Alexandra Frankel Photography

[Last chance to get discount!]

2012-01-31T13:50:00.000-08:00

I just wanted to post a quick note that today is the last chance to get the EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT for the workshop! Please e-mail me today info@alexandrafrankel.com if you want to register! Less than 10 seats left!!

more information here

[SOURCE BOOK 2012!]

2012-01-20T17:47:00.000-08:00

I was beyone excited when the magazine chose one of my favorite family portrait shoots for the cover of this year's Ultimate Family Guide - the Source Book 2012! Congratulations guys, I knew this was a special shoot! Love Love love it!!

see more pics from their incredible cute phoot http://alexandrafrankel.blogspot.com/2011/10/i-have-best-job-in-world.html

[Sacramento Parent Magazine January 2012 issue]

2012-01-20T17:32:00.000-08:00

The January issue this year is one of my favorites! I know I say that all the time, but its the first issue since I've been working with them that's about photography! Yay! And it was the issue that prompted the "Locke Workshop". Pick one up today and check out the ad for the workshop! There's also great tips from me and other photographers in there to help photograph your kids!

And a few more of my favs from the shoot, how adorable are these two? Definitely cover-model material!

Here's a Peek at the ad... find more about the workshop here:http://alexandrafrankel.blogspot.com/2012/01/locke-photography-workshop-march-3rd.html

[sweet one year old]

2012-01-20T12:52:00.000-08:00

This little man did amazing on his first photo shoot, what a natural model! Looks like the GERBER baby doesn't he? Those amazing big blue eyes and super cute smile. Oh my goodness he just keeps getting cuter every time I see him! So thrilled to get the opportunity to photograph Mr. AJ!

Wow! I can't even believe its already mid-january! Is it terrible that I am still working on things from last year? I hate to start the new year already behind, but I've been working hard on launching the workshop information. So please bear with me I have lots to share.

[The Locke Photography Workshop March 3rd 2012]

2012-01-01T12:43:00.000-08:00

Yes. Its true! Due to popular demand and encouragement from the Sacramento Parent Magazine, I am finally holding a workshop! It will be short and sweet, a one day event of fun and photography. The location is in a town called "Locke" just outside of Sacramento, hence the name of the workshop!

The LOCKE Children's Photography Workshop

When: March 3rd 2012

Where: The Town of Locke in Walnut Grove CA 95690
http://www.locketown.com/

Time: 9.30am - 5.30pm

Investment: Early bird registration before January 31st $200.00

Registration after January 31st $250.00

What to bring: A notebook (pen and paper), a laptop if you want but not necessary,

and a DSLR camera that has manual mode.
To register please e-mail alex@alexandrafrankel.com

*Registration fees are non-refundable. You may sell your spot to someone else, but you are responsible for finding a replacement*

LIKE this link on FACEBOOK to win a 50% discount to the workshop! The winner will be drawn on Valentines day February 14th 2012!!!

This an introductory course for mom's and photography hobbyist who are interested in photographing kiddos! If you're like me, and you don't want to read books or manuals, or don't have the time to spend hours watching online tutorials or surfing the net but prefer to have someone tell you how, to then this 1 day workshop is for you. The workshop is limited to 20 participants, but if there is sufficient demand, I will run a second day workshop on Sunday March 4th.

What you'll learn: Some simple settings to help you begin your journey in manual mode, tips on how to find the right light, rules of composition, posing and styling, shooting in full sun, backlighting, using reflectors and loads of hands on shooting practice with lenses available to play with. Plus, we can't shoot hungry so lunch & snacks will be provided. So invite a couple of your friends with the same passion for photography and join us for a creative day of fun and time away from the routine to "unlock" your hidden photography talent!

Image:

Shooting:

And Image:

And Shooting:

Image:

When searching for a location for the workshop, I stumbled across this little town, and was so inspired by the history of its residents and that how the buildings have remained untouched for over 100 years! I couldn't have created a better place to hold a photography workshop! There is a little school house that was just perfect with all original fixtures. Here are some pics of the area:

The workshop will be held in the old school house, with original table and chairs, floorboards and black board! So cool!

Here's some pics taken the last time I was out there, that you can look forward to learning how to at the Locke Workshop.

I hope to see many familiar faces there and meet new friends. I also hope that we'll get to run the workshop on both days, because I'm not sure if I'll do this again! LOL! Registration is now open so e-mail me today!!!

N.B. Originally, Amanda Elkins was to be guest speaker, unfortunately due to a special family event she will no longer be able to attend the workshop.

[merry christmas 2011]

2011-12-25T18:49:00.000-08:00

So all the presents are finally wrapped & unwrapped, stockings stuffed and unstuffed. I'll post some pics of our day tomorrow, but I thought while the kids are busy playing with their new toys, I'll just take a minute to post our family portrait session this year that was taken by fab photographer and good friend of mine Kelli Seeley, thank you again for the awesome pics!

Here's our card this year. I couldn't decide which ones, there were a bunch of variations. But they all had similar pics.

Front:

Back:

Alternate card:

I wasn't going to subject Kelli to three dogs and five people, but Jason pleaded that we include them in a few pics, and I was really glad he did. They are after all part of the family! This Christmas card we tripled the number of paws from last year's card!! Jinger arrived in February, just before my birthday. And I love her. Then Nala came to us this summer and we adore her so much now that she's potty trained! hahahaha. They're both labradoodles, and they've totally changed my whole perception of dogs, I'm a total DOG-LOVER now!

Here are more of my favorites from the shoot!

Avila is not longer the baby of the family! Hahaha...Whenever I feel clucky, I give her some loving and them I'm good! She is a good snuggler and has her own spunky personality.

Merry Christmas to you all, I hope that you're with loved ones and you're happy, warm and healthy. I feel so blessed to have the BEST clients EVER, thank you all again for allowing me to photograph your beautiful families again and again. It's so awesome to see your children grow up before my lens and be able to capture those memories for you. XOXOXOX

[five kids and supermom!]

2011-12-24T22:16:00.000-08:00

This is my dear friend Thelma and her blessings, I just don't know how she does it, I can barely keep up with my TWO! I know she runs a tight ship, including homeschooling, and still she manages to always be there when I need her most. I know that if I need words of wisdom or an ear to vent, I can call her and she always knows what to say. I'm so happy to photograph her family.

[i have the BEST friends in the world!]

2011-12-24T20:14:00.000-08:00

This is my friend Dei and her adorable kids. She's also one who I love to craft with and we've spent many hours gluing, cutting, sewing, beading, talking, laughing and I love hanging out with her. We get along really well because we think a lot alike. And we both suffer from too-many-projects-too-little-time syndrome. One of my favorite things about Dei is she's so spontaneous. She's one who you can call and say "there's this awesome place that I want to check out and its an hour drive away, you wanna check it out with me?" and she'd be like "Yes!" Love that! She's not like me, she's not afraid to drive places. And this is a secret place that I'm dying to tell you ALL about soon, as it has to do with a BIG announcement coming up next year!

Her little boy is the CUTEST thing EVER. I could just steal him and keep him as my own! And who knew he was also such a good model? I have to have a chance to photograph him again soon, cause his just too darn cute!

Omigosh, they're so sweet! Love this!

So still going strong... its Christmas eve, all the presents are finally wrapped and bowed. Stockings stuffed. Dinner in done. Aaaahh... bought myself a bottle of Midori today. That was my signature drink back in the day. Midori + 7up = happy ME. LOL. got a couple more posts I hope to do before Santa arrives.

[fall family sessions continues..]

2011-12-24T13:21:00.000-08:00

I have had the pleasure of photographing this gorgeous family several times over the years and this one would have to be my favorite of them all. The best thing about my job is watching the kids grow up and capturing them at each stage, and sometimes you get to see new additions too. Love that!! Here are some of my faves from their awesome session...

