dollfacephoto

Charlie

2012-01-16T22:03:00.000-08:00

Over Christmas vacation I was overjoyed to hear about a college friend who had the opportunity to adopt a sweet little baby boy. I couldn't wait to meet him. There is nothing like the miracle of adoption.

He is such a beautiful baby. Looks like he has had his hair tidied up at the barber and his skin has such a beautiful tone.

Like my first, this little guy is so strong for being so young. He fought the urge to go to sleep for the first little while.

Finally we got him snug enough to drop off.

So we moved and changed up the lighting for the last few shots.

Ahh, baby parts :)

Sweet little guy! I had such a time with this truck. Between an unnaturally strong 2 week old and the rolling wheels (note to self: glue truck wheels!). I had to get at least one of these edited!

C Family

2012-01-16T21:41:00.000-08:00

Wonderful, funny family!!

This episode had something to do with an Obama joke, believe it or not!

Good, sweet, fun kids!

I have to admit, it was so easy to take pictures of older kids!

I'm used to propping a head or chasing toddlers for the shot.

All of these were actually from a "mini-session" taken in about an hour. I got the same amount of photos as I do from a full session.

AND, being the pushover that I am for a good photo, I edited them all :)

He reminds me of that cute guy on American Pickers. He's so funny.

When you live in Utah you are never short on beautiful places for a photo.

A wonderful, smart, sassy woman!

Maddox, Naturally

2012-01-03T12:41:00.000-08:00

I encourage clients to have photos of their newborns taken early and taken at their homes. What's more memorable than the couch you snuggle him on, or the "stuff" in the background that it takes to keep a baby going through the day. Even the mess is lovely when it's made in the name of the little guy.

Maddox is my nephew and already 2 months old, but I NEVER turn down a client based on the age of their child. Not that it isn't a little harder and maybe we get a few less shots of the wiggle-worm but I'm not age discriminatory. I've had enough babies to know that maybe something more important comes up or life is way too crazy to get those photos in the first few weeks (which makes even more sense to have a photographer come to your home).

H Family

2011-12-07T20:43:00.000-08:00

Another adorable and well-behaved group! It was certainly cold but they were serious troopers!

He didn't start out this pose smiling! His look read zebra anticipating a tiger pounce. Dad got goofy behind me and he finally relaxed adn trusted his sisters.

FREEZING Utah Lake session with the S Family

2011-12-05T14:02:00.000-08:00

What do you get when you take 7 kids, a lake, and 20 degree weather?

Oh, and don't forget a 45 degree downhill climb to the next location (out of the wind)... I told Adam I was just practicing for my next National Geographic shoot.

Honest to goodness, you get 7 cooperative children and 3 grateful adults!

Those waves in the background are in a lake. The wind just 50 miles north was ripping off roofs and uprooting trees!

W Family at Provo Temple

2011-11-28T17:34:00.000-08:00

Phew! It's been too long since I've posted sessions! Alas, here's a wonderful family to begin with! I took pictures for their first sealing at the Mt. Timpanogas Temple to Aida and about a year later here we are again with her sweet baby brother that they adopted!

Such a beautiful family!

It was FREEZING, but the sky was wonderful!

Sorry about the watermark right in the middle, but the news story about the family whose picture was in a frame at Ikea has me shook!

Poor mom! Miss Aida had different ideas about the day. They didn't include photos. Just keep moving and you'll get a shot!

Nevermind the drinking fountain next to the bench that had to be photoshopped. Who puts a drinking fountain near a photo op at the temple?!

My camera wouldn't focus and I couldn't figure out why because Talmage isn't crawling yet. He seemed to be still. I came around the veiwfinder to see his little chin quivering in the cold.

Didn't make a sound. Just sat shivering! Poor little man. This was our last shot of the day.

Extended Family

2011-10-27T23:31:00.000-07:00

I LOVE taking extended family photos. Somehow the larger the group the more cooperative the children?! I don't get it either.

I sure hope my posterity is this good lookin.

The littlest guy of this group was so reminiscent of my Noah and he just ate up his grandpa who stood behind me and coerced smiles and laughs from the crowd.

This tiny baby's feet kept poking up and up and up until they covered her face. So we moved to the grass and had big brother hold her. Look how comfy she looks in his arms.

