Sneak Peak:: Cade’s Infant Session

Justine — Thu, 09 Sep 2010 13:16:25 +0000

Back in June I was contacted by Summer about an infant portrait session for her baby due in September. Summer and I had attended Shasta High years ago (I’m not saying exactly how many years!!) and it was great to hear from her again. Well, last Friday I received an email that she and her husband welcomed their sweet little boy earlier that week and were ready for their first portraits as a family. I was invited to Cade’s house to capture his infant portraits at seven days old! (Have I mentioned how much I love being able to photograph infants while they’re so tiny?!) This little man is such a sweetie- he just loved being swaddled and snuggled! And it was so great to catch up with an old friend and meet her husband- they are such a fabulous couple and amazing parents!! More images will follow but I wanted to get just a couple up for his parents to enjoy!

My Loves- Myra and Liam:: Children Portraits

Justine — Tue, 07 Sep 2010 22:54:51 +0000

There’s something amazing about being an Auntie. Yes, your love for your own children is greater than any depths known to man. But there’s something special about the love for your niece or nephew. Maybe it’s ’cause you’re the one that gets to spoil them like crazy… “You want another bite of cake? Ok.” Maybe it’s how they remind you of you and your sister playing as kids. Maybe it’s because you’re not the one that is primarily responsible for their discipline. Nonetheless, it is a sweet love. And when your niece and nephew are as stinking cute as mine… well, that’s icing on the cake! Myra turned three just last week and Liam celebrated his first birthday early July so my sister and I headed to the park early Monday morning to capture a few portraits of the two of them. I love these two so very much! Check out these pictures and I think you will too… just maybe not as much as their Auntie. That’s nearly impossible.

My sister had these angel wings to bring along for play and Myra LOVED them!

Sweet little angel.

This would be her “princess look”

My beautiful sister and Liam- this was the point when the big red fire engine pulled into the park. He was super interested in that!

“Patty-cake”

This one is probably my favorite- this is what he does when my sister asks him to show us his muscles!! Isn’t he the best?!

Even he knows he’s cute!

I loved the lighting on this one.

A dirty little boy who had great fun at the park!

Class of 2011- Now is the time for Senior Portraits!!

Justine — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 18:13:55 +0000

The days are cooler (who’d ever think we’d see the 70’s in August!!), we are now two weeks into school and I’m finally getting into the routine of it all. For some of you this school year means your final year of high school!! (Are any of you doing the victory dance yet??) Many schools have deadlines in the next couple months if you want to include a senior portrait for the yearbook. Here’s the information I gathered from some of our local high schools…

So email me and we can schedule your Senior Portrait session in time for these fast approaching deadlines. The portrait package includes a two hour session with a digital images CD and printing release all for $135 (includes state sales tax). This means time for outfit changes and even multiple locations. Do you prefer the great outdoors or want something more urban feeling? I love to tailor these sessions personally for each senior- to let your personality show through. So, give me your ideas, bring along your purses and shoes or computer gadgets, invite me to your home where we can get a portrait with your restored classic car or your family dog. I want to capture who you are. I look forward to hearing from you!

PS- Here’s some of last year’s fabulous seniors; maybe you recognize some…

Summertime Ceremony:: Brandon + Jessica

Justine — Fri, 27 Aug 2010 16:56:06 +0000

Earlier this month I was privileged to be a second photographer at Brandon and Jessica’s wedding with my friend, Erin Claassen. It was fun! Being a second shooter allows for a different opportunity, different angles, and a whole lot less stress! Brandon and Jessica had a fabulous ceremony and reception at their family’s Cottonwood home. Though it was a warm summer afternoon, the day went beautifully! I especially loved getting to sneak back into the empty field during the reception and capture some beautiful portraits of the bride and groom!!

Brandon and Jessica- congratulations to you both! May you both be greatly blessed in your marriage.

I love this shot of the two of them- you know that not only are they in love but they are best friends as well.

What started out all sweet…

…got a little messy!!

Cleaning up from the fun!!

After the bride and groom cleaned up from the food fight, we slipped away from the party for a bit to capture some stunning portraits…

Jessica rocked it here! She is gorgeous!

Want to see more? Go visit Erin’s blog to see more of this beautiful couple.

