And I laughed when I saw them in spite of myself

This year my husband and I, along with some of our close friends, are invited to a Christmas party thats sole purpose is to showcase ugly Christmas sweaters and bad gifts.
I can't think of a better way to celebrate the holidays!
So to prepare, we first searched for the perfect outfits and accessories. Once that was so gracefully accomplished we decided we needed to display our new fashion sense in a portrait session. I set up the backdrop in my house, put the camera on a tripod, we posed awkwardly, and laughed and laughed about how amazing we looked.
We had such a good time that I decided it was necessary that I share the wealth and offer this photo session to the public.

Brilliant! These sessions were so much fun! No one can be taken seriously when they are willingly dressed in something that smells probably just as bad as it looks and fits just as good as it probably feels.
The couple who invited us to their party actually came to get their portraits done (the extremely attractive couple on the top.) The other couple that signed up (and brought 2 more to join in on the fun) just had me photograph their gorgeous country themed wedding (the striking 2 couples to your right.) I couldn't have asked for better people to sign up for this shoot. Fun people willing to step outside the box, try something different, and just enjoy themselves, which makes my job so much more amusing! For example, when I ask both of them, "Would you like to make these nice pictures, just with ugly sweaters, or would you like the whole thing to just look as awkward as possible," and they answer confidently with, "awkward." :)
Yes, I like to produce great portraits for people to hold close to their hearts forever, but a huge goal of mine is for them to enjoy the whole process, not just the final product. I want them to have fun during a session so they can look back on the photos and remember that day as a good day, and not just something they were drug to.
So here's to enjoying life, all the time. Here's to enjoying the holidays, even during the chaos.
And here's to enjoying those who surround you, even when they are dressed in smelly, old sweaters.

Home Studio for the Holidays

Well. It's officially over. The days of everyone wanting their family portraits taken outside has slowed down tremendously and has almost come to a complete stand still. 

I've noticed the Photography schedule goes as follows- 

-The weather breaks and people start to get excited about being outside. 

-June comes and people don't want to miss out on their chance in the sunshine so they start scheduling appointments. 

-The weather starts to get crisp and there is an even bigger mad dash to get those last minute shots with the fall colors. Everyone seems to favor the beautiful, changing, dying leaves the best. What an ironic concept. I must admit though, I agree with them. Nothing beats those bright oranges and reds! 

-November rolls around and the few last minute shoppers and stragglers see if its possible to fit them in and then BOOM! 

-The holiday rush hits. 

-There will be those selective few who decide to brave out the outdoor sessions in the cold, but for the most part, everyone is now focused on Christmas. Christmas decor, Portraits for Christmas gifts, set ups for Christmas cards, and the list goes on. 

As the holiday rush rises, the ages of my clients lower. Everyone wants a timeless picture of their little one posed in a basket next to a tree or with an oversized candy cane. It's just something about adults and glittery Christmas bulbs scattered around them that just doesn't do the trick. And the best part about that is that because these little ones are under 3 ft tall I can virtually make a setup for them anywhere. 
For now, until my studio is complete (and yes, it's the same studio that started 2 years ago that still isn't finished, but by January, that will no longer be true!) I am shooting right inside my home, in my kitchen. Right in front of the kitchen sink and next to the refrigerator to be exact. 

But for now- it works. 

And for now- I'll do whatever it takes to deliver a product to people that they will gift to their families, that they will display on their wall for all to see, and that they will cherish forever. 

A.J.B.C. Photography 2011

I'm not...

I'm not ready for summer to be over. 

I'm not ready to let go of that beautiful, warm summer glow. 

I'm not ready to trade mother nature for backdrops. 

I'm not ready.

A.J.B.C. Photography

My Valentine

I haven't had a whole lot of time lately to do any shoots for my own personal fun and creativity (besides for my 365). Luckily me and 2 others girls have scheduled to try to get together once a week to shoot and play around. Two weeks ago we did a Valentines themed shoot and I was able to get a few shots to put into an Art show I was in. Here's a sneak peek.