Can it get ANY cuter than this???

And this little stunner! I could photograph her all day if she'd only stay still for more three seconds at a time! LOL!

And my gorgeous friend Fara, if only you could see how beautiful you are. I sure miss having you across the street. I think its time you moved to Rocklin! Hhehehe...

And she's done... adios brothers!!

[family or fashion shoot?]

2011-12-23T20:58:00.000-08:00

I just love the way mom styled her family's shoot, looking over these I feel like it was for some fashion catalog! I love how stylish and fun it turned out. Aren't they just adorable?? The colors are just pure eye-candy! Love love again!

Hard to find fall colors here in rocklin but as it turned out it was right in front of me this whole time, I just had to time it right! Love the sun's ray as it sets and places a warm glow on the world.

Okay... only half-way through my list of posts. But I think I'm done for tonight! Will be sharing our family photos soon, so come back tomorrow!

[i have the BEST job in the world!]

2011-12-23T20:39:00.000-08:00

This family added another sweet addition to their family this year. After a long 14 month wait their precious baby came home and joined his awesome family, I don't know why they had to wait they could've just adopted me!! What kid wouldn't want to join this sweet family. Mom did an amazing job coordinating/styling their outfits, I just love love how it came together.

Okay.. I guess he is pretty darn cute and worth the wait. So handsome, like a miniature Jet Li. How fierce is his look??

I can just see how well loved and adored he is.. I'm so jealous! Seriously. They could've had me! hahaha

One of my all-time favs! How stunning is she??

I don't know what else to say but I had a BLAST shooting them, as always I hope I get to photograph you all again soon! XOXOXO!

[grandma's have the BEST job in the world!]

2011-12-23T20:22:00.000-08:00

I am sure that being a Grandma is twice as fun as being a mom... I can't wait! I hope I'm as blessed as this gorgeous grandma and her equally gorgeous grandkids.

What can I say? They're all so stinkin' CUTE!! And the colors are amazing and their outfits just perfect!! Love it!

[one tropical oasis in the heart of sacramento]

2011-12-23T20:05:00.000-08:00

The Zandi family are in the business of plants, for home and commercial, they've created an amazing space at their home that provides a perfect backdrop for a fall family photo shoot. I love this black gate. Its so pretty. I just wanted to sit back and relax in the pool!

Aren't they another gorgeous family??

[one sweet family]

2011-12-23T19:53:00.000-08:00

We had a really fun time playing at this shoot, kids at this age are so entertaining! There are so many fun shots and so many favorites I can't choose. here I'll just post them all!!!

This little fashionista should be a spokes model for target cause her super cute clothes, shoes and accessories! You don't have to spend a lot to look great!

And I'll throw in a B&W since I know you're thinking I don't shoot B&W! LOL!

Wasn't that oh-so-cute?? Sigh.

[family of four]

2011-12-23T19:33:00.000-08:00

The lighting was perfect for this photo shoot, it was so warm for this time of year, I loved how this family coordinated their outfits. So beautiful! I've been so impressed at how all my families did with styling, they all looked AMAZING, really. I totally appreciate it, I know how hard it is and how long you shop and search and stressed. I know because I do the same thing with mine every year! Here's some of my favorites from their awesome session:

What a gorgeous gal she is, and a perfect model. I just love the back lighting here:

Phew... three in one night...Lots' more so come back soon!

[freshly made Simeon!]

2011-12-23T18:05:00.000-08:00

In the midst of fall family sessions I got to switch gears and photograph baby Simeon. Even as I post this now he is not little anymore and has already changed so much in just two short months! but here he is in all his freshness only a few days old... with lots of beautiful hair!

While mom fed Simeon and rocked him to sleep, big brother and I went to the back yard and played with the dog and took some pics of just him. I think his just as cute as baby brother! Love that they'll have eachother to play with as they grow up.

And finally a sleeping baby... so sweet in all its newborn-ness...

[back to fall families]

2011-12-23T17:46:00.000-08:00

I know... I know... sorry for the dry spell on the good ole' blog, the good news is that I didn't spoil anyone's Christmas cards this year... well I hope everyone has sent out their cards already. So picking up from where I left oh... way back in OCTOBER!! Here's one dear to me, my friend Sandy and her GORGEOUS family.

Sandy is one of my friends who shares the same addiction to fabrics, and crafting as I do. We took some sewing lessons together and we love sharing our creations or calling eachother up and brainstorming ideas for some project we're working on... and it seems like we're always working on some project or another, one day we'll have time to craft more together!

[more Fall family portraits]

2011-10-25T10:49:00.000-07:00

What can I say? These guys rocked their shoot! I love how they turned out, the colors are so gorgeous I couldn't turn them into b&w! What a gorgeous family... I'll just let the pictures speak for themselves!

So things are a bit hectic.. we are moving this week to the next town over, the kids are incredibly excited, some of their friends are already in that neighborhood, and its the right district for Alannah to go to -gulp- HIGH SCHOOL!!! Eeekk! So I may be a bit behind in uploading galleries, but things should go pretty smooth.XOOXOXOX

[the gorgeous dunn family]

2011-10-20T12:13:00.000-07:00

Isn't this the most gorgeous picture perfect family ever? They're just as sweet too. Dr. Dunn is Alannah's orthodontist and we LOVE him! Alannah can't wait to get the rest of her braces... she just loves it. WEIRD right??? So weird... anyways.. this is my fourth blog post today! (I know its feasts and famines around here) so I'm just out of words to describe how amazing these pics are and I am so jealous of that mustard sweater I want it for my family shoot!!

So my favorite question which I get quite often is "do you shoot black and white?"... ummm... no I shoot in color cause life is color but yes I can make your amazing pictures into black and white! So I thought I better put some black and whites on the good old blog because I never remember to do that... no wonder people are wondering if I can or not!!

Wow you guys! Way to rock your family shoot! Love Love Love them ALL! You should do this MORE often! LOL! OXOXOX

And if you want the BEST orthodontist in the WORLD hand down you MUST go to http://dunnorthodontics.com/ we can't say enough about how great they are.

[fall family sessions contiunes..]

2011-10-20T11:59:00.000-07:00

With another great family session. So I'm going for a record 5 posts in one day... I know... you may not hear from me for another six months! LOL! But I just wanted to post this family session before I head on out.

This little one just needed a few minutes to warm up... after that she was a natural little poser!

oxoxo.. thanks for stopping in .... xoxox more to come soon... still behind can you believe??!?!?

[TWELVE......12....TWELVE]

2011-10-20T10:54:00.000-07:00

Well my baby turned TWELVE! Unbelievable.. Everyday she seems to be growing an inch and creeping closer and closer to my height. What a gem you are and such a delight to hang out. So this year we continued horse-riding but you decided you didn't want to take it to competition but like the comfort leisure of trail riding. You also started gymnastics and can now do the handstands, cartwheels, backward walk-overs and the SPLITS! You love playing HOWRSE.. and taking pictures. You got your first cell phone a samsung epic that you saved up all year for. Oh and now you're in 7th grade!

So i was told to send some pics of my BIG girl but realized I didn't have hardly any recent pictures... talk about bad momma! I hadn't even shot her 12th b'day portraits??!?! I know terrible, please call CPS! Anyways, we remedied that real quick!

So here are a few we took from this summer:

And some more recent shots... she's so easy to shoot, we can get a bunch in about 15 mins.

Love her to pieices! She's my angel.

[spotlight on the ultimate digital file package]

2011-10-20T10:10:00.000-07:00

The ULTIMATE DIGITAL FILE package!

Your keepsake for the future.

Once again I wanted to spotlight this product for you to see how gorgeous it is!

LOVE THEM ALL?

Can't decide? Don't want to lose any images EVER? Print your own albums and canvases? Birth Announcements, and Christmas cards?

This package is for you.

