{journey}

Sacramento sessions

2009-08-18T21:35:00.000-07:00

Before doing these sessions, both moms had e-mailed me with questions like,

"What happens if my children meltdown and don't cooperate?"

"How do you handle a husband who HATES having his picture taken?"

"How much direction will you give us?"

My answers to all....DON'T WORRY!

I am always amazed with the images captured in less than perfect situations. Even when there are hiccups in family sessions, somehow we still manage to get pictures that tell the story of each family.

I love these and hope you do too!

for stacy

for brittany

Sacramento here I come....

2009-07-23T22:02:00.000-07:00

...right back where I started from!

I love Sacramento. I miss it. And everytime we visit, it still feels like home.

We are coming back for a summer visit in August. I would love to do some photo shoots while there.

The Details:

When?
The evenings of August 11th-13th (maybe 14th or 15th too)

Where?
I still need to scope out some final locations.
I will be looking for something URBAN and something NATURAL. Guaranteed to be cool!
I am thinking beautiful fields and cool old towns (roseville, auburn?)

How Much?
$150 for the session.
This includes the editing of 20-30 images in a gallery for your viewing pleasure.

Freebies:
3 - 5x7's OR 2 - sets of (8) wallets
2 - 8x10's
a hug from me.

all other prints and CD's sold separately. For a la carte pricing click HERE.

Who?
Families
Couples in LOVE
HS Seniors
Newborns
Children

How to contact me:
alidegraff@yahoo.com
Facebook

I would love to see you all. Whoever you are. Friends, long-lost friends, strangers, family....just do it!

To view samples of my Senior work, go to
www.bloomphotographyseniors.blogspot.com

Here is a little sampling of work, both old and new:

a new start

2009-07-01T12:20:00.000-07:00

You may remember a few of these faces!

I could not be more thrilled for them. They've hauled the long road for a few years.

This mom is incredible. These kids are so full of energy and personality. And now it's their turn for happiness.

I am so excited for you guys and your new start!

the lovely couple. so in love.

mom's little angels.

all together. and happy.

Print Prices

2009-06-23T22:38:00.000-07:00

Print Pricing
All prints finished in lustre on professional quality paper.

8 Wallets - $15
5x7 - $10
8x10 - $22
11x14 - $37
16x20 - $58
20x24 - $65

CD of images - $200
These come with a copyright release to print as you wish.

Other print options available upon request.
Canvas, storyboards, custom sizes and finishes, mounting options, and press printed cards.

HS Seniors can check out sample of my work at
www.bloomphotographyseniors.blogspot.com

all in the family.

2009-05-22T10:09:00.000-07:00

Field of Dreams

I've seen this field many times, and always thought to myself, "I bet that would be a pretty place to take pictures." But when we drove up and actually got out of the car, it had many things to offer that were a surprise to me. Like green, flowy grains, golden fields, a rad tire swing, and some neat old fence posts. There is still much, much more to be explored there. My poor sister-in-law was literally swelling and snotting before our eyes - the allergies were ATROCIOUS!

Cousins

I've been wanting to take the pictures involving ballooons, colorful suckers and funky clothing combinations ever since I joined Flickr and saw that that seemed to be all the rage in the photography world.

We had a good time dressing our kids. It was hard for me to stray from the plain colored tee shirt/onesie and saggy diaper look, but Mindy was a great partner in crime! I love how these turned out!

sundown

2009-04-19T22:29:00.000-07:00

2009-03-02T20:58:00.000-08:00

wowsers!

2008-12-10T11:56:00.000-08:00

I did it! I took my business for a test-run and came out alive. learned A LOT, but still came out alive.

I'm convinced there could be no better way to earn money. I love taking pictures and capturing a moment in someone's life. It is so rewarding.

But for now, I am ready for a little break. Time to do my kids' scrapbooks and order my own Christmas cards for gosh sakes!

Thanks to all who gave ole Bloom Photography a chance. Until later...

Red

2008-11-17T13:17:00.000-08:00

I am finding that I love this hobby/job. I get to meet so many wonderful families and individuals, and this family is no exception.

This mom is amazing. Right now, life has thrown her some curve balls and she has shown exceptional bravery in the way she's handling her situation.

Which is why I am glad they are wearing red. It's a symbol of many things, STRENGTH being one of them. And this mom is a ROCK!

Plus, look how absolutely adorable her kids are. Every one of them!

Thanks friends. I think we got a few cute ones even though we were working against the sun in a major way!

Ewww...can you tell the colors in this picture are muted? That's what happens when I don't upload from Flickr. This one is much better in real life...meaning real cyber/pixel/digital life. (I'm not making sense, I know)

Used a flash on this one...naughty, naughty. But it was completely dark. I think it's still a beautiful shot.

