Jacqueline Hanna Photography

Happy Holidays!

2011-12-23T00:50:00.000-08:00

Happy Happy Holidays, thank you to all of my amazing clients for making my job so wonderful and fulfilling. For coming back year after year and trusting in me to deliver. Thank you to my sweet Lexi for being an inspiration every day, for always giving me something to smile about, for allowing me to be a child again. Thank you Shalev for being my best friend, my biggest supporter, greatest anchor, an amazing daddy, and a loving partner.

This is my Holiday card this year, which is only going out electronically. Too little time for all of the things I would love to do, such as making a list and checking it twice :)

This time of year, beginning about mid-October, is the busiest time for me in terms of portraits. As things finally slow a bit, I can get caught up on all of my projects - including my blog. It has been too long!

Alexandria - One Year of Laughter and Tears

2011-09-08T09:34:00.000-07:00

Time really flies when you have a little one. Keeping my business going and caring for an infant nearly full time has been both challenging and rewarding. I would do nothing differently if I could. Being able to be fully engaged in Lexi's life means the world to me. Capturing her growth and milestones a priceless gift. Her first birthday was on the 28. of August and she is nearly walking now. Where does the time go?

9 months of truly amazing!

2011-06-08T21:32:00.000-07:00

My little Lexi, my little muse. Documenting her growth and changes every month has been such a beautiful journey. As the heat of summer approaches, I am looking into creative ways to make indoor portraits fun. I found these amazing vinyl backdrops by Silver Lining Backdrop Shoppe on Etsy.com. Oh there are so many, and I fully intend to amass quite the collection in pursuit of beauty, style, and pizazz for my portraits.

And I have such a wonderful model to practice on. As she approaches one year of life, I still cannot believe that I have a daughter. It is a fact both surprising and heart-wrenchingly beautiful. I never thought that I would be where I am today. Doing what I love, pursuing my passions, raising this incredible little person, and having a fantastic partner to do it all with!

Life is beautiful, and I intend to capture every gorgeous moment of it!

Photo Jewelry

2011-05-19T10:45:00.000-07:00

There are affordable and unique ways of turning your images into art, or jewelry! I recently found IM Creations on Etsy.com, where Irene uses old scrabble pieces for her pendants. She can custom make a pendant for you, just email her the image and she sends back an electronic proof before she begins the glazing process. For under $10, this is an extremely affordable and unique item to purchase for yourself, or as a personalized gift for a loved one.

The miracle of life, the beauty of color, the warm breath of innocense...I love my job!

2011-05-09T10:49:00.000-07:00

Easter Bunny

2011-04-24T13:05:00.000-07:00

Alexandria is nearly 8 months old now, too young to go easter egg hunting. But I am excited for next year. Easter egg hunting, fairy tales, and Santa Claus are part of what is so magical about being a child. Shalev and I are both thrilled to be reliving our own childhoods with our beautiful baby girl. So many adventures await, so much learning, wonder, and awe.

Sugar Magnolia Upscale Flower and Gift Boutique

2011-04-18T20:28:00.000-07:00

My recent wedding at the Farm at South Mountain had the most unique and beautiful flower arrangements. More specifically, these were primarily succulents, a rare request for florists. However, this is one challenge that was happily met and beautifully executed by Floral Designer Mark Kimball, at Sugar Magnolia.

Shelley and Anthony at Montelucia

2011-03-31T13:09:00.000-07:00

The last few months have flown by, and I have been so busy with portrait shoots, weddings, and my beautiful baby - that I have hardly had the time to write or post anything on my blog. I am making a concerted effort to continue doing so now. I shot a gorgeous wedding at Montelucia in January of this year. Rather than sharing just a few of my favorite images, I am sharing the wedding slideshow that I created - which highlights the entire day's events. Gorgeous setting, gorgeous couple, a fun wedding party, and an endearing family. Thank you, Montelucia and Victoria Canada Weddings for making this such a magical event for Anthony and Shelley.

Alexandria Stella Amar

2010-09-23T12:48:00.000-07:00

Something incredible happened to me about a month ago...I became a mother. A title I never imagined I would hold, much less a life that I created. These past few weeks have brought with them so much joy, wonder, limitless love, and tears. The tears are one of the many wonderful additions that the rush of hormones have brought into my life. I cried while trying to read birthday cards at Hallmark, when I watched the video of baby girl being born, even when I just thought about holding her or smelling her for the first time. Our body's way of dealing with an overwhelming amount of emotion - whether it be sadness or joy - is to cry. In my case, I am overwhelmed with love. My cup runneth over, and it feels more beautiful than anything I have felt in my life.

But I am not alone at the water works. Both Shalev and I were crying so much during a movie, in which an estranged father and his young son lose mommy to cancer, that we had to turn it off. We both have this newfound understanding about the deep and unconditional love that a parent has for a child, and the amazing bond that it forges between mom and dad. I can honestly say that I have fallen more in love with my partner and best friend, Shalev Amar. He took so easily to being a father. The man with zero patience suddenly had plenty for his little princess. Nap time with Alexandria is part of his daily ritual.

Alexandria was born on August 28, 2010 via c-section. She was 37 weeks and 2 days, much earlier than the expected due date of September 15. My body had run out of room for her growing body, and had already suffered a ureteral obstruction and extremely painful swelling of the kidney because of it. Not to mention the constant nausea and vomiting and lack of appetite. Lexi weighed six pounds and two ounces when she arrived into the world, surprisingly big considering mommy had gained no weight and baby was early.

Within two weeks after she was born, I was back to work shooting portraits. Perhaps the endorphins aided in my speedy recovery, or just the fact that I now lived completely and solely for another human being. But I pushed myself a bit too soon, as my stubborn self tends to do. My body was not quite ready, but my will was iron and determined to return to status quo. Today I am still healing, still needing lots of rest, and needing another two weeks until everything returns back to normal.

But my life will never be the same again. Though Shalev and I have stuck with our daily routines, our date nights and movie nights, there is this precious little girl that will undoubtedly throw a wrench into our plans. Our lives will become less rigid, routines less predictable, and every day a new challenge or surprise.

And I would not change a thing. In my life, there exists this miracle that grows and thrives by the day. Soaking up information and discovering her senses, getting to know the two people that are so amazed by her. I marvel that from the moment she was born, she was perfect. Despite a difficult pregnancy and all the fears that came with it, I gave birth to a completely healthy baby girl. She came home with me just two days after she was born, and has had an insatiable appetite ever since. She does things a newborn is not yet expected to. She is growing and progressing well beyond her developmental age, she has even started laughing in her sleep. She has certainly been imbued with the steadfastness and stubborn determination that her parents both posess. And we could not be prouder!

To see a gallery of her photos, which will be updated every couple of weeks, click here.

Thank you for the Gift of Life

2010-08-19T12:35:00.000-07:00

Lucinda and Nathan's story was so touching, and I am very happy that I was able to share in their journey.

They have been married for nine years. In the first four years of their life together they hoped for a baby, but were met with disappointment. The following year they tried fertility drugs, followed by inseminations and fertility drugs the year after. With heavy hearts, Lucinda and Nathan tried every avenue including visiting reflexologists, herbologists, and endocrinologists.

The process of trying to get pregant took seven years. In this seventh year of their life together, Lucinda's mother got diagnosed with terminal cancer. They almost thought she was going to win the fight, but her condition took a turn for the worst over the summer of 2009 and she debilitated quickly from there. Her mother's last wish was to see her daughter get pregnant. In turn, she put much of her life's savings into getting Nate and Lucinda the very costly procedure of invitro fertilization. On Christmas Eve of 2009 came the good news that they were pregnant, the whole family celebrated, and two weeks later Lucinda's mother passed. Although she is gone, Lucinda hopes to feel her presence at Samuel's birth.