You get ALL your digital files from your gallery, as well as a 5x7 print of each image. On the disk are hi resolution files in color as well as black and white! A bonus! ALL your images in black and white! Plus also on the disk all your images in web format for easy sharing in posting and e-mailing.

All perfectly packaged in a custom printed box.

This package is growing in popularity and is available for

$1500 + tax.

[Dandelion Fall 2011]

2011-10-20T09:43:00.000-07:00

I recently had the opportunity to meet this amazing family who made the cover of the Fall cover of Dandelions. My heart goes out to them and all the extra things that they have to attend to on a daily basis.

Jaxon has a really rare disorder called Angelman Syndrome you can read their amazing story in this issue out now:

For more information visit the Dandelion Website at http://www.godandelion.com/

[i have the BEST job in the world!]

2011-10-18T20:53:00.000-07:00

I've know this wonderful family for many years now, and I've finally had the opportunity to photograph them. After so long, I was afraid that I wouldn't live up to their expectations! But when I began proofing their pictures... I fell in love with them and I hope they will too. Aren't they the CUTEST family EVER??

Really... its never seems like work when I get to photograph some of my favorite families. I have the BEST job ever. I'm so blessed to have them as friends and to be able to capture some of these memories for them. I've had the opportunity to photograph the kids before, but this is our first family session... and what a blast it was! I can't wait to see the pictures on their wall. Here are some of my very favs, which was so hard to pick out of so many great ones. Thank you High Hand Nursery in Loomis for allowing us in to play. We love you!

Girl I hope you know how gorgeous you are! I could photograph you ALL day!

This photo shoot was extra special, it was the first one I hired Alannah to come help out. She is such a great help, holding my reflector, and practicing her own shooting.. her goal is to learn the ropes so that she can get a job as a second shooter! LOL! But its so nice to have her company. here are some pics of her in action..

Doesn't she look adorable? She's rocking the DSLR shooting all in manual.

And the results...

My little protege. I love her so much!

So I'm powering through my sessions! YAY! I hope you are enjoying them as much as I am!

[Sacramento Parent Magazine October 2011 cover shoot!]

2011-10-18T14:57:00.000-07:00

WOW! October already? And how is this weather? HOT! And this month's cover?

So so CUTE! Meet Bradyn his a natural model, I can't believe how amazing he looks as a cover model. So bright and happy! LOVE IT!!

I'm so behind in blogging! Its just been so CRAZY! But come back soon lots to share! OXOXOXO

[super cute family!]

2011-10-01T18:07:00.000-07:00

We joked that they drove an hour to be at home again... next year I promise I will drive to you! This family is back for their third family portraits and I was so excited to see the how the children have grown especially the littlest! I remember the first time I photographed them she was only a few months old!

Look how wonderfully mom has coordinate their darling outfits!!

I hope you liked you sneak previews! I save the best for your gallery!!!

[i just keep being surrounded by puppies!]

2011-09-18T19:43:00.000-07:00

Okay... so still going through summer pics... I think I'm only half-way done... already Avila has changed so much even from these pictures to the ones from her magazine shoot HERE! Can't believe it.

Our friends dog also had puppies this summer... and the girls just LOVED cuddling with them! There's a reason why they make puppies so stinkin' cute!!

[meet miss kennedy... ford model material]

2011-09-18T13:59:00.000-07:00

So from that same drive I finally got to proof these images of miss kennedy who is just GORGEOUS, ford model material to a tee. I could have photographed her ALL day... thanks Kennedy for coming out to play, it was such a blast. I hope I will get to photograph her again soon. Sorry for making you wait so long... but your disk will be on its way to you very soon. I promise! Got some new package too I want to share!!!

These were all taken at Andersons Family Walnut Farm in Lincoln. I had fun playing with so post-processing techniques.. I hope you like them...

more puppy love....

Here's some in harsh afternoon sunlight... i love the orange/yellow glow, and the colors are amazing.

This is probably my favorite image of the summer....

Ohh too cute!! love them!

[baby love...]

2011-09-16T14:36:00.000-07:00

I took these pics of my dear friend and fab photog Kelli at the beginning of summer... and I had them on a different drive because I was running out of space and I finally found the drive again. But they're so CUTE! And in just a few short months, his already changed so much. but I think she will think better late than never....

As the person in the family who takes all the pictures, there are a lot of times when its months before I get a pic with my kiddos.. so its always so nice to get some taken and these two are just so sweet!

HAPPY FRIDAY everyone!! Hope you have a fabulous weekend. I'm so excited to just chill out tonight, its been a busy busy week. xoxoxox

[finally Alannah's 12th birthday BASH]

2011-09-14T13:42:00.000-07:00

Finally getting to catch up on some blog posts... lots to come but first, I must post these pics from Alannah's birthday in August. She wanted an ART party... and so we had an all girls Rainbow Themed Art Party/Sleepover!!

First food pics... what's a party without food and favors? We found these perfect polka dotted boxes at walmart and filled them with colorful pens, candy, nail polish, body lotion, lip gloss and water balloons.

A few days beforehand we poured rainbow jello and cut up fruit to make rainbow skewers! YUM!

For our art project we got some fabric paints and stencils and let the girls design their own t-shirts. We used this Project Runway kit http://www.amazon.com/Style-Six-00447-Silk-Screener/dp/B0024IABXM/ref=pd_sim_t_17 and it worked really well. The girls loved it. So much creativity in one room!! LOL!

They worked up an appetite after all that creativity and we had PIZZA!

Then for dessert a rainbow cake... Delicious!

Hmm... what shall I wish for?? Well... its hard because I have EVERYTHING I could possibly need... maybe a horse? A pony? Hmm... decisions decisions...

Then... onto presents...finally pjs... and they settled down to watch a movie, "Soul Surfer" and then bedtime... I think some sleeping went along with that!

Next morning we did another art project.. ball painting. So much fun. Lots of cool designs.

And then we took some pictures of their t-shirts.

I can't believe she's 12!! Where has the time gone? She's growing up right before my eyes and I can't do a thing to slow it down! Every day is a happy day when Alannah is there, she makes me laugh so much and we have long talks about her day. She's so much fun to hang out with, such a blend of wit and sarcasm.. leads to endless giggles. I hope she doesn't stop wanting to hang out with her mommy!!!

[Sacramento Parent Magazine September 2011 COVER!!!

2011-09-08T11:27:00.000-07:00

I was pretty excited to hear that the photo shoot location for this month's cover was at the newly opened Sacramento Children's Museum! I got a sneak peek at the super cool, fun filled, kid-friendly location. I can't wait to take my kids there. It is already on our field trip list for this year!

Meet mom next door and founder of the Museum Kathleen Palley!

There are so many cool displays for tiny little hands with curious minds.

Also there's loads of cool things of the creative and imaginative kind too! LOVE THAT!!

Pick up your issue today, don't miss out on the last of the summer events and latest news and buzz.

[A boy! Finally! LOL!]

2011-09-08T08:10:00.000-07:00

So there's finally a baby boy in the Frankel house! LOL! Jinger delivered a perfect little puppy on Sunday morning. The girls named him Cooper. Only one from her first litter, we all have been enthralled by the abundance of CUTENESS from such a tiny little creature! Here are some of the first pics we took on day 1. Excuse the lighting since we had them under a heat lamp.

Proud mamma has been guarding her little treasure ferociously! She never leaves his side, and had to be physically picked up and carried out to go potty! She's doing an amazing job, it took a few days for her to get the hang of it, and I was rudely reminded how a newborn can keep you up all night! For one tiny little thing he has an awfully loud cry! I think he was having a hard time latching on, considering he has plenty of nipples to choose from, it was frustrating for both mommy and baby. They finally got it figured out and on 4th night they were pretty quiet. Good thing, because I was ready to boot them both out on the street! Hahahaha

Jinger hardly slept the first 3 days constantly cleaning him and keep a watchful eye out for any dangers. She was ferocious whenever the other dogs got too close. And Nala just doesn't understand, she just keeps coming back to take a peek! LOL!

