moments… (Orlando Family Photographer)
About a week ago…I missed a moment. A moment to capture a memory. I was cold. tired. just not in the mood. The images, if I would have taken the time would have been perfect, my kids, new friends, having a fabulous time..but I thought to myself..next time. I thought about that day today and it upset me..I want those images now. It seems I’ve missed a lot lately. The little things that make my world go round. My kids. The everyday. The little things… In the beginning those are the things that fed my passion for photography. I wanted to remember, remember it all, but it seems I’ve gotten away from that. Now, in order for me to put forth any effort, magic must happen. my kids must be perfectly styled, be in a fantastic location, with some kick concept behind it all. As I sit here and think back..my favorite images are of my kids..just being. just doing. the little play. the little conversation..the little things you seem to forget, but really..they are the very things worth remembering.
I was going through some older files today and came across these. Just my kids, looking sally..hair all over..mismatched pieces of clothing..in my bed, torn apart…I took these on December 31, 2009. I remember walking thru my room..seeing them all in bed, looking and smiling and walking out. something told me..go get your camera. i listened. snap.snap.snap. Later that day, after downloading them..I remember not being overly impressed. I saw..snapshots. wild hair. dumpy clothing. a messy bed. I closed the file..and haven’t thought about them again…until today. This time..I saw something so much different. I saw my kids. the laughter. the love. little changes in each of them. and it made me smile. it was there..in front of me..the moment. captured. the last day of 2009, my kids. together.
Its funny. life. you never really know what’s going to happen..day to day. hour to hour. highs. lows. laughter. tears… people come into your life..some for a season..some forever. Life moves quickly…and really, when its all over, all you really have left..are the images. I missed my moment last week. lesson learned, it wont happen again. I urge you to make the effort, grab your camera… I know, for sure…you’ll be glad you did. ~xo M
my halloween crew… (orlando child family photographer)
Alright, lets begin with these costumes…its not what I wanted. I wanted to punk them out 80’s style..the girls all Cyndi Lauper-ish..and the boy, some rocker from a hair band…but, do you think they liked my idea?? Umm, no! They had their own ideas, they actually thought that this was supposed to be about THEM..really..news flash. I lost control this year, gave in…and we headed to the Halloween Superstore.
I told them to get in the car..all four of them. And as the words came out of my mouth..I was thinking, what did you just say, have you lost your mind. You see, I had a sinus infection…we are talking THE MOTHER of all sinus infections. The left side of my face was throbbing..from temple down to jaw, I had a headache that is indescribable, and to bend over, or even look down..well, just not possible. As we got down the road. traffic. bumper to bumper. ummm, hmm…5:00, great time to make a “quick” run to the store…our 10 minute drive turned into about 30 and I knew then, that this was going to go downhill fast.
We pulled up..I looked at them all and gave instructions. “Raygan, you’re with Adler. Sayler, you’ve got Piper. There will be no hooting..no hollering. We will do this calmly. orderly. quickly. Got it?” They all looked at me, fear in their eyes…and shook their heads “YES”..saying not a word. We walk to the entrance of the store and…BAM… Something came over every.single.one of them. something saying..run, grab stuff, try on masks and scream as loud as you can. What the?? They lost all ability to control themselves…and I was quickly losing my ability as well.
We start the search for “the perfect” costume. A hippie, a clown, a fairy princess…no, no, no. I’m still thinking..let’s go 80’s…they are still thinking. heck no. It’s getting wild. I’ve lost Raygan and Adler…Piper has on a rainbow colored clown wig..Sayler is starting to stress. My head is pounding…All of a sudden hear.. Mom, come look at Adler, we found it…I walked over, pulled open the curtain…and there he stood…in a penguin costume. A penguin made of foam, he was smiling and waddling. Hmm.. I’m just going to put it out there and say. I don’t do penguins..and I most definitely don’t do foam. So in my mind, hell no. He was not going to be sporting the penguin suit. I snapped a picture, sent it to my husband w/ a text that read. “your son wants to be a penguin. yes or no. a quick reply would be appreciated.” Within seconds, a text…”No. I will take him myself.” Perfect. Adler, take it off. You’ll go w/ Dad later. One down…three to go.
