I need a baby | aliso viejo newborn photographer

Not in the way that you might be thinking.

By far, my favorite type of photo session to do is newborns. I just love seeing cute little squishy babies in all their newtotheworldness. There is nothing like it. You're getting fresh human beings before being influenced by anything or anyone. They're adapting to life outside mama's belly and yawning like they've been working in the farm from sun up to sun down. You know that big yawn I'm talking about. I love capturing these precious moments in their lives because they don't stay this tiny, this wrinkly, this pliable for very long at all. You can already see them losing a bit of those things at just two weeks old! That is why I think it's so important to have photos to document newborns in the first couple of days. Heck...if I could be there with you in the hospital, I would! (I really would; birth photography is something I'd like to get into someday, but I'll save that for a later post)

Ok now, couple my love of shooting newborns with my itch to pick up my camera and shoot someone other than my own crazy kid (not that I can tire of photographing her!) and you've got me going back on my word. I know I said I wasn't taking on new clients until September...but I'm making an exception for the babes.

So there you have it. I want a baby. or two. or four. Do you know anyone who just had or is about to have a little bundle of joy? Send them my way folks! :) Interested parties can either email me at info@sweetface-photography.com OR shoot me a message on Facebook!

HAPPY WEEKEND!

Movin' on up | orange county family photographer

Yes...you read that right.

The big news is that Sweetface Photography is moving! Starting in July, I'm going to be an Orange Countyer! Orange Countian? Orange Countyite? OCR (Orange County resident)…yeah...we’ll just go with that. ha!

First I want to thank all of my clients over the past three years. It has been quite an amazing run here in San Diego (my home for the last 20 years - literally). When I first started Sweetface, I had it in mind that in order for me to be successful, I would need a ton of clients booking me. But very shortly I learned that while that may be an appropriate goal for some, for me, my success meant repeat customers. Because it meant that [1] they appreciated my art so much that they felt secure in trusting me to capture some lasting memories for their families. And an equally important [2] these wonderful people not only appreciated me as an artist, but connected with me on another level. That has become my barometer for success – repeat clientele – and I’ve been very blessed in that the majority of my business has been such. So on that end, I admit I am quite disheartened leaving behind such amazing people.

However, I am going to go into this move with an optimistic heart and mind. I’m telling myself that I can achieve the same level of success and even grow, as Sweetface Photography plants its feet on Orange County’s soil. I will be taking the summer off so that I can settle in, get me and my family acclimated to the lay of the new land, prepare my little one for KINDERGARTEN (wow!), and get the business changes in order. While I will not be doing any physical shooting this summer, I WILL be accepting clients for the holiday season (sessions taking place September through November). So my friends, if you have any friends and family members in the Orange County area (or close by) who you happen to know are looking for a family photographer who wants to grow with their growing families, please let them know I’m headed their way and to shoot me an email. Or heck…even if you’re in San Diego, we can definitely work something out as far as travel for your session. I already have one San Diego family (one of those amazing repeat clients/friends I was talking about earlier) booked for their holiday session in San Juan Capistrano! So things can definitely be worked out folks. Talk about a great way to veer away from the “typical” san diego shoot. ;)

*sigh* I’m long-winded, I know. I promise, I’m shutting up soon.

Again, I just want to thank all of you for your support, encouragement, and for many of you, your friendship. There seriously are not enough words to express how much you mean to me. It’s been one amazing ride.

You stay classy, San Diego!

A walk for the mind and spirit, 2011

Family and friends,

I am writing you today to tell you about an upcoming event that I am participating in that is both very important and very exciting to me.  It is NAMIWalks for the Mind of America, NAMI’s signature 5k event that is being held in San Diego, CA at Balboa Park next weekend, on April 16, 2011.

This will be my second year participating in this event and I'm very much looking forward to it. The spirit of last year's walk was one of hope and positivity. Again this year, I will be running with my head up; proud to know that every step helps to further research for treatment for those suffering any one or combination of the many forms of mental illness. More specifically and personally, I'll be walking with the hope that it helps get us closer to finding the cause and hopefully one day a cure for dementia and Alzheimer's - an illness that has affected my family very closely, through my Grandma Anne and her sister, Laura. We are still praying for these beautiful women to fight their way back to us, but in the meantime, we participate in events like this one to help fund the research that will facilitate that fight.

