Tonic Photography

Sweet Bridger

2011-03-24T09:32:00.000-07:00

My best friend Alexis' sweet baby Bridger. Best. Sweetest. Boy. Our baby is 7 months old! The youngest of the latest group of babies. Crazy. Watch out for my next post of the twins who turn ONE in a week! What?? Well, Lex, guess my first flight out will be for his one year photos, then the next flight, 18 months, etc. Bummer.

And since I am actually posting on this blog figured I should post more pictures from before Christmas, right! Just cause her kids are so gorgeous they make me look good.

Waltons

2010-11-08T21:37:00.000-08:00

These are some really good friends of mine. I have known this beauty since she was crawling around on the floor. The cute little dude broke his first bone on my stairs! And they decided to still be my friends and let me shoot their stunning kids.

Some Recent Favorites

2010-10-31T20:20:00.000-07:00

I have been taking A LOT of pictures lately and will never find time to blog them all, nonetheless EDIT them all, but here are a few of my favorites that I really love.

Half A Year Mark

2010-10-19T08:54:00.000-07:00

She is six months today, too crazy. Time goes by so fast. I am feeling very sentimental about it. A half a year already. She deserves a special post because of it. She has been a really big challenge but I am so grateful for pictures like these that make it all worth it.

Maddix

2010-10-01T10:36:00.000-07:00

This little dream boat is one of my best friends babies. He is the sweetest, most bubbly baby ever. Taking pictures of him was sooooo easy and fun. He is seriously amazingly cute and happy. Both her kids are just super sweet as you can tell. I am thinking I should have her nanny mine for a little while and see if her calm and sweet energy can rub off on my monsters :) You up for it girl?

Miss Genevieve

2010-09-08T20:28:00.000-07:00

I have so neglected this blog, so my apologies. I am making an exception with this little beauty because her mom is itching to see some pictures. I have a hard time blogging here because it's hard to know what to write and which ones to choose, not to mention the time and extra steps it takes in doing so, but I am going to try to be better. I have had some people tell me they want to see my recent stuff. So just in case you are just dying to see pictures taken by me, go to my other blog, I put up a lot there. I will, however, try to be better at posting clients here.

Gillette

2010-07-07T08:52:00.000-07:00

Here are a couple from last week of some adorable kids. The little girl is the sweetest little girl that my kids get so excited to play with if she is out. This family is just another great thing about our new neighborhood.
We went to the Lagoon trail and cotton was everywhere (and the fire department kicked us out to burn it down), but the cotton was a great asset to the shoot, I think. Here are a few.

Shumway

2010-06-23T08:50:00.000-07:00

This wedding was so fun. It was just a bunch of awesome fun people. The groom is a police officer and so were many of the guests and wedding party so the cop jokes never stopped. I love the bride because she is so fun and beautiful and really knows how to let her hair down and have a good time.
We had very little time between the ceremony and reception to get some pictures of them together and I am thrilled with what we got in that short time.
It is such a privilege to shoot weddings. To be invited into people's personal day with their closest family and friends. It's an honor to feel the joy of their day and the love of their network of people. It's just a little reminder of how wonderful life is and how important relationships are.

Mason And Lena

2010-06-10T15:38:00.000-07:00

Been busy on the picture front so I thought I had better go through and start updating the blog. Blogging just takes a lot of time, and especially long when you have a fussy newborn.
But it's probably nothing compared to what this friend of mine is going through with twins!

My Muse

2010-01-04T12:52:00.000-08:00

I think my little girl is gorgeous, as all mom's do, and she is by far my favorite thing to photograph. Luckily, there is another little girl on the way so we can have a change up of faces :)

Bright New Year

2010-01-02T11:28:00.000-08:00

Here is wishing you a happy bright new year! I think it's going to be great. I mean with faces and smiles and laughter like this... how can you deny it.

Warner

2009-12-17T08:40:00.000-08:00

This is one of my best friends so I thought it deserved a break from present planning and Christmas parties to post more. Hope everyone is enjoying the last week before Christmas :)

Warner Preview

2009-12-05T18:09:00.000-08:00

Ta Da! I have a working computer! Love my Mac, missed my Mac! But don't worry, the Mac is back!

Here is one my girls and her family. Hopefully she hasn't fired me since I have taken so long! But here is a preview while I finish up the rest in the next day or two. I am just crossing my fingers she is still my friend :) Love you Anne.

Lashes

2009-10-12T10:29:00.000-07:00

I am still alive. I think.

The Best Kind.

2009-09-04T14:09:00.001-07:00

I like photos that speak for themselves. This photo, to me, is simply her eyes. They are the photo, they tell the story. No props, no fancy edits, no great location or background and no fancy outfit. These are my favorite types of photos.

Post Preschool Shoot

2009-08-26T10:59:00.000-07:00

My little girl and her cousin headed off to preschool today, we made sure to grab some pictures of them after.

