Heart. Stolen. | Family Photos in Tucson, Tucson Photographer for Family Photos, Oro Valley Photographer

Yep –my heart’s been stolen. It’s gone. And I have pretty good idea of where it went. Well, if I am to be completely honest here, my heart gets stolen at least once a week.  I think that’s just the downside to being a family photographer for Tucson’s most gorgeous people.  I’ve been remiss at blogging the gorgeous families, big kids and little kids I photographed last fall – the end of the year got a little bit crazy and then, well, I took a little time off to love up on my own family a little bit, and just enjoy some holiday hustle and bustle.  I’m doing some catching up, and oh goodness, do I have some pretty faces to share with you over the next few weeks!

Meet the latest little culprit, Miles.

Seriously, that shaggy blond hair and those big brown eyes could be weapons of mass destruction, I tell you! 

This was my second year photographing Mr. Miles and his family, and it was so much fun! We spent a warm, sunny, Tucson fall afternoon at Agua Caliente park – kicking soccer balls, digging in the dirt, blowing on dandelions, watching the ducks,  playing with rocks – you know, doing important guy stuff.  

One of the things I love most about family sessions and photographing families with little kids is that our session time is often unscripted.  It’s more like a fun get together where we can laugh and play, and capture some giggles and grins in between.  And some frowns and funny faces too – sometimes those expressions just steal the show. 

I always try to work in some “posed” shots, but even those are relaxed and natural. I love these family images of Hannah and Chris and Miles.

  

I love that we captured images of a super fun time in their life, and I love that we were able to document sweet Mr. Miles’ wonder and excitement at everything from  the green grass, to his soccer ball, to getting a cold drink from the drinking fountain (I agree, Miles, there’s nothing better!)

Hannah and Chris – thank you so much for choosing me to photograph your family again this year! I really do treasure these times with you!

xoxox,

steph

***How long has it been since you've had YOUR family photos taken? Mmmmhhhm. That's what I thought :) Want some fun photos like these? Let's spend some time together capturing your family's memories -- I'm now booking family sessions for March. Click HERE for more information.

Too Much Hustle & Bustle!

Oh my gosh, in all my holiday hustle and bustle yesterday, I totally, completely, forgot to draw the winner of the $150 Gift Certificate!  So, without further ado, I'm going to hustle MY bustle this morning and get the drawing going! I assigned each entry a number, and entered the numbers into the True Random Number Generator at random.org.

And Mr. Random has selected...

…drum roll…

entry #33, Gil Salazar!!

Congratulations, Gil! You may use your gift certificate toward a 2012 session fee, digital image purchase, or 2 hr Camera Basics mentoring session. You can also give it to someone as a gift, if you’d like to!

Thanks so much, everyone, for playing!

One, Big, Happy Family! ~ Outdoor Family Photos in Tucson, AZ | Vail Family Photos | Tucson Family Photographer

I think this is one of my top 5 favorite family photo sessions this year! And with these adorable kiddos, how could it not be? This family is so special to me - they came to me last year for family photos, and I've been in love ever since. I was so excited when Michelle contacted me again this year to do her family photos -- and, not gonna lie, was a bit over the moon when she said she wanted to book TWO sessions: one for her side of the family, and one for her husband's side of the family. I LOVE that Michelle's family -- all of them--wanted family photos, and I love that Michelle loved me enough to pick me to do them!

This year, I got to meet Michelle's whole family! Her parents, and her brother and his wife, too. It was so much fun for me to be able to work with the extended family, and to see how much lovin' and likin' there was going on!

As you can tell from the gorgeous colors, Michelle put a lot of thought into coordinating wardrobe ideas for the whole family, and I think she did a fantastic job. All of the little details (necklaces, hair pretties, belts, layers, accessories) make such a big impact in the finished photo -- they just add that extra little bit of "oh, wow".  A super "What to Wear example",  and you'll defnitely be seeing some of their photos in the new, printed, What to Wear Style Guide we have in the works for 2012. 

