head first photo

Spring 2012

2012-02-11T21:57:00.001-07:00

Spring is here!

The almond blossoms are blooming.

The grape vines are awakening.

The seeds of peas, beans, tomatoes, melons, squash and cucumber are spending their first night out in the soil tonight in anticipation of warmer days.

The box turtle, Lilo, has left her underground winter burrow and will soon meet the babies that hatched after she hibernated.

The hens are laying more eggs.

The children yearn to be in the fresh air.

The house exhales her stale winter air through open windows and doors.

For every tortuous summer, we earn a blessed Spring like this.

Spring is here!

Good Morning Sunshine!

2012-01-20T21:30:00.001-07:00

I usually do my photo shoots in the late afternoon as the sun whispers a warm farewell to the day.

Today, I got to spend the morning with an adorable 4 year old as the sun filled the sky with yellow noise.

What a great way to start the day!

Kate’s personality is as bright as the colors the morning had to offer.

If she is looking a little familiar, this is my 4th time to take her photos! I think I could count her as one of my children now, no?

She has grown up so much since that pudgy foot, no teeth stage. Now she is full of words and songs and SPUNK. I nearly died when she sang me the abc song.

She must keep her family in stitches.

Love you little girl.

PS Her mommy makes the cutest, yummiest cupcakes. She does custom orders. Will post a link soon!

And a Merry CHRISTmas to all

2011-12-25T08:16:00.001-07:00

Bitsy And Radar. [Arizona Miniature Pinscher and Pet Photographer]

2011-12-17T17:21:00.001-07:00

She is 11. She does not see well. She does not hear much. She has been filling special places in many hearts. She is adored. She adores. She is Bitsy.

She is 1. She is safe. She is lively. She is a companion. She softens sadness. She is adored. She adores. She is Radar.

Two Words. BLUE EYES. {Arizona Children’s Photographer}

2011-12-17T16:39:00.001-07:00

The end.

Turning one, all angles. (Arizona Children’s Photographer)

2011-12-08T09:44:00.001-07:00

Just so you can appreciate the beauty of this one year old, I present all angles.

Well, not all angles, but at least a few.

Yep.

Each angle=adorable.

Happy 1st Birthday Beautiful Baby!

Posted a few of her sibling sidekicks as well. Just couldn’t help myself.

Expressions

2011-12-07T21:28:00.001-07:00

I’d much rather have been holding, burping, snuggling, smelling this beautiful newborn baby, but alas,

my job as a photographer is to take pictures so Mommies and Daddies and Grandparents and siblings

can remember how tiny and precious a newborn baby is and how many expression they can have.

I loved each expression of this princess.

Especially the last one!!!

Thanks to her Aunt and mommy for being my assistants. Baby party at Jen’s house!!!

Talkin’ {Arizona Children’s Photographer}

2011-12-01T07:23:00.001-07:00

I am going to let the pictures do all the talkin’!

Yep, that’s what I am talkin’ about.

Beauty, brains and a darling personality.

Not to mention a love of posing for the camera!

Loving Love {Arizona Family Photographer)

2011-11-18T22:07:00.001-07:00

Neither rain, nor snow, nor art festival could keep the love from shining!

This family was jam packed with love, talent and character.

From baseball, softball, football, and flag football to sports mom and business man—all the bases are covered.

They are easy going, flexible and a real pleasure to get to know.

Thank you for sharing a wonderful evening. You are AWESOME!

One Word.

2011-11-16T15:46:00.001-07:00

Precious.

No Self Control {Arizona Family Photography}

2011-11-12T22:13:00.001-07:00

Have

self-control

and

should

be in

bed

but I just can’t help posting at least these 2 images of these beautiful children.

And now I am back, rested and still trying to control myself.

This time I am trying to control how many pics to put on this preview.

I am drowning in adorableness. Is adorableness even word?

Well, it is now!

Things I don’t want to forget about this night:

Cute babies turn into cute toddlers.

Bottom scooting is underrated.

Speaking of scooting, 6 years olds are to be wrapped in bubble wrap before riding scooters the week before the photo shoot.

A big brother’s job is to pass down excellent sword fighting skills.

A princess who offers to share her princess slippers will have loyal subjects FOREVER.

LOVE is what it is all about.

Thanks again for allowing me the privilege of photographing your beautiful family this year!

Big Giggles. {Arizona Family Photographer}

2011-11-07T13:10:00.001-07:00

When you have parents who can giggle,

you get kids that can giggle.

This family was so fun to photograph because not only did they bring cool props (Grandma’s vintage quilt, old ladder, chalk board, bucket, big comfy couch),

but they came and had a great time. Even the dog had fun.

Family pictures can be so stressful, but I loved how easily they laughed together. They laughed at all my jokes and all their jokes—it was awesome.

I am sure there is a saying somewhere that says, “Families that giggle together, stay together.”

A BIG thank you for a very fun photo shoot. Love you guys!

PS—Mom says anyone can borrow her props, just let me know and we can make arrangements for you to pick them up.

Halloween 2011 Sneak Peek 2 {Arizona Halloween Costume Photographer}

2011-10-29T12:16:00.001-07:00

Get ready for a boat load of cute Halloween costume photos.

Ready

Set

GO!!!

(Have I told you lately that I LOVE my job?)

Halloween 2011 Sneak Peek 1 {Arizona Halloween Costume Photographer}

2011-10-29T11:14:00.001-07:00

So just when I thought photographing children couldn’t be more rewarding, I had 2 darling groups that were SO. MUCH. FUN!

Rapunzel and Red Fairy couldn’t have been more cute AND can you believe that Grandma made both costumes?

I am dying over the details of the darling dresses.

Yay for Grandmas that love Halloween!

Kisses to the sweet sisters!

Year 4 (East Valley Family Photographer)

2011-10-24T09:28:00.001-07:00

This is year 4 that I have been photographing this beautiful family.

Not only are they beautiful, but they are smart, funny, sweet, great huggers, inquisitive, great listeners and very patient.

I know that the yearly family pictures can be dreaded and stressful, but this couple pulls it together like it is an ice cream party.

Sure there are a few hiccups, but I loved hearing Dad’s jokes and Mom’s gentle voice telling each of her children that they are beautiful.

I loved hearing the children beg to explore and the diplomatic discussion as to where they would have their reward dinner.

I loved their bright colors that express their personalities.

I could go on and on, but I will let the pictures tell you why I love that they chose me one more year to document their bond as a family.

Love you guys!

Once again, the main family shots are being saved for the big Christmas card reveal. I know I will be looking for mine in the mail!

Halloween 2011 {East Valley Halloween Costume Photographer}

2011-10-20T09:55:00.001-07:00

I am the first to admit that I am not the most creative Halloween costume mom.

I usually wait until the day of and then put something together.

My kids seem to care most about the candy anyway and because candy amount only correlates to door knocking and door bell ringing and not creativity, my kids always come home with way more than any child (or parent) needs in a lifetime.

Anyways, because I am not that creative, I LOVE to see other parents who are.

I have friends who have the next 5 years planned out.

So, if you are one of “those” parents or you just want a fun reminder of this year’s costume, let’s commemorate it with beautiful, vivid images.

(They make great decorations for years to come.)

I am doing a mini costume shoot again this year in the Haunted Forest.

Sadly, I think the Haunted Forest will be gone next year as I see them pulling the trees out and clearing land.

But, it is still looking very spooky this year and the field of corn right next to it is perfect now too, so we have two background possibilities.

So, for $15 you get a 5-10 minute mini session and 3 high resolution jpeg digital negatives. Sibling discount=$5 off one mini session.

Where: Haunted Forest in East Valley. (I will give you directions when you book)

When:

Thursday, October 28th

4:30

4:40

4:50

5:00

5:10

5:20

Friday, October, 29th

4:30 SM booked

4:40 SM booked

4:50

5:00

5:10

5:20

“Boo”k them now!

