Casual & Elegant Kerkvliet Engagement

I was so excited to meet Jamie & Kyle. I had met Kyle briefly a few years ago when he was working at my friend Kathleen's restaurant, Casual Elegance in Lake Arrowhead http://www.casualelegancerestaurant.com/ambience.asp. (If you're ever in our neck of the woods you should check it out!!) He had made such a great impression that I immediately remembered who he was when Kathleen called me and told me he would be contacting me about photographing his wedding. And since he was such a remarkable young man I just knew he must have met someone great. And he did!! Jamie is a doll. Alyssa and I had a really great time on their engagement shoot. After giving them some location suggestions they chose to go to downtown Riverside, one of my favorites spots. There are so many great spots to take photos there and they were so easy to photograph that the day went off without a hitch. Engagement shoots are really important to me because it gives Alyssa and I a chance to really get to know the bride and groom before their big day. So that when it's time for their wedding, the day goes smooth because they will already know what to expect from us and vice versa. So after Jamie and Kyle's engagement shoot, I was super excited about their wedding. They are so easy going and the chemistry is so obvious that they will make a beautiful bride and groom!

*Photo tip: When planning for an engagement shoot I think it's really important to make it as much about the couple as possible. I usually plan the photo shoots with the brides and I always tell them to choose a location that means something to them or that will best showcase their personalities. And dress in what reflects who they are. If they hate dressing up and like to be casual then that's how they should dress. I do recommend nice casual if that's the direction they are going. In addition, I love props! What do they do for fun together? Do they enjoy riding bikes together? If so, bring 'em.  Men: maybe you could surprise your fiance with flowers or a card telling her how much you are looking forward to your wedding day. What about a picnic? It's always possible to go to two locations if the spots are really close to each other so sometimes you can take some silly, fun photos and then end it with some romantics. How ever you want the day to go make it about the couple. If they are doing something that feels comfortable to them then they will have an easier time getting into the photo shoot and have fun while doing it.

Kyle & Jamie - Engagement from Alyssa Martinez on Vimeo.

It's not Just a Beach

I knew right where to go when Stacey and Jesse chose the beach for their engagement shoot. I have a favorite little spot in Laguna (you'll have to book a photo shoot to find out where...{smiling}). It has the beach of course but what I really like most is that has numerous other little spots that have unique textures and backgrounds. The beach is popular since we live in Southern California but I want to shoot at a beach that has more to offer than just water and sand. Stacey and Jesse are a beautiful couple and I am so glad we had this opportunity to meet and get to know each other better. I know their wedding is going to be fabulous and we can't wait!

Stacey & Jesse - Engagement from Alyssa Martinez on Vimeo.

Short & Sweet

A wonderful friend of mine had a holiday boutique for her friends and their kids. While she offered food, drinks, and shopping, I offered mini holiday photo sessions that were short but sweet. Each mini session was about 20-30 minutes and I had a few props to help occupy the kiddos while I snapped away. It was really a great opportunity for quick holiday photos since the kids were comfortable and relaxed in a friendly atmosphere. I was really flexible with letting the mom's pick their times and made adjustments for those who needed it. This was a great success and a great idea for any party!

I need to "prop" you up!

Here is sweet baby Ruby during her mini photo session. She was wearing a custom made tutu and hat from a great friend of mine who owns Little Diva Tutus.www.littledivatutus.com And since Ruby is still unable to really hold herself up I spotted a great prop...her parent's leather ottoman. I just love when I find really cool stuff in my clients homes to use in photos. Actually, I get really excited about checking out their homes inside and out to see if I can find something unusual and clever to use in my photos. I always bring some props with me but it makes the photos a little more special to use some of their own belongings. Especially in baby photos.

Yay for Happy Babies

This sweet baby girl was so happy during our mini photo session at the holiday boutique that I was able to get tons of great photos for her mom to choose from. I get so excited when the little kids I photograph are so cooperative. That usually means that I have more time to try new ideas and maybe get a little creative. Yay for happy babies!!!

Fast Hands

Now this sweet baby girl was super cute but we had to have fast hands to shoot her. She doesn't quite sit up on her own very well so mommy stood to the side, held her in place, and then moved her hands quickly once I counted to three and I took as many shots as I could before she fell over. It was almost like slow motion watching her slowly lean more and more until she lost her balance. But don't worry, no babies harmed during filming! Hee hee, actually she didn't seem to mind. Not only do I love relaxed babies, but I love relaxed mommies just as much! So much fun!!!

Born to Model

Another beautiful baby girl that was such a joy to photograph. She was born to model! All I had to do was bring in the props and she made 'em look good. What a great day!

Priceless Memories

The Eslinger family was so cute and adorable and it was such a treat to be able to photograph their sweet little girls. I just get so excited when I have the opportunity to photograph brand new babies and them with their siblings. Since I have three small children of my own it so precious to me to capture these priceless memories. Your children grow and change so fast when they are this young so it is so important to me they we take every chance we get to hold on to these memories. And I especially know how hard it is to get everyone ready and looking their best even when you don't feel like it. So I give props to this mom for making it a priority to take family photos! Way to go mom!