I would like to ask you to come and walk with me or to donate to support my participation in this great event. Visit my personal page to sign up: http://www.nami.org/namiwalks11/SDC/gitpick.  There is also a link so you can donate directly to me online. Donating online is fast and secure, and I'll get immediate notification via e-mail of your donation.

NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness, is the largest education, support and advocacy organization that serves the needs of all those whose lives are touched by these illnesses. This includes persons with mental illness, their families, friends, employers, the law enforcement community and policy makers.  The NAMI organization is composed of approximately 1100 local affiliates, 50 state offices and a national office.

NAMI is a 501(c)3 charity and any donation you make to support my participation in this event is tax deductible.  NAMI has been rated by Worth magazine as among the top 100 charities "most likely to save the world" and has been given an "A" rating by The American Institute of Philanthropy for efficient and effective use of charitable dollars.

Thank you in advance for your support.

Love, grace and peace,

Gwen

ps

Please feel free to pass this on to your friends and family. Thank you.

For more information about the National Alliance on Mental Illness, please visit: www.nami.org

Shameless plea for votes | san diego family photographer

Hi friends and readers.  Today is the last day of a contest I entered my daughter into about a week go.  It's a contest to win a session from one of my favorite local photographers, Melissa Koehler.  My sweetface is trailing in the votes so I figured I'd try one last avenue to garner a few votes for her.  In order to vote you have to have a Facebook account.  I don't expect anyone to go out and create one just to vote, so no worries if you don't have one.  But if you are already a Facebooking extraordinaire, please read on.

In order to vote you have to first go to Melissa's fan page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Melissa-Koehler/102897976989
Once you're there, click the "Like" button at the top of her page.
From there, go into her photo albums and find the "Cutest Kid Contest" album.
My daughter, Angelina (3 yrs), is the very first photo in the bunch.  Click on her picture and then "like" her photo.
Your "like" is your vote.

That's all you have to do and it only takes about two seconds.

Voting ends at 11:59 pacific time tonight.

Thank you!

xoxo
Gwen

Much to my surprise...

...a friend of mine just emailed me to tell me Sweetface Photography is on the list of nominees for this year's San Diego Parents Pick awards for family photographers!

Now that my jaw is up off of the floor I can tell you just how thrilled I am to even be on this list with some of the local photographers I admire most. I don't expect to win but to actually make the top five would be a goal I certainly wouldn't mind bragging about. ;) So, if you please, click on the ginormous logo below or just click here to nominate me!

Don't forget - you can vote every.single.day until June 13! :)

Show me the awkward | san diego family photographer

Hello friends!

The first contest of 2010 is here and there's a little bit of a twist on it this time around. If you haven't experienced the awesomeness of the Awkward Family Photos website yet, please take a moment to peruse it first and try not to soil yourself during your fits of laughter or flashbacks of your own family's awkward photographic moments) to witness the inspiration for this month's contest. Go ahead and check it out...I'll wait. :)

Ok, so many of you have seen the most standard of contest solicited by photographers, myself included. The basic premise - submit a photo of yourself, your family, or your child(ren) and let the voting begin. The premise here is still just that, only this time I want you folks mustering up the courage to publicly display your own awkward family portraits, submitting those photos, and encouraging your friends and family to vote yours the most awkward! Fun, right? Well...I can say that because I'm not putting my family's awkward photos on display. Erm...because we don't have any...yeah, that's my story and I'm sticking to it. lol

Entering is very simple. Just send me an email with your family's most awkward photo and a quick description about the photo (a couple of sentences will do just fine).

That's it - it's that easy! I will be accepting entries from May 1 until May 10. The top three finalists will be featured on my blog on May 11, and voting will last through May 15. Voting instructions will be posted that day as well. The winning photo will be announced May 17.

Now, what's the big prize up for grabs? The winner will receive a FREE session and a FREE 11x14 print (that's a $180 value)!

Official rules:

1. Winner must reside in or be willing to travel to San Diego, CA for the session.
2. Only one entry per person/family.
3. Please include your name, address and phone number along with your entry photo.
4. Winners of previous Sweetface Photography contests or prizes are ineligible for participation.
5. Winning session must take place before August 31, 2010.
6. Prize not redeemable for cash.
7. Winner will receive one free session for up to five people and an 11x14 print. Additional prints and digital images from the session may be purchased at 10% off.