Little Camille Joie :: Infant Portraits

Justine — Thu, 12 Aug 2010 18:10:21 +0000

My husband and I have a small group meet at our house for Bible study every Sunday night. And it’s been through this group that we’ve made lasting friendships, much like family. So, we were so excited when our good friends, Jake and Bethany, texted us in the middle of the night letting us know that their new baby daughter, Camille Joie (french for “joy”), was now a part of their gorgeous family! I loved finally getting to meet this sweet little girl after months of only being able to feel her kicks. And I loved finally learning of her beautiful name!! Mom and Dad kept that a secret from everyone until the day of delivery and it was about to kill me!! (It didn’t keep me from trying to get it out of Bethany though!) So, of course, now that she’s here, we needed portraits! We were able to get a couple portraits of her (just shy of two years old) big brother while she was nursing, preparing for her session. It proved to be a little tricky trying to get a two year old and a three week old cooperating at the same time but I think we were able to get some great shots! Like I said, this is such a gorgeous family- I mean, look at them. Their eyes! They’re amazing! So, really, how could you go wrong??

Jake and Bethany- Congratulations to you guys! Thank you for letting me capture the beauty of your sweet new princess and your gorgeous family! You are such a blessing to all of us. Thank you for your friendship!!

I LOVE this one! Camille has come into a family that just simply adores her!

This was definitely one of my favorites- Jake is such a wonderful dad!

I also loved these next two of beautiful Bethany and her new baby girl! I’m usually prefer color portraits, but these two were so stunning in black and white.

This one was just hilarious! Camille was not having the most fun at the time and she seemed to want to tell me just how she felt!

The beautiful sleeping princess

Sweet kisses from Brother

This was as she was trying her hardest to stay awake for the shoot… She’s even beautiful when she cries!

And, she’s out!

Sweet dreams little one!

Mt. Shasta Resort Wedding:: John + Theresa

Justine — Fri, 06 Aug 2010 08:27:55 +0000

When John and Theresa started planning their wedding, they discussed the ease and simplicity of eloping; however, friends and family members wouldn’t hear of it and convinced them otherwise. Currently living in San Francisco, Theresa and her family are originally from Mt. Shasta and have always loved the majestic beauty found there. So John and Theresa planned their destination wedding at the beautiful Mt. Shasta Resort for early July. It was a bright, beautiful summer day with the mountain covered in snow. I loved all the details that John and Theresa put into the ceremony and reception incorporating pieces of their family history including Theresa’s beautiful antique veil that’s been in the family for eighty years.

John & Theresa- it was a joy getting to know you and sharing in your day with you! I hope that you have many blessed days as husband and wife. Congratulations!

John had the most rockin’ socks I’ve yet seen a groom wear!!

Their adorable nieces and nephews served as the flower girls and ring bearers. These little ones were so excited for the aunt and uncle!

The handsome groom

And the stunning bride. Theresa has such a beauty about her- both inside and out!

I loved this look on Theresa’s face as John spoke his vows to her- he is a well loved man!

The rings

And the kiss!

The ring pillows have treasured sentiment: both were handmade by the bride and groom. The one on the right was made by the John for his mom when he was eight years old.

The newlywed couple awaiting their introduction. This is one of my favorites; I love the moment captured here!

We went around to the guests and asked them to write their own personal messages for John and Theresa. I loved all the notes- the sweet ones, the inside jokes; it all made for a personal touch.

All of the music for the reception was played on vinyl- super fabulous!

Summer Fun

Justine — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 23:21:40 +0000

This summer has been pretty crazy busy with weddings, family portraits and not to mention our own family travels. And then there’s the edit time for it all! I did want to share a little of the fabulous trip my husband, Ryan, and I took to San Diego at the end of last month in celebration of our 11 year anniversary. (Has we really been married that long already?!) We were able to get away (leaving the kids in the very capable hands of the grandparents) and enjoy the sand, sun and surf. We, along with two of our closest friends, went to a Resurgence conference led by Mars Hill Church pastor, Mark Driscoll. It was a great time of teaching, relaxing and of course, photo ops in our free time! (That’s just bound to happen with two professional photographers on vacation! Poor husbands!!) Our first night we headed down to Ocean Beach and soon found out that it was also a farmer’s market that evening; what great sights and terrific foods! And the sunset that evening was breathtaking! And what trip to San Diego is complete without a visit to the phenomenal zoo?! Here’s some of my favorites from our trip…

Live street music

The sweet woman that grew all the beautiful orchids

What a beautiful evening!!

