amber dawn photography

Months 10-12 w/Asher | San Diego Children's Photographer

2011-06-24T18:13:00.000-07:00

MONTH 10

Tidbit #12: Asher loves to climb EVERYTHING. Ladders, boxes, containers, bookshelves...you name it.

MONTH 11

Tidbit #13: His first word was 'ball' and then 'dada'. He still does not say 'mama'!! :( Believe me...we work on it EVERY day!

MONTH 12

Tidbit #14: The only time Asher sits still is when he is strapped into his high chair. He can tolerate being held while you walk around doing things around the house, but as soon as you sit with him, or try to rock, he is outta there! Always on the go!

Tidbit #15: Someday, he will know and love Jesus. I know this hasn't happened yet...but this kid is so covered in prayer...I know its bound to happen! :) And God, I'm sure, will do mighty things thru him. He is already such a strong, sweet, funny, determined little individual...we are so proud of him.

We love you Asher! You are such a blessing in our lives. Xoxo!

Months 7-9 with Asher | San Diego Baby Photographer

2011-06-17T15:44:00.000-07:00

MONTH 7

Tidbit #9:
Asher is always in the 50th percentile for weight and above the 97th percentile for height. He should be over 6 feet tall when he's all grown up!

MONTH 8

Tidbit #10:
He has learned to use sign language to communicate a little. His favorite signs: 'milk', 'more', and 'all done'!

MONTH 9

Tidbit #11:
Asher started taking his first steps on his own at 9 months...and we kept pushing him down. Didn't help. That kid was determined!

Months 3-6 with Asher | San Diego Baby Photographer

2011-06-06T22:17:00.000-07:00

MONTH 3

Tidbit #5:
Asher thinks he's hysterically funny when he sneezes.

MONTH 4

Tidbit #6:
He will spend hours in the tub if you let him. He LOVES to splash in the water and especially likes to take baths with his big sis.

MONTH 5

Tidbit #7:
His favorite food seems to be watermelon...and pretty much any other kind of fruit.

MONTH 6

Tidbit #8:
He can hear the dishwasher open from a mile away and always comes running to 'help' unload it. I'm just waiting for him to break my washer door from always crawling on top of it to reach dishes.

Amy & Mike Engaged! | San Diego Wedding Photographer

2011-05-18T07:47:00.001-07:00

Allow me to introduce, Amy & Mike! Aren't they really really ridiculously good looking?

Amy's sister, Jillian, and I went to graduate school together at SDSU. I was so excited when Amy (who lives in LA) wrote to tell me that was getting married in San Diego and that she and her fiancé were looking for a photographer. Thank you Jillian for the recommendation! Anyways, I knew that it was going to be a fun wedding within seconds of meeting them and I wanted in! Amy & Mike are a very relaxed and fun-loving couple, so I'm predicting happy tears and a packed dance floor at their celebration in August!

At first Amy & Mike just wanted to do photos at the wedding, but I told them that I really thought they would enjoy an engagement shoot as well. Engagement shoots are a great way for me to get to know a couple in front of the camera -- what kind of angles/lighting/framing they like, which goofy smile they like/don't like, how they interact with each other -- and this makes the wedding pictures even better!

Sometimes grooms are apprehensive about booking an engagement shoot because they have never been in front of a camera for a long time, or they think they'll feel awkward posing with a cheesy smile for hours, but my grooms always walk away really glad they did it. And I think it is because I don't make them pose -- I just tell the couple to have fun together and I take pictures while they play!

Mike was one of those grooms that took a little convincing, but I heard him say "That was really fun," as he walked to his car. ;) Amy & Mike's photoshoot was very spontaneous and we spent the whole time laughing, so I'm not surprised he had a good time!

Thanks Amy & Mike! I can't wait for the wedding!!!

Month 2 with Asher | San Diego Newborn Photographer

2011-05-13T15:20:00.001-07:00

Tidbit #3: Asher pulled himself up to a stand while holding Aaron's fingers during his first few weeks of life. Aaron was convinced that Asher was a 'wonder-boy' and showed any innocent bystander the trick.

Tidbit #4: During almost every one of Asher's photoshoots, Abbey wanted to make sure that there was a 'bro and sis' photo taken.

While this tidbit is not entirely about Asher, I feel that it is appropriate because Asher has undoubtedly matured into the little boy he is today due to the great influence of his big sister...

...he wouldn't have learned to hit so hard if it wasn't for her boxing lessons. ;)

My Boys | San Diego Children's Photographer

2011-05-11T00:29:00.000-07:00

May 10th.
It's a very important day.
It's the day that I was given two magnificent guys to live my life with.

8 years ago I married the most wonderful husband in the world.
He loves the Lord with all of his heart,
he is a hardworker,
takes care of his family,
makes me laugh ALL the time,
verbally expresses how much he loves the food I cook for him--no matter what it is,
helps me clean the house (especially the kitchen) when things get a little crazy,
welcomes the kids into his arms the second he opens the front door in the evenings--no matter what kind of day he's had,
he is extremely intelligent--brilliant actually! :)
very funny and clever,
gets embarrassed when I write things about him (like this...),
he is kind,
he is my best friend.
I love him.
Happy Anniversary Aaron!

The second little love of my life is my son, Asher.
He blessed our lives exactly ONE year ago!
Again, I know I always say it...but really? Where has the time gone?!?!

This little guy is...well, he's exactly what our little family still needed.
He brings so much joy and happiness to us all!
The last year has been such a blessing...watching this little boy grow and change...
What a gift he truly is!

Though I haven't had the time to blog many personal events, I have been taking pictures! So, over the next few posts I'd like to show you his monthly portraits -- that I never had a chance to blog -- and to also tell you a little more about this fun guy. We have sure enjoyed getting to know him!

If you missed his newborn shoot, you can view it here. Okay, so to start this off tonight...

Month One:

Tidbit #1 - Asher never cooed. He started with low-pitched grunts and growls that you would normally hear from a 4-yr-old boy. He's 100% boy...there was never any question.

Tidbit #2 - Asher's current favorite toys are a plastic rock (the size of a golfball) that he carries around in his mouth, an old cell phone that again, he dangles from the antenna stuck in his mouth, and plastic golf clubs that he uses as bats or swords...yes, already. And he hits hard. Yes...already.

Asher, I love you so much! Happy birthday my sweet baby!

Michelle & Vikram Part 3 | San Diego Engagement Photographer

2011-05-09T16:58:00.000-07:00

Remember these two -- Michelle and Vikram? My cousin and soon-to-be cousin? I knew you couldn't get enough of their goodness, so I thought I'd give you one more post from their engagement shoot. For this session, I invited the rest of the family -- their puppies -- to join in the fun :)

I know little kids love dogs, but let me tell you, Abbey LOVES these dogs. She keeps asking me when "Shell" is going to come back and bring the puppies. I love it. Ha!

Michelle also brought some beautiful yellow flowers with her, which complimented her unique engagement ring nicely.

I am so excited to photograph Michelle and Vikram's wedding in September in Santa Margarita. I love to shoot destination weddings because I get to experience and represent new settings simultaneously! Creative bliss!

See you in September, Michelle & Vikram! Abbey will miss the pups, but she'll still dance the night away!

"Foryer Old" | San Diego Children's Photographer

2011-04-29T17:44:00.000-07:00

I'm not quite sure how it happened...but it did.
My baby girl turned 4!

While her birthday was a bit ago...I just finally got a chance to photograph this sweet girl.

I'm so excited to share some more images with you all...as I'm sure you'd agree, she is the cutest little girl EVER!

But, for now...
To my little angel,
the light of my life,
Happy Birthday.

I love you, Abbey...
...all the way to the moon.

Michelle & Vikram Part 2 | San Diego Engagement Photographer

2011-03-24T13:32:00.000-07:00

And I'm back! Abbey turned 4 last week, so I was busy putting together a "Pixie and Lost Boys" themed party for her. The party was a success and now I'm back to editing photos!

Here are pictures from my second photo shoot with my cousin Michelle and her fíance, Vikram. We decided to play around with back-lighting in a dark alleyway (...always one of the best places to shoot at night...) to see if we could capture some sultry silhouettes. Mission accomplished.

Love it. Thanks for bringing the sexy, Michelle and Vikram ;)

Michelle & Vikram | San Diego Engagement Photographer

2011-03-09T06:56:00.000-08:00

Today's post features two very special people: my dear cousin Michelle and her fiancé, Vikram. Michelle and I grew up like sisters, as we both have younger brothers. We went to camp every summer and winter together. She came to my homecoming dances and proms. We spent every family holiday together, playing with Barbies, braiding hair, or dressing up. Now that Michelle is getting married, we decided to play dress-up one last time for Michelle and Vikram's engagement session!

Michelle and Vikram came down from their home in Long Beach to stay with us for a weekend and we dreamed up three beautiful shoots. This post features pictures from our first session. I'll reveal the others in future posts :)

Michelle and Vikram will be getting married in September in Santa Margarita. They are planning to have two wedding ceremonies -- one as a traditional Indian ceremony and the other as a more casual American ceremony -- to reflect their multicultural heritage.

Michelle and Vikram have two adorable dogs, so we brought them along for the shoot. You'll see more of them later...

Look how natural they look together in this picture. So easy and in love.

Michelle and Vikram, I could not be happier for you two! You are radiant in these pictures and I cannot wait to reveal the rest of your engagement photos... :)

Battle Crayola | San Diego Children's Photographer

2011-02-23T15:44:00.000-08:00

It wasn't me!
PLEASE...let me explain!

You see...
I was minding my own business..
doing nothing bad whatsoever,
when all of a sudden it attacked me!
It attacked me with no good reason at all.
I couldn't very well let it get away with that!
It was clear that I needed to teach it a lesson.

So I fought the good fight, mom!
I showed it who was BOSS!
I took it down...
I. TOOK. IT. DOWN!

Have no fear...
Justice has prevailed!

You believe me...

...right, mom?