So go ahead folks - I want to see photos of wicked big hair and shoulder pads, AC Slater mullets and acid wash denim, identical winter sweaters on all the kids, goofy/freaky/funnylooks on your family's faces, or whatever else you think is just hilarious and fun!

What are you waiting for? Go tell everyone you know to enter this contest. All entries should be mailed to info@sweetface-photography.com.

And because a post just isn't a post without a photo...

A walk for the mind and the spirit!

Hi readers! I am writing you today to tell you about an upcoming event that I am participating in that is both very important and very exciting to me. It is NAMIWalks for the Mind of America, NAMI’s signature walkathon event that is being held in San Diego, CA at Balboa Park: 6th / Quince / Balboa on April 17, 2010.

I will be walking with my head up; proud to know that every step helps to further research and treatment for those suffering any one or combination of the many forms of mental illness. More specifically and personally, I'll be walking with the hope that it helps get us closer to finding the cause and hopefully one day a cure for dementia and Alzheimer's - an illness that has recently begun to tighten its grip on my grandmother.

I would like to ask you to come and walk with me or to donate to support my participation in this great event. Visit my personal walker page to sign up: http://www.nami.org/namiwalks10/SDC/sweetface. There is also a link so you can donate directly to me online. Donating online is fast and secure, and I'll get immediate notification via e-mail of your donation.

NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness, is the largest education, support and advocacy organization that serves the needs of all those whose lives are touched by these illnesses. This includes persons with mental illness, their families, friends, employers, the law enforcement community and policy makers. The NAMI organization is composed of approximately 1100 local affiliates, 50 state offices and a national office.

The goals of the NAMIWalks program are: to fight the stigma that surrounds mental illness, to build awareness of the fact that the mental health system in this country needs to be improved, and to raise funds for NAMI so that they can continue their mission.

NAMI is a 501(c)3 charity and any donation you make to support my participation in this event is tax deductible. NAMI has been rated by Worth magazine as among the top 100 charities "most likely to save the world" and has been given an "A" rating by The American Institute of Philanthropy for efficient and effective use of charitable dollars.

Thank you in advance for your support.

For more information about NAMI, please visit their website at www.nami.org

Winners are awesome | San Diego family photographer

Before I announce the winner of the Giving is Awesome giveaway, I just want to take a moment to thank all of you for your nominations. This giveaway turned out to be so much more than just being able to do something nice for a deserving soul. Reading all the entries really just reminded me about the basic good we all have within us - and for that I am the most grateful. It was such a difficult choice to make, as there were so many deserving families highlighted and all the nominees were very deserving of this giveaway. But alas - I can only choose one.

The winning nomination came from Annie, who will receive a complimentary CD with their next photo session. Our very deserving winner is Laural - a very good friend of Annie's who has been there for her during times of need and beyond; whose family is going through some of their own tribulation right now; and who is, in Annie's words, "...super helpful to me, and a genuinely kind, good person" and "...truly kind even when things are tough for them."

Congratulations Laural and Annie!

And with a full heart, I wish all of you wonderful readers a very Merry Christmas!

Sweet and Sour - the second installment!

Hi readers…

…just wanted to put out a couple of reminders and share the newest Sweet & Sour installment.
Friendly reminders:

Giving is still awesome! You can catch up on the details by clicking here. I’ve already received some heartstring pulling entries, but I’m still accepting nominations. So if you know someone who you think deserves to win, please submit their story right away. Even if you can’t think of anyone personally, feel free to pass this along in an email, post this link to your facebook or myspace, or even share on your own blog. Help me to help someone you care about! Deadline for nominations is in one week - December 22!

Fee increase alert! My prices will be increasing come the first of the new year (the new prices can be previewed here), but if you book your session prior to the new year – I’m talking even at 11:59pm on New Year’s Eve – you will lock in the 2009 session fee! So if you’re expecting in 2010, or already know you want to get some portraits done for your child’s June birthday, AND you want to save a little money, then book your 2010 session today! What are you waiting for?

THE SOUR
*dog kicking neighbor. Had to report a neighbor to the authorities because we witnessed him kick his dog...hard. Poor puppy (an adorable seven month old grey pitbull) squeeled in pain and it broke my heart. Don't know if anything was done by the auths but we shall see. Will keep you all posted.

*a jammed finger (so if there are any typos…blame the finger).

I don't know how it happened but for whatever reason, my left index finger is in pain. I'm walking around with a stupid splint on it and can't even offer up a decent excuse as to why I have it. Maybe I should make something up - like a freak mini-horse racing accident? Hmm...sounds better than, "I honestly don't know", right? Right?

