Alicia States, Photographer

Please excuse the interruption in our regular programming… {Angry Birds Birthday Party}

2012-01-07T11:20:00.001-08:00

My oldest turned 5. FIVE, people! (Those of you who have multiple children over the age of 5 may go ahead and roll your eyes, or patronizingly grin at me). Either way, it kind of blow my mind (or “blows up my mind” as the said 5 year old would say.) I’m not super crafty or creative but since discovering Pinterest, my self-esteem and courage in these departments has gone up… like… a ton. So here are some ideas I found for the chosen theme of “Angry Birds” (it’s what he wanted, and I was blown away at all the ideas I found!)

Disclaimer: Please do not judge my photography by these straight-out-of-the-crappy-phone-camera-pictures! I don’t even own a decent phone camera. Shameful. (ha.)

After the boys went to bed, Cam and I blew up all these balloons and put them in his room to wake up to (big hit!)

Using this template, I traced angry bird faces out, the boys colored them, I cut them out and they helped me tape them on. We hung these up with ribbon with the streamers (not pictured, so use your pretty imaginations!) No, that is NOT on his head, he is holding it in front of his face as if an angry bird (phew, glad I clarified!)

All of the angry bird balloons and a home made pinata on the left, ( I used this one for inspiration)

My budget wasn’t extensive so we got some stickers and let him make goodie bags for each of his friends. Peeeerfect!

And the cake pops. Oh, the cake pops! I’ve never made them before. In fact, I have never worked with white almond bark, candy melts or fondant for that matter! It was pretty much Intricate Cake Pops for dummies. If you want to know what I now know, leave a comment with your email and I will personally send you the lessons learned (yes, I wrote them up because they were that extensive!) To sum it up, they were positively delicious. But only 4 of 17 were slightly cute or survived. Notice the green one in the back falling off the stick? Yeah…. and the blue ones were going to be birds… and I didn’t even bother taking any shots of the red ones…. LOL… I’m laughing to myself just thinking about the red ones… oh boy.

Anyway, these four pigs survived (ironically!) which was perfect because he had 4 friends over (we keep it simple around here) and each got to take one home. I didn’t get a shot of the simple cake with a fondant pig head on it… LOL… oh boy… that just sounds wrong!

Anyway! Cam bought some Angry Bird dog toys from Wal-Mart. The kids build structures with small boxes, placed the toy piggies and all threw their squeaky angry bird at the structure. They did that most of the party, it was awesome entertainment for everyone! We even had a slingshot but it was broken during intensive practice before the party…

Angry Birds Birthday Party gets a 5out of 5 stars from me! The guys and the girls had a blast!

{Gonzalves Ohana} Kaua’i meets Utah Photography

2012-01-06T16:29:00.001-08:00

Another beautiful family from Kaua’i braves the crazy and unpredictable Utah weather! We really hoped to take some fun pictures in the snow… but snow is no where to be found! I can’t complain too much because I’m really not a big fan of the cold! We made the most of what we had and it really didn’t matter what the weather was like because these little darling stole the show!!!

Thanks you guys! It was so fun to chat and catch up since it’s been way too long since we came home for a visit! Hope to see you all really soon!!

{Emi & Kiki} Happy Holidays!

2011-12-27T10:36:00.001-08:00

I am in love with these pictures! We were hoping to find a spot with snow and a river… and we found a spot with snow and a river! Peeerfect!

I hope you are all enjoying a wonderful Holiday Season!

{Evans Family}

2011-12-23T11:49:00.001-08:00

This shoot was quite the adventure… freezing cold weather, wild deer…. but how dang cute are those kids? I’ll tell you - so dang cute. I especially love action shots of kids just playing and being… well, kids! Capturing the smiles and laughter is what I love best. Brittani and Sean are the sweetest couple, and such great parents in my opinion. We braved the cold and you would never guess it was 33 degrees that day! I swear kids are immune to anything that could stop them from having a good time! If they wanna have fun – they have it! Oh, the things we can learn from children!

Winner Winner Chicken Dinner!

2011-12-07T10:42:00.001-08:00

I love giving stuff away… outgrown clothes, handmade gifts… cookies… photoshoots! I don’t do it often, but it makes me feel great to hook a family up with pictures that capture their life as it is right now, something they may otherwise kind of miss out on. I mean, really… how often does mom end up in the group pictures (or dad, if he’s the primary photographer of the family)? In my case… like, never! I can count on one hand the number of pictures I have with my children… and I don’t even really like me in them. But whatever. Moms take one for the team… (everyday… multiple times a day… )but anyway…

I ran a giveaway a couple of weeks ago for a Family Photo Shoot and a CD with images… I got one entry (yeah, one, but I’m not taking it personal). Awesome Sauce for the Orr Family! She sent in her family picture and her reasons for wanting me to take her family pictures… this is what she said,

“We would love to receive your photo shoot because you are an absolutely amazing photographer. In our whole marriage we have not had a professional photo shoot and it would be so fun to be able to display your photos in our home! The way you find the beauty in everyone and their personality make us smile every time! Please pick the Orr family!”

Well… I pick the Orr Family!!!

I’m thrilled to pieces! How cute are they?!?! We’ll have a blast and get some amazing shots, I just know it!

For everyone kicking themselves for not giving the Orr Family a little competition… make sure you’re following me on Facebook for real-time updates so you know to enter next time!!!

Also, for those of you on Kaua’i, I will be doing a giveaway for you guys when I know when I’ll be there next!! Woot! Woot!