Lily

2009-08-12T09:24:00.000-07:00

My most lovely best friend from college came into town for a split second and we took some pictures of her gorgeous Lily. There is never enough time to be had together before she jets off to another state!

Savanna

2009-08-11T08:05:00.000-07:00

I got a smile out of her! Isn't she so pretty?

Dexter Preview

2009-08-06T15:17:00.000-07:00

Something to make the long drive worth it, instant gratification.

2009-07-21T08:59:00.000-07:00

These are my nephews, they were sort of being hams for me!

See little photo blog I didn't forget about you, for today. Don't worry you will get lots of attention soon, time off will soon be over.

2009-06-29T08:25:00.000-07:00

I did not take any clients the last two months because I really wanted to relax and enjoy summer with my kids.. and as you can see, I AM! I apologize if this is monotonous from my other blog, I don't know who comes to what so I just thought this blog needed some love, even if it is monotonous.

<

<

<

<

<

<

<

Girl.

2009-06-05T10:23:00.000-07:00

And just like that she is a little girl. A girl. Not a baby, not a toddler, a little girl.

Millie

2009-06-03T08:07:00.000-07:00

I have a lot I haven't blogged because quite honestly, sitting at the computer when I could be out playing might as well be equivalent to pulling teeth! But sweet little neglected blog, I haven't forgotten about you and I am still taking pictures so we meet again. And now I am off to the park, again!

Them

2009-05-20T16:21:00.000-07:00

This was outside the other night while we were hanging out with family. I love the pictures of my kids that are raw. No special outfits, not all "dolled' up.. just them, stringy hair and all, binkies in mouth.

Luci

2009-05-20T15:48:00.000-07:00

We all played outside at my brother's the other night and while they were all busy I got to snapping some photos of my niece Luci. They change so fast it's crazy. I am glad I have the equipment I have to capture their ever changing selves. I love taking pictures of family and my own kids because I feel like I can experiment with photos more, I can process them in more daring and often.. not better, ways. But creativity is just that, creative. Good or bad.

She loves Luci. Heaven help us all if our next child is a boy. Piper will be pissed.

Finn

2009-05-14T15:45:00.000-07:00

Here is a couple of this little one. I am a big fan of his name.

McNeeley

2009-05-11T14:56:00.000-07:00

I really love this first one. I saw this tree on a long run one morning and knew I needed the sun shining through it with a gorgeous family in front of it. This is one of my favorite shoots because it was just warm sunset light out west and I really got to work with the sun and sun flares and didn't get to hide in the ease of the shade. I enjoyed these people a lot and love how clients become friends, or I get to see old friends. In this case, both.

A Couple Previews

2009-05-08T09:38:00.000-07:00

Weston wanted some head shots.. he is stylin' man, literally. More later, I just liked this photo, and his belt.

And I love this busy little guy!

Hello Blog World

2009-05-04T22:01:00.000-07:00

Here is a few more of Katie. I just got done with school and a handful of shoots so I am sort of just taking a few meditating breaths and enjoying not doing anything for a minute. I can already tell it's producing a fabulous new Toni. I am finally reading something other than a text book! I haven't been into the blogging thing for a minute so I figured who better than this dear friend of mine who think she isn't photogenic. I have babies, families, head shots and things to post and coming up but I am not sure if I will be able to leave the park and Wuthering Heights to do so. Hopefully the sun and restless kids will consume me some more!

Couldn't decide which one I liked better...color or black and white-ish. So why not treat your eyes with both?

Sarah

2009-04-27T16:01:00.000-07:00

I had two people with nose rings in one week... I consider that lucky! And yes, I am jealous. I have always wanted one.

Crowthers.

2009-04-21T21:09:00.000-07:00

More of the Crowthers, yes I finally finished. She moves back from Idaho in t minus two weeks (whatever that means) and I am excited. Katie and I roomed together at USU and did everything but school together while we were up there. Well, not everything :) I love you both! Can't wait for you to move down the street! (if I say it enough it will happen, right?)

Whew

2009-04-17T13:24:00.000-07:00

Happy Weekend! It could not be more needed.

McNeeley Sneak Peak

2009-04-14T10:30:00.000-07:00

A little sample from last night. Hopefully jumping barb wire fences and hanging out with frogs was worth it :)

Announcement.

2009-04-14T08:59:00.000-07:00

Here is the announcement for the proudest parents ever whom, of course, wanted as many photos of their little man as they could get!

Nash.

2009-04-09T07:58:00.000-07:00

I am almost done with these, but here is one to prove I didn't forget about my favorite folks in Idaho.

Baby Hungry Yet?

2009-04-09T07:31:00.000-07:00

Do all the babies on here lately make you baby hungry? Yeah, me neither. But they sure are fun to hold then give back.