And a few closeups.. tiny tiny...

Oooh! I just want to eat him! So stinkin' CUTE! Look at those paws, and that nose! Gosh... I sound like I'm crazy!

Oh and while we're at it... let's throw in some pics of adorable Nala. Growing like a maniac... terrorizing every piece of paper, and flip flop she can get her teeth on. But how can you be mad at that FACE!??!?!?!

And poor Coco... she just wishes Nala would leave her alone and Cooper would stop crying so she can get some sleep... I know how she feels... hahahaha

[Introducing Mrs. Placer County-America....]

2011-08-26T13:14:00.000-07:00

I had the utmost pleasure to work Mrs. Placer County Lahoma Himes Caudill and proud to be one of her sponsors in the upcoming pageant for Mrs. California. Held in Redondo Beach March 3-4 2012 it will be a nationally televised event. Please feel free to contact her if you are also interested in sponsoring her for this special title.

Here are a few of my favorites from her head-shots, there were so many to choose from, I am certain she has what it takes to go all the way. Poise, beauty, intellect and heart, who says life ends after marriage and kids. She is an inspiration for all of us!

Lahoma, it was a pleasure to meet you, you're so brave to put it out there and have people judge you, I think you're amazing! I look forward to photographing you again soon.

[Sacramento Parent Magazine AUGUST 2011 ISSUE]

2011-08-11T11:49:00.000-07:00

Of course I have been positively DYING to post this month's ISSUE!! But August is a huge month for us, we had our 13th anniversary, and my MIL had her 60th birthday, and Alannah is turning 12, plus we went to a family reunion out of town for Jason's great Aunt's 90th birthday and school starts next week!!!! Phew!! Needless to say its been a tad busy around this neck of the woods... but without further adieu... so proud to present this month's cover model Avila Frankel!

What a hambug, gotta love her!

So this is my first shoot in studio with a backdrop, thanks for my friends and photogs Amanda Elkins and Fara Smith for teaching me the ropes. I still used natural light because I'm not really fond of flash... I am really pleased at how these turned out... I think I will be doing a lot more this year! They're so much easier, since you don't have to fight with the weather and nature! LOL!

Style rundown:

Hair, make-up, stylist Alexandra Frankel

Production Assistant Fara Smith

Vest: Thrifted

Scarf: Justice

Hat: Justice - birthday present

Shoes: Old Navy

Backpack: Children's Place

Denim shorts: Gifted

Bracelet: Handmade

Butterfly shirt: Justsice - birthday present

Flower Hair piece: H&M

[product spotlight: The ultimate digital file package]

2011-07-24T19:57:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to take a moment to spotlight this amazing Digital File package.

With this package you get ALL the digital files from your gallery with a 5x7 proof print of each image. You will also get a bonus of each file in black and white and also as web sized so you can easily share with friends through e-mail or post online.

All files are hi-resolution and come with copyright release to print in the quantities and sizes that you wish. Below are the special keepsake boxes to hold your DVD and prints. The box is especially designed for you as a keepsake of your family portrait session.

This complete package is priced at $1500 + tax.

Once you receive you DVD I would highly recommend making multiple copies and storing them in a cool dry place at separate locations. I cannot guarantee to have a copy of your files after a year of your photo session date.

This is by far the best package of your amazing photo session. It provides you with limitless use of your files and you will be able to pass them down to your children.

[stylish family photoshoot]

2011-07-22T17:50:00.000-07:00

There is so much I love about this photoshoot, but I think the style is my favorite. Look how well this momma coordinated the outfits!! I love it all. Yellows, teals, pinks... soooooo adorable!!

From these pictures you would think this lovely bee was very cooperative, but the camera does capture seconds and pauses it forever. I could've photographed them both all day. Aren't they just gorgeous??

Storytime is my favorite time of the night... or day...

And these cousins were best friends.... how lovely it is to have someone to grow up with and play together?

tea break... phew...

And remember baby Isabelle on her newborn shoot here... well she is now 6 months and still a peanut!!

Hope you liked you sneak peeks, the remainder of your gallery will be available shortly. Your complete deluxe file package will follow soon after!! Thanks for being so patient!

Also I have many inquiries for fall family session I will be posting the schedule soon I promise!!!

[Sacramento Parents Magazine JULY 2011 Issue!]

2011-07-13T18:26:00.000-07:00

Twins! Twice the fun... can you believe how adorable our July cover models for Sacramento Parent Magazine are? We had a fabulous time at Fairy Tale Town in Sacramento on this cover shoot. Thank you for letting us roam the park, it was a PERFECT backdrop for this enrichment issue. There were so many great places to shoot in there, and the girls loved it!!

Meet their gorgeous mom in "the mom next door" and find out what she does for a living! Talk about a lucky girl!

Read their cover story in this issue!

[newborns are so perfect and precious]

2011-07-11T19:13:00.000-07:00

This precious baby girl is one that has everyone anxiously awaiting... Avila's Kindergarten teachers were both pregnant this year and this is the first of the two newborns I have the honor to photograph. And she's the perfect model at only 2 weeks old!

Love me some toes!! Oh so cute!!

After a quick nap she decided that she wanted to stay up and play!

Finally.... sleepy bliss

Thanks for stopping by...

[happy 4th july 2011]

2011-07-05T20:22:00.000-07:00

I can't even believe its already the 4th of july... and after a slow start summer is definitely heated up... we've had 100 degree temps the last four days. Lots of swimming, and otter pops! The girls made and decorated this yummy brownie cake.

Right before we headed out to get a good spot at the park to view the fireworks Avila's top front tooth was finally extracted by big sister. This tooth has been hanging on by a thread for WEEKS! And everyday I'd hear "look how loose my tooth is mommy", and I'd reply "let me pull it out Avy, its just hanging by a thread!" and I get "no its okay.. I'll keep wiggling it". Hhahaha... oh how I will miss her baby teeth smile...

The girls love to celebrate the 4th and they love getting their faces painted and wearing red, white and blue. So FUN! I'm so glad the colors are the same as the Australian flag too. So it's like a double celebration!

We took the kids to watch the fireworks and it was just PERFECT, not a bad show for such a small town! Hope yours was awesome too. Come back soon, I have TONS of awesome pics to share. Also newborn that everyone has been dying to see...

[ben & jessica.... happily ever after!]

2011-06-18T14:07:00.000-07:00

Ben and Jessica's wedding was my most anticipated event of the year! I knew it would be absolutely beautiful but I didn't even think how stylish it would be. Jessica's casual vintage style was so refreshing, her location The Newcastle Wedding Gardens was a perfect backdrop for her gorgeous wedding. So many pictures to share, here's some of tip of the iceberg!!

Instead of a guestbook, they had this custom made art work above that guests were asked to put their finger print and sign their name and at the end of the day it was ready to hang in their home! Genius right?!!

Jessica and her bridesmaids did their own hair and make-up!

Jessica's bridal shoes and bouquet! So beautiful!

[Sacramento Parent Magazine June 2011]

2011-06-05T21:23:00.000-07:00

Sorry I have been neglecting the old blog... not sure what's going on but it seems that I've blinked and its now JUNE!!! Say whaaaatttt!??!?!?! Okay seriously I keep saying this but this has got to be one of my favorite cover shoots ever! I guess it just means it keeps getting better and better. So gorgeous... I could hardly pick my favorites so just had to post lots!

If you haven't picked up this super fun PARTY issue, then do it NOW. Lots of great ideas and summer activities, and lots of coupons to your favorite kid places. My personal favorite is the FUNDERLAND coupon on page 30, that was my girls' favorite place to go when they were 4. Also there's a $5 off at LEARNING EXPRESS TOYS, our favorite toy store!

