Vanessa Honda Photography

Save Money - Be Early - Avoid Stress

2009-08-22T23:52:00.000-07:00

Save Money - Be Early - Avoid Stress

Stress from holiday preparation tasks can detract from the enjoyment of time spent with loved ones. Envious are the frantic procrastinators of the unruffled who completed holiday details months in advance. This year become (or continue to be) that unruffled person by getting your holiday cards done early - and save money to boot!

Consider purchasing a mini-session collection. Over the next month, I will be reserving dates for shorter sessions at substantially reduced prices. These sessions are not for those seeking a selection from hundreds of images in a wide variety of poses (aka full sessions) or the creation of eighty-page fine-art albums. These sessions are for those for those who want a few quality images for holiday cards, gifts and yearly wall updates. Each package includes a 1/2 hour session and at least 10-20 edited images from which to choose.

All mini-sessions photographed before September 24th, where clients order within 20 days of the posting the images on the web, will have their holiday cards by Thanksgiving (far sooner for most sessions).

All slots will be filled on a first-come first-serve basis. I will try and accomodate anyone who desires a different date and/or location; however, to schedule a new date, there needs to be at least two groups willing to come on that date (bring another family).

Last year I did these mini-sessions on a trial basis and it worked wonderfully. Clients were able to get quality images at a reduced prices. I was able (to some degree) to avoid the end-of-year holiday rush. It really turned out to be real win/win!

Call or email me now to reserve your time slot/location at vanessa@hondaphotoart.com or 949-553-2434!

Mini Session Collections:

Holiday Card “Mini” Collection Includes: - Save $125
-Session Fee
-1 Mounted 11x14 Signature Print
-4 5x7 Desk Prints
-And your choice of one of the following:
(25) trifold or accordion press printed cards (6 or 8 sides)
(50) 5x7 folded press printed cards (4 sides)
(75) 5x7 flat press printed cards (2 sides) OR
(200) 6x7 ½ photo greeting cards
$430

Edited Digital Files (Negative) Collection Includes: - Save $400
- Session Fee
- At least 15-20 fully edited, full resolution digital files with reproduction rights
$600

Gallery “Mini” Collection: - Save $285
-Session Fee
-1 20x30 Mounted Signature Print
-2 11x14 Mounted Signature Prints
-8 5x7 Gift Prints
$750

Canvas Gallery “ Mini” Collection: Save $1400
- Session Fee
- 1 16x24 Gallery Wrapped Canvas
- 1 17x11 Gallery Wrapped Canvas
- 2 8x12 Gallery Wrapped Canvases
$900

Brag Book Add On for any collection: 3 wallet sized brag books featuring 10-12 images from your session for only $120!

Dates and Locations:

Thursday August 27th – Tewinkle Park, Costa Mesa
5:30-
6:00-
6:30-

Thursday September 3rd – Orange County Performing Arts Center, Segerstrom Concert Hall, Costa Mesa
5:30-
6:00-
6:30-

Friday September 4th - Wood's Cove, Laguna Beach
6:00
6:30
7:00

Monday September 7th – Labor Day – Wood’s Cove, Laguna Beach
5:30-
6:00-
6:30-

Saturday September 12th – Galaxy Park, Overlooking Back Bay in NB
6:00-
6:30-

Saturday September 19th – Wood’s Cove, Laguna Beach
5:15-
5:45-
6:15-

Thursday September 24th - Tanaka Farms, Irvine
4:30-
5:00-
5:30-

Tanaka Farms, Irvine, CA

2009-08-22T23:49:00.001-07:00

Segerstrom Concert Hall, Orange County Performing Arts Center, Costa Mesa, CA

2009-08-22T23:44:00.000-07:00

Galaxy Park, Newport Beach, CA 92660

2009-08-22T23:41:00.000-07:00

Tewinkle Park, Costa Mesa, CA

2009-08-22T23:35:00.000-07:00

Wood's Cove, Laguna Beach, CA

2009-08-22T23:22:00.001-07:00

Come See My New Blog

2009-07-14T12:22:00.000-07:00

www.hondaphotoart.com/blog

I know I have really neglected this blog for a little while... but mostly because I have been getting ready to post lots and lots on my new blog. It is still somewhat of a work in progress, but there will be lots of posting there soon. A big thanks to my husband for getting everything set up and ready to run - he even uploaded all my pictures for me from recent sessions. Just click on the thumbnails to see them big and beautiful!

