Brrrr.....its cold outside!

So, most of my adoring fans will chuckle at this post...but you gotta understand....its COLD for us! We are on the central coast, so "chilly" is our middle name. But latley, CHILLY has a whole new meaning. Temperatures have dipped into the 30's in the evenings for a week now, and this morning, frost dawned the cars and sparkled in the sun. I just put up my tree last night, and decorated the house, so waking up to frost made it all the more Christmas-y.
I am ready for the season of giving, indulgence, and happiness.

K's First Belly

She has the cutest midwestern accent...she is super excited about being a new mom...and she looks fantabulous in pink!!! I had so much fun on this shoot, she is a fellow photographer, and she knows what she wants, and I love that! This pretty girl is expecting a girl....I cannot wait to photograph the new little one, but in the mean time, here is the BUMP!!!

Alcatraz shmalcatraz

I wasn't optimistic about the trip. Now, give me a break, I did have what I self diagnosed myself to have....strep throat, and we all know that sucks...but, I should have had a better outlook. Now, give me a break, my daughter did spend most of the weekend with a high fever and vomiting spells....but, I should have had a better outlook. Am I repeating myself?
We had won the lottery for central coast weather...San Francisco was as clear as I have ever seen it, and the warmest too. Armed with our backup sweaters, (because you know you don't take chances next to the Pacific) we embarked the boat at Pier 33 for our awesome trip to the ROCK.
I was pleasantly suprised by the island tour, it was educational, interesting, and warm. Alcatraz is a beautiful well maintained island, full of history, and very family friendly....okay, okay, so I had a good time.
But best of all, my camera lens was super happy. What a view!
So, as I munch on my humble pie, (it still hurts to swallow)...enjoy the photos.

~10 minute boat ride from the Wharf~

~Guardtower~

~Facade of the officers club~

~The 5x9 cell~

~Don't I wish sometimes~

~"Seedy Street"~

~Crazy hair...boogery nose..horrible attitude...yet so sweet~

~Peering through the visitation booth window~

~Walking down "Broadway"~

~Memorize. There will be a test~

~Rundown architecture next to a flawless sky...so happy~

~Escaping Alcatraz. Golden Gate Bridge adorns the background~

Advertisement Inspiration...and other big words...

What better way to find unique photoshoot ideas than flipping through your favorite fashion mags! I rarely buy these magazines, but I am lucky enough to always have friends who do. I think one of my favorite things to do is sit with friends in the morning, sip tea, and flip through pages, and dream about what dress I would rock on my red carpet event, and contemplate what latest greatest mascara to purchase...oh, so lame, yet so true. :)
So, totally inspired, my friend and I started ripping out our favorite photos...perfume ads, CoverGirl ads....and an impromptu photoshoot was born!
I just love shooting Katie...she has the "it" factor...the camera loves her...and I am sure to post one millllllllion more blogs with her photos...
Here are her best from our advertisement inspired shoot.

Little Boy Blue

Heaven above.

I will ALWAYS make a special trip, hike a mountain, stop everything, do whatever it takes....to photograph a beautiful sky.