Cherry Blossom Photography

Life and Living

2011-11-14T15:05:00.000-08:00

It seems I have not been terribly active on this blog this year. Only 3 blog posts? Yet I have to take my shoes off to count how many photo sessions I did. Working on photos and homework for school keeps me busy.

Here are a few of my favorites from the last few months.

Blossoms in Spring
Int. Peace Gardens, SLC

ABQ Bio Park

Canyon de Chelly, AZ

Lacing Hands

Quincenera, July

Boudoir(sie)

Art Garden at Kayenta
St. George, UT

{N & E} Wedding Portraits

2011-08-26T19:18:00.000-07:00

I came prepared to Blogger today. I saved my images as GIFs ahead of time and pre-rotated them so I didn't have to fight the system. (Because, for sure, it is a system that fights back.)

Our good friend got married recently! He asked me to do some after-ceremony photographs and I loved how they came out, despite the high-noon sun and blazing temperatures.

We're hoping to do some more. Until then, enjoy the small taste.

{::Baby A::}

2011-07-12T12:17:00.000-07:00

I LOVE working with babies. Especially when they are a) as cute as this; and b) related to me. Then I get to see and work with them on a regular basis!

::K & J::

2011-05-17T22:55:00.000-07:00

It took me a long time to get these up (had to override so many of the images again and again) but I finally was rewarded for my patience!

This couple is so cute together, and it shows through the images below.

Thanks for asking me to be a part, you guys!

Lots of love and best wishes!

Still Here

2011-03-10T22:25:00.000-08:00

Today I went to a seminar about photographing sites in-situ. It was based for archeology students, but I learned a lot, mostly about the impermanence of places, people, experiences. What you see now will not be there later, so get it while you can.

She talked about scale, good references, and tying your photos to a "landmark" (something as simple as a boulder) for reference later.

So, if you are wondering where I am, I'm in the anthro. building, thinking about pictures.

Does that happen to you? I think about photos all the time. Today I was walking downtown and saw a wet, dark, long alley, and the only person was a chef, smoking. I thought about taking his picture...

and missed the opportunity.

Or the time I saw the "stage door" sign glowing during a rain and fog.

My goal for the rest of the month is to carry my camera everywhere. It is my new purse.

A few more of my favorites

2011-01-16T17:50:00.000-08:00

I really loved this session (can you tell?) so I'm putting up a few more from it - a few more creative ones.

I don't like to do the typical photos with bridals. I have had a bride who expected differently and was set up for disappointment expecting generic photography. I am grateful Erica is on board for all the fun stuff that happens on shoots!

Erica

2011-01-16T12:51:00.000-08:00

I have models and then I have favorite models.

Erica is sure to be in a lot of pictures in the future. See, she married my brother and now she can't get rid of me! :D She's expecting too (these pics are from the fall) and I'm excited to follow her life with my photos!

Lots of love to Dave and Erica.

Fall Bride

2010-11-19T23:49:00.000-08:00

Yay for bridals!

I took photos with a client a few weeks ago and have been dying to share them with you! She is getting married today so we're in the clear.

This is work I've become very proud of. Photography, to me, is subjective art and not everyone loves what someone else might. Every photographer has their own individual stamp. I love looking at this session and I'm very proud of what I've accomplished; I think she also got what she wanted from the session, so we both go away happy!

Technology

2010-10-28T10:50:00.000-07:00

I've always stood by the fact that there are two kinds of people: Photographers and Digital Artists. I accept the fact there is a level of chauvenism in that statement and I will face the consequences. But I feel like there is a purity missing from photography these days, and it makes me wonder if it is the move to the digital age.

I sometimes see photos from people and start to beat down on myself. Then I usually find out the amount of editing that goes into them. Who knows - they could be shooting on Auto. This is frustrating for me, as I have these thoughts where I second guess myself, when I'm not comparing apples to apples.

I don't use photoshop. I do have a program where I may make slight adjustments to exposure, and maybe add a few artistic elements (colors, processes), but in general, I'm a SOOC girl.

But that doesn't stop me from appreciating these other artists. I just have to remind myself that they are artists in their own right - a digital artist.

What I need to do is get back to where photography used to get me: excitement over the image, not the creation of it (outside of technical details, of course).

My favorite artists don't edit their photos on a computer, nor do they manipulate the image with copies, burns, dodging. The only lightroom they use is the one in their basement.

I will still be doing portraits, but I am admitting to you now: if you are looking for airbrushed 3-year olds, you are looking in the wrong place.

***Edited: It happened again, today. Just when I feel like everything is crashing and I just don't want to compete anymore (I need a thicker skin), I realize the amount of post-processing - especially when they show a before (sooc) and after. And suddenly I feel better. To some, it may be appreciated. But I guess I am just different. That may end up working out in my favor. At least, personally.