Pioneer Trek 2011

2011-10-19T10:02:00.000-07:00

On this 3 day trip up into the mountains of Forest Lakes, Arizona for a pioneer experience for our youth, I learned many things.

I learned that Pioneers sacrificed so much for the future generations that they would never meet.

I learned that three days was barely enough time to give me a taste of those sacrifices.

I learned that THIS generation would make THAT generation proud.

I learned that cold nights and warm days are refreshing for the soul.

I learned that people, adult people and kid people, are good and kind and strong and generous.

I learned that beauty does not begin with mascara, make-up and a flat iron. Beauty begins with a warm smile and charitable hands.

I learned that a crumb cake can taste like manna from Heaven.

I learned that miracles still happen today.

I learned that I have a loving Heavenly Father who answers a mother’s prayer.

I learned that I need my Savior more than ever.

I learned that we CAN do hard things.

I learned that the noise of 40 wagon wheels crushing small stones to dust is a sound more beautiful than any song because it is the sound of growing testimonies in the silent heart.

Turning Four! {East Valley Birthday and Family Portrait Photographer}

2011-10-10T11:43:00.001-07:00

Turning four is so much fun, especially when you get to commemorate it with your family on a perfect Arizona evening in your group coordinated outfits at a real cool place with water, trees and lots of things to climb on.

Well, maybe fun is stretching it—but it makes for great pics!

Happy Birthday little boy with the twinkly blue eyes!

Sneak Peek 5 {Arizona School Portrait and Head Shot Photographer}

2011-10-07T20:11:00.001-07:00

A beauty with a beautiful up do. . .a perk of beauty school.

How many times can I say BEAUTIFUL?!

So there!

2011-09-30T19:08:00.001-07:00

Some days you just feel like saying,

“SO THERE!”

Isn’t she the cutest?

School Portraits 2011 Sneak Peek 4 {East Valley School Portrait and Head Shot Photographer}

2011-09-30T11:25:00.001-07:00

Yes, more, more and more darling faces!

AND a baby too—oops. I couldn’t resist!

One more day for school portraits or head shots! See dates here: http://www.headfirstphotobyshauna.com/2011/09/school-portraits-sneak-peeks-more-dates.html

Like a Diamond {Arizona Senior Photographer}

2011-09-26T16:01:00.001-07:00

I have known these beautiful brown eyes since the day they were born to very dear friends nearly 18 years ago.

I have known that smile as it rested on her face as a child.

I have known that sometimes those beautiful brown eyes have been full of tears and the smile tempered by sadness.

I have known that there are many who have loved and comforted and nurtured and given her wings.

I have known that she would grow up to be a wonderful young woman but I wasn’t ready for her actually do that.

Grow up.

And how!

She is resilient and brilliant and a beautiful Child of God.

Your future is as bright as your smile.

Love you my little Kika.

And to this little gem, you had better not grow up too fast. My heart can’t take it!

Please stop making me cry now.

Love you girls. xoxo

Sneak Peek 3 School Portraits {East Valley School Portrait and Head Shot Photographer)

2011-09-24T09:14:00.001-07:00

Some more for last night! They were killing me with their cuteness, sweetness and awesomeness.

It is not too late to get school portraits or head shots done! Check here for dates.

School Portraits Sneak Peeks, MORE DATES and Head Shots for Grown Ups!!! {East Valley School Portrait and Head Shot Photographer}

2011-09-23T09:42:00.001-07:00

Aren’t these kids the best looking kids! I loved every minute of chatting and photographing these kids. Their interests and talents vary from choir to soccer to football to band to tennis to skate boarding to eating mom’s cookies!

And because I loved it so much and because people are asking, I am adding two new dates AND. . . . .wait for it. . . .

for the first time I am offering the same packages for any adult for a head shot.

If you need a nice head shot for business, personal or your social media needs, this deal is just for you!

So tell yo Mama, tell yo friends and tell yo neighbors!

PRINT AND DIGITAL PACKAGE:

For ~~$30~~ $25 you get:

Mini photo shoot (approximately 5-10min.) with several poses!
Access to a private web album to view and choose your pictures!
1 high resolution image with print release for additional printing and/or use on your blog, website, Facebook etc. to be sent by mail!
Images printed at a professional lab on Kodak Professional Supra Endura VC Digital Paper. This E-Surface Paper is by far this lab’s most popular paper. “Accurate color, realistic saturation, excellent neutral flesh reproduction and brighter colors are just a few of the attributes to describe E-Surface paper. With this paper don’t worry about prints fading. The standard archival value is 100 years in home display and 200 years in dark storage.”
Custom text to add year, name, school, grade etc. (Optional)
4 portrait sheet choices (any pose, any size)!

Eight minis= 1 sheet
Eight wallets = 1 sheet
Two 5x7 = 1 sheet
One 8x10 = 1 sheet

DIGITAL ONLY PACKAGE:

For $15 you get:

Mini photo shoot (approximately 5-10min.) with several poses!
Access to a private web album to view and choose your pictures!
Custom text to add year, name, school, grade etc. (Optional)
3 high resolution images with print release for personal printing at the printer of your choice and/or use on your blog, website, Facebook etc.! JPEG images will be sent by E-mail.

Location:

The photo shoot will take place at a location near Signal Butte and Elliot in Mesa.

Extras:

If you would like additional high resolution jpeg images, it will be $5 per image.

If you would like more portraits in addition to the Print and Digital package, it will be $5 per sheet.

If you would like black and whites, sepia or other editing, it will be $5 per image.

Images printed on METALLIC PAPER--$5 per image. (“Endura Metallic features a unique pearlescent surface. Endura offers natural looking flesh tones, sharp details, and beautifully saturated colors. Plus, Endura is strong - resistant to tearing and curling without any additional lamination. This paper uses a patented combination of film and laminate layers that result in striking, three-dimensional, lasting images on an ultra-bright background.
With this paper don’t worry about prints fading. The standard archival value is 100 years in home display and 200 years in dark storage.”

Questions? Email me at headfirstphotobyshauna@gmail.com

Sorry, no sibling discounts.

Cash payment due at beginning of photo session.

Session times:

Thursday, September 29

4:30 RT booked

4:40 RT booked

4:50 MG booked

5:00 booked

5:10 booked

5:20 Open

5:30 Open

5:40 Open

5:50 booked

6:00 JB booked

6:10 JB booked

Friday, October 7

4:30 Open

4:40 Open

4:50 Open

5:00 TA booked

5:10 Open

5:20 Open

5:30 Open

5:40 Open

5:50 Open

6:00 Open

6:10 Open

Fall Dates 2011

2011-09-21T14:24:00.001-07:00

September

24 Sat. Sept. 5:00 pm booked

29 Thu. Sept 5:15 pm booked

30 Fri. Sept 5:15 pm booked

October

1 Sat. Oct. 5:00 pm

6 Thu. Oct. 5:00 pm

7 Fri. Oct. 5:00 pm booked

8 Sat. Oct. 5:00 pm booked

20 Thu. Oct. 4:45 pm booked

22 Sat. Oct. 4:45 pm booked

28 Fri. Oct 4:45 pm booked

November

5 Sat. Nov. 4:00 p.m. booked

11 Fri. Nov. 4:30 pm

12 Sat. Nov. 4:30 pm booked

18 Fri. Nov. 4:15 pm booked

19 Sat. Nov. 4:15 pm

30 Wed. Nov. 4:15 pm

December

3 Sat. Dec. 4:00 pm booked

These are all my dates for the year.

I will be opening up shop again in January 2012. After-Christmas family shoots are still fun. Who doesn’t love getting a little mail AFTER Christmas?! And seniors—graduation is around the corner.

View current prices here.

