Matting 101

Backstory: On Saturday we went Antiquing at the Charleston Antique mall and Hubby found Lion King laser discs that came with 6 lithographs that were sealed. When we got in the car he opened them up and decided he wanted to frame them. He let me know later in the evening that he saw a matting tool in one of the cases for $20.

We ended up going back for the tool and I learned how to mat this weekend. Man those math skills really came into play perhaps I should have started with something simple with maybe just one hole.

I may have had a few frustrations with the learning curve but once I got it I enjoyed the process.

The final project.

Playing with new camera

Playing with my new family member "Dee Dee" the camera.

Baby Shower Shoot

This past weekend I was invited to photograph a baby shower. It was so much fun to capture Natalie and her family and friends joy throughout the shower.

The shower was at Sugar's Bakery. Natalie the happy mommy to be!

I love Natalie's expression she was sharing how ready and excited she was.

Awww

Dueling Bellies

The guests each completed a few alphabet pages, to create an alphabet book for Gabrielle to enjoy as she get older.

Mom to be and Mom working together!

Game time

Eww that is in the poopy diaper?

Having fun with the games

How big is Natalie?

I love the Awww look on her face!

The look of pure bliss about bottle is a sign Natalie is ready!

Close up of the cupcakes and the shower logo.

There were many little personalized touches the Dirty Diaper game is just one example. The Picture is of Natalie at 32 weeks. On the bottom is says "Congratulations on all of your future dirty diapers Natalie!

Stephanie Thank you for inviting me to capture Natalie's special shower. You ladies did a great job showering her with love and excitement.

The Amoia's

I was so lucky to capture the Amoia's growing family. Megan (mom) and I worked together and she was very a very important part of brining me and my hubby together. We headed out to Tule Springs for a fun day in the sunshine.

Megan's parents were visiting from New york it was great to include them into a few of the pictures.

Three Generations of Girls- Look how Megan and her mom are standing the same way.

May they Louie and Felicia always be this close!

Felcia and Mommy

Felicia is so cute and photogenic such a change from where she was one and we gathered the family around every time he cries looked almost like a smile. Now check out the genuine smile!

Mommy and Louie, Megan is such an awesome mommy and the love for her children is palpable.

He loves mommy as much as she loves him.

Look at these two awesome boys.

We really wanted to focus on the newest addition to the family Louie!

He is so stinking cute full of so many cute faces!

Look at that drippy chin.

His tongue is fascinating!

But is it as cool as his toes?

Or a stick?

As you can see Louie fits right into the family!

Thank you Magin and family for letting me capture this moment of your growing family,a nd generations together!

The MIM

We planned a trip to Phoenix to hear a concert (more about that later) and umm well we had no plan for the rest of the trip or how long it should be, other than lunch with my awesome cousin Heather and her great hubby Brian. For my birthday my hubby surprised me with a PLAN, we were going to the Music Instrument Museum, he figured with a camera in hand I would have a great time as would he. Boy was he right! I took over 700 pictures but don’t worry I edited it down to just a few favorites.

Just a few favorite things

• Cool headphones that use blue tooth technology so you can wonder where ever not in order.
• Hands on room (go in there after 2 or so when the daily field trips are over)
• Instruments from all regions of the world.
• High Tech and Low Tech at it’s best
• Videos that showed the instruments in action.

Who knew an accordion could be so beautiful
In contrast yes real snakes died for this
Make due with what you've got!
Look at the detail the frets of this lute are made with string.
Question: Can you guess what to moving parts are?
A: Vertebra! Who knew the spine could be so beautiful!

I loved the detail of the rings in this drum

A glimpse of India's display notice the TV there were 4 videos of different instruments in the display. This one one also included native masks.
Beautiful Bells
This is a body suit the grasses shake and make music in the islands
After the au' natural above a bit more manufactured in South America (I want to say Brazil but not sure)
Amazing
Check out the beautiful detail of these drums!
They were rocking out in 80's and 90's in Russia too!
Hey look they have a spot just for me!
American Jazz
Native American Drum Circles
Anything can create beautiful music notice the cans are labeled with their notes.
One of the drums form the Beijing Olympic opening ceremonies. It is HUGE
Hubby Playing in the Target Gallery.
Harmonica anyone!
I guess I never thought about where the bag for the bag pipe came from first.
Playing in the hands on gallery

Check out the detail of this music box.
I will leave you with one of my favorite shots!

The MIM was amazing check if you are in Phoenix check it out http://www.themim.org/ it will not disappoint and don’t forget to grab lunch at the cafeteria it is Top Chef good!