K8E and Sean

2009-04-05T22:39:00.000-07:00

This couple is not only the hottest couple, but some of my best friends. Katie and I met when I became her room mate because my brother said that this certain apartment had the hottest girls in Oakridge, therefore I should pick them to live with. Thus, I met Katie. We were destined to be friends, I truly believe it. We all need those people who get you and never judge you. Oh, and Sean is as obsessed with Band Of Horses as I am.. almost. Now, if only my plan to get them to move by me works. I will keep my fingers crossed. Really hard. Here is one for now.

I LOVE YOU K8E AND SEAN!

Kade

2009-04-03T14:25:00.000-07:00

I got to meet this little doll today. His mom is right, he could win contests. There are a lot of him because I have the two proudest parents sitting in the hospital right now with a laptop, bored, and waiting to see more of their little love. Thanks for inviting me to come to the hospital and share this special time of your lives. Much love.

Parker

2009-04-03T08:07:00.000-07:00

Hello party people and happy Friday. Here are some more from this session a few weeks ago for Parker's one year pictures. What a good looking group of boys. I have surrendered to notion that I will never be caught up, but that will always be the ultimate goal :) Have a good weekend, playing in the rain.

Alexis

2009-04-01T13:37:00.000-07:00

This is one of my favorite faces :)
She is my popsicle twin (or so we were called in the 9th grade). I can't say enough about her. I mean, what can I say? Obviously she is beautiful, but she is the most amazing person and best friend I could ask for. How does one keep her chin up around all these gorgeous friends?

The Self

2009-04-01T09:06:00.000-07:00

I am not real big on pictures of myself, who is? But I particularly like this photo because of the context of it. It was two weeks ago at a girls weekend and I am pretty sure this is how I looked the whole time, (except when I was dry heaving in the middle of an 8 mile run). So happy and relaxed. I was taking some of my friends and I stopped to suggest how to pose in front on the camera which really was just ridiculous, if you are lucky you might get one of those :).. so we were laughing and having fun and Alexis took this. Girls weekends and girls in general are good for the soul on so many level. I am pretty sure I came back a few years younger, oh wait.. that is photoshop that happened to the wrinkles :)
The self in psychological terms is basically your whole. The perception and understanding you have of yourself. It's coming to terms with your personality, the good parts and the bad. It takes a lifetime to find it, slowly building a familiarity with the Self. I love to look at my life and see how I have evolved, thank goodness, and am evolving.

Dancing Queen

2009-03-30T08:58:00.001-07:00

This is my little dancing queen in her bumble bee costume. I love her guts! I didn't know bumble bees exuded so much attitude though. Maybe next year they will be delicate flowers.. or birds that don't give off such a sting of attitude.

Dylan

2009-03-27T09:33:00.000-07:00

This little dude is one of Piper's best friends. Maybe someday they will say we went to nursery together, we walked to school together, and said NO to drugs together :)

Trampoline

2009-03-25T08:01:00.000-07:00

This was his first trampoline experience. We have this old trampoline that came with the house and is pretty ghetto, but hey.. the kids love it. Beck had his first try on it the other day and didn't really know what to think.

Here he is watching Piper, trying to figure it out.

He is on the tramp.. not really sure what to do now...

Then he started to get the hang of it and liked it.

Happy Kids

2009-03-23T11:28:00.000-07:00

Here is my favorite from this shoot. I can't remember what was so funny, but man if I could I would use it all the time to make kids laugh like this!

Tonic Photography Website

2009-03-19T16:30:00.000-07:00

I have a website finished and logos, feel free to spread the love and go on over and see the hard work that has been done for me and your viewing pleasure.

WWW.PHOTOSBYTONIC.COM

Ryder

2009-03-18T20:51:00.000-07:00

This first one is my favorite of Ryder. Naturally taken with my 85mm 1.8 which is why it's so smooth and sharp (for anyone who cares). But again, what awesome blue eyes, right? What a sweet sweet boy with a fabulous mom that I adore. She is one of my fabulous best friends whom I am spending the weekend in Bear Lake with. I am seriously giddy with excitement, a whole weekend with my girls. And Jake told me he felt the same way about me being gone. He did! He was saying how excited he was to spend two whole nights with just the kids and how he couldn't wait to spend 75% of that time cleaning up their messes to fancy me with a spotless house when I get back, just to top off my glorious weekend. I know, he is the best, I love his guts.
Ok well it's late and I am dead tired and I still haven't watched Lost or eaten my peach pound cake I made (which I shouldn't be eating this late, I know...), so L8er sk8ers. Much love..

Mary Jane

2009-03-16T12:36:00.001-07:00

Warning: Many Photos.

Little girls are so fun. When I had Piper I wasn't all into the bows and tutus and pink everywhere, which totally jinxed me. But if I have another girl it will be all frills and lace. I will bask in the cuteness of baby girls. This is one of my friend's little girls and she is adorable and she came prepared with lots of great girly things, bows and tutus, what more does a girl need?