These beautiful spring dresses and hair pieces were from Silverspoon Children's Boutique in Roseville. Hurry on over they're having a SALE!!

These pictures make me think of summer and I'm not kidding, I'm really ready for hot summer days, swimming at the pool, and loads of cool popsicles!

So grab your issue today and comb through the hundreds of events and mark your calendar for lots of awesome ideas to entertain your kids this summer. I know I did. We're going to hit some of the free outdoor concerts and farmer's markets. Let's hope the weather will be warming up soon, we're ready for some fun in the sun!!

locks of love

2011-05-23T18:16:00.000-07:00

Alannah has been growing her hair out for over 2 years, and she finally got her hair cut for Locks of Love! It was an exciting day. I love her new look!!

Busy busy... why is the last 2 weeks of school a whirlwind of events?? I'm finishing up a dolphin costume for Alannah's class play this week... yes only one dolphin costume! YAY! But I did help paint the back drop. Also trying to work on three wedding album designs at the same time! I also have an really super cute photoshoot I can't wait to share soon. So I'll be back soon... xoxoxoxox

SILHOUETTE MACHINE GIVEAWAY!!!!

2011-05-19T17:07:00.000-07:00

SILHOUETTE MACHINE GIVEAWAY!!!!

[happy mother's day 2011!!]

2011-05-08T08:10:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to wish all the mom's out there a fabulous mother's day! May you be showered with kisses, surrounded by laughter, inundated with hugs and filled with L-O-V-E!

For me, it feels like my life began when I met my husband and had my first precious girl. And soon after I was blessed with another baby girl and I'm so thankful that I had them early so that I could spend the rest of my life enjoying EVERY. MINUTE. with them. I love them more than words can say and I am so thankful that I've been given this opportunity to nurture, guide, and spoil them rotten! I am so very proud of each of them, they're both so smart, sweet, complex and so much fun!!

There's not enough time in the day for us to do all the things we do but our top five favorite things to do together is:

1. Snuggle in bed and watch our favorite T.V. shows

2. Give each other manicures

3. Hang out by the pool and swim all day

4. Ride in the car with the music turned up high and sing songs with the sunroof open

5. Crafting together, be it beading, sewing, painting or whatever!!! They love it!

[May 2011 Issue of Sacramento Parents Magazine!]

2011-05-02T12:09:00.000-07:00

I cannot believe its MAY already!! Only 6 weeks of school left???!?! Where did the year go?? It feels like we just had Christmas! Anyways... I know I keep saying this but this cover has got to be my favorite ever! This was one of my favorite shoots, two beautiful gals who are perfect cover models! LOVE IT!! Grab yours today its OUT NOW!

See more of their super sweet photoshoot here

[these boots were made for riding!]

2011-05-02T12:03:00.000-07:00

Alannah has been growing so fast, in the last 6 months she went from size 3 girls to size 5.5 womens! CRAZY! We finally found some boots that fit her after purchasing and returning two pairs! She is so happy! She also had to get new breeches too, I swear my dryer must be shrinking clothes, no way can these girls be growing out of their clothes so fast!!

Look at these two... they're totally posing for me!

Doesn't she look so cute! I love that she would rather spend all day at the barn than all day at the mall. Nothing looks cuter than a gal in riding gear. Makes me want to pick up the sport just so I can have a reason to wear riding boots and breeches! Hahah

Here she is grooming the horse she rides most often, his name is Flash and his pretty quick!

If only she weren't so allergic to animals, she'd be living at the barn.

[new location & my two favorite models]

2011-04-26T14:16:00.000-07:00

Not sure how I lucked out but I got a couple of lens hogs!! They both think they're super models and I'm happy to oblige. I haven't taken pictures of them in forever and here we are testing out a fabulous new location! Excuse the overload of pictures but they're just so stinkin' cute if I do say so myself!!

I'm so thankful that they have eachother... there's nothing like big sis and lil' sis. Makes my heart smile. Love this picture of them. Alannah takes such good care of Avila she is so lucky to have her as her big sister. I hope one day she will appreciate her as much as I do.

Avila just turned seven and so we always try to get a picture of them around their b'day and here are some of my favorites of all time!! She is such a doll she's 7 going on 17...

And I can't possibly love her any more!!

7 things about Avila right now:

1. Loves ballet and tap she was born to perform and has no stage fright!

2. Loves to sing and can actually hold a tune, currently she has this song stuck in her head.

3. Just found out she likes fish tacos

4. Loves to draw and creates really detailed drawings

5. She's a great student and is working on some complicated math theories already

6. Reads really well and loves Dr. Suess books

7. Is finding God and asking lots of good questions LoVE THAT!

And even though it wasn't her birthday it was time to take more pics of Alannah who's 11.5 and is growing like a weed!

Eleven and a half things about Alannah right now:

1. Is so crazy about horses and anything Breyer

2. Riding English after switching in October from western

3. Is an excellent student if not stresses a bit too much about homework

4. Attending a girls bible study group focusing on 'women of the bible'

5. She's having growing pains in her legs she's growing so fast

6. told me she wanted to take tennis lessons

7. just got 7 new fish for her 25 gallon tank

8. Is the funniest girl I know! her comedic timing is way beyond her years

9. Can't wait to turn 12 so she can stay home alone (not gonna happen heheh)

10. Can't wait to start earning money babysitting

11. Would turn our house into a zoo if she could and still wants to be a vet (that's the 1/2 bit)

[spring break & easter weekend]

2011-04-25T17:08:00.000-07:00

We hope everyone had a lovely Easter weekend, we spent a lovely day with the family, we went to a beautiful service at our church and it was so nice to see the huge turn out. Jesus lives! Grandma and Grandpa came down also and I made yummy a ham dinner with roasted veggies. The girls searched for eggs that the Easter bunny left in our house and afterwards we met up with some old friends who introduced us to NuSkin complete with spa treatment! Smiles all around I have to say! We also squeezed in two movies "Country Strong" with Gwyneth Paltrow and "Shaolin' with Jackie Chan both were really good.

Here's my quick table scape for Easter dinner...

I wanted to share this blossom branch I made, that didn't cost me anything. I picked up these dead branches at a park near by and hot-glued on some silk flowers I already had laying at home that I bought from the dollar tree to make hair clips. Never made the hair clips.. but this turned out super cute!!

I always wanted to hang frames along the stairway but mine is so narrow and with the kids and dogs running up and down I was so afraid it would be a nightmare of broken glass if anything came crashing down. So I never did it.. but I recently realized that I didn't have to use glass... why didn't I think of that sooner???? I found some old ornate frames at thrift stores and took out the glass, some of them were really gaudy looking so i spray painted them to be similar color. I liked the gold round ones, to add color so I left them in their original condition. I also made the moss letter F using Dear Lillie's method it was so simple and easy. I didn't use the same moss as hers, the one i got from JoAnn's was a flat roll like wrapping paper so it made the project even easier. The letter J and A I already had so i started hanging the frames, it was a cinch, using Young House Love tips with the newspaper & a trick using toothpaste to mark the back of your frames where the nail needs to be on the wall. It all went up in about 1/2 an hour with one nail hole per frame! Yes wow right?? Gosh I wish I had've known these tricks 10 years ago! Love my blogs!

Now I just got to finish up with the prints... what to put in there... gosh.. do i have any pictures??? I kind like the look of no pictures for a while... cause my house is starting to look like a shrine with all the family photo display! LOL... I plan to fill at least 2 with some head sillouhettes of the girls like these http://what-rachel-made-today.blogspot.com/2010/06/tutorial-silhouettes.html but I might just print & frame them and not cut them cause I'm lazy like that.

I'm still working on Alannah's room, here's a what it looks like right now but we're still looking for the right bedding and curtains for her... then I can make pillows covers to match.