*buyer’s remorse before actually buying. I saw these pretty neat pre-lit reindeer decorations for half off last week. I was super hesitant and talked myself iinto buyer’s remorse without even putting it into my basket. Gave myself all kinds of good reasons not to buy it. Alas, this is usually a sign that I really want something and of course, I can’t seem to learn myself. Anywho, OF COURSE when I go back into the store yesterday to finally pick one up – they’re sold out. Criminy!


THE SWEET

*The husband. My sweet man knows that I have always wanted a surprise birthday party. Of course...he should since I tell him every year. But alas he finally heard my cry and said surprise party ensued this past Sunday! Now for those of you who know me, you're probably scratching your head and thinking, "but your birthday's not until next month". Ah, see, now therein lay the real surprise. My hubbabubba threw me a surprise birthday party on HIS birthday. Now ain't that a suprise worth loving?

*Facebook fans! They're trickling in slowly, but at least they're increasing. I love logging in and seeing a new FB fan or two. It's like a sweet little present and affirmation that somebody digs me. ;) lol Have you fanned Sweetface Photography on FB yet? If not...it's never too late! Click here to join the party!

*Mixed Chicks hair products.
Particularly their conditioner. Have started using these products on the kid's hair and am loving it. The conditioner has really helped with keeping her hair soft and less tangled; the Hair Silk is great for keeping the frizzies at bay and adding some more shine. Will definitely keep buying from them!

*Starbucks Caramel Brulee Latte.
Holy canoli! I'm not really a big Starbucks person, but I go during the holidays for their Peppermint Mocha. Well, this past weekend on my way to a photo session, I stopped in to get the P'mint mocha again but my eyes (and tastebuds) were quickly sidetracked by the little chalkboard drawing of a little latte called Caramel Brulee. My lips ordered and then they fell in love. This latte is pretty much love in a grande cup. Highly recommend you try it folks!

Giving is Awesome! | san diego county lifestyle photographer

You know someone. You know someone who's experienced a tragedy, is struggling to stay afloat, is raising kids while holding down more than one job, or is volunteering selflessly despite extenuating personal circumstances. You know someone who can't afford custom photography, but who would cherish it this holiday season. You know someone who deserves a year-round reminder of their family's spirit, love, and beauty.

You know someone. I guarantee it.

I want to know who they are, and I want to give them the chance to experience complimentary custom photography. It's in your power to give them the artwork they deserve this holiday season. The winner of this contest will receive a complimentary photo session AND a high-resolution disc of the images from their gallery!

Oh, and the icing on the cake? The person who nominates the winner receives a complimentary CD with their next photo session (including sessions already scheduled for a future date). What better reason to show some love could there possibly be, people?

The rules:

* You cannot nominate yourself, and the person nominated must sincerely be incapable of purchasing my services. (Being unable to make mortgage payments for a two-million-dollar-vacation-home in Paris does not qualify as sincere financial need.)

* The nominee must reside in or be willing to travel to San Diego county. Tell me who you know, what they're experiencing, and why they deserve my artwork. Please include a way to contact both your nominee and yourself as well.

* You must e-mail me the full story: info@sweetface-photography.com

All nominations must be received by 11:59pm on December 22, 2009. The winner will be announced on Christmas morning -- get nominating! I can't wait to read all of your entries!

Open your heart to someone this holiday season -- and thanks for giving me the opportunity to open mine.

With love,

Gwen

Note: I wish I could take credit for this idea, but the amazing talent that is Kristen Kalp started this quickly growing project, Giving Is Awesome! Three cheers for Kristen!

Scheduling and the Sweet & Sour...

Late breaking news: One of my clients had to cancel her holiday session, which was scheduled for this coming Sunday, November 1. If you or anyone you know is interested in taking their spot, email me ASAP to secure your session.

That said, aside from the now available November 1 spot, I am booked through the rest of the year and have started accepting clients into January 2010, with inquiries into February. So if you're looking for some portraits, whether for yourself or for your family, shoot me an email so we can get you booked ASAP.

Along the same vein, there will be an increase in prices effective January 1, 2010. If you book your 2010 session prior to that date, the 2009 session fee will be honored. So whether you book a session for January 1, 2010 or December 31, 2010, as long as you book/confirm by December 31, 2009, your session fee will be priced at the current 2009 rate.

