I See Beauty Blog

Natural Beauty

Jamie — Sat, 28 Aug 2010 22:05:06 +0000

This gorgeous mother-to-be is a personal friend of mine. She contacted me when she first found out she was expecting to plan this maternity session. She grew up in the mountains, so we wanted to show her love of nature in the belly photos. I also knew I had a willing and absolutely stunning model, and together we tried out ideas I have been wanting to do for a very long time. I must say, she did fabulous! We captured so many spectacular images I had to hold back from posting her entire session on the blog. Congratulations Cassandra, I love you bunches!

The Gift of Praise

Jamie — Fri, 27 Aug 2010 22:59:01 +0000

My friend Lisa introduced me to this expecting couple when we ran into them at the farmers market last month. Mom knew all about me upon our introduction, and with great enthusiasm she quickly named off a several clients that I have photographed in the past. Knowing that she has heard positive things about me many times through different friends is so humbling, for the power of referrals is one of the greatest gifts I can receive from my clients. Thank you all for the kudos you continue to bless me with. Mom and Dad, I was thrilled to go capture your memories, and our time together did not disappoint. I left with a smile on my face, looking forward to coming back to meet your little girl in just a few weeks. Congratulations once again!

My Best Friend’s Wedding

Jamie — Mon, 16 Aug 2010 18:32:08 +0000

On Saturday, August 14th, 2010 at 6 pm my best friend Lisa said her vow’s to her new husband Hassan. It was two years ago that we created vision boards together, her’s was to find a husband and mine to be a mother. In some strange way, both of these vision boards have culminated on her wedding day, since I have been a temporary mother of my two nieces.

Her husband is from Morocco and she had to wait more than a year after getting engaged to complete all the paperwork to get him into the U.S. I recall her initial impatience last summer of the immigration process and promised her the day would come faster than she realized. I have kept my promise to her, as this last year has flew by. She is now married and on her honeymoon as I type.

It was just this past July 4th that we first began planning this event, as we had been waiting for Hassan’s Visa to be approved before moving forward. So, the last five weeks we have been running around, planing and executing all the precious details of her very sweet and playful wedding day. I had the privilege of hosting the event at my home in Fresno Cohousing. It was a colorful backdrop to an even more colorful wedding. Every last attention to detail was carefully thought out and handmade either by the bride herself, or her group of supporting friends and family, as well as a few things purchased off of ETSY.

Parasols were provided for the guests to shade themselves from the evening sun during the ceremony.

Star performed a sweet song honoring Lisa and Hassan.

We made the most playful photo booth, compete with pinwheels, mustaches, hats, glasses, and lips on a stick for the guests to have fun with. The resulting instant pictures were affixed to paper and accompanied by a note of well wishes to the couple, then hung up for everyone to enjoy. The pages are Lisa and Hassan’s guest book. I already had an opportunity to look through the completed book and could not help but burst into laughter while looking through the pages.

The tables were decked out in the same sweet vintage fabric as the flags, with matching napkins and fresh organic herbs that the guests took home as their gift.

After the yummy dinner the “sweet treats” bar came out for all to enjoy. Two tables filled with cupcakes, candy and ice cream galore. We made our own banana splits, sundaes, root beer floats and took home bags of candy. Even the music fit the vintage candy shop theme with songs like ‘sugar shack’, ‘sweet pea’, ‘how sweet it is to be loved by you’ and ‘lollipop’. My two nieces were on a sugar rush all night. I figured it was a special day, so why not.

Rather than cutting the cake, they served themselves an ice cream sundae.

I have been playing the role of bride’s best friend, as well as wedding planner and hostess of the wedding, keeping me too busy to think. I passed on being the photographer too, these images I captured are just for fun. At the end of the month we will be able to see what Daniel, the hired photographer, came up with.

Lisa, I am so happy for you I tear up just looking at these images. I have watched a dream of yours become reality, and cannot wait for your new family to blossom and grow. I love you from the bottom of my heart.

Roman Cousins

Jamie — Tue, 10 Aug 2010 15:26:07 +0000

Meet 13 month old Scarlett, cousin to Luca, whom I had the joy of photographing earlier this year. Scarlett and her family are visiting California from Rome, Italy. When they saw Luca’s first photographs Mom knew she wanted me to photograph her beautiful girl too. For being such an active toddler, Scarlett was quite easy to photograph, look at all the amazing images we were able to capture. Who can resist those wonderful curly locks of hair, amazing eyelashes, and charming smile?

Mom and Dad invited me to come visit Rome to in the future, and I will certainly take them up on their offer! I have been to Italy in the past, and would love to visit again. Perhaps next year? And maybe I can photograph some more amazing Roman children while there!

My Special Guests

Jamie — Tue, 10 Aug 2010 14:22:52 +0000

Two weeks ago I picked up two very special guests from the airport, my nieces. They flew in from Washington DC, Anne is 12 and Lilie is 5. Last year I had Anne for most of the summer, but this year mom and I decided to let Lilie join the fun too. They have kept me on my toes and very busy. I have not been able to get much computer work done, since I am still trying to figure out how to manage their demand of my time and attention.