This grandpa is the universal grandpa. You know, the kind of man that radiates warmth and caring. My Mae, who is scared of everyone took to him and called him grandpa immediately. Such a wonderful man.

These are my neighbors. My trainers, and friends. Mae calls these guys "the black boys". Paulette asked if I'd photoshopped her because she can't possibly be that short. You caught me ;0)

J Kids "School Picture Day"

2011-10-27T23:04:00.000-07:00

I'm so proud to say that Skyler, the oldest beauty, said to her mom after picture day at school, "Can't we have Brandy take our pictures?"

Well HEAVENS YES my dear! And I'll do it again next year if you'll let me :)

I've been so lucky to work with such well-behaved kids lately. Maybe we're just all maturing nicely :) I have no problem with taking the same folks' pictures year after year after year.

I saw the ad for "retakes" at the kids' school on my way in to parent-teacher conferences today. Makes me giggle as I post this. Retakes, schmeetakes.

Kim & Tyson

2011-10-11T22:11:00.000-07:00

We had a little scheduling conflict between ceremony and reception so we opted for pre-wedding photos which I LOVE! So much less stress than trying to fight for space at the temple, fight for time with Aunt Stella and your 53rd cousin, twice removed who have to have a photo with you on your wedding day. Not to mention we can show the weather who's boss!

Beautiful Babe-E

2011-09-29T22:15:00.000-07:00

5 brothers precede this beautiful girl.

Her mom, and more importantly, her dad, are "training" me because he can do hand stand push-ups, and her mom won $1000 in a fitness contest couple months ago.

I pity the fool who will try to ask for her first date.

Adorable Y Kids!

2011-09-28T14:01:00.000-07:00

Did the first of the "School Picture Day" sessions. These kids are so adorable. And you know I'm partial to a redhead :)

This is one of my favorite pictures EVER!

Oh her eyes!

After the first couple of shots it went like this: *click* tilt right, *click* tilt left. Rinse and repeat.

Silly kids. *click* tilt right, *click* tilt left

September Morn

2011-09-15T20:39:00.000-07:00

Sometimes you've got to book a session at an odd time of day. This time it was for two little birthday sisters so we went to an area with lots and lots of trees and Mama spread out the good stuff so we could get fancy....

and the Mr. got in on some of the action. Sometimes he has to allow his sensitive side out...

Pretty Miss G

2011-08-12T23:32:00.000-07:00

I hate to beat a dead horse but Jeff & Jane, you've got a long few years in front of you when your beautiful little girl starts dating.

I always remember a sweet little bob on a tiny little girl. Man they grow up fast!

She's adorable and charitable. A couple of days after our shoot she donated 8 inches of hair to Locks of Love. The bob is back?!

She has such dainty, pretty feet.

Prince Charming

2011-08-08T14:41:00.000-07:00

My baby Noah after his sealing in the Mt. Timpanogas Temple

Louis/Shoemake Wedding

2011-08-02T00:00:00.000-07:00

It all seems so simple to the untested soul...

All you need is a venue,

A few pretty things.

A bride,

A groom,

Coupl'a rings.

And you've got yerself a wedding.

Happily Ever After.

I happen to know that it's much more work than that. These two even decorated their own wedding cake the night before. That's love! Dedication from their families and friends. That's what makes a wedding.

Continuous support with continued love. That's what makes a happily every after.

To test her resolve, a Choctaw tradtition. The bride runs for the mark (in this case, this flagpole). The groom runs for the same mark with a later start. If he touches it before she does the marriage is on. If not, she can get out of it.

It's not easy, this getting married business.

Love and well wishes to send them off in their new life together.

Sweet Baby D

2011-07-14T21:44:00.000-07:00

I LOVE taking newborn's photos in their own homes. When looking back on the photos you'll see all of the "stuff" it takes to nurse the baby into the little turkey he's become.

It's really fun with little preemies like Mr. D because he is still so tiny, at 2 months.

One of my favorites.

What in heaven's name are you guys doing to me?

Tough guy, eh?

4 going on 40

2011-07-14T13:55:00.000-07:00

Right from the start this little fella was so fun and easy to shoot.

It's not every day that I get such a cooperative 4 year old.

