Letitia Aldana Williams Photography

It's that time of year again

2011-11-26T12:17:00.000-08:00

Christmas time.

Yup, it's here! Doesn't it feel like we just packed up the ornaments and took down the christmas lights? Some people probably just did. Today we will be trimming our tree and getting our house in the Christmas spirit. Still not a fan of the music though. Blah. I'm thankful that I don't have to listen to Christmas music all day as I work. I feel for those that do. They must count down the days?

Hope everyone gets to spend time with their loved ones this holiday season. Even if there is no gift exchange, the joy of being together enjoying one another is the best gift of all.

Positive quote of the day:

"Love dies only when growth stops."

-Pearl S. Buck

Happy Holiday season....

~Letitia

Precious moments

2011-11-12T00:41:00.000-08:00

My nephew is now walking. I just love how his dad is waiting for him with open arms. Priceless!

Positive quote of the day:

"Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So, throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade-winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover."

-Mark Twain

So very true! Sometimes we just need to be reminded enjoy life.

~~Letitia~~

2011-09-15T23:08:00.000-07:00

Hello? Anyone home? Yeah, I'm still here but something tells me the little audience I had is gone. Oh well, as is life. I've been really busy and to be quite honest haven't had the time to get out and shoot pictures. Gasp!! I know it! I should have some free time come December. Yah....can't wait till then.

Anyhow, here is a picture of an absolutely beautiful gerber daisy. Hands down my favorite flower. Love the contrast of the red and yellow. Love.

And because we all deserve a little positive inspiration I wanted to share my new favorite quote. I have it written on a post it note on my computer to remind me every day to keep on following my dreams even if I'm beat tired. When I want to give up (more on that later) because I'm overwhelmed, I read it and it snaps me into reality STAT.

"Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work."

~Thomas Edison

Powerful stuff, right?

~Letitia

beautiful

2011-07-18T18:16:00.001-07:00

beautiful, originally uploaded by Linus & Bella.

Linus & Bella's photostream

2011-03-30T21:48:00.001-07:00

Linus & Bella's photostream on Flickr.

What do you get when...

2011-03-19T21:45:00.000-07:00

...you mix a little sunshine and a long walk?

A happy dog!

I can always count on my Bison to pose for me. Even when I don't promise a treat. What a boy!

Positive Quote of the day:

"Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbour. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore.Dream. Discover"-- MARK TWAIN

Wishing you a safe weekend!

Letitia

Rain clouds

2011-03-13T17:36:00.000-07:00

I love clouds. I love pictures of clouds. I love taking pictures of clouds. If I had all the time in the world, I would probably be a cloud chaser. Errr...I mean storm chaser! Just so I could take pictures of the spectacular cloud formation after a storm. I was lucky enough to catch this beautiful scene from my home one day after a storm.

Positive quote of the day:

"When faced with a challenge, look for a way, not a way out."
~David Weatherford

Have a great week!

Letitia

Canon Rebel Xti ~ FOR SALE!!!!

2011-03-06T16:14:00.000-08:00

3/7/11 ***UPDATE: SOLD***

Yup, that's right I'm selling my beloved Canon Rebel Xti.

It was my very first DSLR. I learned so much from it and boy did we have good times together!! The only reason I'm selling it is because I've upgraded and no longer have use for it. It's an awesome camera and takes fabulous pictures.

Included:

Canon Rebel Xti body
18-55mm kit lens
UV protective filter (already on lens)
(2) batteries
Charger
(1) 4 GB Flash card with cover
USB cord connecting camera to computer
Cord connecting camera to your TV (I never did this)
Camera strap
Wireless remote for controlling shutter without actually pressing shutter on camera
Manuals and pamphlets that originally came with camera
CD-ROM that came with camera
Original box

You'll notice I've taken excellent care of the camera and lens, I'm telling ya...I've cherished this camera!!