Baby Beauty

2010-10-21T14:11:00.000-07:00

If princesses had baby pictures, this little girl's would be sufficient. She is SO beautiful!

SOOC Fun

2010-10-15T21:21:00.000-07:00

You people are down to once-a-month from me. I just get bored easily waiting for blogger to upload, and really who wants to sit down and choose only 10 images to put on the screen?

Enjoy a couple of snaps. (I did not say Schnapps, though feel free to enjoy some of that too, while I sit here and enjoy my spiced Eggnog.)

Mawwiage is what bwings us togever

2010-09-16T21:11:00.000-07:00

If you don't already know, my brother is getting married, and I'm crazy excited. I was even more excited to be asked to do his engagements (I mean, really where else is he going to go?).

Congrats, Dave and Erica!

We hiked up Waterfall canyon (about 1/4 mile in) and stopped along the way, snapped, walked, snapped. It was a fun morning! Too bad we didn't keep going to the top.

Rocks to Build upon

2010-09-03T00:13:00.000-07:00

Ah. Sneak Peaks. Here is one from a fun shoot with my brother and his girlfriend last week. We hiked up (she was in HEELED BOOTS) into the canyon, shot; hiked, shot; etc, etc. But it was worth it and SO fun. And this photo is one of my favorites because? SOOC - straight out of camera (as opposed to compton).

I love to shoot. Really, I do. Sometimes I love to edit more than shoot, which is why it's been so great to be so busy lately!

I'm also really excited because my business is really taking off. In the next 3 months, I have 12 shoots planned. That is not including the promised pre-arranged shoots from my summer special (the ones that are waiting for their hair to grow out or their kids to get their casts off). Nor does it include some pin-up/budoir photos my Sis.-in-law wants done, and my own family portraits which hopefully will happen next month when my own sister is in town.

And the best part about new clients? They are not related to me. Yes, I can finally say I have clients who are actual clients (and not victims of a family tree).

It's stupendous. Thank you all for supporting me in my dream and my goals. And thanks for keeping me busy. Between edits and homework, who knows... I might have had time to eat cookies and sit on the couch.

Love to you all.

Final Edits

2010-08-26T23:54:00.000-07:00

Well, these guys aren't seniors anymore. It's official. With the start of school, they have been replaced by new seniors. Now they are "in-betweeners" (which still kind of rhymes with seniors so that's okay).

Thanks for spending your senior year with me, Guys. It was fun.

Package Deals Available!

2010-08-18T23:09:00.000-07:00

I am now offering package deals. If these don't suit your needs or your budget, something can always be arranged. Contact me for more details at cherryblossomphoto@rocketmail.com.

Package #1:
Book your first session, and get 50% off your second!
Total cost: $100 for two sessions.
*Sessions need to be booked and arranged at the same time to receive discounted price.

Package #2:
Infants: Newborn, 3 month, and 6 month sessions - capture the time when babies change the most.
Total cost to you: $125 for all three sessions.
Add the 9th and 12th month for just an extra $50 dollars.
Total Cost: $175 for FIVE sessions. (That's less than $40 a session!)

Package #3:
Toddlers/Kids: Younger kids can get bored easily, so I offer a solution: 30 minutes for half the regular fee.
Total Cost: $35 - Add an additional child to the fun for just $10 dollars!

Package #4:
Large groups: If your group is larger than 10 people, it will be set at a flat rate (instead of the additional $5 per person beyond 4.)
Total cost: 10-14 people: $100; 15-19 people: $150; 20-24 people: $175

Last 2 Weeks of Free Sessions!

2010-08-11T23:25:00.000-07:00

Are you itching for a free session?

Have you been procrastinating calling for yours?

Well, time is running out.

School is starting and this student is headed for a busier schedule, and I'm sadly ending my offer for the free first session.

But there is still a little time! 2 weeks, to be precise. If you book your session before August 23rd (even if it doesn't occur until later) you will still get the discount.

Sessions can be booked out as far as October 31st!

Contact me at cherryblossomphoto@rocketmail.com

Baby "C"

2010-08-11T22:52:00.000-07:00

I head up to see my cousin's once in a while, but it's not often I get to take pictures of a precious one! Thanks, Chels, for the opportunity!

[I may be slightly addicted to baby feet and hands]

Sleeeeeepy girl. Slept the whole time.

Isn't she sweet?

Out of the Box

2010-08-06T21:43:00.000-07:00

I prefer shooting by the seat of my pants. Really. Posing and propping and all that jazz just gets too complicated for me.

So I relish in getting dirty with puppies, shooting with family and friends, and working with businesses on their own projects.

Enjoy some randoms today :D

(This AMAZING cake was done by Liz Delion. It was so sweet! And it oozed red goo when you cut into, as requested by the birthday boy. If you want to special order something for a special day, let me know, I'll get you in touch.)