Enjoying the last bit of day (and starting to chill off quite a bit!)

Erin is such a beautiful woman and I’m very thankful for her friendship

Our turn to play around! I sure love this handsome man!

I loved all the beautiful arches everywhere!

We sure love playing around! Thanks husband for this goofy shot!

And then it was time for some fun at the zoo!!!

Shakin’ off the wetness

And this one was the funny one- right place, right timing…

Baby Jake:: Child Portraits

Justine — Thu, 24 Jun 2010 23:30:12 +0000

Little Jake and his mommy, Jamee, came over for his 8 month portrait session a couple weeks ago. You see, Jake’s daddy, Luke, is an officer in the Marines and has been gone for the last 3 and a half months serving our country (and will not be back for another 4 months at least). He has not had the joy of firsthand seeing his baby become a little boy. So, when Jamee mentioned that she wanted some portraits to send to her husband overseas, I was excited to do it! Jake is such an adorable little guy with the most amazing blue eyes! (I’m always a sucker for those blue eyes!) And I just LOVE his sweet cheeks! I also wanted to say just how amazing Jamee is! She is doing such a beautiful job of raising and caring for her little guy while Dad is away; she even has a photograph of Luke that Jake kisses and talks to everyday so that he can remember Daddy. Her strength and beauty through this all is an encouragement to me!

Reading time with Mom and his favorite book, “If You Give a Moose a Muffin”

Jake loves his daddy!

What a great smile!!

He LOVES playing with his mama’s phone!

These two might just be my favorites… you can just feel the love between mom and son!

Sweet Baby Isaiah:: Infant Portraits

Justine — Tue, 15 Jun 2010 23:35:50 +0000

Okay. This blog started out today as a sneak peek for Isaiah’s mommy before I headed out of town with my hubby (San Diego, here we come!!). However, when you have such a handsome little man how do you pick only one or two?? This one… no, wait, THIS one… And so went the dilemma in my head. Then I asked myself, why just a couple? So, here they are! I shared Andrea’s maternity shoot about a month and a half ago and now this sweet little boy is here, only five days old for the portrait session. And, my, was he fabulous! I always recommend to my clients that the earlier we can photograph your infant the better the cooperation we get from the little ones; they are usually much more sleepy, not super fussy, and will go into whatever positions you want them to. I realize that this may not work for every mommy or baby but Andrea brought him over last Saturday and Isaiah did not disappoint! We were also able to get some great portraits with his big sister and his daddy- which I LOVE!! This is such a gorgeous family (as you will see in the images)!

Jesse & Andrea- thank you SO much for bringing your family over for these portraits! I love you both so very much and am SO excited for you with the blessing of this new little boy! He is the sweetest! And Ms. M- you are such a beautiful big sister! You do such a great job of taking care of him!!

I love this tender picture- she is such a beautiful mommy!

So small in Daddy’s hands…

The beautiful (and very excited) big sister!

Aren’t they gorgeous?! No wonder they make beautiful babies!! Congrats to you both!

The Knights:: Family Portraits

Justine — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 17:39:38 +0000

Edits are done and the mom and dad have the disk in their hot little hands so now I can share more from Adam and Amanda’s family portrait session two weeks ago! As I mentioned, these family pictures were to celebrate their little one’s third birthday. And what a doll she is!! She was constantly on the move so I had to keep on my toes (including a game of tag during the shoot) but it made for some great images. We were also able to let their little girl wander off and play while we got some fabulous “couple” portraits with just Adam and Amanda. It was so much fun spending my evening with this family! And what’s SUPER exciting: last night as I was giving them their image disk, they shared a picture of their own with me- their sweet little girl with a t-shirt on that says “Big Sister”. They are expecting a new little one to join their family early next year!! I am SO happy for them!

Adam and Amanda- I had a wonderful evening with you all! It was so much fun shooting with you guys! And I am so very excited for you and can’t wait to meet this new little one God’s bringing along! What a blessing!! Yea!! And Arielle- a very happy birthday to you, Big Sister!!

They both have such beautiful smiles!

A gorgeous couple very much in love…

I was loving the open fields and late afternoon sun on her family’s property in Red Bluff…

Adam also asked about just a couple shots of him for his computer business, Knightly Computing. He is a greatly talented computer guru! I have utilized his expertise on several occasions!!