In case you're wondering what kind of images this baby can produce, below are my favorite shots I took with the Canon Rebel Xti:

And these are my favorite shots with the 18-55mm kit lens:

So, are you convinced yet that I'm selling an awesome camera?! It's selling new on Amazon for close to $800 with just the body and kit lens. I'm selling this camera through Ebay here. Please check it out if you're interested.

If you have any questions, please feel free to send me an email. I'll respond as quickly as possible.

Email me at: LetitiaAWphotography@gmail.com

Thanks for looking!

~Letitia

Mother and son moments captured

2011-03-05T12:44:00.000-08:00

It's important to document all stages of growing up! Melissa asked me to photograph her and her son because they hadn't taken photo's together for years. Gasp! Years? I guess it's easy to get caught up with the daily demands of life and forget to do the small things that bring us happiness. I have to say, Dylan surprised me with his willingness to do whatever pose I asked. It was awesome!

Introducing Melissa and her baby boy Dylan...

I had to crack a few jokes to get this smile of gold. You know how much guys, especially teenage guys, love all this attention for a picture?! I know he was thinking to himself, "What did my mom sign me up for?!"

Melissa is a natural!

They are definitely a fun family!

Thanks Melissa and Dylan for choosing me to photograph your precious family moments. I had as much fun as you did!

Positive quote of the day:

"The only questions that really matter are the ones you ask yourself."

-Ursula K. Le Guin

Toodles,

Letitia

Enjoy the silence

2011-02-28T16:23:00.000-08:00

Everyone likes to steal a serene moment all for themselves. Somehow cats know how to do it best!

Positive quote of the day:

"We are not held back by the love we didn't receive in the past, but by the love we're not extending in the present."

-Marianne Williamson

I love the above quote! I think many people (myself included) focus too much on what happened instead of focusing on the greatness in front of them.

Toodles,

Letitia

Happy New Year!

2011-01-05T22:37:00.001-08:00

ummmm.....where's my dinner?, originally uploaded by Linus & Bella.

Here is a Wednesday almost Thursday funny about Linus. He has a seat at our dinner table. What? You don't have a chair for your cat? That's just weird!

Linus: What's for dinner?

Positive quote of the day:
"Be conscious of what you say to yourself--and others--because when ou change your language, you change your life."
-Jessica Weiner

Picture time!

2010-11-22T19:08:00.000-08:00

I had the pleasure of photographing my boss' family this Fall. With grandchildren, you can't afford to miss a photographic moment!

Momma playing hide-n-seek.

What a glance!

Taking time to smell the flowers is always a good idea.

Gosh, remember when life was this carefree?

Is this little guy stunning or what?

The looks on a child's face is always priceless.

Positive quote of the day:

"When we destroy an old prejudice, we have need of a new virtue."

~Madame de Stael

little girl like autumn

2010-11-14T19:15:00.001-08:00

little girl like autumn, originally uploaded by Linus & Bella.

A little baby bump

2010-11-03T22:50:00.000-07:00

One of my friends at work is expecting her first child. Myself and another work friend are hosting a baby shower for her. During our break we scouted the front of our office for a picturesque spot to take her portrait for her shower invites. We scouted good, don't you think? Ahhh, the magic of framing!

This shot was my favorite of the beautiful mommy-to-be. It's criminal to look this gorgeous and petite at 7 months. Some girls are just born lucky!

Positive quote of the day:

"When you play it too safe, you're taking the biggest risk of your life. Time is the only wealth we're given."

~Barbara Sher

moonlight

2010-10-27T17:48:00.001-07:00

moonlight, originally uploaded by Linus & Bella.

wispy washy

2010-10-20T13:33:00.001-07:00

wispy washy, originally uploaded by Linus & Bella.

I do love all types of cloud formation. They are so beautiful! I took this in my backyard one evening. It had rained sporadically throughout the day and boo ya...beautiful clouds! The tree is a young Chinese Pistache that my husband planted a couple of years ago. We can't wait for it to mature to give us shade during our hot summer months.