The girls decided that the superstore didn’t have the “good stuff” and they wanted to go to Party City..and why I said yes, still I don’t know…we head that way. traffic. headache. throbbing face. we arrive…we go to the wall of costumes, pictures on the wall w/ numbers beside them..Piper decided on 192. A ladybug. We go in, we try it on. She thinks she is cute. I am still thinking 80’s. I tell her she can get it. 2 down..2 to go. Raygan grabs a Sailor costume, which sent Sayler over the edge. She had decided earlier that she wanted to be a sailor…get it..sailor/sayler…but, we just couldn’t find on that she liked..either too young…or too old. Raygan puts it on, it fits..she gives her sister a sassy little smirk that only a sister can give..Sayler starts again. I tell Raygan, put it in the bag, get Piper and go walk around. three down, one to go…
Sayler. She tried on a Raggedy Anne. no. A poodle skirt girl. no I was pushing the hippie chick at her. no. and then it happens. she starts to melt down..going on and on about that sailor costume. I was about to flip. Actually, I did flip. We were in this little curtain stall, the size of a port-o-potty..I was sweating, on the verge of vomiting from the headache and at that moment. I lost it. I told her to get dressed. I found Raygan and the little ones. They had picked out some candy treats. tootsie rolls. I looked at them and said…we’re leaving. Put the stuff down..NOW! Piper bursts into full on tears…Raygan starts telling Sayler its all her fault. Adler is just looking at me like…whoa. and Sayler..I think, was about to cry. Piper proceeds to throw herself on the ground, screaming..i love my ladybug…my tootsie rolls. Raygan is still on and on….I think at this point I resembled something out of the Exorcist. I’m sure my head must have spun around a few times…I grabbed her up, whipped those tootsie rolls across the counter and drug her little self right out of that store. I can only imagine what on lookers must have been thinking..
We are in the car. Piper saying..you took that Ladybug from me for no reason. I think she said at least 20 times. We drove home..I was on a rampage telling them. No costumes, no trick or treat…that’s it. Piper continued to moan on and on. Adler interjects, “Im good, I didn’t cause any problems did I Mom and Dad is taking me later.” Yeah, yeah I tell him.. later.
We get home. It is two hours later. I take as much medication legally allowed. The costumes.. zero down. four to go…my husband comes home. I go to bed.
The next morning, I did sit them all down and apologize for my “episode”..and told them that we would go out and get the costumes. one at time. and we did…
They were happy. A ladybug, a pirate, a sailor, and a pink lady…not the most original. but them…but I’m telling ya, next year..we’re going 80’s…
As I finish this, I’m thinking, this is not what I sat down to write about..the costume episode, but I guess I’m just keeping it real. I’m sure you all have had some sort of ‘moment’ like that yourself…and what I think we can all take from my fall from motherhood is…Don’t take your children costume shopping when you are a walking sinus infection. A good lesson to learn.
Hope you all had a fabulous Halloween. We did.
<
The “need” of a Water Bottle… (Orlando Child Photographer)
So this kid of mine…he decided the other day that he ”needed” a water bottle..and I stress the word NEED..like in a really bad way..I’m not sure why, or what possessed him to want such…but he did..and of course…we didn’t have any. He insisted we get in the car and run up to the store…Ok, ok…whatever..but just as we were about to get into the car…the sky opened up …and literally..a monsoon..umm, we go back in..anyone who knows me well…knows I don’t do rain..and I most definitely don’t do rain for a water bottle. The scene at this point wasn’t good..pure devastation on his part..he told me to get an umbrella, put on rain boats…a rain coat..umm…still NO! We called Daddy, he was on the way home..and we asked if he would pick one up for him….YAY..it was on its way..all was good. He sat..patiently on the couch for the arrival of the water bottle..minutes seemed like hours..and then….the door opened…and he flew off that couch at lightning speed…….and then it happened….a SCREAM like no other, head thrown back..tears falling from his face….the problem? He wanted a flip top lid and Daddy brought home a standard, run of the mill screw it off lid..and it just wasn’t going to do…the night was ruined..his life was ruined…he needed that water bottle…WITH, the flip top…pure devastation in the eyes of a 4 year old boy…he went to bed, sad…and asking if in the morning we could go for the water bottle..Yes Adler..in the morning..the flip top would be yours…
Morning came..and of course…at around 7ish in the morning..he was in my room..asking if we could go…after the morning of this-n-that..we headed up to 7-11 to get water bottle..he was giddy with excitement..walked in, found the flip top…and with dollar in hand walked up to the counter to pay..as we were standing there..he looks over..and there it was…The newest edition of “Truck, Race, Cycle and Rec Auto Trader”…..and ummm, yeah….he “needed” it…and for the first time in my life..I bought it..the Auto Trader and a flip top..and at that moment..I had the happiest little boy ever.
