Family H | Yuba City, CA Family Photographer

My friend Becky and I decided to trade pictures for this holiday season. Becky is the awesome owner and photographer of Rebecca Hickey Photography. We also haven't done a family picture of just us 3 in about a year, so it was a perfect trade since Becky is so talented. She got a perfect shot of my family where you'll see later once I figure out a design for our Christmas card. It was so fun doing this shoot, especially being in one of the many peach orchards here in Yuba City.

Family G | Plumas Lake, CA family photographer

Mandy contacted me a month ago through a mutual friend. I was referred to her because she was looking for a photographer that would give their family an antique and hazy look to their photos. I enjoyed working with her because she was just so organized and upfront with how she wanted  her pictures to look which is always helpful for photographers like me because it makes it so much easier to achieve that look. She also really wanted railroad track pictures, and we found the perfect spot for it. I couldn't ask for a different way for how our session could have turned out. I really enjoyed this session a lot and was really looking forward to editing them. Thank you to Mandy, Mike and Madden for the wonderful afternoon.

Photo challenge this week is "a touch of light." This is my current favorite from my sunset photo shoots. 

Difference between CS5 and Lightroom | Marysville, CA Photographer

I jumped on the Lightroom train. I used to just sort my photos with the software that came with my camera, but I gotta say. I LOVE Lightroom. It lets me zoom past all of the images quickly and I can pick and weed out the final images. Would I ditch editing with CS5? I don't think so. I love how CS5 lets me play with layers so much and I definitely need it for airbrushing, patching and I love actions and texturing too much. But editing images in RAW has been easier with Lightroom, not to mention mind-blowing, and may actually work out pretty well for most of my personal images. My clients' photos will definitely now be edited with  BOTH Lightroom and CS5.

I tested out both Adobe programs on 2 images today just to see the difference.

Photoshop

and this one, Lightroom

Photoshop

And Lightroom. 

Child Photography | Marysville, CA Photographer

Mommy goggles on again. Oh the face of a tired yet overly excited toddler. I'm also glad I found time to texturize a photograph. It's been a while. 

Coming Home { Family G } | Beale AFB, CA Photographer| Military Deployment

All over the Yuba-Sutter area, there were a few homes that looked like this yesterday.
They are all decked out and ready for their respective service member's return.

There were flags staked on the ground, and kids ready to wave and welcome their personal heroes with a kiss, a hug and big hello.

There are also the wives, that have been counting the days, staying strong, staying sane, watching the calendar's days get closer and closer to this date.

And they strut down the airport, with anticipation, with love and along side them, they also carried some pride.

They watched the minutes pass, closer and closer to the touchdown. The planes are coming, the wives smiling and waiting.

The signs are all ready, the walk down the stairs just seconds, and counting.

A big hug for the guy, hero to many, daddy just to him.

A kiss for the Mrs., like time stood still, the world has to wait, because this lady sure did.

A hi, and a hello, well, to baggage we go.

Bags are grabbed, to home by the grassy fields, the train track sounds, comfort will settle in.

Pretty sure this little guy is glad that his dad is safe. Today is a good day, because of guys like him, our nights stay still.

Military Deployment { S & B} | Lifestyle Photography | Beale AFB, CA Photographer

I accompanied a couple of ladies to pick-up their husbands today who are home from their deployments.

It was a huge group of deployed service members. I was loving all the "welcome home" posters from wives and kids, although I know it makes the service members blush beet red.

Sarah was one of the ladies I accompanied. I just love how she patiently waited for her hubby. I also could not take my eyes away from how she clutched her hands together with anticipation.

This was Sarah when she finally saw her hubby coming down the escalator.

Oh those sweet embraces. I love this photo below. It just sent me goosebumps. It just transcended so much on how they definitely have been longing for this reunion.

Smiles, from ear to ear.

Even more smiles on the way home.