In the past I have had you tell me why your family is not boring. This time I wanted to mix it up a little in and effort to alleviate redundancy. Cause well….it’s boring doing the same thing over and over.   This year I want to know all about how you fell in love with your significant other.  That means this contest is open to ALL couples and families.  Kids or no kids.  Engaged.  Married. Life partners.  Whatever.   You just have to be head over heals in love.

I am not stopping at just a free session this year.  I am giving away the farm. TWICE!  What’s on the table you ask?  you ready for this??   A session and files.  Yes!! you heard me right.  That is a $1400 value….times two!  Yes…I am occasionally crazy.    The more people you can get to enter,  the better your chances of winning because the person with the most referrals will win the same prize!

Work it.  If you have a blog.  Blog it.  Mommy forums?  Post it!  It will be the easiest $$1400 you ever made!  Local photographers I welcome you to join in the fun.

Not on facebook?  Now is the time to reconnect.  If my mother is on facebook,  then you have no excuses.  Hi mom!

Follow the directions kids or you will be eliminated and don’t forget to…….

Contest will run from July 21, 2010  – August 5, 2010 and a winner will be announced the morning  August 6, 2010.

How to enter:

• Fill out the form below in it’s entirety.
• Leave a comment on the blog
• “Like” my fan page on Facebook and leave a comment.  GO HERE. (link will open in a new window)
• BONUS POINTS! – Follow a boring photo on twitter  -  GO HERE

• Copy/Paste this phrase to your facebook status/twitter as often as you like:    SoCal Photog @aboringphoto to give away TWO SESSIONS + DISK! Play to win! http://tinyurl.com/235nfyy #photocontest #OC #sandiego  REPOST!

If  you were not referred by anyone simply put N/A in the “referred  by” field

I can’t wait to hear from you!

Fine Print:

Session MUST be booked within ONE WEEK of notification and take place before September 15, 2010.  No exceptions.

Winners must be able to be located on my facebook fan page, filled out the blog entry form with valid information and have left a comment on the blog.

Session good for immediate family only.

Referral Winner must have entered into the contest as well.

Southern California residents preferred. I am willing to fly but you have to foot the bill on travel.

Files will be delivered electronically via email

Session is non-transfeable and may not be redeemed for cash

Thank you Angie for taking the time to whip this up and  for this new perspective outside of my own.

All the clothing in the swatches can be found at Old Navy & J Crew: Crew Cuts.

Let’s talk  color!

Mustard and Cement. Sage and Rhubarb. Crimson and Bluebell. How about Poppy, Papaya, and a splash of Turquoise? All delicious combinations of color. Spring is upon is with a brightly colored palette just waiting to be taken advantage of!

So often the portraiture of the past has us playing the matching game. We remember growing up, the dreaded family photo shoot that had mom dressing us in the exact same thing. Often times the kids mirrored one another with mom and dad changing it up just a smidge (think jeans and white shirts, or khakis with black polos). Were your images be horrible? Most likely no, but they probably lacked some things. Personality, life, color.

One of the great things about custom photography is you have the opportunity to hand your children, your family, over to an artist whose eyes are trained to see what is beyond the norm. We see past the terrible twos and the shyness of your six-year-old – we are able to capture the tiniest of details with precision and care. What better way to allow us to get to know your family than through fantastic attire that screams YOU? Embrace the uniqueness of your children, allow their personalities to shine through with colors and textures that fit them. Is your daughter spunky and full of life? Would she love to wear her new polka dotted dress over those little jeans you just got her? Perhaps your son is an old soul, full of eclectic wonder and curiosity… he would look dashing in his favorite cargo shorts with a plaid shirt, rolled up sleeves and a funky vest.

When it comes to my own art I’m often inspired by what nature shares with us. The fruit of a blossoming tree, a freshly picked basket of blueberries, perhaps even the glow of the sunset over the Pacific. Each person has a story to tell and a color palette all their own. Enjoy the stage your family is at. Desire to capture it. Think past the traditional khakis and polo shirt. Make it fun, make it real, and make it rock.

~Angie

I know I don’t have kids or anything but listen to me when I say these dresses are a must have for for spring and summer!  The kids loved wearing these bright, happy, comfortable threads.   Best of all they were easy to get the kids in and out of and  looked cute over jeans, bloomers, leggings and with or with out a little t shirt underneath. Super versatile . Alexis also makes and sells the all of headbands and hair clips we used as accessories so be sure to check out her shop.

