I’m so honored to be a part of your life and it’s amazing to me how our friendship has evolved. Truly consider you like a sister, so very thankful for that. Happy birthday!

And in case I don’t say it enough, thank you for always being there!!!!!

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!

Look at you, all grown up. I still remember the first day I met you in that little green suit of yours. From the minute we spoke I knew we were destined to be the best of friends. Because really, how cool is it that we have similar taste in so many things, but bring so much uniqueness to the table? So glad to be able to once again celebrate you and be a part of your life, especially the fun stuff like your birthday. Remind me to thank your mama and papa for giving me such a wonderful friend and the sister I never had.

Love you to pieces!

Never would I ever had imagined starting a photography business, it’s something that developed from hobby and the curiosity of always learning something new. I am truly doing what I love and learning many things as I go along, especially on the business end. Somedays are easier than others and it’s a lot more work than it appears, long days, late nights and working weekends have become a routine. I know that it is worth every minute because I have happy clients and most importantly, I’m happy. What really has stricken me and touched me is being able to incorporate my business and work in collaboration with one of my best friends and others as well. This truly is a blessing and sometimes I need to stop for a little bit, reflect and really take in all the goodness from this incredible journey that I am creating. Thanks for listening.

Now for the good stuff! I love her delicious blond hair (yes, all natural, be jealous) in the sunlight.

This photo makes me laugh. I was checking out my exposure and trying to get an angle from the ground, literally.

I can’t wait to post photos from the wedding, you are going to fall in love with this couple, I’m just warning you. This is what a Dream Team looks like. I can’t wait to shoot other weddings with her in the future, whether she’s bringing me the ladder or I’m bringing it to her.

I’ll let the photos speak for themselves since most of you that follow the blog (even though you don’t leave comments Erik, Kris, Fabian to name a few) already know about the photo swap and all the juicy details, if not scroll down two posts down to Meet Caroline. Just like in Caroline’s photos, these are all SOOC as far as cropping and tilting go except for one photo. I’m really proud of the results and I hope you enjoy.

I love her eyes in this photo, but most of all I finally have proof to show her that her hands are just as beautiful.

Just gorgeous, natural posing and I’ve captured her beautiful eyes. She might kill me for posting such a close-up of her, but I’ll take the beating so you as a viewer can enjoy, you’re welcome.

I’ve always loved the way Trude laughs, how she throws her head back.

I love her sexy-librarian look with her glasses.

One of my favorites-yum.

SOOC shot and I love the results.

Just awesome!!!!!!!!!!!! I played with the tilt SOOC and then in processing used a fun sunshine action to bring out the natural sunflare and sun spots.

My second favorite.

I love how you can see her smile just a bit.

Did I mention how much fun we had?

Trude is an amazing photographer herself, smart & sassy woman that just happens to be one of my best friends. I know, I’m pretty blessed liked that.

Life gets a little crazy sometimes, but I can always count on her to listen to me. She’s one of the best listener’s I know and like in my family she’s the only girl, so we both truly understand the essence of sisterhood via friendships. She is my techy and often my email pal whether it’s personal, photography based or our linky love emails, we always share and help out one another. Don’t even get me started on the fashion and shopping guru that she is, but I mooch off of that too and we try to keep our shopping dates at a minimum otherwise we get into major trouble. I won’t even get into our mutual addiction and love affair with dark chocolate and guacamole, I just won’t. Love you amiga!

Will be back with some more photo goodness, I  have two maternity shoots this week and I’m really excited about it.

These girls are such natural beauties, they pretty much rocked my world and my camera! I might have to do more than one post for this session, there is just too much goodness. I am laughing and smiling like a big nerd in front of my mac as I’m editing these photos, just amazing.

Please wipe the drool off your mouth and get a grip because there’s much more of this, will come back with some more.

Katie and Dante’s regal look, so they said.

Too cute to handle. Dante is looking extra sharp with his cool tie!

My favorite group photo of them in the orange orchard.

Never a dull moment, really, not with the Glowins.

Trude and Nikki are book worms.

Amazing, right?

I love this! They just belong together and they have the best sister relationship that I have ever witnessed, seriously.

Hello hot mama!

Are you still there? Love Katie’s face here, so funny.

Do you feel the love here? They are adorable together, such a beautiful friendship.

Oh Katie, your pucker makes me laugh.

I’ve still got my mojo with you! I made them laugh with a classic George Lopez joke.

Trude, Katie, Nikki and Dante, thank you so much for the experience and allowing me to capture you. This tops one of my favorite sessions of the year, by far. Seriously, you gave me such a wonderful gift just by witnessing the special bond you have and getting to play with you on a Sunday afternoon. I laughed and got the warm fuzzies editing your photos all the way, just look at you! I’m so grateful for our friendship and can’t imagine life without my dosage of this trio, love you! Before I cry, can I just say that I highly recommend a BFF photo session for everyone, so much fun. Can’t wait to do one of my own next year.

You girls must tell me which of the group photos is your favorite, just do it, the team leader has spoken!