In a way, Lucinda felt as though their precious little Samuel came from the life and death of her mother. The first image in the slideshow is a portrait of Lucinda's parents, on the belly that is nurturing the beauitful life that they helped to create.

Sherry and Drew June 26, 2010

2010-07-26T13:01:00.000-07:00

People still get married in Az in the summer time. It blows my mind that couples are willing to get hours of photographs in the sweltering heat wearing tuxedo and wedding dress. Not to mention that I am willing to take those photos, lol. But that is precisely why I do what I do. It is never a chore, a job, but something that is both challenging and fulfilling - and brings me so much joy. Sherry and Drew were absolutely wonderful! Easy going, willing to let me take the lead in artistic direction, and just positive and laughing and enjoying themselves throughout the entire day. Images were captured in four different locations: the bride's parent's home, the church, Mesa Arts Center, and 12 West Event and Wedding Venue in Mesa.

Destination Weddings

2010-06-23T20:23:00.000-07:00

One of the most precious opportunities I have in my line of work is when a dear friend enters into wedded bliss and asks me to capture her special day. The wedding of Kelly and James took place in the sleepy town of Milton-Freewater, Oregon and I got the chance to spend a week with family in North Idaho during that time. As the couple live in Milton-Freewater, it wasn't so much a destination wedding for them, but for me. Although I love shooting weddings in the desert, I do so love to get the chance to venture out into new territory and photograph. Okay, I just love to travel! Period.
Kelly and I have been friends for more than a decade, and I was so overjoyed when she asked me to capture her wedding day. Not only would I be a part of such an important day in her life, but the actual wedding was taking place at an old Farmstead turned history museum. Not to mention her theme was a very inspired 1940s vintage complete with classic cars, birdcage, and long coattails.

This would be the last time I traveled for a while, as I have now entered my seventh month of pregnancy and had some complications in the past month - all behind me now and baby is safe and still baking...I am hoping to return to work and my other commitments and catch up on all of the emailing, blogging, and facebooking that I have lagged behind on. But I digress...I am certain that by this time next year I will be back in Oregon photographing their baby, part of what makes my job so unique and wonderful :)

Maternity

2010-05-28T10:23:00.001-07:00

Today I am six months along in the pregnancy, still shooting and doing what I love. Capturing pregnant women, expecting couples, and newborns has taken on a whole new beauty. The maternity session I did with the Baldwins was very special because mom wanted the images to show how much mommy and daddy love one another - what beautiful memories for their baby girl, ones that I hope to capture for my little one, as well. Click here to see the full gallery of their images.

My second trimester was seemingly effortless, after having such a rough time with the first one. Now, being in the third trimester, I am greeted with a new set of challenges. The biggest one is not only having decreased energy, but also my body's unwillingness to cooperate with the tasks I set for myself. The babymaker is hard at work, bones are forming rapdily in our little girl and I am constantly reminded of this by her not so gentle kicks.

At 20 weeks we found out we were having a girl. This took 45 minutes to discover by the ultrasound tech. She is quite the active baby, and doesn't sit still for pictures. How will I cope?

In the last couple weeks I have been getting too many contractions, for which I am now on bedrest and medications. Being in bed - constantly - is incredibly difficult for me, but I am able to get a lot accomplished with the laptop. Furthermore, I am not ready for the baby to be born - and I think she likes it in utero.

I am still booking shoots, just taking it easy and being good to myself. Finally learning to slow down and relax, one of the hardest lessons I have learned. Even though I am spending more time at home, I am not eating more. I have gained the weight back that I lost in the first trimester, but currently I am 125 - back to the weight I was at when I first found out I was pregnant. No unusual cravings, just love my jamba juice, and ice cream, and chocolate cake, lol.

Shalev and I did have our last shout, went on a little cruise to Cabo back in mid April, of which I have yet to post pictures. Not to mention, some recent ultrasound pictures of Baby Alexandria Regan.

Being Born

2010-03-20T09:18:00.000-07:00

So many beautiful babies are being born this year, many of them the offspring of former coworkers and friends. Pictured here is Baby Isaac, a thoroughly enchanting boy, son to proud parents Beth and John whose acquaintance I made years ago while still working at Scottsdale Shea. I suppose that photographing so many babies has paved my way, and inspired me...

It seems we are all finally growing up, me included.

At the begin of February, still not convinced that I wanted to start a family, I found out that I was pregnant. My reaction to this discovery was unusually unorthodox for me. I felt happy and excited, not terrified and shocked. Fear and trepidation did not enter my consciousness, but rather I felt that it was happening for a reason, and at the right time. Already this tiny life growing inside of me had begun to change my point of view.

Well, is there ever a right time for having a baby? Shalev and I have been so wrapped up in our careers that we don't even have time for a vacation, much less a baby. However, we are both embracing this incredible change that is coming into our lives. We have been taking every day as it comes, learning together and growing together, and dealing with my physical as well as hormonal changes.

At the time I found out that I was pregnant, I was already eight weeks along. I had been so tired and achy all over for the past month, that I had begun to question if I had mononucleosis.

The following month was the worst month of my life. Daily I battled nausea and vomiting, tolerating nothing, craving only chocolate. I was rarely able to enjoy a romantic dinner with my sweetheart without running to the bathroom - or upchucking out the side of the Beamer on our drive home. My emergency kit included a jar of crystallized ginger, hand sanitizer, and wet wipes. In one month I lost ten pounds, and rarely had the energy to leave the house outside of doing shoots.

Shalev got to experience first hand what a visit to a Gynocologist is like for a woman, pelvic exam and all. It was the worst exam I ever had, due to my body now being ultra sensitive and susceptible to bleeding. Little did I know that the increase of hormones in my body was causing my gums to bleed whenever I brushed my teeth, as well as other sensitive areas of my body.

The following week, 12 weeks into the pregnancy, we had our first ultrasound. It was an overwhelming and spiritual experience. In the dimly lit room, flickering on the screen, was our little soccer player. Our baby was bouncing around, doing flips and cartwheels, and smiling at us. Already, this tiny little life had my energy. We both got a little verklemmt. Who am I kidding? I was unabashedly spilling tears.

I affectionately refer to the baby as the Power Ranger, based on the ultrasound's image capture of the face. In this particular shot, it looks like the baby is waving at us, evidenced by its left arm being raised in a congratulatory salute. After this series of images, baby bounced and bounced and the tech had trouble locating it once again. In the next view, baby was lying on its back, quietly contemplating the future.

Today, I am 14 weeks and 3 days along. The baby is now about 4.5 inches, 2 or 3 ounces, and the size of a navel orange. I am gaining back some of the weight, but slowly. My appetite has returned, along with some of my energy - for which I am every so happy.

Faith and Devyn at the Railroad Park

2010-02-22T10:36:00.000-08:00

I am constantly in search of new and exciting places to photograph. Available locales seem few these days. I remember a time when I could photograph on resort properties, or romantic parks such as the Japanese Friendship gardens. But much has changed over the years. Everybody wants to be paid. The minimum requirement of resorts and hotels is a night's stay. Places such as the Japanese Friendship Gardens, Boojum Tree, or the Wright House require $100 an hour just to shoot there. But, there are still enchanting places out there, such as McCormick and Stillman Railroad Park in Scottsdale, or Saguaro Ranch Park in Glendale.