I am super stoked to offer a giveaway that everyone can participate in!!  Worldwide give away up in here. I just think that is so fancy.

The prize:   One AvaDylan Collection item of your choice for a special little lady in your life.

To enter:  Leave a comment (and a valid email address) answering the following question:

1. What do you wish was on Etsy you can not seem to find or want more of?

Deadline: My Birthday!  March 25. I will post the rest of our darling little models when I announce the winner.

The money segment.  I was really on the trade show floor for about 4 hours.  I know.  How sad.  Being at WPPI for such a short time I knew the booths that I wanted to hit. The Finao booth was visually stunning and I didn’t even step inside. Shame on me. Sorry Finao. I still heart you and I am sure I missed a killer deal on album swatches. I didn’t wander around aimlessly this year picking up pamphlets for everything that looked like I needed or would maybe need over the course of the next year. I was there to knock this out with purpose. The Places I did hit. Jessica Claire’s Shoot Sac booth. Hoodman. ShootQ. Red river Paper and my technological love machine… Nikon

Jessica’s Shoot Sac:  I have heard mixed reviews on these things. It seems more people swear by them than not.   I am a girl who loves a good lens change but doesn’t care to lug around a big crazy bag. So, I think it will be a nice addition for me.  I purchased the actual shoot sac and two of her new covers for $209.  So, the deal worked out that I got the bag and two complimentary covers.  Works for me.   The gray and pink cover pictured here was given to me at her work shop. (Thanks Jessica)   I can’t wait to use one of these when I shoot with Miss Chenin in a few weeks.

Hoodman CF Cards.  These things are a pretty penny but with a lifetime warranty and being the fastest card out there so I was happy to invest.  I got three 4GB cards for $180.  Basically it was buy 2 get one free.  Not only is using smaller cards a good exercise in shooting smarter but spreading your info over several cards  in case of card failure.  You never know and I would hate to tell a bride… sorry my CF card died.  Worst nightmare. That and getting sick at a wedding.

ShootQ. This was a virtual purchase but this is a photo I took (30 seconds ago) of my complimentary t shirt they gave me.   I signed up for the full blown  version of this studio management software for a $1 a day for 12 months!  Normally this package would be $80 a month.   This was by far the deepest discount I  scored at the show.  It integrates with everything I need to keep track and make things run as smooth as possible.  Integrating with Quick Books, Merchant Services and much more.  It’s a Customer Relationship Management tool and comes complete with an iPhone application.   It will build packages, deliver quotes and contracts and all kinds of other things.  I am super stoked on it an hope to have it integrated into my business work flow very soon.

So there you have it folks.  I did pretty good considering in I came home with a D300  in 2008.

Up next Airhorns & Lasers, The power of making connections and a conversation with Nikon.

I ran into people I connected with last year, missed a few people and made a few new friends. Some as randomly as it gets and had long overdue impromptu meeting with long time forum confidants. Putting a real face to a name is so fantastic. I feel like I am still trying to soak up all that had happened in the jam packed time span of 36 hours.  I am still recuperating.

Stay tuned for my next couple of posts on : Where I spent my hard earned dollars, Airhorns and Lasers and A Conversation with Nikon.

I leave you with a photo of the open road on our way to crazy town.

Thank you Jessica for opening up your studio and home to all of us and sharing how you roll so willingly and openly. Also,  Michael and Jeff  Norwood for the super tasty home cooked meal and Becker for making an appearance and being the character he is.  It was nice to see you all.

I am busting out all of the goodness in one post.  Enjoy!

Plates and glassware from Antrhopologie.

Cake by: Erica O’Brian

Pillows and Linen: La Tavola. Invitations: CEVD Flatware and cake table: Classic Party Rentals Spanish door, iron screen, Moroccan poufs:  Badia Design

Feeling naked here…. I am giving one or two of my creations away. Your Choice!

Leave me a comment and I will use the random number generator to pick a winner! This contest will go until February 28th. Only comments on the blog will be included.

It rained and it rained HARD! Lucky for us the clouds broke and we seized the opportunity to go out and play a little.  We were in the eye of a category 1 hurricane in Orange County, CA of all places! The land of ocean breezes and 300+ days of sunshine I’m talking down pour mixed with sideways rain, thunder, lighting and a tornado watch. All that and we hardly skipped a beat.

It’s safe to say that Chenin is a tough act to follow but here are a few of the images I snapped of all of the vintage inspired goodness. You can see Chenin’s take on the event here.

….and a little bit of the action.