Positive quote of the day:

"Don't let the mind bully your body into believing it must carry the burden of its worries."
~Astrid Alauda

momma, you are the apple in my eye

2010-10-17T13:33:00.001-07:00

momma, you are the apple in my eye, originally uploaded by Linus & Bella.

We were so thrilled to get a visit from our handsome nephew. The long look of admiration for his momma makes my heart melt.

Positive quote of the day:
"If now isn't a good time for the truth, I don't see when we'll get to it."
~Nikki Giovanni

a little sunshine

2010-10-13T16:40:00.001-07:00

a little sunshine-2, originally uploaded by Linus & Bella.

Halloween is almost here

2010-10-10T17:46:00.001-07:00

majestic bella, originally uploaded by Linus & Bella.

Autumn by far is my favorite season. I love the cooler weather and especially love how beautiful the trees look as they are turning all different shades of yellow, red, and orange. I'm also a pumpkin fanatic!! I love pumpkin flavored EVERYTHING, so I'm also appreciative to all the pumpkin infused stuff that is out during this time.

I do like to buy funny costumes or cool hats for my pets to wear for Halloween. The fur kids don't love it so much. Bella was my model last year with this vibrant hat. I have no clue what I'm doing this year, haven't even thought of it til I saw this picture again. Hmmm.....

Positive quote of the day:
"The most difficult thing is the decision to act, the rest is merely tenacity. The fears are paper tigers. You can do anything you decide to do."
~Amelia Earhart

One of my favorites

2010-10-08T23:39:00.001-07:00

watch me stride, originally uploaded by Linus & Bella.

I love the smiles on their faces. Yes, dogs do smile!

wait a doggone minute...

2010-10-03T17:25:00.001-07:00

wait a doggone minute..., originally uploaded by Linus & Bella.

I was lucky enough to score an awesome deal on a used Canon 50d body. We're still getting acquainted. I haven't had time to just sit, read the manual, and practice playing with different settings. I'll get there! Although I am forcing myself to start shooting in Manual mode with this camera. I was shooting in Manual mode with my Canon Rebel Xti, so might as well keep it up! So far, it's pretty awesome. I'm curious to see how grainy 3200 ISO will look like, or not? Who knows? This photo was taken at 200 ISO...not bad, eh?

Positive quote of the day:
"Character builds slowly, but it can be torn down with incredible swiftness."
-Faith Baldwin

Sleeping Angel

2010-09-26T14:03:00.001-07:00

Caden Sleeping, originally uploaded by Linus & Bella.

He takes our breath away every time we see him!

Positive quote of the day:
"The delights of self-discovery are always available."
-Gail Sheehy

Reflection

2010-09-20T21:20:00.000-07:00

Baby~

2010-09-13T21:06:00.000-07:00

Something about the tiny hands and feet of a newborn that are so fascinating and beautiful.

Positive quote of the day:

"Great people talk about ideas, average people talk about things, and small people talk about wine."

-Fran Lebowitz

Four house guests

2010-09-06T18:11:00.000-07:00

Since last Sunday we've had four house guests with us. Not what you may expect, they are of the furry four legged kind. Bobby's brother and wife had their first baby on Sunday August 29, 2010. A day our family will never forget. They started the third Williams generation...how cool is that?!!!

You may be thinking...wait...that means you have six dogs in your house, are you insane? Maybe. Let me give you a little history. Mary used to be a dog trainer and taught me everything I know. Our dogs have been trained the same way, had plenty of exposure to cats and respond to the same commands. They even eat the same type of food. Get the idea of how easy it was to integrate them into our home? If you have a dog, no matter how old I can't stress to you enough the power of training! Without it our house would be chaotic and it isn't. It really isn't!!!

How do we feed six dogs?

In pairs, it's easier this way.

Bruno (American Bulldog): "This buddy system blows!"

Vinnie (Pug): "I know...the days of finishing my brothers food are over!"

The "cousins" really get along. They sleep and play well together.

I know, cuteness overload!

Every dog learned they had to be patient and wait their turn, even if it was for a cat.

