Christy Martin

It's Here!

2008-09-16T13:42:00.001-07:00

New and Updated BLOG!!!

www.christymartinphotography.com/blog

Update your bookmarks...
Visit the new blog often...
Say goodbye to little images and slow downloads!

Take a look!

Splashadello

2008-08-22T08:41:00.000-07:00

Splashadello, a body kitchen in the new Tempe Marketplace, is an amazing store!
I did some store photos and headshots for their website, as well as products shots for their new shopping cart.
They specializes in natural oils and extracts for your face and body. Be sure to drop by and treat yourself to some of their great products.

Addison

2008-08-22T08:38:00.000-07:00

I really wanted to post a black and white Sneak Peek to Addison's mom and dad. But, with those beautiful EYES... I just couldn't bring myself to do it!

Charlie, Toni & Jack

2008-08-22T08:26:00.000-07:00

Just like our last session several months ago, we had a fabulous time together updating everyone's headshots. This family is so much fun to work with!

Nick

2008-08-22T08:24:00.000-07:00

Have I already said that I love this kid? Well, in case I haven't, "I love him!" He's every photographer's dream! He's fun to be around and looks like he just stepped off of the cover of a magazine!

Rayna

2008-08-22T08:22:00.000-07:00

2008-08-13T09:14:00.001-07:00

Toni, Charlie, Nick and Jack

2008-08-12T12:07:00.001-07:00

Coming Soon!

Aloha Aquatic Center

2008-08-09T11:19:00.000-07:00

I love this picture because, to me, all of the animals are anxiously waiting for someone to pull them in the water. (Maybe I've watched Toy Story one too many times.)

I have worked with Aloha Aquatic Center before while covering a shoot for Kids Celebrate Magazine. However, this time I was asked to photographed their facility for their new online gallery.
I sat in on part of a lesson and couldn't help but notice how much fun the kids were having.
If anyone is interested in swimming lessions or birthday parties, you should give them a call.

Brilliant Sky Toys and Books

2008-08-03T01:12:00.000-07:00

I had the wonderful opportunity to photograph Brilliant Sky, an amazingly refreshing toy and book store in Phoenix. This was truly the best toy store I've ever been inside. The store itself was extremely interactive. As a matter of fact, the store encourages the kids to play and test out the toys before purchasing.
Unlike most toys being sold today, most of Brilliant Sky's products seemed to be battery-free and very geared towards learning and building.
They are offering lots of great programs and opportunities for kids and parents each month. Call or go online to sign-up for their monthly newsletter.
I can't wait to visit this store again!

Emma

2008-08-02T12:52:00.000-07:00

I got to photograph Emma at her 6-month (and one day, but who is counting?) milestone. Isn't she so pretty?
She was laying on her blanket beside a waterfall for most of her shots. About half-way through, she just laid her head down and closed her eyes. I guess the sound of the water was really relaxing her. It was so sweet.

Baby Miah

2008-07-30T12:52:00.000-07:00

I couldn't have asked for a sweeter baby to photograph! She was totally relaxed and happy. Her eyes are so pretty and photographed so well in her photos! Sweet and pretty- great combination!

John

2008-07-29T12:51:00.000-07:00

John's eyes are so blue. But, with this shirt on... WOW! They really stand-out.
I experienced a 'first' during our session....As we were walking through the park, I hear lots of little footsteps behind us. I turn around and there were more ducks than I could count following us! So many, in fact, we had to run them off before we could do any photos! It was very, very funny!

Stevi & Kevin's Wedding

2008-07-26T12:45:00.000-07:00

Stevi and Kevin knew what they were doing when they planned their wedding in July in Arizona:

Make it early in the morning...
Make it a quick ceremony...
Fly out of town immediately after "I Do!" to celebrate with friends and family in Texas!

Now Booking for GA Sessions in October!

2008-07-23T10:32:00.000-07:00

I'm excited to begin booking sessions during my trip back to

Georgia in October!