He was trying to see if he could see me through my lens. Got to remember that one next time!

Her darling new shoes. Had to showcase them. Right before I took her to Utah Lake and we marched through the sludge.

Hope the sunset was worth the investment.

Of all the kind things people have done for me on shoots, Z shared his BottleCaps with me in the car.

And THEN, they pulled out these superhero shirts and he got crazy on me!

Boys, Boys EVERYWHERE!

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

I did two shoots this weekend with

ALL BOYS!

6 of them to be exact.

First to Herriman for a newborn and his brothers.

Not to mention his beautiful mama!

That's a lot of Hanes.

His grandpa made this cradle.

And then to Logan for a mini-session with the Hardy Boys...seriously!

He looks innocent ;0)

I love how HARD they look. "You tawkin ta me?"

Go Aggies, Go Aggies, Hey Hey Hey!

And this is how it's done....

Shower Gift That Keeps on Giving!

2011-06-25T20:32:00.000-07:00

If you know someone having a baby soon keep this in mind as a shower/baby gift! For $100.00 I will do 2 of any of the following sessions *including a cd of edited prints* for the momma-to-be...

maternity
newborn
family
6 month

If you're as cheap as I am, go in on it with some friends ;) It will be so much more treasured than an outfit or some baby lotion. She'll sing your praises every time she looks at her photos!

Your gift will be a beautifully packaged gift certificate to present to the momma at her shower.

Please contact me with any questions!!

Family Sessions in Blacksmith Fork Canyon

2011-06-20T22:11:00.000-07:00

Daddy

2011-06-17T23:15:00.000-07:00

Happy Father's Day!

My Dad's the greatest around. He's reaping the rewards of parenthood by grandparenting all these crazies plus tiny Samantha, brand new.

Jason, your reward will come in about 15 years when we get to grandparent :0) It's not my cooking that keeps you coming back, so it must be the kids.

x0x0x0x0

Is it too much to ask for all of them to look at the camera?

Crazy cute Georgia.

Handsome, smart Isaac.

Dramatic beauty Liv

Sweet Mae

Big baby Noah

Baptism Shots

2011-06-03T21:33:00.000-07:00

Her baptism is on Saturday and her mom wanted some special pictures for keepsakes and for her announcement and program.

*on a side note*It is my duty...nay, my obligation

as a mother to embarass my son.

I did this mini-session for a former colleague from the Montessori school we taught at and our kids attended.

My Isaac just thought this little miss was the cat's meow. He still blushes when we tease him about her.

M Family

2011-05-31T16:29:00.000-07:00

Boy did I get some heartburn the night before this shoot. The patriarch of this family is a photographer. He relinquished the family picture for the first time to lil ol me.

No need to worry! This family had it together. They were so easy going and we had a blast.

We got a nose picking shot of this group, but I thought they might appreciate me keeping that private ;0) Save that for their prom dates.

This cute little blondie found a rolly polly and we played for a minute with him. I had to hold him at one point and remind him to smile at his new friend. Whatever it takes for the kids to cooperate!

Tara's Seniors

2011-05-13T20:46:00.000-07:00

Oh man I must be living right. Never photographed in Ogden until this Tuesday, and I scored big on location!

We took a shot at an area where I thought there'd be some old barns/outbuildings. Turns out they've actually updated the place, so we headed south.

And there it was, an incredible train, all graffiti like the trendy background of so many photographers. BUT, up front were two trolley cars and what looked like a vw bus/train car. AWESOME!

It was touch and go in her patent leather heals, but she was a trooper.

I admit, I tarried too long at the first location, but it was so exciting to stumble upon such a fabulous place!

We went downtown for locale #2. On the way I told Tara she reminded me of Katie Perry. She laughed and said she guessed that was a compliment ;0 O.K., so she's a weirdo, but her hair is perfectly just so and dark, and milky, flawless skin. What I wouldn't give!

By location #3 we were hussling to beat the sunset! Would you believe this is inbetween a subdivision, a major road, and the railroad tracks?! You wouldn't notice for the beautiful young lady anyway.

A & M

2011-05-04T21:16:00.000-07:00

I had the opportunity to do a mini-session with this awesome couple to help them complete their adoption profile. They are so cute and fun. We spent most of the time laughing!