School Portrait Peeks Fall 2011 {School Portrait Photographer Mesa, Chandler, Gilbert, Gold Canyon, Scottsdale, Higley Arizona}

2011-09-19T08:53:00.001-07:00

How I love little boy smiles that reveal dimples and travel all the way up to those sparkling eyes!

He is thinking about his Mommy’s chocolate chip cookies.

No wonder his smile is so big!

One more day and more times for School Portraits!

2011-09-16T12:48:00.001-07:00

Because of so many requests, I added Wednesday, September 21st. Look here for available times. Toddlers and pre-school age children ok too! Email me with your desired time.

Don’t forget to follow me on my Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/pages/Head-First-Photo-by-Shauna/118952817184?ref=ts as I will probably start posting pics there first.

Thanks ya’ll!

One more day and more times for School Portraits!

2011-09-16T12:45:00.001-07:00

Because of so many requests, I added Wednesday, September 21st. Look here for available times. Toddlers and pre-school age children ok too! Email me with your desired time.

Don’t forget to follow me on my Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/pages/Head-First-Photo-by-Shauna/118952817184?ref=ts as I will probably start posting pics there first.

Thanks ya’ll!

Same Cook, Same Look, New Location!

2011-09-15T16:19:00.000-07:00

My new location is www.headfirstphotobyshauna.com. See you there. I mean here. That used to be there. Awww heck, I think you know what I mean!

If you subscribe to Google reader and still want to follow, subscribe with the new address.

I am still in the same place of Face Book. https://www.facebook.com/pages/Head-First-Photo-by-Shauna/118952817184?ref=ts

See you around.

Here.

School Portraits Shauna Style {Mesa, Gilbert, Chandler, Gold Canyon, Scottsdale, Higley School Portrait Photographer}

2011-09-08T09:53:00.001-07:00

Most kids don’t love getting their school portraits done. And why would they?

Imagine the line up in front of a canvas backdrop, the pressure to smile good enough to make mom cry with happiness when she sees it 2 weeks later, a big flash and 10 seconds of fame in front of the camera with your whole class watching your performance.

Bleck.

That is why I love, love, love being able to go outside where kids thrive and crave to be even though it is still 103 degrees.

Their eyes sparkle in the natural light and the sun does pretty things to their skin and the fresh air is magical.

We we talk about their crushes and food and stuff.

And then I get amazing pictures like these.

I think I am in school portrait heaven.

And, I just might cry.

See available dates here:

PS These are for your personal use and most likely not allowed to be published in your school yearbook. Your kids will still be getting their photos taken on school picture day and that is the photo that will be in the yearbook. The pictures you and I take will be treasured keepsakes!

School Portraits Fall 2011

2011-09-05T11:00:00.001-07:00

Yes, it is this time of year again—SCHOOL PORTRAITS!!!!

Would you like to try something different than the traditional back-to-school portrait this year?

*Try my mini photo shoot on location with a beautiful outdoor, naturally lit backdrop and my amazing new Mercedes Lens.

Would you like to know how your child looks the moment before the picture is taken?

*Be there at the photo shoot to spot clean off the crumbs, tuck away the turkey tail and help coax out the adorable smile and laughter that makes your child so unique.

Would you like to have more flexibility in choosing your portrait package?

*Try my custom package where you decide which picture will be an 8x10, which will be a 5x7 and how many of each of those you will order.

Would you like to take the digital negatives and print them yourself?

*Try my digital only package and receive the high resolution images with print permission by email after you have selected them from your private web album and then take them to the printer of your choice.

Would you like to be able to remember which grade or year the picture was taken?

*Try my custom text feature where you can add name/school year/grade or message to your picture.

PRINT AND DIGITAL PACKAGE:

For ~~$30~~ $25 you get:

Mini photo shoot (approximately 5-10min.) with several poses!
Access to a private web album to view and choose your pictures!
1 high resolution image with print release for additional printing and/or use on your blog, website, Facebook etc. to be sent by mail!
Images printed at a professional lab on Kodak Professional Supra Endura VC Digital Paper. This E-Surface Paper is by far this lab’s most popular paper. “Accurate color, realistic saturation, excellent neutral flesh reproduction and brighter colors are just a few of the attributes to describe E-Surface paper. With this paper don’t worry about prints fading. The standard archival value is 100 years in home display and 200 years in dark storage.”
Custom text to add year, name, school, grade etc.
4 portrait sheet choices (any pose, any size)!

Eight minis= 1 sheet
Eight wallets = 1 sheet
Two 5x7 = 1 sheet
One 8x10 = 1 sheet

DIGITAL ONLY PACKAGE:

For $15 you get:

Mini photo shoot (approximately 5-10min.) with several poses!
Access to a private web album to view and choose your pictures!
Custom text to add year, name, school, grade etc.
3 high resolution images with print release for personal printing at the printer of your choice and/or use on your blog, website, Facebook etc.! JPEG images will be sent by E-mail.

Dates:

Wednesday, September 21st, Thursday September 22th and Friday September 23th with appointments

starting at 5:00 p.m. and last appointment 6:30 p.m. (See schedule below. . .)

Location:

The photo shoot will take place at a location near Signal Butte and Elliot in Mesa.

Extras:

If you would like more portraits in addition to the package, it will be $5 per sheet.

If you would like black and whites, sepia or other editing, it will be $5 per image.

Questions? Email me at headfirstphotobyshauna@gmail.com

Sorry, no sibling discounts.

Cash payment due at beginning of photo session.

Session times:

Wednesday, September 21

5:00 Open

5:10 Open

5:20 Open

5:30 Booked KW

5:40 Booked KW

5:50 Open

6:00 Open

6:10 Open

6:20 Open

6:30 Open

Thursday, September 22

5:00 CR booked

5:10 CR booked

5:20 CR booked

5:30 CR booked

5:40 MM booked

5:50 Open

6:00 WH booked

6:10 WH booked

6:20 WH booked

6:30 CR booked

Friday, September 23

5:00 BT booked

5:10 BT booked

5:20 LS booked

5:30 LS booked

5:40 LS booked

5:50 WH booked

6:00 WH booked

6:10 WH booked

6:20 JP booked

6:30 JP booked

See some of 2011 first session images. They totally rock!

Just a girl I know {Mesa, Higley, Chandler, Queen Creek, Gold Canyon, Scottsdale, Gilbert Teen and Family Photographer}

2011-08-14T16:13:00.001-07:00

This is just a girl I know.

I also know that she has the voice of an angel,

has many more musical talents,

has true beauty,

is a loyal friend,

is not afraid to try new things that are hard,

has a great family,

is kind,

is a thoughtful sister,

is a fun cousin,

is sweet 16,

a proud Auntie,

and has taught us a few new words—“jokes,” “solid,” “busting," ” “lolly,” and a few more.

Here is another girl I know.

She is smart

She is strong

She plays the piano beautifully

She lives in the pool, don’t ask to race her unless you want to lose

She has soft skin and freckles in just the right places

She is a loving daughter

She is a silly cousin

She is amazing

How am I so lucky to know such girls?

Chill OUT!

2011-07-29T12:01:00.001-07:00

I don’t know about you, but this summer seems so hot. Maybe it is because I am still in the middle of it and feels like there is no end in sight. Everyday I thank Heavenly Father for my working air conditioners (yes, plural. It takes two to cool off our house.)

The AC and water are the only way to beat the heat and so when I saw the theme for this week’s photo challenge at IHEARTFACES, I knew this image was the one to enter. I have it in color as well but felt a black and white conversion would boost the mood of the images. The guest judge thought so too! You should see the other great shots!!! Wow.

http://www.iheartfaces.com/2011/07/photo-challenge-winners-water/

Chill out everyone!

Prices and fine print

2011-07-01T12:57:00.000-07:00

I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream. I hear you screaming, so what will it be?