These guys are the only ones who had the patience to pose for me to take their picture. I love them for it! The promise of a few cookies helped a little.

We loved playing together.

I got a few good single shots of Carmela (Chihuahua) and Gino (Pug):

I think Gino took my request too seriously and forced a smile?

I'm happy to present our nephew Caden Williams:

He is absolutely precious in every way! We look forward to baby sitting him as many chances as we get and we can't wait to see this little guy grow up. Welcome to our family baby boy!

Positive quote of the day:

"One can never consent to creep when one feels an impulse to soar."

~Helen Keller

I can't help myself

2010-08-15T12:39:00.000-07:00

Lindsay is too cute not to share with you!!

Isn't this the cutest nose you've ever seen?

Positive quote of the day:

"Solitude is one thing and loneliness is another."

-May Sarton

A sleeping puppy is a beautiful thing

2010-08-12T21:58:00.000-07:00

Well....my Lindsay hasn't been a puppy for five years now but everyone always mistakes her for one. It must be her cuteness? Or it may have everything to do with being the runt of her litter? Compared to all the Jack's we've met, Lindsay is always the smallest. She may be small but she packs a large personality into that little body! Yup, this little cutie fills the room with her grandness.

It's rare for me to capture her sleeping or still because like all Jack Russell Terriers, she has TONS of energy!

Positive quote of the day:

"If every day is an awakening, you will never grow old. You will just keep growing."

-Gail Sheehy

I heart sunsets

2010-07-15T07:11:00.000-07:00

It's views like these that make me miss living so close to the beach. We'll hopefully be visiting at the end of this month. It's about time we escape these 100 degree days and cool off to a cool 70. Never thought I'd want to wear a sweater so bad!

One of my picture goals is to photograph a sunrise. That's a tough one since I usually don't rise before the sun on my day off. What can I say? I love to sleep in. One day!

Positive quote of the day:

"One thing life has taught me: If you are interested, you never have to look for new interests. They come to you. When you are genuinely interested in one thing, it will always lead to something else."

-Eleanor Roosevelt

~Letitia

Beautiful

2010-07-12T07:44:00.000-07:00

Gerber daisies are my favorite flowers.

It may have something to do with being the first ever flower my husband gave me when we were dating. Maybe? :p

Positive quote of the day:

"When you find peace within yourself, you become the kind of person who can live at peace with others."

-Peace Pilgrim

Baby bump Williams style

2010-07-07T21:10:00.000-07:00

Babies represent new life, hope, inspiration, and an unbelievable amount of excitement! I'm happy to announce that my husband and I will be an aunt and uncle for the first time. Bobby's younger (only by a year) brother Ryan and his wife Mary are expecting their first baby. The baby is the first nephew, grandchild and great-grandchild to our family so naturally we're all over the moon with excitement. Last week we threw the couple a baby shower to welcome our nephew-to-be. In anticipation of the shower, I took some baby bump pictures of mommy and daddy and complied them onto a memory book for them. I was a little sneaky about the whole process because I wanted to surprise them. Mission accomplished!

I'm happy to introduce my brother ~~in law~~ Ryan and sister ~~in law~~ Mary in my favorite shots:

This has got to be my favorite picture of them!

There is never a dull moment with these two. Seriously, we laughed non-stop. I even had laughing cramps if you can believe that.

Wait...I love this picture too!! I used this picture for their shower invites because it's so sweet.

Pensive momma...

Here is that pregnant glow I hear so much about.

Baby will make seven. You guessed right that we and our families are dog people. Lucky for this couple, Mary is an experienced dog trainer so the transition with the baby entering the family will be seamless. How do you think we got all the dogs to pose for us? Mary did her magic!!

Baby, we can't wait to meet you in a couple months. We love you so much!

Positive quote of the day:

"The work of your life is to discover your purpose and get on with the business of living it out."