More "R" family!

2010-08-06T21:38:00.000-07:00

You think I'm joking when I say that I could not stop smiling while editing these pictures. But seriously, just flipping through trying to pick the best ones makes my cheeks hurt!

Danny Boy

2010-07-27T23:15:00.000-07:00

You know that old Irish Song, Oh Danny Boy?

I always think of my darling brother when I hear it. He's happy and sweet and, well, he's gonna be beatin' the ladies off with a stick (think Hercules. "It's okay. The raging sea of hormones has ebbed.")...

I'm sure he appreciates having a photographer sister (he just called me and asked to do MORE pictures, for his missionary papers) but I am grateful for a fun person to shoot. Rarely do I end up with a bad picture of him.

Lots of love to you, Danny Boy.

The "R" Family

2010-07-25T23:49:00.000-07:00

I love when my friends have cute kids! These kids are the best darn photogenic kids I have ever played with. And for 8:30 in the morn, they were happy and playful.

(I love candid. She was trying to get him to be cheerful and behave and ended up in a tickle fest. His smile is so mischevious.)

Good lookin' fam, eh?

Peeeek-aboo!

Andrew, Part Troix

2010-07-24T23:10:00.000-07:00

Remember my buddy, Andrew? He is the luckiest guy in the world, I tell ya. He's gotten to shoot with me THREE TIMES!

Okay, maybe I'm just lucky to have a good (and willing) model to shoot with.

[He's known to be a bit of a goof, so I had to include it.]

Amanda, Part II

2010-07-21T21:48:00.000-07:00

Remember my pretty friend (okay, my brother's pretty friend) Amanda?

She came back for round two. It was really a group session, but I think I'll show you the individuals instead.

(CONSTRUCTIVE criticism welcome!)

Where in the world?

2010-05-11T10:22:00.000-07:00

I'm here! And there!

Well actually, right now I'm on a plane, trying to finish some last minute reading and beginning my wonderful trip with a man I love.

But in a few days time I will be seeing all these places!

[I didn't take these; they are from the internet.]

The Parthenon

The Palace at Knossos, on the island of Crete

The Hagia Sophia. An amazing place, and our first stop during our trip!

Watch for pictures in a few weeks! See you soon!

Senior Session with Amanda

2010-05-09T22:16:00.000-07:00

Everyone, meet Amanda.

Amanda, Everyone.

What a beauty to shoot. She is so pretty - inside and out. I have gotten to know her a little before shooting with her and I'm glad I did!

You will see more from her - this is from our mini session; we have another shoot in June!

Big Brother [D]

2010-05-07T23:07:00.000-07:00

Definitely one of my favorite shoots of the year.

I think you'll be seeing much more of this family to come - they have many many cousins.

Little Brother {K}

2010-05-03T11:42:00.000-07:00

Pictures of Big Brother are coming!

More and More and More

2010-04-29T23:50:00.000-07:00

How about I just come out and admit my obsession with anything green(ish)? Enjoy some late spring happiness.

{This is my new favorite, I think... A new logo, maybe?}

Andrew, part duix

2010-04-11T22:38:00.000-07:00

Remember my good buddy Andrew? He's back! We kind of got snowed out during our first session and I promised him a make-up. That and he's an awesome model. He really relaxed and we had so much fun on our second shoot. I'm sure you'll see him more often - and just for kicks, too.

(Best High School Musical jump EVER)

Baby Boy Clay

2010-04-07T22:29:00.000-07:00

Oh my. Newborns are hard? Not-so-new Newborns are harder. They sleep less, move more, and may (or may not) be more temperamental. But, my BFF's baby Clayton was a doll and he was so willing and smiley for me! Enjoy.

Crash and Burn

2010-03-07T08:11:00.000-08:00

A few weeks ago, my husband came to me with a sad face and a warning: "You are probably not going to like this."

grrrrreat.

He said that morning he had been online and then suddenly *insert crashing sounds* it SHUT DOWN. And wouldn't come back.

Yes, my computer died. Nay, crashed and burned.

We didn't know what the problem with the computer was, but I knew what the problem with me was: I had procrastinated. All of my personal photos from about July on (the birth of my son, my daughter's birthday party,) not to mention all of my photos from shoots were all at risk. Ironically (or not) I had thought about backing up all my photos the weekend before. But I was (and am) not terribly happy with the way I had organized them in the past, and I wanted to switch it up, go through, relabel them, and then put them on DVD's.

Then zip-zam-BOOM!!

Luckily it was our motherboard and our hard drive was untouched. In fact, everything looked exactly the same when we got it back (except for the font which now appears that a 97 year old man was the one fixing our system).

So guess what I will be doing this week?

Thaaaat's right: BACKING UP.