I love... | San Diego Photographer

2011-02-15T15:57:00.000-08:00

We just had the most amazing weekend! Without embarrassing my husband too much...or acting too spoiled, I wanted to express how thankful I am for the many blessings in my life. So, though this is by no means comprehensive, I figured I'd just compile a list of a few things that I love...and let you piece together our last few days:

1. I love waking up in the morning to love bandits
2. I love the smell of roses
3. I love fresh Gruyere & Chive bread from Con Pane with lots of butter. YUM!
4. I love my new iPhone!
5. I love homemade cards
6. I love my sweet family
7. I love ERoma massages
8. I love the new Business Costco

9. I love my husband
10. I love making a special breakfast for him with my kiddos
11. I love that Abbey eats more food while she cooks than when the meal is finally prepared
12. I love that Asher is already excited about Whipped Cream and was entertained by the cap for 30 minutes
13. I love croissants with strawberries, chocolate and Mascapone cheese...can you tell I love food?
14. I love hot chocolate with whipped cream and freshly grated chocolate on top

15. I love that Abbey 'got' Valentine's day this year
16. I love her excitement for holidays (just like her mommy)
17. I love that Asher still has no clue what's going on
18. I love my kids' silly faces

19. I love that Abbey is a 'foodie' just like her parents!

20. I love that Abbey and her buddies made Valentine's for senior citizens
21. I love that she was so excited to hand them out at the retirement home
22. I love that she said, "God loves you!" and hugged every person she saw that day. I couldn't have been more proud!

23. I love each and every kid that is in her new Kid Service Group - We don't have a name just yet...but our motto is: Big Miracles, Little Hands

24. I love my sister-in-law, Tammy
25. I love that she always makes us feel special and that she is the perfect gal for my brother!
26. I love that Abbey now has a Tiffany's bag before her mother (though the bracelet was not from there)...doesn't hurt to start young ;)
27. I love dark chocolate and tulips

28. I love my parents for coming down again this year to trim our trees
29. I love my mom for always making us food and sending it home with us
30. I love God. He gives me so much to be thankful for.

I hope everyone had a wonderful Valentine's Day!

Veronica's Family | San Diego Family Photographer

2011-02-12T10:42:00.000-08:00

Aren't these ladies lovely? It's because we're related! Well, sort of... That's my sister-in-law, Veronica Burmeister, on the left and these are her two sisters, Corina and Jenny. Veronica and Eric (my husband Aaron's brother) have two darling children, Sadie and Hudson. Aren't they cuties?

Eric was not able to be at the photoshoot because he is currently in the army. We're so thankful for the sacrifices he makes to serve our country. This next picture of Veronica's family -- her sisters, mother, kiddos, niece, brother, and brother's long-time girlfriend (and hopefully soon-to-be fiance??) -- is incomplete without Eric, but it is still a precious shot of loved ones gathered together.

Here is Veronica's brother, Mario and his girlfriend of 10 years. Maybe these will turn into engagement pictures???

It's been difficult to get this family together since Veronica, her kiddos, and Corina, live in Hawaii. Life is so tough ;) Notice the flowers in their hair?

What a beautiful and fun-loving family! Mahalo Veronica and family!

Baby Annabelle Robbins | San Diego New Born Photographer

2011-02-10T06:04:00.001-08:00

I'm so happy to share with you Annabelle Robbins' first photoshoot!

I shot Annabelle's parents' wedding and engagement in 2009 and I feel so honored that Aaron and Keri Robbins have continued to choose me to capture their family's milestones.

Annabelle is the definition of "a bundle of joy," as she already has such a cheerful spirit, which is apparent in her pictures. Check out her smile in this first shot!

This is the best part of my job! I just love, love, LOVE following my clients through life and documenting their most precious moments! Thank you Aaron and Keri for sharing your life with me!

Merry Christmas!!

2010-12-23T15:57:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas from the A-team!

We chose to send out our 'Christmas Card' electronically this year to 'go green'...okay, and to deliver it in time! Still an hour and 15 minutes to go! :)

We hope you had a wonderful Christmas Day today! (New Year's A-team update to come...)

love,
Aaron, Amber, Abbey, & Asher

Castello Family | San Diego Family Portrait Photographer

2010-11-11T23:22:00.000-08:00

It's a bird!

It's a plane!

NO!!
It's the amazing Castello Family!!!

I have to admit...when Patty contacted me to do their family photos, I was thinking that the shoot was going to be a bit challenging since she had 2 teenage boys. She assured me that they would be awesome and hard to move out from in front of my camera. Well, I was shocked...because she was right! These guys were awesome! They were fun, creative, and up for anything! We had a blast together. How can you not when your shoot has jammin' music (Patty brought her awesome sound system) and a trampoline!
Soooo cool!

Castello family, you were such a blast to hang out with! Patty, you have a beautiful family. Thanks for having me document your lives at such a fun stage in life! :)

Wakayama Wedding Anniversary | San Diego Wedding Photographer

2010-11-04T07:32:00.001-07:00

The Wakayama's have been dear friends of ours for years and years. My husband and Yoichi met in grade school and Tira and I met when we started dating our husbands. Yoichi and Tira's children are the same ages as our children and they all play together often.

We love celebrating life's milestones with the Wakayama's and decided to celebrate Yoichi and Tira's anniversary by recreating their wedding day "look" for some precious portraits.

We love you Wakayamas! We're so glad you got married, hehe :)

Schellenberg Family | San Diego Family Photographer

2010-10-16T00:29:00.000-07:00

Allison is great. If you know her...you know what I mean. I had the pleasure of meeting this wonderful gal in a special Mommy bookclub that I attended (scarcely) this summer. I'm so glad that I endured the chaos and went the couple of times that I was able to pack both kids in the car and drive to whatever destination by 10:00am. It was there that I first laid eyes on her...cloth diapers. Ha! No really, she totally got me started on cloth diapering Asher by telling me everything from what types to buy, how to wash them, how to store them, how to bargain on craigslist...etc. I am so grateful! I absolutely love it. Through her giving and kind spirit, our friendship sparked!

I am so blessed to have the opportunity to kick start my family portrait sessions this year with this wonderfully spectacular and beautiful family! Allow me to introduce the Schellenberg crew:

Thank you so much Allison for allowing me to capture your precious family this year!

Asher Jude Burmeister | San Diego New Born Photographer

2010-10-04T10:00:00.000-07:00

Aaron and I are proud to announce (to the blog-o-sphere) the birth of our son, Asher Jude Burmeister! Asher was born May 10th, 2010 (our 7th wedding anniversary!) at the Best Start Birth Center, weighing 8lbs 9oz and measuring 22.5".

Asher was born eight days after his due date and a part of me thought he would never come out! When I started to feel that the time was coming close, I resisted my desire to rush to the birth center, knowing that the birthing process usually takes longer than hoped. And so, Aaron and I took our time getting our gear in the car and dropping Abbey off at her Grandma's, etc. By the time we got to the Birth Center I was feeling ready to get 'er done (or get 'im done, I guess?), but our midwife had not arrived yet! We helped ourselves to a room, which was equipped with the water bath that we planned to have Asher in, but we were there alone -- contracting and all that jazz! Yikes! Aaron was mentally preparing himself to deliver the baby solo when the midwife finally walked in. Phew. Water birth was wonderful and we were all done with the whole birthing thing in three hours!

Abbey still likes to think that she is the baby of the family (as evidenced by the picture below), but she also loves her little brother and wouldn't trade him for all the attention in the world. Maybe. In all honesty, she is very proud to be a "big sister" and loves to tell anyone who will listen all about her baby brother.

Motherhood is so precious. Thanks for all your well-wishes and support!

Love,

The New & Improved Burmeister Family

Krysta's Maternity Shoot | San Diego Family Photographer

2010-09-09T09:56:00.000-07:00

As many of you know, I come from a big, goofy, affectionate family. On the Powell side alone, I am 1 of 12 cousins (18 if you count the ones that have married in) and we are thick as thieves!

Some of you have been blessed to meet my good-natured and selfless cousin-in-law, Krysta. Krysta and my cousin, Adam, dated for 4 or 5 years before they were engaged and our family became so fond of Krysta during this time that we told Adam, "if you don't marry Krysta, we'll keep her and ditch you!" Adam is a smart man, so he took the ultimatum to heart and decided to wed this darling girl -- winning a bride and keeping his family!

So, first came love, (then came wise and somewhat threatening council), then came marriage, and then came baby Mikayla!

I have had the great pleasure of taking Adam and Krysta's engagement, wedding, maternity, and newborn photos and I am so honored they have chosen me to chronicle their family's growth!

Now, if you read the paragraph before this one carefully, you may have realized that Mikayla has already been born and photographed! Oops! But remember, I admitted that I'm blogging retrospectively, so you'll just have to wait for more from this pleasant and prolific pair (they are already pregnant with their second baby!).

Love you Krysta & Adam.

Abbey's first haircut

2010-09-07T17:47:00.000-07:00

I realize that it has been almost a year since my last post and that my perpetual enthusiasm to 'catch up' has proven not to be sufficient to propel me through the last few months. In other words, we have been busy!!! However, with the help of an amazing Amber Dawn Photography fan (my wonderful sister-in-law), my hopes and dreams of sharing the many images from 2009 and 2010, of fantastic people in beautiful places might actually become reality! Thanks Tammy for 'joining' the team!

So, where do you start when you are so far behind? Well, no better place than the present, right? While I fully intend to retrace my every move and reminisce every moment of the past year...I will start with what's new at the Burmeister household as of today:

Abbey is three and a half...and she just had her first haircut.
The BEFORE:

After 3-4 inches cut and some long layers...

She's ready for the next Pantene commercial!

So big...she is getting so big.

Scott Family | San Diego Portrait Photographer

2009-11-15T09:59:00.000-08:00

I'd like to introduce one of the coolest families around. They are super duper friendly...I mean the kind of people you meet at church. Okay, that was sort of a joke. Paster Tim Scott is the pastor at my church, Grace Church San Diego...so, yes, you would actually meet them at church. Ha! ;)

Okay, moving on...they seriously are some of the most fun people to hang around! Pretty much all of them could have their own stand up show. They had me crackin' up through the whole session! Oh, and they are very fashionable...which makes my job a piece of cake.

Without further ado...the Scott family.

These two couldn't be more perfect for each other. We just love them!

Ha! Isn't this hilarious? Little Kung Fu Fighters!

Okay, so Aaron came away from this shoot saying..."I definitely want lots of kids!" He LOVED the chaos! ha ha! We'll have to see about that... ;)

San Diego Workshop | San Diego Wedding and Portrait Photographer

2009-11-10T08:17:00.000-08:00

Oh my goodness! What a weekend. Melissa and I just finished our first San Diego Workshop together...and it was awesome! We had the opportunity to meet some of the greatest gals in photography. We had such a blast with them...relaxing in a beautiful home in Coronado...okay, maybe not 'relaxing'. Ha! We had a packed schedule...but we did have a lot of laughs and some awesome time 'perfecting' our photographer skills.

