Lisa Marie

Myranda - Senior Pictures

2011-11-28T06:30:00.000-08:00

It's been forever since I've posted an actual photo shoot, so I'm excited to post these shots of Myranda. This was my first time shooting Senior pictures, and I loved it! I love taking family pictures, don't get me wrong, but this was SO EASY. But look at her, she's so stinking pretty, it was bound to be easy!

Pretty girl!

This was so fun, a train came through just as we were getting ready to cross so Myranda jumped in front so I could get the shot :

I Heart Faces - Black

2011-11-08T10:20:00.000-08:00

Hey there! I'm back with another I Heart Faces photo. This week's theme is black, and I just love the eyes on Miss Kate here - so dark! And that hair! She's the dark haired little sister of three very excited blonde haired boys, and this little one is going to be so loved by them :-)

I Heart Faces - Hands

2011-10-10T06:49:00.000-07:00

This week's I Heart Faces challenge was "Hands." I took this picture of Jack's first week of life, and it's always been my favorite picture of Matt and our little boy. I can't believe how fast time goes!

I Heart Faces - Friendship

2011-08-08T11:00:00.000-07:00

I know, I know, I only update lately for I Heart Faces - I'll get better, I promise.

But, I Heart Faces has the CUTEST theme this week, Friendship. Last summer I got to take pictures of Jack playing with his best buddy Caleb during a playdate, and I got this sweet shot, so I wanted to post it. Thanks!!

I Heart Faces - From a Distance

2011-06-06T07:41:00.000-07:00

I know, I know, I never blog. I'll fix that soon. Lots going on! But I loved this week's I Heart Faces challenge - From a Distance! Enjoy!

I Heart Faces - Sun Flare

2011-03-14T09:23:00.000-07:00

This is the first time I've ever entered a picture in I Heart Faces' weekly contest. But I just recently took this photo of Jack at the park and loved the sun flare, so I figured I'd enter this week's contest! Pop over to their website and check out some amazing photos!

Mr. Independent

2011-02-15T18:06:00.000-08:00

People have told me ever since we had Jack, "Don't blink, or your baby will be a little boy."

I must have blinked.

My husband was out of town this weekend for work, and so Mr. Jack and I packed up on a beautiful Saturday afternoon and headed to the park for a date. Last time we were at this particular park, he wasn't even a year old. Now, we're almost 3 months away from turning two *deep breath*, and all I hear is, "Me do!"

When we got there, I had to keep him from sprinting away from me.

It was so crowded, but he didn't care one bit. He went straight for the swings, but once he was on, he kept looking down. Poor kid was afraid of the height.

Eventually the crowd got to him, and instead we hit the soccer fields and I let him run loose (I use the term loose loosely).

And when it got too cold and it was time to leave, I'm not going to lie - he wasn't happy about it. But eventually I ~~forced~~ gently coerced him back into the car, and we were homebound.

Trying hard this week not to blink.

The Pack Family

2011-01-03T17:33:00.000-08:00

I got the chance a couple weeks ago to spend the morning with the Pack's. I love this family to death - they are so fun and easy going! We went to downtown Gastonia, where there are quite a few fun places to shoot!

Their children are way too adorable:

Thanks guys!!

I feel like Dorothy...

2010-12-14T06:27:00.000-08:00

...Because there seriously is no place like home. Last year, Jack's first Christmas, was spent in PA with my husband's family, and while it was a lot of fun, I've been so excited this year to be home for Christmas - I can't wait to wake Jack up and tell him it's Christmas. I know he's not even 2 yet and he still doesn't quite grasp everything going on, but I know he'll sense the excitement, and you KNOW he'll be all about ripping some paper off some boxes :-)

Right now he's currently in love with Elmo (who he calls "melmo"), and we found a cute stuffed Elmo (silent as the grave since it'll be something he sleeps with) that I can't wait for him to open.

All this will be even better if I can actually finish my shopping. It's shameful how behind I am.

Anyway, my friend Amber (who I've never actually met, but feel like I have since we've been friends online for like 5 or 6 years) tagged me to share 7 random things about myself. Sure, why not.

1. I have a small obsession with Mexican food. In particular, tacos. I am to tacos as Santa is to cookies. The Salsarita's near my work - I think they recognize me now.

2. Taco-obsession aside, I'm one year into a weight loss journey, and before the holidays, I was 23 lbs down. I'm taking December off (much like I took 2009 off), and in January I'll start training for a 10K, and I'm sure it'll help me lose the last 15-20 lbs.

3. When I've reached my 35 lb mark, I'm going to buy a pair of Buckle jeans as a reward. I never buy $100 jeans, but I think by then I'll have deserved it.