FRIDAY, October 17th: $65
Starting at 8am @ the Elisha Winn House (in Dacula)

SATURDAY, October 18th: $75
(Limited morning sessions only.)
Starting at 7:15am @ the Elisha Winn House

SUNDAY, October 19th: $65
(Only a few sessions left!)
Starting at 12:15pm @ Watson Mill Bridge State Park (in Comer)

All sessions include:

Over 30 images to choose from, both color and black and white
30-45 minute session
(10) Mini Digital Files: perfect for blogging, emailing, myspace or online sharing
Online viewing gallery for friends and family, with protected password

Like past sessions from Georgia in May, I will have chances for each family to win great prizes by having your friends and family vote for their favorite photos of the day!

Sessions are limited and will book-up quickly. To reserve your spot, please email (direct/personal: c_martin01@hotmail.com) or call (480-309-0782) today!

* If you are interested in a private session during the week at your home or favorite location, please email me for limited availability on Wednesday, October 15th. (All private Lifestyle Sessions are $90 and include a 8x10 enlargement. See website for more information.)

Matt, Jennifer & Riley

2008-07-22T21:17:00.000-07:00

You probably recognize Riley off my blog or website. She is Jennifer's (my best friend from kindergarden) baby girl. I'm proud to say she is also my God-daughter.

The last time I photographed Matt and Jennifer together was when Jennifer was pregnant with Riley. So, it was about time for family pictures!

We had a great time- as usual. And Riley, as usual, was perfect!

Coming in at #1...

2008-07-17T12:19:00.000-07:00

The week in Arkansa was filled with so many great memories. But, I think my favorite was taking Austen, Ross and Madison to Crystal Lake. Who knew we could hop on the 4-wheeler and, just 2 mintues later, be at such a beautiful place?

We loved exploring this place so much, we ended up going four more times!

Horse Trough

2008-07-17T11:43:00.000-07:00

Quick story...
One afternoon, me, Matthew and Michelle took Ross and Joseph with us as we fed the horses, shoveled manure and cleaned out the stalls in the barn. (Yes, this was all our idea. And, yes, as expected, we had fun doing it.)

Ross and Joseph got into the horse troughs for a mid-day swim. They had a blast splashing around and jumping from one trough to another!

More Horse Trough Fun

2008-07-17T11:42:00.000-07:00

Just a few more from the horse trough. (This is another example of a warm tone I changed the pictures to. I love how it looks a little old and a little vintage.)

More memories from the creek

2008-07-17T11:10:00.000-07:00

Sadie, the new family puppy, loves coming along for the water trips!

I love Rayna's little toes!

Matthew and Ross

Austen

1-2-3- JUMP!

2008-07-17T11:02:00.000-07:00

I want to make a Story Board out of this for Ross' room. (It looks great side-by-side. But, it's already too late to be up. So, I'll just leave it as it is for the blog.)

I can just hear the kids screaming as I look at the picture!

Floating Along...

2008-07-16T23:51:00.000-07:00

We took the kids to the pool at Pinnacle Country Club. Rayna was loving life!

Rayna

2008-07-16T23:49:00.000-07:00

Outside

2008-07-16T23:46:00.000-07:00

Matthew is trying to work all the energy out of this horse before giving him his daily shot of medicine.

(We obviously forgot to pack any clothes for Ross for this trip.)

We wouldn't be in the 'Martin' bloodline without having a baby tossed way too high in the air.

Ross

2008-07-16T23:45:00.000-07:00

He's smiling.
He's happy.
His eyes are beautiful.
It's going on my blog.

'Population' what?

2008-07-16T23:30:00.000-07:00

Yes, you're reading the sign correctly... "Population 1,314"

Grandaddy's cowboy hat

2008-07-16T23:27:00.000-07:00

Loving Grandaddy's cowboy hat...

Thinking about take off Grandaddy's cowboy hat...

Move quickly before my camera gets hit by Grandaddy's cowboy hat...

Butterflies at Crystal Lake

2008-07-16T23:25:00.000-07:00

There were beautiful butterflies all around us at Crystal Lake. Here are two of my favorite new friends.

Joseph

2008-07-16T23:22:00.000-07:00

Joseph is only a few months younger than Ross. Even though he doesn't like to be cuddled with or kissed-on, sometimes I just couldn't help myself.

