Featuring: Editorial shoot for Plant Depot

LOVING this editorial shoot featuring one of the AMAZING employees at Plant Depot.  I enjoy telling a story through my photographs and with this one, combining two of my favorite passions--succulents and gardening made it extra cool.  In talking with Plant Depot customers, I've heard over and over that so many come in for the knowledgeable employees that work there.  

Those awesome potted arrangements--living art--you see at the store?  That's the work of Kristin who has an amazing eye for what plants will look great together and pulls it all together using the plethora of containers that Plant Depot has to offer.  If you haven't seen her stylish work, head over to Plant Depot in San Juan Capistrano,  but be prepared to get inspired to DIY or just make it easy and pick up one (or two or three!) gorgeous creations!

Do YOU have an story you'd like to tell about your business or employees or need editorial headshots?  Let's chat about it!

Now for something a little different...

In March of 2013, I had the opportunity to shoot a NASCAR race at the Auto Club Speedway for Eric McClure.  This was a completely different and super exciting opportunity for me as most of my subjects aren't moving at over 200 miles an hour.

Whether you enjoy NASCAR or not, it was pretty cool to have the access that I enjoyed that day.  I was in the pits, hanging over the guard rail, smelling the burning rubber and I couldn't have been more excited!

I had complete freedom with my access to Eric--from attending the driver's meeting (where unfortunately photography was prohibited,) to hanging with him in his RV.  I have to admit, I became a NASCAR fan that day, in part to this very down to earth likable guy!

I'm excited to say that I'm returning to Auto Club Speedway this March to shoot again.  Until then, check out ericmcclure.com as well as his new store front,  for images from Laura Schmidt Photography and great merchandise from the Hefty-Reynolds team!

Behind the Scenes

My best assistant ever (my husband!) took this image as I was shooting my last session of the year last week.   He's so proud of the way he captured me, silhouetted in the light, capturing the family.  I love it because he told me that he took it because he thought I'd like to see how beautiful it all was.  Indeed.

Happy New Year!

2014 has been an incredible year--full of growth, challenges and accomplishments.  As I reflect on the past year and begin implementing plans for 2015, I am grateful--and realize that I couldn't have done any of it without my family--my husband, daughter, mom and dad and friends.  Their support has allowed me to capture more than a few cool images along the way.  2015 is on it's way and it feels like the possibilities are endless.

May your new year be filled with life-changing, purposeful, extraordinary, thrilling and awe-inspiring moments!

My favorite holiday gifts

It's that time of year.  The trying to find gifts for everyone on your list time of year.  As my parents have gotten older (THEY get older, I, however, do not.) they want for less and less.  In our family we've been aiming for less knick and knack and more memory and experience and I don't think it's just me:  I find more and more friends, acquaintances and clients aiming for the same.  As a photographer, I LOVE to give (and get) my favorite images onto something I can see and love all the time that reminds me of family and my true priorities.

With that in mind, here's a few of my very favorite photography related gifts:

I love, love, love these little accordion mini albums!  What a great way for grandparents (and you!) to carry around lots and lots of your favorite images in a small package.  Wallet size, it unfolds and can hold up to 12 images.  A little magnet clasp holds it closed and a frosted slipcover protects it.  They come in sets of 3 or more--perfect for grandparents, aunts and uncles and of course yourself!

For the person on your list with a modern aesthetic, metal prints make fabulous and unique gifts!  They are available in a matte or glossy finish and can be hung without a frame.  In fact, they are float mounted, which means they hang a half inch off the wall in an ultra modern display.  Metal prints are absolutely brilliantly vibrant and show extraordinary detail.  My favorite part of metal prints is how durable they are--they have an ultra hard, scratch resistant surface that is waterproof--you can clean them with a soft rag and glass cleaner!  Your favorite part will be the look on the recipient's face when they see your amazing image on metal!

A portrait album can hold ALL of your favorite images from our session.  I love designing albums for my clients, but my favorite part about portrait albums?  Delivering them and watching the kids go through them and seeing their story unfold in the pages.  Priceless.  I know that someday those kids are going to show that album to their kids. It becomes not only a great gift for the whole family today,  but for generations to come.


What if you haven't had your portrait taken yet?  Call me today! There's still time--just give me the head's up and we'll work on your gifts first.  My lab partners have taken lessons in swiftness from Santa and are shipping all the way through December 23rd!


