Hoyos Family, Arroyo Grande

I'm just about through editing my 2009 sessions and I have some exciting ideas coming for 2010.
With all the experience I have gotten the last two months I have come to realize my ideal lighting and what I prefer to work with. My conclusions is that I love the sunlight. I love the brightness and softness that it gives to the images. I know most photographers prefer overcast days for several reasons, but not I. :)
This session what a bit cold but SUNNY. The family was so sweet and open to all my ideas. Little J could seriously be the next GAP model in his little plaid shirt (I love plaid) and boots.
Thanks Hoyos Family for an awesome session!
Click here for the slide show.

Clemens Family, Paso Robles

I photographed this session in the early parts of November. It was actually one of my first sessions since starting my business. These pictures were a gift to Jenny's husband for Christmas, so we held off on posting them. I love the way they came out. Looking at them again and having so many more sessions under my belt, I just can't wait to use some on my website. Little E was a little princess and so fun to work with!
I hope her Daddy was happy with his gift this year.
Click here for the slide show.

Johnsen Family, Atascadero

I am lucky enough to live in an area with a large variety of interesting and beautiful locations for portrait sessions. This past weekend I was lucky enough to photograph a beautiful family at an amazing location. This families' home (Jana Lee grew up here) is a working ranch with several horses, tools, and acres of beautiful land. You add old rustic trucks in open fields and I become ecstatic.
Then here comes the sweet little family that can't get any more photogenic and my job shouldn't be called J-O-B.
You will just have to see for yourself!
Click here for the slide show.

Last Session

I photographed my last session of the year today. I can't believe it is almost 2010! I will have some previous sessions to post in the next few days, but for now a little preview from my very last one this year. May I just say, what a beautiful little girl she is...

i ♥ my family

We actually had some free time today to take a few pictures of us. I put together a little board of just that, us. I have to say Benny did a better job than Jeff behind the camera, a little off centered but he was able to get us in focus. He's a natural.
So here is me and my beautiful family .

Palmerston Family, San Luis Obispo

I posted a preview of the this sweet little family early last week. Little M is just three weeks old in these images. She was so sweet to photograph. We waited for her to sleep, but she decided she was going to be awake the entire time, which work out beautifully. We did however get a few were she appeared to be sleeping.
The most special thing about this session, was seeing the love her parents have for her.
Click here to see the slide show.

Cheatum Family, Atascadero

I had so much fun photographing this family. The girls were so natural in front of the camera. It was adorable. I brought some fun props along, that I knew would be a hit with the girls, which also made it difficult to sort through all the pictures.
I had to laugh to myself a few times, after growing up with three sisters, it was all so familiar. The bonds between sisters and their interactions were very special to watch. As it reminded me of my own childhood, :).
To see the slide show click here.

Our Christmas

We had a wonderful Christmas Eve and a wonderful Christmas. Our festivities started Christmas Eve when we had a visit by both Aunties (Melissa and Rebecca). We made sugar cookies and did some last minute grocery shopping. Then Benny and I headed over to The Knudsons' house for a delicious Christmas Eve dinner. The boys exchanged gifts and I even recieved a couple (thank you Mary). We then headed home where Daddy was home from work. We got the house together for the morning then opened up one gift of Christmas pajamas. Then headed to bed to read The Night Before Christmas.
We awoke in the morning to see that Santa delivered some presents. We opened presents, relaxed, watched movies, and then got ready for Christmas dinner at The Dawsons' house. We exchanged more presents and then ate another delicous meal. Jeff, Benny and I then headed home to have dessert and sit by the fire. We stayed up way too late watching movies, but luckily were able to sleep in until 9:00am.
Overall, it was so nice to relax, sleep in, and be with our loved ones. It was also so nice to see the excitement in Benny's eyes, for this year he really understood Christmas (and not just opening presents).
I of course had my camera on hand most of the time, aside from cookie making and only a few pictures at The Knudsons' house. Anyhow, I put together a slide show for friends and family. Enjoy!
Now it is back to work. I hope to have three new sessions up by the end of the weekend with the addition of a few from the past that I was waiting to post until after Christmas.

Merry Christmas

For the last two years I have not been able to get a card out, maybe I will do a Happy New Year card... For now, I want to send everyone my warmest wishes for a safe and Merry Christmas!
♥, The Neumanns

LePell Family, San Luis Obispo

I gave you a little preview of Little M on Tuesday. She may have been the happiest of babies that I have ever encountered. Giggles and smiles were present the entire time.
We had to reschedule the session mid week, due to the rain, and her dad was unable to make it, so we were able to get some special pictures of her and her mommy together at home.