Single Scoop

$250

Includes:

1 hour session at a location of your choice
Post processing of your images
20 high-resolution jpeg images on disc with permission to print

Double Scoop

$300

Includes:

1 hour session at location of your choice
Post processing of your images
30-40 high-resolution jpeg images on disc with permission to print
Prints:

One 11x14 print on Fine Art Metallic Paper

Two 8x10 or 8x12 prints

Triple Scoop

$400

Includes:

1 hour session at location of your choice
Post processing of your images
Full session CD with most of the high-resolution jpeg images from photo shoot with permission to print
Prints:

One 16x20 print on Fine Art Metallic Paper

One 11x14 print

Two 8x10 or 8x12 prints

Note: There is a $25 non-refundable scheduling deposit. It will be deducted from the price of the photo shoot. It will cover one rescheduling occurrence, which if it occurs between Oct-Dec, may have to be postponed until after the new year as my dates are usually all booked during those months. Once I receive payment I will lock in your date.

Remainder of payment is due at time of session. Cash or check accepted.

A few notes on types of sessions--

Babies up to age 18 months:

Newborns are best shot within the first 10 days.

Photo shoots with older infants are much more successful when they have just learned to sit up and cannot escape! All other ages are still fun to shoot--we wouldn't want to forget first tooth, first giggle, first food, first step, first shiner etc.

Children:

Children may have changes of clothes as long as they are happy and willing! Though, pouty grouchy faces are quite endearing as well.

Engagement:

Changes of clothes or accessories are great (but be aware, depending on location, your changing room might be your car!). If you wish, bring props or items that might express who you are or if a place like an ice cream shop is who you are, let’s go there!

Families:

This is for immediate family only, but could include Grandparents. Please add $15 extra per person if your group is larger then 6 people.

School Portraits :

These mini sessions are seasonal. Watch for them to be announced on my Facebook page as well as on this site.

Graduating Seniors :

We can do up to 2 locations if they are near each other. Multiple changes of clothes, jewelry, sports stuff etc. ok!

Pets:

"Pet only" sessions can be done outdoors or in your home—or both.

Pets with group:

Add $15 per pet. Please bring a person or means to occupy them when they are not in the shoot.

Extras:

More photos from the session are often available at a cost of $30 per 5 high-resolution jpeg images.

$30 Proud Grandparent Copy. This is a copy with the same images you have chosen for yourself. Clients have print permission ONLY and are not allowed to make copies of the CD. Additional copies of your photo shoot make great gifts for Proud Grandparents/Aunts/Uncles/Friends etc.

Location: If you look on the bottom of this page, you will see a label column on the left hand side. These are a sample of some of the locations I have done photo shoots at. Some locations charge a fee. If you know of or have connections with another location or even a place that is special to you, let’s CHAT! Don’t forget your home. If you have great light in your home, a familiar place can produce some very relaxed and memorable images. Lifestyle sessions are amazing.

Travel fees apply if location is outside of Mesa/Chandler/Gilbert. Contact me for details.

Props: Yes, yes and yes! Skateboards, sports equipment, toy, balloons, giant sucker, motorcycle, old car, ice cream cone, cool couch or chair are all OK to bring. Let me know a head of time so I can get my brain going.

What to wear: Wear what is comfortable! If that means t-shirts, jeans and flip flops then do it. I do, however, have a few recommendations and don'ts. My camera loves color. If you really want to all wear white or black, throw in some color with accessories. Don’t be afraid of plaids and stripes. Layers are a great way of adding style, color and quick wardrobe changes. We most likely will be up and down on the ground, so keep that in mind.

Now, for a few don’ts—please don’t wear items with large logos or wording. It can be distracting. Ladies and little girls, please don’t ignore your fingernails. Chipped polish can be distracting and very time consuming to edit out. Everyone, please NO gum chewing. I know I sound like a teacher, but I don’t care how talented you think you are, you simply can’t hide it for long!

The Session:

Typically, a session lasts about 60-90 minutes depending on light, if you are doing silhouettes and the happiness factor of the subjects. If you would like silhouette shots, let me know so we can make the necessary arrangements.

Outdoor sessions generally take place around sunrise or the “golden” hour before sunset.

I do not expect perfectly behaved children and overly talkative teenagers. I do expect you to breathe. All the hard work of deciding location, wardrobe and eye shadow shade is done.

I do not expect everyone to look and smile at the camera every shot. Is that real life? Or is there a little teasing, tickling or a tantrum now and then? Relax and enjoy each other, it really comes thru. For realz!

Don’t be afraid to give me your ideas and also don’t be afraid if wonderful moments just “happen.”

And then you go out for ice cream, ‘cause everyone knows a great night ends with ice cream.

After the session:

After the session, while you are out eating ice cream, I retreat to my digital darkroom and work some magic. I LOVE this part and I spend a lot of time in post-processing to make your beautiful images even better. I usually wear a giant smile as I go thru the images and find the jewels--the jewels that show personality and character.

My color images are bright and vivid and my black and whites and sepias are emotional and moody. I am guessing that if you are here, you are aware of my style and like it.

Within a few days of the shoot, a sneak peek will be published on this photo blog and on Face Book. If you DO NOT want your names published, please let me know.

As a matter of courtesy, please use the link to this site or Head First Photo By Shauna Face Book page to share sneak peek images until you have received your disc. Web album images especially are very low resolution and don't provide clear and sharp pictures.

You will be able to review the images on a secure web album where you can select the number of jpeg images that come with your session. Several of the images will have been selected for black and white, sepia, or other editing. There is no extra charge for those.

Once you have selected the your high resolution jpeg images, they will be burned onto a CD/DVD (usually takes 1-2 weeks) and will be available for pick up or mailed to you. You have "print permission" to develop the images at the printer of your choosing.

The images will stay in the web album for 15 days after I send you the invitation to view them.

The Disc:

Computer screens are not created equally. For example, the images I edit on my computer look great and print great, but, if I look at them on our other computer screen, there is a drastic difference. Bleck. I hope your screen is not bleck. This is the risk I take when I sell the digital negatives instead of having clients only order prints thru me. Just know that I trust my screen and hope that you will be satisfied with the final images you receive from the printer of your choice.

Just as computer screens are not created equally, neither are printing companies. At this time, my favorite printer is Mpix. They have great quality and are not much more expensive than drugstore or warehouse prices.

If you are ordering prints over the internet, make sure to upload the images to the printer in the FULL RESOLUTION option. You may get a resolution warning if you have not done this.

Please check your disc as soon as you get it and let me know if you have any problems with it. Any issues not brought to my attention with in the first week of receiving it will result in a delay on my part in resolving it, especially during the Fall months (Sept.- Dec.).

Developing & Cropping:

Be aware when choosing photos to be printed that it is VERY IMPORTANT to check the cropping feature.

ALWAYS check to see that you like how the photo will be cropped or you may end up with important stuff chopped off! (Sizes least affected by cropping--3.5x5, minis, wallets, 4x6, 5x7, 6x9, 8x12, 12x18, 16x24. Sizes most affected by cropping 8x10, 8.5x11, 16x20)

Personally, the 8x12s are one of my favorite when I don’t want to lose part of the image due to cropping. You might have to look a little harder, but there are 8x12 frames out there and they are totally worth it!!

Printing through Head First Photo is also available.

A la Carte Prices:

Desk Prints

4x6 $2

5x7 $10

8x10 $20

8x12 $22

Wall Prints

11x14 $45

12x18 $50

Add an additional $15 for foam core mounting on sizes 8x10 and larger.

Ask about other sizes, textures and finishes. I can do gallery wraps too! They are pricey, but sooooo cool.

Other stuff. Like details:

You DO NOT have permission to make other editing changes other than cropping without my permission. If you want to make a change, just fly it by me, and I will probably say yes.

Other other stuff. Like more details:

Prices and details subject to change without notice.

All Images are © copy right of Head First Photo. Images may not be reproduced, distributed, copied or used in any fashion without expressed written permission from Shauna Foliaki (that's me!).

