Cristina Thornburg Photography

Cristina Thornburg Photography has moved!

2010-02-25T12:49:00.000-08:00

Liam | San Diego newborn photographer

2009-03-05T22:32:00.000-08:00

I'd love to say more to introduce this sweet little man to you, but I'm going to keep it short in hopes of making time to blog more recent newborn sessions I've been meaning to share!

I think the images say it all! Isn't he precious?!

Steve | San Diego senior photographer

2009-02-05T10:21:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday Maria!

2008-11-30T22:54:00.000-08:00

Well, this post is just for my sweet niece who just turned four years old! We had such a great time at her garden party today. We celebrated her birthday eating breakfast, painting, planting flowers, opening presents, and eating cake. :)

After cleaning up the party area we had fun exploring. The boys especially had a wonderful time getting wet and dirty at the pond where we saw fish, tad poles, and frogs! What a great day!

Here are a few pictures from Maria's special "derpday." Happy Birthday sweet girl!

Ginger Crackle Cookies

2008-11-30T15:27:00.000-08:00

Well, yesterday I posted about a tradition we have at “Casa de Thornburg.” I bake ginger cookies to eat while we decorate the Christmas tree. We love these cookies! They are moist and chewy on the inside and crispy on the outside. Mmmm…

I baked these when we decorated our tree about four years ago, and it became an instant tradition…lol. The boys make sure I don’t forget each year! We all love them so today I thought I’d share the recipe with you. Be sure to come back and tell me if you liked them!

Ginger Crackle Cookies

1 c. brown sugar
¾ c. butter
¼ c. molasses
1 egg
1 tsp. vanilla
2 ¼ c. flour
2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. ground ginger
½ tsp. ground cloves
¼ tsp. salt
**sugar to coat

Cream room temperature butter together with brown sugar in a mixing bowl. Add in molasses, egg, and vanilla and mix until incorporated. In a separate bowl, combine dry ingredients including spices. Add dry mixture to the wet ingredients. Chill dough 30 minutes. Form dough into 1 inch balls and roll in white sugar. Place 1 inch apart on baking sheet and place in preheated 350 degree oven for 9-12 minutes or until tops are cracked and lightly browned on the bottom.

I know this post is worthless without pictures, but I’ll have to come back and post one after I’ve baked these!

Ciao!

We did it! We got our Christmas tree!

2008-11-29T20:30:00.001-08:00

The boys had great fun checking out all the Christmas trees at our "favorite home improvement store" this afternoon. It's a favorite tradition. Tomorrow, I'll mix up a batch of chewy ginger crackle cookies to eat while we decorate the tree with ornaments and lights!

It is super fun to have older boys who are strong and willing to help out. They are part of things in a whole new way as they grow up.

I just love these little boys!

As it turned out we all had different ideas about just which tree we should take home! Which one do you like better? :)

I hope that you are all having a blessed holiday season with loved ones!

SALE! Canvas Gallery Wraps are 20% off until December 15, 2008

2008-11-28T20:10:00.000-08:00

As many of you already know...these canvas wraps are awesome! Your favorite image(s) come(s) printed right on an artist canvas and is wrapped around a 1 1/2 inch wooden frame. Your new work of art comes complete with hanging hardware already assembled and is ready for hanging!

Take advantage of this limited time special! Happy Holidays!

B family | San Diego baby photographer

2008-11-28T17:56:00.000-08:00

I had the pleasure of photographing this terrific family just a few weeks ago. Zachary is now 4 months and has changed so much since his newborn session at just 6 days old! (I was super busy when we did his session so he's not on the blog--sniff--I'll have to share those one of these days because he was a cutie!)

Enjoy!

Dad has been away for a few months and it was so great to see their new family so happy to be together!

Just a few of a cute Colorado baby...

2008-10-01T19:35:00.000-07:00

I was in the Denver area last month for a photography workshop, which I'll write more about later, and had the added treat of a visit with my little niece. Spencer's sister and her husband were kind enough to host me for a few nights while I was in Littleton, Colorado.

Here are just a few snaps of Claire with her Mama.