Wrapping Up

Well it seems that my holiday season is coming to an end. I had four amazing sessions this weekend. I have one more to finish up on Tuesday and then it will be Christmas. I want to thank all the wonderful families for allowing me into your life for a brief moment to capture such beautiful memories. Speaking of beautiful memories here is a sneak peak to the smallest of little ones that I have had the honor of photographing.

Risner Family, Downtown San Luis Obispo

Three new posts in one day! I have been holding on posting so I can work on editing. The month hasn't slowed down, and I should have four more sessions up by the end of next week. More exciting news, I just sealed the deal on my very first wedding! More on that topic in a future post...
The plan was to meet this beautiful family out on their ranch, but the weather made things a bit muddy, so we decided to head downtown to The Mission. It was by far the most beautiful conditions. Aside from everything being a little wet, the lighting was gorgeous! The family was so much fun to work with. I am also helping Tobin out with some product photography for his new website soon to be released. Healthy Handles are the perfect solution to improving your body's alignment while pushing a stroller.
You may also recognize Natalie, she owns Apropos, located off of Monterey Street in San Luis Obispo. With another location in Paso Robles.
Click here to see the slide show.

Fystro Family, Shell Beach

The weather finally cooperated for me last weekend and I was able to get this adorable family in. We met in Shell Beach and had just missed the early afternoon rain, leaving us a pretty rainbow in the distance. The boys were adorable and even Thomas himself made an appearance.
I am pretty lucky that I live in a climate that allows me to photograph outdoors year round, but boy did that rain make things difficult. Totally worth it in the end. The hills are beautiful this time of year.
Click here to watch the slide show.

Hamelin Family, Cayucos

You may remember my cousin Kyle, I did his senior portraits a few months back. The whole family got together a few Sundays ago on a windy and freezing day in Cayucos. It may have been the quickest session yet. We all survived and looking at the pictures you wouldn't even know how cold it was.
Enjoy the pictures Hamelin Family, ♥ Rachel!
Click here to view the slide show.

Happy Tuesday

Personal

It seems to have been awhile since I posted pictures of my own life. These are a few images from a collection I did for my final assignment. These are inspired from the work of David Hilliard. I find his work extremly fascinating. Enough so, that I signed up for another semester at Cuesta where I will focus on this style of photography. A private study during lab hours, I'm excited! My wonderful sister met me at the park to help photograph the images that I am in. Thanks Auntie Becky!

Knudson Family, San Luis Obispo

If you follow my blog you know that this family and I are good friends. I have actually photographed them a few times before when I was just a "rookie", :). I met up with them last weekend for a quick session at Meadow Park. The park was beautiful, the leaves were just the right color and were very plentiful. You wouldn't know by looking at the pictures but it was cold! They were such great sports. Thanks again Knudsons!
To watch all the images click here.

Happy Tuesday

Whisenhunt Family, Templeton

Yet again, I am blessed with a beautiful family to photograph. This also was my first official maternity session as a photographer.
I was greeted by three very kind people on a Saturday afternoon. We met downtown Templeton, where we found the perfect location. An open field filled with oak trees and a train track near by. What little boy doesn't like trains? We spent the majority of our session here and then wandered through Main St. to pick up some unique textures on the historical buildings. I look forward to heading back to this location in the future.
Congratulations to the Whisenhunts for the arrival of their son, due in January.
Thank you for allowing me to photograph this special time in your lives.
Rachel
Click here to watch the slide show.

Van Pelt Family, Paso Robles

If you grew up with a sister(s) then you know the special love and friendship you shared. My sisters and I did everything together. Some of my favorite memories growing up are playing in the "yellow room" with the Little People (we called them play people) or playing "Next Door Neighbors". If you are my sister than you will know what I mean, :).
This beautiful family of four were so much fun to work with. I know these two little girls are going to grow up being the best of friends. They had so much fun exploring the sites and playing in the leaves.
We met at Summerwood Winery and Inn and then headed over to Castoro Cellers. Wineries make the perfect location for sessions. The rich fall colors are the perfect setting for the season.
Enjoy the show!

Witt Family, Morro Bay

I met this family on a clear afternoon mid-week in Morro Bay. I sent Benny off with a good friend to explore the beach and went to work. I was greeted by smiles and excitement. The kids had loads of fun, and little W sure didn't want to put the wagon away. While viewing all the images I loved all the expressions from the two of them. I had to include that in the slide show.
I had a really good time and walked away knowing that I captured some special memories for this beautiful family. Enjoy!

Siblings