Changes

Definitely something I've been wanting to see in all areas of my life. Don't get me wrong, I am a truly happy woman. Feel truly blessed beyond measure. However, I need change. I want change. It can be scary but, in many cases, totally necessary. It pushes you to uncomfortable places but, once you accept, embrace, and adapt, it can feel pretty powerful and so darn good!

I'm taking baby steps but this year I am going out of my element in many areas in my life because I want to see change. Frustration has been wanting to come over for dinner and possibly stay for a while and quite frankly, she's not welcomed. So, instead of entertaining unwanted guest, I've taken a different approach. There's a quote that I have heard and read many times and every time I come across it, I picture those HUGE orangey foam hands with the pointing finger pointed directly at me. It goes something like this: "Insanity is doing the same thing, over and over again, expecting a different result". Like wow. Really! Soo true! It applies to so many areas in my life and...IT BUGS ME! So, time for change. Time to get uncomfortable. Time to accept, embrace, and adapt. I'm just in the beginning stages but, already, I fell less insane. Yay me!

And here I leave you with some photos of my beautiful niece as I tackled a project I've been wanting to try for a while, night photography with an external flash. Still have a lot to learn but, at least I finally tried it and we had fun in the process. Trying new things in order to experience change.















Special thanks to my hubby for helping me out that night. (Bodyguard slash flashlight pointer slash stylist slash best thing that has ever happened to me;)

They grow so fast

I could remember the days my sister use to let him sleep over when he was a toddler. He was a cuddler, liked to cuddle and I loved every minute of it. He would snuggle up really close, hug me, and kiss my cheek (he melted my heart). Then he grew up, and believe it or not, he still likes to cuddle but in a different kind of way. You know, the "Titi, let me see if I can carry you" kind of way, or wrestling with his uncle, or snatching his cousins hat from his head and running away. That's his way of saying...I love you. He's a teenager now, just turned 15 a few weeks ago. We did a mini session in order to make some invitations for his birthday party. I didn't think it was going to happen because, well, he's ALWAYS goofing around in front of the camera. He actually told me "naw Titi, that's not my thing". I guess his mom talked me out of it and I was so happy he agreed. We had such a nice time and I was very impressed with my new teenage nephew. He's growing up! He actually let me take his picture, and he wasn't crossing his eyes. Look how handsome he is. I love him so much, wish I could pick him up, hold him close, and kiss his cheek but, I will have to settle with letting him pick me up for now. I love you Elijah. Muah!








He likes to play chess so I wanted to get him in action. Taught me a couple things, I can't play if my life depended on it but, looks interesting;)

Not a baby anymore

It seems like just yesterday I saw her come into this world. I was excited, emotional, and in absolute awe by what I had just witnessed. It was my first child bearing experience. It was AWESOME! I mean, reality tv had nothing on this! She was the first baby to come into our family. We were all so excited. She was the cutest thing ever. Tiny as can be and perfect. I can remember her curly little pinky toe. She was all too comfortable in her mommy's belly and stretched and pressed her little feet into her mom's ribs which gave her what I call her "curly pinky toe". It was absolute joy and perfection what I had just experienced.

Today, that tiny little person turns 15 (gosh I feel old). I can't believe how time just sped by us. A few weeks ago I had the privilege of shooting part of her Quince's photo shoot. I totally enjoyed every minute with my favorite fifteen year old girly girl. I thought she was precious when she was born but she's even more beautiful to me now that she's bigger and can talk and is constantly telling me that I'm her favorite aunt EVER! (Calm down dear sisters of mine...it's my blog and I can write and make up what I want to;).

Princess Jazmyne, I love you more than I ever could have imagined. I loved you when you were a baby and I've loved being your aunt in every stage of your life after that. I hope you enjoyed your birthday and pray that God bless you with many blessings today and the rest of your life. Enjoy being a teen because it goes by quick. I love you Princess.

Here's just a few of part one of her session (BEWARE...the beauty in my family is blinding;)

Mr. Fifteen

Its been a long time coming but we finally did it. Mr. Travis turned 15 in early September but due to our conflicting schedules and my never ending move, it had to be postponed but I must say, it was well worth the wait. We (Travis, my niece Jazmyne, and I) had a great time exploring the site and getting creative. At first he was a little hesitant to do what I asked but, I won him over and it didn't take long for him to get comfortable in front of the camera. His attention span was a little short (lol) but we worked it out. He's definitely a cutie isn't he? We'll be doing another session at a second location soon so stay tuned for that! Happy Belated Travis. Hope you like your sneak peek!




Had to talk him into this one...he finally did it for me;)

The Humming Beauty

"Wait, what am I doing?" is what she asked almost every time she saw me clicking away at the camera. I tried my best to make her laugh but, I think she made me laugh even more. Whenever I asked her for a serious expression, she'd hum things. Yes, things. She was actually "asking" me something by humming. I tell you, she had me cracking up. This beautiful young lady, Jasmine, is the daughter of a very close and special friend to our family (Yes Nay, I'm talking about you;). She called me out of the blue because she wanted some special pictures of her beautiful teenage princess. I've known her since she was a baby, saw her crawling around with my nieces and nephew, and now, she's taller than me. Well, almost everyone is taller than me but that's besides the point. At any rate, it was an absolute pleasure spending this VERY HOT (sorry girls) saturday afternoon with a fun group of girls. You made me feel young again;) Special shout out to her BFF, Veronica, the beauty in the maroon shirt, and Noemi for being a wonderful assistant! Til next time! Yup, there is a part two to this session. This is becoming a habit :O

Yup...she's humming.

Looky, Looky Part II

OK, so every session is my favorite but, really? Look at this kid! We had so much fun with this shoot (yes, again). It got really hot. Like way hot. But I managed to stay in a good mood. Actually, I was quite happy to be honest with you. Oniel is a saint no matter how hot or cold it is, so the heat didn't bother him a bit. He was so open to try whatever, whenever, and I just LOVED THAT! He went back home today:( His parents and sisters missed him a bunch and came to pick him up). I'm so grateful and honored that they chose me to capture such a special time in their lives. I feel special! Thanks so much my special familia from Kissimmee! Oniel went back home a little different though, he went back all "Model" like. Before leaving, he actually told his mom "Can we do this for my 16th birthday too"? After cracking up, she popped him on the head and told him to take a chill pill (lol). Coming from a very quiet kid...that made my day. No, my year! Let me know what you think!

Looky Here, Looky Here!

I just love it when I get the opportunity to get someone, who is not use to being the center of attention, in front of my camera. This young man is tremendously quiet but an absolute joy to be around...and very photogenic! He's a natural I tell you! We had so much fun. He knew exactly what to do and when to do it. Between you and I, I THINK HE REALLY ENJOYED HIMSELF! My darling Oniel came all the way from Kissimmee (a 3-4 hour drive) to get his pictures taken. His very proud Grandma wanted to treat him to a very special gift for his fifteenth birthday (you're the bomb G-MA). Oniel, you're soo adorable and sooo sweet, I wanna keep you forever! There's another part to this session, and I'm totally excited about it. Can't wait to show you all...but we must wait. HA! Stay tuned!

Sweet and 15

Check out little Miss "T". Today we did her "Sweet Fifteens" photo shoot and I must say...I had a great time. One of the first things I asked her was "do you like to take pictures"? She answers "no". Well she could've fooled me! She was a natural. Turning the face, giving me the eyes...she was great! I have so many favorites but for now here's two. Isn't she pretty? Miss "T", enjoy this time in your life. It goes by soo fast!