See you over at the new place!

Vanessa

Special Canvas Wall Groupings Sale

2009-06-30T10:59:00.001-07:00

Now introducing Canvas Wall Groupings!
Offered at an incredible discount of between 30% and 50% off individually purchased gallery wrapped canvases. Take the guesswork out of arranging your favorite images and let me help you choose the wall grouping that will work best for you! You can even send me a photo of the wall and space where you would like them to hang, and I can show you how your images will look there.
Each canvas wall grouping comes ready to hang with custom colored borders. Now is your chance to get all of your favorite images on canvas at a fraction of the cost! Call 949-553-2434 with any questions or for more details.

Canvas Wall Grouping 1

Symmetrical Wall Grouping containing 9 6x6 squares

Overall Wall Space 20x20 with 1" between canvases

Price: $1206 - save 33%

Canvas Wall Grouping 2

Symmetrical Wall Grouping containing 9 10x10 squares

Overall Wall Space 32x32 with 1'' between

canvases

Price $2340 - save 30%

Canvas Wall Grouping 3

Symmetrical Wall Grouping containing

6 8x8's and 1 26x26 canvas

Overall Wall Space 44x20 with 1'' between

canvases

Price: $1554 - save 30%

Canvas Wall Grouping 4

Symmetrical Wall Grouping containing

3 13x10's and 1 20x32 canvas

Overall Wall Space 34x32 with 1'' between

canvases

Price: $1393 - save 30%

Canvas Wall Grouping 5

Symmetrical Wall Grouping containing 2 8x12's,

1 17x11 and 1 16x24 canvas

Overall Wall Space 32x24 with 1'' between

canvases

Price: $1183 - save 30%

Canvas Wall Grouping 6

Symmetrical Wall Grouping containing

4 11.5x11.5's and 1 20x24 canvas

Overall Wall Space 45x24 with 1'' between

canvases

Price: $1344 - save 30%

Canvas Wall Grouping 7

Asymmetrical, staircase type Wall Grouping containing

2 16x20's, 1 32x20 and 3 10x10 canvases

Overall Wall Space 66x40 with 1'' between

canvases

Price: $1510 - save 30%

Canvas Wall Grouping 8

Asymmetrical Wall Grouping containing 1 10x10,

1 30x10, 1 16x20, 1 14x11 and 1 14x14 canvas

Overall Wall Space 58x37 with 1'' between

canvases

Price: $1624 - save 30%

Canvas Wall Grouping 9

Circular Wall Grouping containing 1 8x12,

2 12x8's, 2 10x8's and 2 8x8 canvases

Overall Wall Space 30x30 with 1'' between

canvases

Price: $1344 - save 30%

Canvas Wall Grouping 10

Circluar Wall Grouping containing 1 20x20, 2 10x31's

and 2 31x10 canvases

Overall Wall Space 42x42 with 1'' between

canvases

Price: $1950 - save 50%

Laguna Beach Photographer - Beautiful Family & a Beautiful Day!

2009-06-24T22:08:00.000-07:00

I was blessed to have the opportunity to capture one small moment in time for this beautiful family on a gorgeous day in Laguna Beach. They were so cute together, and their sweet little 4 year old was so well behaved! And is she not just gorgeous! And the water was so very blue for us, making for just a perfect day overall. I can't wait to show off the rest of my favorites to them... I just snagged some random pics from their session to show here because there were too many that I really liked. I am so blessed to live in this beautiful corner of the world.

Mom's Club of Newport Coast

2009-06-15T10:20:00.000-07:00

The Mom's Club of Newport Coast asked me to come out and photograph some of their families at their annual picnic a little while back. I had a great time getting to know some great mom's in the area and their kids. And despite the high winds and backdrops blowing down, we were able to get a few fun shots of the families having a great time.