We have had many adventures in the past two weeks. Exploring the California Science Center in Southern California, visiting the Zoo, going up to see the Giant Sequoias, taking a trip to the Central Coast, and tons of swimming just to name a few. This week we will join two more of my nieces and take a trip to the Bay Area to see the Circus, as well as celebrate my best friend’s wedding on Saturday (which I happen to be hosting at my place). And before they fly out on the 18th, we will also get a little art culture in and visit the Getty. Lots on my plate, and never a dull moment to be had. I tried to wake up extra early today just so I can catch up on blogging, but Lilie still knows when there is the slightest stirring, and got up with me…

I have discovered dealing with the temperament of a 5 year old is not always the easiest thing. My two most stressful moments with the little one was over small insignificant things like swimming and lemonade? She can turn in a flash, for no apparent reason… I sometimes wonder if holding my ground is worth it. This experience has given me a whole new appreciation for the trials and triumphs of motherhood.

Here they are jumping for joy at Avila beach.

Only 3 days old.

Jamie — Mon, 09 Aug 2010 22:22:16 +0000

Introducing Owen on his third day of life. Typically, the earliest I will photograph a newborn is 5 days old, to give mom’s milk a chance to come in. But Owen decided to come a few days late, and because of my schedule, we choose to go ahead and do the session on our original date. He was wonderful to photograph, so cooperative and sweet, although he had a mind of his own when it came to his hands. What precious memories we were able to capture of one of the youngest babies I have had the privilege to photograph. Thank you little Owen for being such a dream to work with!

Sonoma Adventure

Jamie — Fri, 06 Aug 2010 15:11:59 +0000

Almost two weeks ago I took a trip up to Sonoma County to photograph this special family for the 4th time. Trying to take advantage of the beautiful scenery of their area, dad took us to this lovely park in Petaluma. The only problem, we had to do the entire session while sliding down the side of a hill, and it was a good little hike to get to our magical spot. I am impressed with Mom’s serious stamina at 34 weeks along, not to mention Joey at 22 months who took the hike like a champ. That morning was full of adventure and I am sure unforgettable for us all. We all agreed the newborn session next month will be in the comfort of their home.

Introducing Sasha

Jamie — Sat, 31 Jul 2010 21:03:54 +0000

I have been a bit behind on all my computer work due to the fact that I have had two very special guests at my house for the last week. My two nieces from Washington DC have blessed me by spending the remainder of their summer with me. The girls are 5 and 12 years old, and bring with them lots of activity and a demand for my attention. How do you mom’s juggle everything? Whew! I had hopeful thoughts that I would be able to work on the computer while they are here, but I have hardly found time to do so… I have two more photo sessions after this one to post later on this week along with pictures of the girls. For now, we are packing to leave to the coast for a few days.

Thank you mom and dad for your generous patience. I know we took these images almost two weeks ago. So without further delay, please meet 5 day old Sasha and her two year old sister Samantha. What truly special moments we were able to capture together. Sasha was so cooperative, and even gave us few smiles. And we were even fortunate enough to get some great moments with her toddler sister. I hope you are thrilled so far! Enjoy.

Picture Day at Children’s Hospital

Jamie — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 18:23:27 +0000

Yesterday I had the opportunity to be part of a large project for Children’s Hospital Central California. Myself, and 27 other professional photographers joined forces and documented “a day in the life at Children’s”. I can probably speak for most of the photographers in that this was a unique opportunity for us to come together as a professional community and work as one. I met several new photographers in the area, and got to catch up with some old friends. Two of my favorites that also participated in this adventure was Mariano Friginal and Jennifer Wycoff, both of which I highly admire and were delighted to see.

We each had a predetermined 6 hour shift during the 24 hours, 2-3 hospital staff dedicated to us, and specific locations in the hospital to photograph. They assigned me to the areas that I am most natural in; the smallest patients in the hospital in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) along with new Maternal Fetal Center where I got to witness my first ultrasound of a baby! I have been told that the fruits of our labor will be featured in a book to come out in early October. I will be sure to keep you updated as soon as the book is available for viewing and purchase.

What a true delight this experience was. The NICU was an inspiration. It’s a place of kind souls and strong spirits where hope is overflowing. I was given permission to share one image on my blog from my adventure yesterday. I choose this one below because these little lovey dolls are Oh So Sweet. Many of the babies have them, and mommy puts it close to her to get her scent on it, and the dolls stay with the baby so they can feel mommy close when she cannot be there.

I have a new sense of reverence for the Hospital and the service it provides for the community at large. Thank you Children’s for doing all you do for us.

A Summer Baby

Jamie — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 16:20:29 +0000

Some images are just magical. Sometimes it is hard to put your finger on why, they just are, and I know it the moment I capture it. These moments will always be etched in my memory, not only as an image, but as a feeling. Such was the case with this close up of baby Natalie and her mommy’s hands. What a perfectly sweet image, capturing their relationship, Natalie’s dependence on mom, and how very small and precious she is. She was so alert and calm during our session, a perfect summer baby.

Six day old Natalie is number three in this amazing family. I had the privilege to photograph 2 year old Christopher as a newborn, and 6 year old Alex when mommy was expecting his little brother. How much fun it is to see them now, all grown up as active children. Congratulations Alex and Christopher on the birth of your baby sister!