Nicholas and Annya have grown so much from last year, and they were so much fun. I especially loved how “motherly” Annya was to her baby brother.  She would take him by the hand and help him get to where he needed to be, help him "pose" and coax him to smile. So precious.   

These two kiddos tromped through the tall grass, played together and were so sweet with their grandparents. There is just whole lotta love in this family!!

One of my favorite aspects of this family photo session is that we were able to capture all of the family here, together, and also in smaller groups. There's never any limit to the number of poses you can have in your session, and I always encourage my clients to mix it up, and make sure that all that family love is captured so it can be treasured for years to come! There is something just so special about getting a portrait of your whole family together.  In fact, we have a 3 generation photo to remember the day by! How sweet is this photo of Michelle, Annya and Michelle's mom?

We picked a new location for their photos this year, and brought out the fabulous green chaise -- it was perfect for this family session!!  Annya REALLY liked the chaise!  At one point, she even sat down on the couch and posed for a picture all by herself!  Seriously - could Annya be any cuter?? She's the perfect diva here.

Sweet Nicholas was soooo funny. He wasn't quiter sure what to make of that big ol' camera lens, and it's time like these that I really think we should have taken some behind the scenes pictures of the whole family and my assistant, Callie, lined up behind me trying to get Nicholas to smile and look at the camera.  I’m sure anyone driving by must have thought we had all completely lost it!  I didn’t see what they were doing exactly behind me, but there was a lot of jumping up and down, clapping hands, singing, peek-a-boo and fake sneezing for sure!   

He was a good little sport…well, until he decided he was done!  Look at that little pout? LOVE IT.

Wow, I truly cannot thank Michelle and her precious family enough for choosing me again to capture their family memories!   

I mean it when I say that I truly have left a part of my heart in these photographs.  I’ve fallen in love with this family all over again and it was so special for me to be able to see Michelle’s “roots” and where she gets her beautiful, sweet, generous, and loving spirit! 

Much, much love to you, Michelle & Edward!
xoxox,
steph

P.S.  Yes, I know. I always get the last word ;) But really folks, last chance…please take time to leave a comment on this blog post, or any other post on the blog.  A comment on any blog post will result in one food item being donated to our local food bank!  It only takes a minute and that non-perishable food item could really make a difference in a family's life! 

Love This Family! ~ Family Photographs in Downtown Tucson, Tucson Photographer for Family Photos

Referrals are the best compliment this family photographer could ever receive!  Tiffany and Brian were referred to me from beautiful Avery's momma. I did Miss Avery's newborn photos, and Tiffany is Avery's auntie. I can't tell you how much it means to me when my clients refer their family and friends! My business is blessed (and so is my heart!). 

Meet the Callahan family!

The Callahan family and I ventured downtown near the Old Town Artisans area for their photo session.  I love it when families choose downtown locations for their photos - there's so much variety, and no two sessions are ever the same, even when the locations are similar. And this area - well, it's always been one of my favorite locations. I love the old pueblo feel, and how bright and fun it is.

Tiffany and her handsome guys were such fun - the boys had me laughing plenty, and there were no shortage of smiles from these guys. Max and Carter were complete naturals! Carter started off a teeny bit shy, but he sure warmed up to the camera real quick. Max, well - check out that little guy's smile. Total cuteness right there. What isn’t to love about these two adorable boys? 

Just look at Carter, rockin' the camera! Aren't those blue eyes gorgeous?!?

Thank you Callahan family for choosing me to capture your special family moments.  And a special thank you to the Altman Family for sending these wonderful people my way!

 

Do you know someone who's ready for family photos? Or a high school senior ready for their close up?   Send someone my way and when they book their session, you'll receive a $25 Target gift card as a special thank you for referring them to me, and they'll get an extra print credit!  Share the love!

xoxox,
steph.

Fun Family Photos, and Some Furry Friends! ~ Family Photos with Pets | Family Photographer in Tucson | Outdoor Family Photos in Tucson, AZ

This year has been so much fun, for so many reasons! One of my favorite things about all my family photo sessions here in Tucson has been all of the furry friends included in family photos. It seems like there are an extra abundance this year, and I’m in heaven!  I absolutely LOVE seeing furry friends through my camera lens.  These special “kids” are just cute, cute, CUTE! 