Little Miss "S" - Headshots in Irvine

2009-06-12T12:48:00.001-07:00

Remember Sophie, the cute little gal I photographed in my Temecula Valley Mini sessions a little while back? Well, with a smile to brighten any room, and a personality that is so warm and friendly, so many have mentioned to mom that she would shine as a little model. So mom had me come to their house to get some basic headshots of her little sweetie pie. Her bright personality can't help but shine through! You will be seeing more of this girl again (I just photographed a birthday party she was at - smiling the whole time. And she is a flower girl in a wedding I will be shooting in July - thanks to her mom's referral!). Thanks Julie, for everything!

Family Portraits at Mason Regional Park in Irvine

2009-06-12T11:22:00.001-07:00

This is a family of a beloved friend and associate - my daughter's preschool teacher, Miss Renee. I had such a great time getting to know her family (parents, 2 sisters, husband and brother-in-law, and 3 adorable nieces) they were all as sweet as she is! And I could see the loving way they related to one another. They were all so beautiful. Thanks guys, for sharing a lovely evening with me!

Orange Coast Middle College High School Prom

2009-06-01T11:48:00.001-07:00

I was asked by a friend to shoot formals at their high school prom. Even though it isn't the kind of shoot I typically, do, I had a great time getting to know these kids from this school. There were an awful lot of nice helpful teenagers there on the Queen Mary in Long Beach. I think that both myself and my assistant there that night though can attest that the ship is indeed haunted...

First Communion Portraits at Mission San Juan Capistrano

2009-05-28T11:41:00.000-07:00

I had the wonderful opportunity last week to photograph Isabella for her 1st communion portraits. Mission San Juan Capistrano is a stunning place to shoot at - with some great architecture and gardens allowing for a multitude of looks. But it was Isabella, so beautiful on the inside and out that made her portraits really shine. She is such a sweet, darling little girl and it was such a pleasure working with her and her mother. I obviously had a difficult time narrowing down the images to show for this sneak peak... there are many more to come in your proofing gallery!

Professional Headshots in Costa Mesa

2009-05-25T11:53:00.000-07:00

Bob and I had a great time at Tewinkle park, getting some headshots done for a program in which his parents will be honored at the City of Hope this month. Best of wished to you and all of your family as you celebrate this wonderful day!

Chad and Jana: Wedding at Temeku Hills

2009-05-22T08:32:00.000-07:00

In spite of a few last minute glitches, this was a simply beautiful wedding at Temeku Hills. The bride and groom were obviously such good friends and their families were also so friendly - to one another and to me. And the bride and groom were naturals in front of the camera - perhaps because Jana is a wonderful photographer herself! I was honored to be able to capture your magical day!

This little boy is the bride's little brother - he made such a charming ring bearer!

Jump for Joy!

In a moment of humor during the ceremony, the bride had some trouble getting the ring on the groom's finger. And then even he had some trouble getting it on!

Happy Mother's Day

2009-05-11T05:02:00.000-07:00

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY EVERYONE! I hope all the mothers out there enjoyed their special day... especially my own mom and mother-in-law! They are two very special people in my life. And this has been a very special client in my life. It has been so much fun to watch Annabelle and Daisy grow up over the last 8 months. And their mom puts so much into planning for their sessions... it really shows in the images! I was saving these from one of my Mother's Day mini sessions (that turned out to be not so "mini" after all) to post on Mother's Day. So here are the rest from their Temecula Valley session at the ranch.

Beautiful in Newport Coast

2009-04-28T13:14:00.001-07:00

Meet Miss "G" - a gorgeous gal from Newport Coast. We did a modeling portfolio for her at her beautiful home and then walked down to Crystal Cove for a few beach shots. "G" was so fun and relaxed to work with, and has the most fabulous blue eyes ever! We had a great time together and I am sure she has a great future ahead of her!