Giveaway - One Family Photo Shoot

2011-11-17T12:57:00.000-08:00

I've decided to give away one Family Lifestyle photo shoot to a Utah Family! That means, we hang out, I take pictures of your family and then you get a CD with all the best images!! Must be one immediate family. Easy peasy and so much fun!

How to enter:

Follow me on Facebook.

Submit a picture of your family (recent or not, doesn't matter) to aliciastatesphotography (at) gmail.com and a reason why you want ME to take your pictures by midnight on Sunday, November 27.

I will post all of the submissions on Facebook, and then you guys can get your family and friend to vote for you by "liking" your photo. Voting ends Sunday, December 10th. The family with the most "likes" wins!

(Kaua'i friends, I will do another giveaway when I know exactly when I am coming to visit!)

Cram Family

2011-10-06T13:48:00.001-07:00

Can you say Good Looking Family?!?! Obviously this family was a breeze to get good shots of! The most difficult part of the shoot was beating the light! Oh and not getting attacked my wild animals… (okay, that last part wasn’t hard at all, but it was distractingly on my mind!)

This was a little bit of an adventure shoot. I was on alert the whole time, slightly nervous about all the “natural” sounds we kept hearing. At one point I heard a charging sounds – my heart skipped a few beats – when I turned and it was human I couldn’t have been more relieved! I guess we found the hot trail for horseback riding, mountain biking, even for riding dirt bikes! I had never been on that trail before so it was a shot in the dark, hoping we would find some picturesque spots. We did.

And what is up with this weather?! We jumped from Summer to Winter! The trees hadn’t even fully turned and snow fell! I don’t get it. It’s making me crazy! I just want to enjoy Autumn before the long winter hits! Make the most of it, I suppose. Snow shots are gorgeous, too!

Gonzalves Ohana

2011-10-05T18:06:00.001-07:00

What a beautiful family! I am super honored that they flew all the way from Hawai’i out here to Utah just so I could take their family pictures! Just kidding! Just kidding! =) They sure brought the warmth of Hawai’i with them (and suspiciously, the weather dropped about 20 degrees when they left!) It was an absolute joy to get to know them all a little better and to be around such wonderful people taht remind me so much of what I love and miss about Kaua’i!

I have to mention that my awesome brother came to this shoot with me and was cracking everyone up! His humor is priceless. Thanks, Josh!

Cute Kiddos

2011-10-03T14:08:00.001-07:00

4 months old

2011-10-03T13:12:00.001-07:00

I can’t get enough of this baby! He is absolutely precious, and easy *knock on wood*. His baby blues are lightening up, and just might turn green like his big brother! He’s a chunky monkey and I freaking love him!

Smith Family

2011-08-25T13:45:00.001-07:00

I freaking adore this family! It was an absolute pleasure hanging out with them (because, that’s really what it feels like for me) and capturing these priceless moments! The dang clouds were being fickle, but in the end the lighting was perfect! Thanks you guys, I had a blast!

Cross Family

2011-08-22T06:14:00.000-07:00

What a sweet, sweet family! Alex is my husband’s cousin and it was fun to get to know him, his totally awesome wife, Emily, and their precious 14 month old son better! I pretty much followed Jaymeson’s lead and simply enjoyed the magic that is a setting sun! Thank you guys!

Marsing Family

2011-08-20T08:38:00.000-07:00

DeMill Family

2011-08-19T08:34:00.000-07:00

Hardy Family

2011-08-18T08:29:00.000-07:00

I’m playing catch up here on the good ol’ blog! I was on a bit of a photography hiatus but its over! I had a handful of photo shoots last month that I want to share with you!

Welcome, Luke Ho’oikaika

2011-08-17T08:16:00.001-07:00

Our third son is finally here! He’s 3 months old now, but these are my favorites from his 2 month portrait session. He’s as sweet as can be and I know it sounds cliché but I can’t imagine my life without him in it!

Brothers.

2011-03-24T13:10:00.001-07:00

I just had to share these. My boys really do love each other despite the fact that I can’t keep them from “accidently” maiming each other, like, every.single.day. I got those black turtlenecks for $1 each, and it was cold enough today (even though it’s technically SPRING), that they could pull it off. And they just looked so stinkin’ handsome, I made them hold still (mostly) for fractions of seconds at a time. So glad I did, it was worth the high blood pressure for a minute to get these.

Shaylie

2010-12-15T21:19:00.001-08:00

This baby doll is only 8 days old and absolutely perfect! We did a very mini photo shoot just to get some shots! Newborns change so quickly! She sure didn’t help with my baby hunger, but I sure am looking forward to May when we have a newborn in the house again! Anyway, just wanted to put a few up for her momma to see! :D

My heart.

2010-11-23T08:36:00.000-08:00

Holy smokes, I love this kid!!! (Picture taken by Malu States)

Fall Fun

2010-11-22T08:30:00.000-08:00

There’s just something about kids playing in Autumn leaves that I love! Maybe it’s because I never got to growing up in Hawai’i.

I just had to get a few good shots in the leaves, and as you can see it was really difficult to get my boys to cooperate! :) Oh to be young and fit in the pile of leaves!

Snow… in October…

2010-11-21T08:20:00.000-08:00

So, I guess it’s normal to have a big snowfall before Halloween… (I think that’s weird! But that’s Utah!)

I am not particularly a fan of winter, but I think I am honestly ready for the snow this year. It was so beautiful and my boys had so much fun in it! Now as long as I don’t have to go anywhere… or do anything (a.k.a “as long as I don’t have to be in the cold…) … Winter and I - we should be good.