Hopeful Progress

2009-03-16T11:33:00.000-07:00

These were taken last spring. I have been spending a lot of time looking back at old pictures I have taken, trying to find my best, and having a laugh at some of them for sure. It is interesting to be able to progress through the different cameras I have had and different lenses and to see the progress (or not) that I have made or am trying to make. These photos are a little flat and and lack sharpness in my opinion, but at the time I thought they were spectacular.. so there is a little insight into my soul, or at least my photography history :) Anyway.. here's to spring. This was my nephew's birthday party, thus the balloon. Funny to think he is Beckett's age here!

Ryder Preview

2009-03-13T09:59:00.000-07:00

Here is one of my favorites so far of Ryder. Another set of awesome blue eyes. I am a little behind due to my Park City trip forcing me to take a day off, but catching up quickly. I too, am doing the Friday happy dance!

Preview Of Mary Jane

2009-03-10T21:11:00.000-07:00

Livia

2009-03-09T21:23:00.000-07:00

This little tiny gal belongs to some fabulous friends of mine. I couldn't help but post a ton because she is just so sweet and tiny!

My Angel Boy

2009-03-07T21:57:00.000-08:00

My boy is really an angel. He looks like one in this photo, it's so fitting, thus it gets face time on both blogs.
I really don't why I am stuck in front of this computer.. I have driven to St. George and back in 24 hours and I have car lag. I think I am stuck in this leopard chair. Someone come pull me off and lay me in front of the tv. Please.

Window To The Soul

2009-03-05T20:35:00.000-08:00

I really can't say much about these eyes except they are the prettiest windows I've seen in awhile. But then again I don't often gaze into his mother's eyes :) Much love Jewls.

Kade

2009-03-05T19:40:00.000-08:00

This wonderful couple is expecting their first baby, little boy Kade. These two are two of my favorite people, I couldn't say nice enough things about them. We did this a little bit ago and it was the nicest day. There are so many photos I like, probably because I am biased, so sorry if it's overload. The second photo down is probably one of my favorite pictures I have ever taken. I just love it, it shows the love and appreciation they have for each other. This little boy is going to be one lucky kid. I have so many pictures to edit and so much to catch up on I feel frozen by it... what is a girl to do but go on an overnight road trip with her hubby, kidless mind you, for a bike race. I will come back refresh and ready to get some editing done!

Just A Glance

2009-03-02T21:04:00.000-08:00

I got to meet this tiny babe today. She is the sweetest. So tiny and little. Here is a little private showing for ya. I got another one of these little girls that was born a few days before her tomorrow! How did I get to be so lucky?

We Can't Wait For Lucy!

2009-02-27T13:58:00.000-08:00

Two of my favorite people in the world! I think she is the cutest pregnant girl ever, she does it so easily. She makes me think.. OK I can do this again. The belly is Luciana and I am really excited for her to get here.

Now Mr. & Mrs.

2009-02-25T20:54:00.000-08:00

I have about 300 pictures waiting to be edited, I swear, however I thought since I am wrapping up this delightful couple's day they deserve one more appearance as husband and wife. And because she gave Piper her Hello Kitty happy meal watch.
Ok now I am going to go watch Lost and hopefully not get thrown up on for the fifth time tonight by my peanut. And not edit pictures, or do homework.. shame on me. But one of these days I will not have sick kids, not be sick my self and get some of the stuff I have been doing on here and all the stuff that is coming in!

Easy E

2009-02-18T10:53:00.000-08:00

Easy E and his perfected cheese!

2009-02-16T09:30:00.000-08:00

Ta Da! I have a header that isn't words! I have been waiting for my awesome website and new blog, but who knew how many details were included in the branding of a business? So for now.. until I am officially official here is something more visually stimulating to lure you all onto my intriguing blog. Hope it is working!

2009-02-13T11:21:00.000-08:00

Back at the beginning of the winter I was able to join one of my favorite families for the marriage of their youngest daughter. I believe when I first met Whit she was in the sixth grade! But this family is my favorite and they gave me the chance to photograph the reception.

I can't take much credit for pictures at the temple because I was not the hired photographer and don't want to give the impression I was. But I did catch some in between moments and some different angles I thought were so them, enviously in love.

These decorations are by Kimberly Kit Designs.

And these just go without saying!

Meet Erin Officially

2009-02-12T12:41:00.000-08:00

My friend Erin (whom I have mentioned numerous times) needed some head shots for her cute new BLOG. She is so darn photogenic I am green with envy! But anyway check her out and then go check her site out.

P.S. I wish I had her shootsac cover!

Meet Me..