Beatiful Day at Crystal Cove

2009-04-20T07:46:00.001-07:00

But it very almost wasn't a beautiful day. In fact it rained all week, and the Lee family was moving out of the country, and this day was their last chance to be together as a family. We had done a studio session earlier in the week, but they really wanted to get some shots at the beach to remember their time here. It rained all day, but we decided to try for it anyways - minus their 1 month old! And amazingly, as we arrived the rain stopped and the clouds began to clear, leaving the most beautiful diffused light! I love the soft muted colors we were surrounded by! And we had so much fun together... their little girl really loved the beach! Thanks for sharing the day with me, and good luck at your new home.

Happy (Belated) Easter

2009-04-13T06:42:00.000-07:00

Well, I began this post in time for Easter, but got too caught up in all the Eastery festivities with my own family to post it in time! So here is a belated Easter post. Aren't the twins soooo cute with their Easter Baskets and eggs? The session didn't go quite as planned... the baby (5 day old) goat kid was less than thrilled about being seperated from her mom for our photo session, but was cute for the moment she lasted. And the girls found out very quickly that the beautifully decorated hard boiled eggs we had planned to feature smash relatively easily in their little hands! Nevertheless, we got some beautiful images that we weren't planning on -most of my favorites I am saving for later! So stay tuned, I just wanted to get some Easter-themed pics up for the holiday!

Gorgeous in Laguna Beach

2009-04-06T16:15:00.000-07:00

Gorgeous hair, gorgeous eyes, gorgeous figure and a gorgeous home in Laguna Beach make for some gorgeous pictures, don't you think? And what's more fun, we could walk to my favorite beach to shoot at from the house! No I'm not envious or anything.... And she had the cutest dog, who really wanted to be the star of every picture. So I went ahead and let her be in a couple and one of her own as well. We had so much fun together and "S" almost convinced me to move nearby (and thanks, "S" for showing me that cute little park!)

Temecula Valley Mini Sessions

2009-04-02T23:10:00.001-07:00

Here are a few more adorable kids from the mini sessions in Temecula a couple of weeks ago. The ground was pretty prickly, but these guys were real troopers! Thanks so much for making the long drive - it was so fun to meet you and your cute kids!

Sweet Little Sophie

2009-03-30T19:13:00.000-07:00

I don't think this sweet little girl has ever frowned in her life. She was all smiles for me during our mini session at a Ranch in the Temecula Valley! Her brilliant personality can't help but shine through her pictures - I can't wait to see more of this little one!

Engagement Session at Wood's Cove in Laguna Beach

2009-03-24T14:10:00.000-07:00

This was such a fun, spur of the moment e-session in Laguna Beach. They wanted a nice rocky, private beach to look like Monterey where they will be getting married, and I knew just the place. The weather was just gorgeous and Maddi and Mike were so beautiful together. I asked them to bring something that represents what they liked to do together and they brought some wine to enjoy! This made for a very romantic session! We had a great time together, and came away with some memorable images.

Beautiful Baby Boy

2009-03-23T12:17:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Sara - I did these pictures for my wonderful sister-in-law for her birthday. Her little guy, Xander is just the cutest thing around... can you believe those blue eyes? This is one of my very favorite ages to photograph: smiles come easily, they are sitting confidently and learning to pull themselves up, but can't yet run away from the camera! We just did these around my place in a few minutes, and you would never know that poor Xander was so tired. He's just such a cutie and the apple of his parent's eyes!

Newport Beach Engagement Session

2009-03-21T13:51:00.000-07:00

This couple was so much fun - they were up for anything. She even rode on the Farris Wheel for me, in spite of a lifetime fear of falling out! We had a great time playing at the Balboa Fun Zone and then headed to the beach for some romantic beach shots. If you are wondering why there are so many kissing pictures...well, I think of the fun activities we had planned, kissing was their very favorite. And who can blame them...

We started out at the cannery, where they went when Jeff proposed to Jenny!

After the Cannery, we headed over to the Balboa Fun Zone for some fun times!

Finally, we headed over to the beach and hung out until sunset. What a fun afternoon!

"L" Family Studio Session in Newport Beach

2009-03-18T11:00:00.000-07:00

This adorable family wanted both a studio session that the newborn could come to and a fun beach session for the older daughter and the parents. So here are the studio shots and soon to come are the fabulous beach shots!