That was a few days ago..and since then..he has looked the pictures off the pages…asked me to “read” it over and over again..which of course it a big thrill..not..and he has nursed that water bottle..taking small sips at a time..not wanting it to run dry…We all went outside last night to play..and there he sat..with his bottle of water and Auto Trader…loving life….absorbed in the pages trucks for sale..and small squirts of crispy, cool water…
As I finish this post..he has just come to me..with Auto Trader and water bottle in hand..asking if I’d like to go sit in the sun and read it with him..so off I go..to look at trucks and cycles…and if I’m lucky..I might just get a quick taste from the flip top….
Back to add…I have gotten so many questions about the textures I use…I basically only use two..and they come from a set by Nichole Van, the worn textures…you can get them HERE…and I’m looking at these and realizing that the texture is a bit on the heavy side, and normally I would re-edit…but I’m calling it done…sometimes its good to just let it go…
Welcome to my Beauty World…my name is ShaLa LaLa…
Yes, two words ShaLa-LaLa..and she is a beauty maker like no other…she will make you sparkly..and let’s face it..we all would love a little sparkle now and then…she began this make-over by doing for herself a bit…she said..”I must have my nails done before my customers arrive”…and so…what’s a full set without a picture taking mama on the sidelines…she began..
First, the inspection..all lined up, counted..10..yes, 10 lovely pink fingernails…
The application of said “pink lovely fingernails”..look closely…ummm, can we say backwards?!
Houston…I think we have a problem…
The painting of the nails..two coats..always!
Ready…just waiting for my first victim…er, customer….
Why Hello Sir, my name is ShaLa LaLa..Welcome to my Beautiful Beauty World. Would you like me to make you sparkle? Now..I have to tell you..that some resistance was present..but finally in the end..he said…”3 minutes..that’s it…3 minutes…”
Oh Sir, you need a “deep hair wash”…hmmm, not sure where that came from..but? And the next question…”can you feel it working, is it tingly??” What the….
How about a nice “face rub”…I busted out laughing….got the snap…and then he was outta there…
ShaLa LaLa said..but “Sir, come back..ahhh..forget it…Have a Nice Day…” And there she sat..the “beautiful beauty girl”…feeling a little bit happy with herself I’d say!
Just a girl with a pretzel….that’s it {Orlando Children’s Photographer}
Short on words tonight…GASP, I know…It’s late, almost 1am…my back hurts…I can hear my husband snoring, which is already making me mad…and we had a rough night with Piper…thumb sucking drama..is messing up her bite and thinning her palette..so dentist said.. NO more thumb….ugh, not fun at all…we had to coat her with some “thumb sucker stopper” stuff…and she cried for over 2 hours…which had me right there with her…Anyway..just a few snaps of her earlier today…snacking on the deck…playing it up with a pretzel..my pip..perfect!
I’m sitting here thinking…what is it with me and this kid with food….I guess she likes to eat..I like snapping snaps…she’s happy..I’m happy…
I shot the banana series not too long ago….