-Oprah Winfrey

~Letitia Aldana Williams

Melissa & Joe Wedding

2010-06-28T08:17:00.000-07:00

I had the pleasure of photographing Melissa & Joe's wedding. They could not have picked a more beautiful spot to be married. Every where you turned was a photo opportunity just waiting to be captured. I'm happy to give you a little preview of their special day.

The tables were set up so beautifully.

This shot cracks me up! All the women were helping each other get ready, somehow they formed a train.

A little fuel.

Brides always have a glow about them, don't they?!

Melissa with her sister. The bond between them was beautiful!

It was really windy, I want to say about 45 mph. I have to admit that I love how dreamy their wind blown hair makes them look!

Joe with their son. This little guy has the best smile!

Newly pronounced husband and wife. Woo hoo!!!

I love these fun shots!

These kids are just too cute!!!

Congratulations Melissa & Joe, I hope you enjoyed your preview.

~Letitia

Hi there!

2010-06-09T22:32:00.000-07:00

Who's been MIA? Me! I've been busy prepping for a crazy intense June. This Friday I'm doing my second wedding. Squeals!!! Can't wait! I rented a couple lenses that I've been drooling over for a while now from BorrowLenses.com. If you ever want to play around with new lenses but don't have the cash to throw down on glass, rent it! Borrow Lenses rates are quite reasonable and I get to keep them for an entire week!!

Naturally my model Bison was my first test subject. I have to say, I LOVE the Canon 16-35 f/2.8 lens. It's everything I thought it would be. The crispness is amazing! And I love how it can make things appear larger than they are. Or is Bison's nose really that long? Maybe?

The bokeh is gorgeous!

One day I'd like to be the owner of this amazing lens, until then, thank you BorrowLenses.com

Positive quote of the day:

"Self-esteem comes from being able to define the world in your own terms and refusing to abide by the judgements of others."

-Oprah

~Letitia~

One more engagement shot

2010-05-18T21:00:00.000-07:00

So I've been MIA for a little while. Still shooting but taking my time with edits. I finally finished editing the engagement shots for my friend Michelle. I love this tender moment between the love birds on the bench. It's very Sunday afternoon don't you think?

I have some good news that I hope to share soon... can't wait! And since everyone I know is pregnant right now, I'll save you the suspense and let you know now that we're not pregnant. Still great news!

Isn't it dreamy?!

Positive quote of the day:

"Love for the joy of loving, and not for the offerings of someone else's heart."

-Marlene Dietrich

Michelle & Dirk Engagement

2010-05-05T22:13:00.000-07:00

My friend, Michelle was recently engaged to an awesome guy, Dirk. Here is a sneak peek of their engagement session.

Dirk hearts her lots.

They had a little fun on this cool road. I experimented with a couple different textures.

There were tender moments.

This little guy was the best photographer assistant around. He made sure they were smiling for me and had their eyes open at all times. Isn't he adorable?!

One big happy family...

I hope you like your sneak peek Michelle and Dirk.

Positive quote of the day:

"Life ought to be a struggle of desire toward adventures whose nobility will fertilize the soul."

- Rebecca West

~-Letitia

Editing dilema

2010-04-28T21:47:00.000-07:00

Have you ever had a hard time choosing the best color tones when editing your photos? I'm experiencing a little of that right now. I've edited this picture of my little cousin three different ways and happen to like them all, actually. Are any one of them better than the other? I don't know? What do you think?

Original edited:

A little retro:

A touch of summer:

Positive quote of the day:

"I make it a rule always to believe compliments implicitly for five minutes, and to simmer gently for twenty more."

- Alice James

All smiles at I heart Faces

2010-04-26T21:16:00.000-07:00

Over at I heart Faces, there is a photo challenge going on. I thought what the hay, I'm going to enter one of the photos I took this weekend at my little cousin, Gabby's birthday party. The girls just finished filling their bags with candy from the pinata they shredded to pieces. I'd say they were quite happy.

Head over to I heart Faces to see all the other entries. There are lots of good ones and I promise they will make you smile, too.