I also got to stay a few nights with some dear friends Lee and Sheri (and their five fun kiddos) from WAY back when...special friends of ours from before we were married with children! It was so special to see them; I can't wait till we can get our families together again.

I enjoyed doing a session with the kids and then a mini family session before I left Colorado. I'll definitely be posting some pics of them here soon.

Ciao!

Not JUST another wedding...

2008-09-30T23:09:00.000-07:00

How can I not post a few snaps from my own brother's wedding!? Yup, my lil bro (well, he's not really so little!) got married just 10 days ago! And would you believe Mike and Gigi got married at the same exact spot I married my beloved some thirteen years ago?! My "Papa" Vahac performed the ceremony and participated in our's too. These details made the day extra special!

Mike and Gigi did a great job planning and executing their wedding! The day was just perfect with gorgeous San Diego weather!

Here are a few I took while we were waiting for the limo to pick us up to go to the ceremony!

I love how happy they both look in this picture!

Leaving Hunter Park in San Marcos to go to the reception!

And last but not least! My new nephews! It would be an understatement to say that my kiddos are so excited to have new cousins close in age!

Spencer and I were both honored to be included in the wedding party, so I happily relinquished my "photographer hat" to Melissa. I'm so grateful for all she did for us that day. She's posted a sneak peek on her blog if you'd like to see a few more images from their special day.

A quick sneak peek for Beaudy!

2008-09-29T18:34:00.000-07:00

Isn't she a doll? She is almost 7 months old. This little one travelled all the way from Montana. She is visiting her newborn twin cousins in California. Her mommy REALLY wanted pictures done with us during her visit, so we squeezed her in!

I'm glad we did. Beaudy was a sweetie!

I just have time for one right now! I'll be in touch with you soon about the rest!

Arrhenotoky...

2008-09-20T00:16:00.000-07:00

Main Entry: ar·rhe·not·o·ky
Pronunciation: uh-WREN-uh-toe-key
Function: noun
Inflected Form(s): plural -kies
: parthenogenesis in which only males are produced -- compare DEUTEROTOKY, THELYTOKY

Bet that's a word you haven't used lately, eh? It's become a joke among friends ever since we came across it playing Balderdash! According to Balderdash, it's used to refer to a woman that has only given birth to boys. I'm SURE you wanted to know all this!

Anyways, hope you enjoy my quick share...I just love these boys to pieces! These are the younger two of the four that fill my happy (wild and crazy) casa! I think I'd better enjoy them while they're little....for soon I shall be surrounded by men!

A sneak peek for a super sweet senior!

2008-09-17T19:38:00.000-07:00

Well, "newborns are my niche."

BUT that doesn't mean I can't mix it up a little! I had so much fun shooting this session with high school senior, Rachel. Last night we headed down to the Oceanside Harbor and then finally to the beach to create few more images.

Rachel will graduate from Escondido Charter High School in 2009 and I know her parents must be so proud of her! woot!

Are her eyes gorgeous, or what? She's got a heart of gold to match. What a sweetie!

Skate shoes...

2008-09-12T15:59:00.000-07:00

So, I'm clearly behind in blogging. I've been keeping busy editing sessions and filling orders, not to mention homeschooling the kiddos! Yes, school is back in full swing. Life is so busy, but what a blessing it is to do what I do. I am so thankful for God's many blessings in my life!

I have so many recent sessions I want to share with you but until I get to it, here's one quick collage featuring "the Jakester." Hopefully his grandparents will get a kick out of it!

Have a great day!

Siena and Madeline...

2008-08-27T09:09:00.000-07:00

This is a sneak peek for Siena and Madeline's mommy and daddy. We just did this session this past weekend and I completely enjoyed it. What a sweet family.

Aren't these baby girls beautiful?! They were born two weeks ago at just 36 weeks gestation, so they are a TINY 5 pounds each!

Hope you enjoy the sneak peek, J & M; I'll be contacting you soon with your link and password to view your image previews.

Meet Taylor...

2008-07-11T16:25:00.000-07:00

I just thought I'd share a few snaps for her mama from this afternoon...

We came, we ate, we conquered...