(Here is a clip that is all I could think of when I found out. "Backing up? Nobody talks about backing up. You've never used that expression. Apparently Everyone is seeecretly running home at night and backing up their work." And I love how he says "Oh you have a PC? Yeah you're not compatible!" A little computer pun. Awesome.)

My New Buddy, Andrew

2010-02-10T23:02:00.000-08:00

I love making new friends. Especially when you meet them and they stick around for a while!

Meet Andrew. My brother Daniel's best friend. His images on FB received so much traffic from his friends, I was just beating them away with a baseball bat. *nervous chuckle*

So, on one really bad and scary winter day, we drove to SLC and had some fun (even if we did almost die. twice. and one more time, just for fun.)

Christian

2010-01-07T23:01:00.000-08:00

I love this little boy. My heart breaks at his smile.

Precedence

2010-01-02T01:15:00.000-08:00

I love my friends! They wanted to do Christmas gifts for their husbands, and asked me to do a boudoir-ish shoot.

Here is the first in the series. As I edit them, I will post a few more from the other girls.

Thanks ladies! Lots of love!

Daniel Senior Portraits

2009-11-10T22:47:00.000-08:00

Ack! It has been exactly 3 months since I've made a post! I bet you've wondered where I was?

Here! With my brother! You may recognize him from an earlier quickie session (ah, the things I do for my siblings).

The weather was perfect, those clouds were amazing, and Dan is so funny to be with!

We had a few fun ones...

And got a little serious too. Isn't he sharp?

Question: Which logo for his Chamber Choir do you like the most?

Ogden Parkway Photowalking

2009-06-12T22:26:00.000-07:00

Often, I layer upon myself guilt and feelings of neglect and sadness when it comes to my photogrpahy. Being pregnant, as glorious and exciting as it can be, also can be devistating to a hobby and a budding career.

So I was very happy to attend a photowalk with a group of my friends from Flickr who enjoy photos as much as I do, and just go for beautiful photos.

Enjoy these few favorites of mine.

~I love the sun slicing the top of the pagoda.~

~The way the purple changes in the center makes it like a painting.~

~A trail of daisies on cactus leaves can make anyone smile~

~Can you guess what this is? Delurk and guess, and I will send you a prize~

~Almost looks like fall is here, but its from May!~

Services and Prices

2009-04-28T22:34:00.000-07:00

Photography Sessions: All sessions are $75 for up to 4 people ($5 each additional person). This price is for the artist's time for the session and editing. Included:

~Photo shoot at a location of your choice (within 50 miles of Davis County)
~CD with digital images* and copyright release for personal use

Notes:
~ A 50% nonrefundable deposit is required up front for all photography sessions/events.
~ Prices and packages are subject to change. However, you are guaranteed the price initially agreed upon.

Additional Information:

~Please contact me with the date of your event, at least a week in advance, if possible. I am often able to work around life changes; or, in the event of a birth, be on call with a few hours notice.
~I like to meet with clients in person to schedule a shooting date. This allows us to go over information about the shoot and create a photography agreement. This, of course, is not required and I'm perfectly happy to discuss via phone or email.
~Travel fees will apply if the shoot is out of the Davis County/Weber County area but I am willing to travel up to 200 miles to nearby areas. If your event is further than this distance, contact me for additional travel costs.
~ Until final payment for services rendered is made and cleared the images produced by Cherry Blossom Photography are protected by Federal Copyright Law (all rights reserved) and may not be reproduced in any manner without express written permission. Upon final payment, limited copyright ownership of the resulting chosen images will be transferred to the client.

*When shooting photographs not every image will turn out to a quality which meets my standards. You and I will choose pictures from your photo shoot or event that we are pleased with - those will be edited at my discretion and provided to you. Images not edited will not be provided except on a case-by-case, photo-by-photo basis and only upon request.

Brothers!

2009-04-17T23:59:00.000-07:00

I finally edited these photos for my brothers. They turned out nicely, don't you think?

This one is my favorite - pose, face, coloring.

Shutters

2009-02-10T14:53:00.000-08:00

I get this itch sometimes to shoot, especially since I've been under the weather. I get so overwhelmed by my lack of shots that are not Brea's adorable face, that I can't handle it and I have to take a great photo, right then.

So I went out last night to my street.

I froze my toukis off.

But I like these shots even if they are not really of anything.

If you are needing some inspiration to shoot more than just inside shots or just plain jane shots, read this and get some inspiration. Be sure to read each weeks installment, not just the linked one.

Fall

2008-11-14T14:34:00.000-08:00

Max, Part II

2008-10-26T23:44:00.000-07:00

I know I said only a few photos, but I was editing the other day and LOVED these. He's so cute! I can't believe she hasn't killed me, I haven't even gotten her the disc yet. I'm so sorry!!! Computer is fixed, and now she's out of town. *Sigh*

*yawn*

Don't you love the upset-ness of his face? And the light. Yum.