~Letitia

birthday girl

2010-04-24T21:29:00.000-07:00

My little cousin, Gabby is having a birthday tomorrow. Looking forward to spending time with my wonderful family and getting our grub on. Gabby's dad is quite the cook. We can't wait!

Let's just say she can't wait for the cake to be served!

Positive quote of the day:

"Why should we all dress after the same fashion? The frost never paints my windows twice alike."

-Lydia Maria Child

Just because...

2010-04-19T22:30:00.000-07:00

I think drops of water are beautiful. That's it. Water is a precious resource and I appreciate it every time I turn on the faucet to drink a glass or wash my hands.

This past weekend I took engagement pictures for my friends. I'm editing them slowly because I have lots of deadlines to meet for school in the next couple of weeks. I can't wait to share them here. I'm really excited about how they came out! Who knew editing could be so much fun?

Positive quote of the day:

"Friendship ought to be a gratuitous joy, like the joys afforded by art."

- Simone Weil

Why I love the beach...

2010-04-13T22:34:00.000-07:00

Bison has so much fun every time we go. He romps around with other dogs and especially loves to play with other Rhodesian Ridgebacks. It's like he looks at them and thinks, "you're like me...you must be alright...let's play!"

Positive quote of the day:

"We know it matters not what we have been, but this and always this: what we shall be."

- Angelina Grimke Weld

Whisper sweet nothings to me

2010-04-10T07:50:00.000-07:00

Our cat, Linus is the most demanding of our pets. He wants his breakfast served by 6am on the dot and if there is a delay--we pay! On the weekend, we naturally don't rise as early as we do during the week. Linus doesn't know it's the weekend and that we deserve to sleep in. I really wish I could explain the concept to him. His routine starts with jumping on my night stand to paw my face in an effort to wake me up. If that doesn't work, he starts chewing on anything he can wrap his mouth on. I can only interpret the chewing to mean "I'm hungry...feed me NOW!" I have my very own Simon's Cat!! We recently started closing our bedroom door the night before because I got tired of being awoken so early. So now, come 6am he puts his little mouth between the crack where the bottom of the door ends and the floor and lets out many long meow's until we get up. They're loud! And they're long!

This is the look he gives us until we feed him.

If he weren't so cute, right?

Positive quote of the day:

"A laugh at your own expense costs you nothing."

- Mary H. Waldrip

You lookin' at me, kid?

2010-04-07T13:21:00.000-07:00

We had a connection, can you see it? I was surprised this little guy let me snap so many pictures of him. Maybe he was waiting for me to drop down some food in exchange for his willingness to pose for me? Now I feel bad that I didn't come prepared with food...next time!

This was my favorite outtake of him:

More pictures from this day to come...stay tuned!

Positive quote of the day:

"Any concern too small to be turned into a prayer is too small to be made into a burden."

- Corrie ten Boom

Teamwork

2010-04-05T21:13:00.000-07:00

We were walking the pooches the other day when I spotted this couple on their bicycle(s). I'm not sure if this contraption is home made or if bikes are actually sold this way? I'm familiar with the design of a tandem bicycle but this thing was cool! I'm about to let you in on a little secret wish of mine, I've always wanted to ride a tandem bike with my husband. Funny looks aside, the idea is way cool! It's on my "life list" of things I'd like to do one day; a.k.a "bucket list". First, I'll need to work up my stamina to keep up with him because our fitness levels are on completely different plains. Bobby (my husband) says that in order to successfully ride a bike like this both parties need to work together and need to be in sync. If you've ever gone riding with someone, you're either ahead of them of they're ahead of you. Riding side by side can be challenging for one of you. That is, unless you work to be in sync like a team!

Yay for Teamwork!!!

Positive quote of the day:

"The cure for sorrow is to learn something."

- Barbara Sher

Oh brother!