Call me Master Jedi…

2010-11-20T08:15:00.000-08:00

This is my 3 year old… he wants to be a Jedi when he grows up!

You may think I’m joking.

I’m not!

Cute Marsing Boys

2010-11-19T08:15:00.001-08:00

I think these picture say it all!! Their Momma has her hands full …Full of CUTENESS!!! ;)

Audrey and Ammon

2010-11-19T07:43:00.001-08:00

What an adorable couple! May they live happily ever after!

SLACKER!

2010-11-19T07:15:00.001-08:00

Yep, that’s me! The slacker. But hey! It’s my blog – I do what I want! And right now I want to catch up on a few shoots, and some other goodies I want to share! So stay tuned, I’m not going to throw them all on this post - I have intentions of being more organized than that!

Pease Family

2010-10-18T09:46:00.001-07:00

Here a few images from our very casual photo shoot last week! It was fun to let the kids run around and climb all over, and just capture them in their elements. Each of these children are so full of life, I could hardly keep up with them! But I think we got some fun shots “fer-her-sure”!! :)

Anielle

2010-08-10T21:32:00.001-07:00

Isn’t Anielle such a beautiful name? She has three older brothers and is such a sweet blessing to her family and there is so much love for this little girl in that home! It was a pleasure to take pictures of her! She was just as content as she could be! And the toes! I love baby toes!

Business Headshots for Team F8 (fate)

2010-08-08T18:43:00.001-07:00

I just wanted to share my favorite headshots from a shoot I did yesterday for F8. It was a lot of fun! Hope we can do it again soon!

PS. Yep! That’s my husband.

Cala & Chelsey Engagement Portraits

2010-08-07T14:35:00.001-07:00

Chelsey and Cala are pretty much the cutest couple ever! There’s just something about being around an engaged couple like this that just takes me back! What a great looking couple! Oh, and they’re getting married on the beach in Puerto Rico! Yeah. Wish I was able to photograph that wedding! :D Their wedding will, undoubtedly, be a vision!

Hope you two have an incredible future together! Thanks again for being so much fun to photograph!

My little boys’ energy is… well… not exactly soothing…

2010-07-24T09:38:00.001-07:00

I have, somewhat recently, discovered Pandora Radio. I know… where the heck have I been?! Anyway.

I. Love. It.

Where has it been all my life? (Not invented yet. That’s where!) My current stations are Jenny Phillips and Enya. They balance out the non-stop-little-boy-energy that is my life.

Because we like to play on broken train tracks…

2010-07-23T07:32:00.001-07:00

I got a few shots of my boys when I took Steph’s pictures. I freaking love these monkeys!

Stephanie

2010-07-22T07:02:00.001-07:00

I just love that railroad track! :) This is my baby sister, Steph. She was out here for the summer visiting from Kaua’i. I promised her a photo shoot before she left. She’s adorable.

Hardy Family {Utah Family Photographer}

2010-07-21T22:24:00.001-07:00

Family pictures, senior portraits, 1st year pictures… we did it all and then some! How darling is this family? Celeste is such a gorgeous girl and I had a blast taking pictures of her for her senior year!

What would life be like with 7 kids ages 1-20?! Good thing Jackie is such a great mom!

There were so many pictures to choose from, but these are my favorites! Enjoy!

Parker Family

2010-06-09T14:09:00.001-07:00

Here is a teaser photo of the shoot I did with the Parker family.

Can you tell we had fun?

This is quite possibly one of my favorite images to date.

It just makes me smile! I can’t help it!

More pictures of the Parker family to come!

Alfalfa

2010-06-07T05:54:00.000-07:00

I wanted a few pictures with my hubby.

Instead of cute, wall-worthy images,

I found out I’m allergic to Alfalfa.

I’ve never been allergic to anything in my life!

I have a whole new level of empathy for those who have allergies.

But dang! Alfalfa fields make such great pictures when your eyes aren’t red and puffy!

Imagine for me.

2010-06-02T13:44:00.001-07:00

Today I took my boys (ages 2 and 3) to the local pool.

I wish I could download pictures from my brain.

Or maybe I should get a waterproof, digital camera.

But then I would need at least a few more arms. At least.

Anyway.

Imagine for me many, many moments of pure happiness and fun, smiles and bright colors!

I wish I could download pictures from my brain.

Have I mentioned that I love summer time?

Malu.

2010-05-31T17:37:00.001-07:00

Malu. Malu. Malu.

We finally got some updated photos of Malu (my husband’s younger brother)!

This kid is ridiculously talented. I’m pretty sure I’ve bragged about him before, but you should hear some of the music he writes! And he’s a natural athlete. This kid can juggle a soccer ball like Ronaldinho. He’s a natural comedian – SNL material for sure!

Once, a classmate of his told him that he looked like Jacob Black, and he responded to her with a, “So, you’re saying I’m handsome?” Yah, he knows he’s tall, dark and handsome!

Enjoy!

Schools Out!

2010-05-28T10:17:00.001-07:00

School is officially out. It’s going to be a party this summer! My husband’s two youngest brothers are here and my youngest brother and sister are here visiting for the summer! We have ages 17, 15, 15 and 13. Oh yes, and I have two little boys of my own… :)

The key is order. We went over the chores for the summer, and expectations, the rules… basically getting on the same page to have our home run smoothly and keep everyone contributing and having a good time! They’re all good kids though, so it really isn’t half as stressful as it could be.

I really do love summer time in Utah!

Just one of those days…

2010-05-26T14:07:00.001-07:00

Today has been one of the days.

I realize that I don’t appreciate my husband enough.

