Demi Lynn Sheveland.

in , , ,

Demi, or "Demra, Haiku Jungle Cat Princess" as my Father calls her is something special.  My little sugar and spice and everything nice.  Don't try to get anything past this one, she'll catch you.  Meticulous, organized, prideful and stubborn.  She's it.  I'm sooo thankful I shot these because she's already changed BIG TIME.  (That freckle below her lip was the cause of some serious tears.  She doesn't like it.  I had to convince her that only the most beautiful women in the world have those...i.e. CIndy Crawford, Liz Taylor, Linda Evangelista, Sophia Loren.....She finally has accepted it.  I wish I had that freckle!!!!)

Capture every moment.  Even the ones that don't matter because they ALL end up mattering.  And I've decided life just changes too quick, so grab a moment away from your phone, your computer and the stupid television and run outside with your kids, your dog or your parents.  We aren't on this planet very long.  Happy Sunday folks.  Peace.​

​

The Goldsmiths..Family Extraordinaire!

in , , ,

I've been photographing this family since the beginning and it has been a blast to see their Ohana grow.  I love being able to document a family's growth and love thru the years.  It's probably one of the things I do best.  Not only are they all great looking and know how to dress (thank you for avoiding all white Erica!) they are THE NICEST people to work with.  Erica owns "Couture Events" and puts on incredible events on Maui.  Her attention to detail is always what gets me.  If you need any type of event coordinating, call Erica with Couture Events.  

This was from December and was their "Holiday" shoot.  I usually hold off on blogging these so people can debut them first in their cards and photo gifts to relatives.  You will see a bunch more.  Enjoy!​

​

Holiday Outtakes and the TRUTH.

This post is supposed to be a "holiday" theme for a Facebook photo group I'm linked up to.  It was even MY suggestion that it be "holiday" themed.  I wanted mine to be all pretty with trees, bows and stockings.  It didn't turn out that way.  Instead this week I've been a referee, a therapist, a mom, a teacher AND a student.  It seems our move to California and Cole's newfound popularity along with his hormones shifting have all happened at once.  (Sorry Cole, I know that's TMI.)  But it's true.  Life has thrown us many challenges the past two years.  A divorce, two dogs disappeared, two big moves including one to the mainland (and tears about missing cousins on a daily basis) and a Dad who isn't here most of the time.  Oh, let's not forget a cancer diagnosis that is terminal.  

Life has been hard.  Sometimes I'm lonely.  Sometimes I want adult conversation that doesn't include the words "cool" and "sick" or "Mom, that's so 90's."  Sometimes we can't afford food and I don't know how we are going to make it most months.  (Gasp.  I said it.)  I don't let on to the kids.  I just curb their attention to other things.  Like the roof over our head.  And the food that is on the table.  (Hopefully it's there next month)  There's been a lot of yelling.  A lot of tears.  A lot of arguing.  Pep talk after pep talk.   

"We are a team."

"We can do this."

That's what I say.  Because I don't know what else to say.  Even in the worst of times, I am so HAPPY and feel incredibly BLESSED that my kids are alive, present, NORMAL.  So in spite of my heart breaking on days like lately, I know, everything is going to be okay.   

Yesterday you saw our "happy" Christmas card facade.  

Here's what really is happening.  Fake smiles.  Belly laughs.  Forced cuddling.  I guess that is what Family is all about.  Christmas and the holidays aren't about presents.  It's about FAMILY.  And being TOGETHER.

So go hug your kids.  Your friends.  Or maybe go talk to someone you don't even know.  Because maybe they need adult conversation.  

I dedicate this post to the 26 souls who will not be here this holiday in Connecticut.  Peace be with you.

Now......

Make sure you go check out my UBER-talented sister in law Wendy Laurel's blog HERE.  

Let the outtakes begin!  

Mele Kalikimaka........

In lieu of cards this year I went the el cheapo way.  Screenshot of the card I WANTED to get printed.  I'm saving trees.

I have a BIG surprise for the kids for this Christmas.  They have NO clue what they are getting and it's something big.  Hehehehehehehehe!!!!!  I love surprises!!!!  

I also love memories instead of material goods.  That's a hint.  (Pay attention oh children of mine.  Pay close attention!)

Merry Christmas, or Mele Kalikimaka from my family to yours.  Love to all.  

p.s. Stop by tomorrow for my "holiday" post which really won't look very "holidayish" but will be posting photos showing honesty and truth behind this Holiday photo shoot.  SIgh.....be prepared to laugh.  

It's beginning to feel a lot like......

CHRISTMAS!!!

The kids and I are really enjoying this festive time!  Maui was of course always beautiful and stunning us with her incredible backdrops for the holidays, however San Diego has been a real treat.  It's feels so much more "holidayish" with the cooler weather, jackets and scarves and Christmas lights hung everywhere.  I'm hoping our tree won't cost us an arm and a leg too like it did on Maui.....  

How to make these cute little nostalgic profile images!

"* Using your digital camera, place your subject against a plain white or neutral background.  Turn them so it's a profile shot.  Stand up straight kiddos!

* Open the picture in Photoshop. Use the Magic Wand tool to select the background for removal. Once clicked, the background will be outlined and highlighted. Go to 'edit' and click 'cut.' The background will disappear.

* Now go to 'image' and click 'adjustments.' Select 'desaturate' to remove all color.