Head First Photo reserves the right to use any picture in any form such as, but not limited to the use in advertising, contests, reproduction and copyright. When you hire me, you agree to these terms.

Contact me if you have further questions: ksomethingsomething@gmail.com

Whew! Now that we have that all out of the way, let's get down to the real business of having fun and taking pictures!

Buddy and Ginger, Furry Angels {Pet photographer: Mesa, Chandler, Gilbert, Higley, Gold Canyon, Scottsdale, Tempe}

2011-06-26T21:21:00.001-07:00

I believe that pets can be God’s answers to prayers. They are like little angels that come into our lives at just the right time, bringing stability, companionship, loyalty, joy and and sometimes tears. They become literal members of our families. They are sometimes a listening ear, a hairy shoulder or just a silent shadow that chases away lonely moments. I know two furry angels that have changed the lives of a little family of four, forever.

Buddy is a special little Shitzu/Pom angel that has been part of his wonderful family for almost 15 years. He has been loved and pampered and doted on and in return he has been a loyal and trusted companion and family member to mom and dad, two human brothers and a dog sister, Ginger. Buddy is in his twilight years but you can still see why his mama fell in love with his sweet puppy face.

He knows how to do several tricks and one of them is singing/begging/talking. I could swear I knew exactly what he was saying. It went something like this (Imagine an opera voice), “I am sitting here so nicely, like you asked. Watch me jump. I jump so well. I need that treat. I earned my treat. GIVE me my treat.”

Oh you sweet little guy, please be my buddy forever!

Ginger, like her name, is a little bit of sassy and a whole lot of spice. When her forever family came to choose a pup from the litter of 8, a boy from her first family hid her in his closet hoping he could keep her for himself. Once he saw what a great family they are, he told them to wait and he sweetly and generously brought her out and offered her to them. They fell in love with the little ginger colored angel and the rest is history.

Ginger is super smart. You have heard of dogs fetching the newspaper, right? Me too.

I had heard of it but never seen it in action until I saw Ginger go and retrieve the paper from the driveway and dutifully take it in the house. I have heard she sometimes is too helpful and takes care of a few other papers on the street. She is also in tune with the moods of everyone in the house and seems to know just how to bring a peaceful balance. She especially seems to bring back some of Buddy’s youth, whether Buddy likes it OR NOT!

Pets—> Angels—> Answered prayers—> Amen!

Make the time. Take the time. {Pet Photographer: Mesa, Gilbert, Higley, Chandler, Scottsdale, Gold Canyon}

2011-06-24T10:16:00.001-07:00

Recently, this beautiful pet client, succumbed to cancer and his family expressed how grateful they were that we had taken his pictures. It got me thinking of my own pets and what a huge part of my life they are. They really almost run our busy world. The kids adore them and even my husband who was so against getting either in the first place has become the one who spoils them the most. I decided to make the time, to actually take the time and with purpose, capture those little things about them that we love so much.

I would like to encourage all of you pet and people lovers out there to make the time to take the time to snap a few shots with purpose of those you love. It doesn’t take a great camera, just a little time. Do it. Now.

Here is one of Mango and Paya’s little ‘morning walk friends’, Toni. We all LOVE Toni!

Kitty sitting. {Pet photographer Mesa, Gilbert, Chandler, Higley, Gold Canyon, Scottsdale}

2011-06-13T16:45:00.001-07:00

Earlier this summer I got to kitty sit this adorable little orphan (he has a loving home now, thanks to the wonders of Facebook).

I just couldn’t help myself. I took LOTS.

Lots.

and lots.

of pictures.

And just to make sure the girls didn’t feel left out, I took a few of them too.

Sweet and Sixteen

2011-05-17T11:38:00.001-07:00

There is this little girl that I have known for a long time. Did I say little girl?

I heard she turned 16 recently, so we decided we better take a few pictures before we blink and she turns 29.

She is beautiful, intelligent, kind, generous, talented, hard working and has the sweetest heart you will ever meet.

Either I need to stop blinking or she needs to stop growing up. Do you hear me little girl?!

xoxoxox

Happy Mother’s Day!

2011-05-16T13:24:00.001-07:00

This beautiful friend has been wanting updated family pictures for years. And years. And years.

Last year, her sweet hubby entered my Mother’s Day photo shoot giveaway and enlisted the help of his family and friends (give a shout out if you are one of them!). His efforts paid off and he won the photo shoot for his lady. Isn’t that adorable?! Trust me, it is way cooler than winning a stuffed unicorn at the fair.

For the last seven years they have been waking up in the shadow of the beautiful Superstition mountain range and decided that since they are moving far away (boohoo!), they wanted it as their backdrop. We spent the evening out in the desert awaiting just the right light to capture the red rock at its finest. It was so beautiful. This IS Arizona, and don’t you dare forget it!

Here are 5 more reasons why I am so glad Geoff won this photo shoot for his wife. My family and I are going to miss these faces SOOOO much and now I have tons of pictures to make up for their absence. I also have some great blackmail pictures incase they forget to come visit or put incorrect postage on the box of my favorite cookies they will send at Christmas.

Happy Mother’s Day Rhonda! You are certainly one of the busiest, most organized, kitchen accomplished, selfless and kind Mothers I know. Gonna miss you!

Little Man

2011-05-06T21:42:00.001-07:00

Last year he looked like a little boy with his baby face. This year he turned from a little boy to a little man.

Oh my! He nearly killed me with his blue eyes and funny personality!

His mother is still as beautiful as ever,

and they still have a sweet bond that made my heart wanna follow them everywhere!

What a lucky mother.

What a lucky son.

Thanks for a wonderful evening in a magical spot!

Pretty Smart. . .[mesa, gilbert, chandler, scottsdale, higley senior photographer]

2011-04-30T21:45:00.001-07:00

At first glance she looks like a pretty girl with a violin, but what you don’t know is that she is a pretty SMART girl with a violin.

Yep.

She is going to BYU Provo next year on a violin scholarship and is studying Violin Performance and Music Education.

See!

Smart AND Pretty!

And funny.

With class and personality.

A real keeper!

I wish you my best Kristen. Go knock those cougars socks off!

Wit or Wit out?

2011-04-25T16:48:00.001-07:00

Howie is a Philly’s fan and he has one convert.

The girls, they are true blue Yankee fans.

So basically it is a great recipe for ‘boys against the girls’.

Speaking of recipes, I hear Howie has a great recipe for Philly Cheese Steak.

I am not sure if I believe it. (hee hee wink wink)

I think they need to prove it by bringing me one next time they buy the special rolls (not buns), thinly sliced meat and what ever his secret ingredients are.

Despite their friendly sports rivalry, they all have two things in common—million dollar smiles and great camaraderie.

They have incredibly busy lives but they work as a team and support each other thru it all.

They put my “busy” life to shame. Keep up the great work guys!

If you don’t know what wit or witout means, this link explains it.

I like mine wit, no whiz.

M’Kayla all grown up. {Mesa, Higley, Gilbert, Chandler, Scottsdale Senior Photographer}

2011-04-13T14:35:00.001-07:00

This gorgeous grown up blue eyed blonde used to be a tow headed little neighborhood tot.

We moved away from that neighborhood 10 years ago and just look what happened!

I am still in shock.

Someone better check my pulse, cover me with a blanket and elevate my feet!

As you can see, she is happy, spunky and can’t NOT smile (notice the double negative, meaning she can ONLY smile!).

We tried to do that kind of serious, contemplative look, but the smile was not far away.

What a great characteristic! Smiling through life is not something just anybody can do.

Smile on M’Kayla!

Rocked. {Mesa, Higley, Chandler, Gilbert Senior Photographer}

2011-04-12T11:20:00.001-07:00

It was just a few short months ago that Marisa was behind my lens. She was being featured for her skill as a swimmer in a local magazine, Go Gilbert .

