Foster Parents of Four-legged Friends | Pasadena Pet Photographer

We are officially foster parents... of two personable cats that actually talk to you.  This guy, and his orange brother, joined our home a few weeks ago.  It was a rough adjustment for them the first week or so, but now they follow us around the house begging for us to rub their bellies.  Seriously.  Once you pet them for a moment, they flop down on the ground, beg you to rub their bellies, and purr loudly.  My parents moved to New Hampshire a couple of weeks ago and couldn't bring their cats along with them at this time.  Once their new home remodel is completed and they have a space for the cats, they will bring them to their new home.  The kitties will be living with us until Christmas at which point they will experience an extreme temperature shock by moving to a cold climate for the first time in their lives. I am surprised at how much I enjoy having them around and how much their silly kitty antics make me smile... especially when late night catnip is involved. Hilarious!  It's only been a couple of weeks, but they have already worked their way into our hearts.  This is one quick shot of Commodore Fluffy Paws (yes, my little sister named him when she was younger).  They both have tons of nicknames which include Commy, Gray One, and Chicken Comodori.  I am sure you will meet Butterscotch soon (aka: Butter, Butters, Butterball, Orange One, and Yellow).

How to Take Better Photos of your Baby | Pasadena Baby Photographer

I am very excited to announce that I will be teaching a class called How to Take Better Photos of your Baby or Child.  I am thrilled to partner with Giggle Pasadena in this effort.  Giggle store is an amazing resource for parents of babies and they provide top of the line maternity and baby products, clothing, and furniture.  Giggle truly has the greatest staff who can help you with everything... even as a complimentary personal shopper!  Giggle regularly offers complimentary classes covering everything from Cloth Diapering 101 to How to Wear Your Baby in a Sling to How to Take Better Photos of your Baby. I just love that their staff is very invested in supporting and educating parents. My class addresses basic photography approaches for posing, natural lighting, composition, and more fun topics.  There is no need to bring your camera since this class addresses general tips for a successful photo rather than specific camera functions.

When: Tuesday August 31st at 6pm

Where: Giggle Store, 517 South Lake Avenue, Pasadena, CA 91101 (parking can be accessed on Hudson Avenue, behind the building)

Please contact Giggle Pasadena to reserve your spot today.  Call 626-744-0233 or email pasadena@giggle.com

Check out Giggle's description of my class and the other fun classes and activities that they offer.  Hope to see you there!

Fun Project | Pasadena Baby Photographer

I am working on a fun, informational project that features my camera equipment.   I had a really great time thinking up ways to make these product shots a little more creative.  Try and guess what I used to for the backdrop... it's probably not what you think, and I should get major bonus points for thinking outside of the box.  I will be sure to let you know when the new project is launched.

The End of Summer | Pasadena Baby Photographer

The end of summer brings so many sentiments and memories for me.  It signifies an end and a new beginning.  I have long felt that I get a fresh start every Fall.  The fresh start used to be revolving around a new school year, but now it signifies a time to refocus all of my efforts in life. When I was a kid, I would just stretch out the last days of August and try and make summer vacation last forever.  Inevitably, school begins after August ends.  I may not be a student any longer, but I still try to make the last weeks of August count before Fall starts.  I just wish I could still get new Fall school clothes like when I was a kid. :)

Featured below are some of the fruits of summer.  My dad and brother are gardeners with green thumbs and  grew these heirloom tomatoes this summer. The heirlooms are divinely scrumptious.  I have been using them in salads and roasting them with other veggies.  They are so delicious and full of the tastes of summer.  You may even see some of these photos featured on my brother's new website that is about to launch.  I will be sure to share it here.  Until then, I hope you make the most of your last days of summer, too.

Driving up the Coast to Hearst Castle

This weekend we took a little weekend trip up the coast to visit Hearst Castle.  Brandon's parents and sister flew into town from Georgia and St. Louis for a short visit.  Brandon and I had heard how breathtaking this castle and the views are, so we decided to check it out with the family.   The history of the Hearst Family's financial success was just as impressive as the ocean views, flower gardens, and architecture.  We went on a couple of tours that tell the history and it was so interesting.  During the tour we got to see inside some of the rooms of the castle.  I especially liked seeing the time period clothing from the 1920s and 1930s set out on the beds.  The clothing was from a time when the family would entertain distinguished guests, including presidents and famous actors.  If you ever have a chance to see it, it's definitely worth it.  Make sure that you go on the official tour where you can see inside the castle and hear the history.  I was happy with the pictures I got from my point and shoot camera.  It did a good job!

After staying the night in a cute guest house down the road in Cambria, we did some more touristy activities... including a visit to see the Elephant Seals on the beach.  They were just sleeping and soaking in the sun and they were just enormous!  In Cambria it was in the mid 60s during the day, so it was a nice break from the summer heat of Pasadena.  Can you tell how windy it was from our hair in the photos?

What a great little getaway weekend.  Thanks, family, for coming to visit us!