{River @ the Japanese Friendship Garden}

This was a really fun day for me... primarily because I felt comfortable with my subjects. I had the opportunity to shoot candidly, which is my favorite way to shoot. Posing always feels so unnatural to me.

This was my first time visiting the Japanese Friendship Garden, and it's Gorgeous! This is the type of place I would go on a lazy day, to have a picnic & read a book. It's incredibly peaceful! AND -- it's super close to our house, which is an added bonus. It's unusual to find such a Zen-like place in such an Urban part of town!

River's mommy Becca is an old friend of mine. We used to work at an Irish Pub together "back in the day"... when life was more free... and a tad bit more "fun." I'm not saying I wish to be back there again... but, I can definitely say we had some real fun times! Sometimes... I do miss being "young." I know we're still technically "young"... but we're reaching that borderline where these strange things called "responsibilities" sort of interfere with our used-to-be lifestyle...

For as long as I've known Becca, she's always been a fun, loving, free-spirit... and I love that her personality reflects through her beautiful daughter! River is such a pleasure to be around! (Just like her Mommy!)

Thank you to Becca, Wes & River for sharing your time and gorgeous faces with me! I really appreciate all the practice I can get... Plus, the added bonus of getting to spend some time with you!

All My Love!

Here's a few handfuls of my favs:

Reid & Daxen Turning 2!

Today my great friend Melissa let me tag along with her to meet a new family that wanted some photographs of their 2 year old twin boys.

I have a new respect for children photographers (and parents.) Being that I haven't had much exposure to children in my lifetime -- nor have I photographed them, I never realized how challenging this would be! They literally never stop moving -- so, I feel lucky to have even captured a few somewhat good shots!

On the other hand, their energy is invigorating -- and they are just so incredibly precious!  The challenge keeps it exciting and I had such a great time!

Thank you to Reid and Daxen for being such precious little sweet peas! You boys are gonna be some heart breakers -- and I hope you have a fantastic upcoming birthday!
It's no wonder these boys are so great... their parents are awesome and extremely hospitable! After the photos they made us lunch, complete with beer & halloween candy! 


Thank you Kristen & Shelby for sharing your boys with us... and for the warm invitation to your home. 


I hope you enjoy these! 

Erica Jordan [at the hotel Valley Ho}

Tonight was {LOADS} of fun -- we captured our roommate and held her hostage at the Valley Ho.

Actually... I'm fibbing a bit -- she offered up her time to allow Ty and I to get some camera practice with a real human being for us to practice some portrait style shots.

First -- I can NOT believe that I live SO close to the Valley Ho and had never been there before. All I really have to say about that place is "WOW!" I still can't get it's Retro, yet Modern image out of my head. I want to redecorate our house exactly like this place! And, with it's unique architecture and COLOR everywhere... the photo possibilities are endless. I will definitely be returning there soon!


Second -- Thanks to Erica for being a spectacular model. We still have a weakness for "posing" people -- and I'm not really fond of "posing" anyways. I love natural candid photos. But, Erica has a natural ability to pose herself, look great in a photograph, and damn -- look at those EYES! She's gorgeous!


Third -- I give 50% of this credit to my amazingly talented husband. I think this whole photography thing will be a joint effort, and I am SO excited! He seems to be a natural at this. He always has great creative ideas.... and (yes -- I actually shared the camera!) I'm a very humble, grounded person -- but, I just want to brag a little bit. I am really proud of these shots! =D


And, now -- I'd like to present Erica Jordan at hotel Valley Ho. By Brenda & Tyler Reed Photography! ;p