Time to start posting again as I finally feel connected after not having the internet for the last couple weeks.

Greg and I left Huntington Beach on a Friday afternoon to attend the OSP West Unconference at the Mission Inn in Pismo Beach, which consisted of approximately 60 photographers mainly from the west coast. Some of the top wedding photographers from around the country, namely John Michael Cooper, Jose Villa, and TJ Cameron were running some photo shoots, and Erik Dungan of Big Folio was kind enough to put this whole thing together, which included all the shoots and a few workshops on photoshop, album making, etc. He did an amazing job. The drive from Orange County wasnt too kind to us as we didnt reach Pismo till Friday evening, but got to enjoy a catered dinner with everyone else, and we did go to sleep with full stomachs, and a couple drinks from the hotel bar. We got up Saturday morning in anticipation of a beach shoot for the morning, followed by an “about town” bridal shoot later in the afternoon. As we leave the hotel in the morning, it is a bit cloudy, starting to sprinkle, but no big deal. As we arrive at Avila Beach, the rain hits!! Never have I shot in rain, but I happen to have a plastic bag in the trunk and use that for a little protection around the camera. The other camera got drenched. Luckily, they are both still in working order, so im super happy….we get back to the hotel after a couple hours, grab some Clam Chowder and Fish and Chips from the famouns Splash Cafe. The sun is finally out and we head back to the hotel to get our stuff for the 2nd shoot of the day. As we are driving to the next spot…..more rain!! I forgot my plastic bag in the room, so this time both cameras are exposed to the elements and they survive again….yay!! Dinner and a couple seminars later, we finally get back for the night.

Sunday, we are pretty tired, but we were able to visit Big Folio for some childrens portraiture and just to check out the studio and chit chat again with everyone else. It was such a great weekend getting to know so many others and just hanging out with an awesome group. Thanks again to Big Folio for putting together such an awesome event, and next year cant come soon enough.

The Avila Beach shoot….headed up by John Michael Cooper, better know as AltF and Jose Villa

Some serious crowding, but we were able to pull off some nice shots. It was hard not to, considering that the models were HOT!!

Saturday afternoon at The Village in Arroyo Grande

Sunday at Big Folio

Finally back. Our internet has been down the last 2 weeks and we’ve moved over to a fiber optic connection through Verizon, which has been flying so far. Our time with Time Warner cable has finally come to an end, and Im glad since their customer service is nonexistent. It really is THE worst!! Plus our new internet service is 3x faster and its cheaper to boot. I just wanna say its good to be back…..that was a tough 2 weeks.

I have run the Pacific Shoreline Half Marathon 3 times before, but this 4th one was definitely the hardest. To begin with, I had been sick the previous 2 days, and my total training consisted of a whole 2 evenings…..one of those to pick up a couple sandwiches from Togo’s. This event has become much more popular from the first time I ran it in 2003. It seemed like twice as many people were there….and there was, since final results showed over 11000 people finished!! I did finish, but it took over an hour longer than the first time, plus I’m twice as sore. Did I mention that I finished….that was the goal this time. My husband, brother in law, and precious little niece, Mia, were there to greet us as we finished. Next up…..The Camp Pendleton Mud Run coming up in June. Unless I shoot a wedding that day.

On Saturday, I had the privilege to shoot one of my best friends and her beautiful family. Ive known Debbie for years and it is so special to have had her in my life for so long, but also to see what a great mom she is. As you can see, she is at the mommy-to-be stage and about to pop at any second. We can’t wait to see the baby girl!! Along with Debbie, was her husband Mario, and two of the most adorable kids you’ll ever want to meet…Ryan and Sophia.

I also got to shoot some of Debbie by herself….and maybe the last time we see her belly like this