I'll be blogging some more photos from the weekend, but for now...I stole this group shot from Melissa's website of us ladies after our beach shoot. ;)

I had a blast with you ladies!

San Diego Workshop | San Diego Wedding and Portrait Photographer

2009-09-17T08:07:00.000-07:00

Oh my goodness...I can't believe its been this long since I've posted! Well, between the wedding season and my family's camping trips...I haven't had a minute to keep you all up to date! So sorry about that...

Good news is...I have lots of fun stuff to blog in the next couple of weeks! :)

Starting with THIS! Drumroll please...I'm so excited to announce that I'll be joining the fabulous Melissa Koehler in hosting our first Workshop Retreat in San Diego! Many of you have been asking for this, so we are just ecstatic that it has all come together so nicely! We have put together an awesome program for you with lots of valuable instruction (from two professional photographers) and hours of hands-on shooting experience with models! The space is limited, as we'd like to create a unique and beneficial experience for all of you. So please let us know soon if you plan on joining us! We'd LOVE to have you!

Greg & Jen are Married! | San Diego Wedding Photographer

2009-08-07T14:37:00.000-07:00

Though it was blazing hot that day...

...Greg and Jen were hotter.

What an amazing couple! If you couldn't tell from their engagement session...they are super easy going and ridiculously fun to hang out with. They were married up at the Leo Carrillo Ranch. What an awesome location! And...there were peacocks everywhere. It doesn't get much better than that!

Here are a few details from their day...

The room where the girls got ready was amazing. The wood beamed roof made for a perfect stage.

Jen was one of the most relaxed brides I think I've photographed! It was awesome. She was having so much fun just enjoying her wedding day. She beamed the entire time.

Jen's Aunt made the bouquets...she did a fantastic job. I just love gerbers!!

Holy Hotness Jen...back at work. If the heat didn't melt my camera...she did.

Her bridesmaids/man were awesome! They were all such a kick to hang out with. Aren't they cute? Eh hem...and handsome? ;)

Is the skull on this wall amazing or what?!?

Okay...but Greg...you surely put it to shame. ;)

Let's here it for the boys...and girl!

Amber was such a trouper...I can't believe she put up with those guys all day. ;) You've got a good friend there, Greg.

Okay, all wedding ceremonies are beautiful...how they look, what they mean...

but some just really get me.

I teared up at least a couple of times during this one.

One of my absolute FAVORITE recessional shots...ever!

They were sooooo excited!

Hip, hip, HOORAY!!

And then they got some alone time...with me of course...and my awesome crew. ha ha! Okay, so they weren't really alone, alone. ;)

One of my favorites...

Time to party!!

I loved the father/mother dances.

Jen's dad danced with her so tenderly...

And have you ever seen a mother more proud?

Greg started it...

...so, he had to know he had it comin'!

Seems like a totally innocent bouquet toss, eh?

WRONG! It was one of the most sad and hilarious I've seen! See the little girl in the white dress?

Yep, you guessed it.

Totally smooshed under the dog pile.

The guys were a little less amusing...

And this is my awesome friend and talented videographer, Tom O'hara from Aqua Vivus Productions. (He's seriously amazing...you should check him out.) He's also an amazing assistant. I was losing light...so he graciously assisted me in holding the sun up a little longer. ;)

Told you he's awsome...ha!

Congratulations Greg and Jen! I had so much fun at your wedding...it was such a blessing to capture your wedding day memories for you.

I hope you had a wonderful time in Seattle!

Summer Fun! | San Diego Lifestyle Photographer

2009-07-24T15:25:00.000-07:00

I just had to post these...

Simply 'cause she's that cute.

Eric & Aubrie are married! | San Diego Wedding Photographer

2009-07-10T09:09:00.000-07:00

This wedding was particularly fun for me. I met Aubrie a few years ago when Aaron and I started attending Grace Church San Diego (formerly known as Scott Memorial). At the time we had decided to get involved with the youth there and Aubrie was one of the awesome leaders. She is so rad...I can't even tell you how rad she really is. You just have to go to Hume Lake with her some summer to get a glimpse for yourself.

Anyhow, when she saw what I did for a living...she was like, 'you have to photograph my wedding!'. She wasn't dating anyone at the time...but it felt good to know that she loved my work almost as much as I loved creating it! :)

Well, time passed and she started dating Eric.
They had fun together.
They got engaged.
The next week she asked me to photograph her wedding.
Done.
Deal.
Hooray!!

Some details from their day...

Her friend did the flowers...aren't they amazing? She has her own little business. I am trying to get her information...will post here later.

The beautiful bride.

The handsome groom.

Aubrie and Eric opted to see each other before the ceremony...which I love! We had such a great relaxing time taking portraits. We went to Heritage Park. I've been here in San Diego for a long time and I didn't even know this place existed! Such an awesome place!

Their first moments seeing each other...

The chapel at Grace San Diego.

Ah, yeah! Married!!!

Their reception was at Marina Village. I just love all of the boats.

Eric was super duper excited about being married!!!

Definitely one of my favorite shots from the night...

I got to play with some new lighting...so fun!!! Makes the moment seem even MORE magical!

Aubrie...you were a beautiful bride. I feel so honored to have shared such a special day with you...and to have been the one to capture those moments for you, forever. I love you dearly! Congrats to you two!

xoxo

amber

Little Joaquin | San Diego Newborn Photographer

2009-07-07T23:06:00.000-07:00

So, Miss Jen and I were destined to be friends. God totally had a divine purpose for us meeting at Grace Church here in San Diego. Little did we know that approximately a year later, we'd be having little girls only days apart from each other that would actually turn out to be...well, twins.

It's amazing really.

It's amazing how God knows exactly what you need...before you even realize that you need it.

Well, I needed a friend like Jen...for more reasons than her rad ability to bargain shop and still look like a million bucks--seriously...she's incredible in this area!

I needed her shoulder to cry on...or sleep on...when Abbey would wake up 10 times in the middle of the night for 13 months in a row, and she needed my shoulder when Julia would cry inconsolably for 4 hours straight, or more, every stinkin' evening.

We'd have dinner dates and listen to the girls wail. We understood each other's dark circles and nonsensical talk. It was awesome.

Though I'm still recovering from Abbey's first year and a half of existence...my amazing friend Jen as regained her strength, gathered her courage, and has exhibited much bravery...

Meet Joaquin Daniel.

As you can see from the above image...she is also extremely talented in the 'interior' design department. Yes, that is Joaquin's room. So adorable!

Julia loves her little brother...

When she's not famished! :) ha ha!!!

I absolutely love this image of Jen and her little man...such a sweet moment.

AND...my favorite from the day. How adorable is this little bundle???

Meeting Joaquin has made it not so scary of a thought to have another...so maybe we'll try--

--in 9 years, instead of 10. ;)

Greg & Jen - Engaged! | San Diego Wedding Photographer

2009-06-30T16:22:00.000-07:00

You know how the story goes...Friends, of a friend, of a husband's friend, etc...came to meet with me...and their names were Greg and Jen.

They were fantastic! They are super fun and easy going, so you can imagine my excitement when they decided to have me photograph their wedding! I couldn't wait to get my camera on them because I just KNEW their personalities were going to be so fun to capture. Well, lots of time has passed since then...we had a slight difficult time finding a moment to photograph their engagement images.

So, I'm sooooo excited to say that we FINALLY were able to make it happen!

And of course, God had a plan all along. You see, their friend was able to 'experiment' on them, as she is interested in photography. So it totally got them relaxed in front of the camera! They came to me and were ready to go! I loved it. We dove right in, had tons of fun, and captured so many awesome images!

Greg and Jen, you have waited long and patiently for these images...I hope you love them!

See what I mean about them being comfy?? This is one of the first images I captured! :) So fun!

I had a ridiculously fun time with color during their session...

Holy moly hotness! I love this next shot of Jen.

They laughed so much...I love that. It means their having fun! :) That's my goal!

Greg and Jen, I'm so excited to photograph your wedding next month! Hooray! You two are awesome!

Back up and running!

2009-06-17T22:42:00.001-07:00

Okay, I think we are good to go with email and website...phew!

Well, I couldn't very well post again with out showing you all a couple of photos...so here are a few I took today of a little girl who is so outragiously excited to be a flower girl!

Here are her magical shoes...

And here is the princess. :) She's blowing kisses to Aunt Tammy and Uncle Aaron in this shot...so cute!

I just can't get enough of her. In fact, I really feel like going and waking her up right now just so I can snuggle her!

Alright...thanks for 'oooh'-ing and 'ahhh'-ing at my little one again. I just can't help but share what a cutie-patootie she is. I am so blessed!!!

Email/Site Complications

2009-06-17T17:34:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone!

I'm sorry for the inconvenience, but my main website and email are having issues at this moment. It will hopefully be up and running in the next day or so, but if you try to contact me and I don't respond, don't worry! I will get back to you as soon as I can! :)

Thanks so much for your patience!
Amber

Aaron & Keri Married! | San Diego Wedding Photographer

2009-06-16T15:36:00.000-07:00

Well, before I start....BEWARE! Long post! :) There were so many great photos from their wedding...I just couldn't choose!

Aaron and Keri are such amazing people. They are the definition of the 'do-it-yourselfer'. I can't tell you how many professions Aaron has had already in his young lifetime. He just cracks me up. Let me just tell you this...we'd call him for our gardening questions, or when we need our hardwood floors replaced, or when I need to know what roller rink I should have my next birthday party at or which fish would survive in my fresh water tank....and if I ever get a dog...I definitely would know who to hire! Mr. 'I have my own dog training company'. ;) I love it!

Well, when it came to planning their wedding...they were in true form and did everything themselves! Ah-Mazing! They really did an incredible job. You can always tell a good wedding by how much fun your guests are having...and I don't think I've seen a party go down like this in awhile! :)

They were married at the Mission Bay Hyatt. A few details from getting ready:

I love this picture of Keri's dad admiring her from a distance...

There are so many beautiful portraits of Keri!

This is one of my favorites...

Loved her bouquet! Ah...ranunculus...one of my favorite flowers! (They also used gerbers...my other favorite flower!)

I really loved the colors in this wedding. They were so bright and cheery!

And da boyz...
I love this series of Aaron.

And...another thing I love...LIGHT! Not just any light...but fun light! :) Got to use my new video light in these two shots. So fun!

Time for the ceremony where they also added some really great unique touches...

Such as the flower pups!

Aaron made the huppah and it looked so great with the water as its background...

They saw each other before the ceremony so we had plenty of time for some awesome portraits!