Ross & Joseph

2008-07-16T23:20:00.000-07:00

Is Ross naked every chance he gets? Yes.
Is Ross rubbing off on his cousin, Joseph. Looks like it!

Rayna & Matthew

2008-07-16T23:16:00.000-07:00

My little baby-girl is breaking my heart! She is crawling and pulling-up on everything. She is such a joy. I love these new stages, but, it makes me sad to think about how quickly she's growing up. (Can I make another remark about how adorable she is? It's my blog, so, technically, I think I can. SHE'S SO ADORABLE!)

Ross

2008-07-16T23:12:00.000-07:00

If you know Ross, you know it's very difficult for me to get a decent picture of him. (I guess he's over the camera by now.)
So, if he's actually smiling, I'm posting it on the blog!

2008-07-16T23:07:00.000-07:00

I love the warm-tone I added to these photos. It's hard to pull it off on most pictures. But, I think these are good examples of how it can change the feel of the pictures. It reminds me of what summers would have been like a long time ago, before TVs and video games.

Cousins

2008-07-16T23:00:00.000-07:00

There's something about this picture I just love. It's so real and unscripted. Maybe it's the way Madison is so sweet and loving to Ross.

Just hanging out..

2008-07-16T22:50:00.000-07:00

I've said it before and I'll say it again... I belong on a farm!
There's nothing better than watching fire flies at night by a big fire. Or, playing baseball with all of the kids in the backyard. One of my favorite things are when the horses decide to start running in their pasture in front of the house. That has to be one of the most beautiful sites in the entire world.

Rayna relaxing on the front porch with Matthew

Ross and Nana

2008-07-16T22:46:00.000-07:00

Ross loves his Nana. But, why wouldn't he? She spends her entire day doing whatever he wants to do. One morning he told me, "Nana so sweet."

Matthew's Climb

2008-07-16T22:39:00.000-07:00

Matthew is super-cool. I don't know what else to say. No matter where we go, he always looks for something out of the ordinary to do.

Time with Austen and Madison

2008-07-16T22:32:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite memories from the trip was going down-stream with Madison and Austen. The water was freezing! But, we felt great in our wetsuits! Austen and Madison convinced me to leave my camera on some dry rocks and let the current take us away. It was so much fun. I really miss spending quality time with my niece and nephews.

Time for Family Photos!

2008-07-16T22:17:00.000-07:00

We took a few family pictures before our dinner at Shogun on the last night. I have some closer shots of the family together. But, I really like the front of their house.

It can be a challenge to get two little boys, under the age of three, to sit still for ANY picture. Much less, doing one with an automatic timer. (Which required lots of standing still... waiting... and, of course, retakes!)

Dennis and Patricia (Matthew's parents)
...What an incredible looking couple!

Michelle (expecting Kenslee in a few months) with Austen and Joseph.

My Little 'Doll-Baby'

2008-07-16T14:04:00.000-07:00

Madison, Rayna's only girl cousin, did Rayna's hair the first day we were in Arkansas. I had to take a some pictures, because, let's face it... Rayna is the prettiest little girl I've ever seen!

I love her cheeks...
I love her dimples...
I love her curly hair...
I love her bright blue eyes...
I love her little teeth...
I love her chubby arms...

I just love my little Rayna-Claire-Bear!

Liam, Seamus & Brooklyn

2008-07-08T23:01:00.000-07:00

I am glad I was able to get this family in- just hours before their mom left for Hong Kong.
When I started shooting, Liam didn't seem to be in the mood for photos. I discovered very quickly, he just wanted to play. PERFECT!
We played on the playground together and I got some great shots! (He has so many cute facial expressions!)
His little brother, Seamus, was very laid-back. He tried many positions for us and was sweet the entire time. When Brooklyn arrived, the fun really started as we tried to get them all together for pictures! (She had some great faces too!)

Kenji, Bonnie, Elijah & Kiana

2008-07-08T22:48:00.000-07:00

It's no secret... My favorite subjects are little boys! I love how they perk-up when we start looking for bugs or rocks together. (Or, if that doesn't work, talking about Lighting McQueen always does the trick!)
In any case, I got to photograph a CUTIE-PIE (and his pretty little sister), while spending time with an incredibly nice family!