Mother's Day Mini Sessions

2009-03-12T16:59:00.001-07:00

Mother’s Day Mini Sessions

Attention all mothers and children! Here is a great opportunity to capture the most tender of relationships – that between mother and child. Just in time to have your portraits finished by mother’s day, I am hosting some mini sessions specials focusing on that mother-child bond. Of course, if you really just want some cute pics of your kids without you in the picture, that is ok as well…And if there are any dad’s out there wanting to gift your wives with some classic shots of you and the kids, that can work too. 3 different packages are available, all of which include a ½ hour sitting fee. Hurry and call now to reserve your time slot as slots are limited. The days available are:

Temecula Valley - Thursday March 19^th

Tewinkle Park -Friday April 3^rd

Newport Back Bay – Saturday April 4^th –morning hours

Wood’s Cove, Laguna Beach – Saturday April 4^th - evening hours

All discounted gift products shown in the below post are available for purchase as well as any a la carte prints with mini sessions.

Package A: $75

-This is due the day your portraits are created and includes your session fee.

-(1) 8x10, (2) 5x7’s, & 8 wallets of your one favorite pose. Save over $50

Package B: $165

-This is due the day your portraits are created and includes your session fee.

-Includes (1) 11x14 mounted, (1) 8x10’s, 4 5x7’s, (4) 4x6’s & 50 custom designed Mommy Cards. Mix and match – choose from between 3 favorite images. Save over $100.

Package C: $260

- This is due the day your portraits are created and includes your session fee.

--Includes (1) 11x14 mounted, (1) 8x10’s, 4 5x7’s, (4) 4x6’s +2 edited digital files with printing rights. (must befrom the same 3 images you choose to print). Mix and match – choose from between 3 favorite images. Save over $200.

Gifts your mother will love

2009-03-12T15:44:00.001-07:00

Mother’s day is around the corner, and because many of these products take a month or more to create, I am starting this special early. I have put together a list of items that my own mother has cherished and loved or products that clients have told me their mothers have loved or would love. And what better gift for a mother, wife, or grandmother than keepsake reminder of the ones that they love so much! Each different product has its own special, running through the end of the month of April! Read on to find out what the specials are:

Accordian Wallet Books

This very affordable way to show off your kids/grandkids/pets or anyone you want is one of my hottest new items! For just over the price of a set of 8 wallets, receive 12 images in a neat little book that fits perfectly in your purse or pocket. Accordion Wallet Books are available in two sizes – 3x3" square and 2.5x3.5" wallet. Choose from 17 cover choices and four different paper types – Smooth Cover, Linen, Pearl, and Watercolor. My favorite combination is the linen cover with the Pearl paper. Minimum order of 3 is required, but hey, once you see how great these are, who wouldn’t want to give an extra one to their spouse/parents/grandparents, etc. Comes elegantly presented with a custom gift box. Only $34/each for the first 3, and only $24 for each additional book.

Special: Purchase 3 wallet books, get the 4th free!

Keepsake Coffee Table Books

Who wouldn’t love to showcase the ones they love in an elegantly designed and presented coffee table book. This is a great way to tell the story of your family – a perfect compliment to a “day in the life” session – or a more affordable way to have all the pictures you love in one place to browse through at your leisure. Or a great place for all of your favorite portraits when wall space is low!

Available in several sizes from a 10x10 to a purse-sized 5x5 and also with different finishing options (luxurious leather album to an inexpensive softbound children’s book) – my favorite is the hardbound with custom designed dust jacket. This book features a printed hard cover and a matching printed book jacket with designable inside flaps. It also comes with an exclusive black or red case with personalized hot stamp text. As in all of our books, the pages have a protective varnish coating or a laminate coating in a matte or glossy finish to preserve their appearance for years to come.

Prices begin at $450.

Mother's Day Special: 15% off of all asukabook orders

Custom Photo Handbags

Everywhere I go almost, I am stopped by perfect strangers who ask, “Where in the world did you get your purse! Is that your kids on there?” Besides being an attention getter, the is a great way to show off my adorable children whenever I am asked about my kids and a great place to keep all of my tons of stuff! Available in many different styles and with many different styling options, including soft supple leather accents. These bags have great interior features as well, such as zippered pockets, cell phone pockets, lobster claw key clips, detachable leather handles w/ nickel hardware, metal feet to protect the leather bottom, etc.