And then these..sometime during my “have to eat Oreos every night dipped in milk” craze…she’s just like her mama, she loves her some sweet stuff…
So now I’m thinking, what’s next?? Dunkin’ Donuts perhaps..frosted and sprinkled…now that would be just way too cute…oh, and if anyone has any connections with Rold Gold, Chiquita or Oreo..or..Dunkin Donut…work it, hook me up…
Calling it a night…xo
Besties {Orlando Children’s Photographer}
This past weekend Raygan had her BFF come over for a little sleep over (you’ll recognize her as the little chic with the sassy look and petti that flashes in my header)…they had the best time..as always…hot tubin’…swimming..trampoline jumpin’…movie watching…always texting..and TPing a house full of boys down the road…long, long story..but somehow, and I have no clue how this happened…but.. I ended up down the road at 1am flinging toilet paper on trees…and then, running back, giggling right along side of them….so funny. The next day..after a little going’s on…they jumped on the bikes down to the courts and pond to mess a little…when they came back..they told me all about an abandon house that they found…that was just perfect for picture taking…Me, being…ummm..me…jumped in the car to go check it out…and yep, there it was..an old abandon house..right in the middle of our neighborhood..which was so bizarre…it’s just tucked back in there…but wow…how glad am I that they found it….my wheels are already turning about what I can do back there…
As we were walking around…they were pointing out all the spots that were “just perfect”..and then they came up with the idea..that they needed a photoshoot…so, I thought..sure…why not. They ran home, jumped in the shower, threw up the hair…put on a little this-n-that for outfits…and we were off.
While we were shooting…they were either giving the moody look, which Raygan thought worked for the location..or laughing hysterically…
As I was shooting these. I knew I was going to love them…and I will say I do..love them to bits…not because I think they are over-the-top, technically perfect images..but for what they represent. Two young girls…a friendship…life is funny, it has a way of bringing people in and out of our lives…and I’ve learned you have to make the most of it while you have it..things change..and what is today..may not be tomorrow…I love these pictures because it keeps a memory for these two..I have no idea what path the future will take them down ..but I do know they will always have these images…just two best friends…loving life…during the summer of 2009..
Processing was a little different for me…I did my thing..all color-poppy..but I just wasn’t feeling it..so I ran a vintage action on it..which I think worked well for these images…made them all “moody-n- melancholy” as Raygan would say…and speaking of actions…I’m about 80% done w/ the FAQ’s thingy….so if anyone has anything else to ask..ask now….Oh, and I have been asked to shoot a family in Oregon this summer…and ironically enough, I’m trying to get a little visit organized there sometime late July/ early August….so, if there are any Oregonians ( is that even a word) that are interested in a shoot..I’ll be in Eugene…drop me a line and let me know….
I think that’s it…for now…I’m kinda digging keeping up with this blog…I forgot how much I used to enjoy it….
I’ll say it again..
It’s good to be back…
xo,
M
Treasures - Orlando Children’s Photographer
My little ones..like to collect treasures, little trinkets they find on the ground…10 cent party favors that just can’t be parted with…little toys that have become their favorites…they collect these things..and store them in their “treasure box”. They insist on taking this box o’ stuff everywhere..to the grocery, to school..and on many occasions when I have gone into to give them one last kiss goodnight..I have found it in bed with them…..Now, I’m not thinking this is just a “my kids” thing..I remember Raygan and Sayler doing it as well…I think it’s just a toddler thing..you know..like getting into mom’s makeup…throwing “throw themselves on the ground” tantrums in the middle of a restaurant…eating playdoh…vomiting up said playdoh at 3am-ish…living off of goldfish crackers…you just don’t pass thru toddler hood without doing those things….and along with all of those things comes the box of treasures…
We were outside playing tonight..and of course they both brought out the box…now the boxes..let me give you a bit of background on them…Adler, his box of choice just happens to be the case that Sayler’s cheer shoes came in…I threw this in the garbage..and the next day..I found it in his room..I tried to get it from him, but NO..it was good stuff…he already had it packed…and begged to keep it..ok, yah..whatever….Piper’s box…was a puzzle that Sayler had when she was younger…where the puzzle pieces went, I have no clue…and why we still had the box..without the puzzle..umm, I’d say 5 years later…again..no clue…I got them both to stand and get a quick shot…Piper happily obliged, Adler..not so much..his words..”One picture, then I’m outta here..” Why, does he have to be so flippin’ difficult..
So, I was thinking..what good is all of this..without a peek of the contents..I dumped them, which freaked Piper complelty out…a few tears and a little foot stompin’ went on…Adler..could have cared less..saying to her..” just let it go Piper…just let it go…”
The treasures w/ descriptions:
- Yo-yo ball that snaps his fingers every time he plays with it, but still he does it time and time again.
- Spider-Man X-ray glasses (he can see my bones when he puts them on..)
- A picture of Tanner, our dog
- A plastic man, with sticky balls for feet and hands..totally gross, creeps me..has been in the trash, and fished out over and over again.