So now that the business talk is out of the way, I also wanted to test out a new blog segment I'm considering, which is just a way to share some things that I've really been enjoying and not with all of my readers/friends. So without further ado, here's the first edition of the Sweet/Sour list.

SOUR

^_^ Identity thieves. So, while my identity hasn't been stolen or greatly compromised, someone recently managed to get a hold of my debit card info and made some purchases...in Pasadena! Weird, annoying and frustrating. Unfortunately, it has also happened to three other people I know since then. So it's important to stay on top of your bills, statements, et al people.

^_^ Chase. Related to the identity thief incident, my bank is going on the sour list. I found out about the situation because they left me a message about it on my answering machine. When I called back, the man I spoke with said he would close the account and I could get a new card at the bank. When I went to the back and told the teller this, he said no problem and indicated that I would have my new card within a week. Well, a week passed and nothing. I called Chase and the woman said it takes 10 business days. On the 11th business day I went into the bank to pull out money to get me through the next week; I also asked if they could track my card order. The teller says to me, "I'm sorry - there's no record of a replacement card being ordered." WHAT?! So yeah, Chase is on my poop list right now. Considering switching so if you have any recommendations or glowing reports about your bank, please comment below.

SWEET

=) The shrimp tempura sushi roll at Bento & Noodle. I'm in love with it and there's not really much else I can say about that. I imagine there will be lots of food items on the sweet lists to come. If you don't know, I am a total foodie.

=) Bejeweled Blitz on Facebook. Ugh. I hate admitting that one, but it's true. I spend way too much time playing this little diddy. And I even dowloaded the app on my BlackBerry. Someone, anyone...help me.

=) New music. Well, music new to me. I've found myself listening to these albums A LOT recently, and I want to share with you guys.
Funeral by Arcade Fire

Only by the Night by Kings of Leon

Helpless Romantic by Jon B.

And because a post just isn't a post without a picture, I'll leave you with this one - in the spirt of the upcoming holiday. :)

Worth a try...

It's not something we've ever attempted but I figured, what the heck. If she wins she wins, if she doesn't, she's still la luz de mi vida (the light of my life)! :)

Gap is holding a nationwide contest to find the next faces of babyGap and GapKids, and Beans is entered into the contest. Check out her entry and please vote for her here:

click here to vote

If you do take the time to vote for her, I thank you in advance. And remember...you can vote once a day, every day through November 17, 2009.

Think. Play. Create. Book?

Think. Play. Create.

A couple of weeks ago, we took our daughter to the Children's Museum and I meant to blog about it, but got too busy between photo shoots, work, and birthday parties. Anyhow, Beans had a great time! It's a great place for children (and adults) to experience cool art exhibits, hands-on arts and crafts projects, and really just play. If you get a chance, make your way down there and I promise you won't be disappointed. You really can make a day of it, too, because they have a cool little organic cafe! Here are just a couple of pictures from Beans' trip...

Book.

So let's talk photography! If you're teetering on the fence about getting your family's portraits for the upcoming holiday season, it's time to make the leap and book your session. I am completely booked for both November and December, and I only have a couple of spots left for September and a few more in October. So get on the ball and send me an email to get your family's photo session scheduled! info@sweetface-photography.com

Lastly, I just want to send a special shout-out to the Park View Little League team of Chula Vista! Way to represent our hometown guys! You guys went out there, worked your butts off, and earned your place as the World Champions!!! Way to go blue bombers and congratulations!!!

AP Photo

9 days old...

Today I had the great privilege of photographing another newborn. We weren't expecting little Devon until next month, but he decided to make his debut into the world last weekend. I'm choosing to believe he was just THAT excited to meet me ;) Such a precious little guy he is; slept most of the time, but even awake he just sat ever-so-sweetly and let me snap away. Along for the ride were his parents, and big sister, Siena (who is equally adorable, might I add)! Like most toddlers, she was none too excited about having her photograph taken, but I still managed to trick her into a couple of great shots. All in all it was a great photo shoot - but then, how could you go wrong with as beautiful a family as this?

I just love baby feet!

Another "aww" inspiring moment...

Thanks so much for welcoming into your home and letting me capture a few of Devon's first moments in the world! Congratulations to your growing family, and I hope you guys enjoy your sneak peeks!

By gosh, by golly, it's time for mistletoe and holly...