Prices range from $50 to $300, depending on the size and style.

Mother's Day Special: receive 50 free Mommy Cards or 4 4x6 prints with each handbag or purse purchase.

Gallery Wrapped Canvas

Fine art, gallery wrap canvases are a gorgeous alternative to framed enlargements. They give a beautiful contemporary look and are ready to hang! Your portrait (image) will be printed on museum-quality canvas and hand stretched onto a custom-built, 1.5” thick wooden frame. The image will be gallery-wrapped, continuing around the sides of the frame for a

beautiful print, ready to hang on your wall. No additional custom framing is needed.

Your print is made with the highest quality, archival inks that will never fade or discolor. Each print is sprayed with a UV coating for added protection and a gloss-type finish.

In addition to our standard sizes, we can produce any size you desire. Please ask us about custom sizes and shapes, whether it be a square or rectangle shape. Our canvas prints are perfect for filling any large wall space in your home.

Prices begin at $380 – inquire for larger and custom sizes.

Mother's Day Special: Receive 20% off all Gallery Wrap Canvas orders through the end of April.

Gift Certificates

Don’t have time for a session right now, but you know that a photo session is just the gift your wife will love most? Give a gift that promises to capture the love you all share and those precious children that make Mother’s Day such a wonderful holiday. Comes elegantly presented, customized to your needs, in a gift box ready to deliver.

Mother's Day Special: Receive a free mounted 11x14 portrait with the purchase of a $150 (full session) gift certificate to be given on Mother's day.

Storyboards

Storyboards and collages are a great way to showcase all of your kids on one framed print or tell a story using a series of images. Printed on the highest quality photographic paper at a professional lab. All prints are sprayed with a lustre coating to promote longevity. 8x10 and larger prints are mounted on mat board, styrene board or masonite for maximum rigidity. Print a 20x10 wall portrait for your home, and get matching 10x5 mounted prints for the grandparents – perfect for a frame or as a standalone print on an easel.

-20x20 collage print - $220 – includes custom design

-identical 10x10 mounted accessory print - $65

-30x10 storyboard print $260 – includes custom design

-20x10 storyboard print $145 – includes custom design

-identical 10x5 mounted accessory print - $45

Mother's Day Special: Receive a free "mini" accessory mounted storyboard with the purchase of each large mounted storyboard print (original order must be 20x10 or larger).

Mommy cards

Custom designed, complete with pictures of you with your children, or just your kids, Mommy Cards are a stylish option for mom's tired of scribbling their name and phone number when they meet a new friend at the park.

Similar to business cards, Mommy Cards present your contact information to make introductions turn into actual play dates.

Why a Mommy Card?

Top 10 Reasons to use your Mommy Cards:

1. New moms you meet and want play dates with

2. Contact info for Babysitter

3. Neighbors

4. Existing friends (the cards are just too cute not to share)

5. Put in holiday cards, birthday cards, thank you cards and more

6. When dropping off your child at someone’s house for a play date or birthday party

7. If your child is lost you can give out the card with their picture on it to help find them

8. Keep one in your suitcase or diaper bag in case it gets lost

9. Will make grandparents smile

10. Just for fun!

$45/ set of 50 or $125 for $250 cards

Keychain

This beautiful and classy keychain is not only an elegant way to keep memories of the ones you love close to you while you are on the go, it is also my lifeline during Sunday Church Services (my 3 year old loves to look at the pictures of herself, her siblings and her cousins and to control who comes up on the screen!). This keychain comes with all images from your session, with room for more of your own that you can add at anytime. Plus, since you can connect to your computer, this product comes with all low resolution files from your session to email, post to Facebook, etc. Only available with a minimum purchase of $400. $85. Specs are listed below:

With the TAO Digital Picture Key Chains you can carry your most treasured photos with you wherever you go. Holds up to 100 picture at a time. Easily transfer images from your PC or Mac.