**edited: I messed with this post 5 times, uploaded the photos 3 times, and moved them around. Sorry its a little cut-off... :( To see them in their full beautiful glory, go here (click) Thanks for reading!!***

Maximus

2008-10-11T20:40:00.000-07:00

...Here he is! Veronica, my dear friend (who's maternity photos are further down this page) had her baby. He is getting big! Here are the photos I took a few days after he was born.

Lillian

2008-10-11T20:32:00.000-07:00

Since I have not updated my blog too recently, I could not remember if I had uploaded photos of Miss Lilly. I don't think I did. She was funny to photograph, didn't like being on her tummy!!

Thanks Alycia for letting me practice.

Sneaky Sneaks

A few favoritas

2008-10-11T20:10:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I just need a good photo (and a good latte) to pick me up. Here a few of my favorites - until I take new ones, that is!

(Thank goodness for autosave! Internet explorer kicked me off.... Thanks Blogger!)

Happy Bokeh Day! :D (twinkle lights in a tree on 25th street... in August! haha)

You should know I love a good lens flare... I guess iStock considers it a no-no. But wouldn't this photo be so bland without it?

My friend Jenni and I went walking around an industrial part of lower Ogden last week, these photos below are from our walk. And we went to the cemetery at sunset. Very creepy. But I got a couple good grave shots.

Would you like to guess what this is? I love this! Its something so plain, even annoying but I love this photo!

(It is a metal edge on a loading dock that is breaking away. In case you wanted to know. :D)

This was my favorite part of the cemetery. They have a whole section - I imagine its probably one large family - filled with Chinese gravesites. Some very cool letterings!

A hint of fall...

Fall in Yellowstone

2008-09-22T22:09:00.000-07:00

We had the opportunity to drive thru Yellowstone this last weekend, and for a while it sprinkled. We parked the car for a few minutes (read: 1 1/2 haha) and I hurried to get some cute fall colors saved. They were so beautiful. I love fall!! :D

Retro: Liz

2008-09-22T21:55:00.000-07:00

Alright! My first shoot doing retro, and all told, I think it turned out AMAZINGLY. I love the photos, and did a TINY bit of editing but I love these the most. We tried to showcase her tattoo in the photos, and her dress was great too. Thank you liz!

Veronica: Maternity

2008-09-22T21:51:00.000-07:00

David - CD

2008-09-22T21:47:00.000-07:00

My favorite male model so far :D This was fun - and educational! I hadn't ever shot photos around dusk, so I was practicing bouncing my flash - and blinding Danny.

I know this one is a bit blurry but I think that is why I like it so much... :D

And last, the favorite of EVERYONE from the set.

Thanks for looking!

Not My Garden

2008-08-09T21:02:00.000-07:00

... and a few others.

My dad is amazing with his garden. This year I think tops the list. Maybe its because I want to have his garden (cause mine is slow in coming...) or because he did it differently than I've ever known it. But its AMAZING. On a side note, yesterday I had dinner over there and just about everything that was on the table was from there. Yum. The only thing added was meat and cheese.

And, like I said. A few randoms that I love.

Thanks for stopping by! Comments are LOVED! :D

Veronica's Maternity Photos

2008-08-09T20:42:00.000-07:00

If you have seen photos from either blog, you may recognize the wonderful - and beautiful! - Veronica. She is very good friend of mine from Mexico... she left there, came to visit, met her husband here and ended up staying. I'm very glad she did. She is a very, very, very good friend who also happens to help me practice my Spanish... which I'm NOT good at. LOL

Anyway, she is expecting a little boy, who they will probably name Maximus. Yup, like in Gladiator. They will shorten it to Max but I imagine he will be welcomed to chanting: "Max-im-us! Max-im-us!" I would die to see that! :D

Thank you, Veronica. One of the easiest sessions ever, and she's coming over tomorrow with her hubby to do more. We did these because we were afraid she was going into labor, and wouldn't have ANY photos at all! I'll send over the others probably early next week.

Enjoy!

You+Me=Us

2008-08-04T00:37:00.000-07:00

If I didn't love you this I-----------------------------------------I much before, I have fallen in love with you again. You are my best friend, my confidante, and the person that makes me laugh the hardest.

I heard this song today and while the whole message of the song doesn't apply, it makes me realize how much I love you and how I'm grateful I don't have to worry about it.

Here is a select part of this song

These times are so uncertain
There's a yearning undefined
And people filled with rage
We all need a little tenderness
How can love survive in such a graceless age
And the trust and self-assurance that lead to happiness
They're the very things we kill, I guess
Pride and competition cannot fill these empty arms
And the work they put between us,
You know it doesn't keep us warm

Days of '47

2008-07-28T22:12:00.001-07:00

Happy Pioneer Day! For the 24th of July, I volunteered to take photos for the Days fo '47 organization. It was pretty fun. I was a little nervous, as this was a bit out of my comfort zone. But I've been trying to do things with my photographs that are outside of MY norm. This was one.