Faith and Devyn were captured at the railroad park, a place where they could interact with their environment, ride the carousel, or the miniature train. I prefer photographing children in places that keep their attention and interest. It is difficult asking a pre-schooler to be photographed longer than 20 minutes...

These two are an amazing pair. Devyn, at 10 years of age, is an amazing older brother to the 4 year old Faith. They have a lot of fun together, and lil sis loves her big brother.

Israel in Eight Days

2010-02-02T20:15:00.000-08:00

My first taste of the Middle East was Israel, back in late November of 2009. It was a very quick trip, in which we tried to see as many sites and towns as possible in a span of a few days. I learned much about this country's roots, cultural heritage, and the religious faiths that shape it. With my boyfriend being an Israeli native, I got a great inside look into the traditions, language, and food of this ancient land. We stayed in a small town near Haifa, situated on fertile farm land. With a staple in any Israeli diet being salad, we were eating salads for breakfast, lunch, and dinner at times. Avocados and cucumbers, to name a few, tasted nothing like they do in the states. They were amazing.
With my avid interests in history, Israel abounded with historical sites and ruins dating back sometimes thousands of years.

Our first destination was Caesarea, an ancient port city named after Julius Caesar. The port was erected by King Herod. The apostle Paul landed here in 57AC to make his pilgrimage to Jerusalem. Surrounding the port were many ruins, remnants of the storerooms, markets, and public bath houses erected by Herod. Remnants of roads and temples were also still visible, including a fortress built by the crusaders in the 12th and 13th centuries. This small port city lay in ruins for centuries. In the 19th century settlers built a new village on its ruins.

Our next adventure led us to what was once the capital city of the crusaders, Acre. Also known as Akko or Akkor, the ancient city held an underground fortress, and remnants of the Ottoman empires reign here. Today, it is a world heritage site. The town and its inhabitants appear poor, the economy seems to thrive on tourism and fishing. We strolled through the Arabic bazaar smelling spices, teas, and scented tobacco from the hookahs. Hookah, or Shisha in Arabic, originally came from India but has been adopted into middle eastern culture. In Israel, one can see these water pipes being smoked on every street corner. We snacked on schawarma, sipped fresh squeezed pomegranate juice, and walked amongst the town's ruins. Meanwhile, we could hear the call of the muezzin. The call of the muezzin can be heard five times a day. Before electronics were thrown into the fray, the chosen man from the mosque used to have to shout the prayers from the minarets. Hearing this call to prayer while walking through the bazaars is both hauntingly beautiful and eerie.

We made it to Jerusalem, though we had so little time to explore. Many hours had been wasted by driving around in its suburbs, getting lost in a bad neighborhood and being stuck in a dead end. The first place we stopped was at base of the Mount of Olives in Jersusalem. Nearby was the biblical Garden of Gethsemane. The church where we stopped was built on the site where Jesus was supposed to have prayed to God before his crucifixion.
My first impression of the old quarter was the Tower of David, an ancient citadel located near the Jaffa Gate. Here was the entrance to old Jerusalem. Constructed during the 2nd century BCE, and consequently destroyed and rebuilt by invading and ruling empires, this was the portal to an ancient world.

Once we entered the old quarter, we approached the many mazes and alleys of the bazaar. Souvenirs, jewelry, exotic spices, and leather abounded here - all merchants vying for our patronage. The road ultimately led us to the Western, or "wailing wall." This is an important and sacred jewish site. Half of the wall dates back to the time of King Herod, roughly 19BCE. The name "Wailing Wall" comes from the Jewish practice of coming to the site to mourn the destruction of the temple in 70BCE, by the Romans. Ironically, this is also the site where Muslims believe Mohammed ascended to the heavens on a winged horse. I would have loved to remain there and observe the fascinating people of this land, but bellies rumbled and we were ready for shawarma. Shawarma, is the fast food staple in the middle east. It is basically meat on a spit, that rotates for up to a day. The fats in the meat keep it tender and juicy. It is hit or miss. The particular place we visited in a back alley of the muslim quarter, used what tasted like poultry, but it was quite gristly. Best shawarma I had was in Haifa, made from a combination of beef and lamb. On a side note, nothing compares with the Doener Kebap of Turkey. nothing.

Jaffa: one of the oldest port cities in the world. The earliest mention dates back 4000 years. Crusaders took siege in the 12th century, and by the 14th century the city lay in ruins until it was occupied by the Ottomans in the 16th century. The old quarter of the city is predominantly Arabic, and host to artisans, antiquarians, and jewelers.

Beth Shean, the highlight of the trip: Named for the Canaanite "house of tranquility", its excavations are ongoing. Statues and inscriptions from the reign of Ramses II and III, as well as Thuthmosis II have been unearthed here. Greco-Roman architecture dominated the city until the 4th century when there was a strong Bizantine influence. In 749 ACE the city met a tragic end after an earthquake. The aftermath from the earthquake is still seen here.

To see the full gallery of images, click on the title of the blog above.

Baby Cameron

2009-12-21T09:38:00.000-08:00

I feel that the best age to photograph babies is 3 months. At this stage in their development, they are beginning to interact with their environments. They respond to sounds, color, and especially their parents. They laugh, they puzzle, and have so many amazing facial expressions that I love to capture. They are strong enough to prop themselves up on their arms, but not quite able to sit up straight. This makes for a wonderfully smooth and fun session where adoring parents can stand back and get their sweet babies to laugh, instead of keeping them from tipping over, falling over, or running into things.

The Thompsons

2009-12-17T10:05:00.001-08:00

I have captured this wonderful family since 2006. They have the most amazing dynamics. There is always much laughing, cuddling, and goofiness. Dashel is such an incredible seven year old. He adores his parents, and the years have not changed that. Will it happen when he decides to begin asserting his independence? Within half a year, he will be taking on a new role as big brother, as mom is pregnant. I am very excited for the Thompsons, and looking forward to capturing the pregnancy, and the new addition to the family. One of the most exciting parts of my job is being there for the journey that a couple embarks on. From the engagement photos to the first Family christmas portraits. I love what I do!

Animoto.com

2009-11-24T10:15:00.001-08:00

Celebrating Virginia

2009-11-18T10:30:00.000-08:00

Virginia will be turning 90 in January, celebrating a tremendous milestone in her life. A family member contacted me earlier in the year to purchase this family session as a gift to commemorate her life. This will be wonderful way for her family to remember her when she is gone.

I wish I had photos like this of my grandparents and I. It touched my heart immensely, taking these images. I loved seeing the affection and positive joy that flowed between Virginia and her great grandchildren, and the wonderful relationship that they had with one another. Sessions like these just reaffirm the belief that portraiture is so important in our lives. It captures memories, keeps them bright and burnished in our lives, and helps us to remember those we love in a beautiful light.

Animoto.com

2009-11-03T09:03:00.001-08:00

Animoto.com

2009-10-19T14:52:00.001-07:00

Animoto.com

2009-10-15T11:46:00.001-07:00

San Francisco

2009-09-03T12:42:00.000-07:00

---Click on the title to see gallery of images---

I spent nearly a week in this colorful and beautiful city, house-sitting for a dear friend. The house was positioned on a cliff, overlooking Monterra Beach and the beautiful ocean. I explored Half Moon Bay for the first couple days, cringing at the fog and 65 degree weather, though perhaps it was a welcome change from the 110 in Phoenix.

Shalev and I later explored parts of the city such as Embarcadero and the artisan market, China town, north beach, fisherman's wharf, pier 39, and ghirardelli square.