The sunshine is hiding behind the clouds.

My car battery is dead, and I don’t have the energy to do anything about it.

I wasted away 2 hours of my life on the LOST Finale. I’m so relieved it’s over. Now, I can move on with my life.

I’m veryveryvery much looking forward to Girls’ Night tonight. Letters to Juliet should lift my spirits, and the grilled shrimp from Applebees will be icing on the cake. I need to recharge my batteries.

Just a little bit.

Then I can take on the world again.

Thanks goodness for Chocolate.

Like I said, it’s just been one of those days.

Elder Tyler Cram

2010-05-25T12:34:00.001-07:00

My brother, Tyler, enters the Missionary Training Center in Provo, Utah tomorrow. We got a few shots, just for fun, before he leaves. Believe it or not, this field was covered in snow the next day (but it’s all melted and gone now… weird Utah spring weather!)

We are so proud of him. He will be a great missionary!

Walked and walked and walked and walked…

2010-05-21T15:51:00.001-07:00

I’m exhausted.

I’m exhausted, because I walked and walked and walked.

Around the zoo.

With my kids.

And my brother and sister!

I am thrilled that my parents and 3 of my siblings are here in Utah! They arrived last night and the time is already going by too quickly!

The weather was cold.warm.cold.warm.hot.cold.warm.WEIRD.

Welcome to Utah, I guess! Summer is fighting and I’m on summer’s side! Let the good (even HOT) weather begin! I love summertime in Utah. It makes the 8/9 months of winter worth it.

Seriously!

He’s happy about it too. :)

But I’m exhausted. All that walking did me in.

But I would do it again tomorrow. (But won’t, because Old Navy is having their $1 Slipper sale -or flipflops… whatever you want to call them!- and my brother, Tyler, is having a very very special day tomorrow before he goes into the Missionary Training Center on Wednesday!) Here’s hoping for good weather, but if it has to rain, can it be warm, tropical-ish rain, please?!

Kaua’i.

2010-05-19T05:24:00.000-07:00

Here are a handful of my favorite images from my stay on Kaua’i in April. Despite popular belief, it wasn’t your stereotypical vacation, after all, I was traveling with my two boys! According to Grace from Modern Family, that would be considered a Business Trip. :D

I was really just there visiting my parents and siblings.

They just happen to live in one of the most beautiful places I have ever been. I guess I have a thing for mountains. And GREEN. And Rain. And Sun.

And Warmth.

Please don’t forget the warmth!

I have so many images from Kaua’i but you’ll have to forgive me, I am not sharing them all. If you’re a personal friend of mine, you’ve probably already seen them on Facebook… or our family blog. You can see why I am trying to be considerate and not flood my social sites with the same pictures… it’s too much work.

I absolutely love the color of the ocean on a sunny day!

Just ‘cause

2010-05-18T15:04:00.001-07:00

I don’t have a picture to share. I just wanted to say hello.

Hello!

I don’t “talk” enough here. Or anywhere else, for that matter.

So here’s my kick-started attempt to let you get to know me. I’m letting you into my life.

Did you notice my revised watermark? I love it. Thanks, Shem for teaching me how to create a decent png! Seriously, I thought I was computer savvy, but I could not figure it out for the life of me! Believe it or not, it was a simple concept, I just needed someone to show me!

I realize that I don’t write much on here because I am worried about what you all will think of me. It’s true. And I don’t want to offend anyone. But I really shouldn’t be worried about something so trivial. You’ll love me, not care about me, or hate me. And that’s okay. I’ve been inspired, and have decided to use this blog for more than just displaying my favorite photos.

Wish me luck. I can barely keep up on our family blog.

I’ll need it.

And I will be back soon. Like, really soon.

Someone (well, 2 someones) are going to win complimentary photo shoots tomorrow night at our ward’s Relief Society Service Auction! Stoked.

Girls Night… a photo shoot adventure.

2010-05-15T19:57:00.001-07:00

Meet Tiffany, Brittani and Amber. They’re my friends. (Yes, I have friends and it’s awesome!). Sorry guys (if there are even any single men who read this, lol), these ladies are happily married with really really cute kids!

We decided to have a girls night and I suggested *ahem* that we have a photo shoot! Each of their reactions were the same, hesitant, “Uhhh… really? okay…” I had to get them as excited as I was! All of these girls are super fun and beautiful! I knew they would have a blast once they decided to! I even suggested they watch a few episodes of America’s Next Top Model to get inspired… lol.

I know it’s a little difficult for moms to have all the attention, but freaking-A (what does that even mean, anyway?) they deserve it! I think we figured out that the last time they had had a photo shoot (that wasn’t with their children/family- just them!) was either their Senior Portraits in high school or Bridals when they had gotten married! They were so due. And I was itching for a photo shoot. It all worked out great!

We laughed so hard (you know when your head starts hurting because you’re using those random muscles in your jaw – yeah! That.much. laughing!) and just went with it. It was so much fun for me to observe and capture the different personalities and see this side of them! And I was thrilled to get some stunning portraits all the while! We were anticipating some rain and darn it – the rain didn’t even come! We were (okay, I was) up for anything!

I’ll do it again. Hopefully, those who couldn’t join us this time will see how much fun it can be and want to be there next time (and I won’t even say I told you so…)

And hey! If this looks like something you might want to do with some of your girlfriends, let me know! I’m sure we can work something out! It’s really that much fun.

Really.

Fun.