This next one is hanging in my office...giant canvas! I just love it! Can't wait to show you guys! :)

Look how great the Ballroom looked. Again, it was all of their handy work. They did such a great job putting everything together.

AND...one of the best things about that night...when Aaron and Keri had first met with me, he told me that he only cared about all of his guy friend being there, the open bar, and being able to break dance for the crowds. Well, he did it!!! :)

But, before he could strut his stuff...Keri first had to show him what he was up against... ha ha! :)

It truly was amazing...I'm so glad that I was able to witness it!

Congratulations you two! I'm so happy for you and can't wait for you to see your album! :)

Aaron & Tammy Engaged! | San Diego Wedding Photographer

2009-06-05T14:35:00.000-07:00

I can't believe it. My baby brother is getting married!!! It's so strange really...I still remember when he used to steal my puzzle pieces and run behind the couch to hide...like we didn't know where he was! Little stinker! ha ha!

Well, I have to say...I can't imagine a more perfect woman for him to spend the rest of his life with! Tamara is the sister that I've never had...knew I wanted...and now know that I can't live without! She's fantastic in every way...but most of all, she loves the Lord with all her heart and takes such great care of my brother. I love that. :) He needs a lot of 'taking care of'!

So, here are some of my favorites from their engagement session. They are both super duper active, so I thought it would be fun to explore the outdoors a bit. We found some awesome new places. Aren't they so cute?!

They are always so cuddly with one another...so they were perfect in front of the camera. :)

We found this RAD tree! I loved it...

Aaron (hubby...yes, it gets confusing at times!) snagged this amazing shot! He's such a great photographer...I wish he'd come with me more often! It's going to be the cover of their engagement album...so excited about that! :)

So, one of the coolest things about Aaron and Tammy's story, is that they actually knew each other in high school. They sang in choir together and were friends...and my dad always tried to get my brother to ask her to the dances...which he never did.

Years later, they were at a high school reunion and Tammy announced that she needed a housemate. Aaron needed a house. So, it worked out perfectly for a year or so.

Then, I got a call from my brother one day..."Amber, I think I am starting to really like her."
So, I told him to move out...like any good sister would do. :)

Weeks later, they were dating...and just months later, they were engaged.

Second set of amazing trees...

She has such an amazing heart. I know that my brother is so blessed to have her...but I feel the same way too! It's always been hard to think of my brother getting married to a girl...wondering if she'd be good enough for him by my standards. Well, Tammy has surpassed those standards! :)

They are so ridiculously cute together. :)

I'm so happy for you two!

I just love you guys so much! :) Can't wait for the wedding!

Little Noah - 2 weeks | San Diego Newborn Photographer

2009-05-29T00:36:00.000-07:00

Remember beautiful prego, Brenda? Well, like I mentioned a couple posts back...she had her baby...and it was a BOY!

Isn't this little bundle of yumminess, so adorable?

He was such an amazing baby during his shoot! Mommy's little boy...

Seriously, though...don't you just want to smooch him!?!? :)

One of my favorites from our day together...

And finally, my FAVORITE! I love everything about this photo...

Brenda and Jamie, congratulations again on your precious little one! He is soooo amazingly adorable and was such a blast to photograph! I hope you enjoy these newborn images of your little guy. :) May you be blessed by his little, but mighty presence in your life and may he continually remind you of the indescribable greatness of God.

Be blessed!

Aubree Burmeister - 2 weeks | San Diego Newborn Photographer

2009-05-19T16:44:00.000-07:00

Baby Bree...that's her name in our house. Abbey's little cousin Aubree was born in March and we just can't love her enough!

Tori and Jason moved down to SD from Santa Barbara right before Aubree was born. We are so glad! We've been having so much fun...and Abbey loves having her cousin so close.

Isn't Tori such a beautiful mommy?? She's so good at it too...the whole mommy thing. I love this next picture. It just makes me smile to see them look at each other, with Bree's hand on her mommy's cheek! So adorable.

And then Jason started to sing...

Just kidding! :) We laid her down for a stretching break...but I couldn't resist firing the shutter!

This is my husband's brother, Jason. He's such a proud daddy!

Bree just adores him...and she LOVES it when he holds her like this! So comfy...

Okay, two of my favorite shots from that day...her room is Jungle themed...so I just loved this one! We enlarged it as a panoramic canvas for above her little crib. :)

And finally...little girls and flowers. They just go together perfectly.
We just love this little girl. It's been so fun to witness the miracle that she is.

Love you Bree!

Back to New Jersey | San Diego Wedding Photographer

2009-05-11T22:10:00.000-07:00

Not me...I'm not going back to New Jersey. I just wanted to show you some more from our trip before I forget!!!

As I mentioned before, we attended a wedding while we were there...as guests! Imagine that. Well, as most of my fellow photogs know...its near impossible to attend a wedding without bringing your gear. So, I brought my camera and had a lot of fun...shooting for FUN! :)

Anyhow, so here are a few memories captured from our dear friend, Christie's, wedding.

Christie and her daddy. I love the looks they are exchanging right here.
It was such an emotional wedding as you'll see later on. Christie is the baby of the family and the first to marry. :)

I got to sneak upstairs for this shot. The church was absolutely beautiful.

I LOVE this shot! They had mini towels as favors for the guests to wave in the air. Cute idea! I actually had never photographed a wedding where they've done that before.

The ballroom was incredible! It was so beautifully lit and there was a water feature/fall in the corner of the room. You can kinda see it pictured behind the cake. As you can see, no detail was left out...the cake was beautiful too!

Aaron, Dad-in-law, and brother-in-law...playin' tough. ;)

We had a lot of fun playing with Abbey at the wedding. She actually was really good! I'm hoping she's just as behaved for my brother's in June! :)
Daddy and Abbey making faces...like usual.

This is a shot of the first dance that I took through a wrought iron stair railing (per Aaron's suggestion). Came out kinda cool, huh?

This is Mike, father of the bride. He gave a really sweet toast and prayer before the meal.

And, this is sister/maid of honor, Jamie. She's just wild! I just love her. Her toast was awesome...recalling funny stories of the girls when they were younger. Since I married into the family, I didn't get to grow up with this fantastic family, so it was really cool to hear a little more about their past. :)

And this is where it got rough...the father daughter dance. They started out so well, and then the tears just started rolling...

So, then Mommy Sandy felt left out and joined them on the dance floor...

And then Jamie decided she wasn't gonna be left out of this group hug and joined the party! :) It was so incredibly sweet...I don't think there was a dry eye in the building.

The handsome groom and his mommy. :)

I love this shot of Tom and Christie. Christie was actually singing the song to Tom...so sweet!!!

Let the party begin!!!
Once the music started playing, Abbey was ready to dance! Aaron caught these awesome pictures of us gettin' down on the dance floor!

Aaron and his mom...love Jeanne's face here.

This is Steven. Christie's only brother. He is freakin' hilarious... He and Aaron together are trouble.

Look at that group of girls! Isn't Christie just beautiful! She had sooo much fun at her wedding. It was so cool to see her beaming the whole night.

This was one of the best parts all night! Tom pulled these AWESOME undies from Christie's dress...look at her face!!! ha ha!

Steven again and his beautiful fiance, Ashley. You'll see more of these two soon. I took engagement pictures of them while I was out there. They're getting married next year in the NJ Aquarium! So cool!

Christie and her mama Sandy having fun!

Okay, not quite Dirty Dancing...but close enough. :)

Congratulations Christie and Tom! It was such an honor to witness your love for each other and your vows of commitment. Thanks for inviting us out there to share in your special day! We love you!!!

It's a Boy! | San Diego Photographer

2009-05-04T23:19:00.000-07:00

Jamie and Brenda came to me a few weeks back to take some maternity photographs. I figured I should post them...since their son was born this past weekend!

Their session was so fun! We took the photos in this amazing Carlsbad home. It was such a beautiful home, and as you'll see later...the yard was also landscaped fantastically! Needless-to-say, we shot for hours because there were so many great places.

Brenda was stunning...

She was so easy to photograph! She just glowed! :)

Their session was particularly fun because they had chosen not to find out what they were having! Not many people have the patience to do that anymore! :)

I love this photo of the two (I mean three!) of them.

I just LOVED the lighting coming in on this shot...

And now, to the backyard!
This is one of my absolute FAVORITES from the day. Not much editing done to this image...just some amazing landscaping with fantastic lighting! Their expressions are just the cherries on top!

Some fun in the pool...
Jamie kept threatening to push Brenda in the pool. It was really cute to see them interact! They are so excited to be parents!

I really love this shot as well...

Brenda, you were absolutely stunning...and Jamie, you were such a great sport to endure such a looooong photoshoot! Not many guys could hang for that long!
Congratulations on your new baby boy! I'm so excited for you!! :)

Kelly & Cameron Married!

2009-04-22T16:08:00.000-07:00

First of all, I want to thank everyone for commenting my blog! Holy cow...I mean, really. People call it 'blog love', but really! You really do feel loved when someone leaves a comment! ha ha! Well, you'd be happy to know that your comments have encouraged me to blog again...and have convinced me that I really need to get caught up!
I've been shooting sooo much lately, and have so many shoots over the last year that never got posted...so forgive me for holding out on you...but have no fear...I am determined to catch up! :)

I know I told you I have some awesome New Jersey stuff to show you...and I do! But, I want to start out with Kelly and Cameron!

These guys are the best! They got married at the El Cortez...which was an amazing location! It was sort of dreary outside that day...we even got a few sprinkles...but I think we got some awesome shots. Check 'em out!

This was their view out the hotel room...beautiful!

Cameron all ready!

We had a lot of fun with the boys...

Isn't Kelly's dress amazing? So, I've known Kelly since Grad School, and I remember 'drawing' our wedding dresses on our notes during class...let me tell you...this dress was NOTHING like those drawings! ha ha! It was soooo much more beautiful then I think either of us could have imagined back then. ;)

No attack meant on your awesome drawing skillz, Kel!

The AMAZING Don Room...

AND, they rented the San Diego Trolley!
Seriously, could they be more fun!?!?
We had lots of fun taking pictures with this amazing transportation vehicle. :) It also was extremely efficient in carting all of us over to the Marston House to take photos in between the ceremony and the reception. Plus, the driver was hilarious! He was non-stop jokes all the way there...and all the way back. :) Gotta love the comedy...

They were having so much fun the entire time! I love this picture of them just playing together...

One of my favorites from the day...

Another FAVORITE! I have this puppy as a 28x24 Canvas in my new studio...Oooooh...did I say NEW STUDIO!?!? (That'll have to be another post! SO MANY exciting things happening at Amber Dawn Photography these days...)