The night afforded some incredible shots of the Palace of Fine Arts. Dumbstruck at its beauty, it loomed like a roman forum, its sheer grandeur and columns, statues, and surrounding park surprised me to find that it had been built merely four decades ago for an art expo!

Along with its many visual splendours, we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves exploring the culinary delights such as northen and southern indian foods, california coastal cuisine, belgian, and vietnamese. Of course we also ate at Fisherman's wharf. Ahh, the smells of fresh catch, in every shape and form - steamed, chowdered, fried, grilled...

Baby Olivia

2009-08-31T12:57:00.000-07:00

Click here to see full gallery of images

Patience and time are two essentials for photographing babies. Keeping them in a familiar environment, reducing the amount of stimuli that is there, keeping the outfit changes to a minimum, taking breaks for feeding and play, and keeping baby engaged and laughing are key elements to a successful baby photo shoot.

Baby Olivia's shoot was so precious, as I was able to capture her in various states of play and activity.

Click here to see full gallery of images.There are two key elements to a successful baby portrait session. Patience, and time.

An ideal session is in the familiar and comfortable environs of home. Often, there are other family members present to be included in the photos, but keeping the stimuli to a minimum helps in keeping baby happy - and not over-stimulated. Allowing time for cuddling, feeding, or just relaxing is absolutely essential to keeping your baby engaged and smiling for their close-up.

Although mom likely has a closet full of outfits for her baby, the outfit changes can be a stressful event and can lead to much fussing and crying. I recommend that babies stay in the buff, preferably with a diaper. Hats can be added, or babies snuggled up in colorful blankets. Light colors, especially pastels, are perfect for this. Avoid patterns such as polka-dots, as your baby can become completely enraptured with them and lose interest in the camera.

Allowing your baby frequent breaks for feeding, or relaxing, will guarantee success. A hungry or tired baby will not provide positive results, so take the time you need to make baby happy.

My session with Olivia lasted two hours. At six months old, she was very engaged in her surroundings, with her toys, and her parents. I combined many styles of portraiture. Those included many candid shots of Olivia playing with her toys, her loving parents, or laughing with grandma and grandpa. Her striking eyes were a joy to capture, so the close-ups turned out beautifully. I loved the assortment of hats that mom Kristine selected for Olivia, even though Olivia did not enjoy wearing them. The decisive moment was brief for the hat shots, so being shutter-ready was essential. In the end, I oculd not have asked for more. The pictures are enchanting! It brings me so much joy to witness the curiosity, and sense of wonder and awe, that a baby posesses. Even more enjoyable is watching the proud parents with their baby. Thank you, Kristine and Justin.

Antelope Canyon

2009-08-18T10:46:00.000-07:00

The slot canyons are located in Page, Arizona, the northernmost region of the state. Throughout the day, one can see the shift of colors, patterns, and textures in these narrow canyons. The soft, orange sandstone has yielded to the elements over many years. Antelope Creek, which spills into beautiful Lake Powell, has carved these natural formations underground. In some areas, the spaces are so narrow one can reach either side with arms outstretched. In others, one feels humbled standing in what appears a geologic cathedral.

We were looking for the light while exploring these natural subterranean sculptures, marveling at the many hues of orange, the way the sun from above changed the shape and form of things, and how the world is so full of wonder and beauty. To see the full gallery of images, click here

This is a photographer's paradise in so many ways. Not only for avid nature photographers, but also those wanting to turn a regular session into an adventure. To see Val and Mateo's Gallery, click here

The Collage - a contemporary art piece

2009-08-06T18:49:00.001-07:00

Whether it is a wedding, a newborn, or boudoir, the new template collage allows me or the client to put a series of images together onto one piece. Whether it ends up as a metallic pearl print, or a museum gallery canvas stretch, is based on personal preferences. The template is a great way to showcase your favorite images from a shoot, and display them as fine art in your home. It gives new meaning to the word "collage."

Here is a template I created from my most recent newborn shoot with the Bauers. Jack is their first born, an enchanting little guy that slept through the entire 2 hour session - but we got beautiful shots, nonetheless. To see a gallery with all images, click HERE

Balboa Park, San Diego

2009-08-04T15:21:00.000-07:00

To see an album of images from Balboa Park, click HERE
Completed in 1910 and named after the spanish explorer who first saw the pacific ocean, Balboa Park is incredible. Here you will find the zoo, Science Museum, Museum of Man, Botanical Gardens, Japanese Gardens, Art Museum, the new Globe Theater, and some stunning spanish architecture.

Numerous buildings with intricate facades populate the park - a misnomer in my opinion. It is more fitting to call it Balboa palace or balboa town.

"It was the 1915 Panama-California Exposition however that truly gave the park its character with the choice of a "Spanish" type of architecture for the Fair buildings. What we wound up with however, was an eclectic mix of Spanish Colonial Renaissance with Gothic & Moorish influence, and the borrowed styles of baroque and rococo." (quoted from www.gothere.com)

Our destination here was the Museum of Man, where I wanted to see items in their Egyptian exhibit. Their collection had a rare child coffin, and the rest of the museum was truly fascinating - especially with its Mayan stelae.

Most of this wondrous day was spent exploring the gardens, sipping tea and eating sushi at the tea house in the Japanese Gardens, and watching public performances throughout the park.

You will be dazzled by all it has to offer. The beauty, the diversity, and the ability to satisfy any appetite.

Your Investment in Professional Portraiture

2009-08-04T01:13:00.000-07:00

In a time where professional SLRs are readily available and affordable to the average consumer, why choose a professional photographer? Why not a portrait studio at the mall, or even asking a friend that just purchased a nice camera?

To begin, virtually anyone can take a snapshot. Results vary based on camera used, type of lens, exposure settings, camera angles, as well as skill of the shooter. When creating a portrait, versatility as well as creativity and technical skill are essential. Not to mention the photographer's ability to connect with the subject.

This is where I want to illustrate the gift of the professional portrait artist, or boutique studio. Given limited amount of information about you, the photographer is able to capture quality images filled with creativity, candor, and technical details. Whether it is an 8 hour wedding or senior portaits- rest assured that you are getting a product that is uniquely tailored to you. The photographer knows what special moments to capture, what shots to anticipate, and studies the people and faces with a captive eye. A professional has the technical knowledge to manipulate and use ambient light, angle shots, set up poses, or execute natural or candid shots.

The average cost for a professional ranges from $150-$350/hour. In Phoenix, the going rate for a professional wedding photographer is about $250/hour. To understand this cost, provided below is a breakdown of the time involved in a typical 2 hour portrait session:

30 min. Setting up portait session, client emails and calls for consultation and scheduling
1 hour of travel time to and from the location of the shoot
2 hours of shooting
1 hour to load images onto computer, delete duplicate files, blurry images, or over/under exposed images, and back up to an external drive or disc
4 hours of editing such as cropping, adding filters, effects, vignettes, highlights, removing blemishes, etc.
1 hour putting images to disc for client, as well as uploading and creating online gallery for client
1 hour shipping client disc, filling print orders, and further consultations for wall art, photo books, etc.

Essentially, a 2 hour session is more like a 10 hour session. The photographer makes $30/hr, not $150.

The same rules apply to a wedding.

Let's say the standard price for a package is $2500. It includes engagement session, 8 hours of wedding coverage, image discs, online gallery, and a coffee table album of the wedding.