Day two was exceptionally beneficial with  a no holds barred Q&A session with the whole gang along with some down and dirty Photoshop work with the mastermind behind Totally Rad Actions. Thanks Doug. It was a great chance to meet other industry professionals both locally and nation wide.  There were even a few fabulous Canadians among us.

Through all of the pouring rain, thunder, lightning, and tornado warnings I would consider this nothing but a success. Thank you all so very much!

The awesomeness shown here comes from these fantastic creative professionals.

Styled By: Angel Swanson of Events of Love & Splendor

Floral Design: The Treasured Petal

Stationary: Wiley Valentine

Rentals: Classic Party Rentals

Dress Designer: Joan Shum

Makeup & Hair: All Made Up Team

Deserts & Goodies: Vanilla Bakeshop

Venue: Arroyo Trabuco Golf Club

Models: Amanda Rae and Matt

Also special thanks to all the rockin’ vendors that kicked down some great discounts and products.

My Funky Camera – Shootsac - ProDPI – Colorati – Finao Albums – Totally Rad Actions

Here we go…this is a fun one. I did this last year when I got thrown off that cliff to get the ball rolling.

What’s up for grabs: A complimentary session!! (A $200 value!)

The name of the game: Explain why  your family is NOT BORING!! Easy right?  I know you all have great stories.

The rules: Email Me Subject: NOT BORING or leave a comment here on the blog(with a valid email address) illustrating what makes you guys tick.  You can go about this anyway you want. Be funny, pull heart strings, punch me right in the gut with a good story.  Please feel free to send a video or photos along with your entry and most of be yourself and just tell it like it is.  I want to get to know you and then I want to shoot you….and your family. With my camera of course.

Please include:  Your name, ages of children, your zip code a phone number where I can reach you and of course a tantalizing story.  I want to be moved.

Deadline:   Midnight – Tuesday July 28, 2009

Those who enter will be added to my mailing list and  those on the list will be the first and quite possible the only ones to know about any exclusive holiday promotions I may throw out. That is reason enough to enter right there!  I also said I would double down on this if I won that contest for the IE FOXLA Hot list.  So….that means a possibility of TWO winners!  I find out Thursday. I’ll keep you posted and thanks for all the support!

The fine print: Prints, products and travel are not included.  Session must be booked within two weeks of notification and take place before October 30th. Please note: Entries are not limited to families. If you prefer your session to be just the kids, want to document a group of friends, your dog or you are recently engaged please feel free to participate! Prize is not transferable, and  participants of the family session are to be of the immediate family only.

I am excited to hear from you and choose some winners!  Pass me around like a hot potato….you have ONE WEEK!

I’ll leave you with last years winners…..

Leah ,  Jenny and Kathy

…and a few little snaps of one of my very best friend’s twinsies the other day.  They turn ONE on the 28th. happy birthday babies!

Ali moved to Tennessee from Orange County over a year ago. She came out for a week to visit her roots in Southern California to visit and I was excited when she asked me to torture her for a little while. I have known Alison for 6 years and she’s beautiful, funny, sassy, quirky, loyal, trustworthy with a serious sentimental side and unbelievably single!

This is of course all my idea and obviously for pickles and giggles. She’s ok’d it and just laughs on the sidelines and tells me I am wacky. You.never.know. The internet is a fascinating place I am now accepting applications to win a lunch date with her. Location undecided at this point. (Mom I can hear you….she won’t be meeting anyone in a dark alley)

OK! Here’s the scoop

Nashville, TN and surrounding area men ages 28-38 PLEASE: Have a job, lack a mustache and be less girlie than A. Be an educated gentleman. Must like dogs and children. Be thoughtful, considerate, passionate about something and have dreams. Return phone calls, like to cook, and no lush’s, or crack heads please. Be honest, hard working and don’t beat around the bush if you have something to say. Please be free of infectious disease and severe mental disorders that require high doses of lithium or other anti psychotics. In other words….no skinny jeans. Is it too much to ask?

To play leave a comment with a valid email address (will not be shared) and your zip code asking Ali a question to get to know her a little better and/or why you are single and want to hang out. Easy.

Deadline June 1,2009.
Should be enough time for this post to go viral. Right?

I need your help internet land. Can we find Ali a suitable beau? Copy and paste the link in the address bar email it to friends and family, post on your Facebook, myspace and blogs. I am curious to see what happens.

I did a little boudoir session with her too but that is for another post. It’s pretty hot too so stay tuned.