2008-11-10T23:23:00.000-08:00

I've been wanting my pictures bigger for a long time and now they are too big. Oh bother. Some are cut off...sorry.

a babe

...and a BABY!

neighbors

2008-11-04T21:56:00.000-08:00

One hot summer day when I was very fat with child, I came home from work and discovered a beautifully wrapped gift on my doorstep. It was from my neighbor, Fawn. And in it was some anti-stretch mark body lotion.

I could not get over her kind gesture. Little did she know that I had been stalking her for some time from my bedroom window (yes, we live in a fishbowl) wishing we were friends. We had moved to this strange place called Romoland and she looked like someone I would really get along with!

In due time we became friends, but it didn't seem to last long. Life took them on a different path and led them to beachier "pastures". Oh how jealous we were. We missed our new friends. But luckily, we still keep in touch. And luckily, I got to take their pictures last weekend.

So, without further ado...here is a little sample.

Oh and just a little tidbit about Damien.

Turns out, he is deathly afraid of birds!

Love you guys!

**Sorry that some of these pics got cut off on one side**

2008-10-21T17:06:00.000-07:00

They came prepared...

2008-10-12T22:10:00.000-07:00

These guys knew what they were doing with two young kids at a photo shoot. They came armed with puppets, balls, animals, snacks, etc. It sure made my life a lot easier knowing that they were providing some entertainment too!

My first referral!

2008-09-29T12:26:00.000-07:00

2008-09-17T22:13:00.001-07:00

don't look too close. remember...this is practice.

jackman models

2008-09-15T21:18:00.000-07:00

These kids came with me to scout out some new locations. They were real troopers. I am sure taking pictures is not their activity of choice!

I tested out quite a variety of editing techniques. Still experimenting in Photoshop. What is your preference?

less obvious

2008-09-03T21:50:00.000-07:00

I re-tried the burn tool to vignette. better?

Ewww.

2008-09-03T20:47:00.000-07:00

Too faded, right? It looks so much different in PS.

That bugs.

something different

2008-09-03T20:15:00.001-07:00

I tried my first "texture" in Photoshop. Interesting. I am loving this experimentation. Not sure I love the end color of the photo. I think my own personal style (if I knew how to achieve it) would be light, bright, punchy colors, so this is a fun diversion.

What do you think? I would love some HONEST critique! Maybe more of a brown hue? Less fade?

learning

2008-08-27T22:10:00.001-07:00

Tonight I tried to add a vignette via the burn tool. This is my first try and it is FAR from perfect. Very splotchy, actually. But that's okay because I am stoked to be learning something!

BEFORE (obviously)................................................. AFTER

2008-08-20T14:28:00.000-07:00

beach house

2008-08-14T11:21:00.000-07:00

Oops...what is that sock doing in the picture?

2008-08-12T23:40:00.000-07:00

A double blessing, as was written on the invitation. Two of my cousins from the same family had a joint wedding reception this weekend, and it was beautiful. Not a stone left uncovered, or a leaf left unturned! Every detail was given particular thought and executed beautifully!

I was so excited to attend. why? To take pictures, of course. Only to be slightly disappointed with my limited equipment and ability...oh, and free rein of the place! I think some photoshop magic would make some of these photos decent. They all have a greenish, grey tint that is buggin', big time!

I also wish I could have gotten more pictures of my cousins, but that would have required pushing the hired photographers out of the way OR having a zoom lens. Oh well. I still enjoyed DROOLING over the magical atmosphere and details.

Hawaiian band, delicious food, romantic stone pathways, bright bold prints, gelato, crepes, soft lighting....the list goes on and on.

The only one....

2008-07-08T10:53:00.000-07:00

Amanda is the only senior in YW's, so I took the chance to take pictures of her.

These guys were GREAT sports!

2008-05-28T00:05:00.000-07:00

I left feeling like I didn't get anything good, but came home and was quite pleased with a few shots.

I've said it before and I'll say it again...it is becoming clear to me that I need to learn photoshop. I see potential in my photos, but can't make them look exactly how I want.

At any rate...here are some from today. And although not all the kids were looking perfect at once for the family shots, I think it's fun to see them in their true colors! After all, they are kids, right?

Family Shots

Last shot of the day...exhausted and worn out...

some i really like

my favorites

2008-05-18T22:06:00.000-07:00

chloe

2008-05-03T19:40:00.000-07:00

This is her big sister...just as pretty!

Still waiting on a smile...

2008-04-11T16:56:00.000-07:00

Lucy at 6 weeks old.

first 2 weeks

2008-03-15T21:07:00.000-07:00

Little Champ

2007-12-30T20:50:00.000-08:00

This little man has been through a lot in 6 short weeks. He has recovered smoothly from a surgery on his skull, traveled 5 hours from Chicago to Sacramento, and managed to stay healthy with a doting toddler cousin around. He is indeed a LITTLE CHAMP.