A little something I wanted to try…

2010-05-04T10:17:00.001-07:00

Megan’s Headshots {Utah/Kaua’i Portrait Photographer}

2010-05-03T15:28:00.001-07:00

Here is Megan’s second series of headshots. Incase you forgot, Megan is my sister. ;) You may have noticed that I am in LOVE with this lighting and white background. Yes, in love. I’m thinking of doing a Facebook Profile Picture “Party” (or something similar) with this set up. Waddaya think? I think it could be come crazy fun. But that’s me. I would love to know what you think!

Makoa Headshots {Utah/Kauai Portrait Photographer}

2010-05-03T14:51:00.001-07:00

This is Makoa. He’s my son. He’s 3 years old and has the world at his feet!

I adore him.

Tyler’s Headshots {Utah/Kaua’i Portrait Photographer}

2010-04-26T18:05:00.001-07:00

You may remember Tyler from the mini-shoot we did in Utah last year. Well, Tyler is going to be a Full-Time Missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints! He had been called to serve in the Utah St. George Mission! If you would like to watch his response to the call, go here. Tyler is a very cool kid. I am lucky to be his sister! Truly amazing things are in store for this handsome, young man!

I’m going back to Utah this week. I’m having some seriously mixed emotions. But before I leave, I’m trying to get headshots of each of my siblings. Maybe I’ll even get headshots of my amazing parents! We’ll see…

Beach Shots {Utah/Kaua’i Portrait Photographer}

2010-04-26T17:50:00.001-07:00

Finally got my boys down to the beach for their own mini photo shoot! It was kind of a disaster. Makoa wouldn’t give me a normal face, and if he did, it was blurry. Ka’imi wouldn’t go near the ocean and became hysterical if Josh or I put him on the sand; he was only content sitting on a big rock. He was still so freaking cute when he was crying… I kept snapping away. Does that make me a bad mom? Or just a “mamarazzi”? lol. Then, Josh had his GQ photo shoot. He’ll be 16 this year! That blows my mind! We finally left because it got way to windy and the rain drops started. When I got home, I realized we didn’t get any shots of Josh with his shirt actually on! lol. My mom wont be enlarging any of those… haha… oh well, guess we’ll have to do some head shots with him!

Malakai {Childrens Portrait Photographer}

2010-04-20T18:53:00.001-07:00

How stinkin’ cute is Malakai?!?! I mean, really!! I have had some exceptionally enjoyable photo shoots because my friends have the most darling children! Malakai’s mom, Danielle, was a classmate of mine! I think the last time I saw her was 8th grade! Malakai just turned 1 year old and had a PAR-TAY out here on Kaua’i! We were able to squeeze in a quick “Hawai’i” photo shoot before they had to catch an airplane back to Las Vegas! The weather wasn’t exactly cooperating, and Makalai was pretty exhausted from all the partying he did while on vacation… he actually fell asleep during the shoot! That was a first for me! lol. He’s so precious. It was a pleasure getting know him and to catch up with Danielle! Enjoy!

Liz, Arianna & Joseph

2010-04-17T01:32:00.001-07:00

I actually remember meeting Elizabeth when I was 4. She babysat my siblings and I for years and she’s like a sister to me. It’s great to catch up with her and get to know her children! We’ve missed each other over the years in various moves around the country, but it so happens that the stars have aligned and we are able to be in the same place long enough to get some very cute pictures, not to mention have some good laughs!

I love being home on Kaua’i, and am grateful for the chances I’ve had to be a photographer for some very special people in our life (and by “our” I mean, Cameron and I). I have a little under 2 weeks left here, but am already planning our next trip back!

Spouting Horn, a series of images.

2010-04-15T23:23:00.000-07:00

I thought these were kind of fun, and wanted to share it. On the south shore of Kaua'i near Po'ipu, there is a spot call the Spouting Horn. On this particular day, there was a south swell so the spout was incredible! These were created with a series of 84 and 11 images.

Enjoy!

Lily {Kaua’i Children Portrait Photographer}

2010-04-14T11:29:00.001-07:00

Ah! Lily! What a gorgeous little girl. She is so full of life, that it’s contagious just being around her! Oh to be 4, with the world at your feet! I was really just trying to capture her free personality… and I think some of her photos are just stunning! I went to Elementary/Middle School/High School with her mom, Tanya. It’s so tender to see this next generation and their strong personalities! Lily absolutely has the potential to take on the world!

Rhyan, Erika & Khyler {Family Portrait Photographer}

2010-04-13T22:10:00.001-07:00

I’ve known Rhyan since I was 4, and our parents are still good friends today! His mom is like a 2nd mother to me and my little family when we’re home (on Kaua’i). She makes the best mochi ever!

It’s been awesome to see Rhyan go on a mission and get married to an amazing girl! Erika is incredible, and I’m so happy they found each other! They’ve both been good friends to Cameron and I. We are lucky to have them in our lives!

When I finally met Khyler, their first baby, I instantly felt a tiny bit of ownership. lol. It’s so fun to see a tiny little thing that is such a combination of Erika and Rhyan!

It was so much fun for me to take their pictures. Rhyan and Erika adore each other and Khyler is such a loved baby! I am glad we were able to get a few pictures that capture that. :)

Bubbles!

2010-04-10T11:02:00.001-07:00

One of my personal goals for my photography is to shoot more! Just get out and shoot! I adore portrait photography, but it’s fun and exciting to branch out! One thing I have always loved about photography is finding the beauty in the little things… and learning my camera has made it possible to capture them the way I see it! It’s a work in progress, but I’m excited about it!

Gustafson Family Part 2

2010-04-09T20:48:00.001-07:00

Here is part 2 of the Gustufson/Bergmann Family photo shoot! Did I mention how much fun this shoot was?!?!