She really rocked the pool on that shoot and so I knew this would be a real treat to do her senior photos.

I was right!

She basically rocked everything.

She rocked the blooming Palo Verde trees,

the dried weeds,

the dusty desert floor,

the concrete columns,

the Tuscan fountain,

and the green grass!

She pretty much rocks life and I am pretty sure she is going to rock college.

Go get ‘um Marisa!

Blue Moon

2011-04-12T11:11:00.001-07:00

In the last 2 years since I started my photography business I have taken hundreds of thousands of pictures. From those, I have file of starred favorites that has over 1,000 images that I just adore. Every once in a while I enter a photo contest or join an assignment and share some of those favorite images. And every once in a blue moon, someone I admire and respect chooses one of those to be recognized. The blue moon has risen.

http://thepioneerwoman.com/photography/2011/04/your-brother-photos-group-1/.

Mine is the third one.

I know it really isn’t that big of a deal, but it makes me very happy that a unique moment of some cousins I love and was blessed enough to capture, gets to be shared with just a few more people.

Now, if only I could lure those boys back to play some more sweet island music for me. . .

Like Butter. {Mesa, Higley, Chandler, Gilbert, Gold Canyon, Arizona Senior Photographer}

2011-04-02T19:10:00.001-07:00

I love butter. I like it on stuff,

between stuff

and in stuff.

I especially like it toasted on med high heat in my cast iron skillet right before I crack fresh eggs from my backyard.

Okay.

I think you get the idea.

I LIKE butter.

Now what does that have to do with these pictures?

I went to a comic relief program put on by a local high school, and this girl was in several skits, but her best performance was in a parody of Paula Dean’s cooking style in which Paula, who is more obsessed than I, “adds just a little more budder.” For those of you who know me, know that I am kind of stoic and it takes a lot to get me laughing. I don’t typically LOL very often. But this girl made me Laugh OUT Loud! I even approached her as she was surrounded by her adoring fans after the show was over to tell her what a great job she had done but then felt like a dumb creeper and left without saying anything.

A few days later I got an inquiry for senior pics and my girls’ recognized her name and said this was the girl who made me LOL.

K. The world of butter lovers is small in a huge way.

And now a little more about the girl who made me laugh. Her name is Abby. She is beautiful and sweet and talented and smart and on her way to big things. She is a southern belle blossoming in the desert. I know where she gets much of it from too. Her mom. Wish I could have shrunk them both and brought them home in my pocket. Think of all the butter fun we could have! They are now my new BFFs. Butter friends forever!

Can I just say one more thing about butter before I leave you to drool over these amazing pics? There is a photography technique where the background is out of focus and the subject is in focus. Photographers call this the butter effect and has nothing to do with food. Can you see why?

Butter.

Butter. Almost toasted on med high heat.

100 degree heat. And she didn’t even break a sweat!

Butter.

Butter. Help me now! I really must stop talking about butter.

THANK YOU Abby for making me LOL and for lots and lots of butter! xoxoxo

Hmm. I hungry.

A Little Mo: {Mesa, Gilbert, Chandler, Higley, Gold Canyon Senior Photography}

2011-03-18T12:55:00.001-07:00

Meet Mo. Short for Mosese Latu. Little name. Big guy. You may recognize him from this photo shoot where I got a great laugh work-out. I got a good dose of laughter this time too as we did his senior photo session at Freestone Park and at the Perry High School football field where he played for the past four years. He played so well that he was chosen to play in the All American game in Florida in January!

And. . .he has signed on to play at ASU! Go Sun Devils! Now ASU is gonna have:

A little Mo Laughter.

A little Mo Respect.

A little Mo Intelligence.

A little Mo Kindness.

And a little MO POWER!

“GO MO!”

But he will tell you, he wouldn’t be where he is without his family. Big sis and Dad weren’t able to be at the photo shoot, but they, with Mom and big bro, are his best support system and most faithful fans.

It was so much fun having mom there. She is a great lady and together with her hard working husband, has brought up fine children. Foot ball is a big part of their lives (big bro Nuku plays for CSU), but their kindness and generosity are a much bigger part of who they are. I am so lucky to have them in my life.

And the dose of laughter I mentioned? Most of it happened after the sun went down.

Malo aupito Latu Family!

PS: To all the single young ladies—according to mom, these boys are engaged. Mo is engaged to ASU. Nuku is engaged to CSU. Is that clear?!

The Sneak Sneak Peek

2011-03-07T08:09:00.001-07:00

Usually I do more pics with a sneak peek but I am off to take one of my kids for an fun filled trip to the dentist for a root canal. I will post more pics later (cause these guys were adorable and we got so many cute pics!) but I wanted the rest of the world to see how lucky I am to have the honor of capturing the amazing bond of a young family.

Back from the root canal and it wasn’t really so bad. Whew.

Now to more darling pictures!

This funny little guy, who just celebrated his first birthday, kept us all laughing with his many faces. First, we have the above “You found my ticklish spot” laughing, giggling face.

Then we have the “Look into my beautiful dark chocolate eyes and I will slowly hypnotize you” face.

And after a few others, my favorite, the “Are you talking to ME?” face. I nearly died laughing! And the funniest part of it all, is that he could go from one face to another in a blink. I am sure he keeps his parent laughing all day!

And speaking of his parents, they are the NICEST, SWEETEST things on earth. What a lucky boy.

We had a perfect evening at the park. This is what I love about Arizona. While others are still digging out of the snow, we are able to be out in the parks, enjoying the sights, smells and signs of spring. Thanks for sharing an early spring evening with me. You are a wonderful family.

The Love Hate Relationship of my Life in the Desert

2011-03-06T11:03:00.000-07:00

I have a love hate relationship with the place I live. It used to be pretty concentrated on the hate end (Eww, you hot ugly thing!) of the scale, but time and patience has balanced (beautiful winter, how I love thee and the delicious garden tomatoes that I am STILL getting from LAST spring’s tomato plants) it quite a bit.

After growing under the shadows of the beautiful three peaked Mt. Nebo in the Rocky Mountain Range and living in or visiting places like Japan, Hawaii, Fiji, New Zealand and Tonga, moving to a desert climate was quite a shock to my system. I need color like I do food. And not just any food. Like a buffet. Yes, that is it. I need a color buffet!

Gradually I have come to love or at least tolerate many of the things I used to hate and I have learned how and when to find or make color around me (Check out my etsy shop where I display some of it).

I won’t bore you with a list of all the things I love and hate about the desert, but I will select one item. That would have to be the cactus. Actually, it is cacti when referencing them in plural. Did you know that? It still feels funny coming out of my mouth. Cacti. CACti. cacTI. CACTI.

Of course there are so many varieties

but the barrel cactus is the one most associated with the Sonoran Desert. It is tall. And pokey.

And a little on the unattractive side. But, just as many people find shapes in the clouds, we find characters in the cacti.

What do you see here?

And here?

So. Besides the cacTI,

dead looking plants

and rocks and stuff

Did you notice anything else? Like

there is SNOW on them there mountains?!!!!!!!

And that is one of the things I LOVE about living in the desert. I love winter time and that even though it is rare, sometimes is snows here! And it is just the perfect amount of snow. Enough to see, touch, make a little snowman, and drive 1/2 and hour home and have a picnic in your back yard.

NO KIDDING.

No driving in it.

No shoveling it.

No scraping it off your window.

No tracking snow and rocks on the newly mopped floor.

No kids trapped home on snow days.

Nope.

Just enough snow to build a mini snowman,

get back in the car and know that you have just enjoyed snow in the most perfect way for you.

I guess I may be a desert dweller after all.

I love you dear desert.

But please don’t ask me how I feel about you in July.

Once there was a snowman!