* In 'adjustments,' select 'brightness/contrast.' Lower the brightness and increase the contrast until your image takes the form of a silhouette.

* If the image isn't completely silhouetted, use the Paintbucket tool (with black as the color selection) to fill in as needed, placing the cursor dead center and clicking until your desired effect is achieved.

* Using the Image tool, select 'image size' to set your desired dimensions.

* Save your silhouette as a JPEG file.

It's fun to add some eyelashes on the girls too.  :)

Yes those are my children's profiles.  

Quynh and Hung, Makena Maui

I met Quynh and Hung while I was shooting another wedding on Maui at the Sheraton.  I was excited to get to know them.  Quynh was a master planner and organized everything a year out.  I really loved working with this great couple.  They had 14 years of togetherness under their belt and were excited to start their "married" life.  I love shooting chinese tea ceremonies as well.  Very meaningful.  Congrats to these wonderful people.  I really felt honored to be a part of their day.  

Let The Kids Dress Themselves

in , , , , ,

I'm one of those people who is constantly posting my everyday life on Instagram.  The kids hate me for it.  My parents love me for it.  And apparently so does one of my favorite photography blogs!  "Let The Kids Dress Themselves" is the premiere family photography blog featuring the best of the best in family and children photographers around the world.  I'm so honored.  Check out the post here.

Wendy Laurel has taught me so much about photography.  One of the things she told me when I first started was "leave your camera out.  Leave it on the counter.  Don't put it away nicely in your case.  Capture everything.  That's how you'll learn to be a better photographer."  I always took this advice seriously because it worked.  I did notice though, that the kids would shy away from the best moments because they saw the big girl camera come out.  Enter the iPhone.....(insert evil laugh) With the iPhone I've been able to be super sneaky and capture EVERYTHING.  Including brother sister cuddling in bed.  Yep.  I always knew they loved each other and now I have the proof.  (These will also be used as bribing tools when the kids are teenagers.)

Also, for those of you who like my Instagram work, and would like to see more of it, you can view ALL of my art here

Encinitas Candy Birthday Party!!! Yippppeee!

in , , , , , , ,

  I've always wanted to do a candy themed birthday party and I finally did!  This was SO much fun!  I got most of the ideas from the awesome website, The Hostess with The Mostess.  

Not sure how happy all the parents were (sorry charlie) but it's a great excuse to steal their kids candy when they go to bed.

Perfect weather, awesome company and my beautiful little baby girl, Demi Lynn turning 9.  Wow.  Time sure flies.

ENJOY EVERY MOMENT.

 

 

 

San Diego Family Photographer

in , , , ,

Another one of my FAVORITE families from Sacramento!  I LOVED working with them!  It was one of my last days on Maui and we had so much fun.  Wonderful kiddos, a beautiful sunset and sincerely sweet clients.

Really excited to start photographing families in North County San Diego!

Encinitas Farmers Market, Project Demi 365, San Diego Children's Photography

in , , , , ,

The produce was bountiful.

The flowers so glorious.

And the sun was shining at the Farmer's Market in Encinitas.

Then my daughter told the flower lady with all her honesty:  "These flowers smell like guinea pigs."

Sigh......

San Diego Newborn Photography, Featuring Baby Claire

in , , , , ,

This is an extra special shoot for me because not only is Mariah one of my childhood friends, I also had the privilege of shooting her and her husband Scott's engagement photos AND wedding photos.  I'm the lucky one.  They are like family to me and my children.  I feel so lucky to call them my neighbors now too.  (Okay, they are five minutes away, but neighbors to me!)  Kudos to Scott and Mariah for being great new parents.  I'm so proud of them both.

Congrats to Scott and Mariah.  Your sweet baby girl is a doll.

 Welcome to world Claire.  We love you.

p.s. Their dog Briley is used to playing the starring role, so she of course will still play a big part in all our shoots.  :)

Grandma Cook was on hand of course.  Loved having her around!

California Dreamin.....

in , , , , , , ,

I moved!

Took the kiddos and moved to Encinitas, the last "real" surfing town left in California.  (Don't argue with me, it's true.)

We survived our first two weeks.  Brought the kitty, our surfboards and our wits.  I couldn't be prouder of my kids.  They are AMA-ZING.  They took the challenge and ran!  They love their new school and are digging the cool weather.  There is so much I forgot about on the mainland.  Hummingbirds, skunks, deer, fog, farmers markets and TRAFFIC.  :)

Here's a splash of what we've been up to.  Cole's best friend Max also moved here.  Pretty convenient....  I'm about six months behind on blogging so forgive me!  I'm catching up!

Lost Boys Hana

in , , , , , ,

My FAVORITE style of photography is fine art portraiture of children.  My icon is Sally Mann.  Google her and you can see why I'm in love with her style.  Real.  Raw.  Black and white.  Amazing.  She inspires me daily.  You can see her influence thru out my career.  I was commissioned by a Sally Mann collector to photograph her three sons in black and white "Sally Mann" style in Hana, Maui.  I did this TWO YEARS ago and am finally blogging it.  It's my favorite shoot to this day.  I can't wait to do more.  I'll post the full post soon.

 

Project Demi 365

in , , , ,

Someone just HAD to sneak into to Demi's photo.....Oh Cole.

It's just too bad my kids have no personality.  I mean really people.  I don't know how this happened.  I'm so....boring.  ;)