I’ve had the privilege to capture her through my journey, you can check it out here, here and here. As I was editing these photos, it made me think of her own journey. Way back when she got her first SLR camera, in 2007. I still remember reading her blog for the first time and thinking to myself, she is creating and this will lead to something. Her blog is what got me hooked on blog reading, finding great artists that through a creative outlet had discovered a talent, a hobby turned business. This and for many more reasons she is an inspiration to me.

When she told me about her plans to start her business and launch her website, I immediately knew I wanted to play with my camera and I am so glad I did. We ventured out on a Sunday afternoon to the Fullerton Loop first with a blue chair and all, because we’re cool like that. Then we were off to the Fullerton Sports Complex and walked the hiking trails.  Although the sunset was not as pure and golden as the prior days and I felt a little off my game, it was still nice to connect and take a good shot at it. Here are a few of my favorites from the day. Somehow the story just flows through these photos.

Oh cuteness. Blue on top of blue worked marvelous, great job Trude and rockin’ this outfit with your pretty blue chair.

I knew I wanted to take this photo and it’s exactly how I envisioned it.

Sparkling necklace made by using her grandmother’s jewelry. Nice touch, Trude.

Gorgeous comes to mind.

Loving all the mustard yellow here.

Trude is a portrait photographer specializing in people and their pets, be sure to check out her website and say hello.

I’m so excited for her and the great things to come this year! She has been such a huge supporter of mine from the beginning and I can’t thank her enough. Like the nerd that I am, I’m already thinking of all the cool workshops we will be attending and hopefully big photo shoots or weddings I can hire her for. How lucky am I to have one of my best of friends as a professional photographer to collaborate with? To call my shutter sister? Counting my lucky stars.

My Trudes, I hope this was woodsy enough for ya and love ya!

My shutter sister, Trude is launching her photography website in the next few days and I had the pleasure of shooting some shots of her. Isn’t she just a doll? Like really, must you look at me that way with your gorgeous green eyes?

She actually asked for this pose so credit is all hers and that is the beauty of working with another creative mind, but more on the details later when I post more from our fun session.

Have a great weekend!

For the second part of our photo swap we decided to shoot at the train station in old town Claremont. It has beautiful architecture and texture and it was the perfect backdrop to use my framed black board. We were good girls and did not take the typical train track photos you see with people walking across them. Don’t get me wrong, we would have loved to take that typical photo, but we do not like fines. No, thank you. We ended the shoot right outside a little vintage store with the cutest display on the side of their store. The lighting was still harsh that day around 5:00 PM so the shade at this location was perfect to get up close and personal on Beka. I love, love taking up close head shots.

Luckily for me I get to shoot her again later this fall along with her husband, so this won’t be the last of Beka you see around here.

My favorite. Her eyes really do sparkle, no photoshop here.

Love the off shoulder, it is always lovely and complimentary on any woman.

I had so much fun with this! Can’t wait for my next photo project, gotta keep the creative juices flowing while they’re here.

I met Beka a few months ago in Claremont at an Industry mixer along with her husband Craig. They were delightful and very warm. We had a great conversation that night, exchanged business cards and email exchanges began. They have been in the business for the 3 years and so I often pick Beka’s brain for info and she gladly shares. Their photography is beautiful and I love that they truly see it as just pure fine art, what a great team they make.

Beka is clearly fun, sweet and creative. I knew I was in for a treat when she invited open conversation during our email exchanges, was truly engaged in sharing ideas and clearly communicated the type of images she wanted. We started our day at 11:00 AM and did not stop clicking away until 5:30 PM! I can honestly say there were still many other places we wanted to shoot, but there was just not enough time in the day and I was too exhausted to continue.

I’m so glad I invited Beka along for this swap. It feels great to connect with others that are pursuing this full time, that truly love their work and are in it whole heartedly.  We both loved the idea of working in the mid-day hours with harsh sunlight, it’s good to challenge yourself and work in different lighting situations. I really learned a lot from her and enjoyed the experience very much, plus I finally got to shoot someone in a library like I always wanted. Photographers have fantasies too, you know. Thank you Beka, I had tons of fun!

Enjoy and be prepared to be amazed by Beka’s modeling talent. Seriously, I think she uses her photography as a cover up and obviously models for Anthropology.

Loved her pretty ring.

Don’t hate, but her hair is naturally that color and so are her eyes. Natural beauty always shines trough, especially when you have confidence and Beka carries both well.

She loves shooting with windows and vintage linens, we really lucked out on this one.

Off we were to the library to cool off and shoot, very quietly.

We were giggling half the time like silly school girls, afraid we would get caught and kicked out.

Yay for the orange VW van that was parked in front of the deli we had lunch at.

Lunch break at Claremont’s Juice Company for some yummy soup and sandwiches.

Stay tuned for Part II, you don’t want to miss it.

She is so talented and as she calls it has “ career ADD” because she enjoys many creative outlets. With a design background she enjoys design, event planning and photography. Aside from that she is just sassy!

Last week we decided we needed some creative mojo and so off shooting we went. Afterwards we enjoyed some happy hour at the Memphis Café in Costa Mesa minus the cocktails. When on a budget, food comes first. It is no surprise Betty and I work well together. She is on her game, organized, talented and most importantly a foodie of healthy food – perfect match. We then attended the OC Smug Mug meeting to hear Roberto Valenzuela speak (the man is a photo genius) and I learned so much from him in the short period of time.

Our shooting venture took place at Newport Back Bay, it was my idea since I needed to scout out the location for a family shoot next month. Finding new locations is almost just as fun as shooting the subjects.

Just beautiful, love her natural beauty.

I love movement and dance, these are some of my favorites.

Betty you are so fabulous, so glad to have met you and that we connected. Look forward to working with you in the near future, thank you for all the magic you brought to my camera. Artists just get it don’t they? 

When I read her blog and she was determined to leave her job for something more fulfilling, I felt the same way and just didn’t know how to take the first step. Partly because I wasn’t sure what I was more passionate about and wanted to pursue, which made it hard to quit my job and go figure it out while bills piled mile high. Soon enough I was in that exact position, not by choice, but it forced me to figure out what I loved most and so my journey into photography and yoga began. I reached out to her (just like I did with Lacy also from the bay area) when I had been laid off and was just finding myself, she replied back and sent me lot’s of support and so I became even a bigger fan.

Be sure to check out her blog and etsy shop. Oh how I wish I had this talent, but since I don’t I’ll happily admire hers, below are her latest works of art. Aren’t they the cutest?

Tiffany, best wishes on the launch of your etsy shop… I can’t wait to see more wonderful things come from you. There must be something about the bay area, you’re all just way too nice!

One of her album creations for a customer, this one is called 21 Years of Friendship.

Have a fabulous weekend and make sure to treat your body & soul kindly!