2008-07-07T17:02:00.000-07:00

Well, since I couldn't let free Del Mar Fair tickets go to waste, I invited a couple girlfriends to come play. Yesterday was the last day of the fair so we made the most of it.

Now, it was the Del Mar Fair for all the many years I went as a child. Somehow, along the way, it's gotten renamed the San Diego County Fair. It's all good in my book, just as long as they still have fried zucchini with ranch dressing for dipping, funnel cakes, fresh squeezed lemonade, and yummy garlic fries!

I did take my point and shoot along for a few fun snaps. Here's a few for the girls! Thanks, my 'sistas' for a fun afternoon!

Thirteen years and counting!!!

2008-07-06T22:58:00.000-07:00

Candles, tablecloth, cloth napkins, red wine, salad, shrimp scampi, roasted parmesan asparagus, in a quiet retreat with no kids....delightful. A dear friend inspired me to do this "special home date" for my husband. Thanks, Marjorie! It was wonderful!

My sweet husband and I reached our 13th anniversary this past week, and while we enjoyed an evening out (at the San Diego County Fair!), I still envisioned a more private evening to celebrate. So anyways, last night, I set up this romantic, little table for two, complete with china, in our bedroom! Isn't that fun?! Well, we thought so; you should try it sometime! :wink:

My hubby has always appreciated the finer things and my efforts weren't in vain! (For those of you wondering, the kids were happily packed off to Grandma and Grandpa's house for the night--you know we didn't want to be interrupted during dessert...lol!)

Of course, a photo blog post is worthless without a picture!

Free Summer Movies

2008-07-02T20:27:00.000-07:00

Be sure and check out the Family Film Festival at Regal Cinemas in your area. They are showing two, family friendly movies each day on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings at 10am. It's a great way to escape the heat and entertain your kiddos!

We met up with our good friends this morning at Edwards 18 in San Marcos and saw "Bee Movie." The kids hadn't seen it yet and loved it. After the movie we picked up a pizza and took it to the park for a picnic! (Too bad I didn't take my camera, huh?)

Got any other great ideas for summer activities? Post them below in the comments!

Abuelo Ismael

2008-06-30T23:36:00.000-07:00

My "abuelo" died tonight. I'm sorry I won't be traveling with my Dad (and Mom) to see my abuela and other family in Mexico but my prayers are with them all.
I am so thankful that I saw both my grandparents , when they came for a visit, just recently, in April. They only come north, to the U.S., every so often for a visit or for medical reasons.

My grandfather lived in a tiny, farm town, in the state of Sonora, Mexico, called El Valle de Tacupeto. The population is less than 500 and the few roads through the town are still unpaved, hard-packed dirt. The homes are built from (adobe) mud bricks. Visiting there is quite an experience; it's like being in a completely different country! Okay, I'm kidding now; it IS another country!!! Seriously, though, visiting there felt like traveling back in time. They still light a fire to run the water heater to take a shower!

Regretfully, the last time I visited there, was 11 years ago, when I was pregnant with our first child. But, I am so thankful that our two oldest boys were able to experience the adventure of traveling there with my Mom and Dad last year.

I have fond memories of visiting "El Valle" as a child. We would ride, on the tail-gate of the pickup truck, to "Ojo de Agua" and the small house there, where my dad would spend the hot summers as a small boy. The spring, behind the old farm house, produced the sweetest water, which we'd scoop up with dried, hollowed out gourds, for a refreshing drink on a hot day. My abuelo would be sure to have a few nursing calves (and their mamas!) brought down from the hills so that we'd have fresh milk to drink. I remember being impressed, even as a child, at what a hard worker my grandfather was. Even as an old man, he would walk the few miles to the farm each day to draw water from the well, feed and water the animals, and work the land.

Some of my other favorite memories from that old town include riding horses, hiking, learning to drive my Dad's truck on the "landing strip" (I was 12 years old!), playing in the river with my brothers and cousins, and eating my abuela's home cooking, which included delicious flour tortillas (fresh every morning!)

Well now, I guess I got carried away a bit. I just thought I'd pop on here and post a picture. Surprisingly, so many memories rush into my mind. Here are just a few snapshots I took of "Abuelo" and our boys this last April.