1 hour Initial consultation with wedding clients. Contracts and checklists are covered
1 hour Travel time to and from location for engagement photos
2 hours Engagement photos
5 hours Loading and editing of images
1 hour uploading to and creating online gallery
1 hour shipping image disc, reviewing session with client to create signature board or guest book for wedding reception

1 hour emails between client and vendors to create and mail out shooting schedule for the day's events and shot list

1 hour Travel time to and from Wedding and reception location
8 hours of wedding coverage
20 hours loading, categorizing, and editing images from wedding day
1 hour uploading to and creating online gallery
30 min creating and shipping client wedding disc with images
5 hours designing layout of book
1 hour proofing wedding album with clients
1 hour for completing book, uploading, and preparing for ship

The photographer is putting in a total of 50 hours of their time. For a $2500 package, the photographer is making $50/hour, not $250. The book is included in the package, which further reduces the amount the photographer is actually making.

Ultimately, for all the important events in our lives, we want quality, art, and a sense of timelessness. Just because Aunt Sally has a $3000 camera, does not mean she will produce professional images. Image capture is a decisive moment, but a skilled photographer also knows how to "set up" those moments. Equipment does not define the photographer. Many published commercial photographers still use otherwise "outdated" models that are readily available on the market for a few hundred dollars.

Most Professionals take years to get where they are. Building a portfolio, a website, a clientele; and learning software, equipment, and photographic techniques. In addition, photographic "artists" spend years learning about the business of photography, a new territory for most. However, in order to run a successful business, photographers all need to posess the most vital and important skill of all: People Skills. This includes everything from having an engaging personality so that clients are comfortable, but also the ability to effectively communicate. Not to mention, the ability to see their clients in the best possible "light"

Compare your experiences with cruise ship photographers, school portrait photographers, or a chain. What they have in common are this: they work with a set list of poses. Packages generally limit the amount of poses. There is no on-location shooting. Most of the photographers are straight out of high school and are trained by the company. The poses can feel awkward and unnatural. The photographer is not spending 1-2 hours with you.

Why do any of us go the Spa, when we can just ask our partners for a backrub. Why do we go to expensive salons to get our hair done, when we can do it at home for a quarter of the price? For those that have the means and the taste, we want quality. We expect a certain result. We trust the professional to make us feel better, and look better. A professional photographer takes it to the next level: they not only make you look and feel better, but they preserve you just that way for many future generations.

Professional portraiture is an investment in yourself, and your family. It preserves the past,and our memories. Life is a series of moments, and a professional photographer can capture them all.

What to do with the wedding pictures

2009-07-28T16:28:00.000-07:00

I know so many people whose wedding memories have ended up in a box somewhere. That is, a box full of proof prints. With the hundreds of images that are produced during a normal wedding day, what does one do with them once the day is through?

I personally love to begin by creating galleries,of the different events of the day, on my site. Viewers can watch a slideshow of images, or scroll through the galleries. Second comes the coffee table wedding album. In either a 13x10 landscape, or a 12x12square format, these books cover the entire wedding day from beginning to end, divided up into chapters such as "preparations," "ceremony," and "formal photos." I do all the work in selecting the best images, then the happy couple views the proof and makes any changes or additions, and now they have a treasured keepsake that they can share with family and friends.

Third, I like to offer the Canvas Print. This is not an ordinary canvas, but a template containing the couple's favorite images from their wedding day, which is then mounted on canvas. Sizes can range from 16x20 to 40x60.

The Art of Lifestyle Portraiture

2009-07-17T15:43:00.000-07:00

Click here to see selections of my favorite portrait images.

In the last couple weeks I have had the pleasure of capturing three beautiful women. Each session was so unique, each woman brought their own ideas and vision to the shoot. The key thing for me before shooting, is the interview. Based on a series of questions ranging from the type of shooting style, portrait style, and who the images are for - to best features, personal interests and hobbies, I am able to tailor a session that is unique to each individual. The way the portrait subject sees themselves, is never quite how I see them through the lens. This always makes for happy surprises, in which even a working mother of two feels vibrant and sexy again.

Though studio shots are always an option, I prefer to shoot outdoors or in natural light. The hues and shadows of natural light photos give the subject a two dimensional quality that I don't find with strobes and other studio lighting.

The Art of Black and White

2009-07-12T13:19:00.000-07:00

My greatest hobby is my career, and photography is my greatest hobby. Although a majority of my time is spent photographing people, my initial draw to image capture was documenting my travels. Over the years I developed interests in architectural photography, still lifes, nature, and black and white.

Though I have a love of color, and saturate my images with it whenever possible, rendering an image into black and white can completely change one's perception, and the story that the image tells.

This is illustrated in the image of the tree, captured at the Grand Canyon. In color, it is a lifeless tree, devoid of color, juxtaposed with the dramatic colors of the canyon. As a black and white image, it tells a story of time and age, and the dark. The tree has character, life, and breathes drama and mystery. Notice the different shades of grey and black. This is essential with a black and white image, that there are "color" variations and different shades and shadows to render the image dramatic and powerful.

To see a small gallery of my black and white images, click here

Save the Date Cards

2009-07-06T02:28:00.003-07:00

Daily I thank the stars that I have such a wonderful job. I am involved in one creative process or another, every day. Whether it is shooting newborns or a wedding, or creating the layout of a wedding album, I am always challenged. One of the services I offer in my business is custom card design. This applies to save the dates, as well as invitiations. I build everything from scratch, based on the client's colors, themes, and personal preferences. I love that I can provide something so personal and unique to each client, and will continue to educate myself on the design process. Here is one of my latest designs, for Betsy and Jamie's wedding next year.

The Twins Have Arrived

2009-06-26T16:47:00.000-07:00

Click here to see full image gallery

After photographing this family for maternity photos back in April, I was very excited to meet the new members of the family, the twins Nate and Tatum. About a week old and weighing five pounds, they were absolutely perfect.

I like to capture the babies individually first, wrapped up in a blanket, or snuggling with mom or dad. Intimacy, capturing the love and affection, is central to newborn photography for me.

The ideal time of day to shoot them is when they have just been fed. They are then relaxed or sleeping. Sleeping babies make for beautiful images. With twins, it definitely facilitates the process . Though they are used to being close to one another, laying them next to one another for portraits may be a daunting task when they are awake. Lots of kicking of the legs, moving of the arms, and usually one of them thinking the other is their food source...much patience is needed to wait for that perfect moment.

Getting creative is my favorite part. Nude babies are best, but dressing them up in , ribbons, adding wings, or adding personal touches make the experience fun and produce beautiful pieces of art that any parent is proud to display.

Theodore Charleston Roosevelt Amar

2009-06-24T02:43:00.000-07:00

This is Teddy, new member of the clan. He is a four year old cocker with boots and a mo, abandoned but saved from euthanasia by my dear Lev. Theodore makes me believe all dogs have a soul. You look into his eyes and you see an old soul there. It's tucked away, though, far far away. He still eats cat feces and marks his territory in the house when he thinks no one is watching. If I forget to close the bathroom door, he destroys the contents of the garbage bin, as well. Dogs.

Despite the standard canine frustrations, he has the gentlest, kindest nature. His loyalty is unwavering, he would follow us to the ends of the earth. Theodore never causes a stir. Not even on a five hour drive to the Grand Canyon. Everyone he meets is immediately enchanted by him. He is a model citizen at the pet hospital, at the eyeglasses center, or in the car.

Despite the magic and wonder that is he, he still eats cat poo and pees on the carpet. However, his dad loves him enough for the two of us.

Papa Chente and Familia

2009-06-15T21:35:00.000-07:00

Click here to see all images.

Getting to be 102 years old is an incredible achievement. One which the patriarch of the clan celebrated with his family not too long ago. Today was to be another celebration. Four generations coming together for family portraits, and to honor Manuel Vicente Osorio De Rios.The images painted such a beautiful portait of the familie's close relationship, fun spirit, love, and affection.