4. I'm slowly becoming a runner. My husband has done a couple marathons, and his dream is for us to do one together one day. Fat. Chance. BUT - I have done a couple 5Ks now, and as I said we're both doing the Cooper Bridge Run 10K in Charleston in April. Maybe if I survive, I'll train for a half marathon. Or I'll die on the side of the road. I'm not sure which.

5. I am in love with Photography. Right now it's still just a serious hobby of mine, but if I can save enough money to purchase the camera I want, perhaps one day it can be more, God willing. But only God willing.

6. I am also in love with all things Italy. We were blessed to be able to go in 2008 before Jack, and our goal is to go again the moment we've said goodbye to our kids as they head off to college. Seriously - we'll be packed and ready to go as we pull out of the University.

7. I love home. I used to love travelling, but now, I love being home.

Thanks Amber for tagging me!

Smiling Spatula

2010-12-04T21:26:00.001-08:00

I've gotten the opportunity twice now to shoot for Marisa at Smiling Spatula. It's the first time I've taken pictures of food, and oh my - what wonderful food it is! If you have a sweet tooth, please, try Smiling Spatula. Speaking from experience, you'll go gaga over the chocolate chip cookie dough sandwiches, brownies, and more. Seriously, go now.

The Harris Family

2010-12-04T20:48:00.000-08:00

This weekend I had the honor of shooting Christmas pictures for my friend Amy and her beautiful family. The Hewlett's and the Harris' go back awhile, way before we were chasing around toddlers together. And with the arrival of their second son, Avery, Christmas was the perfect time to catch up on some pictures.

Final Christmas Card!

2010-12-03T11:55:00.001-08:00

All Of Us Christmas 5x7 folded card

Make a statement with Shutterfly Christmas photo cards.

View the entire collection of cards.

Oh Blog, I miss you...

2010-11-24T12:30:00.000-08:00

I know I need to blog more. And now that I've found a couple blogs that I love to read daily, It's given me motivation to do it again.

So i will.

Just not today ;-)

We are leaving for PA in... 6.5 hours and I need to pack, clean, and oh yeah, leave work at some point.

But in the mean time... Happy Thanksgiving, from me to you.

Oh... what am I thankful for?

These two men, and the One who gave them life.

Christmas Cards!

2010-11-15T11:11:00.001-08:00

Well, it's been a little while since I posted, and I'm going to try and blog more often, but here's a little blog about Christmas Cards!

Obviously, anyone who knows me or gets cards from me knows that I only use photo cards for my Christmas cards. I've even used them for Halloween, and I used one for Jack's first birthday party invitation this year. Last year I even bought my Grandma a Photo Mug for her kitchen.

So, when I saw on Amber's blog that Shutterfly (the site where i purchase all my cards) was doing a promotion for bloggers (you get 50 free cards when you blog about their site and their cards), you know I'm in! I was planning on using them anyway for this year's Christmas card so I could use my favorite photo of Jack from this year, so this is a perfect way to save some money! If you've never done one, take a look at their Christmas Card selection - they have a TON! And I love that they include cards that really speak to the real reason for Christmas - the birth of our savior!

So thanks Shutterfly! If you blog and want to sign up, go here:

My baby is one!!!

2010-06-07T07:37:00.000-07:00

Happy 1st Birthday to my sweet boy :-) . We celebrated with friends and family and snuck in a couple mommy/baby moments too :-) I wasn't as emotional as I thought I'd be, but mostly happy at the thought that I haven't completely messed up his life in one year - ha!

Oh, how I love him.

Gina and Dave - Engaged!

2010-04-29T11:50:00.000-07:00

I had the wonderful opportunity to shoot a couple portraits for my good friends Dave and Gina this weekend. It was my first time on the Belmont Abbey campus - and wow, is it beautiful!

And on the subject of beautiful, Gina... is.

(Please excuse the fuziness of a couple of these, I still haven't figured out how to blow them up on here and keep the clarity of them!)

Easter Happiness

2010-04-05T06:34:00.001-07:00

This weekend we were able to take a 3-day weekend and spend it all doing our favorite things... breakfasts together... walks in the neighborhood...a little shopping (I'm not quite sure Matt or Jack would agree that's a favorite thing)... and just generally not caring about anything but squeezing in each second of time we have with each other.

And then add Easter on top of that, and it's just icing on the cake.

My little Republican:

Add in sunshine, blue sky and my family, it was one those perfect days.

Been so busy....

2010-03-19T06:29:00.000-07:00

...with a little one who makes getting up early easy... and who has forced me to learn the art of eating dinner in 5 seconds flat... and who every day, gets more and more a mind of his own.