The Perfect Breakfast

2008-06-28T09:48:00.000-07:00

At least that's what my big boys call it! (I should, too!)

Imagine this....you've just woken up on a Saturday morning, late, I might add...after your darling husband has just let you sleep in till...well, you didn't really think I was gonna tell you the how long I slept, did you?!?!

Anyway, back to the narrative...so, you've just woken up from a good night's sleep and you wake to the sweet aroma of cinnamon and sugar wafting up past your open door, and into the bedroom. The kids are pulling their creation out of the oven. The smell of "Yaya's coffeecake," (which they made from scratch, I might add!) will pull ya right out of bed in the morning!

Yes, you read that right! The kids made breakfast, before I got out of bed, AND the kitchen was actually in pretty good shape! Big plus! LOL

Now, many of you have asked, "Are you going to try again for a girl?" and when I announced to my wonderful neighbors that we were expecting a fourth son, I definitely got a few looks of pity! Be sure not to feel and pity for me, my friends! I have been lovingly dealt "four of a kind" and they have been a blessing, every one of them, every day of their lives.

Thank you my sons for being so helpful in the house, for baking treats for us all, and for your kindness to one another. I am so thankful for each of you! I love you!

P.S. And to any of you who got this far...if you'd like the recipe for this yummy coffeecake...let me know in the comments, and I'll send it to ya! Cheers!

(Oh, and if you don't have a link in your signature, plz email me at cristina@ctpstudio.com for the recipe!)

CarlyAnn

2008-06-26T23:52:00.000-07:00

Well, (once again!) it's going to be hard to pick JUST a few favorites from today's session, but this one is a keeper for sure! This little girlie has an awesome big brother. He was super today!

Hope you enjoy the sneak peak, guys! I had fun with you today. ;)

A few more from yesterday...

2008-06-26T00:14:00.000-07:00

Introducing....Baby Grace

2008-06-24T23:48:00.001-07:00

Okay, it's super late and I've got to stop working and go to bed. I just can't until I post at least one favorite from today's session with this sweet girl. She came home from the hospital last night and is just 2 days old today!

Just a few of the "little boys..."

2008-06-24T11:37:00.000-07:00

Well, I don't often post my own kiddos here but I thought I'd share a few. We recently went to Palomar Mountain for "family camp" with our church.

The boys had fun shooting at the archery range, swimming at the pool with friends, and climbing rocks. Here are just a few photos of the youngest two...

Why does custom photography cost more?

2008-06-24T11:22:00.000-07:00

I came across this site again recently and thought I'd post it here for reading at your leisure.

Digital technology is brilliant. The digital revolution has brought amazing flexibility and amazing amounts of control for the photographer, the hobbyist, the professional, the amateur. With flexibility comes a price though. Camera equipment is still considerably more expensive when you factor in its’ lifespan, the need for additional resources for processing those images, the time it takes to get a usable image and the effort that goes into all of this.

Even though you pay $1.99 for a print at your local drugstore and paying for film is pretty much a thing of the past (although you still pay for memory) you may be wondering why you may pay upwards of $40, 50, 70, 90 for a custom photography print. Some photographers hear this statement every once in awhile:

"How in the world can you charge $60 for an 8×10 if it costs me less than $2 to print at the local drug store?"

The answer is multifaceted and has a lot to do with the time, aforementioned equipment costs, artistic vision and reputation of the photographer, expertise and the usual costs of running a legitimate business.

TIME of the CUSTOM PHOTOGRAPHER:

Approaching it from a time standpoint, for instance let’s imagine if you will that you have hired a photographer who has work that you love and that is travelling an hour to your on location session. TIme break down:

* session prep time (30 mins - 1 hour, includes equipment and back up equipment checks + vehicle checks)
* one hour travel time TO session
* 15-30 minutes prep time at client’s home
* 90 minutes-2 hours with client photographing subject
* one hour travel time FROM session
* 30-45 minutes uploading time from digital cards from camera to computer
* 30-45 minutes time spent backing up the original images
* 2-5 hours editing time to present you with a diverse gallery of edited images
* 1 hour prep time getting ready for ordering
* 2-3 hours time with client for ordering images
* 1 hour sorting through and checking order
* 30 minutes-1 hour prep time for delivery
* 30 minutes-1 hour getting order shipped
* any additional phone time or time needed for add on ordering, shipment issues, quality issues

As you can see, average client time for a session ranges from just under 13 hours to 19 hours dependent on the photographer’s level of service. This is time dedicated only to your session. When the photographer charges $150-$300 for the photo shoot you are not just paying for the two hours of session time, you are paying the photographer for 12-19 hours complete time for your session.

