We had so much fun shooting Teresa in her last couple of weeks of pregnancy.  She wanted to do a classic beauty shot but she also wanted to try something a little different. She mentioned that she had heard of getting henna on your belly when your around 8 months pregnant.  Well, I went on a search and was referred to a wonderful woman, Ravie Kattaura.  Her work was amazing and she was one of the fastest artist I’ve ever seen.  I’ve seen Henna done before but never from such a talented artist and never done on a pregnant belly.  It was really beautiful and I loved the colors and glitter she added to the design.  I also loved how Joe, the dad, was all excited about getting his henna done on his arms.  We asked about the blessing and was told that the  patterns used are acknowledged to bring health, protection, and luck to the new mother and her child.  I just know that we were blessed to be part of it all and to be able to create some beautiful images of their first pregnancy together.

As always this turned out to be a fun and adventurous shoot as Tia and I lugged the bed and headboard out in to the grassy field, caused only a slight traffic jam as everyone was interested in what we were doing, and I didn’t even mention that little case of trespassing.  But the field was just to pretty to pass by.   Better yet, a client of mine drove by and yelled my name out. I had to laugh that someone even recognized us because it really wasn’t a part of town that I frequented very often.  She called later and said I saw someone with furniture in a field taking pictures and thought it had to be Jill Johnson.

Like I mentioned earlier we had a fantastic time and here are just some of the behind the scenes stuff.  Andrew Hsu of MSV Studios hung out with us crazy girls for the week and was an intricate team member. He did a fantastic job on all the videos for the presentation.  To see some of them about Dork energy check out his blog.  These were just funny silly stuff and if he can make this look good then you know he can do it all.   He does amazing work so if your looking for a videographer check out his website.  You’ll love working with him

Andrews Hsu of MSV Studio’s Video Recap of WPPI!  Click here for some behind the scenes fun and to watch the video.

Andrew was just one of the amazing sponsors we had for this talk.  Besides Andrew the main sponsors were Richard’s Photo lab and YWD Magazine.  A special thank you to Richards because they really encouraged Tanja to do this.  YWD provided beautiful magazines for everyone attending the talk.  Plus, we had some wonderful give aways from some very special companies!  Special thanks to:  Big Folio, Gigbooks, Gross National Product, Carlos Baez “Seeing the Light”, Fast Track Photographer, Fuji Film, and Waxworks.  In fact here I am with Leah the super talented artist behind waxworks.(We’re in the right hand corner of the collage).   I’ll be talking about them later.

Ok trying to keep up with that resolution. ( I was on vacation last week so that shouldn’t count, plus I couldn’t access the internet).  The last wedding of the year was a special one since it was my nephew who was getting married.   It is always a good time when I get to go home and spend some time with the family and especially for such a happy occassion.  I had to admit though they must of gotten married on one of the coldest days in December.  It was cold and I was grateful that I didn’t have to take many outdoor photos. Whew!  Well one of the incredible Hulk and his friends was about it.  I was laying in the snow to get some of those shots.  What a dedicated Aunt.

It was a Christmas theme wedding with pointsetta’s, gingerbread houses, and cookie cutters for guest.  There was a lot going on and I was kept busy. Besides being the photographer I had Great Aunt Duties.  There was a new generation who needed to learn the “Macarana” and to yell “Tin Roof Rusted” with the B-52’s As you can see from the photos Flamingo fit right in in fact he matched so well he was like an honorary groomsmen.  He’s made himself one of the family.  Like usual he got the party going.  He gave piggy back rides, danced the circle, and of course nestled up to the ladies.   He tried the Hula hoop contest but he hurt his neck.  Allen was funny because he wanted some pink too to blend with his groomsmen.  So pink socks is what he came up with.  I’m wishing blessings on Allen and his new wife Hellena.  That was one more down and quite a few to go.  The family is taking bets on a couple of prospects.  Will it be Alex and Laura  or Jeffrey and Samantha?  What do you think?  Take a guess or do you think someone will come out of the shadows and surprise us all?

Just recieved this image from Flamingo this morning.  He’s been out and about again and wanted me to know that he was ok and headed home.  Its been a while since we’ve seen Flamingo.  I thought he flew the coop.  Here he is this morning spending some quality tea time with his friend Dave Luebke of Couture books.  One of the our exciting new album lines we’ll be carrying in the 09 season.

He also sent me this image.  He’s been to Orlando visting the Holyland literally with Dave’s brother.  The Holyland Experience is a place where you go back in time 2000 years to the streets of Ancient Israel.  You get to experience and learn as you walk the streets and experience the culture of biblical times.  It is a great place where the bible comes to life.   You can visit the Wildnerness Tablernacle, see re-enactments of the life of Jesus Christ here on earth and eat a turkey leg.  The kids and I went here last Spring and Flamingo told me  he was so fascinated at what we told him that he needed to go and experience it himself.  It was a great reminder for him to remember what the Christmas season was all about.   Can’t wait to hear about all of his experiences.  Could Flamingo be mellowing out?