Love is Patient. Love is Kind.
September 26, 2015
Love is many things. It’s described in songs, poems and the Bible. It’s the reason why people travel long distances to see each other, why we don’t mind sharing a part of our private lives with another person and why we just can’t stop smiling throughout the day.
I love love. So when I was asked to be Katelyn and Chris’ wedding photographer, I was overjoyed. These two people know love, and radiate it. I am so honored to be a part of that day ❤
Thank you, Katelyn and Chris!
Amazing Place for an Amazing Family
September 15, 2014
I felt like I was in a novel. I could literally smell the scent of wild blackberries in the air when the breeze picked up as we walked down hiking trail. With the sun shining on my face, I followed the path until a beautiful clearing was soon discovered. And not just one beautiful place, but many breathtaking places were waiting just around the corner. I need to come here more often.
I’ve known this beautiful mama for almost 20 years. And it was such a treat to be able to take photo of her and her two handsome sons.
Thank you, Karrie, for inviting me to this beautiful spot! It’s amazing, inspiring and I’m really, really glad we didn’t run into the mountain lion that was spotted the previous day…
Unstoppable
August 25, 2014
I have the opportunity to meet new people when I’m taking their photo. Actually, I not only get to “meet” them, I get the chance to spend time with them and see their personality crawl out. This is, by far, the best part of my job. I am truly honored to be a part of these people’s lives, if only for a few hours.
I also love seeing people in love. And these two are overflowing with love for one another. Thank you, Chris and Katelyn, for letting me peek at a sliver of your time together. It was long enough to see that the love you share is amazing, beautiful and unstoppable.
MUAH: Martha Castro
A Case of the What Ifs
May 7, 2014
More personal work. Another idea stirring in my brain.
I was married once before, but never had photos like these to inspire me for that big day. I guess I’m hashing out all the “what ifs” that are stuck in my head…
And of course, one of the two beautiful models
A big, huge thanks to everyone who was there and made this happen!
Models: Michelle and Karena
MUA: Martha Castro
Hair: Nichole Ray
Flowers: Irises Designs
Co-Art Director: Ricardo Delgado
Dresses: Alfred Angelo Bridal
The Really Important People: Erin Abolencia, Marisol and Jorge Trujillo, Hayde Raymond and the rest of the Irises Designs staff!
Senioritis
May 5, 2014
I remember being a senior in high school. Prom..Graduation..The anticipation of college as well as hesitation of change being right around the corner…
I was one of those girls in high school who actually liked going to school.
I was voted “Most Involved,” was on the Homecoming Court and was the captain of the cheerleading squad. I did everything I wasted to do, except take decent senior photos. I had the ol’ cap and gown photo (who knows where that is now) but really wished I took the time to have quality photos taken to preserve that time in my life.
Valarie, on the other hand, did just that. And to top it off, her photos were at the most beautiful location. Beautiful location, beautiful girl.
It All Started in a Moleskine
April 29, 2014
Inspiration can hit me like a ton of bricks. And when it does, I’m glad I have a great support group to back me up.
This is my personal work. It took many hours of planning, organizing and communication.
Thanks to my friend Ricardo from Irises Designs for helping me birth one of the many ideas stirring in my head.
Model: Karena
MUA: Martha Castro
Hair: Nichole Ray
Flowers: Irises Designs
Emily
April 27, 2014
Beautiful. Radiant. Talented.
Need I say more?
Worth
April 9, 2014
About a week ago, I was asked to give a speech. A testimony. Usually, I’d be nervous, reciting the words over and over in my head, telling the butterflies in my stomach to stop fluttering so fast and worrying about possibly stumbling over my words.
Not this time.
I was in an abusive relationship for 13 years, and 9 of those years were spent married to him. I’ve used photography as my therapy along my journey, and this time, I was able to express my story vocally to a group of people ready and eager to learn more about domestic violence, and how real it is.
Telling my story isn’t an easy thing to do for me. What drove me to do so is the thought, the hope that if I can just reach one person and have that person understand and recognize what domestic violence is, what it does and how it affects everything around us then telling my story is worth it. I don’t want anyone to experience what I have, and if I can stop that from happening, I’ll tell my story again and again.
I want to thank God, Eagle’s Wings and the people who helped me (and continue to do so) in this journey. You know who you are.
(Bottom photo taken by Kris Lozano Photography)
A Valentine’s Day Oldie but Goodie
February 3, 2014
I have to confess. I’m a little bit behind. I realized the other day that it’s already the beginning of February and I need to start working on the boys’ Valentine’s Day cards. Oops.
So after school, I dragged them out to the brick wall behind a local elementary school and started snapping some photos. With snacks in tow. And after what felt like 6 hours of, “Are we done yet?” and “Can we go play now?” I was able to get some decent shots of my boys (I guess it was more like 25 minutes.)
I got silly shots.
And more silly shots.
And just sometimes, a serious shot snuck in. Just kidding. All silly all the way.
Although I wanted to do something different for their Valentine’s Day card this year, for some reason, they always want to do the lollipop card. I suppose I should give in, since it is their Valentine’s Day card (maybe next year, I’ll do my own card, and pass it out to my friends. Okay, relatives. Okay, the mailman.)
If you don’t feel like clicking on this to see my post on the lollipop card from years past, I’ll show you how it’s done.
First, take a photo of your child with him holding a fist in the air, making sure it isn’t blocking his face. After snapping a picture that will work, print it out or have it developed (I chose a 4×6 size.)
Glue the photo to a piece of card stock (I’m able to fit 3 photos on one piece) and let it dry overnight.
After cutting out each photo, take an Xacto knife and carefully make two small cuts above and below his fist (I place the photo on a piece of thick cardboard before I cut, so that I don’t cut into my table!)
Take a lollipop and slowly insert the stick in the two cuts, and voila!
Good luck, and Have a Happy Valentine’s Day!
Lost
January 15, 2014
Found this one while digging through my photos the other night.
It was taken last summer, when a friend of mine passed away. I had a hard time figuring out what to do and how to cope, so naturally I pulled out my camera.
The Smile Report 