- Jacks
- A microphone he made at church, tinfoil ball and toilet paper roll..he’s suppose to be announcing the “good news”..but so far, all we are getting is fast version of Hannah Montana’s “ho-down-throw-down”….yes, that’s right….
- Now this beauty, no clue ??
- Marbles and bouncy balls…
- A toy top, that was a party favor, it has been stepped on and is cracked..but it just can’t be parted with…
- Spider-Man phone, he talks to him when he wants to save the world.
- Matchbox cars…just 2 of 2 million that he owns
- Green lizards..he says they are twins..twin lizards, cool..
- Rubber wrist bands, that for some reason..he is full blown obsessed with at the moment.
And now for the Pip’s…
- Strawberry Shortcake doll..Piper wants to eat her, she smells sweet.
- My hairclip that she is forever trying to put in her hair
- Hello Kitty watch that came out of a McDonald’s HappyMeal….she wore that for 2 weeks straight..
- Little Mermaid ring
- Her “foxy” sunglasses..when she puts them on, she always wants a dab of gloss
- Baby bottle of milk , and unfortunately for Shortcake..Piper always thinks she’s thirsty
- A bead bracelet, found in the grocery store parking lot..insisted on bringing it home..why I let her?? no clue..we ran it through the dishwasher…and it was sparkling clean…
- a mongo purple hairbow
- Barbie keys…when you push the button it says..”Hi, I’m Barbie..let’s go for a ride….” Ummm…hmm…ok….
- Seashells from the seashore
- Mardi Gras beads circa 1996-ish….or something…
- Sayler’s cheer ribbon…she insists…she NEEDS it..
- a purple squishy lizard..and sadly..no twin..
After I got my shots of the stuff…Piper immediately ran to put hers safely back in her box…
And Adler..he just wanted it all over..as he buried his head in misery he told me..”that camera is ruining my scooter time…” ummmm…Ok Adler..go…scoot…
You know..as I looked back at these tonight..I realize that I have no award winning photography here..but what I do have is a little piece of toddler hood..little people..doing little people things…and one day, when they are long past the toddler years I’ll look back and remember the treasures that meant so much to them..and I know then..that these images will mean so much to me….
I urge you all to take time to capture the little things in life…because in the end..it’s not one big thing, but a million little things that make life worth remembering…
M
xo
Why?? (Orlando Children’s Photographer)
Tell me…why does this child of mine do such things?? There are days..ok, most days.. that she keeps me on my toes…always into this or that..pouring an entire bag of sugar out on the floor and dancing in it…washing her hands with toothpaste…taking an entire closet of towels, putting them in the bathtub..and then turning on the water…and then..this, taking a red marker and having a little fun with it…after the fun was over, she walked up to me..hand on hip, in her sassy little voice and said… “Do you think I have on enough makeup??” OMGosh…this kid…it was permanent marker..and I had quite the time getting it off…my efforts included Clorox Wipes, which finally did the trick….Just look at her..what a mess…but I will say…I adore her, every little bit of her…and wouldn’t have her any other way….
Of course, I had to take some pictures…Adler was hanging out on the sidelines..saying..”this is ridiculous Piper, you look like a clown..” he sees me grabbing the camera and busts out with..”oh…gggrrrrreeaaattt..here comes the camera…..” UGH, what a scorch! I pop her up on the patio table..take a few..and of course, she gives me the standard pouched lip look that she’s forever giving…and then, she grabs a hanger…and says..”what about this..does this look good??”..Umm, yeah Piper..that just brings it right into the next level….
This kid…mine…love her….
My Pip…and a pair of glasses - Orlando Children’s Photographer
Surprise..betcha didn’t expect to see me back so soon…just a little over a week! Not too much going on..just a bit of this and that..the weather has been absolutely gorgeous here…springy, breezy goodness…we’ve been spending tons of time outside..playing soccer…Frisbee…sidewalk chalkin’…rip stickin’…just all sorts of stuff…
Th other night we were out..the little Pipster slips into the house and comes back out with her favorite book of the moment…and….a pair of glasses…this kid, I tell you..is a ball of quirky, sassy sweetness and I just cannot get enough of her…kissin’..squeezin’..huggin’ on her 24/7…. Anyway, I walk over to her and she’s looking at me, smiling from ear to ear..and announces..that everything looks so fat -n- juicy with her glasses..and she says..Mama, YOU look fat-n-juicy…hmmmm, ok…fat-n-juicy am I…she let me get a few snaps..and lasted for about, umm..2 minutes..and then the “mood” came out…but even with the moodiness, is she not the cutest-thing-evah??
