So, the news is out... Jelani and I are PREGNANT! Apparently, it is not official until you pee in a cup at the doctors office, which I happily did on Monday!
My work load has been slowing down a lot as I face the common ailments of pregnancy; this trimester means lots of sick days. I plan to resume my normal shooting schedule in April, so till then, I will be posting lots of news on the baby... baby names ideas, nursery plans, et cetera. We are a family on a budget, so it will be exciting to get feedback from other creative parents in some of these areas!

Also, I am posting a gorgeous music video by brittany spears about her (first?) baby. I think it's so romantic and loving... (plus I hope to look that good in a nightgown when I'm baring a belly).

Blessings!

Our Wedding

Photos by: Nate Watkins and Kevin Russ

Blue Taffeta

This is a series created for Sara Seven's Bridal Line. She currently sells this blue bridesmaid dress, along with several timeless wedding gowns and several other bridesmaid options.

Model: Megan Marie Hodge
Makeup: Madi Makeup and Hair
Hair: Austie

Interested in Soy-Smells like Home- Candles?

Browsing through a little Seattle boutique this weekend, I finally came across a "can't live without" candle! You know, the kind of candle that literally reminds you of being a kid, without the sickening accents of vanilla, or cupcake batter? Well, I was delightedly surprised to find that the candles came in these lovely little retro jars. Mine actually has some kind of brown, geometric pattern across it, whereas the one I posted has more of an eco-friendly look.

Anyhow, I am posting the link to these rad little Soy Joy's. Enjoy!

http://www.monkeygrassonline.com/crash-zuz-garden-grass-soy-candle.html

Sara Seven: Before And After

Sara Seven Shoot
Models left to right: Caitlin, Megan, Anna
Makeup: Madi
Hair: Austie

This is a great before and after shot because there are so many subtle elements to change. First their is lighting.
Since we were limited in both time and space to shoot (we were shooting in a Hotel where guests were walking past the entire shoot) we had to get what we could at the time and it was left to me to add in light in post-work. In this shot you may notice that I "lit" Caitlin 40% afterward. This allows for a better view of both the model and the dress.
In addition to post- lighting I had to create more clean lines on all of the models.
You will notice in the close up of Caitlin that I created more angles in her face, neck and arms. Again, this was done to all three of the girls.
The more obvious processing are the color curves, which add a different mood to the shot. Sara prefers these subtle curves, with green and blue undertones.

To View This Photo Larger, please visit my flickr: http://flickr.com/photos/lavendamemory/3259149806/sizes/o/

Additional Before and After:

Office Makeover.

I am back from Seattle! Revving to edit some photos and clean up my office! A redesign is in order. Currently, my office is the home to every box, work bag, and every other homeless photography paraphernalia to grace our house. Needless to say, it's a mess.
On the 10th of this month we'll be making an Ikea stop to pick up some built ins to add to my desk, which will double as my workspace and our home library. I'm excited to finally drag our boxes and crates of books from the garage back in doors. I also plan to create some kind of organizational- post it- site (aka a painted cork board) to place on the all-too-bare walls.

I will post photos once the deed is done!

Till then!
Cheers.

Tasty Benefits!

In a recent magazine article on dark juices, which include the pure juice from the likes of pomegranate, grape and cranberry juice- I decided to try some of these juices myself.
My favorite blend, "Cran-Pomegranite" (first purchased at Wal-mart and now at Safeway when on sale) mixes only pure juice from cranberries and pomegranate into a yummy blend that I most enjoy chilled with 2 ice cubes.
After trying out the juice and getting both myself and my husband hooked, I decided to further research the health benefits of these two particular fruits- and their juices*

Cranberries:
"First of all, Cranberries are rich in phytochemicals – You probably heard the term on TV, but what does it do exactly? Phytochemicals do a lot of good stuff for the body. Cranberry juice is a good source of polyphenol antioxidants and phytochemicals, both of which are possible deterrents against cancer and disorders of the cardiovascular and immune systems. That's a lot of benefits coming from a small fruit.

Prevents urinary tract infection – Preservatives in food and beverages, along with poor hygiene, contribute to the rise in UTI cases these days. Cleanse by drinking a glass of unsweetened cranberry juice. Cranberry's anti-adhesion properties—or the proanthocyanidins minerals found in the fruit—help rinse the body of urinary tract infections caused by E. coli bacteria.

Reduces dental plaque – Unless you're drinking sweetened cranberry juice, this beverage has nothing but good news for the teeth and gums. Experts say cranberry juice inhibit the growth of mouth bacteria that causes plaque. So drink up. A healthy dose of cranberry juice ensures your teeth are fresh and clean all the time."

(this information was found on cranberryjuice.com)

Pomegranate:
I would be surprised if there is anyone left in the states who has not been exposed to one of the latest superfood trends- pomegranate juice. But what are the benefits of this beautiful, exotic fruit?

"Researchers report that they are rich in antioxidants that can keep bad LDL cholesterol from oxidizing (American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, May 2000). This degradation of LDL seems to be an initial step in the development of atherosclerosis. In addition, pomegranate juice, like aspirin, can help keep blood platelets from clumping together to form unwanted clots.

Does this make any difference clinically? More recent research has found that eight ounces of pomegranate juice daily for three months improved the amount of oxygen getting to the heart muscle of patients with coronary heart disease (American Journal of the College of Cardiology, Sept. 2005). Other researchers report that long-term consumption of pomegranate juice may help combat erectile dysfunction (Journal of Urology, July 2005).

Investigators are also excited about the possibility that pomegranate compounds might prevent prostate cancer or slow its growth. In mice, treatment with pomegranate extract delayed the development of tumors and improved survival (Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, Sept. 26, 2005). Other research reports suggest that pomegranate juice might help reduce the risk of breast cancer."

(this excerpt was found on healthcentral.com)

So, there you have it. Both of these "dark juices", while still tasty and sweet- have a lot to show off as far as health benefits are concerned. I highly recommend trading your own juice cocktail for one of these- health in a jar- superfoods!