And I'm still in the process of re-working Avila's room with a new "ballerina" theme. I don't want it to be cheesy ballerina, and I want to turn half her room into a mini dance studio.. right now i'm looking for a VERY large mirror to do so, then I'll do another frame scape above her bed to frame it out since we took out her mosquito net which she hated but I loved... hehehe... anyways.. that was our spring break, the kids were both under the weather most of the week, Alannah had a fever and Avila had a cough, now they both have a cough. So we stayed home all week but I got a lot of spring cleaning done so it was productive! Also we go to show the dogs some L-O-V-E...

Can I just put it on record that I LOVE LOVE LOVE our new puppy!! One of the best things about being a grown up is to be able to have your own dog! My parents never allowed us to have pets - except fish. Even though I tried many times to bring home stray dogs and cats... they always ended up gone after a few weeks. But Jinger Belle is the sweetest dog EVER and I LUUURRRVE her more than I EVER thought I could love a dog!

Thanks for stopping by!!

[happy easter 2011]

2011-04-23T13:08:00.000-07:00

This cutie pie was perfect for this post. How sweet is he? The grass has grown so tall and green lately, he was so happy to run around in the field. Even though he was so tiny that the grass almost hid him and he kept falling over because the brush was so thick! Look how happy he is in this picture! I just thought it was perfect to wish everyone a HAPPY EASTER!

[when teachers care and parents participate]

2011-04-22T19:59:00.000-07:00

When teachers care and parents participate its a beautiful thing and the children benefit. This year Avila's class performed "Anansi the Spider and the Moss Covered Rock", it was by far the BEST play EVER!! I thought that last year's "Rumpus in the Rainforest" was the best play ever written, but this year the class out did themselves and went over and beyond everyone's expectations.

While strolling in the rainforest Anansi the spider discovered a strange moss covered rock, he discovered that when you spoke the magic words "what a strange moss covered rock!" you fell into a deep slumber. Anansi thought he would use the rock to trick the animals of the jungle and steal their food. It wasn't until the deer realized what was happening and turned the tables on Anansi and tricked him into saying the magic words and when Anansi fell asleep they finally were able to take back all the food he had stolen.

Omigosh it is the CUTEST play ever. Avila shared the main role of Anansi with classmate Cai and the two were ridiculously cute in their costumes that I made! Here is Avila modeling her spider costume which was the easiest costume I've ever made, 2 pairs of black dollar tree trouser socks stuffed with leftover batting from her b'day party add black gloves on clearance 50c, total cost of costume $2.50! I sewed the socks directly on the outside of a black leotard and linked them together with thick thread to the sleeve and voila an instant spider costume!

Here she is doing her thing on stage!!

This year I was able to rope in two other moms to help me with the costumes, so we were able to make even better ones than last year. This elephant costume was so fun, I made the trunk from pipe insulation found at home depot. Only $1.87 for about 2 yards. I was so relieved to find these grey baseball hats at the dollar tree and the rest was easy, hot glue and felt made the eyes and ears. The tusks were cut from some kind of white insulation also found at home depot. The tunic I cut from fleece and the feet & tail from grey & white felt. Here's Avila modeling the elephant costume!

And below is the elephant cast on stage!

The GORGEOUS backdrop was painted another mom, talk about talented! It's amazing what can be done with some parent participation, our class is so lucky to have some many moms who are stepping up to make this and other events so special.

The mom I roped in made these zebra costumes, she did an amazing job!! I was so thankful she was able to help out! She sewed all these shirts herself! They turned out so incredibly cute!!

I didn't get a chance to have Avila model the Rhino costumes I made, but they turned out just as cute, and I used similar techniques as the elephant but I sewed and stuffed the rhino horns.

Another mom made the monkey, deer, and lion costumes and I was just blown away by her talent and creativity. It made the whole ensemble coordinate perfectly.

And there you have it a huge round of applause for the 2011 cast of "Anansi the spider and the Moss Covered Rock", all 68 students of Kindergarten & 1st grade! Huge kudos to the teachers who don't mess around when it comes to the performing arts, I love that they also think that its just important as math or spelling!

[dandelion spring/summer 2011 issue]

2011-04-22T13:41:00.000-07:00

We took these pictures last November just as the weather was getting cold. But you can hardly tell from these pictures as we were lucky to have a phenomenally warm day. It was so nice to hang out with Lorna and Ross for the afternoon as we chatted and Ross splashed in the pool. The water was ice cold but he didn't mind at all...

I was so smitten with Ross, he was a ball of energy with a smile that was so contagious. He hardly gave me eye contact for about an hour. But as he warmed up I got a couple of snaps of him looking at me! Sooooo CUTE!!

I can't imagine the time and energy it takes to care for a child with disabilities, and how hard parents have to fight for support that should be given willingly. Read their story in this issue available now at your local library or visit www.sacramentoparent.com for a list of distribution locations.

[a special maternity session]

2011-04-18T16:16:00.000-07:00

This maternity is near and dear to me, this gorgeous mamma is one of Avila's kindergarten teachers, and we are so blessed to have her! I just love her!! And I was so thrilled when she asked me to photograph her maternity pictures... they turned out so beautiful, you can see she is just glowing!!

I'm so excited to be on Spring Break and getting to sleep in and getting Spring cleaning done! Avila and I cleaned out the pantry, and we finally won a battle with laundry (until next time), cleaned out the kids wardrobes, seems like they're both growing like weeds and I can't keep them in shoes! The last pair I got Avila was a size 13! And Alannah is fast moving into size 6 womens!!

I'm excited to FINALLY have some warm weather we got a couple of short wearing days, but we're back to showers today, but the rain has made everything so incredibly green, and the wildflowers are going crazy out there, and the California poppies are dotting the highways... Avila and I got a ton of flowers and replanted our pots, she loves to garden, like her mamma... the flowers make us happy as we watch them grow and bloom! I LOVE Spring!

Come back soon.. I have another family session coming up!

[gorgeous high school senior]

2011-04-09T18:55:00.000-07:00

Finally the rain has taken a break, it has made the whole world GREEN!! Just in time for Kayla's senior portrait shoot. So beautiful... and so very hard to choose what to post... but here are some of my favs...

Amazing Kayla! You're a natural!

[Sacramento Parents Magazine April Issue!]

2011-04-05T16:04:00.000-07:00

WOW I can't even believe its APRIL!! I can't wait for warmer weather, but this year is FLYING by... Look at this adorable man on the Sacramento Parent Magazine cover this month!!!

Here's the cover image and the one from inside on the table of contents:

And here are a few more of my favorites from his shoot, because his just too cute!!!

One of the fastest photoshoots I've ever had for a baby less than 1 year old!! Thanks for stopping by!! Hope you're enjoying the warm weather we've had lately. I also hope that it continues I have to shoot this week!!

[san francisco girls day out]

2011-04-04T17:11:00.000-07:00

So my friend Sandy was planning a girlie day trip to the bay area and I was lucky to be invited... a full day of shopping and site seeing... I'm in!! They shared some awesome places that I wanted to share with my blog readers too.

First there was ZARA who had the BEST kids collection I've seen in a long time... with affordable prices! Check them out online at http://www.zara.com their store in union square, San Francisco is just gorgeous 865 Market Street, San Francisco - (415) 817-5020. You can also find them at 250 Post Street, San Francisco - (415) 399-6930.

If you need some ideas for outfits for your next photoshoot here are some of my FAVORITE dresses.

Nothing short but delightful, well made stylish clothing at affordable prices.

Secondly for a budding sewing addict, I was in LOVE with BRITEX FABRICS four storeys of designer fabrics and notions. Total eye candy! Next time you're downtown just pop in to take a look, its worth a little peek.

146 Geary Street San Francisco, CA 94108

http://www.britexfabrics.com

above picture from http://www.britexfabrics.com, (they didn't like us take any pictures)!