There were so many more awesome photos taken that day...so, check out their slideshow!

Thanks again for the 'blog love' everyone! It was very encouraging to hear from you all! :)

Kelly and Cameron...you guys ROCK!! I'm so happy for you! Love to you both!

Back from New Jersey! | San Diego Photographer

2009-04-11T09:04:00.000-07:00

Though I forgot to tell you I was gone...oops...I'm back! Aaron, Abbey and I, along with some of our family members, flew to New Jersey for awhile to visit Aaron's family/friends and hometown. It was my first time back there and despite my awful cold, we had a really great time!
Here Abbey is hanging out on the back porch of the house we stayed in...she was such a good girl on the trip! I couldn't believe it. I mean, really...we were prepared for the worst! She was an angel on the plane (miracle!) and while we there...despite the lack of sleep and crazy schedules...she was AWESOME!

Okay, so part of our trip was to visit the places where my husband and mother in law had grown up. Here is the house that Aaron's Poppop built. His mom, Jeanne, lived here...and I think Aaron did for awhile as well. (That's Aaron's little brother, Nate.)

This is the church that Aaron attended when he was really little. Apparently, when he was about three, he rode his tricycle off the front steps without even blinking. When his mom saw the crazy event, she frantically 'saved' him and asked what he was thinking! He answered, "I knew that God would take care of me."
So cute!

At the Burmeister family reunion! Crackin' each other up...Abbey's Uncle Nate and cousins Noah (left) and Gavin (right).

Here's Abbey reciting the Pledge of Allegiance in the backyard... ;)

This is the coolest thing ever! Aaron's grandfather, Henry Burmeister, served in World War II. While he was in Europe, battling, he carried this copper plated Bible in his shirt pocket. One day an enemy shell exploded and shrapnel went through his arm, into the bible cover, through the pages and was stopped short of his heart by the copper plate!!! Is that CRAZY or what?!?! Talk about being protected by the Lord! That story being told again 'choked' up everyone in that room...most of them wouldn't have been there if it weren't for that little bible.
If you look closely, the Bible says, "May this keep you safe from harm".
Gives me the chills...MIRACLE.
Praise God.

Here's the house that Aaron has most of his memories in. This was his Mommom's house and he and his family lived there with her for about 5 years. We crept up so that we could get some photos...and all of a sudden, the neighbor came out of his house and said, "Aaron?" So funny! The man was a boy that Aaron used to play with as a kid! He still lived there and recognized Aaron 21 years later. It was really cool.

Here is the school that Aaron attended (that's him in front). He was very proud to show me where he played dodgeball. :)

This bridge shot was taken from the window of a moving car...but it was neat to capture because it was the bridge that Aaron's real dad, David, used to sit under and have his lunch. He worked at a factory close by. He has since passed...so it was really neat to visit some places that he had been.

And here's our little squeakers again. Having fun outside like always. It was pretty cold out there, so it was fun to bundle her up for once. :)

We really had such a wonderful time. We attended a wedding out there and I did an engagement shoot as well...so more to come on those events!
Thanks for sharing a little family history with me!

Adam & Nicole | San Diego Photographer

2009-03-13T10:55:00.000-07:00

Well, big surprise...I am extremely behind in posting! I have so many great shoots that I have yet to show you all! Starting with:

Adam & Nicole.

You know when you meet people and you feel like you should have met them 5 years ago because you just click that well? I knew instantly that Adam, Nicole and I would be instant buds when they came to me a few months back. They are sooooo cool! Really! I wish you could meet them...and if you know them? You know how blessed you are!

We had so much fun with their engagement shoot. Lots of laughing...and LOTS of walking! Seriously, we must have walked about 5 miles total...maybe 10! ;)
Sure felt like it.

Here are a few of my favorites from their session.

I love this face on Adam in this picture...he must be thinking, "Yeah that's right. She's mine." Loved it. :)

We laughed and laughed on this shoot. It was so great how relaxed they were in front of the camera! It's really fun photographing a couple and knowing the whole time that you are really truly capturing 'them'.

Beautiful Nicole.

Fun and CRAZY Nicole! ha ha! I love this girl!

After walking all over Balboa Park, we had a few minutes left of sunlight, so we literally ran to the park for some fun on the playground!

I'm so excited to shoot Adam and Nicole's wedding! I felt like if the sun wasn't leaving us...I could have photographed them for hours longer! They were so fun and...and like I said before, it was like hanging out with buds.

You can check out a few more of their photos in the slideshow below:

Adam and Nicole, you guys are AMAZING! ;)

ps. don't you like my new big pictures?!?! I'm so excited about it! You can thank my awesome friend Melissa Koehler for helping me with that...ha! I've never claimed to be a computer/web genius! It's a good thing that I have friends that help me in this area! Thank you Missi! You're the best!

Two

2009-03-11T22:01:00.001-07:00

My sweet baby turned two today. TWO.
I can't believe it! When people say that time flies...they aren't kidding. I feel like it was just yesterday that I was up with her all night...holding her, trying to rock her to sleep...
Oh, wait...I was.
Ah, yes. The joys of motherhood. :)

Really though...Abbey Grace has been the most amazing blessing. She is so wonderful! She likes to 'help' mama and dada whenever she can. She loves to give kisses...though not on command. ;)
She doesn't like to do anything on command, come to think of it...but she's cute! ha ha! Good thing she's cute...

Despite the tantrums, the sleepless nights (really? How long are they supposed to do this?), the 'flung' food, spilt milk, the scowl, the whining, etc...despite all of these things (which I'm told are COMPLETELY NORMAL--I have to repeat that phrase three times every day)...
This kid ROCKS!

I just can't imagine my life without her. I miss her every minute that I'm not with her...even when I desperately need the break. It's strange...like I'm missing my right arm. She's just a part of me. The miracle of child and mother. I can't really put to words what it feels like to be her mommy. It's the most incredible gift.

She is so precious and I'm so blessed to have been given the chance to care for her in this world. We thank God every day for her presence in our lives...her silly, determined, sassy, rambunctious, loving, playful, talented, cuddly, strong-willed presence.

It's exactly that...which we couldn't possibly live without.

I love you, my Squeaks! Happy 2nd Birthday!!!
love,
Mommy

I'm back!

2009-03-09T16:16:00.000-07:00

Okay, so I've been back for a little while...but as soon as I returned from the most AWESOME WPPI experience ever!, Aaron (the most incredible husband in the world), had planned an amazing birthday get-away weekend for me. Yup, I'm 29 years old. CRAZY. I hear this is the last birthday that you officially have? That you just keep celebrating '29' for the next 50 years or so? I hope that's true!
Anyhow, my husband is incredible and had everything planned out for me. He took me on a romantic escape to a downtown Penthouse... So relaxing!
We had yummy food, lots of fun strolls around the gaslamp district and to Balboa Park (I couldn't believe we did it! It had to have been several miles!), lots of good reading, and we even broke out my new Lowell ID and had a little fun with that! The best part was that we didn't have to wake up with my precious Abbey at 6:00am. Hooray for sleeping in! I needed it desperately after WPPI...just ask my roomie Cathy Crawley. ;)

So, back to business. I have so many shoots to still blog! Getting behind...
Well, here is a really REALLY quick update on a shoot that we did out in Vegas for starters.

Let me start out by saying that the Baxters of Ohana Photography, are awesome! David and Kimi totally put together this rad shoot out in this dried up lake bed at the CA/NV state line. It was so much fun! And seriously, I'm glad I was the photographer and could wear my nice down vest...'cause it was FREEZING!

Poor girls. They were such sports! Goosebumps and all! :)
I had a little extra fun with the post-processing of a lot of these images...some new textures and some just color-shifting. I hope you like 'em!

Here are a few shots of Amber...she was so cool! We totally clicked. And she was a rad model...super fierce...and amazingly beautiful. That's understandable when you have the coolest name, ever. ;)

This first one is almost straight-out-of-camera. Isn't she beautiful?

Leslie was really amazing with her fire-red hair and sass! Her black tu-tu was so cool...and the fabric added a whole new dimension to the images.

This is Rylee. She was so spunky! I loved it! I guess she had a couple of awesome outfits earlier in the day...but we missed 'em (had to listen to one of our fav photo heros at the convention--Jerry Ghionis!)

And finally, this is Dailazsae. She had one of the most stunning looks I think I've ever seen...so beautiful...and such a good sport despite the chilling winds! She was the last model out there...I think I may have gotten back into the car before her! :)

So, there are a few shots from the week in Vegas. We took lots of roomie shots...but my roomies still have them! Eh-hem! ;) Hopefully I'll get them soon from them so I can show you the fun 'jumping on the bed' photos we took at the wee hours of the night. Silly girls.

I need to go jump into my bed! Night!

Out of the Office...

2009-02-13T23:12:00.000-08:00

Well...its that time of year again! YEAH! I'm headed out to Vegas to attend an awesome photography convention, WPPI, with a bunch of my amazing photographer friends!
I'll be gone from the 14th thru the 22nd, so I'll be able to show you lots of fun stuff when I return!

Later!
-a

Ryan & Meredith Engaged!

2009-02-04T12:41:00.000-08:00

Well, I'm a little behind in my posting, but I really wanted to share some images from Meredith and Ryan's E-session before Christmas!

These guys are amazing. They have maintained their sweet relationship across States! Meredith was in Florida and Ryan was in D.C....and they are planning their wedding in San Diego! Is that crazy? (Luckily Ryan's mom lives here and has been an awesome help.)

It was so awesome to finally meet the two of them and to get to know them a little bit while hanging out shooting. :) They were so awesome! Up for anything, and have really fun personalities. I'm so excited to shoot their wedding this fall! I had to soak as much of them up as I could because I won't see them again until the wedding in August!

Recoginize this window? I love this building!!! One of my favs now...

But this time we went inside! And then I fell in love again...

Another AMAZINGLY FUN shot! Are they HOT or what?!?!?
Like I said...up for anything! ;)

This is hilarious! We were walking down the street and I saw some cool doors on the firestation so I had them run up to pose next to them. Just then the doors opened scaring us all! A firetruck was coming down the street. Anyway, we asked to take a few with the truck, and then Meredith asked to borrow one of the firefighter's helmets...it was AWESOME!

I wish we had more time to play, but the firefighters were, like working or something... ;)
YAY for San Diego Firefighters!!!

I had such an awesome time with you guys! I'm so excited to shoot your wedding! :)

Aaron & Keri Engaged!