Song of the day: Mistletoe and Holly by Frank Sinatra

I know what you’re thinking – Christmas songs? In August? Well…there’s a rhyme to my reason my friends. It looks like it’s about that time again. You know – where I start getting on you to remind you that the holiday season is just around the corner and that it’s time for you to start thinking about booking your family’s holiday session! I know, you think I’m kidding, but lest we forget I warned you all last year that the season would be here before you knew it and I was right. Not that I’m one to say I told you so, buuuuut…. ;)

So that said people, whether you want to surprise mom and dad with some photos of the grandkids (or you and your siblings), you want to include some family photos with this year’s holiday cards, or you just feel like getting your picture taken because you’re feeling fabulous, it’s time to get to it! If you’re hoping to get some photos done for the holidays, now is the time to book. There are still a couple of spots in September and October available, but I literally have one…ONE slot left for the month of November!


I'm also happy to announce that I will be offering holiday cards for the 2009 holiday season! There are a total of 17 designs to choose from! Here's a quick sneak peek at some of the designs that will be available to you all:

















I'm also toying with the idea of offering gift certificates. I mean, what better gift for that friend or family member who keeps meaning to get family portraits done, but just never gets around to it? So keep an eye out on the blog for the announcement of gift certificate availability.


Well my friends, that's all I have for now. I'll be spending this weekend entertaining, having fun with, and of course photographing my mother-in-law, sister-in-law and her two gorgeous kiddos who are coming in from Colorado for a visit. Just another excuse for me to be a tourist in this beautiful city I call home. Hope you all enjoy the rest of your week and your weekend!

Twenty Ten

Song of the day: Gone Too Soon by Michael Jackson (for obvious reasons, I'm sure)

Sorry I've been neglecting the blog a bit readers. Just been spending time being a mommy to my loverly little girl, working, taking pictures, and I took some much needed time off for 100% R&R over the 4th of July weekend.

Caution: shameless plug ahead. Have a facebook account? Fan of Sweetface Photography? Now you can have the best of both world's by becoming a fan on Facebook! I know...this is what's been keeping you up at nights. lol Seriously though...fan me. You know wanna ;)



So the main reason for this entry is to discuss session bookings. I'm happy to report that we're already looking at October and November sessions. But much to my surprise and delight...we're also started booking into 2010! You read that right people. This is a pretty regular occurrence for wedding photographers, as they are often booking up to a year in advance. But with portrait photographers, I'd say the average booking is about a month or two out. So it really speaks to my heart that people are appreciating my work so much that they are booking 3-6 months in advance. Seriously...the love is appreciated right back. Thank you.


On another note, I hope you all are enjoying your summer as much me and my family are. Do any of you have any special plans this summer? Yeah? Comment below - I can always use ideas to keep the husband and the little one entertained.

More shoots coming up soon, starting this weekend with some lovely sisters and their little ones, so keep an eye out for that. And as usual, if you're reading this and are in need of some portraits for you and your family, just shoot me an email.

So I'll leave you all with a quick pic. How my family kicked off the Summer. Complaints? Can't say I have any my friends; can't say I have a one.

Thanks for reading!

Release Me...

Song of the day: Release Me by Agnes




I haven’t actually heard this song played on any US radio stations, but it gets plenty airplay on both of my fave UK stations (Kiss 100 FM and Galaxy FM), but Release Me is one of my current loves. Her voice is just so beautiful; it’s like your ears have won the lottery. I also find the title fitting as I prepare to release the new version of the blog. I promise it will be up and running soon, and hopefully you’ll all love it as much as I do.

What else am I working on? Well…photo sessions, of course. I have been happily busy over the last couple of weeks, with some back to back sessions. Good news is more pictures and more happy clients; the bad news is, I’m a little behind in editing. But I have one last client to finish up and we’ll be back on track. Though I will admit that I could probably use some better organizational skills…any ideas or tips from the readers that help you to stay organized? Please comment below.

I have two more sessions coming up this weekend (yay!), then taking a break and spending father’s day weekend in Las Vegas! I’m so excited to spend the weekend away with my hubby and some good friends in one of my favorite places on Earth. Can’t wait to turn my camera loose in the neon-lit dessert, and am planning on blogging about the debauchery trip when I get back.

Back to photography – I have room for one more session this month and I’m happy to say I’ve already even started booking into August. So if you or anyone you know is thinking about getting some portraits done, shoot me an email so we can get you booked! What are you waiting for...email me already :)

Sunday Morning...