Amanda & Brandon

2008-07-06T22:10:00.000-07:00

Although Amanda and Brandon are living in Dallas, we were able to meet in Arkansas for their engagement shoot. Both Amanda and Brandon's mom came along and we had a great time! I look forward to meeting the rest of their families.

And I REALLY look forward to their wedding next year! They are getting married at Pinnacle Country Club in NW Arkansas. They were both already gorgeous-- just in jeans. I can't imagine what they'll look like on their wedding day!

Chandler Public Library

2008-07-03T23:18:00.000-07:00

If I'm not shooting (kids + FOOD) for Kids Celebrate Magazine, the next best thing would be (kids + MUSIC)!
I joined lots of parents and kids this morning for stories and songs at the Chandler Public Library. The kids totally got into the music.
It was nice having some time alone before our trip to Arkansas. But, since I normally have Ross on one knee and Rayna on the other during weekly activities just like this, it felt strange not having them there with me. As I watched the kids singing and dancing, I knew Ross would have been right up there in front of the guitar, doing his 'Ross-Dance.' (In case you haven't seen it, he bends his body to a sitting position... while jumping as high as he can... while holding his arms back as far as they can go. It's the cutest thing I've ever seen!)

Kim & Doug

2008-06-29T11:53:00.000-07:00

We picked a perfect time to shoot at South Mountain. The lighting was pretty and it really didn't feel that hot (for June in Arizona). I look forward to Kim and Doug's wedding in November. I know it will be beautiful!

Abbey & Valarie

2008-06-29T00:11:00.000-07:00

I think I could have photographed these two best friends all day long!
Between the hats, jewelry and tons of laughs, it is no wonder I posted twice as many Sneak Peeks as I usually do!
Thanks for such a fun shoot!

Aloha Aquatic Center

2008-06-27T01:14:00.000-07:00

Photographs from Aloha Aquatic Center taken for Kids Celebrate Magazine.

Tim, Brittany & Blake

2008-06-25T00:47:00.000-07:00

I was so happy to photograph Tim and Brittany just a few days before they had their little girl!

Blake was a sweetheart! We had a great time playing during our photo shoot! (This has to be one of my favorite ages to photograph!)

Lisabeth, David, Jennifer & Rita

2008-06-14T01:31:00.000-07:00

It was hard picking a place to photograph Lisabeth, David, Jennifer and Rita! Their house in Tuscon was beautiful. But, take one step outside and they were surrounded by gorgeous mountains. I loved it there!

Martin, Rosie & family

2008-06-11T08:54:00.000-07:00

I was honored to photograph this family just a few days before Martin left to serve our country in Iraq. The kids were very loving towards one another. It was so sweet to watch them hugging and interacting with one another.

Diane, Fred & Boys

2008-06-06T03:23:00.000-07:00

I just love little boys at this age. Although boys typically aren't as easy to photograph as little girls, it's always fun chasing them around and playing with them during the shoot! These brothers were no exception! They were (obviously) adorable, playful and full of life.

And The Winner Is...

2008-06-06T01:05:00.001-07:00

Congratulations to the CRONICS for winning the 12x12 Story Board!

The second place prize goes to the Echols! Although they were winning the majority of the time, and had an incredible amount of people voting for them, they came in second (by only SIX votes)!

I can't believe how many people voted! It's made me realize I need to make the prizes even bigger next time. (So, everyone who is booking a session in October when I return to Georgia, get ready for your turn to win even BIGGER prizes and giveaways!)

Thanks for voting everyone! With over 500 votes, I apparently wasn't the only person who had a great time with this poll!

Little DaVinci Studios, For Kids Celebrate Magazine

2008-06-01T04:01:00.000-07:00

Tiffani, Chad and family

2008-06-01T03:25:00.001-07:00

These kids were so great during our shoot last weekend! (Can you believe both of their eyes?! WOW!) My time with them felt more like a playdate than a photo shoot!

Chris, Ruth & Ruby

2008-06-01T03:23:00.001-07:00

"Ruth's Chris"
(Get it?)