2009-01-27T23:49:00.001-08:00

For Aaron and Keri, it all started in OB.
What better place then to take their engagement photos?
Though it was tough to avoid the crowds...we had lots of fun discovering neat spots and enjoying the awesome San Diego weather!

Ahhh...so SWEET!!! ;)

I love the creative murals everywhere. It was hard not to stop at every one for a few shots!

After mousing around for a bit...we went and gathered the rest of the family. :)

The pups were so good! I couldn't believe what great models they were!
It's a good thing they came with us that day for a 'dry run'...because I hear they might make an appearance at the wedding!

I love this photo! They look like their having so much fun...dog kisses and all!

The weather and sky were so amazingly beautiful that day!!

Showin' off their kung-fu moves!

I love the sas! ha!

We honestly couldn't have custom ordered a more perfect sunset!!!

Congratulations you guys! I had a blast hanging out with you and can't wait for your wedding!!!

ps. Aaron...you did good! ;)

Cameron & Kelly - Engaged!

2009-01-21T20:46:00.000-08:00

Just before the holidays, I met Cameron and Kelly on Coronado Island to have a little fun...

...in laundry baskets...

...with wheels! Can't get much better than that! ;)

I've known Kelly for quite awhile now, and when I say she is fun...I mean she is the definition of: FUN!
Not only that, but she snagged this great guy named Cameron, who was up for anything and everything! I love soon-to-be grooms like that! :)
So, I knew that we would have a blast on their engagement shoot.

I love this next sequence...aren't they the sweetest?!?!

A fun little tidbit about these guys is that when they first met, or knew 'of' each other, they didn't think they were at all right for each other! Isn't that funny?

Yep, total opposites.

Kelly LOVES people...she is a social butterfly and loves to chat and hang out with her many wonderful friends...

Cameron on the other hand is more reserved...enjoys quiet time and hanging out with his few good buds.

Little did they know, that they'd fall in love and be absolutely perfect for each other!

So, now they're inseparable...

Which is a GREAT thing!

They definitely make each other better people...by just being together.

I love you guys! Congratulations!

A New Year...

2009-01-06T23:21:00.000-08:00

My good friend got on me today about blogging...so I thought it to be most appropriate for me to post our Christmas/New Year Card that I would not have been able to make without her.

Most of you have not seen this yet because they are still sitting on my kitchen table! Ha ha! Okay, my goal is to get them out by January 30th....that'll be good for me. ;)

Anyhow, thanks to her, the wonderfully talented Melissa Koehler, we have some amazing (updated) pics of our family again! Thank you so much Missi!

I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas and a Happy New Year!

ps. I shot a TON this past season, so hopefully I can get on the ball and show you some new stuff!

A little Miracle named Tyler...

2008-11-26T17:45:00.000-08:00

I've had the pleasure of photographing Joe and Stacey once before...when they got engaged! So, I was so excited to find out that they were pregnant...and even more excited that they contacted me to photograph their new little addition! I have to tell you though, there was something particularly special about capturing this little guy! He decided to join his mom and dad REALLY early and had a rough start. But, as you can see...he is doing fantastic!!! Praise the Lord! He's such a beautiful little guy...

Meet the rest of the Vogel crew...

Tyler absolutely LOVES his dad! Every time Joe would look at him, he would break into the biggest smile!

This is one of my favorites from our shoot. He is so precious!

We sorta wore him out... ;) That tends to happen when I have such cute little babies to photograph! Just can't shoot enough!

After his little snooze...he was ready to go again!

Another one of my favorites...

Stacey is also an awesome photographer...and most photographer mommies know that we hardly EVER get photos with our babies...because we are always taking the photos!!!
So, I'm so happy that I had the opportunity to capture a few nice shots of Stacey lovin' her little man.

Thanks Joe and Stacey! It was so good to hang out again...and Tyler is just amazing! Such a little miracle. :) I hope you enjoy the moments I captured for you!

Peterson Family

2008-11-21T20:18:00.000-08:00

Well, a long time ago I volunteered my services for an auction held at Grace Church San Diego for the Youth Ministries. I was soooo excited to hear that the Peterson Family had out bid the crowds because I have photographed them before...and LOVE it!
So, a couple of weeks ago we went downtown and had a little fun...

Okay... A LOT of fun!!!!

I loved this one of Julia...it looks like she's praying to God about something!

Her expressions were priceless.

Kiss-y faces! Oh, except Todd.... ;)

The window shot...with the 'Happy' in the corner is definitely one of my FAVORITES!

And...another HOT favorite of mine.

Again...the expressions! I love this kid!

And...another favorite! I love their faces...and the mood of this shot.

YEAH! We had so much fun...Julia loved flying through the air!

Always on the go! Go, go...go!!!

Giggling the whole time...

Thanks Jen and Todd! It was so much fun to photograph your family...and thanks for helping a high schooler get to camp! :)

Shoemaker Family

2008-11-13T07:57:00.000-08:00

I was so excited when Maggie contacted me regarding family photos! First of all, I love family! Secondly, I love the beach! So...we hit the sand!

Beautiful family.

The tide was so high! It kept sneaking up on us...and of course I was concentrating too hard to notice when it would attack them! Oops. :) We all ended up pretty wet by the end of the evening...ha!

We had to pull out all the stops for this little thing! Bracelets, funny sounds, silly faces, pretzels, books....but in the end...I think it worked! We got some really awesome shots of her!

This is one of my favorites! All three of them look so cute...like they are really having fun!

Isn't he the cutest young man? Watch out! This kid is going to be a heartbreaker! ;) Hmmm...I might have to get his number for Abbey someday...ha ha!

I LOVE this shot of him and his parents. So sweet and real...another favorite.

Well Shoemakers, I had such a blast with you all! I hope you enjoyed the ocean....er, water? ;) Good thing it wasn't too cold. Ha ha! And I hope you enjoy your photos!

Bockstahler Family

2008-09-24T11:12:00.000-07:00

On Sunday I met a family that I hadn't seen for a couple of years! I can't believe how much the girls had grown...it was so fun to capture their sweet spunky spirits again. =)
Meet the Bockstahler family.

This time, they brought their sweet cousins. It was so cute to see how much they loved each other...and what a cool bond they shared.

Grandma and Grandpa also joined in the fun. =)
I loved the commotion and laughter in this photo...it really is a true reflection of that day.

The beautiful Bochstahler family...

Let's see that close up... =) Such a happy bunch.

Smooch!

And another smooch!

Cutest thing ever...

And...he was outta there!!!

My absolute favorites of the kids...
The bubbles were so fun! And the kids were so cute! They were really having a blast with each other!

So, a friend of theirs makes these personalized shirts! Aren't they awesome? I will get the info for you all and post it here later.

Thanks so much Bockstahlers! It really was fun hanging out with your amazing family and playing with the kids...always a pleasure. =)

The Drew Family

2008-09-12T16:11:00.000-07:00

Good Grief!!!
I can't believe its been almost two months since I've blogged! That's terrible! You guys really need to get on me!
I have definitely been busy...maybe one of these days I'll be able to catch you all up...
...maybe. ;)

For now though, I have to share a token from my shoot last night.

Last night was easily one of my top favorite shoots of the summer! The Drew family really knows how to have fun...and how to love. It really was so special to be a part of their evening. I felt so happy walking back to my car after spending some time with them.

Below is one of my absolute favorites!!

The whole time I was shooting I kept thinking,
Once a mom, always a mom...no matter how big your babies are.

And this photo illustrated my point perfectly.

Calling Class of 2009!!!

2008-07-23T10:09:00.000-07:00

Congrats to all of you Seniors out there! One more year left...and lots of memories to be had! =)

Since many of you have contacted me about Senior Portraits...I've thumbed through my images and have selected one of my 2008 graduates to showcase.
Meet Janelle.

We had such a blast shooting her Senior pictures. Isn't she just too cute?

And then we spiced things up a bit...

And then a little more...

And then we went for SUPER spicy!

Isn't she SUPER HOT! ;) Giggles and all...

Thanks Janelle! We had such a blast....
Congratulations on graduating!!!

Independence Day

2008-07-12T12:52:00.000-07:00

Happy 4th of July, everyone!

I had to say that before it was too far gone...he he. =)

I also wanted to say THANK YOU to all of you who have served and/or are still serving this country. Thank you for protecting me and my family. Thank you for standing up for us. Your efforts do not go unnoticed or unrecognized in this family. You are prayed for...we are so grateful for you.

A special "thank you" and "I love you" to my cousin Nathan and his beautiful bride, Erin...and my brother-in-law Eric. We love you guys and are so proud of you!

Here is our proud All American Girl...

GOD BLESS AMERICA!!!

Ben & Dawn Engaged!

2008-06-26T09:42:00.000-07:00

Last week Aaron and I got to photograph his 'best friend' from work and his darling fiance! We had soooo much fun! In fact, we started shooting around 5:30ish...and didn't part until midnight!
Ben is definitely one of the funniest guys I've ever met. I think we laughed almost EVERY second of that night!
Here are just a few from our shoot...I have loads of editing still to do!

See? He couldn't stop laughing! =)

This was SO cool! Climbing the Wall O'Bubbles.
Dawn actually suggested it....in heels!!!
She's my hero.

I loved this...we were snooping around and saw this really REALLY cool entry way of a condo complex. So, we called one of the owners from the call box to see if he could beep us in...but he said 'No'! Can you believe it? We even told him it was for engagement photos!
...where's the love?

Well, we eventually made it in...had to wait for awhile...

But it was TOTALLY worth it!

More to come...

Have I mentioned...

2008-05-22T19:04:00.000-07:00

that I LOVE Seniors??

Despite the fact that they are TOTAL procrastinators... ha ha! ...they are fun and up for anything!

Meet Jose.
Graduating Class 2008.
Aspiring Musician...

...and a total NUT!
Love him!

Danny & Allison...married!

2008-05-01T09:19:00.000-07:00

This past Saturday Aaron and I attended (and documented) the marriage of Danny and Allison Myers. The parents of the groom, Nancy and Dave, are closest to my parents...but mean just as much to Aaron and I! They are the most wonderful of the caring type. They are just so loving...we are just so thankful to know them! =)

Anyhow, Aaron was the official videographer....while I was asked to snag a few shots along the side of Mr. Chad Nelson (who was a wonderful photographer...and fun to shoot with!)

So, I am trying to figure out how to post their slideshow....but, until then...here are a few (or more...) of my favorite shots from the day!

Mr. Danny Myers...waiting for his bride. =)

Allison just beamed!

