Sonoma, Ca Senior Photographer: Ethan, Casa Grande Class of 2013

When Ethan's dad contacting me about shooting Ethan's senior pictures, I said, "Heck ya!" As a Casa Grande High school alumni myself, I was reminded of the time, many, many years ago I took my senior photos! We headed over to Sonoma, I had a couple of location ideas I wanted to try out and Ethan was game! The Fremont Diner was our first location to capture some casual fun shots at this throwback diner. After a clothing change into a more formal look, we tried out some nearby, rustic train tracks. The light was creeping in gorgeously through the tall eucalyptus surrounding the track, this make for some amazing back lighting: my favorite! All and all, a successful senior session! So, a big congrats to Ethan on his upcoming graduation from high school, and well wishes for a bright future! XO, Stacey

East Bay Maternity Photographer- Amy's Maternity Session in Dublin, CA

Miss Amy was referred over to me by The Makeup Dolls for a styled Maternity Session! Our session almost didn't happen as the skies were looking pretty dark and gloomy. However, we decided to go for it! Good think we did because the showers stayed at bay for long enough to get these amazing images!!!

The Virgo in me is a MAJOR PLANNER!! I go into anxiety overload if I'm not completly prepared and ready for anything, especially photo sessions. I was not able to scout locations in Dublin prior to our shoot. So Amy and her hubby suggested a park near their home. I was game, and as a wise photographer by the name of Jasmine Star taught me at the workshop, a good photographer is not someone who just takes good photos in a perfectly beautiful location of their choosing, but one who can create good photos in a lousy location!! But, I didn't have to work overtime because when we jumped out of the car, I saw this:
Bright, beautiful MUSTARD :))




A gorgeous field.........



A fun tree-lined walkway............




Then a trip over to the swings..........practicing for the little guy on the way ;)


As drops of rain started to fall on us, we headed back to their home, which of course will be baby's first home!




I just love pregnant bellies!!! Thank you for looking!!

XOXO,
Stacey

Wedding Venue in Santa Rosa, California??

Hi!

I just wanted to put a plug out there for the Fountaingrove Golf and Athletic Club in Santa Rosa, CA. When I was shopping locations for my wedding, I wanted something with a beautiful view, wine country feel, yet affordable.

I found just that! Check out http://www.fountaingrovegolf.com/

While you are at it, shopping for a wedding photographer? Check out my website at http://www.xoxowithlovephotography.com/

Happy Wedding Planning!

XOXO, Stacey

Huge Maternity and Children's Consignment Event in Sonoma County, CA!!

Huge Children's Consignment Event

Saturday, Aug 21 9:00a to 7:00p

at Sonoma County Fairgrounds, Santa Rosa, CA

Just Between Friends, the nation's largest children's & maternity event returns to the Sonoma County Fairgrounds in Santa Rosa, Aug. 21-22. Find GREAT deals on back to school kids clothes, toys, books, outdoor gear, furniture, maternity wear & more - for all seasons. Ask about our presales for first time parents, volunteers, teachers & daycare providers!

(As a fellow mommy, I thought I would share this posting I found from the Press Democrat Website) I am always looking for a bargain when it comes to clothes, toys, ect. for my little one!!

Did you know that I do children and maternity photo sessions?!? Check out my website!!

www.xoxowithlovephotography.com

What the BBB says about choosing a Wedding Photographer Wisely!

I found this great article on the BBB this morning about choosing Wedding Photographers. Thought I would share with followers and potential clients!!

Among the saddest complaints Better Business Bureaus receive concern wedding photographers who do not deliver what was promised. The vast majority of professional photographers will indeed provide unforgettable images of your special day. But you need to do some research beforehand.

The BBB offers the following suggestions to prospective brides and grooms:

• Ask for photographer recommendations from family, friends and co-workers.
• Check with the BBB for reports on the photographers you are considering.
• Schedule interviews with two or three to get a feel for the types of services they offer, the quality of their work and related fees.
• Ask the photographer if he/she is the one who will be photographing your wedding. If so, that should be stated in the contract. If not, request to meet personally with the photographer who will be shooting your wedding and review photos from several events before making a decision.
• The price should not be the only determining factor, but you should know what fees you will be charged for what services.
• Does the photographer work with an assistant? If so, is that included in the fee?
• Ask for references and talk to previous clients. A photographer who is reluctant to provide references is of questionable quality.
• Is the photo package fixed or customized? How many photos are included and what about reprints, enlargements and albums?
• What is the time frame for delivery of proofs and other products? Is there a Web site to view your images? Can you keep the proofs or negatives?
• What type and how many cameras will be used? Is color and black-white photography included?
• What is the payment schedule? Is a deposit required; if so, how much and by when?
• What types of photographs can you expect – formal, informal or spur-of-the-moment?
• Does the photographer know the policy of your church, synagogue or other institution; some have very specific rules regarding photography.
• Obtain a written contract that details every service to be provided and the name of the photographer who will shoot your event; the location, date and time length of all events; the type of package; a list of guaranteed prices for enlargements and any additional charges, like taxes or travel fees. The contract should also specify what happens if your photographer doesn’t show up, as well as the cancellation/refund policy.

This is the adorable Mr. Keaton! What is so special about this session is that all of the photos were shot on location at his grandparent's home in Petaluma! Such a cutie, but very serious! I think I may have gotten a few smiles :) He loved taking in all of the nature and animals surrounding the property. Glad the rain finally let up so that we could get these shots!

Rain, rain............GO AWAY!

Sigh...................yes, yes, we need the rain here in California, but my creative side is going nuts! I want to be out there using my camera, learning, relaxing, and editing photos! Poor little 18 month old Keaton. I have been working with his grandma to take his photos for at least a month. Each scheduled day, it's pouring! Eventually, Spring will be here, and my camera and I will be back in action! Thanks for letting me vent!