I got up very early to take photos of the marathon. Unfortunately, I don't have the photos from that on this hard drive. They are saved elsewhere. So you will have to wait in suspense for those.

Shooting the Marathon was AMAZING. I had to push and pry a little to get a spot where I could get the runners really good, but after the 5k started to wind down I didn't have any trouble. When the guy who won (from Africa) came down the block EVERYONE - I mean everyone! - started cheering, and I felt tears pushing behind my eyes. It was so moving for me. One of my "do before I die" goals is run a marathon. I would have run this one, but I was lazy and did not train whatsoever. Joe and I made a pact together that next year, all things considered, we would run at least the 10k together.

The first two guys through the finish were from Africa, the 3rd from Vale Colorado and I believe the 4th was from Provo! Awesome to have a Utahn in the top 5. The first girl finisher was from SLC! Woot! And for those of you that care, the First Place-r finished in 2 hours 17 minutes. THAT IS UNHEARD OF!!! HOLY COW!!! Just awesome.

Then, after some grubbage - yeah Denny's! - we headed up the mountain to the mouth of Emigration Canyon to enter the "This is the Place" state fair park. They had a Days of '47 festival. Although, in retrospect, I don't think that SLC looked that way in '47. I imagine more like tents. But still, very accurate. :D

I took a million photos - and had to get model releases, which was challenging, and I was grateful for an assistant... Thanks Joe. :D

Here are a *few*. Ok, here are a LOT! Enjoy!

This guy, right here? He was AWESOME to visit with. He was from Rocklin Calif., where he is the head of the Pioneer History in his stake or even possibly his area. We talked to him for about 45 minutes just about how California and the pioneers are miscredited for the civilizations there now. We talked about the battalion (hence his dress) and the "Brooklyn," a boat carrying Mormons from NYC to San Francisco. He knew so much. And he lived in Ron's old stake. (Does he look familiar, Ron? I can get you his name if you want.)

This is Brigham Young and Maryann Young; Actors, of course, who are both VERY involved in this production.

They had replicas (I hope!) of guns similar to the time period, and they were loading blanks before the flag raising ceremony.

I love the look on this girls face. Almost AWE.

Again, Maryann Young; she made all the hats you see in my photos. Amazing.

This little boy did NOT like the guns. He started crying afterwards. Then got over it to be in the parade! :D

Grand Central Station

2008-07-15T23:56:00.000-07:00

We recently went to Union Station, on 25th street in Ogden for a photo shoot - which photos will follow later, when they are done being edited; here are some photos that we took other than of our model. Enjoy! :D

Maternity: Alycia

2008-06-02T00:14:00.000-07:00

My cute friend Aly allowed me to practice and take some photos of her beautiful, life-giving belly. I love it. I also used my growing knowledge of photoshop to tweak (see the one directly below). I love B&W, too, don't you? Thanks Aly!

Photowalking, Bountiful... AGAIN!

2008-06-01T23:24:00.000-07:00

The one problem with being a busy mom/employee/daughter/wife/friend/photography student, is that I don't have an hour to drive somewhere to walk around. I take walks when I can, armed with my camera, but it seems I only walk in two places: Sunset, and Bountiful. But the one thing I am learning is that things seem to have been unchanged, but if you look closely, they have changed a lot! Like these tomato plants below; they are just small now, but in a few weeks, will have buds, and in a few months will be heavy with fruit. You just have to change how you see it.

Still, I itch for new photowalks. :D We're headed to 25th street sometime this month for such a goal.

Enjoy!

Don't these weeds look so tall? Like the trail goes to places unknown? They were only knee high, I love the angle. Such mystery.

David...

2008-06-01T23:20:00.000-07:00

...who shouldn't be driving :D In that first photo, look closely and you can see Joe and Brea in the mirror! Perfect accident!

Sunsets

2008-06-01T23:16:00.000-07:00

Simple and Pure. *sigh*

Deborah, Graduation

2008-06-01T22:52:00.000-07:00

Great job Deb, I'm so proud! And I know I'm not the only one.

p.s. Nice being in the right place at the right time with my camera :D

Themed Post: May - Tulips!

2008-05-18T23:59:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Weber State for taking the time to care for such beautiful flowers. I had a blast; there were so many too! :D

Themed Post: May -- Blossoms

2008-05-06T23:48:00.000-07:00

I'm up late posting tonight, but I needed something positive, something to bring my negative train-of-thought to a screeching halt. I especially love the second red one, it reminds me of my wedding dress. *sigh*

Enjoy!