Song of the day: Sunday Morning by No Doubt

Saw No Doubt in concert last Friday and just as I expected, it was amazing! I just love this band – I love their music, their vibe, their energy, and their friendship. Gwen is still one tough chick and she rocks out; not to mention, she looks flippin amazing. Just another reminder that I need to really step up my physical renovation. I need to reorganize my workout playlist on my iPod, add some more cardio to my routine, and just do it. I know I can…and I will. Keep ya posted on the outcome.

Friday Randoms…

I chew gum in phases. I’ll go months without chewing a single piece, and then once I do, I’m chewing two or three pieces daily, for a good week. After that, it’s usually eons before I touch another piece. Why is that?

I have come to the conclusion that HD is a hoax. Either that, or the difference between HD and…what, LD (low def)? That the difference only registers if you are of the male variety of our species. We recently purchased a new 47” HD TV, at the husband’s insistence that HD was the bees knees; that once I saw the diff, my eyes would kneel and praise the Vision Gods. So he gets it up, on, and…well the convo goes something like this:

Me: It looks like normal babe

Husband: Really? You really think so? You can’t see the difference?

Me: Huh-uh.

Husband: Rea…no. Maybe…well, you’ll see it when I put on a blu-ray.

He grabs on the first blu-ray dvd he sees and plays it (Pirates of the Caribbean btw)

Husband: Ok now you HAVE to see the change in quality.

Me: Huh-uh.

Husband: {frustrated sigh} Really?!

I’ve been slacking on my 30 by 31 list. So I’ve decided to start a couple new sections (ex “song of the day” and Friday Randoms). There will be more post-blog-op! this will address the “blog more” item on my list. Already been working on more time with the fam. What else should I start on?

I’ve been craving some Thai food for the last couple o’ weeks. Anyone know of any really good places in or near Chula Vista? Comment me below or shoot me an email.

In other news – the blog is being revamped and something splendid this way comes. I am so excited to give this blog a facelift. Shoot – it’s getting a facelift, lipo and a tummy tuck as far as I’m concerned. Can’t reveal anymore details…but you will like. I promise.

Interested in a photo shoot with Sweetface Photography? There are limited openings left in June (one or two spots) and we’re starting to book into July. Email today to book your session!

That's all for now kids! I have my next session on SUNDAY MORNING - newborn twins, so make sure you come back to check out the sneak peeks. I guarantee it will be an overabundance of adorableness.

Special Delivery

I just wanted to post a doubly huge CONGRATULATIONS to Allison and Marc on the birth of their twins!

Baby boy, Easton, and baby girl, Aven, made their big, unexpected (she wasn't due until June 9) debut early yesterday morning. I've already seen a couple photos of them and as I, ahem, predicted, those tikes are G-O-R-G-E-O-U-S!!! So looking forward to meeting them soon. :)

You can catch up on their maternity session from earlier this month, here.
And because a post just isn't a post without photos...here's a couple more shots from their fabulous session.

Congratulations again to Allison, Marc, and big brother Brendon! See you all soon!

Why not a mini for mom and dad?

Both Mother's day (May 10) and Father's day (June 21) are fast approaching. If you're still at a loss for what to give the 'rents, consider giving them the gift of portraits! Limited-availability mini-sessions will be offered on Saturday, May 2, starting at 4:00pm at one of our beautiful beaches.

Aside from making a great gift for mom and dad, a mini-session is the thing for you if you've had or recently had a session with Sweetface Photography but would like new images for the season or to mark a milestone, but not wanting to schedule a full session. Or maybe you've been meaning to try a Sweetface Photography but just haven't gotten around to it. Or maybe you're a friend of a client who's photos you've seen and want a taste of what I have to offer! Or maybe you just want a few gorgeous images of your kiddos. Whatever the case, our mini-sessions wont compare to the full session experience, but they are PERFECT for a little sample of what I have to offer.

Each mini-session costs just $75 and includes:

Approximately 30 minute session (please inquire about pricing for groups larger than four)
10-15 images in a private online gallery
Complementary 8x10 print and 10% off your order
A CD with 3 low-resolution watermarked images for sharing via email, facebook, et al.


If you are interested in booking a mini-session, just send me an e-mail.

If you prefer the luxury of a full custom session, my calendar is filling up fast! Shoot me an email and we'll get you in...one way or another!