Ahhh…I’m back…again…
April 6, 2009 | Posted in personal
Alright..so my friend Laura, who happens to be a blogging fiend…says to me…”You know,that…”I’m back…post” is kinda funny now, you came..threw up some pictures and took off again…and yes, she’s right…I have been absent..but tonight..I again shout out..”I’m back..” just for you Laura..and I know you’re checking daily…so my dear…go grab a cuppa coffee…cause this is gonna be a long one….
So, where have I been..hmmm, all over actually..I’ve been a bit lost..literally, and so super busy, the girls have had so much going on with cheer..I’ve travelled to Atlanta..and then Dallas for competitions..and then a week later flew to Arizona for a photography convention..came back from that, and then right back out for another cheer competition..and this past week spent time at the beach for Spring Break….so, see…really, I have been going..going…non-stop…but things seem to be settling down and falling into place…finally…all seems calm…and it’s good…
I have been up to a little this-n-that though..a little picture snappin’ here-n-there…About two weeks ago I was sitting outside with the Pip and she wandered back in the house and came out with a banana, plopped down on the wall…and had herself a little snack…me, camera in hand..figured..why not? Totally random, just my girl, loving on a Chiquita…but I have to say…I love them…
Speaking of foods..and snacks…I just have to say, I’m having a major addiction to Easter candy at the moment…all sorts, but “the” candy that it topping my obsession right now is Brach’s Malted Eggs…can I just say…HEAVEN…love them so..so..so…if you follow my Twitter feed you know that I got a bit delirious the ohter night…someone..and I say that with..umm, not sure how I say it…but…SOMEONE, in my house, a child..I’m thinking Sayler, although no confession..ate the last of them..I thought..no big..I’ll just run out to Target and grab some…but…ACK..not there…after about 5 more stops..and alot of sweating..I found some..and bought FOUR bags..and now, as I type this..I’m eating them..and getting thirsty… I have to stress…they HAVE to be Brach’s, have to…no substitue will do..not Whoppers brand..or the speckled ones…just the Brach’s…the chocolate is just so..and the malted part..ummm..I dont know..just go get some… and I do have to give a quick plug for Coffee Mate coconut creamer…omg..love too..we can blame that little have-to-have on my girl from Oregon MIWI….who happens to be fantastic in every sort of way….and shares my love for a good cup of joe and a slice of key lime…
A snap of Raygan..out by the pool a few weeks ago…
I am just jumping all over the place here….but, to all of you that have been emailing me..asking about processing, textures..equipment and so on…and not getting a reply..I’m sorry! I’ll be honest and say…I’m not a girl that loves email…I read them..in the car..or get busy with the kids..and before i know it…I have a stack to return..and it just keeps stacking..and stacking…but, I really don’t mind sharing…SO..and I’ve done this once before on my old blog…but thinking I’m going to save it this time..and post it under FAQ’s…because so often, it really is the same question over and over…but..if you have a question…go ahead and ask it in the comments section…after they’ve all been asked..I’ll pop up a blog post with the answers…deal?
Sayler…last night..we were just playing outside…I just loved the way her hair looked..down, messy….she gave me a few minutes..and I got a few I liked…
And of course..I could never put up a post of my children and leave my little man out..and I have to tell you how lucky I am to even had a picture to post of him..he is BY FAR…the most difficult child to photograph…he will not sit still, will not make eye contact..just will not….I begged him..bribed him..and still..he just wasn’t having it..I bet I took over a hundred shots and got just two..but these two I’ll take..
OK..i’m thinking we’ll stop here…I have several more bits o’ randomness to share…but I won’t..I’ll save it for the next post..let the excitement mount (kidding)…but if you made it this far..and actually read the entire post…yay you, and thanks…and don’t forget..if you have any photo related questions….or even not-so-photo-related questions..just ask in the comment section..and I will reply…pinky promise!