I am so lucky to meet such wonderful families while I'm 'working.' (I use that term lightly because of how much I enjoy what I'm doing.) Chris and Ruth were both so sweet and laid-back. Little Ruby was so playful, active and tough! As long as we were close to trees or water, she was a happy little girl!

New Way Graduation

2008-06-01T03:19:00.000-07:00

I really enjoyed getting to know the students, teachers and parents at New Way Learning Academy last Tuesday. The day started with the awards ceremory and reception, followed by the 8th grade promotion. Just a few hours later, it was time for the seniors to graduate!

There are over 600 photos from the day. So, I will have everything uploaded to my website by Wednesday morning. (Please email me for your password.)

Thank You!

2008-05-31T23:44:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to say Thank You to all of my clients back in Georgia! I had so much fun photographing you all while I was back. It's been exciting finishing up everyone's sessions and watching the result poll grow!

My client-list is quickly growing for sessions in October. (I think a lot of people are thinking about Christmas cards and gifts.) So, I'll make sure to keep everyone posted when I know exact dates that we'll be back in town.

Speaking of coming back for Michelle's shower...

They found out TODAY it is a GIRL! We are ALL so excited!

Oh, this picture was taken by Nicole Echols during our shoot. She emailed me after the session with the nicest compliments and some pictures she'd taken of me in action. Thanks, Nicole! That was such a neat and thoughtful idea!

Vote For Your Favorite Georgia-Session!

2008-05-30T12:19:00.001-07:00

Sneak-Peeks Are Up!!!

It's time to choose your favorite photo from the Georgia-sessions...

The winner will win a 12x12 Storyboard!!!
(Runner-up will receive a free 8x10 Enlargement.)

The poll will only allow each person to vote once.

So, recruit your friends and family to help you win!

GEORGIA SESSION: The Echols

2008-05-30T01:22:00.000-07:00

I always look forward to photographing the Echols family! Not only are they all extremely laid-back and fun, Samuel and Will are always so sweet. I was especially excited about this session because Emma just joined their family! Her brothers were so sweet to her. Look how much they love each other!

GEORGIA SESSION: The Robertsons

2008-05-30T01:19:00.000-07:00

It was really fun photographing Emory! I was totally impressed with Emory's athletic skills during our shoot! He was making all of us laugh.
Max was a sweetheart! He was happy and content the whole time we were shooting. It was so great to meet Max and catch-up with Cody and Lindsay.

GEORGIA SESSION: The Cronics

2008-05-30T01:16:00.000-07:00

What a great way to start my day! I always enjoy being with this family. (Which happens to actually feel like a second family to me. I've known them since I was born.)
I've gotten to watch and photograph Nash, Caroline and Presley since they were little-bitty. Before long, Baby Cash will be running around with everyone else.

GEORGIA SESSION: The Burnleys

2008-05-30T01:13:00.000-07:00

If Matthew had a dollar for everytime I started looking at my photos and told him, "I just love Blake."
I love his hair. I love his personality. I love that he gave me a hug and kiss after the session was over. (Oh, and I love his new smile he was doing for the camera!)

GEORGIA SESSION: Marcy, Matt & Colter

2008-05-30T01:10:00.000-07:00

I should have known Marcy and I would be instant friends. Just five minutes into her interview (at Dr. Clayton's office), I found out she loves Chris Daughtry more than me! Years later, I still think Marcy is the greatest. And Matt, her son, is no exception. He excells in sports and academics. I would love to know Marcy's secrets on how to raise such a happy, nice, funny and wonderful son.

GEORGIA SESSION: Dr. Clayton and family

2008-05-30T01:08:00.000-07:00

Although he and Donna weren't in most of the photos, I have to brag a little about Dr. Clayton. I met him ten years ago when we were both working at a large dental practice. When I heard he opened his own practice, I wanted so badly to work for him. (He was so laid-back and funny. Not to mention brilliant.) During my time at Clayton Dental, I learned so much about dentistry, not to mention business in general.
He just opened a gorgeous new office in Suwanee. If anyone needs a dentist, give his office a call at 770-932-0290. (How's that for a plug?)