2011-03-03T10:54:00.001-07:00

Goldilocks turns 3! {Mesa, Chandler, Gilbert, Higley, Queen Creek Child Photographer}

2011-02-17T22:48:00.001-07:00

She’s three and I have been the lucky photographer to take pictures of this little blonde beauty for each of those birthdays. What a treat!! Somehow she gets cuter every year.

We had a lovely morning photo shoot at a nearby park. She wasn’t much interested in porridge, chairs, beds or bears. Nope. This little Goldilocks was much more enthralled with the ducks, bugs, and the candy we were bribing her with!

Thanks for the most beautiful spring morning!

Spring and Summer Sessions 2011

2011-02-08T13:25:00.001-07:00

Don’t we love Arizona’s Spring season?!!! I think I almost like it better than early winter. If you were too busy with the Christmas holidays to book your shoot, so what?!!! Spring is really so amazing that you can have a beautiful and unrushed experience. This is also a great time for seniors and love birds to get those images that commemorate the special seasons in your life. Birthdays, parties, school portraits, engagements, head shots, pets. . .you name, let’s frame it!

I am typically doing weekends but if you need a weekday or an early morning around sunrise, just let me know.

Here are some of the dates that are available:

January

Fri. Jan. 14 4:30 p.m. booked

Sat. Jan 22 4:45 p.m. booked

Sat. Jan 29 4:45 p.m. booked

February

Sat. Feb 5 5:00 p.m. booked

Thur. Feb. 10 booked

Fri. Feb 11 5:00 p.m.

Sat Feb. 12 5:00 p.m. booked

Sat Feb. 19 5:00 p.m. booked

Sat. Feb. 26 ???

March

March 4 5:15 p.m.

March 5 5:15 p.m.

March 26 5:30 p.m.

I will be posting additional dates as soon as I find out the spring sports calendar for my kids.

Melissa & Nick & Co. {Mesa, Chandler, Gilbert, Higley Family and Pet Photographer}

2011-02-07T20:48:00.001-07:00

February is the month we celebrate the ones we love. Melissa wanted a special gift for Nick to celebrate their nearly 2 years together. To make it even more special, she wanted to include two very special members of their family—Rajah Belle and Riggs.

I have been so lucky to meet and photograph several furry family members lately and this was once again a real treat. I think pets really make the world go round!

Happy Valentines Melissa, Nick & Co. You are a beautiful family!!!!

6 Grown ups, 1 baby and 5 dogs! Bow Wow!!! {Az Family and Pet Photographer}

2011-01-31T16:53:00.001-07:00

When Gia asked to me to do a “desert themed” shoot with 6 adults, baby Evan and 5 dogs, I said yes and then I began to panic a little. Well, maybe a LOT.

Of course it was a chance to squeeze Evans cheeks and listen to his giggle, but 5 dogs???!!! The most I had done together at once was two. But, as I began to think about it, I realized dogs are like kids. They are easily distracted and they like treats. So I just had to make my distractions better than running children, ducks, bugs and all the smells of the Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch. Squeaky toys did the trick and the parents brought the treats. The other plus is, if the dog is at least facing forward, we consider that a smile. If they are facing forward and actually looking in the direction of the camera, well that would be like a gigantic giggle. So we got a handful of smiles and a few giggles and not just from the dogs. These guys have the best contagious laughs. And don’t even get me started on baby Evan—his mama sure knows how to make him laugh! Ah, Ah, Ahhhhhh, Achoooo!

I think I need to show just a couple of the out takes from this shoot just so that we can fully appreciate the magnitude of the beautiful shots we got!

Thank you Gia, Doug, Evan, Chato & Baxter.

Thank you Tim, Pam and Harley.

Thank you Collin, Kaley, Willy & Olive.

I think it was worth it, don’t you?

Desert Peach

2011-01-31T13:01:00.001-07:00

Just a little color to brighten up this late winter morning whilst I am preparing the pics from my most recent photo shoot. That shoot had no flowers. Just pretty people, an adorable baby and lots of dogs. Cue the elevator music while you wait for that post.

Love Long

2011-01-24T16:11:00.004-07:00

On their wedding day, he was 19, she was 16. That was 60 long years ago filled with hopes and dreams, work, children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and LOTS and LOTS of LOVE. Don’t we all hope to love long?

Untitled from s foliaki on Vimeo.

As for the music pairing for this slideshow, I know that it probably isn’t their type or style of music, but for some reason, I loved putting the voice of a young man who found his true love and mesh it with images of a man in his sunset years who found his sweetheart and stayed with her through all of the good times and the hard times, through health and sickness, through poor days and not-as-poor days and all the adventures 60 years can bring. What a great reward, to wake up next to the one you are still crazy about after all that!

When I asked them what was the best part of those sixty years, they both replied, “All of it.”

I fell in love with these sweethearts and witnessed many of their friends and family who gathered in their honor last weekend that feel the same way. They seem to spread happiness where ever they go. Cheers to many, many more happy memories to come!

For those locals, Alice and Pete are the faces behind A&P Nurseries, a family owned an operated business that takes immense pride in helping us make Arizona beautiful. Check them out at one of their 4 locations.

Labor of Love

2011-01-13T17:46:00.006-07:00

If you don’t mind me getting a little personal, this is the big project I have been laboring over for a long, long time.

It took my sister less time to conceive, grow and deliver this perfect little guy than it did for me to make this very imperfect video.

She is experienced though.

This was HER number five.

This was MY number one. Is that a good excuse?

Dallin from s foliaki on Vimeo.

Here is the story of the story.

We are a large family. 8 daughters, 3 sons who, with their spouses have generated 48 grandchildren. Getting us all together is like the aligning of the planets. Late last year my twin sis, who lives the farthest away, said she wanted to be home for the holidays (she hadn’t been home at Thanksgiving/Christmas for over 20 years), and as many of us that could, migrated home. She is the matriarch of all the sisters. She has the power.

Cue my sister Sharon who was pregnant but not due quite yet. She patiently humored our suggestions that she could go ahead and deliver while so many of us were there, BUT, she would have to wait until AFTER the big dinner.

I am not sure if it was the famous family cabbage casserole, the change in pressure in Susie’s home from all the sweating bodies, or the laughter from playing games, but by golly, she went into labor AFTER dinner and delivered by 3 a.m.!!!!

I know I am being a little jokey and silly, but let me see if I can do justice to this amazing event.

To be in the room with so much love, with those sisters who I grew up with, played house with, dreamed of this type of amazing moment with,

to share this moment with our brother-in-law who is her perfect companion,

to remember the births of my children

and to see the cycle of life as our mother witnessed another of her grandchildren enter this world is almost too difficult to put into words.

Bonds of love were strengthened.

Life was savored, celebrated and renewed.

A new baby has a welcoming team of 4 big brothers.

And we give honor to a loving Heavenly Father from whom all blessings flow.

It was unforgettable and I thank them for this gift. Love you guys.

Brrrrrrrr. Shut the front door. {Mesa, Gilbert, Higley, Chandler, Az Family Photographer}

2011-01-04T13:23:00.001-07:00

Someone up north forgot to shut the door and they let in a whole bunch of cold air. We, in the south, are delicate, heat seeking creatures. We live here for the warm winter weather. My cousin, Mashell from Idaho, admits to leaving the door open in hopes of letting in some of the warm air. Dear cousin, it needs to stop!

I have photographed for this family several times, and even though they moved to Texas, they visited for the holidays and I was able to spend some time photographing their family again. None of us were expecting the cold, sub 30 degree weather with a little blast of wind to make it even colder. But, they were champs and I loved catching up! My, how the kids have grown.

Thank goodness for jackets

squishy brother hugs,

those life saving blankets from the car,

getting cozy,

and the warmth of being together as a family!!!

Thanks ya’ll. Come on back, ya hear! I will personally shut the front door and turn up the heat next time.