Meet the Holt family!  Sarah and Dustyn brought their three babies for their family photo this year, and I loved getting to know them all.

There's Dustyn and Sarah, of course (Dusytn works with my friend Traci, who also had their family photo with their pets this year -- hi, Traci!!). And then there's Dustyn's buddy Haggard (a German Shepherd/Basset Hound mix with a Mohawk!!), sweet Zoe (a Corgi) and awesomeJake (a mixed bread beauty). How gorgeous are they!  I think the pups had a good time, too.  We had our session at Reid Park, and there were lots of interesting things for them to sniff out.  Of course, getting three dogs and their humans all looking at the camera takes a bit of work (hats off to you, pet photographers!!!) but it’s so much fun making it all happen.  Sarah called me the Dog Whisperer, haha. I'm not really, sometimes I just get lucky. But I DO love them, and I think they sense that.

Like with all sessions, my absolute favorite pictures, though, are the candid moments in between the “formal” portraits.  They are absolutely priceless, and I love to capture all of the wet, slobbery puppy kisses and cuddles happening behind the scenes, too. 

I love how much Sarah and Dustyn love their dogs - you can totally tell that Haggard, Zoe and Jake dig Sarah and Dustyn too.

I think it is just as important to capture memories with our pets as it is with our two legged family members. With that being said, thank you, Sarah and Dustyn, for allowing me to capture those special moments with your pooches.  I hope that you’ll be able to look at these pictures years to come and remember our wonderful afternoon!

xoxox,
steph.

Hey friends!  Are you thinking of booking a session with your best pet pal?  Now is the time to do it!   Book a session including your furry friends today (before 12/31/11 ) and you'll receive a $25 donation to the animal charity of your choice (Humane Society, Animal Rescue Foundation, etc). Your session can take place anytime in 2012. How awesome is that?!?

 E-mail me HERE !

The Red Converse Rocked It ~ Family Photographer in Tucson, AZ | Oro Valley Photographer | Tucson Photographer for Family Photos

Oh my goodness - I am positively giddy over this family!

First of all, these beautiful people were referred to me from another beautiful person I know (hi, Susie!!!), which always makes my heart happy. Second of all, well, just look at Laci!!  She's not only gorgeous on the outside, but she's amazingly beautiful on the inside too, and that's what you notice about her, the first thing.  She just sparkles :) 

Before I say much more, I have to first say that I love this family's wardrobe! Laci asked for a few "what to wear" pointers, and then put these great outfits together all by herself. Don't they look amazing?? I love all the textures and layers, and how everything just works together without being all matchy matchy. And the red shoes?? Shut the front door!! I am in looooove with those red Converse. Please, Santa...if you're listening and I'm not on the Naughty List (again) this year...I really want a pair!  And if I AM on the Naughty List, then by all means, go ahead and bring me the RED HEELS (wink wink)!!

Laci wanted something fun and upbeat for her family photos and she picked the perfect location! The vibrant colors and style were perfect for this fun family, and kept the boys from being too bored with the torture of family photos :)   Wyatt and Tyler are cute as can be and I'm pretty sure they keep this busy momma on her toes.

Little Wyatt wasn't so sure he liked the whole supermodel gig, but let me tell you, the camera was lovin' him! He was so funny and so cute, and he definitely had his own style in mind when it came to posing. We eventually compromised: we'd do a few of his poses, and then I'd sneak in a couple of my own.

 

 Tyler, on the other hand, was totally comfortable in front of the camera from the get-go. And those big brown eyes had me from moment #1.

We had such a good time, strolling through the Barrio - I don't think Laci and I ever stopped talking for more than, ohhhh, 5 seconds, or maybe just long enough to smile and click. Best part of this session, besides making new friends? Finding a Ben's Bell!!!  This was such a treat!! We weren't quite sure if it was left for someone to find, or if it had actually been found and belonged to someone already, so we left it where it was, just in case. But that was pretty exciting for all of us! The Ben's Bell is hanging from the mailbox -- see it??