Meet my nephew, Carter.

For a Friend....

2007-11-17T18:12:00.000-08:00

Oh wait...all my shots are for friends.

another baby will

2007-11-04T11:05:00.000-08:00

have you seen these new diapers william is modeling? they are the eco-friendly "g" diapers. very cool concept, and very sweet baby...

tyler, katie & little will

2007-10-29T15:15:00.000-07:00

Abi's Radio Flyer

2007-10-17T20:17:00.000-07:00

I have to say that generally speaking, I am not a HUGE fan of the "single red rose in a B&W photo" look. But on this occasion, Kami suggested we color only the bike red...and I really love how it turned out. Major props to Crystal for teaching me how to do this on Photoshop! Her instructions were seamless and easy to follow, unlike my techy dork teacher from my PS class.

hello baby eden

2007-10-10T14:06:00.000-07:00

Little Tyson

2007-10-04T13:29:00.000-07:00

This is one of my preschoolers, Tyson. We were at the park yesterday snapping pictures and I really liked how his turned out. Look at those blue eyes! I love the scrapes on the side of his cheek...they just scream 4 year-old!

The color on this first picture is a little wild. I was playing around too much with my iPhoto editing tools and then it got a little too pink. If only I was saavy on Photoshop....(hint brandon or wendy). Just kidding.

Black and White...love the hand on the chin. Nice placement, Tyson.

Life's a Beach in SB

2007-10-03T08:17:00.000-07:00

When you take 300 pictures on a vacation, it is really hard to narrow down your favorites. So, sorry for the onslaught of pictures you are about to see.

Santa Barbara Pier

Skate Park - Jack was entranced by the action. Future skater?

The Mountains of Santa Barbara

2007-10-03T08:06:00.000-07:00

We went on a morning hike in the mountains that overlook the city. The drive was beautiful. We especially enjoyed taking pictures by an old stone bridge after our hike.

Downtown Santa Barbara

2007-10-03T07:50:00.000-07:00

Santa Barbara Courthouse - You can climb up to the top of the clocktower for 360 degree views of the city.

State Street Shops

Troy on his cell phone...Is Jack pretending to be on the phone, too?

Parade of Yesterday

2007-10-02T23:18:00.000-07:00

It is a cryin' shame I know NOTHING about cars, because these ole' granddaddy Fords were quite a sight! They were parked right by the pier with their proud owners standing by to give you an elaborate history. I never thought I would be taking a picture of a car (and enjoying it)!

Nestled in the Hills

2007-10-02T23:13:00.000-07:00

Santa Barbara Mission

Clogs, Anyone?

2007-10-02T23:01:00.000-07:00

A day in Solvang, CA. This little dutch town is a diamond in the rough. It features architecture to make you feel like you are in Denmark, and abelskievers that are SURE to bring you back to this quaint place.

Oops...I should have cropped out that ugly pole.

As you can see, we didn't venture far from the local bakeries. Wise...very wise!

Santa Barbara Wine Country

2007-10-02T22:49:00.000-07:00

If you desire a feeling of freedom, drive through this gorgeous countryside for a day. Windows down is a requirement!

Will & Katie

2007-09-23T09:24:00.000-07:00

This kid is definitely his mom's baby! What a cutie...and SO strong to be crawling at only 6 months. Thanks for bringing him out to see us! We love the little dude!

Rise and Shine

2007-09-22T08:26:00.000-07:00

Refreshing

2007-09-13T19:53:00.000-07:00

An Oldie, but a Goodie...

2007-09-01T19:49:00.000-07:00

This is Jack at 4 months old. I loved his tender profile as he looked out my bedroom window.

Little Miss

2007-08-28T08:29:00.000-07:00

This is Heather, my little neighbor friend. Sometimes I like to convince parents to let me steal away their children so that I can take pictures of them. In this case, Heather and her sister came with me for a walk around the lake while I snapped away. I found out that photographing little kids is really hard because you want them to be candid, but you would also like if they look at you every once in a while!

New Tricks

2007-08-25T08:37:00.000-07:00

I love this picture because Jack was so happy walking with dad. He is dad's new best friend. When the door knob rattles at 6 pm every night, Jack drops everything and charges for the door to see his dad. It is probably the cutest thing EVER!

Mother and Daughter

2007-08-19T10:58:00.000-07:00

Meet David

2007-08-19T10:44:00.000-07:00

This little guy was a champ! So precious at only 3 weeks old.

Wedding Day

2007-08-19T10:38:00.001-07:00

This was my brother's wedding. I was secretly wishing the real, professional photographer would faint from heat stroke so that I could step in and click away. These are a few of my favorites from the sidelines.

Many faces of JACK...

2007-08-19T09:59:00.000-07:00