COSTS of the CUSTOM PHOTOGRAPHER:

Regarding equipment costs, a good quality professional camera with a selection of good optical quality lenses and digital storage mediums and computer set up can run from $10,000-$30,000 costs dependent on the photographer. Even though you can purchase a really good quality digital SLR for about $2100 there are still other costs related to photography. A good lens for portrait photography can run up $900 to $2500. A dependable computer system with software loaded for business and creative usage can run $2500 to $8000 dependent on the photographer.

Then come lab costs for specialty products. A good photographer knows the lab is integral to their success. Photography labs dedicated to the professional photographer often cost more and offer a range of products that allows the custom photographer to continually offer new, innovative products for you, the discerning client.

Discussion other costs of running a photography business could take awhile so we’ll skip the intricate details. There is of course much more: including costs of running the business, taxes, studio rental/mortgage if the photographer has ownership of a dedicated studio, vehicular costs, costs of advertising/marketing, costs of sample pieces that the photographer will likely bring to your session, etc.

APPLES to ORANGES:

Often times clients will mention to their photographer that X studio in the mall/department store only charges $25 for an 8×10 or they may mention other things related to discount photography chains. The fact is those discount chains make their money on volume, not on customized 1:1 service. According to several articles at the time, did you know that in February 2007 a rather well known discount department store that started in Arkansas closed down 500 of their portrait studios across the nation? The reason is simple, you cannot make money on 99¢ "professional" prints if you do not sell enough of them. Interestingly enough - those same studios that offer the loss leader packages often charge much much more for their a la carte pricing (as high as $40-50 for an 8×10). The whole reason the big department stores began offering portrait studios in the first place was to get you, the savvy consumer, in through their door so that you could spend more money with them in other departments. Your "PORTRAITS" are considered the true "loss leader".

Going to a chain studio, as a consumer, you don’t have the benefit of 1:1 attention for 2 hours at your home where your child is allowed to explore, play and be comfortable in their home environment, nor do you get the experience that many custom photographers are known for or the lovely captures of natural expressions. You simply get a bare bones, "SAY CHEESE" experience. Keep this in mind when selecting a photographer.

REPUTATION/EXPERTISE of the PHOTOGRAPHER:

Being in demand, being well known for quality work, having a good reputation often costs time on the photographer’s part. Their expertise comes at a cost, their time learning their craft and learning the intricacies of lighting and the commitment put forth on their end to create a persona about their business that oozes professionalism. A great number of photographers go a very long time from the time that they purchase their first good camera to making money at the business of photography. Many photographers, when first starting out, rush in thinking that the business will be easily profitable in no time, how expensive could it be to get a camera and use it to create their dream? They often neglect to factor in the cost of business, the cost of equipment, software, back ups, etc..

Being of sound reputation, a better professional photographer knows that they must always reinvest in their business to create the reputation of being top notch. To create good work good equipment, reliable equipment, back up equipment is a necessity. The photographer who desires to be known as better/best/unparalelled reputation-wise knows that the most important thing they can do for their business is reliability and dependability. This is how reputations get built. Good work often is a wonderful side product of building that good reputation.

I hope this (lengthy) article helps shed some light on WHY a custom photographer is a better choice for your family’s memories. The photographs that are produced as a result of the professionalism and dedication that your photographer has will be cherished for a lifetime (or more) and great thought and consideration should be placed into hiring who is right for your family’s most precious investment.

Bryce

2008-06-20T11:56:00.000-07:00

Okay! It's about time I post a few recent sessions! Life has been so busy...busy and good!