You are going to be FANTASTIC parents!

Tasha's Seniors

2011-05-03T18:11:00.000-07:00

It sure took me back to high school when we went out for our shoot. The whole world before you, the most exciting time in your short little life.

At one point I told Tasha she looked like she had the whole world at her feet. She laughed. She must know more than I did at that age.

Well Tasha my dear, you do have the world at your feet. Go forth and conquer!

Custom Announcement to follow!

Miss Veda's 90th

2011-03-09T22:32:00.000-08:00

Beautiful woman with a beautiful posterity...

Baby Brielle, Sweetheart

2011-03-04T20:18:00.000-08:00

This little doll was born on Valentine's Day, 5 days early and I've never seen a more active, alert 2 week old in my life. KEEP SCROLLING DOWN FOR A HUGE SURPRISE....OOOOH THE SUSPENSE IS KILLING ME!!!

It's not that she looks fabulous in ruffles...

Nope. 10 toes.

It is awesome that she made faces at me but no.....

She was not born with teeth...

Wait for it....

I know, adorable right?!

If it were a crocodile it would have bitten you on the nose.

Oh yes. That's what you think it is!

Her baby bro Keaton is due in June! Please do not use this as fuel for your lecture to infertile friends and family that if they just prepare to adopt they'll get pregnant. However, that's just what happened to this sweet little family.

I still do a free session of any kind (sealing, placement, family, infant), for anyone adopting. Please feel free to call me to schedule one!

C Kids Studio

2011-02-12T10:08:00.000-08:00

After a few outdoor minutes we came inside for some warmer pics.

I had to restrain myself for this post. Miss Lilly kept running onto the set which left me with a few more of her than the boys. Or a lot maybe.

Meet Tate. He didn't make an appearance in our outdoor session (see below). I LOVE his wrinkles!

One just can't expect reverence at a photo shoot with 5 children ranging 4 weeks to 12 years. It's a good thing we like to let their personalities shine!

C Kids (outdoors)

2011-02-12T08:43:00.000-08:00

After Isaac's Shoot (see below), the C kids met me at the Provo location and we trotted around for a few minutes. It was chilly and of course we were in the shade. These are the guys who saved me from

a hellish shoot by lending me their dad's jacket!

Lily wanted her hands in her pockets and was not going to give up until it was done!

See Camden (right). See Camden smile. See Camden jump. And smile. See Camden act crazy. And smile. And laugh. He's crazy and funny and completely unaffected by the temperature.

Did I mention it was cold? Dallin wasn't as carefree about it. Max, big brother extrodanaire was trying to be comforting. You have to catch this stuff to prove later that they love eachother.

Funny Camden

Little pretty Lilly surrounded by boys, she holds tight to her pink and ruffles!

Did I mention it was cold? And this is one of my favorite shots.

Max. Calm and sweet. I put that in a smaller font to save his 6th grade reputation.

8 for Isaac

2011-02-10T18:22:00.000-08:00

Found a great new location in Provo.

Another photographer had found it too.

She lost her fancy, huge, round, polka dot balloon.

I felt for her. I screamed when it happened.

I also forgot my coat and it was bitter cold, but my next sessioners saved me. Thank-you. No one screamed for me.

He's hot stuff and he's only 8!

The Planets Align

2011-02-09T17:29:00.000-08:00

I got my hard drive out.

Plugged it in to my laptop.

It works again.

These pics are just aged to perfection.

Stunning Miss Erika and the henna party....

Vibrant colors and sparkle everywhere~ The bride had her henna design finished when she arrived under a

gorgeous canopy carried by her bridesmaids.

She's showered with rose petals

Women in her family feed her sweets

Incredible, intricate designs are applied to party-goers

But none as beautiful as the bride's

D Wedding

2011-01-18T09:02:00.000-08:00

The magnificent Salt Lake Temple

E & T make their grand appearance

Beautiful Bride

How you doin?

This is No-man's Land

2010-12-18T15:49:00.000-08:00

This kid's going to be tough!

H Family

2010-12-10T23:04:00.000-08:00

When I was a wedding planner I did their wedding the day before my first daughter was born. Skills, you say? Endurance... tenacity....insanity. My kids are adopted : )

Eight years later they've got a family of their own! And a very good looking one at that...