2009-02-11T10:03:00.000-08:00

So I can truly say this is me in my truest form. Lipglossless, ratty hair and all. I was taking pictures of my friend Erin Langford, who I must say is WAY more photogenic then I'll ever be, and we turned the camera for a minute. Nice to have a few pictures for business purposes and the coming website, but other than that. I think I'll stay back. So this is me. When and if you see me this is what I look like plus a few blemishes that photoshop took care of for me :) And I also like to point out the wedding ring you can barely see... for Jake.. since we always tease each other for who wears theirs the least.

Longing For Some Warmth

2009-02-07T09:28:00.000-08:00

These were posted on the other blog, so sorry if you've already seen them. Some people check one and not the other, so whatever.. we needed something new. I have been sort of buried in other things and not out much shooting. Editing and more editing with some paper writing sandwiched in there and spread with a bunch of children.. and not enough me time. So what makes it all better? Warm winter days where you can sit outside and kick your legs around. So covet kissing their cute cheeks, going to have a bunch more to post of others soon. Peace out.

The Always Gorgeous Juliette

2009-02-02T08:19:00.000-08:00

This is one of my favorites of my beautiful bride this weekend. What a great experience a wedding day and ceremony is! How lucky to have so obviously married your best friend, I wish I could witness that every weekend. Although if I did I would definitely break my new heels in before hand :)

All Ya Need Is Love

2009-01-25T20:57:00.000-08:00

Since I have been on the internet for pretty much the whole day I thought, hey what is another few minutes? Blame it all on my in laws for going out of town. We have nowhere to go and no one to see! Thus, I am stuck here ON THE COMPUTER working. If I can't sit and relax and eat someone else's food, I guess I must finish things.
I just couldn't help posting some more of these photos. I sort of get OCD about each shoot and can't leave it alone until it's all I think I can make it. I am going to leave you with the words to a song I love. I was listening to it last night while doing dishes and I just love the words. I also love how she portrays wrinkles as stories of her life, which is an amazing. (However I will still put on my wrinkle cream tonight...) I love the thought of knowing one another that much and accepting the messes we have in our heads and still being together. That is what love and life is about. Having someone accept you and love you who you are without all the expectations and happy faces that we often have to put on in our everyday interactions. Someone to know how all those lines on your face got there (one name-Piper).

The Story.. Brandi Carlile

All of these lines across my face
Tell you the story of who I am
So many stories of where I've been
And how I got to where I am
But these stories don't mean anything
When you've got no one to tell them to
It's true...I was made for you
I climbed across the mountain tops
Swam all across the ocean blue
I crossed all the lines and I broke all the rules
But baby I broke them all for you
Because even when I was flat broke
You made me feel like a million bucks
You do
I was made for you
You see the smile that's on my mouth
It's hiding the words that don't come out
And all of my friends who think that I'm blessed
They don't know my head is a mess
No, they don't know who I really am
And they don't know what
I've been through like you do
And I was made for you...
All of these lines across my face
Tell you the story of who I am
So many stories of where I've been
And how I got to where I am
But these stories don't mean anything
When you've got no one to tell them to
It's true...I was made for you

True Snowboarders Don't Get Cold

2009-01-22T14:04:00.000-08:00

As opposed to me that is a self proclaimed now ex snow boarder. "Snowboarders don't get cold," she says. And she didn't! Ok, one thing that is so shocking to me about this business is the friendships that are formed, I love everyone I have worked with, but especially these two. What an awesome couple. And a perfect location for them, it was so fun, but us wanna be's froze! And seriously, Juliette, you definitely should try out for America's Next Top Model! ( Inside joke)
A special thanks to Erin Langford, whom is becoming a good friend of mine, for your company, support and some great pictures as always.
Here are a few. I have seriously not even gone through them all the way yet and already there are so many I love so here is the tip of the iceberg. Thanks Julie and Jared for being so awesome and so hot.

It Must Be Love

2009-01-22T13:42:00.001-08:00

I'm in love, it's official. This is my new significant other that I got a little bit ago.. she is fabulous. I guess since she is a she and I am in love with her, I might possibly be swinging the other way. Either way just thought I'd introduce you to her.

Sundance

2009-01-15T21:57:00.000-08:00

I went up to Park City today and I walked down main street to get some ideas about an up coming shoot and Sundance was starting up so I basically walked up and down the street with the paparazzi. It was so fun! And hilarious! Too bad I didn't see any stars I could have really upped my print pricing for that!

These two shots are for my bride-stick yourself in these shots.

He's One!

2009-01-13T21:44:00.000-08:00

In Celebration Of His B-Day week, Here Are Some More.

2009-01-09T22:20:00.000-08:00

I have sort of had some down time after the Christmas rush and wedding anticipation so I figure I will fully take advantage of my opportunities to take picts of my peanut and post them! So if you are sick of his sweet face, YOU ARE NUTTS!