This little sweetie was a joy to photograph!

Isn't he just magical?

He has a big brother who loves him...

He was welcomed into a beautiful family!

Thank you Bryce's family for asking me to photograph your little man!

Lauren

2008-05-08T12:46:00.000-07:00

Lauren was one of the beautiful models we photographed during the One Light Workshop that I was privileged to host. I will be posting more about that as I catch up on sleep!

Why do I need to catch up on sleep? Zack is an excellent teacher and stayed true to his promise to answer any and ALL questions no matter how late (or early in the am!) it got. We had 35 photographers here Sunday night for a networking mixer/party. The Monday workshop went all day from 9:30am till 12:30 am (the next day!)and Tuesday's workshop went from 10am until 2:30am!

Here is just a little collage I threw together of some of the natural light pictures I shot Monday, while we were getting set up to shoot at the beach. (I'll be sure to post some of the "one light" pictures soon!)

Again, I'll be posting more about the workshop in a few days. There's so much to say about it. I met so many wonderful photographers and learned so much. It was an amazing workshop in so many ways!

Baby S and his loving family...

2008-05-04T01:06:00.000-07:00

This baby boy is a special gift to his mommy, daddy, and big brother N. This is a beautiful family inside and out and I was blessed to photograph them.

It was really difficult to pick just a few favorites but here are a few I've chosen.

N won my heart right away. Sweet, sweet boy...

He really loves his little brother...

I'm so glad their "Oma" was still visiting so she could participate.

Just a few of my new niece...

2008-04-15T13:39:00.000-07:00

My sister in law is visiting from Colorado with her 9 week old baby C this month. We are so excited to get to meet this sweet baby girl. She is such a happy baby. She is the first girl on both sides of her family and has 9 boy cousins!

Happy Birthday!

2008-04-04T16:44:00.001-07:00

Wow, I can hardly believe this little sweetie is one year old. I had the honor of being present with her mommy and daddy during labor and delivery. One of these days I'll have to share some of her first photographs!

These are from her birthday party. Daddy returned from Iraq just in time to celebrate with his wife and special girl. PTL

She really got "into" her cupcake! So cute!

Spring is in the air...

2008-04-04T12:51:00.001-07:00

Happy April! We are having so much fun playing outdoors these days! The weather here in San Diego has been so beautiful lately.

I have been busy with sessions and school and family. I can't believe I never got around to posting in March. I'm hoping to share more often! Here are a few of "my baby J!" I know, he's not such a baby, is he? My "baby" is 18 months old now!

A sneak peek of Baby R

2008-02-20T22:02:00.000-08:00

This babe was another sweetie! She brought her big sister with her. Aren't they both cute? Here is a peek at a storyboard I created for them.

Can you believe....

2008-02-01T14:45:00.000-08:00

that I won a contest with this image?! hehehe!

Kylie Banks of Phaunt Actions is always doing fun and crazy stuff on her blog and this time I decided to join in on the craziness...lol! It was a photo scavenger hunt for something scary, favorite breakfast food, a bottle of water, a pair of shoes, and toilet paper wrapped around a living being's head! The only catch was that all the items needed to be in one photo!

First newborn of the year...

2008-01-29T01:03:00.000-08:00

Well, this little fellow is Baby Boy T. He was born on New Year's Day! Isn't that neat-o? This little guy is a bit special to me, as I had the privilege of witnessing his arrival. (His mama is also a dear friend of mine!) Hope you like them, my friend!

Double the fun!

2008-01-27T16:41:00.000-08:00

Now, you can't tell me that these babies aren't the cutest! They are just 8 weeks old, but were born 8 weeks prematurely, so they are tiny!

This is my first set of twins, and I must say it was trickier than I thought it'd be! I did this session with my photog buddy Tara and as soon as we'd get the first baby asleep, the second would wake up! I think we got some good shots despite the babies' antics! Enjoy!

Sweet Baby A...

2008-01-24T18:15:00.000-08:00

Boy this has been a busy baby season. I am so behind on posting here but I'm really going to try harder to stay on top of things! Thank you for being patient with me as I proof your sessions. I am experiencing the growing pains that come with having a new photography business.