Oh, and  get a load of Wyatt's feet -- a perfect example of his creative posing :)

Thank you, thank you, thank you, Laci, for sharing your beautiful family with me.   I absolutely adore you and your precious family! 

xoxox,

steph

PS - I loooooove how Laci's Christmas card turned out -- so I had to post a peek of the proof file, now that she's mailed them out :)  We printed Laci's cards on a 5x7  boutique card with scalloped edges and a pearl finish. They are positively gorgeous!!! 

One last thing: please leave this amazing family some blog love!  And remember, for every comment posted here, or anywhere on the blog through 12/20,  Stephanie Newbold Photography will donate one food item to the local food bank. One comment = one item.

Giving is awesome, isn't it??

Her Silly Sweet Tooth ~ Christmas Cookie Deliciousness | Chistmas Cookie Recipes, Delicious Cookie Recipes, Tucson Family Photographer

Every year around the holidays, I get this overwhelming urge to bake: breads, cakes, desserts, fudge, pies, cookies…you name it. I have a staggering collection of those little cook booklets that are ingeniously placed at the checkout in the grocery stores. You know the ones, from Pillsbury Bake-Off, Betty Crocker, 1001 Christmas Cookies. Mmhhmmm. Those.

So, I pick my favorites: the most elaborate, beautiful, complicated recipes, make my ingredient lists, come home…and never make a darned thing. My problem? I suck a baking. There. I said it. It’s out in the open and now y’all know it. 

But I know someone who totally does not suck at baking. In fact, she’s pretty danged (word??) awesome at it. AND, not only does her stuff taste good, it looks pretty!    This would be my cousin, Melissa.  And, lucky for us, she’s started blogging lots of her recipes!

Melissa is completely self taught through, as she says, trial and much error. I can attest to that…as kids, I do believe there were some fried oatmeal cookies (hey, what do you do when the oven is broken??) and some tuna fish mixed with peanut butter.  DON’T JUDGE! We were 8 years old. There was no mayo.  We all recovered quite nicely, thank you. Fast forward many years, and her Christmas Cookies look like masterpieces, and mine, well...they look more like Halloween cookies.

Oh, and photo credit goes to Melissa...I boosted these from her Facebook page :)

Anyway, I am super happy to share Melissa’s blog with you. I think you’ll love it. She shares her failures as well as successes, and she totally has it in for Martha Stewart’s recipes (and she tells you why they don’t work!).

Best of all, Melissa’s blog benefits her Relay for Life team when you click an advertisement link. I’ve done it.  And I don’t get hacked or spammed, just so ya know. 

Here’s a little bit of background from Melissa, about her blog, Silly Sweet Tooth, that she says is a silly little blog that satisfies her sweet tooth and need to brag.

In Melissa’s words:
"Very simply, for no real reason, I have challenged myself to make a batch of homemade cookies every day from now (November 12^th), until Christmas. A different type of cookie each day and the dough is being frozen to bake later, less a few to sample, of course. Every year I see all of these cookies I want to make but after making 4 or 5 different types, I get lazy and quit. So I thought if I gave myself this challenge I would be forced to make all these cookies I want to make. I know, makes no sense!

 Cookies don't last forever unfortunately and I love showing them off.  I started posting these on Facebook orginally but then I thought, people are going to get pretty tired of seeing these cookies every day, and the blog was born. This satisfies my need to post these cookies without forcing my friends and family to see it every single day for the next 45+ days. This is the first blog I have ever done, so bear with me here...

When I realized Google would pay me for allowing ads on my blog I thought, why not, I'm doing it anyway. It's not much money, none yet in fact, but whatever I do make will go to my Relay for Life team in honor of my brother in law Bret.”

So go ahead...go look at her blog. Even if you just go to look at the yummy photos.

And oh yeah...look at this pie she baked! Seriously?? Perfection!

Happy cookie baking! And eating :) I hope you enjoy Melissa's recipes as much as I do!

xoxox,
steph