Monday, June 29, 2009

{Love Rolls}
















Had the pleasure of photographing this 3 month angel today. Like her newborn session, she was a such a sweet pea. Love the image of her yummy rolls on the scale (told you I would use that thing someday.) There is something irresistible about baby rolls. Makes you just want to eat them all up. She is such a beautiful baby. Her mom and dad are going to have a hard time picking just one favorite of our session. Sharing with you some of my favorite and a tease for mom and dad. Happy Monday!

Sunday, June 28, 2009

{Favorite M.J. Song}

So I'm back from my mini cyber break. I can't tell you how many times I wanted o jump on and write a post or check my fb page. Well I sorta of cheated yesterday. So it was no surprise that the talk of cyberspace was Michael Jackson. I know...I know...go anywhere on the web these days and people are paying tribute to M.J. It's all over! My kids are too young to remember anything about M.J. but it reminded me of when I first heard of Elvis dying. I was too young to really know or appreciate the legend that he was but I do remember all the hype in the news and being curious about it. I even kept newspaper clippings of his death and vaguely remember sharing this with my 6th grade classmates. Kind of morbid but it was the only way other than an album or radio song hits, that let me experience what Elvis was about. So to my surprise, living in the cyberworld of today, my own kids had no real idea of who Michael Jackson was. I think in part, I sheltered them from all that was tragic about his later life. What I did share with them, thanks to tons of internet videos, was the best of M.J. They watched with the same wide eyes that I did when I watched the videos "Thriller" and "Beat It." And like everyone in my generation, you have a favorite M.J. song. I'm torn between "Rock with You" and "Don't Stop til You Get Enough." They are songs that pull me back into time when roller skating was big...and holding your breath until that cute boy would come up to you and ask you to skate the couple song. Back when I was skinny enough to wear tight Ditto jeans and shirts. Anyways, it was nice to share some memories with my kids and take a walk down memory lane. M.J.'s music will always hold a place in my heart and be a special part of my childhood memories. So here is one of my favorite M.J. songs to leave you with. Enjoy! T

Wednesday, June 24, 2009

{Taking a little break}



Taking a little break from blogging and facebook and business until next Monday. Family is in town and we are hitting the beach, boardwalk and A's baseball game. Running a great summer sale 50-75% off on some stationery lines/invitations if anyone is interested. Give a call or email and you can come over and take a look at what I have next week. I Will have some fresh images of a 3 month old baby when I return so stay tuned! Hope everyone is having a great week. Here's some Beach Boys...what would summer be with out them? Chow for now! T

Saturday, June 20, 2009

{Happy Father's Day}



Tomorrow is Father's Day and my dad is in an entirely different state. I'm sad for him and my heart goes out to him as he is experiencing some tough times. I find myself thinking of him daily. Came across these last photos I took of him when I saw him in May. It's so funny the things you remember about your childhood. I remember my dad's cooking. It's no secret that he was a better cook than my mom. He made some interesting stuff including some type of deer stew that made us all gag. But what I learned from him is that you must try everything once or you will never know what you like or dislike. I can't seem to make it work with my 3 kids but it's a great life lesson. He did make some great staples. His spaghetti sauce and bbq chicken can not be duplicated to this day. I don't think he could even tell you what's in the ingredients as I think he just makes it up as he goes each time! Hoping that he has a good day tomorrow even though he won't be around family. I really miss him and hope he comes home soon.
Luv and miss you...Daddy
Happy Father's Day!!!