The one without the hat, bless his heart, but I think he looks like an old man. Not sure if it's the old man shirt or not. Any how I still want to kiss his cheeks from morning til night.
P.S. Thank you thank you for the comments.. the crickets are chirping a little less. But hey, at least we have winter crickets. I do love the sound of them in the summer.

I Just Can't Get Enough

2009-01-07T23:43:00.000-08:00

What else would I be doing at the wee hours of the morning but looking at my peanut's face! And blogging of course. He turns a year next week and I guess I am getting sentimental and making sure I have some documentation of it... So done and done, documented. I just want to kiss those sweet cheeks until they fall off!

Done

2009-01-04T21:59:00.001-08:00

So now that the holidays are over, breaks are over, the new year has come can it be summer now? Winter with kids is not very exciting. Oh how I long for the boarding days at Utah State when winter was heaven, however, I am sort of done. I can last a little bit longer, but I hope it goes by fast. I long for days of play dates at the park and running in the heat. I was going through these photos of our family trip to California to give to my sister in law, Jen, and it so made me excited for the spring to come! But, for now, back to real life of work everyday for Jake and school for us all (or at least the ones crazy enough to be enrolled). So hopefully amidst all the online assignments and tedious textbook reading I will still find time for you dear, sweet blog. Maybe if more people start to comment (people do actually visit to some degree....), I will make it a priority, however until that happens you are going to have to take back seat to my multiple internet classes. So maybe people will start commenting and making me feel popular so I have reason for being irresponsible with my education... Much Love!

The Rest!

2009-01-03T14:03:00.000-08:00

I finished these this weekend so I thought I would post some more. I am quite happy with them, we just did them a few days before Christmas in freezing weather in about a ten foot radius, my kids and hubby waiting in the car, it was a mini session to say the least! Paul, well he didn't stop moving for one second! We enjoyed seeing our friends for this short time while they were in town. It's so nice to keep getting more and more experience, mainly the editing is cutting in half every time, so that is nice. But it is amazing the amount of time me and Mr. Mac spend together. Good thing he is so good to me! I shot this shoot with my 28-75 2.8 and I am really pleased with the sharpness and light overall that it has, it took me a minute to find the sweet spot that I like it at, but.. I think I conquered it. Just FYI, for those of you who care! I also changed my focus mode to focus priority and I got a lot better shots, it was nice to not have to weed out ones that were out of focus and they seemed in better focus overall. You know, FYI for those Nikonians friends of mine :)

If I Did Make Them...

2009-01-01T10:23:00.000-08:00

I don't believe it'd be a proper blog without wishing you the most for the new year. So welcome, new year of 2009. I, like my spouse, am not too keen on News Years Resolutions because it seems like they are forgotten within weeks. Although I can't help but to let it cross my mind, if I DID believe in them whole heartedly, what would they be? Well, for starters my main priority and biggest goal this year is to (finally) graduate from college. That will be done this year, so it's a pretty special year for me. I also have planned on doing a half marathon, mostly because I have almost done a bunch but just decided I didn't care to do the whole shabang, running most everyday has been enough for me. But this year.. hey why not? I mean I should be able to officially say I have done one. Also, I want to join a road biking group this year so I have some biker buddies. I think I may have found that in my long lost friend Mark, so now I just have to gather some courage to throw myself into that. As for photography, I don't really know.. I want to get better and have fun, and hopefully that will entail some money. My life is pretty complaintless and I just want to keep it that way. I have so so so many wonderful people in my life that I really can't ask for much more. The last year brought on a lot of really great things and a lot of growth on my own personal part that as long as I keep getting better as a person, a thinker, a mother, a wife, a friend, a scholar, a photographer, a cook, an athlete, and hopefully something more I'll add this year, than I think I'll be pretty well off and don't think written in stone resolutions will really be that necessary. Just keep on keeping on bettering myself and hopefully a few of the great people around me.

A Few More Actual Goals:

To find a maid, a makeup artist, and hairstylist that are free and can accomplish the get ready part in 15 minutes, or the span of an episode of Max & Ruby.

Diet Coke to be made full of great nutrients.

For pregnancies (no.. not now, but this year probably) to be enjoyable, and comfortable, and full of energy.

It would also be nice if the Band Of Horses would come out with three or four (or more, I am not picky) more albums of equal or better amazingness of their priors.

Also I am hoping this year someone invents a black nail polish that will last more than a day through dish washing, bum changing, floor cleaning, laundry, and hand washing after hand washing. Us housewives have to trendy and edgy too, so.. someone please make my year by blessing me with cute hands. Ok... dark brown would do too if black is too much to ask.