2010-03-24T06:01:00.000-07:00

My brother is one of my favorite people in this world. Really!! I'm not saying that just because he's my brother either! He's an awesome dude! My brother, Chris is funny, sensitive, a great listener, honest, and most of all an all around great person. I do miss him dearly. I miss him because seven years ago Bobby and I decided to move to the Sacramento area (100+ miles away from where we used to call home) and I rarely see him anymore. Our visits have to be planned out and don't happen nearly as much as I'd like. We like where we live but I do miss having our family close by. I miss hanging out with Chris every weekend and throwing together a BBQ at the last minute. I miss being able to call him and say, "hey...I'm on my way to your place" with no advance notice. And Chris, the cool guy that he is always replied, "see ya when you get here." I miss that!

So naturally when we do get together we make the best of it. Sometimes. Sometimes he'll even let me take silly pictures of him like this:

Pondering the worries of the world...

Or this:

In the above picture I see how much the shape of our eyes are alike. Funny that it takes this silly picture to notice that!

Positive quote of the day:

"Although the world is full of suffering, it is full also of the overcoming of it."

-Helen Keller

Updates are good

2010-03-22T15:04:00.000-07:00

I've been swamped over here with work. Did I mention that I'm also a college Senior? I've been working towards my B.S. in Business Administration with a concentration in Accountancy FOREVER and a day!!! My family can attest to this! To my defense work, school, and managing a household is hard work! I should be done this December if I'm able to get into the classes I need to finish up. Budget cuts have affected the state schools here in California--no one is exempt! In my experience many upper division sections to courses have been cut, so there are twice the amount of students fighting to get into one class. Keep your fingers, legs, and arms crossed for me that I get into the classes I need.

My blog posts will be sporadic but I do promise to update. I'm excited about next month when I get to photograph my friends engagement session. So, stay tuned!

For now I leave you with a creative take on Max, my parents Daschund. Ain't he a cuttie?!

Positive quote of the day:

"Cherish forever what makes you unique, because you're really a yawn if it goes!"

-Bette Midler

Cuddle bugs

2010-03-08T21:31:00.000-08:00

I did mention that Bison and Lindsay were my test subjects for photography, right? They so are! I test out all sorts of new looks on their photos. In this photo I'm testing out the retro look. Do they look like retro dogs? You know what's great about them being my subjects? Besides the fact that I could call on them for a photo shoot at any time of the day. They could care less if I catch them in compromising situations. They're awesome!

My first wedding

2010-03-03T21:46:00.000-08:00

My cousin asked me if I wouldn't mind doing her the favor of photographing her best friends wedding pro bono. Since I still consider myself a novice. Learning a little more about photography each growing day, I jumped at the opportunity! Hell yeah!!! I figured if anything, this would be a great chance to figure out if wedding photography was my niche. The wedding was in an old school house near Santa Rosa. Beautiful historic town and in the sticks! This November day was hit with a bad storm, so bad that the power went out in the entire town. Not the kind of wrench you want on your wedding day! I had rented an external flash because I didn't own one at the time. Thank goodness I did because that little flash was my only light source!

Here are some of my favorites from Sarah and Paul's wedding:

Bride getting a pep talk from her father.

Brides: you must not forget to eat!

A little help from friends...

The irony, right? Sarah putting the final touches on my cousins make up. Some people are just givers by nature.

Something old...

Momma nursing babe...

Beautiful bride right before she walks down the aisle.

Paul and Sarah just pronounced husband and wife...

I love the cake on their noses.

Sweet love!!!

I had fun shooting Paul and Sarah's wedding, it was a learning experience that I will never forget. I look forward to shooting more weddings in the future.

Positive quote of the day:

"When you play it too safe, you're taking the biggest risk of your life. Time is the only wealth we're given." -Barbara Sher

The alternate view

2010-02-11T22:00:00.000-08:00

Ever since I was in High School I've been obsessed with pictures and portraits from behind. It all started when I saw my first Jack Vettriano poster "Singing Butler" in the mall:

http://www.amazon.com/Singing-Butler-Poster-Vettriano-19-50/dp/B000GVJERI

Yeah sure it was a painting at one time but it's popularity into mainstream demanded it be available to the public at an affordable price. Or so that's what I think happened! Anyhow, the painting captivated me. There was so much going on in this one scene and you barely had view of any faces. Genius in my opinion!! It's photography like this that gets you to stop, take a second look, and wonder what went on the moment the photo was taken. Things that make you go hmmmmmmm.....