[babies and bumps 2011]

2011-03-28T12:21:00.003-07:00

Yesterday my friend Stephanie and I went to the Sacramento Parent magazine Babies & Bumps event, celebrating parenthood and pregnancy, babies and families. This year's title sponsor is Kaiser Permanente and it was held at the beautiful Citrus Heights Community Center. I kinda felt old since my kids are way past the babies and bumps stage. But it was really neat to see all the vendors, and local crafty moms! My daughter Alannah also came along and thoroughly enjoyed herself, she took most of these images for me!! Isn't she talented??

I love this booth http://www.fruitbabygoods.com/ everything was handmade and just adorable!

Mom of 5 kiddos Lori still manages to create these gorgeous crochet items, we can't wait until our item arrives! Check her out at www.toiletales.etsy.com, she is so incredibly talented, she even takes her own photographs!

And Music Matt entertained us with his rockin songs!

LOVE Stella and Dot's new girls line!! SOOOO CUTE!!

For more information on this event or any of the vendors click this link http://www.babiesandbumps.net

[March Issue OUT NOW!]

2011-03-01T19:54:00.000-08:00

What can I say? What a wonderful cover model! Love her!! March issue out on newsstands now. Grab one today they're FREE!! Head over to www.sacramentoparent.com for more news and information!

[my baby turns SEVEN... 'sew' let's PARTY!!!]

2011-02-28T13:41:00.000-08:00

For Avila's 7th b-day she wanted to have a sewing party, that seemed quite daunting, but we gave it a shot. I wanted to keep costs down and so tried to keep things simple & easy, and use stuff I already had. Starting with the invitations.... this was the first time I used my sewing machine to make cards, and it was really fun!!

The decorations... were also free, we cut sewing machine sillohuettes from foam board, added paint, glitter and trim and hung them on the front door and ceiling. We then cut thread spool shapes from cardboard and wrapped yarn around them, and added them to the ceiling too.

For the gift table I went to a thrift store and got an old vintage pattern for 49cents, I picked out the thickest package I could and was able to use it to cover the gift table as well as the craft table and on the wall.

For more free decorating, I hung some patterns on some twine with clothespins. The SEW letters were from JoAnns with more paint and glitter, and simple gift bags were jazzed up with a printed labels with each girl's name on it.

We kept the food really simple with most things store bought so that we can focus on the main event.... the sewing part! We added the Martha Stewart pom poms to make it look more festive and I didn't want to take them down! Here's a tutorial on how to make them: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tDAgjtScFpU&feature=related

We set up three sewing machines, one is mine, one is my MILs, and my friend Roz brought her machine, she also stayed and helped which was a lifesaver!

Here's a better image of the pattern papered wall, I hung the pre-cut pillow squares on more twine, ready to grab and sew. The pillows turned out super cute. so soft and a perfect size to rest their weary head... as demonstrated by my little hambug!

I also printed out personalized name tags for the girls pillows. They each sewed the sides and left a hole for stuffing, once they finished stuffing they put on their name tags, and while they were eating we quickly sewed up the holes for them.

I picked up 2 bags of batting after Christmas... actually it was 'buffalo snow'.. on clearance for $1.49 for a HUGE bag!! The material I picked up 4 yards at Beverly's on sale for $1 a yard! so the main project was a bargain!! I pre-cut and also drew in straight lines with disappearing fabric pen to make it super simple for the girls to do.

Once all 11 girls arrived we gave them a run down of the crafts and then it was playtime!! on the coffee table we set up a station for them to design fashion clothing for paper dolls.

My sweet father in law labored all week to cut these out and mount them on cardboard, they turned out so cute!! The template was found online at http://familyfun.go.com/

Here he is again helping the girls with their headband project, Alannah taught them how to sew on the buttons and he hot glued them to the headband afterwards. My sweet mother in law, help cut out the flower shapes from felt and fabric remnants, she also brought down old buttons to put it all together. For some of the girls it was their first time sewing a button! It makes us so happy to see them after the party and they are still wearing them!!

All the girls did so well with sewing, they learned to use the pedal, lock their stitching by going back and forward, and how to turn around corners by lifting the footer! They were much more dexterous than I thought they would be, all the girls were 7-8 years old.

Avila LOVE LOVES to sew... just like her mamma! She is getting so good, she can sew a straight line and is ready to tackle something more challenging. I think all the girls were inspired to sew more and it makes me so happy that they are interested in this dying art. I hope it makes a comeback in the next generation! Let's bring back handmade, homemade and made in USA!! :-)

Finally the moment Avila's been waiting for cake and presents! She requested (insisted) on having Cheesecake! And we of course gave her cheesecake (thanks to costco) and decorated with sprinkles, and this amazing find - a little sewing machine photo frame my in laws had at their house! How PERFECT!!!

Lastly I found these sewing machine and spool charms on EBAY and couldn't resist getting them to make something special for each girl to remember their day. I also bought a spool of brass chain and then Avila and I put them together. Turned out to be only $2 each so it didn't break my budget!!

There have been a few things that I've learned after throwing these girls parties over the years, that I thought I would share with you because it isn't hard to do! Firstly planning ahead is huge in keeping your costs low. We started planning this party in December, just the 'concept' and that left us plenty of time to look for sales, and we didn't have to rush at the last minute to buy things. I would just come across things as I go about shopping, and since I had the party in mind things would jump out at me like getting the drinks 3 weeks ahead on sale, getting the fabric and stuffing at an incredible price 6 weeks before the party. And ordering the charms from EBAY in December so that they could arrive from Hong Kong in time!! They were a huge bang for my buck, at only $3.99 for 10 charms!!

It also gave us plenty of time to cut and prepare the crafts & decorations so that we could save on not having to purchase them pre-packaged. To remember to save the cardboard from boxes to make the spool decor.

The internet is such a wealth of information, there is so much online that its hard to pick out what to do! Here are some of my favorite party sites
http://www.saraspartyperfect.com/
http://onecharmingparty.com/
http://imprintables.blogspot.com/
http://stephaniejdesigns.blogspot.com/
http://www.love-the-day.com/lovetheday/wordpress/

And my best tip of all.... this year I was prepared enough to decorate and set everything up the day before, so that made the actual day of the party so much less stressful because I wasn't running around madly at the last minute, everything was already done, all we did was set out the food, hang the sign on the door, and wait for our guests to arrive! Brilliant right?? Gosh, why didn't I think of that sooner???

So there you have it... one simply sweet sewing party and one very HAPPY Birthday Girl!! LOVE her to pieces!!

[ben & jessica.... engaged!]

2011-02-18T14:56:00.000-08:00

This session was the hardest for me to pick my favorites... i couldn't wait to share them with you but i needed to have a good chunk of time to really put it all together for you, and this week just was so crazy! But finally here they are the sweetest couple, and one of my favorite shoots ever.

We revisited an old favorite location of mine here locally and i was so excited to see that they reopened their corner fruit store. When I ran inside to ask the store keeper if I could please photograph inside this is what i found! There might have been a squeal and a happy dance involved... i'm just saying that made my day!

This orange grove smelt amazing, i just wanted to stay there all day, lay down a blanket and smell the citrus, so pungent and clean, nature at its very best!

This little kitty cat came over to check on what we were doing on her lawn...

Well I could go one and on... but i have to stop somewhere....

i hope you liked them as much as i did.

thanks for stopping by!!

[my how time flies!]