Gift box; cables, ac adaptor
Internal memory: 8MB
Photo Capacity: Up to 100 pictures
Software: Photo Manager ( Built in for PC; Download from TAO website for Mac)
Includes: AC adaptor, USB cable.
Battery: 1.0 hours
Dimensions: 1.8" x 1.8" x 0.5"
Weight: 1.9 oz.

Mother's Day Special: This keychain comes free with any collection order through the end of April.

Portraits at home in Turtle Ridge

2009-03-09T06:10:00.001-07:00

This beautiful family had me into their home for portraits commemorating the birth of the daughter and to update all of the family's portraits. Beautiful home, beautiful children, and a beautiful loving family. Look for portraits of them at the beach in a few months!

Valentine Mini sessions in Newport Beach

2009-03-02T04:33:00.001-08:00

I just can't say enough about how much I love this family! They are so awesome and so beautiful too! It has been so much fun to see them grow. This was a mini session at their home that sort of blossomed into more than just a mini session. And they sent out the cutest Valentine's card!

I meant to post this a lot earlier... but I have been having a lot of trouble getting on the net from my computer with the pictures on it. So be prepared for lots of catchup posts!

Pretty in Pink

2009-02-20T08:41:00.001-08:00

Once again, I promised my favorite twin princess' mother that I would wait to post their session until after everyone received their Valentine's cards. I am pretty sure it is late enough for that now, so here goes. I loved the rustic location - we went up to the families ranch, near Temecula, California. It was so beautiful - they had a lovely little lake, beautiful groves of trees and pathways and the neatest rocks which made a great setting for our session. I have been having so much fun with these beautiful girls and their mom - I get to live out lots of my creative dreams! I can't wait for out Springtime/Easter session!

Fun Valentine's Recipe

2009-02-12T20:40:00.000-08:00

I know it is not very photography related, but I just wanted to share this fun Valentine's Day recipe for all of you ambitious cooks out there that want to create the perfect heart shaped confection for your loved one! Enjoy!

Cherry Berries on a Cloud

Perfect for Valentine’s Day!

Cherry pie filling and lemon juice can also be mixed with 1/2 teaspoon almond extract and 1/2

teaspoon cinnamon.

Ann also uses a homemade filling made from canned pie cherries - see Cherry Banana Pie filling.

Serves 8
MERINGUE:
egg whites (1/3 - 1/2 cup)
1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
1/2 cup sugar
FILLING:
1 3 oz. pkg. cream cheese, softened
3/4 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup chilled whipping cream (or Cool Whip)
1/2 cup miniature marshmallows
CHERRY BERRY TOPPING:
1 21 oz. can Cherry Pie Filling
1 teaspoon lemon juice
2 cups strawberries (fresh or frozen and thawed), sliced

Meringue: Heat oven to 275 degrees, cover baking sheet with heavy brown paper or parchment
paper; draw or trace outline of heart with
9” at greatest width. Beat egg whites with cream of tartar until foamy; beat in 3/4 cups sugar 1
tbsp. at a time; continue beating until stiff and glossy -DO NOT UNDER BEAT!!! Spoon
meringue into outline on paper, building up sides. Bake 1 1/2 hours, turn off oven; leave
meringue in oven with door closed for 1 hour. Remove from oven and finish cooling away from
draft. Remove paper when meringue is completely cool and place meringue on serving platter.

Filling: Blend cream cheese, 1/2 cup sugar and vanilla. In chilled bowl beat whipping cream
until stiff. Add powdered sugar for desired sweetness. Gently fold whipped cream and
marshmallows into cream cheese mixture. Pile into meringue shell. Cover and chill at least 12
hours. Just before serving top with cherry berry topping and cut into wedges.

Cherry Berry Topping: Stir together cherry pie filling and lemon juice, and if desired add 2 cups
of sliced strawberries.

Playing Catch-up!

2009-02-10T13:18:00.000-08:00

So I know I haven't posted in a while. I still have a bunch to post from Jan and Feb. But first I needed to get these backlogged posts up from last year. All sessions that never got posted. I am doing them all at once, and they are all kind of mixed together. Sorry it is so long... I promise to post some more recent shoots very soon!