Worth the Weight!

2010-10-31T14:01:00.000-07:00

I've been a little neglectful lately because of our ever-expanding family, but I can't believe I haven't posted these beauties yet!

Time Well Spent

2010-10-26T18:39:00.000-07:00

There's are reasons these girls are referred to as "Strong". One of them is that they have devoted so much time to developing their talents.

W Family Sealing

2010-10-11T08:17:00.000-07:00

Little Ada's adoption finalization was earlier this month, which means this family could go to the temple to be sealed.

We had an early photo session for this occasion so that on the big day they could focus on their guests and family. They are such a beautiful little family, and sweet as the day is long. Little Miss Ada is so blessed to have such wonderful parents.

Molly's Blessing

2010-10-05T08:48:00.000-07:00

What a living doll! She was very cooperative for such a little one. She's a lot like my Olivia, very serious.

We had beautiful light in the early evening in Cache Valley.

Hilarity

2010-09-29T13:27:00.000-07:00

This has got to be the funniest group I've ever shot. Bigger than Life. Hope you get the idea from these shots... I have the best job in the world!

Click to enlarge. They've got a crowd!

This is how they roll.

Holiday Cards

2010-09-26T20:45:00.000-07:00

Choose any of these styles, or we can design your own 2-sided or folded 5x7 card.

Text can be changed to whatever you'd like.
All photos stock photography, mine are better!

2 Sided Cards

Pearl and Pearl Linen pertain to the type of paper it is printed on.

Folded Cards

Halloween

2010-09-25T20:49:00.000-07:00

Sharli (of SB Photography) and Family

We traded family sessions. She went first...

Click to enlarge

A Good Head on Her Shoulders

2010-09-22T12:30:00.000-07:00

There's gonna be a fight if Amy's on the organ donor list! Can you believe those eyes????

This woman (that's hard for me to say because I feel like we've "grown up" together and I don't feel like a woman), has a great thing going. I've known her for 10 years. Incredibly motivated and in turn motivating, she's now dedicating her time (what's left following wifing and mothering 3 boys), to inspiring men, women, and teens to rise to their balanced best and understand their worth. I'll let you see for yourself here.

We did some headshots yesterday for her site, etc. It was most definitely my pleasure.

disestablishmentarianism

2010-09-21T20:34:00.000-07:00

Phew! It's been too long! Had a minor meltdown last week. It's taken me a while to get over it! I finally have a new computer, but I'm awaiting my hardrive recovery so I can post the beautiful pics I got at the Salt Lake Temple of my sis-in-law and her familly.

In the meantime I did some anti-school-pictures pictures...

An unfortunate placement for the watermark, I understand. I'm just too tired of technology to change it!

I mesed around with some textures. I don't like messing with them too much. I want them to still look pretty natural.

Meghan & Michael

2010-08-31T18:25:00.000-07:00

Raleigh, North Carolina Temple

I have NEVER experienced heat like that, and I lived in Panama for 3 years! We sprinted through pictures until we were drenched in sweat and I knew that no amount of editing could clear up the shine that heat was producing!!!

I did extra duty for this wedding. Photos AND flowers.

The last dance: "Red High Heels"

And they lived

Happily Ever After...

1+1+80= 34

2010-08-21T08:47:00.000-07:00

Bob & Marsha

2010-08-21T08:20:00.000-07:00

Frustratingly, we had to postpone the shoot a day because of monsoon-type winds and rain at our location. 10 miles north of us was clear skies and sunshine. hmph.

But, as with most things in life, it ended up for our benefit and I thought of bringing the pink couch for the girls.

Kelly, Trevor & Braylen

2010-08-21T08:03:00.000-07:00

Found a great new canyon in Utah County, even if it is a little off the beaten path.

Kaci & Donnie

2010-08-16T09:29:00.000-07:00

Busy, Busy, Busy!

2010-07-27T08:49:00.000-07:00

It's been a summer whirlwind of photos and I've finally reached the point where I can't pause to dedicate blog entries to each session (oh but I will!), so heres a preview of what I'll be working on until sometime next winter...actually next week.

A North Carolina Wedding

Family Pictures

A North Carolina Engagement

A Henna Party

A family portrait in celebration of an 80th Birthday

A Family Reunion