(If you missed part 1, scroll down or go here!)

Gustafson/Bergmann Family Part 1

2010-04-07T13:08:00.001-07:00

What a BLAST! I really had such a great time with this family… teenagers are just FUN (Andy, I’m considering you a teen here ;p). It was kind of a technical nightmare for me… but I suppose its all part of gaining experience and growth… lots of “notes to self” for future shoots. Let’s just sum it up by saying I’m grateful I had backup cameras… but I will be immediately purchasing backup batteries.

Anyway! How freaking gorgeous is this family?! I’m glad they were all able to relax and have fun… even if the pictures didn’t turn out technically perfect, we sure captured some priceless moments! Did I mention I’ve known this family since I was 2?! I can hardly believe how much they have all grown! (I’ve been saying that a lot lately).

This shoot was meant to happen as one event after another came together for a really great experience! Quite possibly one of the most rewarding shoots I’ve had to date. I’m really figuring out what it is about Portrait Photography that I love so much. It’s seeing images like this of a family being a family! It’s documenting what this family is like right now. I love it. I really, really love it!

Plus, we’re all in Hawai’i. I’m sure that helps. :D

Stephanie’s Headshots

2010-04-05T21:30:00.001-07:00

This is Stephanie, my baby sister. She’s the youngest of the 6 of us. Looking through these pictures, I can hardly believe how grown up she is! It’s hard living so far away from my siblings and missing out on so much! I think they need me! ;) She’s been extremely helpful with my boys, and really seems to love being an Aunty! I wish I could put her in my pocket and take her back to Utah with me! It was fun to see this side of her. She’s usually in her t-shirt and soccer shorts with her hair pulled into a ponytail… I think she looks like a beautiful young woman in these! And her freckles! I love her freckles! Okay, I’ll stop ranting about all the things I love about her! :D Enjoy!

Megan’s Headshots

2010-04-05T20:29:00.001-07:00

This is my sister, Megan. She’s pretty much DA BOMB! I miss living so close to her and having her cheery self around! This wasn’t exactly a “personality” shoot… I told her I wanted the focus to be her eyes. I wanted to her to communicate with them, and I wanted to capture them! I am very pleased with these shots. She’s a gorgeous girl and her untamed hair just brought depth to these photos. I dare say you will be seeing more of her this month!!!

Water Droplets

2010-04-05T00:27:00.001-07:00

I finally got around to playing around with this idea, and I love it! It was so much fun! Even with my boys trying to get into the water and practically giving me a heart attack for worry that they might spill on my camera… it was very cool. I wish I would have been able to steal a little more time to try a few different things… but I suppose I will just have to do it again another time! I’m sure I gave my boys more then a few ideas that will torment me for weeks (years?) to come… but it was worth it.

Kainoa {Kaua’i Children Portrait Photographer}

2010-04-03T14:50:00.001-07:00

Where do you take pictures when you’re in Hawaii, besides at the beach? Well, when it’s a blustery, overcast, kinda-rainy day, the dull color of the ocean, in fact, drains the life out of my photos! Where do you find color (besides green/brown) within a decent length’s drive? A big blue building, that’s where! And it was perfect for this photo shoot with Kainoa! His mom warned me that he doesn’t smile for the camera. I’m not going to lie, I though I was going to charm him and make him come to life like she’s never seen! What a blow to my ego ;) Brotha-man, seriously, just chose not to smile. Obviously, Kainoa is a gorgeous child even in his serious zone, but I knew mom wanted some smiles.

Well, we got them! Now I know why she wanted them so bad! This kid is a “stunna”, even with his half-smile, this kid lights up and is a whole ‘nother type of gorgeous!

So much fun! All the stresses of the pre-shoot and finding a (somewhat) dry location with enough light and color, completely disappear once I’m shooting! I really, truly, love it!

My home, an art gallery?

2010-03-12T09:36:00.001-08:00

I love having pictures up in my home. Majority are just cute ones of my family, but then there’s that one picture I take that I have to have on my wall. This is one such picture. I also want to hang a few other Photos, and my husband sarcastically made the comment “Do you want our home to look like an art gallery?” to which I replied, “Absolutely!”.

“Oh.” was all he said. Hahaha.

(fyi, this is a 16x24 print)

I know he loves my work but he prefers we have pictures of the family up, while I want to frame and hang pictures of baby giraffes and such. ;) The giraffes can wait a little longer. It’s all part of being married, I suppose. :D

Figuring out where to hang them is a whole ‘nother dilemma! My husband is the one with the eye for spacing and colors. He’s amazing like that. I already don’t like where I’ve hung a few of my other photos, lol. Oh well.

Anyway, I love this one. It’s incredibly satisfying for me to see my work up in our home. As it should be for any artist.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Tate & Noah, Twins {Utah Childrens Portrait Photographer}

2010-03-04T19:53:00.001-08:00

Meet Tate & Noah!

Wallis Children {Utah Children's’ Portrait Photographer}

2010-03-04T19:34:00.001-08:00

Toesies

2010-03-04T14:23:00.001-08:00

This is a “Straight out of the Camera” shot of my boys feet (meaning no post-editing besides the watermark). I’m all pumped up and excited to challenge myself (photographically) more! It’s been warming up and the sunshine does wonders for my soul! Did I mention I’m going to Kaua’i for FOUR WEEKS?!?! I am. And I am “stoked”. Life is good. And my boys have the cutest feet EVER!

Hardy Family {Utah Family Portrait Photographer}

2009-12-21T08:59:00.001-08:00

“All because two people fell in love…”

61 People! Yes, Sixty-One people! 2 parents = 10 children = 49 spouses, grandchildren and great grandchildren! Only one grandchild was unable to there. From what I understand, the Hardy’s haven’t had a family portrait in nearly 15 years! And what a beautiful family! I am so honored that they chose me to be their photographer! It was cold. It was chaotic. It was a challenge. It was cold. It was a BLAST! To be be 100% honest, it wasn’t my most technically correct shoot, but I am so pleased with the images we got! Sixty-One People! Everyone was a good sport… but it was COLD! Thanks Hardy’s! Here’s to sixty more!

*Hardys, to see the rest of the images, click on the link below

View Full Album

Sianni.

2009-12-14T09:12:00.001-08:00

This is my niece, Sianni. My brother, Ryan (her father) died 3 1/3 years ago when she was barely 1. She is such a gorgeous little thing. She lives on Kauai with her mother and grandparents but came to Utah for a day after her Disney adventures in California with her grandparents. It was such a wonderful day! It was her first time playing in the snow and she loved it! She asked me, “Is this Utah?”, “Yes,” I told her. Then she said,“I want to stay here forever!” I love that sweet little girl! We treasure every moment we are with her!

The Living Planet Aquarium

2009-11-13T18:11:00.001-08:00

My boys and I love The Living Planet Aquarium in Sandy, Utah. After being there a good number of times, I finally brought my camera. I love the tropical fish and the bright colors. It was a great learning experience for me with all the different lighting throughout the aquarium; really low light (not one of my strong points yet), really bright lights and moving objects... it was fun.

Liam, a way mini-shoot. {Utah Baby Portrait Photographer}

2009-11-13T16:26:00.001-08:00

This little bundle of cuteness belongs to my friend, Carli. She brought him over this morning for a few shots for his baby announcements. Like I said, way mini-shoot. I love his little toesies and Liam is such a darling baby! He's 5 weeks old...just old enough to be squirmy, but we got those darling hand/feet shots we wanted! They don't stay this small for very long at all! Congratulations, Carli! Glad he's finally here!

Gonzales Ohana {Utah Family Portrait Photographer}

2009-10-29T09:46:00.001-07:00

I absolutely love this family! Not only are they a gorgeous bunch, but they are truly one of the kindest, most giving families I know! Their children are ridiculously talented, smart and (hello!) photogenic! I have very, very much enjoyed getting to know this family better and better! It is a privilege to be your photographer and your friend!

Kasperson Family {Utah Family Photographer}

2009-10-26T14:19:00.001-07:00

This is such a darling family! It was so much fun to have a photo session with them! Allison is so full of energy and life! It was a privilege to spend time with them and I hope I captured the images of their family that they wanted! Enjoy!

Bianca & Kiera: Sisters {Utah Teen Portrait Photography}

2009-10-19T10:29:00.001-07:00

Aren't these the cutest sisters in the whole WORLD?! We did a mini photo shoot after their Mary Kay color makeovers. Both of them are so incredible sweet and gorgeous! We loved the pink bush and I love it even more after seeing how well it complimented these girls kind personalities! Their mom is such an awesome lady! I hope they had fun having some mother-daughter time! I know I had a blast!

Sneak Peak

2009-10-18T08:45:00.001-07:00

More coming soon! :D

Scott Family {Utah Family Photographer}

2009-09-18T13:16:00.001-07:00

This is a darling little family that I had the pleasure of following around and photographing! Little Jordan just loved seeing the old broken down train carts and exploring with his dad! It was a very low-stress photo shoot and a delight to be around such genuine people! Thanks, you guys!

Tuscany {Utah Baby Photography}

2009-09-12T11:14:00.001-07:00

This beautiful baby girl belongs to my amazing Mary Kay director, Monica Hartle! We meant to take these photos a long time ago before Tuscany got old enough to do.... anything... (lol)... but as life goes, many things do not go according to plan! So here she is! Not quite crawling, but definitely active and alert! She is the youngest of 6 and belongs to a wonderful family! Thank you, Monica for inviting me into your home to capture this precious stage in Tuscany's life!

My Brudder. {Utah Portrait Photographer}

2009-09-03T12:11:00.001-07:00

Meet my brother, Tyler. He recently graduated from high school and is now "on his own". Well, out of the house, anyway! We're lucky to have him visiting for a couple of weeks before he goes off and builds a house (not for himself, for our cousin). He also needs a haircut (says Dad). I like his hair. So, before he does it, we had to have a mini [photo shoot]. I realized he not exactly smiling in a few of these, but rest assured he is a happy, take-the-bull-by-the-horns type o' fellow. Great things lay in store for this young man.

Yes, he's from Kauai. Yes, he's an all-star athlete. Yes, he surfs. Yes, he's single. Yes, he'll be leaving for 2 years to who-knows-where-in-the-world. Yes, you can write him.

Happy Birthday, T! Part 2 {Utah Portrait Photographer}

2009-08-23T20:04:00.001-07:00

We sure know how to have FUN!!

Here are a few more from T's birthday photo shoot!! The girls sure knew how to work the camera and if you ever have a difficult time getting a teenage girl to smile... the secret is saying these two words: Taylor. Lautner. Get's 'em every time!!

Happy Birthday, T! {Utah Portrait Photographer}

2009-08-21T23:50:00.001-07:00

Happy Birthday, T! What a darling bunch of girls! I had so much fun "shooting" them today! There's just something about teenage girls that is just so... FUN! Enjoy this little sneak peak of the shoot today! Thanks for letting me be a part of your celebration! Hope you all had a BLAST! I know I did!

Father and Son

2009-08-14T13:44:00.001-07:00

This is one of my favorite photos up in our home. Makoa was about 15 months old here, we were playing at some waterfalls where the guys would jump off, and the rest of us would play above the falls in the pools. I sure miss it!

States Ohana {Utah, Family Photographer}

2009-08-10T09:44:00.001-07:00

Emily & Keiten

2009-08-07T10:36:00.001-07:00

These are my cousin's darling kids... taken over 2 years ago! Back when I actually had a studio! I was browsing through some of my earliest portraits and it's fun to see how my style had changed and my skills have improved! I do enjoy working with studio lighting, but have really fallen in love with natural light.

Totally not photography related, but last night I was locked out of my house because the house keys fell of the car key ring! I looked EVERYWHERE I could think of that it may have fallen, in the area I was in. I wasn't about to completely retrace my tracks as it was 10 at night... I had been to Draper and Sandy that same evening... so we ended up spending the night at my Mother in Laws - SLEEPOVER!! Yess! haha... anyway, we found the spare and we're all good now! So... double check your keys and make sure they're not going to randomly FALL OFF and get lost!

My Idea of Heaven - Makoa 18th Months

2009-08-04T08:12:00.001-07:00

I've decided to fill in the gaps with some older photos I've taken, but have not shared. This one is my oldest son at 18th months old. We were living on Kaua'i at the time. This is one of my favorite series, and I finally printed them and have them up in my home. There's something about these images that yell "Paradise!" to me. I am grateful for the time were able to spend there. And I am so glad I got these images!

Baby Snow Leopard {Utah Photographer}

2009-08-03T06:52:00.000-07:00

Can't forget about this little guy! He's almost 3 months old, and way cuter than any stuffed animal I've ever seen! He was sleeping 95% of the time I was watching him, but he glanced up for just a few moments, and I caught this! Needlesstosay, I am stoked! He's going to be a big cat one day! But he's gorgeous!

Baby Giraffe part 2 {Utah Photographer}

2009-08-02T14:24:00.001-07:00

Newborn Giraffe and Mommy

2009-08-01T15:52:00.001-07:00

On July 30, 2009 a giraffe was born at the Hogle Zoo in Utah! We happened to be visiting the next day and got to see this brand new guy! He is so cute! He won't be so little for long. Giraffe's grow an inch a day when they are first born. It was so tender watching the mommy nursing and getting the baby to walk around. It amazing how instinctive motherhood is! Definitely not something you see everyday!

Book Today!

2009-06-26T10:20:00.000-07:00

My prices will be going up really soon. (I got a new camera! YeeHAH!) I will also be upgrading and changing the feel of my photography business all together (SO. EXCITED.) New business cards, new website... it will be awesome.

If you book with me in the next week, you will receive the current price. I just wanted to let you all know that my prices will be going up. And it will be so worth it.

Contact Me!

Assisting with Photographer, Larry Reeves

2009-06-06T20:16:00.001-07:00

I had the opportunity to help out the talented Photographer, Larry Reeves for a wedding this morning! I didn't have a "Wedding" gallery... and it's simply because I am still a little intimidated by weddings! That's a lot of pressure for this budding photographer! :) Soon, though. Soon!

Working with Larry was great! His easy-going approach was totally my style, and not to mention I learned a lot! Thanks again, Larry for your words of wisdom and for letting me tag along!

Yony, Part II. (Utah Portrait Photographer)

2009-06-03T10:12:00.001-07:00

Yes, I married into a good lookin' family! It works out really well that I love photography... and I have such cute in-laws that... well... love being in front of the camera! We took these in American Fork, Utah - such great spots right around these parts! :) If anyone is in the area and wants to book a shoot, let me know!

New Email Banner

2009-06-01T09:30:00.000-07:00

Ty.

2009-06-01T05:30:00.000-07:00

My husband's youngest brother, Ty. What. A. Stud! He's one of the most kind-hearted boys I know. Hang on though, he's only 14. He's got great things ahead of him! Ty does not let life get him down and regardless of the hand he's dealt - you'll always find this kid smiling. Or striking a pose. Or cracking a joke. Watch out, Taylor Lautner - you've got competition!

Kiki (Utah Children Portrait Photographer)

2009-05-30T22:22:00.001-07:00

My niece, Kiki, is so full of spunk and personality! This portrait, right here, it SO HER! I love it! She's 4 going on 16. Really.

Webb Family, (Utah Family Portrait Photographer)

2009-05-22T23:47:00.001-07:00

This is just a glimpse of the photo shoot Carli won in my Giveaway back in March! Thankfully, the weather cooperated! It took a minute or two for Kennedy to warm up to me, but obviously she's a beautiful girl, and didn't require too much coaxing to capture her sweet personality! Carli has such a darling little family and is expecting a boy in October! Please visit Carli at Kennaboutique!

Dusk at the Park...

2009-04-23T11:39:00.001-07:00

I love this time of day for photos! There's something magical about it. We had fun picnic-ing, kicking the ball around, playing on the playground, and, of course, taking pictures! It's been a beautiful couple of days and I hope hope hope it keeps up! I love it! And it's a great time for Portraits! Right now, I have a flat rate $100 for one hour shoot and the images on CD - so let's do it! Just say when!

My Boys...

2009-04-22T09:03:00.001-07:00

We took a trip to the zoo the other day, and I was able to snap a few priceless pictures! It's interesting how even the most mundane "scenes" can still be a part of beautiful images!