the store and buy a swing (or make one). 2. put your child on the swing.  3. push your child for 10 minutes.   BUT, I have to be honest and say that swinging (or pushing) is on the bottom 5 of my “what I love to do as a parent” list.  Until I saw this.  Maybe I should reevaluate and give it another try.  Her dad was pushing her and she couldn’t be happier!

Jilly and Mia | Queen Creek, AZ Photographer

Let me tell you a story about these two ladies… they are quite the duo and will keep you laughing all afternoon if you let them.  Their talent is exploding, especially when they work together.  They are devoted mothers and wives and always designing or baking something (just ask to see their to-do list)!  The projects are endless and their creations are amazing.  Their thrills come with perfect finds and an opportunity to create a trinket of treasure.   They work together, play together, and celebrate together.  It is quite a pleasure to know these two, and a gift to have them as friends!  To see what they are up to and experience their humor and personalities, you must visit Girls With Good Taste! 

Family Photo Day | Queen Creek, AZ Photographer

With a new addition to the family, it was time to update!  This year, Paisley surprised me with her interest in photos.  She was curious about the camera and looking back at me through the lens.  I kept telling her to see what would happen in there (my camera) and she looked and looked and looked.  Nothing happened (good trick, right?) but I had fun getting some pictures of her in the meantime!

Lindsey | Queen Creek, AZ Photographer

Funny how I always have my camera with me and funny how somebody in my family is always in need of something having to do with my camera.  : ) Meet Lindsey.  She’s a little goofy, she’s a little serious, and she is a very busy wife, mother, student, and employee (well, and aunt, sister, daughter, friend, neighbor, etc.).  I always love when we get together-we have some serious competitiveness going on.  She wins at Scrabble, I win at Qwirkle.  ; )  Honestly, I never thought the day would come when we could mature beyond our sibling rivalry-we always seemed to be on two very different pages.  Then, we grow up-amazing how that happens to all of us.  Marriage, wifehood, motherhood and the like can put us all back on the same page.  Linds, I love you-you are beautiful.

The archives | Queen Creek, AZ Photographer

I love going back, reviewing the past.  I often find pictures that didn’t stick with me the first time I viewed them.  As I change, I find myself liking images that may not have impacted me on round one.  So, you can understand why round two (maybe three and four) is needed.  ; )  So, I remember being in this family’s backyard and while some of the members were putting on shoes or finalizing their last minute preparations for pictures, I took a stroll with the ones that were ready.   We were getting a grasp on lighting.  They were so accommodating and cooperative.  Maybe there was no pressure, they were simply allowing me to “get ready” for pictures.  Typically the bottom of shoes isn’t a pleasant view and maybe frowned upon (and possibly offensive in some cultures??) but aren’t rules made to be broken? : ) 

Holiday mini sessions | Queen Creek, AZ photographer

As I was preparing this little nugget, I had to stop and wow at the fact that it is already time to start thinking about the holidays.  Well, I suppose it’s only time if you don’t want to fall behind.  : )  The end of the year can get so full, so busy and so complicated.  I’m excited to be in the Queen Creek area for some mini sessions on November 11, 12, 13.  The mini session will include a digital image since many like to design their own holiday greetings.  If you prefer to NOT do your own, you can substitute the digital image for other products including customized cards.  I have a limited number of appointments remaining so if you are interested, call or email me!