GEORGIA SESSION: Gage

2008-05-30T01:05:00.000-07:00

What can I say about Gage? For starters, can you believe how stinkin' cute he is?! Just minutes after he arrived, I knew I'd already gotten the shots I wanted. (That's very unusual for a child, especially a boy, at that age!) He was sweet and playful as can be. He makes my job so fun and rewarding.
Thanks for missing the Braves game for family photos!

GEORGIA SESSION: The Darrells: Liza and Emily

2008-05-30T01:02:00.000-07:00

These girls have grown so much since our last session together! As always, they were so sweet and affectionate towards one another. I'm always anxious to see what pretty outfits the family will be in. I hope they enjoyed their ice cream after our session. They deserved it for being so sweet and pretty!

GEORGIA SESSION: The Hames

2008-05-30T00:59:00.000-07:00

This was my third time doing photos for the Hames. Each time, I really enjoy spending time with Zachary, the oldest child. His speech and communication skills always blow me away. (I asked him at one point if he would catch me if I jumped to him. He looks at me with a serious face and says, "I can't catch you because you're an adult and too heavy.")

GEORGIA SESSION: Cindy and family

2008-05-30T00:56:00.000-07:00

I was happy to go to Cindy's house for family pictures! Between the dogs, cats, horses, pool(S) and underground trampoline, I really didn't want to leave. Obviously, this family knows how to have fun together!

GEORGIA SESSION: Baby Tyler

2008-05-30T00:55:00.000-07:00

Tyler was the ideal baby-model. He just hung out in the buff, following my camera with those big ol' blue eyes.

GEORGIA SESSION: Jason & Ashley

2008-05-30T00:53:00.000-07:00

Even though I stay updated on their recent trips and vacations through emails and postings, it was really good to see Ashley and Jason in person and catch-up. I also got to meet Ashley's family. They were so warm and fun to work with. I'm glad I had a little extra time with this family. I really enjoyed the entire session with them.

GEORGIA SESSION: Keelin

2008-05-30T00:49:00.000-07:00

(Do I even need to write anything about Keelin?!?!)

Seriously, is she not THE PRETTIEST baby girl you've ever seen? She really needs to be in a Pottery Barn or magazine ad. I could have photographed her all day long.

GEORGIA SESSION: Melissa & Taylor

2008-05-30T00:43:00.000-07:00

Taylor Grace gets the award for the most laid-back client! She just chilled-out as we changed her outfit at least three times (that I remember)! I think she looks so much like Melissa. They really photograph well together.

GEORGIA SESSION: The Fortners

2008-05-30T00:41:00.000-07:00

So, what's the trick to getting a meaningful picture of three grown brothers? Just wait until they start giving each other a hard time! That's when the great laughs and smiles come!

Packages & Prices

2008-05-28T20:04:00.000-07:00

Mix up different photos and sizes!
For any of these packages, you may use as many different photos as you'd like. Even for the wallets, you can customize your package where you receive a different picture for each wallet!

Package 1:
(1) 20x10 Story Board
(2) 12x12 Story Boards
(1) 11x14
(4) 8x10
(5) 5x7
(6) 4x6
(16) wallets
CD with ALL digital mini-photos from your session! Perfect for emails, blogs, screensavers or sharing! (Not print quality.)
$410

Package 2:
(1) 11x14
(4) 8x10
(8) 5x7
(6) 4x6
(24) wallets
$330

Package 3:
(2) 12x12 Story Boards
(3) 8x10
(4) 5x7
(5) 4x6
(8) wallets
$280

Package 4:
2 (8x10)
6 (5x7)
8 (4x6)
16 wallets
$250

Package 5:
1 (8x10)
4 (5x7)
6 (4x6)
8 wallets
$165

Other sizes and products are listed on my website at http://www.christymartinphotography.com/.

Storyboards

2008-05-28T13:19:00.000-07:00

STORYBOARDS

I'm very excited about a new product I'm offering! It's a collection of photographs on one enlargement. This is a great option which allows you to choose up to five photos, at a great price!

12x12: $60

20x10: $75
24x14: $90

If you'd like to see an example of what YOUR Storyboard could look like, choose 1-5 of your favorite photos. I'll put together an example of what we could create together!