But one of the coolest gifts I can think of is the gift of an upcoming portrait.  I have gift certificates available, all wrapped up and ready to give to your favorite people.

Give a gift that will remind you and your loved ones year round of FAMILY and your true priorities this holiday season!

I can't wait to see you!

Gratitude.

grat-i-tude
/'gradǝ, t(y) oōd/

noun
The quality of being thankful; readiness to show appreciation for and to return the kindness.

To you, dear reader, who has taken a little time to read my words or look at my images, I thank you from the bottom of my heart.  A very thankful holiday to you and yours!
xo


"Now and then it's good to pause in our pursuit of happiness and just be happy."
Guillaume Apollinaire

Have you seen me and my tree?

This weekend I was at it again...sessions with my Christmas tree.  I have a feeling there are going to be quite a few Christmas cards and Facebook posts with my tree on them--My assistant said there wasn't anyone who didn't stop and take a photo!  Yesterday afternoon, as I was setting up, I was asked by a passerby "How on earth did you think of that??"

So here's what sparked the idea: Last year, as I walked onto the beach for one of the last sessions of the year, I saw a group of ladies carrying a Christmas tree onto the beach.  I would have loved to borrow the tree for my family, but the ladies were having a gift exchange and were busily decorating and preparing for their party.  I thought to myself--I need to have a tree next year for family portraits!  So I did!  And I did those ladies one better--I even light it up on the beach! (How on earth do I do that?  Radio Shack sells these little inverters.  Plug it into your car's cigarette lighter, plug in the lights and voila--Electricity!  Boy, will that come in handy on road trips when we need to charge iPads and Kindles and the like.)

It's loads of fun--decorating the tree on the beach, seeing it sparkle in the sunset. How many times have you or your kids done that?  The kids love it and you create family memories while having your portraits taken.  Win, win!

Want to decorate my tree with your family?  Got another idea?  Let's think of something fun for your family portrait this year--Drop me an email and let's brainstorm!  Sometimes all it takes is a little spark of an idea to make a great portrait.

Talk to you soon!

Lights, Camera, Action! How to prepare for your photo session!

I am often asked about the best ways to prep for photo sessions, so I thought I'd share a little advice to help you get ready for your time in front of my lens.

Prepare yourself for your portrait ahead of time:
Prepping ahead of time allows you to be relaxed the day of your appointment.  Gather your clothing, press it, make sure you have everything you need ready to go.  Ahead of time.  If you are planning on a haircut, schedule it a week ahead so that your hair has time to relax (are you seeing a trend?)  Avoid drinking alcohol or smoking a few days before, instead, drink plenty of water to hydrate your skin which will minimize lines and wrinkles.  Make sure everyone gets adequate sleep the night before to appear rested and you guessed it...relaxed!

Decide what everyone will wear, ahead of time:
I think the rules about what to wear are flexible.  Everyone doesn't need to match; would you all go out to dinner all matchy-matchy?  Didn't think so. Do think about making sure that everyone GOES together--I like to tell people to pretend you are preparing one BIG outfit.  But if you are a bright and bold family, then be bright and bold.  More importantly, choose clothing that fits well, is clean and pressed.  Lay out your clothing and accessories ahead of time.  Choose the colors that look best on you--everyone has something in their closet that is always complimented.  Compliment your body--if you'd like to appear slimmer, keep in mind that darker colors tend to be slimming.

What about hair and makeup?
Makeup is subjective; if you don't normally wear makeup, don't apply it like Lady Gaga!  However, a concealer matched to your skin tone can provide an even skin tone. Stick with matte foundations, powders and eyeshadows: shiny makeup reflects too much light and can be distracting in camera.  For hair, put a little a smoothing product on your hands and lightly smooth down any frizzy strays.  This is a good time to use a professional makeup artist or hair stylist.  Important things to check for in the mirror before we start: stray eyebrows and nose hairs, dry lips and inner eye gunk!

The day of your portrait:
Try to plan a relatively calm day.  (That's where all this advance planning will help out!)  Many times, our portraits will be scheduled at times that may be meal times.  It helps to fed the kids prior to our meeting time.  Feel free to bring along some snacks and drinks, both for you and the kids.  Think of this as playtime for your family--be ready to have a great time!  Most times,  I've scheduled your appointment time based on the light, so it's really important to be on time.  Plan your arrival accordingly.