A Cruise to Catalina

2009-06-12T15:16:00.001-07:00

last month shalev and I celebrated one year of being together. we commemorated it by going on a last minute cruise from san diego to catalina island. even though it is 22 miles off the coast of california, we spent a total of two days at sea and one day on the island.
it was shalev's first time on a cruise, and he thoroughly enjoyed himself. we ate heartily nearly every 2-4 hours, we saw comedy shows and participated in game shows, trivia, and bingo...haha! we sipped exotic cocktails, we played black jack in the casino, we even had professional portraits.
the highlight of course was spending the day on catalina island. about 20 miles long, with roughly 5,000 inhabitants - it was purchased by chewing gum magnate Wrigley in the early 1900s, though early settlers date back to 7000BCE. golf carts are the only mode of transportation in the two harbor towns, so we cruised around Avalon and surrounding mountains to observe the breathtaking views. Later on we relaxed and sunned on the sandy beach of Descanso.
Our next trip will be taking us to San Francisco...hopefully for Fourth of July.
To see gallery of images, click here

Gloria and Jon at the Groves in Mesa

2009-05-18T13:36:00.000-07:00

To see all the galleries for this wedding, please click here

I met Gloria a couple years ago through a mutual friend. At that time we had talked about getting together to do a shoot. She had such stunning features, and my mind was full of creative ideas. We lost touch, but she contacted me out of the blue last fall to tell me she was getting married and that she would like me to be her photographer. What joy, what surprise!

I met with the two of them at the Borgata, and we did some test shots to get everybody comfortable. I could tell right away what a unique relationship Jon and Gloria had. Whereas Gloria appears to be the more quiet and reserved person in the relationship, and Jon the funny man and joker, the two are a perfect pair! Most importantly, they love to have fun together! Jon just has a way of keeping Gloria giggling, and her smile is so infectious. What is so important to me when capturing couples and weddings, is their chemistry. How do they interact, their furtive glances, giggles, touches? I watch for all those things to really capture the personalities and individuality of the couple. They were absolutely amazing to capture!

Not only was the setting of "The Groves" in Mesa enchanting, tropical, and gorgeous, but everything from the decor, the wedding party, family, and guests were terrific! Working with the wedding coordinator, Jeanne Colquette really helped to make sure that everyone was on time for pictures, the timelines and shooting schedules were on par, and the couple had a stress free day. Anyone looking for a coordinator, I highly recommend Jeanne. Her and I were in constant contact before the wedding, and we shared and switched around schedules together so that everything would be cake!

Jon and Gloria were so laid back about everything...from the pictures to the events of the day. I could not have wished for a better event. They were amenable to some more creative shots, their families enjoyed the formal session with lots of laughter and shenanigans, the wedding party added fun to the posed formals by adding their own creative touches. I loved that Gloria walked down the isle with their wiener dog, Bruno. I loved their wedding frog cupcakes, and just the overall ambience of their wedding. With the foliage, the green, the ambiance, It was like a destination wedding, even though we were in Mesa!

Thank you to everyone involved!

Martina, Tibor, and Nathon

2009-05-12T18:27:00.000-07:00

Click here to see the full gallery of images

Martina and Tibor had been trying for five years to have a baby, so Nathon was their "Wunderkind." Of all of the families I have photographed, I have never seen two parents more ecstatic about their little one. This truly was a special session, as little Nathon spent a long time in the intensive care unit after he was born. Pictures filled Martina and Tibor's home, though they were all of Nathon in intensive care. He has grown into a beautiful, healthy, baby boy - and the joy he has brought to his parents is infectious.

My favorite shots came from him in the papa-san chair. It always amazes me how strong those neck muscles are. I prefer to switch it up a bit and put babes on their bellies. It doesn't work with all of them. Some try to suckle whatever it is they are laying on, others just don't enjoy it and become fussy. But, when that head pops up, and baby is checking out his or her surroundings - one can get the most adorable shots.

The Bodinets

2009-05-05T12:15:00.000-07:00

To see full gallery of images, click HERE

Families are a constant dynamic. Family portaits need to incorporate that dynamic. For me, it is important to choose a location that will fit the needs of the individuals as well as the whole. With younger children, distractions and obstacles are not as welcome...but putting them in an environment that is engaging and comfortable is great! Gauging the personality of the adults, you can make any location work. Personally, I wish that the majority of my family shoots was the family just goofing off and having fun - but traditional portraits are still very desirable as family heirlooms.

As the days get longer and hotter, finding the best location is key. I choose the Japanese Gardens for the protective shade of its abundant trees, and the moss covered ground with bubbling waterfalls.

This session was short and sweet, as the ultimate goal was getting a wall portrait for mom on mother's day. What a beautiful family, what a joy it was capturing them together.

Colleen and Company

2009-05-01T15:19:00.000-07:00

Click here to see full gallery

This beautiful mom is expecting twins, one can feel the excitement in the house. Maternity is something I have yet to experience, so I am always thrilled to be able to photograph women and their families at such an exciting time in their life. The mother is radiant, the father is radiating love...it makes for wonderful image capture. Throw the "soon to be older sister" into the mix, and it makes for some fun and challenging dynamics.

The younger kids in portrait sessions are only interested in the session for about 15minutes. After that, it is a chore for the parents to keep them engaged and motivated. I have to snicker at the inventive ways in which parents try to encourage the cooperation of their 'little adults' - it is not an easy task.

I look forward to meeting the twins and having another beautiful session with this family.

Thank you Colleen, Brian, Callie, and the twins!

Victoria and John at the Salt River

2009-04-28T10:01:00.000-07:00

"Love not only makes the world go round, it makes the ride worthwhile"
Victoria and John have been dating for three years, in which time they both came to realize that they wanted to spend the rest of their lives together. They met as coworkers, became friends, and it blossomed into a wonderful relationship. To John, this relationship has taken little work. Their interests and outlooks on life are in sync, they share hobbies like camping, fishing, and hiking. After one year, John knew without a doubt that he wanted to spend the rest of his life with Victoria.

The two of them wanted their engagement session to be in a location that really demonstrated their enthusiasm and love for the outdoors. John selected an area near his favorite fishing hole on the Salt River. It was such great fun! They explored and played near the peaceful river, with the dramatic landscape of mountains and cacti in the background. This is what I shoot for!

Thank you John and Victoria for letting me be a part of your life together.
Click here to see gallery of all the photos.

Micalynn

2009-04-27T12:41:00.000-07:00

This session was done at Micalynn's home. We played around with some different outfits, backdrops, and her dogs. Meg had never been photographed before, but was very excited about the experience. With this session I began by shooting her face from different angles, seeing how she took direction and interpreted what was suggested. It always amazes me how much a photographer can change the overall appearance of their subject just by shooting from different angles, or positioning the subject differently. These types of shoots are always my favorite. I have the time to explore the person's personality, test their willingness and enthusiasm, and eventually bring out their personality. Some things don't work on everyone, so I don't have a standard blueprint for my one-on-one portrait shoots. This is where being a portait artist comes in. You have to visualize the subject in certain contexts or scenes, use what you are given, and have fun, and create something beautiful! That, I certainly did and always do! Thank you, Micalynn. Click here to see the images.