So anyways! Here is a sneak peak, in a storyboard, for this beautiful family I got to photograph today! Baby A was a gem. She was alert and awake when she got here and then fell asleep for some sweet sleepy shots as well. I was so happy to see you again, Josh and Janelle. Thank you for sharing your sweet girl with me for the morning! She is a doll! I will email you with a password when I have your proofs ready to view!

I had to come back and add a favorite!

Miss. L...

2007-12-07T11:13:00.000-08:00

came in for her newborn session just last week and brought her family with her too! John and Maggie, here is a sneak peek of your family portrait to hold you till I get your proofs up. I hope you love it!

They said, "I do!"

2007-12-02T20:10:00.000-08:00

It's official. It's really true. We are so happy for you both, Krystal and Andrew ! Krystal, you are a beautiful bride and your wedding was too. I have so many images to sort, but I will come back shortly and post a few favorites to hold you over till you see your proofs.

The arrival of baby girl "L"

2007-11-29T16:25:00.000-08:00

Life is a precious gift from above. And there is nothing quite like witnessing new life. To watch her first breath, to see her look in her mommy's eyes and then nursing for the first time.

I've had the privilege of delivering four babies of my own but will never tire of this miracle of life. It was truly an honor to witness this little one's birth and to be able to capture it on "film." Thank you John and Maggie for sharing your lives with me for a few hours.

She's here!

John was an amazing support to Maggie throughout the whole labor. Their love
for one another was so evident. They worked so hard together and they were rewarded with a healthy baby girl.

Another smile...

She kept sticking her tongue out in those early minutes; I had to capture it!

Maggie's midwife Marianne was absolutely wonderful. I look forward to working with her again soon! (She's weighing the baby in case you wondered.)

"Miss. H" getting to see her baby sister for the first time...

(My little secret: I just do this thing they call photography so I can hold the fresh babies!)

Back in Mama's arms...

Beautiful Baby "E"

2007-11-16T00:14:00.001-08:00

Have I mentioned how much I love doing this?! Each of these new little lives is a miracle from God: it's truly a privilege to capture moments from their first days!

This little baby girl was just 9 days old yesterday, and such a sweetie. She slept "like a dream" and we got lots of great shots of her. I'm still proofing her session but here is a quick sneak peek for her mommy and daddy.

Whoopie pie, fresh bread...Mmmm!

2007-11-10T00:09:00.000-08:00

Oh boy...the treats we had tonight! Our dear friend Karen brought "Pumpkin Whoopie Pies" she baked. YUM! What a great fall treat. They were "delish." The girl can bake...I love it! Oh, and did I mention she has another special skill? Okay, I'm letting you off the hook for now, missie...but more on Karen soon. I promise. I know this girl is gonna be on the Wheaties box one of these days soon! (hint)

Now our buddy Mark is quite the master at bread, we've discovered tonight. He made two beautiful loaves of bread...there's no other way to describe it. The bread was soft and chewy on the inside and the outside was...oh, it was truly artisan bread. I must say I'm impressed; I'm thinking a "bread workshop" is in order! My mouth waters again just thinking about it!

Sweet "Baby T"

2007-11-05T20:54:00.000-08:00

This little guy I had the privilege of photographing at 5 days old. He was the perfect little sleeper and we got some great shots of him and mommy and daddy too. Here are a few from his session.

It's now....or never...

2007-10-31T13:25:00.001-07:00

Okay, I'll have to admit...I'm such a chicken about this blogging stuff. But! I'm determined to try it again! I'm planning to make a "valiant effort" not to bore you...lol.

I'll start off by sharing a few pictures I took last weekend. We went to tidepooling with my boys science lab class. It was so much fun. We found and saw small fish, hermit crabs, and mussels. But the most exciting finds were the many colorful star fish, the baby spiny lobster, and baby octopus. Wow, I didn't know what we had right in "our own backyard."

For you locals interested in visiting... "Table Top" is located in Cardiff at South Cardiff State beach. There are some more super low tides coming up on Thanksgiving weekend and Christmas weekend as well. You can check out this website, if you'd like more information on the tides.