When you schedule your appointment, we'll also start planning your session--location, clothing, props, everything that will make your session great!  Great sessions require a little planning-don't worry!  I'll help guide you through it all.  

Have more questions or ready to schedule?  Send me an email or give me a call!

Talk to you soon!

Featuring: Amy Martinez of Roots Fitness

I've been photographing Amy Martinez of Roots Fitness for quite some time--we've worked on quite a few  really awesome projects together.  It's been a couple of years since Amy's had a new headshot and since she's got a new sassy hairdo; it was time for an updated headshot!  We headed to Old Towne Orange to find a couple of cool spots to provide the background.

Even if we've worked together many times before as Amy and I have, sometimes there's still a little bit of getting used to being in front of the camera.  Unless, of course, you're a professional model ;-)  So, I like to take a little time to chat before I even raise the camera to my eye so that you feel like we're just old friends getting together.  In between the silly things we talk about or do, I'll find the real you--the real, relaxed and approachable you.  And in between, you'll forget all about the camera.

Have you a sassy new hairdo?  Been a few years since your last headshot?  Let's update it!

I can't wait to see you!

Don't forget this member of your family!

Do you have a four legged member of the family?  Or maybe no legs at all?  Someone with fur, scales or gills?  Think about including them in your family portrait!  We'll come up with an animal friendly location so the whole family can be included!

Moving forward.

I recently read a short little article  on 99u.com about moving forward--and when you should.  Should you wait until everything is perfect and you feel comfortable before you make your move?

“Move before you are ready…Most people wait too long to go into action, generally out of fear. They want more money or better circumstances. you must go the opposite direction and move before you think you are ready. It is as if you are making it a little more difficult for yourself, deliberately creating obstacles in your path. But it is a law of power that your energy will always rise to the appropriate level. When you feel that you must work harder to get to your goal because you are not quite prepared, you are more alert and inventive. This venture has to succeed and so it will.”

Robert Greene

It reminded me of the experience that I use to bolster my confidence on many occasions.  I remember walking into The Bob Poe Gallery in Bergamont Station in Los Angeles with a girlfriend several years ago.   We went up to see a show on Lillan Bassman.  Bassman was a fashion photographer from the 1940's through the 60's, working with the likes of Richard Avedon and Robert Frank.  (Helloooo!!) She essentially got fed up with fashion and quit for a while, but in the 90's her work was rediscovered--when she was in her EIGHTIES.  Not only was her work beautiful, but in her 80's, she and her work experienced a resurgence of popularity.  Her story spoke to me and I wanted to see her show hanging at the Peter Fetterman gallery.

After we saw the Bassman show, we wandered around Bergamont Station, and came upon the Bob Poe gallery.  Poe produces large scale canvas using his iPhone to create abstract and very painterly images.  We chatted with the gallery manager and I asked several a questions about Poe's images.  He asked if I was a photographer and when I said yes, asked if I had a portfolio.  They were looking for one final artist to complete an upcoming show.  He gave me the submission information and asked if I was interested.  Umm.  In all of Los Angeles, you haven't found a photographer?  His response?  In a nutshell:  Most people don't follow through.  They say they will submit, but they don't.  It's not perfect, it's not this or it's not that.  Fear.

"It is as if you are making it a little more difficult for yourself, deliberately creating obstacles in your path."

My girlfriend and I went to lunch and she talked me into submitting.  We sat giggling and imaging the opening night of the show....Then I still had to go back home and gather my images and push the SEND button.  Lots of opportunities to back out.  I hadn't had my personal work in a gallery setting since college!  But, somehow, I pushed past the huge amount of fear and push send I did.

"But it is a law of power that your energy will always rise to the appropriate level.  When you feel that you must work harder to get to your goal because you are not quite prepared, you are more alert and inventive.  This venture has to succeed and so it will."

And my work was chosen.  Was it perfect?  No.  Was I ready? Definitely not.  But it was going to be up in a Los Angeles gallery in a matter of months, ready or not.

Since then, I have used the memory of that experience on many occasion in which I have felt fearful, unsure and unready.  Deep breaths, push send.

"...the law of power that your energy will always rise to the appropriate level."

What do you do to push past the fear and put yourself out there?