If you asked me 3 weeks into Jack's life if I enjoyed being a mama.... I don't know what i would have said. His colicky little self threw me for a huge loop... I took his constant ... yes constant crying 100% personally - I thought he hated me, I thought I was a terrible mother. Turns out he just has a terrible stomach. But 10 weeks into his life things just got better, and now 10 months into his life, I find myself practically running through the doors of the little daycare he spends his days at so I can snatch him up.

I haven't had a lot of time to take pictures. I've been studying other photographer's work, and realized I just don't have the camera I need to take the shots i want to take. So... in about 20 years I'll have saved up enough spare change to buy the camera I want!

But in the mean time, I do want to introduce you to something that makes everyone laugh, makes my heart melt, and gets this little guy anything he wants (almost).

I give you...

...the lip.

Noor's Engagement Party

2010-02-09T17:40:00.000-08:00

A few weeks ago I had the pleasure of shooting this formal engagement ceremony for Noor and her family.... and what a sweet and beautiful family they are! The camera loves Noor, she is GOR-GEOUS!

Here are they bride and groom-to-be's fathers formally accepting their engagement.

Stunning!

They had ALL their family in from all over the world for this occasion, and there were some DARLING babies!

Just a little thought...

2010-02-09T11:03:00.001-08:00

In this economy, I'm grateful to have a steady, decent job ... but dang, do I miss these two today...

Happy New Year!

2010-01-14T09:33:00.001-08:00

Happy New Year from the Hewlett's!

I'm back, and I'm a Mama!

2009-09-30T08:41:00.000-07:00

Ok, so it's been a LONG time since i've been on here - but now that life has become a new kind of normal, I'll be trying slowly to get back to taking super cool photos (and learning a lot more) ... but this, ladies and gentlemen, has been my 100% priority since May 29...

May I present, Jack William Hewlett.

Michael

2008-10-07T12:59:00.000-07:00

Also at the wedding last week, I got the chance to take a couple shots of this little cutie. I tell you, this little guy knows how to look the part! Future heartbreaker!

Kelly + Justin

2008-10-06T06:28:00.000-07:00

This weekend I got to sit back and enjoy Kelly and Justin's wedding. There were plenty of photographers and videographers, so I decided to mostly practice on detail shots.

1st Wedding Shadowing!

2008-09-23T08:58:00.000-07:00

I was so excited this weekend to be able to shadow my first wedding. It was definitely a learning experience, no flash was allowed! I did manage to get a couple cute shots though!

Chris and Erica

2008-09-23T06:54:00.000-07:00

I got the chance to practice this weekend with Chris and Erica, who definitely knew how to rock the camera. I mean, just look how cute they are!! Thank you guys!!!

Because She's Just So Pretty...

2008-09-14T12:26:00.000-07:00

And because she recently turned 3, and she looks good on camera and off, Sophie Grace.

Caleb Reid

2008-09-14T12:13:00.000-07:00

I had the priviledge this weekend to spend some time with Amy and precious Caleb. Let me tell you, this little boy is addicting. So sweet! I've never, even casually, taken pictures of a newborn, so this was so much fun! Amy, thank you for your willingness!

Shadowing with Laura!

2008-09-11T05:56:00.000-07:00

I decided that one of the best ways to learn would be to contact Laura Stikeleather (http://www.stikeleatherphotography.com/), who was my wedding photographer. She's, in a word, amazing. She made me feel beautiful as a bride and welcome this week as a novice who wants to learn. She allowed me to shadow her on a Bridal Portrait at a local Country Club. I got to do way more than just shadow - she taught me things I didn't know about my camera, and allowed me to help her with lighting and flash techniques. I had a BLAST and can't wait to do it again!
Here are a couple of shots I was able to take. Remember, the Bride was looking at Laura, not at me!

Italy

2008-09-02T11:35:00.000-07:00

Matthew and I were blessed to be able to take a 10 day trip to Italy last April. We used it as a great excuse to buy our camera, a Nikon D40.
We visited Milan, Venice, Florence, Siena and Rome. As you can imagine, all were beautiful, but by far, the Tuscan country side and Rome were breathtaking.

Rome...

Amy and Caleb

2008-09-02T11:25:00.000-07:00

So, I decided that Amy, one of my closest and dearest friends would be the guinea pig for my first photo shoot. Well, Amy and her unborn (at the time) child, Caleb Reid. Now, Caleb is over a week old, and I'm sure pining away for his first photo shoot. All in good time, little baby, all in good time. But seriously, here are some shots of Amy's beautiful nursery, belly, and dogs (Nestle and Hershey).

Let's Take a Crack at This Thing

2008-09-02T11:19:00.000-07:00

So, in an effort to actually get this rolling, I've created this blog to showcase some photographs in an effort for praise, criticism, disdain, disgust, or delight. Seriously, tell me what you think. No holds bard.