The Gift

2010-12-29T21:37:00.001-07:00

This is the season of gifts and a certain young mother has given her family a wonderful gift of pictures. She helped end a 10 year family picture drought! Her in-laws were coming all the way from New York for the holidays and she was very determined that family pictures were going to happen. And I was the lucky photographer that got to be part of these special moments!

It was a perfect evening—the weather was amazing, the children were happy, talkative and full of fun,

Grandma and Grandpa were so sweet (35 years together!)

and Mom and Dad were willing to try anything.

The picture drought is over!

When Mom told me about this young man’s talent in the BMX world, I knew we had to include it somehow. Together we came up with this stunner. I can’t stop thinking about this image and what it represents—talent, dedication, love and family time. You guys are amazing!

Here is a link that shows how good he is. Good luck in the next few months “Sleeper”!

And “Ladies Man”, I am waiting for you to go to chef school so you can make me a nice dinner someday! We are having a “good food” drought around my house these days!

If Laughter Is The Best Medicine. . .

2010-12-20T15:33:00.001-07:00

. . .then I am sure these guys never get sick!! And I should be healthy for a long time after this session! My cheeks still aching from laughing so much.

So this is big sis. She is the oldest and it was her idea for the shoot. She wants to surprise her parents for Christmas. Isn’t that the sweetest?! You would never guess from her sweet soft exterior that she is a great rugby player on a women’s team here in the valley.

This is little, I mean younger, brother number 1. He is a talented football player and member of Colorado State’s football team. He will be graduating next December. Warning to all those who will come up against him—he is a brick wall!

And here is the baby of the family. Don’t you just want to squeeze those baby boy cheeks?! You better not tho. He might tackle you down. He was chosen All American as one of Arizona’s top 6 football players and will play in a game in Florida next month. It is exciting to see where he will go.

What lucky parents to have such beautiful and thoughtful children! Hope your parents are surprised! SHHHH. Help me keep the secret.

Here Kitty Kitty {Mesa, chandler, gilbert, Higley Arizona Pet Photographer}

2010-12-14T11:15:00.001-07:00

This little beauty was abandoned in the cold of winter out in the loneliness of the countryside. He found his way to a warm porch and a loving family. He loves me now too. I gave him treats. He thanked me by only using a few of his claws to climb my leg to get to them.

I think he is so beautiful that I am entering his face into the “I Heart Faces” Pet Faces contest.

If you love pets, this place is a gold mine.

Check them out and enter your own favorite pet pix.

L is for. . .

2010-12-13T10:07:00.001-07:00

L is for ’LOVELY LITTLE GIRLS’

2 of them!!

L is for ‘Please LET me take him home with me’

For realz!!!

L is for ‘loving daddy’s strong arms’

L is for ‘lots of laughter’!

And L is for ‘I loved doing the L family again this year’. (I wish I could tell you their names because they are so cute and unique) They are so adorable and have changed so much especially baby. I think my camera needs visitation rights.

Thanks you guys!!

Ho Ho Ho! Digital Frame Giveaway!!!

2010-12-10T11:16:00.001-07:00

How many gigs of vacation, family, reunion, holidays, bdays do you think you have on your computer? Do you have guilt every time you upload pictures and they just sit there not being processed for you to see and hold and share? Do you fear clearing your memory card incase your computer dies and erases irreplaceable memories?

I am right there with ya. Sometimes I am a good girl and do something with my images. Here are just a few things I have done:

Mug for Grandma that looks black until you pour a hot beverage in it and then the photos show up. Try explaining how it works to a 73 year old who grew up in the islands. We jokingly just call it black magic.

Calendar for hubby that he hung in his office. Loved it!

Church tote for daughter. No one has ever tried to steal it. Maybe because it is dirty.

Photo books. I have done several but one of the favorites had a vacation theme with a collection of several years of vacation images. I made sure to order a copy for each child that they can take with them when they leave home. Which, I hope, is never.

A gift of Thank You cards for friend after a baby session. No picture. Sorry, it was a gift.

And I am hoping to do some gallery wraps this coming year. Just. Can’t. Decide. Which. Ones.

But the best thing that I have done with my jpegs was not planned. It happened when I got a gift I didn’t know I wanted. It was a digital frame from my hubby for Christmas 2 years ago before I was full throttle into photography. I thought it was kinda silly and not a REAL way to display photos. . .until I used it. WOW! I am now a believer. A fan for life! It is best way to save wall space (I would need a mansion to display all my favs on the wall) and on developing fees (like free, can’t beat that!) I feel so much less guilt having so many more of the jpegs viewable. Hip hip hooray for less jpeg guilt!

Watching the images change is always better than what is on t.v.!!

So, to share in this season of giving and so that one lucky winner will can enjoy this thing I love, I am giving away a digital photo frame!!!!

Here is the photo frame description:

The GiiNii 7" all-in-one digital photo frame lets you play and organize photos into custom-made albums without a PC. Play photos straight from your memory card via the six-in-one card reader or the unit's USB port. Plus, this GiiNii digital photo frame is Energy Star qualified, and the Ener-GiiNii feature allows you to program energy-saving settings. Plus, every GiiNii digital picture frame comes ready to use with a National Heritage photo collection preinstalled.

GiiNii 7" Digital Photo Frame:

7" LCD display
Play photos straight from your memory card via the 6-in-1 card reader or USB port
Simple, intuitive design includes two operating buttons and a scroll wheel
Switch between clock and slide shows with 1 click
Energy Star qualified
Ener-GiiNii enables you to program energy-saving settings
Comes preloaded with National Heritage photo collection

To enter the Giveaway:

1- Tell me what your favorite thing is that you have done with a photo lately.

2- “Like” me on Facebook. It makes me feel special. If you liked me already just tell me in a comment. P.S. I like you too!

3- “Share” this blog post on Facebook. Isn’t sharing so nice? Make sure to tell me you shared. Here is the link you can copy and paste: http://headfirstphoto.blogspot.com/2010/12/ho-ho-ho-digital-frame-giveaway.html

4- Tweet about it. And then tell me that you did.

This gives you 4 chances to win the digital frame. You can leave me a comment on Facebook and tell me how many of the four things you have done and each one will count as an entry. The winner will be chosen on Fri. December 17 at midnight and announced on Sat morning.

Ready.

Set.

Go.

Under the Weather. Over the Top. {Mesa, Chandler, Higley, Queen Creek, Gilbert Family Photographer}

2010-11-22T10:57:00.001-07:00

Despite a few of us being under the weather (myself included, had to use my camera as a sneeze guard a few times), these little brothers were over the top happy, full of energy and so, so sweet to each other. I photographed them last year and they have grown and changed past the baby stages and into little boys. Good thing they have an awesome set of parents whose energy matches their own!!!

Thanks!!! You guys were Zuper!

Splendid. For Real! {Mesa, Chandler, Higley, Gilbert, Queen Creek Family Photographer}

2010-11-20T12:14:00.001-07:00

Was it the sprinkling of freckles

and

the dark chocolate eyes?

Was it the creamy, dreamy new baby sister?

Was it the tenderness?

Was it the big brother oozing with pride?

Was it the connection?

Was it the perfect slightly cloudy evening with just the most amazing lighting conditions?

Was it the love and laughter?

Or was it the sprinkling of freckles

and

the dark chocolate eyes?

I guess I can’t pin it down to one thing.

But what ever it was,

It was splendid.

It was sweet.

And it was real.

Little Rays of Sunshine! {Mesa, chandler, Queen Creek, Higley, Gilbert Family Photographer}

2010-11-19T14:24:00.001-07:00

You ready for some cute little kids?

Let me warn you though, time to put on your sunglasses, ‘cause these cute little rays of sunshine might just blind you!

And the cuteness doesn’t stop when the sun goes down, I think the silhouettes are some of my favorite!

Their color free black and white counterparts will be up Face Book later.