Your Day, Your way

2008-05-03T16:14:00.000-07:00

I do a range of photography, from maternity and newborns, to seniors graduating from high school. I do events, varying from banquets and luncheons, to birthday parties and infant births. Whatever your goal, call me and lets meet it together. If you don't see the desired style of photography on my site, contact me to discuss your next photography session!

The senior year in high school is a momentous one, full of change and growth. CBP is commited to showing the beauty and fun of this last year, and the events happening in your senior's life. Props are encouraged, and many clothing changes are welcome. Enjoy your last year!

I completely understand the need for breaks with younger children and babies. I schedule one session a day so that my time is focused on your session and you do not feel rushed. I try to keep the environment calm and peaceful - and warm - so that the desired softness and beauty of the photographs comes forward, not the stress and hurried pace of life.

Themed Photos

2008-05-03T13:48:00.000-07:00

I have been going through stages lately of what I want to photograph, and with a new camera, I feel less hindered by film and not wanting to hit that shutter button. Now I just snap, snap, snap all the time. After all, ONE of my memory cards hold 415 pictures (and my camera holds two at a time)!! So whenI see something worth taking a picture of (aka anything within range) I am not hesitant to shoot it from 4 or 5 different angles.

So! I have decided to make a theme for each month. I think it will go well, seeing as how many flowers have been in bloom. So obviously, May will be: Flowers! This is a good theme, I think, because after all, April Showers Bring May Flowers. It didn't rain a lot in April (snowed, though!)... but if it had I would consider "rain" as a theme for April.

My goal with the Theme Project is to look at the obvious with a different eye. The first few might be obvious, but they will improve!

***If you have any suggestions for themes or what you'd like to see, let me know, and I'll incorporate it. I am a little lost after this month for themes, but I'm thinking of some: Metal, Fire, Cars, Reflections, Wood, Water, Senior Portraits/Graduation (this one might be good for June), Etc. Let me know your suggestions!***

Food Porn

2008-04-27T23:34:00.000-07:00

Do you love pictures? Do you love food? Then you love food porn! :D Its a little inappropriate, yet so completely solves the question of "what do you call pictures of food?!?" Although I don't often ask that question... another completely acceptable answer is "Pictures of Food." But don't you love saying food porn instead? Like its something so wrong but so right.

Enjoy! Good enough to eat!

***These were all taken at a BBQ we had this weekend with my fam and my hubby's fam. Check out my other blog for more pictures of that.***

Macro: Flowers

2008-04-27T23:28:00.000-07:00

There are two reasons I got a telephoto lens with my package: One, portraits. Two: Macro Macro Macro. I love close-up pictures but with a point and shoot its difficult to obtain quality.

I love my new lens! Woot!

Brea's Second Easter Photos - Outdoors

2008-04-26T22:27:00.000-07:00

The day of Easter I wanted a few more natural "candid" pictures of her. So I just put her on a blanket and let Grandma play with her while I snapped away.

Just a few of the best.

Yes, even I can't get the perfect shot :D But its still cute - and really funny.

Conceptual Reflections: Guitars

2008-04-26T22:06:00.000-07:00

Thanks to my brothers for the ideas and use of their precious equipment. All was returned in perfect condition... at least as how I received it :D

I really enjoyed these pictures, and the lighting turned out great.

Flora and Fauna

2008-04-26T21:44:00.000-07:00

I love walks. You never know what you are going to find. Enjoy a taste of my too short although long walk.

Thinking... and laughing

2008-04-25T20:42:00.001-07:00

In mandatory hiatus (because Inkleys screwed up my disc!!) I am posting this AWESOME video about beauty. Check it out. Its only a minute long and you'll be amazed. (Be sure to scroll past the video after watching it.)

Ok. Now that I've got you thinking... watch this one. Its even shorter and sure to make you laugh.

Ideas, Ideas, Ideas!

2008-04-12T14:44:00.001-07:00

Sometimes I get an idea in my head, and it drives me to insanity. Once its there, its stuck. I think about it all the time, I dream about it, I make lists about it. I am pretty convinced my husband hates this about me :D Sometimes I get so jittery with excitement, that I cannot sleep for the life of me. As I am writing this, I have those feelings. That is one reason I am putting this down on paper. The other is accountability. *wink, wink*

I have been working on my grasp of "conceptual photography" and I have made an official list of ideas. It has about 50 things on it, and those are just the basic ideas. I feel so pumped and ready to go shoot and bring the pictures in my head to the page.

My parents 30th anniversary is this year, and (I think I'm safe to write this, as they never come here... so I assume) I have begun thinking of ideas of gifts for them. I have decided I would like to photograph my mother's wedding dress, as it is still in spectacular condition. I have a few thoughts on how it will be done, and I think I will include their wedding bands creatively displayed.

