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orange county documentary photographer | happy new year & cancer can eff off

aboring — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 05:57:56 +0000

I have come from the future to warn you that this is a long one.

I really want to preface this post by saying that I am always so thankful for my clients. 2011 was a great year and I really owe it all to my people. Thank you for supporting my vision, letting your guard down, and allowing our time together go where ever the light and the kids lead us. xoxo. New and exciting stuff coming up. What’s up 2012!?

I tried to write yesterday but I felt like I was just talking about my self and my 2011 achievements. Blech. Sharing these photos just seemed more important today. I also have stuff to share about upcoming offerings and such but the pieces are still falling together. I am trying to take a little break. I got about half way through pulling photos for a 2011 year end review. The year in review photos will come. Most likely in the form of a portfolio update.

The reality of cancer hit me in the face in 2011. First, a girl in one of my photography forum groups passed away and our group didn’t even really know what was going on. You think people get busy, stop running their business, or go on a social media break and you don’t think to much about it. That bothered me considerably. In June I lost one of my long term client mamas to brain cancer that was in remission the first year I photographed them and then came back with a vengeance. The second year she was back in chemo but was deemed terminal. Heartbreaking. I was glad to photo the sweet little family again this holiday…this year without mama…it was one of her wishes that dad carry out. Shooting is not the hard part but the reality gives you a punch in the gut when it comes time to edit. Then in August a photographer acquaintance friend and I were experiencing very similar symptoms. Mine turned out to be very benign comparatively and she diagnosed with stage 3 ovarian cancer and is currently in the throws of it all. You can see her amazing journey here. Cancer is a total bitch.

This is Lisa. Lisa and I worked together nearly every day for two years at King’s Fish House in Orange County circa 2000-2001. It’s where she swooned over her future husband while he folded napkins and cleaned soda fountain pieces. It was a good time. An inside joke from camp in Maine made it’s way home….Her name got her on the inside of this one and boy did we run with it. We had this thing with talking in Ralph’s high voice. “Lisa, it smells like burning.” and something about making her into a pie. We beat it to death. The phrase got whittled down to just our names during busy fish slinging scenarios. Pretty soon we were talking this high pitched lingo that spread through the restaurant. We used it for everything and determined it’s weight by the look in our eye and the tone in our voice. We even had the boys doing it. We would also hijack the stereo system, play full Dave Matthews CDs that blasted through the entire restaurant until we got caught. after a long night you could find us at table 100 eating way too much macaroni and cheese and sharing war stories. The cutest trouble makers ya ever did see. I am also sure we filled each others salt and peppers, melted ice or polished silver for one another on more than one occasion. Cause we’re cool like that.

She is one of those friends. You now the type….the one where 10 years passes and you pick right up where you left off. You can’t help but love the girl. Welp, she was recently diagnosed with stage 3 colon cancer. One lymph node over the line for stage 2. She has already gone through radiation and had surgery the other day to remove the funk. Things are looking good. She starts chemo sometime very soon. She’s a feisty little sprite and I she will get through it. Unfortunately, the poison that is chemo is going to make things worse before things get better. So, if you would, put her on your care bear stare line up and for those of you that prefer to pray, rub a buddah belly, hollah to allah, rub your rosary beads…whatever. Pick your poison. Anything goes. Just put the good healing energy out there. After all, we are all connected.

A few days before Christmas I took shryner to his vet in Mission Viejo and then we headed out to Brea for a long over due hang out sesh. Pretty light out there by the way. We hung out for a good old fashion run around the park. I’m glad I had my camera and I am also glad this happy little meet up turned out to be my 2011 closer. Cutest little girlies ever.

xoxo – amy

PS. Make it your NY resolution to save your dollars, sell that ugly expensive hand bag on ebay, Spend $20 less at Target each time you go, give up the starbucks habit, buy from the bulk section at the grocery, get the refined sugar out of your diet and hire a photographer. Preferably a good photographer with a vision, that you connect with and pays their taxes like you and I. muah. xo

orange county family photographer | fall 2011

aboring — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 22:55:13 +0000

Hi. Just popping in short and sweet. I have been so drawn to sharing some of the the “after session” photos that are technically outtakes from this fall season. It was entirely to dark outside to be shooting seriously. What can I say…. I enjoy pushing my camera and I wholeheartedly love me some legit grain.

Countdown to thanksgiving! Have a great week!

the gift of sweetness | Orange County Newborn Photographer • Dana Point

aboring — Mon, 13 Dec 2010 20:17:45 +0000

This sweet and beautiful laid back mama has been waiting so patiently for her images while I wrapped up my holiday sessions. I was so busy this year that I didn’t even get to scratch the surface of sharing images and the blog has taken a back seat to life happenings, shooting, editing and designing. I have plenty to prepare for in 2011 and will be blogging some of these sessions in my down season. My life is overflowing with change. The good kind! Two new website redesigns, an additional blog soon to be revealed and my favorite part TRAVEL SESSIONS! Info on travel sessions coming soon!

Mama D – I hope these images of your precious boy fill your heart with smiles.
Friends and family – 30+ plus comments and I start adding in surprises to the family’s order. We love to hear from you.

****Flash back: Don’t you love how you never know if and when people you meet along the way will come back into your life? This session was gifted by mom’s employer, who happens to be a client of mine from a previous life when I worked in the trenches….aka direct mail sales. She is as sweet now as she was then.

365 days old | Orange County Photographer

aboring — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 20:50:07 +0000

This little girlie just turned ONE! We were all so impressed by her cupcake eating skills. I have more photos of her that I need to finish editing so I am going to keep this one on the brief side.

Kendra – She is an adorable happy baby and knows a good cupcake when she sees one. Your gallery will be live soon.

Also, a special shout out to your brother that is fighting on the front lines in Iraq. Thank you for your service, stay safe and get your arse home in one piece.

Oh those eyes how they sparkle and shine!

Apparently grandpa doesn’t EVER smile in photos? Gotcha gramps. I am pretty sure that is a smile right there.

happy saturday | OC dog photographer

aboring — Sat, 30 May 2009 21:34:57 +0000

Hey Everyone! I hope you are enjoying your weekend. I am off to spend a little time with the family for a much needed break from my computer. Just a shot of Shryner I snapped the other day on one of our walks. Such a good boy.

See you on the flipside.

I was also nominated in this little contest for the best photographer in the Inland Empire!

VOTE for me here!

Real Life Has Just Begun | Orange County Family Photographer

aboring — Wed, 27 May 2009 15:58:36 +0000

This session was a gift to Amy and Jason from Jason’s step brother. I love that. Such a sweet gift. Thanks Travis!

These two adore this little guy. Mom is a college professor and a shiny happy new mom and pops is a talented musician currently on tour with Green Day, which happens to be one of my favorites.

Tennessee is just he squishiest little squeaker ever. I actually wanted to take this one home with me. True story.

Amy, thank you for the hospitality. You have an amazing family and I think the love it shines through in your photos.
Jason, I hope this tides you over until you return home. Safe travels.

Mom alert!! Have you heard that Jewel put out a new Lullaby album? It’s really beautiful and if you have little ones it’s a must have. Buy it HERE. Or you can find it as well as Green Day’s latest 21st Century Breakdown on iTunes.

Friends and Family – Stop by say hello to the newest member of the Freese family. 30+ comments and I will gift a 5×7 on me.