"Here Is Our King"

2008-04-28T11:36:00.001-07:00

HereIsOurKing wLyrics from Alex Dunn on Vimeo.

I could go on and on about why this video means so much to me. (But, maybe I'll do it when I start my new blog.) For now, here is a video Alex Dunn shot for LifeChurch.tv. They will be using it for worship for all of their campuses. I was honored Alex let me be a part of it.

Counting Down the Days!

2008-04-18T00:19:00.001-07:00

I am SO excited about our trip back to Georgia in May! Just days before booking our flights, I got this fortune cookie:

I don't know about "unexpected" happiness, because I know, whatever we're doing, it will be AWESOME to just be there with my family enjoying our time together.

I also want to say "Thank You" to all the families who have booked a session with me during my visit. I was completely honored that I was able to schedule over 16 families during my time back!

Because of your love and support, I am, officially, booked-up and unable to book anymore sessions during this trip. If you were one of the families who still wanted to book a session, please continue to check my blog for more updates on return trips and future sessions. (I know I will be back in October and during the holidays!)

Thank you again!
I look SO forward to being back, seeing my family, and, of course, taking lots of pictures!!!

Christy

Matt: Senior Session

2008-04-15T23:56:00.000-07:00

Gilbert Global Village Festival

2008-04-12T01:09:00.000-07:00

I was so happy to get to photograph the Gilbert Global Village Festival! It was fun photographing the kids, meeting the parents and enjoying the great entertainment and sites.

Dobson Academy

2008-04-11T00:45:00.000-07:00

Today I did some work at Dobson Academy. The kids were making Mother's Day cards and boxes. Although they were missing a movie, they seemed pretty happy to be getting out of class!

Nick

2008-04-01T11:56:00.000-07:00

It's no surprise that Nick is getting into commercials and acting! He had an incredible personality!
Not only is he way too cute, he's also funny! (Did I mention he plays the guitar and piano too?)

Be on the look-out for Nick. He's going places for sure!

Baby Ella

2008-03-31T00:22:00.000-07:00

Ella, and her mom and dad, were all so sweet!
Between Ella's room and all the cool furniture pieces throughout their house, I could have spent days photographing her.

Katelyn

2008-03-23T23:58:00.000-07:00

Katelyn is a sweet little girl at my church. Matthew and I teach her class every other weekend and she is ALWAYS so, so sweet to the other children.
Her mom asked me to take a few pictures in her Easter dress before the service. Doesn't she look so pretty? (I just love her.)

Rachel and Robert's Wedding

2008-03-22T01:05:00.000-07:00

What a beautiful wedding! Rachel and Robert were such a great looking couple! Not only did they photograph well, they had so much fun being together.

Double the FUN!

2008-03-19T01:50:00.000-07:00

This shoot was F-U-N !
But, come on! How could it not be with twin boys and a giant Great Dane named Elvis?
I'd take pictures of this family all day long. They are so laid-back and fun to work with.

Baby Casey

2008-03-14T11:40:00.000-07:00

Casey was a sweetheart! In a very short amount of time, we were able to get some great smiles out of him. (He's the same age as Rayna- to the day!)

Ahhh...

2008-03-13T22:12:00.000-07:00

Ross was helping Matthew wash his car tonight when I came home from a photo shoot. He was so cute trying to drink as much Coke as he could (...before we told him 'no'.)

Oddly enough, this snapshot was runner-up in a photo contest that my lab held for all of their clients!

Doll-Baby

2008-03-13T13:01:00.000-07:00

Just a quick picture of D0ll-Baby sitting on the kitchen table today. I'm starting to see why everyone says she should be the next Gerber baby!

Way 2 Play Cafe

2008-03-13T08:22:00.000-07:00

Active Moms Events Calendar did a feature on Way 2 Play Cafe. I shot the awesome facility, as well as children playing. Obviously, the kids just love it there.

"In Pockets"

2008-03-13T02:02:00.000-07:00

I did a photo shoot for Kids Celebrate Magazine, featuring In Pockets (a restaurant in Chandler). The kids did a great job enjoying the food in front of the camera.

To see the entire article, click on the above link and scroll half way down. Click on 'download April 2008 issue.' In Pockets is on page 6-7.