Also on my list of concepts is everyday objects: dishes, socks, fruit, glass items such as champagne glasses and coke bottles. I think conceptual photography is essentially looking at the mundane in a new way. And I think I am already starting to do that.

Wish me luck! And you'll see new photos soon!!

Opportunistic: Success!

2008-03-29T21:00:00.000-07:00

Remember that talk we had a few posts ago? :D About being oppurtunistic? Well, this time the sunset was amazing - it will probably rain - and I had my camera! And I actually convinced Joe to pull over. What do you think?

The Sawyer Family

2008-03-29T20:48:00.000-07:00

Thanks you guys for a fun and easy session! The pics turned out great!

Senior Photos: Deborah, Outdoor Session

2008-03-26T10:19:00.000-07:00

Our final round. I had told her that we were going to go to Union Station in Ogden for these but I found out they are doing construction, and that my Mother's neighbor has a beautifully remodeled barn. So we went there. The light was perfect and we had fun. Thanks Deebs!

Easter Photos: Miss Brea

2008-03-16T22:09:00.000-07:00

Easter Photos: The Smith Boys

2008-03-16T21:59:00.000-07:00

What a day! Cold - it looks warm, but it sure wasn't! - and windy. Not a good day for a kid's photo session. But we had no choice. My good friend is having a spat with her photographer. Good news for me, I got to have fun today! :D Logan was good, just sat there and was patient. Kyle was not so much, we struggled to get him to do anything. So I told him he could call the shots. He just wanted to stand on this giant rock. No posing with brother Logan, no smiles. Nothing. Kyle's normally a good kid for the camera, so we're blaming the cold. :D

Zion's National Park; Part II

2008-03-14T21:12:00.000-07:00

Mother Nature will ALWAYS find a way for New Growth.

Zions National Park

2008-03-12T00:03:00.001-07:00

I've never been to Zion's during the winter, and although the trees were bare, it was still a majestic and humbling (and exciting!) trip. Here are some photos. You can find other photos on my other blog. There a few more pics coming from my SLR.

Painting with Light

2008-03-10T16:52:00.000-07:00

This was in the car on the way to St George. No flash = Camera Shake. But that's ok. If you look in one of the pics there is a word written in the lights.

The Opportunistic Photographer

2008-03-03T17:50:00.000-08:00

So often, I will lament to my husband "I wish I had my camera to take a picture of that!" Or I will be amazed by the sunset and will silently kick myself. I tell him - and he reminds me later - that I wish I carried my camera more often. I don't, for a number of reasons, one of the biggest ones being theft, and also the elements. My car gets COLD and I don't want to ruin it. And, am I supposed to carry my camera case into work with me so I can take pictures of the sunset on my way home?
But sometimes, you get JUST the right moment to take a shot, and you're - I mean, I am - prepared for that moment. The following photos are from a trip last summer, but as the snow was falling the other day, I was in the same boat. Actually, I had my camera. Without film. DANG IT!!!

P.S. Come see my Flickr Stream! I have so many more photos on there!!

www.flickr.com/photos/cherry-blossom-photography

Deborah Senior Portrait Series: Introduction

2008-02-27T22:52:00.000-08:00

My first studio session! What fun! Actually, the day before and day of the event were super stressful, trying to complete my studio before the guest of honor showed up. Luckily she was a little late for her appointment, and I was able to sit down and relax with my daughter before starting the session. *wiping hand across forehead* What stress!!

But I had fun. I think she had fun too. There are few glamour shots in Part I, and I overdid her makeup but, Oh, how beautiful they turned out. I learned a lesson here. She's beautiful. And less is more in life. But (I ignored my lesson on this and now I'm kicking myself a little) you gotta play it up a little in the pictures, for certain features to stand out. But even with natural it turned out well!

We had fun with props, and changing the lighting around a little. I also learned a little about how bright lights react on film, since I shoot right now with a 35mm Canon EOS. She was a trooper and the session was over too soon. We shot OVER 100 pictures, and we were both sad when it ended.

Thanks, Deb, for such fun.

Deborah Senior Portraits, In Studio, Part IV

2008-02-27T22:48:00.001-08:00

Deborah Senior Portraits, In Studio, Part III

2008-02-27T22:43:00.000-08:00

Deborah Senior Portraits, In Studio, Part II

2008-02-27T22:40:00.000-08:00

Deborah's Senior Portraits, In Studio Part I

2008-02-27T22:36:00.001-08:00

Osiris

2008-02-20T21:56:00.000-08:00

Damion

2008-02-20T21:55:00.000-08:00

Brothers

2008-02-20T21:50:00.000-08:00

Brea, Valentines Day Fun

2008-02-17T22:32:00.000-08:00

Newborn Portraits: Brea the Muse, Part II

2008-02-17T21:48:00.000-08:00

Newborn Photography: Brea the Muse, Part I

2008-02-17T21:39:00.000-08:00