Holy Hotness, Batman! ~ Tucson Family Photographer

Don't you think it should be illegal to have this many beautiful people in one family?? I'd like to take credit for the beautiful photographs, but honestly - all I did was click the button. Just look at them! Alexa, Vanessa, Sienna, and my stunning friend, haute momma Andrea. Even Dad's got the whole GQ thing goin' on. Super gorgeous people + a super fun location = a super happy photographer :) 

I'm so excited to introduce you to this family! I'm often asked who cuts my hair, and I am always so proud to answer "Andrea at Gadabout Salon". Meet Andrea! She's my dear friend and "hair cutter" (as my 11 yr old likes to say). She's amazing - notice how perfect everyone's hair is?? BOOK HER!

Between Andrea's schedule, her girls' schedules and my own crazy schedule, we had a heck of a time finding a time when everyone was free, and when the weather was cooperating. It took us foreverrrr for the stars and planets to align so we could have our session, but we finally managed, and I totally think it was worth the wait!

Check out these gorgeous girls. They made this photo shoot a breeze for me! It truly is hard to get a bad shot when you have such incredibly stunning subjects. Sienna, Alexa and Vanessa were so much fun (even though I'm pretty sure Andrea bribed them all to pose for family pictures). I did hear whispers of ice cream after the session :)

Choosing a fun, urban location helped -- and I had to promise it wouldn't be your typical "say cheese" family photo session! Even Sienna was excited when I told her she didn't even have to smile (which of course, got a smile!)

See? No "cheeeeese" allowed :)

Thank you, Andrea!! I am sooo happy we finally got your session scheduled -- what a fun day it was!

We're Getting a Make-Over!! ~ Tucson Child & Family Photographer

Oh my goodness!! There are so many new and exciting things happening over here at Stephanie Newbold Photography! So much that I don't even know where to begin, and Callie and I are feeling a bit overwhelmed (in a happy, excited, yippeeee kindof way)! Over the next few weeks, you're going be seeing many changes to the website and the blog... we're going to have a whole new look and lots of new, fresh, fun content. With the help of Tiffany at On TheSpot Studio, Rita at The CoffeeShop  Blog, and my dear friend Michelle Tiek of Michelle Tiek Photography and Design, Stephanie Newbold Photography has completely rebranded. I am so excited (and a little nervous, I confess) to reveal our new look to all of you! We're hoping to be able to do so next week - yay!

Rebranded?? A whole new look?  New content??  Yep. But don't worry, friends, my business philosophy and passion for capturing your treasured moments hasn't changed a bit!  As I've mentioned previously, I am taking July and August off from shooting...with the exception of a few precious itty bitties who will be making their entrance into the world this summer, and a few of you who have made special arrangements with me.  But that doesn't mean I won't be working :)

Though I *am* going to use this time to spend some very precious, very rare time with my family, Callie and I are going to be doing lots of behind the scenes things that have taken a back burner for much too long. This mini break from shooting will also give me a chance to attend some workshops and mentor with some amazing photographers so I can learn some new tricks, as well as get geared up for some new and exciting things coming to Stephanie Newbold Photography this fall.

In addition to the Fall Holiday Sessions (can I just say how much I love this time of year?!?), I will be offering a Fall "Mama's Gonna Snap" photography workshop, as well as 1-on-1 mentor sessions for beginners and mamas. I've had so many inquiries about "how do I" and "how do you", and I am so happy to be able to offer these sessions to help you "photographists" take control of your cameras!  PS: if you've made it this far reading, YAY!! Thank you!  Aaaand, as a token of my appreciation for sticking with us, mention this blog post in an email to me and receive $50 off a 1-on-1 mentor session!

Back to all the news:  Callie and I (well, mostly Callie!) will be creating a newsletter to keep you better informed into the happenings within the business, specials being offered, as well as some basic tips to help you become a better photographer yourself.

Change is extremely scary to me...especially when it involves my photography business. It's truly a piece of my heart and I want to love it, and squeeze it and protect it forever! However, I know these changes are necessary so that I can bring you the best -- the best images, the best products, the best ME. While there may be a few growing pains along the way, I promise you'll be happy!

I really want to assure you -- my treasured friends and clients -- that, while my look is changing, my heart for my clients is not. I love each and every one of your families so much and am so humbled to be your photographer. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. It is always my goal to provide you with a custom, personal experience, and to capture those precious moments in your lives.

If I had a glass of champagne, I'd raise it! But I don't, so I am toasting you all with my nonfat vanilla latte :)  Here's to the next chapter in Stephanie Newbold Photography...I'm so glad you are along for the ride!
xoxo,
steph

Ponytails & Puppy Dogs - Tucson Child Photographer, Sahuarita Family Photographer

I'm a sucker for little girls in ponytails! Oh my gosh - this little girl was so stinkin' cute! My heart just melted when she smiled at me with those big brown eyes and those long, long eyelashes! I met Miss Sophie and her mom and dad at Safari Park in Sahaurita, and it was beautiful - trees, flowers, and that oh, so elusive desert novelty - GREEN GRASS. It is amazing how much more you appreciate green grass when you don't see it very frequently!

As a natural light photographer, I schedule my sessions around, well, the light :)  And the late afternoon sunlight was perfect on this day - just look at that beautiful dappled, sparkling light. Sophie's mom was a little concerned about our session time. Apparently our session was scheduled right around Sophie's grumpy time, though you could have fooled me. Sophie was the star of our show, and we were thrilled to be her audience. And I'm pretty sure she was just as thrilled to be the star! She brought along with her a little friend...a completely adorable, energetic little pup. Homer absolutely adored her and they had so much fun playing together. It was so fun to watch them interact together - there's not much cuter than an itty bitty girl and her itty bitty friend  :)

 

Our session was pretty much what's called a "lifestyle" session. That's where we do very few posed shots and really just capture you -- and life -- and all those sweet and funny moments you have with your loved ones. The images are mostly candids, and I always strive to show the relationship between the family members. This is one of my favorite shots of the day...Mommy and Daddy swinging their girl. Look at those grins - I can still hear Sophie's precious little giggle!

I love being able to capture those tender moments between family members. I am thrilled I caught this sweet moment between mother and daughter. It shows their special bond and their love for each other.

 It was such a great afternoon with Sophie and her family. I loved the time I spent with this family, and loved that we captured some precious, precious moments.  Thanks, Sophie, Kelli & Todd (and Homer the pup!), for a beautiful afternoon!

Tucson Family Photographer - Tucson Natural Light Photographer - Sahuarita Child Photographer

Precious - Tucson Newborn Photographer, Tucson Child Photographer, Tucson Family Photographer

Oh. My. Goodness. I should probably post a warning here - if you've planned to not have any more babies, stop reading. Just look away now. Whatever you do, do not gaze upon this amazingly beautiful, perfect precious, itty bitty, oh-so-sweet, newborn bundle of baby boy!

Newborn photography sessions are always so much fun, and it’s such an honor to be able to photograph a little one’s first few days.   I love every minute of that newborn yumminess (I might have made that word up). From their teeny little fingernails, soft fluttery eyelashes, wispy baby hair…and oh, these kissable little newborn baby lips. **SWOON** 

 This session was even more sweet for me, because this baby boy is the first baby for my friends,  Marlena and Bryan.  I am so excited for them – before  sweet baby Dylan arrive, we joked about changing diapers, sleepless nights, no more “guy trips” to Vegas for Bryan, and “bye-bye sports car.”  But honestly ? These two totally fit right into parenthood!    

When I arrived for our session, I have to confess I was a little surprised. Baby Dylan was sleeping, the house was warm and quiet,  Marlena looked amazingly gorgeous as usual, aaaand…she looked rested, relaxed and perfectly content!  A wee bit surprising for me to see a first time Mommy, 8 days after giving birth, looking so totally in her element.  She’s a complete and total natural.

Baby Dylan slept through pretty much our entire session – barely a peep as we wrangled him from pose to pose and outfit to outfit. Whenever he started to fuss a bit, all it took was the gentlest touch from his Mommy and he was sound asleep again.

Marlena and Bryan, thank you so much for trusting me with capturing your brand new baby boy’s first few days. I am so happy for your family – I know every single smile, every giggle, every hug will make up for Bryan having to carry a diaper bag!

Congratulations, Hutzler Family!

xoxox,

steph

Bella Bella Bella! - Tucson Children's Photographer, Tucson Family Photographer, Tucson Child Photographer

I'm sure you recognize this adorable little thing by now from all the pictures on my Facebook page, but let me officially introduce you to Arabella. She goes by Bella for short, and well, it fits doesn't it? I met this little beauty when I did a mentor session with Sandi Bradshaw of Sandi Bradshaw Photography in Scottsdale, AZ. Arabella and her mom, Melissa, came all the way up to the Phoenix area so that Arabella could be the model for my session and I am sooo glad they did! Bella and I hit it off instantly, and I was so happy to learn they lived in Tucson! What luck! I love working with this little one. Not only is she a major cutie, but she also has the most precious, sassy little attitude a 4 year old could have!

Arabella has done some modeling for my photography workshops, and I was so excited to be able to do a one on one session with her last month. Oh my gosh - is it wrong to be envious of a 4 year old?!? Ok yeah, probably...but this little cupcake has a wardrobe to die for! Oh and did I mention she almost has as many shoes as I do! (Those of you who know me know that I have serious shoe issues.) She was such a trooper and so patient! Even when I said we were going to go over to the next block, and when we got there, she was extremely disappointed not to find toy “blocks” to play with. It didn't take long for the disappointment to vanish when I promised her a lollipop at the end of our session. Such a good time - thank you, Melissa, for always being willing to share your girl with me!

Tucson Children's Photographer, Tucson Family Photographer, Tucson Child Photographer, Tucson  Photographer

Me. Want. COOKIES!!! - Tucson Family Photographer, Tucson Child Photographer.

I do. I want some cookies. Chocolate Chip Cookies. But since I'm off the sugar these days, I am going to live vicariously through my Creative Director/Assistant/Office Manager/GirlWonder/Head Booty Kicker & Back Patter, Miss Callie! She makes a wicked cookie - and I've asked her to share her recipe AND post pics. I mean, a pic is the next best thing to eating being there, right?  And she was kind enough to write a blog post for us! I know it's not really related to being a "Tucson Family Photographer", but hey, it's definitely related to YUM!

****
Hi, it's Callie again.

Stephanie was looking through her blog and realized it has been awhile since she's featured any yummy recipes on here.  Fortunately for me (or you), she was looking for a dessert and NOT a dinner recipe. I LOVE to bake, but I am not very talented in the cooking area...just ask my husband. We have a lot “golden brown” (AKA burnt to a crisp...black as coal...you get the idea) items in our household. One thing I do pride myself on is making a mean chocolate chip cookie. I wish I could take the credit for the following recipe...unfortunately, I have to give credit to Better Homes and Gardens. Check out their website for some easy, fabulous recipes.

Our (BHG) Best Basic Chocolate ChipCookies

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup shortening
• 1/2 cup butter
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 2-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 12-ounce package (2 cups) semisweet chocolate pieces
• 1-1/2 cups chopped walnuts, pecans, or hazelnuts (filberts) (optional)

Directions

In a large mixing bowl beat the shortening and butter with an electric mixer on medium to high speed for 30 seconds. Add the brown sugar, granulated sugar, and baking soda. Beat mixture until combined, scraping sides of bowl occasionally. Beat in the eggs and vanilla until combined. Beat in as much of the flour as you can with the mixer. Stir in remaining flour. Stir in chocolate pieces and, if desired, nuts.

Drop dough by rounded teaspoons 2 inches apart on an ungreased cookie sheet. Bake in a 375 degree F oven 8 to 10 minutes or until edges are lightly browned. Transfer cookies to a wire rack and let cool. Makes about 60 cookies.

Note that the directions call for you to “transfer the cookies to a wire rack and let cool”...yeah, this is where my cookies vary. I under-bake my cookies slightly. I bake them until they still have a slight sheen to the tops of them. I pull them out of the oven and leave them on the baking sheet until they cool (well that is if my husband allows them to actually make it to that point). The cookie will continue to bake slightly on the pan...leaving you with a very soft cookie. Yum!

I should also note that this recipe doesn't make 60 cookies...at least not the way I make them! I usually drop a heaping TABLESPOON onto the pan. It usually only yields about 20 cookies...but they are delicious, heavenly cookies! Head out to the grocery store, get the ingredients and bake up some goodness tonight!

This is definitely my comfort food...what's yours?

Happy Graduation! - Tucson Senior Photographer, Tucson Family Photographer

I loooove capturing milestones in people's lives!  There is something so amazing about knowing that I'm able to be a part of all the meaningful moments in my clients' lives - everything from a wee one's first few days, to an engagement, and, most recently, a college graduation!

I am so happy to introduce you to an amazing young lady who, as of tomorrow, is a University of Arizona Class of 2011 Graduate!

When Rachel contacted me about doing her granduation photos, I immediately thought "high school" and was so excited when she said "college".  I was already cueing Pomp and Circumstance and getting all choked up.   Yes, it's true: I cry every.single.time I hear Pomp and Circumstance. I am a total and complete sap! 

Rachel wanted some cap and gown shots, along with some "just regular shots" to mark this huge milestone in her life. Of course I made her do that goofy, toss your cap in the air shot, and the cheesy "jump for joy" shot, and she was such a good sport!  Isn't she beautiful in Wildcat Red n Blue???

We traipsed around downtown Tucson for a bit, chatting about a little bit of this and a little bit of that...pretty much everything under the sun. It was so fun to discover that we even had a few connections, espcially with our love of competitive swimming. Rachel was a swimmer in high school, and she also did some coaching. We know a lot of the same "swim people". It is always fun to have those kind of random connections with my clients. It truly is such a small world!

I loved hanging out with Rachel. She's definitely got it together! Beauty, confidence, a little sass and best of all, a brand new college degree. Watch out world!  Congratulations, Rachel, and thank you again for letting me share in this moment with you. I just know you will leave your mark on this world!

xoxox,
Steph.

Fun Families, Fun Photos - Tucson Child Photographer, Tucson Family Photographer

Tucson Child Photographer. Tucson Family Photographer. How did I get so lucky? Have I mentioned lately how much I adore my job? And my clients and their families? And that my "office" is ,um...well, pretty much the whole world? How lucky am I that I get to do what I love...AND meet so many amazing people along the way!?!

I met up with the Moffitt Family at a park near their house. One of the things I love about on-location photography is that the session location is a place my clients love and feel comfortable at. It's almost always a place that has meaning for them, or a place where they can just relax and almost forget it's family photo time. I LOVE how this family came sporting U of A shirts. They won this Wildcat fan's heart immediately (Go Cats!).

What a seriously gorgeous, happy family! Zane, the little cutie pie in these pictures, came armed with a basketball, a football, and a pocketful of smiles and other funny faces! Dad tossed the football with Zane. Zane shot some hoops on the basketball court, and in between we even managed to squeeze in a few family shots. Check out Zane's smile - honest, I did NOT tell him to say the dreaded "CHEEEEEESE" word!  

Zane was a good sport and smiled until...well, he didn't want to smile anymore. Then, he played dead! Ha, I love it!

One of my favorite parts of a family shoot is seeing the love, affection and interaction between the family. At the end of the session, I usually call for a little play time and just hang back as the family relaxes a bit. This is pretty much my favorite part of every session because it's like a grab bag—you're never sure what you'll get, but you know it'll be something memorable. It was during this “play time” at the end of the Moffitt's session that I was able to capture these sweet, tender moments between Zane and his Mommy. These are the moments...you know, the ones that make your heart flutter? The ones that you look at 5, 10, 20 years from now and remember how you felt on that day...remember how the grass felt on your bare feet...how your Momma's perfume smelled...THESE are the moments I am incredibly blessed to capture...

I love these shots so much! I love the honesty in them, the total immersion in that one moment. This is what I always hope my clients will take away from their sessions, and what I hope to be able to preserve for them. Thank you so much for sharing these moments with me, Moffitt Family!

Oh Snap! Children's Workshop ~ Tucson Family Photographer, Tucson Child Photographer, Tucson Photography Workshops, Tucson Photographer

"Hi, it's Callie! I wanted to share the news about the workshop we just wrapped up! I think we'll have to come up with another name for it instead of WORKshop, though, because it's hardly work. Honestly, I can't think of a better way to spend a Saturday afternoon than with an amazing group of people armed with cameras and sprinkled with nearly a half dozen of adorable little models!

Last weekend, Stephanie brought her A-game to a worshop put on especially for a group of IBM employees and/or their family members. The “Oh, Snap” Children's Photography Workshop was so much fun! She discussed with them over the course of a few hours aaaalll that really important technical “mumbo jumbo”, as she likes to call it. She taught those attending the relationship between aperture, ISO, and shutter speed and how to adjust the three to get a perfectly exposed shot, exposure bracketing, focal length, focal points and how to change them, an overview of various lenses, posing, some basic rules of composition and even a little bit about postprocessing images. She also covered natural light, and how to find it and make the most out of what's available. Towards the end, she shared some of her tips on how to get natural expressions, and how to get great photos of those every day moments you don't want to forget. Here are a couple of shots I snapped during the workshop:

After a couple of hours in the classroom, the attendees were set loose to put into practice all they had just learned. Stephanie arranged for five ADORABLE little models join us for the photo shoot portion of the workshop. I literally found myself giggling just looking at the cuties! We had a set of sisters, a brother and sister team, and then a spunky redheaded tomboy who spent a huge chunk of the afternoon climbing trees. The little models were so amazing. They allowed themselves to be positioned and photographed by 10+ cameras. Although, I think they were most excited about the fact that there was a cookie or two waiting for them at the end of the photo shoot...bribery at its finest! And yes, I think that was one of Stephanie's tips for ensuring cooperation :)

PS - that's Stephanie of course, shooting in high heeled sandals!

A special thanks to our precious little models and their Mommies.(Don't forget to contact Stephanie about your mini-session!). Also, thank you to those who came to the workshop so eager to learn. It truly was an amazing afternoon. Stephanie was so excited to help you develop your skills and learn to capture those every day moments and get better pictures of your kids and grandkids! Please remember to e-mail any questions you may have to Stephanie at stephanie@stephanienewbold.com. Happy shooting! Oh, and by the way: if you missed the first two photography workshops, we'll be hosting another in September. Follow the blog for details!
~ Callie 

Here are some of the amazing shots Stephanie took of some of our darling little models.