Hope's 2nd Birthday

2008-03-08T02:33:00.000-08:00

I can't believe Hope is already two years old!

Her birthday party was a lot of fun. Ross got to feed the ducks, play with Hope, eat cake and ride the train. Does it get any better than that?

Video of Doll-Baby

2008-03-06T01:21:00.000-08:00

Footballs and Flowers

2008-03-06T01:03:00.000-08:00

Although Matthew would say EVERYDAY is the PERFECT day for football, it was especially true today! (And everyone knows we can't go outside without Ross finding at least one flower to pick!)

"Lead Me to the Cross"

2008-03-06T00:01:00.000-08:00

I've been thinking about how I need to start another 'professional' blog for my photography business and clients. Although I may still create a separate one that won't contain any 'personal' thoughts and family photographs, I am kind-of liking the idea of my life, complete with struggles and honesty, being an open book. I personally have been incredibly inspired by a few people who have put their faith and journey out there for others to see. (Why hide something that could possibly help or encourage others?)

So, with that being said, I sit here tonight, coming up on 2am, feeling myself drawing closer and closer to God. For me, that always starts with music. (Right now, I'm listening to my sister's Myspace playlist.)

Lately, I've found my desire is to spend time reading the Bible and listening to God; but, I've allowed other things to get in the way. It's so appropriate that the words from "Lead Me to the Cross" are playing right now:

"Savior I come
Quiet my soul...
Everything I once held dear...
I count it all as lost
Lead me to the cross...
Rid me of myself
I belong to You..."

It's a great reminder for me to put all my other projects, emails, distractions away and focus on what's really important.

2008-03-05T09:34:00.001-08:00

I was really excited to see Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep get some exposure on the Today Show (NBC). So many parents don't know this service is available. Yet, I feel like it's so important and life-changing. (It's changed my life!)
Please tell your friends, family and doctors about this service. Or, visit their website at http://www.nowilaymedowntosleep.org/start.php.

New Haircut

2008-03-05T08:11:00.000-08:00

Misty got some updated pictures with my hair cut shorter. We were just driving by and spotted this great little area in downtown Gilbert.

My New Favorite Photo!

2008-03-02T00:29:00.000-08:00

Aside from a photo I took in Africa of a little boy bathing naked in the street, THIS is my new, all-time, favorite photo!

If you're thinking, "It's really not even that great...", you've GOT to hear the story behind it:

We were at McCormick's Railroad Park in Scottsdale enjoying a GORGEOUS day! I, naturally, was taking pictures of Rayna when I decided to put my camera down and lay beside her on the grass.

When she turned her head and saw that my face was right beside hers, she started the deepest and loudest BELLY LAUGH that she's ever done! Luckily, I reached for my camera... held it up above our heads... and got this picture of us laughing hysterically at... well, I'm still not sure. But, something was awfully funny at that moment!

Perfect day for a hike...

2008-02-24T12:24:00.000-08:00

One of my favorite things about living in Arizona is the mountains all around us! Before moving here, I never thought of Arizona as 'beautiful'. But, it's proven to be such a clean, fun, 'outdoorsy' and wonderful place to live. We went to South Mountain to let Ross explore. He was so proud of himself for climbing to the top of the moutain. On his way, he (naturally) stopped to pick flowers for 'doll-baby' (aka: Rayna).

Our "Doll-Baby"

2008-02-20T12:35:00.000-08:00

Rayna is a little over 4 months....

I feel like time is going by so much faster than it did with Ross. Ross is the best big brother to her. He loves being there when she wakes up in the morning. He has yet to call her Rayna. It's always, "Hey, Doll-Baby!"

Kelli and Michael

2008-02-11T22:34:00.000-08:00

I met Kelli in KINDERGARDEN!!! This sounds crazy, but, we've been the closest friends ever since! She and her husband Michael came to spend a week with us before their due date. (Speaking of which, Kelli is what EVERY pregnant girl wants to look like! She looks incredible!) In any case, almost every other sentence this week started with, "Ohhh... Do you remember when....!?!" Over toaster-oven smores each night, Matthew and Michael relived every memory Kelli and I ever recall having together!