So, I've started my own version of inspired Jack Vettriano photography. Without the women and add in a few dogs. I told you this was my version, right? Of course I would like to add women to this collection and anticipate doing so in the coming year.

My husband with our dogs...

My beautiful Bison...

My absolute all time FAVORITE...

Positive quote of the day:

"Worry does not empty tomorrow of its sorrow. It empties today of its strength."

-Corrie ten Boom

Smiles make the world go round

2010-02-04T22:09:00.000-08:00

This past holiday season, I was approached by my friend Terri to take her family portrait for her annual Christmas card. Of course, I was thrilled! I have a confession, my favorite part of Christmas are the cards! I could care less about the gifts, the overabundance of sweets, decorations, and especially that holiday music. Eeek! I still cringe thinking about the music!! I love making cards and definitely love receiving them. After our family session I was lucky enough to catch Terri with her number 1 love Diesel. Diesel is a two year old Dogue de Bordeaux. Even though he outweighs Terri he is a sweet pea! This gentle giant is filled with endless love and energy and boy does he LOVE his momma!

Positive quote of the day:

"In my eyes, I've never failed because I've never given anything less than my best."

-Shawn Johnson

Sometimes the spotlight shines bright upon us

2010-02-01T22:45:00.000-08:00

At one point or another we've all felt that spotlight shining bright upon us. Whether it's good or bad, the spotlight is there! Some of us enjoy it because we feed off attention others give us and then there are people like me who shy away from it. I'm perfectly happy in the background quietly observing. Life is enjoyable that way!

Lindsay, my Jack Russell Terrier, on the other hand loves the spotlight to shine bright upon her lovely face. It showcases that cool patch over her left eye. In this photo I've experimented with actions and textures:

Positive quote of the day: "Often people attempt to live their lives backward; they try to have more things, or more money, in order to do more of what they want, so they will be happier. The way it actually works is reverse. You must first be who you really are, then do what you need to do, in order to have what you want."
-Margaret Young

~Letitia

Rockin' 80's

2010-01-25T22:26:00.000-08:00

My lovely cousin, Cynthia threw together the best theme party for her husband's 40th birthday. All of her friends and family did a fantastic job of dressing the part. These people took me back!!!

I have to say my favorites from the evening were these guys. Rock on with your bad selves!! The hair gets me every time. Awesome job guys!!

From Greg's Surprise 40th Birthday

Here is a slideshow from the evening:

To access the entire album click:

Greg's Surprise 40th Birthday

Positive quote of the day:

"Don't let anyone rob you of your imagination, your creativity, or your curiosity. It's your place in the world; it's your life. Go on and do all you can with it, and make it the life you want to live."

-Mae Jemison

~Letitia

Finally Started a blog!

2010-01-24T13:09:00.000-08:00

At the persistence of friends and family, I finally started my very own photography blog to document my photographs. I like taking pictures but I'll be honest, I'm not much of a writer. I'll let my photography speak for itself. The plan for this blog is to share recent pictures but I also want to delve into the archives and share some of my favorites that I've taken over the years. You'll notice my pets are almost always sprinkled in my photographs. They can be quite inspirational!

To kick off my very first post, I'd like to share my newest creation using Florabella Actions. It's a picture I took some time ago while Bobby and I were out with the dogs. You may only see Bison in plain view but Bobby and Lindsay are also in this shot if you look closely.

I've been on a positive quote craze to get me through tough times. I plan to end each post with my favorite quotes.

"The spiritual path is simply the journey of living our lives. Everyone is on a spiritual path; most people just don't know it." -Marianne Williamson

~Letitia