It Could Be Worse

2008-12-29T12:07:00.000-08:00

I tell ya, staying at home with two kids is not the easiest thing in the world, but it could be worse. Look at this little (almost two toothed face!). Teeth and almost walking! I am so privileged to be able to be with these little kids all day everyday. Even if for THE LIFE OF ME I can not get my house to stay clean for more than two hours. You know you are OCD about it when all you want to do is leave the house so it stays clean, but again, it could be worse.
Anyways, sorry for the nudity I just think the little baby cottage cheese bums couldn't be more endearing as well as the uneven new teeth attached to the huge smiles. Being infatuated with your children is the best.

A Few For Now

2008-12-28T10:57:00.000-08:00

I tell you what, there is not much I want to do after Christmas, but it's nice to have a break and re start with a fresh set of eyes. Meet the Bankheads, our good friends. He and Jake met on their missions and they have been biking soul mates ever since. Well, until he moved to Kentucky. There may be some tears shed this summer when Jake needs a biking buddy, but I might enjoy him around on Saturday mornings secretly. Anyways, I have only peeked myself into this freezing shoot a few days before Christmas and here is what I have so far. Once the disaster that we used to call our living room is cleaned up, there will be much more!

P.S. I'm not really a fan of the borders, what do ya think?.. Thought I'd give it a try.

Ho Ho Ho Ho

2008-12-24T20:45:00.000-08:00

Here is wishing you get all the pixels, glass, or pods that is on your wish list this Christmas, and may Santa give you a quick pose.

In True Holiday Spirit

2008-12-23T10:21:00.000-08:00

You can't have a picture blog without Christmas tree pictures, can you? No way, thus my friend Ashley's gorgeous tree that was picture worthy, or maybe since I was in such the holiday spirit from hanging with my dear friends that I couldn't help myself. Either way, MERRY CHRISTMAS! Thanks for visiting me here and I hope you love your holiday!

2008-12-21T21:58:00.000-08:00

My favorite thing in my house, the windows! And only 3 more doors to open until Christmas!!

2008-12-21T21:52:00.000-08:00

So tonight over at my in laws Jake got Beck to take steps! It's so cool, but so sad. I seriously can't believe my second child is about to walk, I swear he was just born. This picture was taken in the summer when he started to crawl. In an instant they are not babies anymore. I can feel the day soon coming when I have no babies and am nostalgic for the hectic days of changing diapers. Ah sweet peanut.

MMM.. Snow..... YUM

2008-12-19T13:39:00.000-08:00

This cute little guy was tied up next to Big City Soup the other day. He only stopped eating the snow to look at me and the wind was blowing his hair out of his eyes. I think he's adorable.

The Chizats

2008-12-15T13:46:00.000-08:00

I bet I now know what the best thing about having me as a sister is: instant three hour family pictures! Walk outside the building you work at for lunch.. done and done.

Max & Co.

2008-12-14T23:43:00.000-08:00

This little one was so stinkin' cute! I was basically his favorite person in the world :)

I had a great time at this shoot, they are some awesome people and good sports.
And thanks Sharstin for the referral!

Mrs. Blue Eyes

2008-12-12T10:00:00.000-08:00

I have learned two very important things from this shoot: 1) Internet mutes the colors of my pictures immensely and 2) Beautiful people really make me look good, therefore I will post a lot of pictures of them on my site so I look good :)

Not that I need to point it out, but this little girl is THE MOST BEAUTIFUL LITTLE GIRL EVER. I mean, next to mine, but she competes for it.

You may remember these:

My Village

2008-12-10T08:42:00.000-08:00

They say it takes a village to raise a child-well this is part of my village. These are our good friends that I just love and my children's same-age best friends. I just love the first one and the way the light bounced off his drooling lips.

Preview

2008-12-09T08:42:00.000-08:00

I'm almost done with these, but I just thought this one was so fitting because it was FREEZING. Little Jade's nose is super pink in all the pictures. I have one today in the snow and I think we will all be purple!

Where I Hang My Pots And Pans (And Pose My Kids)

2008-12-05T22:56:00.000-08:00

So this wall is in my kitchen. I mean, not to brag, but how cool is that?? She was more than willing to pose with her new bow and all, ready for dance class. Our million year old house is sometimes a pain in the butt and all, but it does have an instant cool backdrop built in.
On a side note tomorrow morning I am taking our dear friend's family pictures. The one who teaches me photoshop and answers all my many, and often obvious questions pertaining to the digital imaging world. Oh, and they have the most beautiful daughter that I am overly stoked to photograph.

We Hate Jeeps!

2008-12-04T20:52:00.000-08:00

That is basically my inherited family moto. Meet my family. My wonderful sister I never had, but now do. Can you believe these eyelashes?? They are amazing. It was frigidly cold but Emmy still managed to do some model poses for me. So yeah.. meet a few of my favorite people.

Cache

2008-12-03T08:00:00.000-08:00

This little boy belongs to one of my best gals! She is the most darling new mom and I love her guts. I don't have a lot of babies on here so I thought I'd post a lot because he is so cute he makes me look good. I love ya Mind!

