Gilbert Temple Family Pictures

I love getting to photograph families year after year.  It's pretty awesome to watch four beautiful kids grow and learn, and it's super awesome to take Brand New Baby's first family photo.  That cutie is a wonderful addition to an already wonderful family.

And this was my first family photo shoot at the new LDS Gilbert Temple.  Such an amazing location to document family memories.  This was a sunrise shoot which got me there about 6:30 am to start planning.  Every other time I had been to the temple, there were literally hundreds of people on the grounds.  But that morning was calm and quiet. The peace was absolutely palpable.  I watched early morning walkers and joggers come onto the grounds, find a spot near the water feature and just feel the serenity.

The two oldest in this family were able to participate in the cultural celebration, a televised event of over 12,000 youth.  An experience they will never forget and it's easy to see that they feel this is their Temple.  Hence, the "Live True" signs.  :)

Thank you so much Rachel!  Thank you for letting me be a part of this wonderful time for your family!

How about some cuteness?

A Mom of Four who knows it's time for a new family picture.  But also knows how much work it is to find the time, the photographer, the location, the clothes, is your head starting to ache?

Well, she's a neighbor so that was easy.  My location selection process helped to narrow that down.  And she had a skirt she loved, so that made wardrobe selection much easier.  When Mama loves her outfit, than really everything else is just icing on the cake.

Of course, we had clouds and wind and traffic.  But we also had the fabulous Michelle Unscripted helping out.  Mother Nature didn't stand a chance!  Especially when out pops four gorgeous, smiling kiddos.

They were so much fun and we captured some really great shots!  Such a fun family and that toddler is just TOO CUTE!

Senior Photo Giveaway!

I want to start the Senior Photo Season off with a bang!!  I'm giving away a full senior photoshoot, valued at $225.  But not in a random drawing.  I want someone with some awesome-sauce.  I want a senior who knows how to serve, who knows how to make the world a little better, someone who deserves a special little somethin' in their life.  And they gotta be available March 15.

Let's do it people.  Send me your nominations, even if it's yourself!  Email to ejtcat at hotmail.com  Or message me on Facebook.  Or text me at 480-215-6536.  Winner will be chosen by Monday.  Spread the word!

Three Boys, One Tunnel. In Gilbert AZ

Mama contacted me about how it was time for new family pictures.  We did the usual, discussing styling and locations.  She happened to see a session I did last year, with four boys in a tunnel.  Then she proceeded to tell me about how she grew up in Canada and to get to her best friend's house, they had to walk through a pedestrian tunnel, and it became their favorite playplace.

Location, check!!  And she showed up with her own boys totally styled and looking great.  We had so much fun playing and capturing some fun moments.  Now Mom has even more fun tunnel memories to add to her collection!

 

And She's Back!

I have photographed this sweet little girl every year since she was in diapers.  We have done her photos all over Gilbert and sometimes even in San Tan Valley.  Her Mom always dresses her so cute and her smile is always wide and infectious.  The best part is though, by the end she always takes my hand as we walk back towards the cars.  It makes me melt every time and it reminds me why I love family photography.  The connection. 

Thanks sweet Emma.  You made my day!

Snap Happy Photography classes

Time to break out the camera and have some fun with it!!  The Snap Happy 101 class will cover all the basics that make photography fun!  In two hours we'll cover

• lighting
• composition
• how to get the natural smiles, not the cheese
• and even the best way to pose yourself for those family pictures. 

 

Saturday, Feb 1, 9:30-11:30 am, $45.  Space is limited.  Bring whatever camera you want and let's have some fun!!

 

 

Snap Happy 202 will take it one step further.  I call it "Take Pretty Pictures without the Ugly Flash".  Learn how to use Manual.  Learn how to get that pretty blurred background.  Learn how to tell your camera what to do, instead of the other way around. 

 

I'll explain it, I'll draw it out, I'll show you.  You'll ask questions and then we'll try out your newfound skills in three different lighting situations. 

 

Saturday, Feb 1, 1:00 to 4:00 pm, $70.  Space is very limited.  You need a DSLR with a Manual setting.  Canon preferred, if you have a Nikon, let me know ahead of time.

 

Lunch will be available for either class for an additional $10.  Will include lots of Q&A time, pick my brain about any photography questions you have.

 

Want to do it all?  Both classes and lunch?  Now that's a fun day!  Do it all for $100, save $25.  Bring a friend and you'll both receive a discount. 

 

 

Family Pictures. For Real. {Gilbert AZ photography}

When you know a family well enough, when you know some of their struggles and triumphs, you know what a gift it can be to capture real moments. 

Real smiles and real, authentic laughs.  Real love that's grounded in shared memories and future. 

When you can get to that level of authenticity, it turns the photography into something amazing. 

I'm honored to have documented this real family.  Rachel, ya did good.