2011-02-17T13:38:00.000-08:00

It amazes me how fast time flies, whenever I get a client who books the baby's first year package, I am shocked at how quickly each shoot approaches, I know I'm sure the parents don't feel like its been that quick, but it seems like yesterday I photographed this adorable peanut!

http://alexandrafrankel.blogspot.com/2010/09/little-ryan-is-now-6-months.html

And look at her now!!! Growing up and more beautiful each day. I am going to miss her!

welcome back green chair, i have missed you! I left this at a location in town and i had a local photographer friend call and let me know it was there, cause she recognized it from my blog! Thank you!! Thank you!! Thank you!! I was searching EVERYWHERE for it... and I am so happy its back. Miss Ryan loved it too. I am always on the lookout for some cute vintage chairs, benches, step-stools, mini-ladders, boxes, suitcases... sometimes the ground is too wet to sit on and so it comes in handy!

wow... so much cuteness! I can't even bear it!! Thanks for stopping by... I have an engagement coming up that I am DYING to share with you.. I have so many its been REALLY tough to narrow down any favorites...

As I am processing these.. the wind is howling and its frigid outside, its supposed to snow down to 1000ft tonight! That's AUBURN! Oh I hope that it clears up so we can go play in the fresh snow! This weekend is a 4 day weekend for us, thank you Mr. President! We are looking forward to sleeping in... but I have a lot of party planning to do for Avila's 7th b'day!! And I am going to have to shoot her portraits using indoor studio!?!?! Say WHAT???? I know not my comfort zone that's for sure LOL! You will have to come back and see how I do.

[100th day and valentines]

2011-02-13T21:13:00.000-08:00

I can't tell you how MUCH I LOVE Avila's k/1 class. I'm appreciating every day, since this is her last year in that class and I just may have to have another child so I can be in "yellow room" again!! Not once have I heard Avila say "I don't want to go to school today", even when she was coming down with a cold, and I suggested that she take a day off, she said 'no, I really want to go', she hardly ever gets sick so rarely misses a day. I can see why, she has the BEST teachers, who make learning so much fun, they're always singing and dancing, doing art projects and music & language... I can go on and on. I also love that they are always celebrating something, Halloween, Christmas, Chinese New Year, 100th day, Valentines, St. Patricks, just to name a few, it feels like the party room, but they are learning tons too. Avila is already reading at a 2nd level and her math skills blow me away, her handwriting is just beautiful, I'm so proud of her. But truly its just an amazing environment and the teachers are so good with the children, stern but in the kindest way. Funnily they are both expecting their first baby this year! I'm so excited! Oh I hope I will get to feature their bubs here.

Anyways... this week we celebrated the 100th day of school, and the kids were asked to make a 100 project. Avila and I came up with pennants, we wanted to make a long hanging one, but it had to be under 24x24 inches.. so we made it a bit smaller scale. Avila said that if you turned it upside down it would be 100 mountains! heheh...

Here are some pics from their 100 day celebration where they did so many 100 related craft projects. The kids got a day off from wearing school uniform if they wore something with numbers on it. Avy had nothing with a number on it, so I made her 100 day shirt out of hem tape and a $2 t-shirt I found at walmart.

During the celebrating she made a necklace with 100 fruit loops on it, but when I came to class she only had four left! Hahahah... in the picture below she is making trail mix where they put 10 of each item to make 100, how cool is that! They sure got their counting down at that party!

The 100 hand prints banner was my favorite, so cute I wanted to take it home with me!

Last week was a busy one for us on top of all that, Alannah also had a field trip to Bounce U and Fresh choice as part of "healthy heart month", at Bounce u they had a teacher who explained why heart disease is the #1 killer in America! And there was much to be learned, I left determined to make it a priority to get my heart into shape and do at least 15 mins of cardio each day, and eat healthy unprocessed unpackaged foods. After working out our hearts at Bounce U we got to have a nice luncheon at Fresh Choice where the kids had to eat fruits and vegies before their pizzas! It was REALLY tough not to eat our favorite pasta dishes, ice-cream, and bread first!

For Valentines day the kids were given a secret Valentine to make a card and treat for. Avila made a card out of heart doilies, and when I saw this adorable project on one of my favorite blogs: http://www.dana-made-it.com/2011/02/valentines-sacks-and-heartbreakers_07.html and showed Avila, she was so excited we had to make them right away!!

HAPPY VALENTINES DAY!!! XOXOXOXOXO

[Michel & Clay.... Happily Ever After]

2011-02-08T12:41:00.000-08:00

wow. i have been wanting to share this for ages... i don't know how life gets so busy.

I had the pleasure of photographing this gorgeous wedding last month. one of the most sweet winter weddings i have ever seen. with the cutest flower girls EVER!!

well, there were so many images, but here are some that caught my eye...

i will let the pictures speak for themselves. you will see what i mean...

so beautiful... what a wonderful way to start the year with a new life together.

congratulations Michele & Clay. OXOXOXOX

[Sacramento Parents Magazine February Issue!]

2011-02-06T14:59:00.000-08:00

This month's cover model has the cutest smile EVER!!! You may recognize him since he has been on this blog three times already!! Check out the remainder of his awesome shoot here and here!

[winter beauty]

2011-01-25T21:46:00.000-08:00

Mid-january is about as dreary as it gets in the year, post-holiday-high, bitterly cold, grey, rainy gloomy, not much to look forward to until mid-february... and its about right now that I'm desperately wishing I was back in hot and humid Australia and feeling really homesick. I think being cold just makes me grumpy and its been weeks of coldness, so I have been quite moody. but today we got lucky, it was so warm and sunny for these two darling sweethearts who made my day. We had a BLAST shooting in the warm afternoon sunlight. I didn't even have to wear a COAT or GLOVES!!! Nice right?? i was so happy to get out of my sweats and be back shooting and I have to admit winter is really beau-ti-ful and so GREEN! wow it was almost blinding how green the grass is right now. Its true the grass is really greener here LOL! These pics turned out so sweet i am so excited to share them with you! These two sisters totally rocked their wintery photo shoot! I couldn't decide which one I liked more color or b&w so I just posted both.

After photographing these gals it reminded me I should to take out my girly girls for a winter shoot. Its been a long time since I've photographed them, or shot them in the winter. i will have to rug them up in some cute winter outfits and give it a whirl.

[a special engagement]

2011-01-13T17:23:00.000-08:00

So I've been dying to spill the beans on this special engagement, but my sweet sister wanted to make sure she told her friends and family in person instead of them finding out on FB (or my blog!). I had to find out on SKYPE but that's cool. They got engaged on Christmas day!!! I'm so excited for them. Introducing my sister Natallie and her "fiance" Mac! We took these pics this summer when they came to visit!! Love them to pieces!!

It is hard to accept that someone is good enough for your little sister, but Mac is a great guy and how do I know? Cause my kids adore him! I think kids are the BEST judge of naughty or nice. Them and dogs... and Coco gave him the lick of approval too. We are happy that we will add another brother to our family. Love Love these two love birds... so happy my sister has found her superman!

My absolute FAVE! If it were me I'd have this BIG in my house!

And last one... sorry so many but I love them all!!

I can't wait for their wedding... still TBA but sometime in Spring 2012! Sweet! I get to go back down under. And the big question will I be shooting their wedding? Of course!! Will the girls be flower girls?? YES!! They're super excited. I know she will make an absolutely STUNNING bride! I can't wait to see which wedding dress she'll pick. And the colors... so exciting!!

[january 2011 issue & source book 2011]

2011-01-11T13:12:00.000-08:00

Starting the new year with this CUTE FACE! Hello Micah! We love your sweet smile. The day we scheduled to shoot this it was pouring like you won't believe, the kind of rain where you can barely see the car in front of you. So there was just no way we could shoot outdoors, and normally on a regular shoot I would reschedule, but you can't when you're working with print! So we went inside the library and Micah's adorable smile saved the day!

And I can't even be more proud of this year's selection for the SOURCE BOOK cover! What a picture perfect family. No they're not models or actors but a very sweet family here in Sacramento and they're rockin' the cover for 2011! You can view more images of their family shoot here: http://alexandrafrankel.blogspot.com/2010/11/red-barn-revisited.html

Looking forward to the new year! Thanks for stopping by... oxoxoxox

~ Alex