Weekend Update

2008-11-29T22:52:00.000-08:00

I so love my boy! Caution : Many pictures to prove it! And I love this wagon. Kris and I used to ride in it when we were wee tikes. My mom has had it since we were little so it's pretty cool. This was a little spur of the moment shoot at a warehouse in Ogden that my family has that I did while I was hanging out with my mom there. Anything that has him in it is going to turn out wonderful in my opinion.
Yesterday was my birthday in a sense I used some birthday pre$ent$ to buy me a battery pack for my sister 300 and so I am way excited to get some quick shots and have some long time batteryage.. which will come in handy this summer on all the great trips we don't have planned, but will..(I hope.)
Also this weekend I taught Piper to shoot the D60, it was awesome, she can totally do it all by herself, it made me so proud. She was sort of obsessed with it for awhile. I think I dug myself a hole with that one, now she is going to think that she can just grab it and use it for her own good...so the sister will stay hidden. She also visited Santa and was going to tell him to bring her a camera before she got shy and wouldn't speak to him or look at him
(after we sat in line forever). So that was my holiday summed up, minus a NOT 5 mile Turkey Trot and some intense early morning shopping. Good times had by all.

AAAHHHH

2008-11-25T21:42:00.000-08:00

Here is small preview of Baby McFadden... Much more to come!

US.

2008-11-22T09:23:00.000-08:00

A nice lady offered to take this picture for me when I was taking pictures of Piper spontaneously not too long ago. I was sort of like.. ah I guess...(not really) and she said.. "these are the ones you'll remember". I just ran into it and it completely thrilled me. She was so right. Thanks.. nice lady going to eat at Union Grill. This is us on an everyday occasion.. I MEAN minus the awesome hair, high heels and designer jeans with a girly fluffy silky top and belt.. oh and lipstick that I usually sport on an everyday basis, except this day :) ( I have my sarcastic face on right now.)

Looks Can Be Deceiving

2008-11-17T21:33:00.000-08:00

Ah.. what a sweet little face.. Who would guess the amount and duration of temper tantrums she was capable of throwing? Well let me just tell you-that sweet little face is capable of much noise and not so sweetness, to put it nicely. I think possibly today she was the death of me. Along with me I think we almost lost the baby too in her mayhem. But thankfully we all survived to live another day. While Jake was at school we went on a Diet Coke run and she thought this door was pretty fancy thanks to it's PINKNESS, so thank you pink door for making it possible to get some semi decent pictures of the girl whom has been permanently pissed at the lens in front of my face recently.
-Note the head band that has been stuck on her head all day thanks to the Fancy Nancy books we can't stop reading. Nancy always has head bands on, hence, so does she. Thanks for the great birthday books long lost friend, we haven't put them down!

Picture Of The Day

2008-11-16T21:15:00.000-08:00

I wish I could have a photographer follow me around all the time.. or I wish I had free hands and a remote for my camera, so I could capture all the moments like this. But for now I will do my best to capture them for other people and try to sneak behind the camera sometimes and hope I don't turn out looking ridiculous. I think pictures like this should be replacing pictures of our kids, no offense, because it's the core of what matters. And have the kids circling around these pictures.

Once Upon A Time

2008-11-15T11:17:00.000-08:00

I was here.....

With this....

The hottest couple ever. Ah young love smacking you in the face. They are so cute together and so happy in love.

Santa Monica Beach

2008-11-13T09:00:00.000-08:00

K now seriously, can I go back? This is my cute niece at Santa Monica beach. You have no idea how cold that water was, the kids could handle it much more than I could!

Little Boy Love

2008-11-11T20:48:00.000-08:00

This pretty much sums it up. My little mama's boy (or so I will keep telling myself). I so love this little guy. He is so easy and so happy. Jake took this picture sometime on our trip, not sure when, but despite my recent lack of picture of myself it is sort of sweet to see ones like this. Anyway this is my first photo edited on the Mac and I am such a fan! It's so fast and efficient and the screen is so clear. Now I am even more stuck in front of a computer :)

2008-11-11T08:48:00.000-08:00

There are just so many from this little stud that I love. He is so stinkin' cute. He is seriously going to be a heart breaker and I am pretty sure he knows it. But what do expect.. look at his parents! I may be out of commission, but let's hope not, due to the computer switch over. Welcome me to the MAC world! Best birthday present ever!

Personal Shoot

2008-11-10T15:15:00.000-08:00

Isn't he a good sport! Finally some pictures for my walls! I have all these wonderful frames that are awaiting pictures and finally I have had some opportunities to have some of my family. We had the best weekend, Jazz game, Thai food, shopping, what could be better? Oh wait-dinner at the in laws still to come... it does get better! Anyways I appreciate this little spur of the moment pull over photo shoot!

For a change: