random thoughts on Christmas.....

so I'm sitting here, just back from a fabulous family shoot, thinking about Christmas. I went to get lunch after the shoot today, and the drive-thru line was long, and people were driving rudely, everyone pushing to be the first one thru, to get ahead of the crowd. For a split second, I nearly got sucked into that thought process. Then I was reminded that it's all relative. So what if something takes 3 minutes longer than you want it to. So what if the person behind you is honking because they don't think life is moving fast enough. What are we all in a hurry for? It feels like Christmas is just one evil machine that we have to defeat before it eats us up and spits us out, before we can finally get onto the new year.

We as a culture spend an entire year of our lives working, stressing, dieting, working, making to-do lists, paying taxes, (did I mention working??), all to top it off with a giant stressful month of shopping, late nights, and cheesy decorations. Seriously, it sucks the fun out of the season.

So what to do? change our mindsets I guess. I like to think of Christmas as a sunset is to the day. Each one is different, each one can be beautiful. But you just have to stop and actually look at it. Spend 3 minutes thinking about the good of the day, and looking forward to the next one. Because, when it all trickles down to the end of the day, or the year, it's all about family & the ones we love. It's about taking a breath, and hugging our kids.

It's a great time to make beautiful memories, and get them printed to hang on our walls, to share with those close to us. (shameless pitch, I know) Some of my family's most cherished posessions are photographs - like the one of my grandfather in his boy-scout uniform in the late 1930's. Or the one of him & my grandmother walking down the aisle in 1954 (they're still married, bless my grandmother's soul!). oh, and the photographs of my parents getting married. My own children, just a few days old. Those times are precious. the memories sometimes fade. the photos, well, those keep the memories alive.

So, when we take photographs, that's what we hope to do for you. keep the memories alive. and see the sunset, knowing we spread some joy this season.

3 1/2 months later....

We're back!! Our son was born on August 13th, healthy & simply wonderful! turns out he was born on his great-great grandfather's birthday, at that. Our family has had some time to get to know this little guy, and we just can't get enough of him... well, mostly, anyway!! (those late nights get a little old, lol!)

so, boys 4, girls 3 (includes mom & dad). I think the girls might have to try to catch up!

Belly pix!!

ok, so my girlfriend Emily & I were chilling yesterday afternoon... and somehow (I have no idea... lol!) the subject of belly photos came up... so we threw together a fun and somewhat daring photo session - that included my 4 children, my huge stomach, and lots of paint! check it out:

Updated Wedding prices!

in light of the economical insanity we're all facing, Shutterbug has created some new & updated wedding packages that will add flexibility and can accommodate most brides' budgets for their weddings. Check them out at our website: Your Investment

baby on the way!

well.... my 3rd son is due to be born anytime now! So, if you try to contact me via Shutterbug, you might have to wait a bit to hear back from me... This little guy is due August 5th. I am doing my best to keep up with any incoming requests or inquiries.
and don't worry, I will post photos here when he finally makes his appearance!!!

Kyle & Saira finally did it!

ok, so Kyle is my man's best friend, and Saira is awesome! To see these two finally tie the knot, and to be their photographer.... was such an honor! The wedding took place on May 23, 2008 in stunning Wolf Lakes Park, Sanger, Ca. They couldn't have chosen a better setting for their special night! I loved their wedding so much, I put together a slide show highlighting their evening! It's about 5 minutes long, so sit back, relax, & enjoy! A larger version of the slideshow can be seen HERE

James & Amanda....

are a rockin' fun couple! They ran off to get married in Maui, but they brought the party back to the Fresno Alumni House in April...
If you want to see the whole wedding, go to: http://shutterbugbyrox.photoreflect.com