Here are Nancy and Dave...

This next photo is one of my favorites!
After the kiss, they both sported beautifully, the "Now What?!?!" Look... =)

Some of my favorite shots of the two of them...

This is the whole gang...
Get this, Danny actually married his best friend's wife's sister. Isn't that cool?!!?
Now his BEST FRIEND is his Brother-in-Law. =)
So, technically speaking...everyone in the wedding party is now family. Such an awesome deal!

Her flowers came out perfect! So beautiful and bright...

What photographer doesn't LOVE brick!?!?!

Some details...

In this next one...I was playing around with not being in focus. What do you think? I kinda like it. =)

These guys were having so much fun...
I believe the word 'surreal' came out of Allison's mouth when she made her way to our table. =)
That's what makes a good wedding...feeling like you are the princess in a fairy tale.

Congratulations you two! I hope you are having a wonderful time in Hawaii!

I've been Published! ;)

2008-04-22T10:26:00.000-07:00

So, if you've received your Professional Photographer Magazine this month...

And just happened to take a glance at the back cover...

...you might notice that you recognize the two babes featured in the Profoto Ad! =)

Ha ha!
Thanks to the Most AMAZING, and incredibly talented Tony Corbell....Abbey and I are famous!

We are willing to autograph....
...just take a number
...and stand in line.

;)

Grace San Diego

2008-04-16T15:49:00.000-07:00

That's my church.
And....it's AWESOME!

When Jon, our Creative Arts Pastor and worship leader, asked if I could take a few snapshots of our band for the website...I jumped on it!
First off, I love fooling around with crazy lighting...secondly, I was really excited to use my nifty star filter...thirdly, I was REALLY stoked about jamming to some RAD music!

FYI: Our worship team ROCKS!

Here are some of the images I snagged that night...

The instruments...

This is Jon rocking out...

So, they put me on this motorized go-cart/ladder thingy to take these shots.
The height and angle were so awesome! (Wish I could drive one around at a wedding! Ha ha!)
But it was seriously scary.

So, that's it for now.
I know I've been MIA lately...however, I've actually been shooting more this month than I have for awhile! Hopefully I'll be able to catch up here soon...

She has arrived!

2008-03-25T15:35:00.000-07:00

Well, I mentioned that I got to go visit my friend Jill at the hospital on Sunday...
While I was there I snapped a couple of photos of their new addition. She is so adorable! I can't believe that Abbey was once as small as Ellery! It is so amazing how quickly they grow!
Isn't she adorable? She is just perfect!

Jill looked fantastic! You would never had guessed she just had a baby!
I love my friend!
Ahhh...thank God for wonderful girlfriends!

Even Aaron braved holding little Ellery...

He did a great job holding her while I took some shots...
...don't you just love all the faces that newborns make?
She must have caught a whiff of something on that last shot!!! Ha ha!

Aaron! What did you do!?!?!

Just kiddin'....I love you babe! He he =)

Oh, and stay tuned...we will definitely have a little 'newborn' shoot of this doll!

Happy Easter!

2008-03-24T11:59:00.000-07:00

I hope everyone had a wonderful Easter yesterday.
We sure did! We got to see family and friends at church...and then my good friend Jill's new baby! (Pictures to come!)

After all of that...we went home to spend some quality time with just the three of us. =)

...which, of course, included a photoshoot of Abbey in her new Easter Hat.

Thank you Elkus Family, for thinking of Abbey when seeing this hat! I absolutely love it!
She's my little lamb... ;)

You can check out some more of Abbey's pictures on her site! Thanks for taking a look!

Today...I remember.

2008-03-11T09:49:00.000-07:00

As a close friend of mine said a few weeks ago...'I'm all about nostalgia today.'

One year ago, today...I was at Ethan Allen shopping for couches with my husband, when I started to get my first real contractions. I decided that it was probably NOT a good idea to 'try any more of them out' in case my water decided to break!
Later that evening at 8:16, Aaron and I welcomed into our little family a baby girl who would, 48 hours later, go by the name of Abbey Grace.

This year has been sooooo incredibly amazing!

Though we've had to:
1) live on less sleep than we even got in college,
2) change yucky diapers...and sometimes clothing, and bedding, etc.,
3) taste questionable baby food for the sake of not burning Abbey's little mouth,
4) listen to loads of crying...A LOT
5) eliminate late night fun with friends...mostly because we're exhausted!

We are now greeted with smiles,
and receive hugs and kisses from this little One Year Old girl...

How could life get any sweeter?

Who would have thought that God would trust us with something so precious??
We are so blessed.

I love you so much, my Abbey!
Happy Birthday!!!

28

2008-02-28T17:06:00.001-08:00

That's how many years I've been alive...not counting the months spent in the womb, of course. =) I know I'm not old....but I'm getting OLD! Ha ha! It's all about perspective I guess.
Anyhow, today started out not so great (still have my cold, I was late to my ONE birthday plan because Abbey pooped all over the floor and then proceeded to rub it into my carpet...need I go on???)
....but then, because of all of my WONDERFUL family and TREMENDOUS friends....today turned out not so bad afterall. =)

I just wanted to say thank you to ALL of you for wishing me a Happy Birthday...
...for sending me cards in the mail...
...for posting Blogs about my b-day and telling all of YOUR friends to wish me a good day ;)...
...for taking me out to lunch (thanks Mom!)...
...for having custom necklaces made for me (Mom again! She's the BEST!)...
...for leaving presents on my doorstep...
...but most of all, for being so kind to me, loving me....and praying for me...over the last few days, months, and some of you...
...over the last 28 YEARS!

Sorry to be so cheesy and sappy....but, seriously!

I am so blessed to have you all in my life!
THANK YOU!!

lots of love and appreciation,
amber

More Little Ones are Coming!

2008-02-20T10:14:00.000-08:00

So, here's for a little flashback...

Three of my closest girlfriends and I, decided to get pregnant together in the Summer of 2006. (I stole these next two photos off my friend's blog). We thought it'd be better if we had the support of one another....boy, were we right!!!

All four babies were born within 2 months of each other....3 boys and 1 girl (Abbey).

Now we are in the middle of celebrating all of their one year birthdays! So fun!

Being a parent to Abbey has been the most incredible, rewarding experience of my life. She is just so amazing! I can't believe that it has been almost a year already since we've brought her home. We are so blessed to have her...and thank God every day!

Abbey's birthday is on March 11th...so, I'll be sure to post photos when her party comes around.

Anyhow, the second wave has begun! Two more of the 'most awesome girls I know!' are pregnant and scheduled to deliver soon!

This is a photo of all of us (we started a Bible Study years ago...and have been together since!)...minus Tira (I can't find a picture with all of us! Is that terrible, or what?!?!) Anyhow, this is us at a Halloween Party in 2005, I think. Before kids...(Yes, Maressa is holding a doll...she REALLY wanted to have a baby! Ha ha!)

Jill, the blond in the top row, is due on March 12th. That's only three weeks away! AND....she's having a girl!
Wahoo! A little girlfriend for Abbey to play dress-up with. =)

She opted out of pregnancy photos...BUT, I'll be taking lots of her little one when she arrives, so stay tuned!

The second prego, is my friend Leah...due on April 1st (is that funny?). She is Eve in the photo above. The cool thing about Leah, is that she and her husband are 'doing it old fashion' and have no clue what they are having! Isn't that exciting! I don't think I could ever do that with my Type A personality...
...but I'm really excited for them! =)

She asked me to do photos the other day and I thought they came out really nice. So, I asked if I could share a few with you guys...

...doesn't she look amazing?!?!

I'm so excited for both of you ladies! Motherhood is such a gift! You're gonna LOVE it!

Lub my Family!

2008-02-19T11:55:00.000-08:00

So, on Friday I was able to meet with Melissa M., Melissa K., Masen, David, and Lisa for lunch at Tokyo Sushi. YUM! Thanks so much Masen for setting that up for us! It was so great to chat (and laugh quite a bit) with people who love photography as much as I do! I left feeling really excited and I have to admit...a little overwhelmed (we talked quite a lot about personalizing blogs...and code...blah blah blah---went straight over my head!)
Needless-to-say, I couldn't let the sun go down without taking out my camera!

So, when I got home, I packed up the other thing that I love (even more than photography...), yup...my family, and headed out for a new adventure. I had told Aaron that I wanted to look for new and different places to shoot. We ended up at a cute little park in Santee called Mast Park. The lighting was awesome...so we took a few shots of our 11 month old.

As soon as I fired off a few shots, Aaron told me to get in the pictures! Isn't that sweet?
So, he took over and allowed me to get a few fun shots in with Abbey.

So, here I am...on my own blog. He really got some good ones of us. =)

I took over for a couple more...
Abbey didn't like crawling in the mush that much! Ha ha, you should have seen her face when we put her down in it. =)

AND....good thing I had my camera! We actually snagged this shot of her very FIRST KISS!!!
Is that the most awesome thing ever!?!?!?

Before we left, we trusted a nearby stump to take a picture of the three of us.
It captured this gem....

Yeah, I know. Pretty good for a stump. I hired it for my next wedding. =)

My Fall Wedding...

2008-01-15T16:48:00.001-08:00

As many of you know, I didn't take on much business for the year 2007 because I wasn't exactly sure what motherhood would bring...
However, this fall, a friend of family needed a photographer...so my husband and I took on, only our second wedding for this year.
I have to say...we ended the year on a good note with this one!
I LOVE fall weddings...and this one was just so amazingly sweet!
We had so much fun with Korey and Joy...here are a few for starters.

Joy was absolutely stunning...

Hello!
Like it didn't look like we were taking photos or anything...
Oh, well. I couldn't let this guy get in the way of the PERFECT shot!

After I got back to my computer though...it really started to grow on me!
They look like they are in their own little world...oblivious to what is going on around them.
So...that's why I didn't crop him out.

And for the 'Candid' winner of the day...loved this shot.
Just whispering and having fun together.

More to come!

Just Boys...

2008-01-11T11:02:00.000-08:00

My husbands family has this thing..."they only have boys". (That's why Abbey is so special...the only girl!)
So, my husband's aunt decided to have some photos taken of the grandchildren for her father, who had asked for a picture of all the boys on her side.
This is what we got.

After we were done, I had to take a photo of the little guy in his reindeer suit. So cute!

After the boys...we decided to take a couple of family shots....again, for Christmas cards.

They really wanted their own CD cover...

Although....I think this version is WAAAAY better!
Ha ha!
The boys got a kick out of this version when I showed them. =)

I still think they should have used that one for their Christmas card...... =)

Later that same week...