Baby Christina

2009-04-23T10:56:00.001-07:00

Babies!!! I love to photograph them. Before they are able to get around on two legs, their eagerness to explore on all fours is so fun to capture. This amazing little girl lay on her belly and kicked out her legs, pushed out her arms, tried to sit upright on her little bottom, and laughed and cooed as her parents sang, clapped, and did just about anything they could think of to keep her captivated. It takes time, you wait for that decisive moment to take that shot that will truly capture the personality of the child. Patience and a lot of laughter is the key. And if there is one thing I absolutely love, it is when moms dress up their little girls.
To see the full gallery, click HERE

Emerson and Jackson

2009-04-09T17:22:00.000-07:00

Non-studio sessions, also known as lifestyle sessions, are my favorite. With lifestyle sessions, I am generally invited into the home to photograph a family, or the client's children. This is by far the best environment in which to photograph children. Being in a familiar environment is not only comforting and relaxing for them, but also not so distracting for children past walking age. Newborns and babes, up to 12 months, are the easiest and most enchanting to photograph. They are still trying to figure out what all of the stimuli around them means. They are mesmerized by colors, sounds, and especially the voices of their parents. As long as they have had food and a good nap, a session can go up to one hour. If I can keep their interest with toys and parents interacting with them, it is always a highly successful session - and one I can take great joy and pride in. Baby Emerson is absolutely delightful. Her smile and laughter was so infectious!

Baby Emerson had an older brother in this shoot, who seemed to be past the willful and stubborn age of toddlerdom. It took mere moments to engage him in the session. He was very willing to play with his little sis, be a clown, be a mini model, and strike a few poses. But, his attention span was short and he did not last beyond one hour, either. My favorite of Jackson is posted above. When I photographed him with their dog Cooper - he had so many striking expressions...precocious to perfection.

I love to photograph children of any age! Whether it be newborns or preteens. In addition to each child's unique personality, each age brings with it its own wonderful challenges and surprises. It really is fun getting to know a child from behind the lens. However, I still don't have any children of my own - and for good reason ;)

To see the full gallery from this session, click HERE

In Bruges

2009-04-07T16:43:00.000-07:00

After seeing the movie, "In Bruges," I was fascinated and awed by this beautifully preserved medieval city. Its beginnings go further back than that, however. The Romans settled here about 2000 years ago. Always a center for trade and commerce, much of its history dates back to the 9th century, including two of its churches.

We stayed here for two wonderful days, exploring the city on foot and by boat via the canals. Our hotel was located near the Burg and City Hall, the gorgeous hub of the city. This was a marketplace with restaurants, cafes, farmers market every morning, carriage rides, the 14th century city hall, and the gothic belfry. The only tourist related activty we had was climbing the 366 steps to the top of this more than 800 year old tower. What incredible views. the medieval skyline made us feel as though we had stepped back in time.

Aside from the amazing architecture that greeted us around every corner, we delighted in Belgian Beer and chocolates - the only gastronomical must-dos in Belgium. popular foods here are mussels, and fries with mayonnaise. yes, "french fries" originated in belgiun. we were not impressed with food overall, or the prices. the average entree was about $20. we mcdonald's on our second day. hahah!

our second day the weather became gloomier and the clouds obscured the warm colors of bruges' architecture. we decided to head to our next destination, amsterdam.

click here to see the full gallery of bruges.

Gina

2009-03-31T16:03:00.000-07:00

Personal portrait sessions are the most fun for me! For each session I do, there is a portait questionnaire that helps me to identify a person's personality, goals, and what they are essentially looking for in their shoot. These sessions are such a wonderful way of exploring another person's personality. As with most of us, it takes a while to open up and let ourselves just be. The key for the subject is to be yourself and have fun - not to be something the photographer wants you to be. As a photographer, it takes a bit of experimenting and posing to get the right fit for an individual - to put them in a situation or environment that allows them to be themselves. I had a great time with Gina. She climbed around on a horse, as well as a small mountain of boulders. It was an adventure, her striking scarlet dress was a dramatic and surreal beacon in the warm desert hues. Many of the later images, perched between boulders, or jumping into the air grabbing her skirts, were incredibly beautiful and bordered on editorial meets fantasy. What wonderful stories the images told. Click here to see the full gallery.

Staying in Montmartre, Paris

2009-03-20T11:10:00.000-07:00

To fully get to know a place, weeks are necessary. However, my time is always limited so I choose an area of a city that I am most interested in, and focus my energies there. I have always dreamed of going to Montmartre, ever since seeing Baz Luhrman's "Moulin Rouge." I had been to Paris on a previous visit in 1997, and never made it to this artistic quarter of the city. Artists such as Picasso, Dali, and Latrec have their roots here. Just walking amidst the cozy streets lined with shops and cafes, was dazzling. One could spend half a day at Place du Tertre just watching the local artists painting scenes of life in Paris. We were awed and comforted under the basilica of Sacre Couer, but no images were captured while in this sanctuary. what incredible views meet the eye when stepping out of the church. Below us were the great monuments of the city, the Eiffel Tower and Arc de Triomphe. Both of which we visited the next day. It was so easy to get around the city with the Metro and we ventured straight to the top of the Eiffel. Erected in 1889, and then considered an eyesore by the city's residents, it is 1986 feet tall and has the most amazing views of the city. We were met with rain clouds on one side, and then a striking rainbow on the other. The world is a beautiful place!

to see all of the images from our journey, click here

Carnival in Germany

2009-03-05T01:30:00.000-08:00

There is a Fat Tuesday in Germany, as well as any nation that celebrates religious holidays. In germany, "Mardi Gras" is referred to as "Fastnacht," or "Tag der Narren." translated, it means day of fools. The area i grew up in is small. Lots of farmers, not a lot of money. Don't expect a grand float, definitely not a parade the likes of which you would see in New Orleans. Nonetheless, it was fun! They throw so much candy here, the kids go bonkers! even the adults get excited and constantly yell "Helau!"
Click here to see the gallery of images.

Scott and Nancy

2009-03-02T10:14:00.000-08:00

Musicians are wonderful to photograph. Artists, naturally, are better able to express themselves. As I love the natural splendor of candids, this session was especially fun for me because these two performed infront of the camera. The images where both of them are together, clearly show the fun working relationship that they have together. Click here to see their gallery.

Connie and Co.

2009-02-18T01:20:00.000-08:00

arizona weather has been unusual in the last couple weeks. a lot of rain and cold temperatures. i almost feel as though i am back in the nortwest again. connie wanted photos of her family, and had to cancel once already due to inclement weather. the following weekend would be no different, though i had hoped for blue skies that morning. a blue sky makes a large difference in the overall vibe of a photograph, but this family had sunny dispositions despite the dark skies. i especially loved her parents, whose readiness to laugh made the images really come to life. having preteens in the shoot also made for an amusing experience as i snapped the boys and dad showing off karate chops and kicks. dramatic backdrops are great, they do bring color to a portrait; but the key is that the focus of portraiture is the person. the unique personalities of this family really "shined" in this shoot.
click here to see the gallery of images.

