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Here you will find all sorts of things: tips and tricks, book reviews, stories of my adventures, client features, and so much more!
What is the Golden Hour, and Why Should You Care?
Even before I knew that this special time of day had a specific name, it was my favorite part of the day. Simply put, the Golden Hour is the 30 minutes before sunset and the 30 minutes right after sunset each day. This is the time of day when the sun is at an angle to the spot you are at on the Earth. Specifically in New Mexico, it's the time of day when we get all those pretty skies and colors. You know- the pinks and purples and blues that have made our sunsets famous.
How to Get Pinterest-Perfect Wedding Photos, Even With a Tiny Budget
This day in age, just about every couple is looking for wedding inspiration on Pinterest. Even those who are married (me include) have boards of ideas for their perfect wedding. We all see those detail shots that photographers take, and dream about not only having a photo like that, but having whatever detail, action, or moment that the photograph shows at our wedding. So, how do you get those photos at your own wedding?
An Old Town Christmas in Albuquerque, NM- The Bennett Family
I had the pleasure of meeting and working with the Bennett Family a few weeks ago to capture their Christmas Portraits this year. Little did I know that Ms. Gianna had just turned 1 year old as well! It truly was a special- albeit very cold- portrait session!
An In-Home Session in Peralta, NM- Harry and Maryanne McCormick
One of the many joys that I have in my job is getting to meet some really incredible people and learn their stories. That was the case that brought me to the home of Harry and Maryanne McCormick, but first a bit of backstory.
An Old Town Christmas Session in Albuquerque, New Mexico- The Simpson-Parrott Family
I had the pleasure of photographing my friend Meg's family again this year for their Christmas portraits. Its always great to get to work with a friend, but one of the things that struck me most this year is that Meg is a mom to three wonderful boys, and an awesome little girl. She has done (and is doing) an awesome job parenting all four of her kids, but it is great to see the relationship that has developed between her three boys. While they tease and torment each other (what siblings don't, right?!), they also obviously love and support each other just as much. And, it goes without saying that the three of them would do anything for their little sister.
The Martinez Family- At-Home Session in Los Lunas, NM
I recently had the pleasure of meeting and working with the Martinez family to capture and create their family portraits for Christmas this year. Mark, Stephanie, Mark Jr., and Lillyana were kind enough to invite me to their home to create these beautiful photographs.
Johnathan and Michelle- Los Lunas River Park, Los Lunas NM
I had the pleasure of working with Michelle and Johnathan to create a session full of beautiful photos for their Christmas Cards this year!
The Johnson Family- Carlito Springs Park in Tijeras, New Mexico
I was honored to serve the Johnson Family by creating their fall family portraits! This awesome family chose to use Carlito Springs- and Open Space park owned and maintained by Bernalillo County in New Mexico.
Los Lunas, NM Wedding Vendor Styled Photo Shoot
A few weeks ago, I was lucky enough to have the privilege of working with some of the best wedding vendors that can be found in Los Lunas. These amazing small businesses are not only talented, creative, and hard-working, but are also kind and generous. I would like to say thank-you to each of them for their time and their talents to make this photo shoot happen!
Why You Should Choose a Local Photographer Over a National Chain
I admit it. I used to be one of those people that went to a national chain to have my family's portraits taken. In this particular case (the photo on the left), it was Portrait Innovations, and my eldest son- Christopher- was two. This was two years before I picked up my camera, learned how to use it, and started creating portraits myself. The portrait on the right, I took myself earlier this evening. Oh, and Christopher is now six.
What I Carry in My Emergency Supply Bag- Los Lunas, NM Photographer
Weddings are wonderful, happy, exciting times, but because of this, things tend to happen. Oftentimes, if a couple doesn't have a wedding planner or coordinator, I end up functioning as both the photographer, and the coordinator. That means that a lot of the small issues that arise throughout the day fall to me to take care of. Because of this, I carry an emergency supply bag that is full of all sorts of items wedding parties tend to need, but often forget the day of the wedding. Here's what's in my bag:
We're Excited to Announce...!!!
Justin and I are excited to announce that we are expecting a new addition to our family! Christopher and Joshua will have a new little brother or sister coming in February!
Henry Estrada's Final Band Concert- Los Lunas, New Mexico
Henry Estrada has been the driving force behind the Los Lunas High School Tiger Band for the last 33 years. He has taught hundreds of students- including my husband and myself. He's given up time with his wife and three children, time with friends, and the pursuit of fishing in August to provide his students with the instruction that they needed to be the best that they could be.
Kathey and Craig's Vow Renewal- Albuquerque, NM
I had the pleasure of photographing Craig and Kathey's 25th Anniversary Vow Renewal at the end of May this year. These two have an amazing love story!
The Flores Family: A Military Homecoming- Albuquerque, NM
I had the honor of meeting the Flores family about a month ago, at Master Sergeant Flores' homecoming ceremony. Master Sergeant Flores serves in the Red Horse Battalion of the New Mexico National Guard, and was returning from a six-month deployment to Qatar, where he helped maintain military infrastructure, and supervising the building of new roads.
Los Lunas, NM Relay for Life- An Interview with Carrie ortiz
One of the many things I look forward to during Summer is our local Relay for Life event. Relay for Life is the fundraising side of the American Cancer Society, and every year across the nation there are multiple events that celebrate life, and the end of that year's fundraising campaign.
5 Reasons I shoot Film
In this age of digital photography, one has to wonder, 'Why in the world would anyone take the time to shoot film?' Well, here are my reasons for shooting with film:
Kenneth's NMT Graduation- Socorro, NM
Kenneth Smith graduates from New Mexico Technical and Mining College this spring with a degree in Mechanical Engineering! He hopes to work for either Sandia National Lab or Los Alamos National Lab.
Jamie and Zach's Engagement Session- Albuquerque, NM UNM Duck Pond
Jamie and Zach were an absolute blast to work with during their engagement photos at the University of New Mexico’s Duck Pond! I could easily tell that these two were best friends who’d simply fallen in love.
Styled Shootout with Alicia Lucia Photography
I had the opportunity to participate in a styled shoot that was sponsored by Alicia Lucia Photography this year, and boy did I learn a lot!
It was my first time working with professional models, make-up artists, set designers, and so on, but it was an awesome experience.