2008-01-11T10:15:00.000-08:00

After shooting Carly's beautiful little family...I took the rest of her family to Balboa Park to shoot yet another Christmas Card.
I have to say...the boys weren't too excited about this (Mike, the youngest, showed up and bought a hotdog within the first 5 minutes of being there!)....but they really did a great job smiling for the camera.

(We were just glad that he didn't get any ketchup on his shirt!)

Here's the Christmas Card...
Isn't Dave's sweater AWESOME? I loved it. (Good job Elise!)

A couple other nice ones that I liked...

Then it was just the 'kids'...

Who will always be KIDS!

Thanks Ness family! It was a lot of fun...you boys did fantastic! =)
In fact, the ladies said that you can't wait until NEXT YEAR!

Flash Back...

2008-01-10T21:29:00.002-08:00

My friend Carly contacted me this winter to do a family photo of her, the hubby, Scott...and their baby, Tucker.
Of course, I said, 'of, course!'
So, when they got sick of sitting around Arizona...looking at the dirt....they came to San Diego for their photoshoot (and I guess for a Thanksgiving feast at her mom's house. wink wink!)

Shooting them brought back memories of their fabulous wedding...
So, since that was before my blogging days, AND I took some of my FAVORITE of all favorite photos then...
I figured I'd show a few from their wedding in November of 2006.....

The details of this wedding were just amazing...

But the bride was even more astonishing!

Lots of cheer in the bridal room!

Okay, so this is one of my favorites...
After she pulled up in her horse drawn carriage (I know! So amazing!)....she had everyone around her helping her down from the carriage....helping with her veil...taking video,
....so much going on...
...yet she just seemed to glow!

My favorite photo, everyone...

The ceremony was as perfect as the sky.

Afterwards....just a few shots of everyone hanging out.
The flower girl was so precious.

This cracked me up...
"Can I please just be with my WIFE?"
So desperate...
...enough to be holding a flower basket.

Spirited group!

As for the bride and groom...

On to the party!

They were (ARE!!) so happy together!

Here it is, the finale, and my second all time favorite photo...
Again, they just seem to be in another place...
in another time...
just by themselves.

AND....here is their baby!
He was so cute...but as my first 'pet' photoshoot...quite a challenge!

Playing with mommy and daddy...

Kudos to you pet photographers...its so hard to get them to look at you!
WAY harder than kids! =)

Now for their Christmas Card...

I had a lot of fun with you guys! I'm glad you came all the way back from Arizona for your Christmas pictures! Looking forward to next year!

Baby #2????

Kids just wanna have fun!

2008-01-10T16:46:00.000-08:00

This shoot was also a BLAST!
I always look forward to photographing the Cernetic Family. They are so wonderful...and the kids are so spirited!
...AND definitely NOT camera shy!

We took a couple of nice portraits for the grandparents...

Then...it was time to play!

I just want to say...look out Tony Hawk! Coby is on his way to becoming the next skateboarding Champ! ...either that or a model.
Not sure about his skateboarding skills...but this guy can pose!

Anyone in for a game of Leap Frog???

Eliana is so adorable! She doesn't look so sure about Coby jumping over her head!

She immediately took off running after his landing....but the big brother caught her!

...just in time for a smooch.

Okay....everyone altogether now,

....Ahhhhhh!!!

Kids...or Monkeys?

2008-01-10T16:22:00.000-08:00

I LOVE this family!
Allow me to introduce you to the Wagensellers. They are my neighbors from my highschool years. I remember when both of these kiddos were born...I can't believe how big they are now! They have grown into the most amazing kids...so talented...so smart....and SO loving! It's so cool to see how well they get along with one another.

Anyhow, we went to the park to have a little fun...and to try to capture something for their Christmas Card.

So the kids love to climb trees! These were a couple of their mom's favorites...

I loved this! Classic Blake!

So fun! Of course...this is one of MY favorites!

I had such a blast with you guys! Can't wait to do it again!

Happy New Year!

2008-01-10T15:28:00.000-08:00

Okay...I'm a week late. Ha ha!
Really though, how was your holiday?

Ours was GREAT! We spent wonderful time with both sides of the family. Abbey was able to spend some quality time with 3 sets of her great grandparents! How cool is that?!?!

Though the holidays were wonderful..and the vacation was much needed...I am glad to say that my little family and I are finally back into town...in our OWN home...our OWN beds...and are as happy as ever to be over the flu and almost over the 'Christmas' colds that we always seem to catch. =)

I will be sharing photos from our Christmas and New Years later....but first wanted to use the next couple of posts to sum up the year 2007 of Amber Dawn Photography. Though the year started really slow....REALLY SLOW... ;)
...it sure ended with a Bang!

More Cute Kiddos!

2007-12-18T15:25:00.000-08:00

Here are a few more of Abbey's adorable new friends...

So cute! They were all so adorable and amazingly....cooperative! =)

Sidenote...

2007-12-17T22:34:00.000-08:00

I just had to let everyone know that...

...I have a brand new iMac sitting on my desk.
CRAZY!
I have no idea how to work it....but I have one!

Never thought I'd own a Mac.... =)

Time to Play!

2007-12-15T08:17:00.000-08:00

So, my little Abbey is part of a playgroup...and I decided that it might be fun to take some photos of her new friends.
It was so much fun capturing them. They were all so different...and adorable as always!
Here are just a few of the kids from that day.
Hopefully you wonderful mommies out there can find some good use for these precious ones!!! Oh, and a HUGE thanks to Erin for allowing us to hold playgroup in her beautiful backyard!

And a double thanks to Jen for the PERFECT ladder! Loved that thing!!!

Okay, this one just melted my heart!

More kiddos to come!!!

As for the Taylor Family...

2007-12-04T10:24:00.000-08:00

They were fantastic!

This shoot was extra special because Alisa and I went to graduate school together. She was pregnant when we graduated...and three years later...I got to see her beautiful little girl for the first time!

Is she precious, or what?Alisa wanted some fun relaxed photos that really captured little Eleanor...I think we did it.Beautiful family! Those curls!

Okay, I couldn't have 'ordered' a better fall location than this! It's like the trees just knew we were coming!

Time for mom and dad to play dress-up too!
Is she proud of herself or what?! What a ham!Alisa, your family is beautiful...thank you for allowing me to 'play' with you guys!

The Mendez Ladies

2007-12-03T15:38:00.000-08:00

How beautiful is this group of women?
This is so cool...Claudia and her five girls decided to give Dad a Christmas gift that he would NEVER forget!
Okay, so I guess he'll see them everyday---hanging on the walls of his home...
But, mostly because looking at their beautiful faces definitely leaves an imprint...
It did for me, anyway!
It was so fun photographing them. Notice their eyes...amazing!
Aged 5 to 15, they all had such different personalities!

This is the lively, outgoing one! She was up for anything AND everything!Okay, I love this photo...call me crazy. I just had to post it.It was amazing to me how much they loved each other! What a blessing!The youngest was the shy one...so adorable!Lots of action...

The cheerleading sister...The sporty sister...These gals were very close...so we decided to take a couple of photos with just them. So sweet.The oldest sister is very into art...
And...that's a wrap! Mendez girls...you were awesome! Thanks for allowing me to be a part of the fun and surprise. Your dad is going to love 'em!

God Bless!

My Little 'Big' Girl...

2007-11-30T09:33:00.000-08:00

8 months old.

Why do they have to grow up so fast?

'Tis the Season!

2007-11-29T09:43:00.000-08:00

So, I was so excited to photograph some of my favorite people to kick off the holiday season! My good friend, Melissa Koehler and her beautiful family met me up in Poway to take a few shots before Aiden's One Year Birthday Party. It was so much fun!
We had to go to extreme measures to get Aiden to smile for the camera!
Aiden LOVES his mommy!
I think he was done here....he's waving goodbye!
Thanks you guys! It was a lot of fun!

Alright....I admit it!

2007-11-16T09:26:00.000-08:00

I'm a terrible blogger!

My good friend Melissa pointed out to me how many of you regularly check my blog...I'm sorry I haven't posted something new in so long! I vow to try harder... =)

Starting with....(drumroll please...)

Susan Meissner!

This is one of the sweetest ladies I have ever met! She is a Christian Mystery Writer, who contacted me to do her new headshots for her next book getting published by Random House, Inc. in 2008. She has written several amazing novels...and is again, one of the sweetest ladies I've ever met!

She was so fun to photograph. Here are a few of my favorites.

I know this next one isn't a 'headshot', but I couldn't help myself. It looked 'mysterious' to me! I thought maybe she could use it for something. =)

Isn't she beautiful?

I was such an honor to photograph you, Susan!

My lil' pumpkin...

2007-11-01T14:13:00.000-07:00

...is 7 months old now. I took her birthday photos at a pumpkin patch this month. She loved it! She wanted to chew and suck on every pumpkin stem she could get her hands on! You can see more of her photos on her BLOG.

Memory Lane...

2007-10-19T15:18:00.001-07:00

...except for the fact that I have no actual 'memory' of it! Ha ha! I was way to little...but, my mom does!

Okay, so what I am talking about is the 'special' photoshoot I did of my own baby a couple of weeks ago. My mom gave me some outfits that I had actually worn when I was little, so I decided to slip one on Abbey for fun.

Here she is in a slip that I used to wear under my dresses...

I love this photo...she looks so beautiful!

And this...this is the fun and extremely spirited lil' turkey that I know and LOVE!

Lil' Trooper!

2007-09-28T14:01:00.000-07:00

A couple of days ago, I had the privilege of photographing little Julia, aka...Schmoo. She is about 6 and a half months old...and such a cutey! Unfortunately she had a cold...and little did we know...her first tooth was on it's way and arrived that night!!!

Can you imagine?

Taking pictures of a sick, teething baby?!?

Well, we did it.

She was such a trooper!! She did such an awesome job sitting (which she is also new at) and smiling!!

Here are a few of my favorites from our shoot...Isn't she so cute in her little bandana??

Thanks Jen and Todd, for allowing me to take pictures of your precious little girl! She was AWESOME!

Pretty in Pink!

2007-09-25T15:29:00.000-07:00

Last week I had the opportunity to photograph two of the cutest little girls! We got to play dress-up and be silly. They were so much fun!

Twirling the dress...you ALWAYS have to have a 'twirling' the dress photo. This is the silliest sister...can you tell?Look at these eyes!
Sassy!

It was so fun capturing the silliness and giggles...I was smiling the whole time! =)