Holly and Ryan

2009-02-17T23:22:00.001-08:00

these two young lovers were high school sweethearts, and twelve years have passed since they met in social studies. next month they are getting married, and today was the first time i had met them both together. ryan candidly admits on our first meeting that he couldn't see himself with anybody else, being that holly and him were always connected, even during a two year breakup. so young, and they have made it this far already. how wonderful! time was short today, so i snapped a few photos to get a feel for the two and how they interact infront of the camera. the three of us hope to return to the "montelucia" resort on their wedding day to capture some romantic images. click here to see the gallery of their images

The Anderson Family

2009-02-17T03:03:00.000-08:00

"life is still plentiful even if you have a disability," writes latrice anderson to me during our initial dialogue about portait services. loving wife, mother of three beautiful children, and paraplegic, she has such a positive presence, and a wonderful business plan. our first photo shoot together was to be a visual day in the life of latrice and her family. she drives the family to the playground, and her and husband keenan sit comfortably on a bench watching their adorable kids at play. next, we head to a wonderful spot to do a series of family photos. i watch husband keenan lovingly lift the giggling latrice out of her harley davidson wheels to position her for the photos. the two of them have their candids infront of the camera, and my heart fills with love when i see how they look at one another. what a supportive and loving life they share together with their children. following a quick jaunt to a manmade waterfall, while latrice waits in the mini van, we are headed back to the anderson home for storytime. the kids gather in bed with mom while she reads a bedtime story. nobody is tired, everyone is having too much fun. and i know that this is just the beginning of my relationship with this family. latrice has big plans. she designs and sells adaptable lingerie for women such as herself that have a physical disability, such as paraplegia. our photos today show that one can have a family and have a fruitful life despite a physical handicap. our next session will be about the ways in which women can feel sexy as well!

The New Resolution

2009-02-13T12:03:00.000-08:00

I am wishing a happy new year, more than two months after the fact. Every year of my life time seems to accelerate. I am constantly saying this, and I mean it more each time - time is running out to be bold and daring and realize our dreams.

If I were sitting around, filled with ennui, I know that time would hit the brakes. so the fact that i never seem to have enough signifies that I have been busy. The year has been off to an incredible start. After my imaging conference in January I had so much information to process and leaf through, along with a long list of vendors that I have been trying out. Stocked up on studio supplies and started creating. Just designing a coffee table album is quite an undertaking, not to mention trying out the dozens of bookbinders out there. Each day I am either shooting, processing, editing, or designing. The time left for me is print orders, education, website, networking sites, photo related memberships and sites...and the list goes on. But wow! I am so happy.

Did I see myself being here a year ago? Strangely enough, no. I was still at the point of dreaming, not setting things in motion. At that point, I was still comfortable pursuing photography as a hobby that allowed me to make extra spending cash on the weekends. Last year at this time, I was still working full time at Scottsdale Healthcare, doing work that gave me purpose but no satisfaction. 6 years I had worked at that hospital, and prior to that I had spent 7 years working in various healthcare settings. Sometimes it just takes a couple decades to get it all sorted out. what invaluable experience i gained in working so intimately with patients and fellow healthcare workers... i know it is something that i will never do again, but i am so happy that i went through it all.

Have I ever been able to keep my missives brief? I am trying. Considering it has been so long, I feel that there is much to catch up on.

The holidays came and went, and with them a look back on the year 2008 in which so much of my life changed.

March: got the incredible opportunity to go to buenos aires, thanks to josh mellberg and steven ringelstein

April: a week in Cozumel to photograph Steve and Veronica's wedding. upon my return, I make the decision to quit healthcare and pursue photography on a full time basis

May: a week in Tulum to photograph Adi and Bernie's wedding. what a great story this one is. the man that hires me is an ex of an ex coworker. we spend the entire time together, and we fall in love.

June: begin working as a contractor for First Day Photo, taking newborn photos- ironically, I am back at the same hospital where I used to work - but now as photographer

August: move in with Shalev, the man I love.

September: visit Shalev's sister Adi in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. wow! it's beautiful up there!

November: I turn 30. yuck. decided to celebrate by having a roller skating party. thanks for those who made it out there. i am getting busier with own biz so I quit the contracting photo job at the hospital.

December: Christmas time with a Jewish boyfriend, haha! bit of a relief, really. i was glad not to worry about decorating and christmas tree and shopping for cliches. however, my darling shalev gifted a 5 day vacation to mexico for the new year's celebrations. we stayed in a wonderful resort called "Temptation," where we also celebrated with hundreds of others on New Year's eve. All inclusive so we drank champagne and ate chocolate covered strawberries to our heart's content. We were entertained by fire eaters and half naked entertainers, and a live band that played everything from caribbean to classic rock on the outside bar's roof. at midnight, everyone attending let their red and white balloons fly into the air - it was quite lovely. but, the highlights were our jaunts to isla mujeres where we rented a scooter and cruised the entire island - and our day trip to chichen itza to see one of the 7 world wonders. Because of my frequent visits to Mexico, I created a page on my site with all photos from cancun to chichen itza. i meant to journal on the phone, but managed only a few missives on our first night. Between the day trips, swimming with dolphins, spa day with couples massage, laying in the sun, sleeping too long, staying up too late, I gave it up altogether but did get a lot of reading done. Second to sightseeing, my favorite thing about travel. lol.

Below is my only journaling from the entire trip, it could have been so great.

Cheeseburger in Paradise

i have had my first burger in paradise. with sweeping views of the caribe, my munchies come to a dead stop as i take my first bites of my pseudo burger. it tastes more like a cardboard and tofu, and i pound the margarita to choke it down. so, next logical stop is the buffet for crepes suzette and churros.

with an inclusive stay, one can eat and drink until the cows come home. so the margaritas began to flow, and we made our way into the main bar where we hopped on the party bus to senor frogs. (fyi - if you are between the ages of 17-22 this is your spot. if you are over 23 you will be reliving spring break in college.)

you know you're not in phoenix when you are at a bar and you see a sign that says, "please don't throw your cigarettes into the lagoon, the alligators are getting cancer."

I have just shared a couple shots of 100% agave tequila at senor frogs, with a busload of people from the "temptations resort,: our temporary domicile. no one in our party speaks espanol, the dudes next to us have whipped out their "commonly used phrases" cheat sheet, issued by the resort, in order to blend in.

and, yeah, that was all the writing i managed to do. and if i wanted to take the time to write about your wonderful adventures on isla mujeres and in chichen itza, it would take me more time than i have at the moment.

in 8 days I leave for germany to visit family. i will be there for nearly a month. shalev will be joining me in march. until i leave, i have 7 more shoots and a wedding. have not finished working on the wedding photos and wedding album from last week's wedding. happy to be this busy, but i miss all the time i used to spend on writing and sharing photographs.

If you have read this far, and are wondering where all of the photos are - note that there are hyperlinks included throughout this blog, so when you click on a name such as "Jackson Hole, Wyoming" you will be directed to the photos I took there.

I wish all of you the very best, lots of adventure and joy. This will be the space where I write about Jacqueline Hanna Photography - where i will share about my life and being in love and being a business owner.

Thank you to my wonderful friends and family that are such a great support, and to my clients past and present that have brought me to where I am today.

live.laugh.love forever.

Kishan and Rufus

2009-02-13T00:51:00.000-08:00

(click on 'rufus and kishan' above to see full gallery of images)

Perhaps the most difficult but enjoyable type of photography is pet portraiture. All but one of the pets I have photographed thus far are too excited to follow verbal cues or commands, and definitely aren't interested in sitting still. This is where the owner comes in. As I love to capture relationships between people, I am also getting the chance to capture the one between dog and human. The unabashed joy, the pride, the love that you can see in their eyes is immeasurable. With a hyper pet, the only thing that tends to help is if their owner holds him or her and engages them. People cuddling their pets make for the best photos, in my opinion. Having treats, their favorite toys, and blankets, or beds definitely help to make the session more genuine, and comfortable for the animal.

Rufus was a very hyper maltipoo, who was as soft and cuddly as a teddy bear. It was such a treat to see how his owner Kishan interacted with him - I also had to snicker at the great selection of outfits he brought for the little guy. Watching Kishan try to put them on, while Rufus nibbled at his fingers and struggled to get right back out of the clothing, was fun to capture.