Wednesday, June 17, 2009

{A Tie For Daddy}







Just got thru hanging with my favorite girlfriend this week. We don't really get to see each other all that often...living in two cities and keeping up with our kids and jobs. When we do...well, it's like we saw each other yesterday. We laugh and giggle like a bunch of school girls. She is definitely my soul sister. Maybe it's our Gemini sign that brings us together. One thing is for sure, when I met this lady 7 years ago at a JC Penny's studio, never would I have guessed to meet one of my best and most dearest friends. Pictures are what brought us together...she was trying to get that smile out of her stubborn oldest child and my middle son was the answer that day. I left my comfort zone that morning and asked for her number...mumbled something about getting together for a play date...the rest is history. It was extra fun creating these pictures for her and her hubby for Father's Day and hopefully some of them will grace her walls. Her kids are darling blondes and I loved getting to try out the tie idea. Got that from a photography friend tonya joy. If you are ever in SoCal, look her up as she does some amazing on location and natural light work. Thanks for the fun weekend, Mel. We all had a great time. Love you! T

Saturday, June 13, 2009

{Bless This Family}











































































A friend of mine has been going through a difficult time lately. It's no secret that her husband is very sick. She wanted to capture some moments of her kiddos as a special Father's Day gift to him. Just typing this right now, gets me all choked up. I think about her strength and the hills and valleys of this journey she and her family are on right now and I'm so amazed at her. I know that she probably doesn't feel like such a rock at times but her attitude when you talk to her is amazing. I know that there is someone else who walks beside her giving her that extra strength and HE is the only one who can give her everything she needs right now. I have wanted to bring them food and help take care of the kids, but life has kept me too busy, so I'm hoping that these pictures help bring a little happiness and lightness to my friend's heart. More importantly, I ask that all those who read this blog, pray for this family. Pray for His strength, healing and love to ooze into their household. Pray for God to put a big cozy blanket to cover and snuff out any darkness that looms. Pray that He continues to give blessings to this beautiful family. C....take care my friend and know that I am praying for you and your family. Luv, T

Friday, June 12, 2009

{Family Ties}











It's been such a nice week to finally unwind with my kids and play with my new toy...imac. I have a love hate relationship with it right now. I hate that I'm using 2 computers. Still making the switch from my pc. Thank goodness for a computer expert sister with lot's of patience. Once I get my programs and printer hooked up plus a few new keystrokes to learn, I will be well on my way. I love how it magnifies my photos. They look so awesome now!




Today was a lot of fun. It was a little bit of a challenge trying to grab the attention of these kiddos all under the age of 5! I told myself that if they were all looking in the general direction of my camera, then my mission was accomplished! I had some help from Auntie...thanks Mary! You might recognize some of the kiddos from my {sweet} session the other week. I also photographed the lil babe a few months ago for his newborn session. Anyway, these adorable grandparents decided to act on a a little dream they have had for quite some time. While family was in town for a baptism, they decided to seize the moment. I thought it was cute that they wanted to be in a few with them. Did I mention that I want to grow up to be grandparents just like them? They are the sweetest family and I think they have all the right perspectives on grandparenting...love em and spend time with them...make them feel special. You should see the twinkle in their eyes when they talk about their grandchildren. The laughter and joy on their faces tells it all! Priceless. Thanks for letting me share some of your joy today.




Still have some open session times for {Black and White Friday} this Month. I may continue doing a few more Fridays in July for those that have missed the opportunity this month. Email me for the next available dates and times.

Wednesday, June 10, 2009

{Winner}

Today is the day! Thanks to all who played my anniversary giveaway game. I appreciate all the kind words and sweet sentiments from everyone posted about my work. I'm looking forward to this fall as my business grows and I continue to make memories for my great friends and clients. You all rock! I won't drag this on any longer( btw my hubby pulled the name out of the jar this a.m.)...the winner of my giveaway is...Amanda Agee!
Amanda wins her choice of a press printed photo book with her next session or a $50 gift certificate from any of my product lines. Amanda, I will email you the specifics about your prize. Congratulations! I'm looking forward to our maternity session this September. Luv, Tonya

Thursday, June 4, 2009

{A Second Look}





























Sometimes a good session is worth a second look. "C", I hope you don't mind me posting a few more pics of our session. There was so many things right about this shoot. I had the right light(late afternoon overcast sky), the right lens( my favorite 50mm) and the best subject! With so many great photos, all are worthy of displaying, sometimes it's too hard to just pick just one. When this happens, it's a great idea to display a collage of them. These are probably the ones I would use. I think they all have the same soft light feel and really capture the essence of this little girl. Thanks, "C", for letting me share again. luv, T