Colorado wedding- Lauren and Tom Parker

 
  

Back a few months ago, when I was still retired, I was asked by my dear friend if I could photograph her daughter's upcoming wedding in Colorado. Since my husband and I were already planning on attending the wedding (we live in So Cal) and I was going to  bring my camera along, anyways, to take some extra photos at the event, I said OK. Then, at that moment, I thought, "Holy Cow, I just agreed to shoot my best friend's daughter's wedding in another state and I'm not equipped for any of this". You could say that's when panic set in. I hadn't shot a wedding in years and all my equipment that I owned those days were only for vacations and pictures of my family- I had nothing that I could use at a professional level. My wonderful husband, Kenny, encouraged me to go forward and photograph the wedding AND he also bought me all new and up to date equipment that I was going to need. Hence, after a 5 year retirement, I was back in business.

But, I still had a bit of uneasiness in me. I wanted to give the couple great photos but I hadn't been in the business for a long time- thing have changed. Was I going to be good enough? Did I still have it in me to do something as important as my best friend's daughter's wedding? Flying to Denver- was I going to be able to carry all my equipment on the plane with me and not check any of it in? And I usually have an assistant working with me at all my weddings- who was going to help me out that day? The more I thought, the more I got nervous. (I tend to over think things sometimes.)

Well, I manage to carry all my equipment on the plane with me without any problems. I did a little research and I looked up what other wedding photographers were doing these days. But the best thing of all, my husband agreed to be my assistant for the day. Now, I need to tell you, Kenny is not a photographer!!! He is a CPA (accountant) by trade. He doesn't like to have his picture taken nor is he that thrilled when I ask him to take a picture or two of me. I only really thought that if he can keep me on schedule and carry my equipment and maybe take about a dozen or so pictures, I would be happy for his help. Well, I was so surprised with all that he did! He not only kept me on a tight schedule- he carried all my equipment and kept the batteries fully charged. But most of all, he was an amazing photographer!!! Who know this mild mannered account by day had a hidden photography talent inside him. I was able to use a few hundred of his shots for the final product.

And I have to say, it only took a few minutes of taking pictures to feel as if I was "back in the saddle" again. It was like riding a bike. It felt natural taking pictures again.

Well, the wedding was beautiful. A snowy day in Estes Park, CO at that wonderful Stanley Hotel. Lots of terrific backgrounds to use. Crazy cast of characters... ie. wedding party. And a stunning bride and groom... It was all good.

Over 1000 images were sent to the bride and groom (and both sets of parents too). I hope everyone had a great time at the wedding and that Kenny and I were able to capture the joy and happiness of the event. But most of all, I hope Tom and Lauren will look at the pictures for many years come and they will them remind them of their wonderful wedding day filled with happy memories.

 

 

 

  

 

Babies grow up too fast....

I have the wonderful opportunity to watch my little grand daughter, Sophia, one day a week. And because "Nana" is a photographer, she gets to have her picture taken a lot. Babies grow up way to fast.... they change so much from month to month- sometimes from week to week. I believe that capturing these precious days is so important to the parents as well as for the child. I love taken pictures of little ones doing whatever they do- playing, exploring, even crying. I also love playing with some different filters to add a sense of wonderment to the images. Here are a few pictures that I recently took of my sweet little Sophia- just being herself.

 

 

 
Don't let these precious moments go un-captured. 

Call me soon for a sitting with your family- no matter how young or how old they may be.

 

Sara

Just a few weeks ago, I had the pleasure to take pictures of a very lovely young lady, Sara. She is very interested in acting and modeling. She was a delight to work with. She took great direction and by the end of the photos shoot, her beautiful personality was shining through. I hope that this photos shoot is the beginning of many for Sara and wish her the very best of luck with her future dreams.

If you are interested in a photo shoot for your family, feel free to contact me anytime.

My Cousin, Bethany's, Wedding

Weddings are such a wonderful time to come together and celebrate love and laughter and family and friends. I was honored to attend my cousin, Bethany's wedding a few weeks ago. I was not the official photographer for the day but most of the people who know me, know I don't go too many places without taking my camera with me. I took a few pictures of the event to give to Bethany as a little extra gift for her and her new hubby.

I know that Bethany likes all types of photography so I decided to play around with some of them and give her a few pictures that aren't the standard color photo.

beautiful centerpieces

getting the little ones ready for the pictures.

the beautiful bride

a little fun with Photoshop

a very happy groom

now that's how you dance with your bride.

let's get this party started

Whether it is a wedding or other celebration, let me design the photos you want- let me show you what I can do for you!

Big party for little ones turning 1 years old.

They say that parents make such a fuss over their child's 1st birthday party and the birthday kid doesn't even know what is going on and won't remember it anyways. But if you have a photographer who is there taking pictures of every little detail, when that child grows up, he/she will see all the work and love and planning that went into making their 1st birthday such a wonderful celebration.

I was so happy to be able to take pictures of our dear friends, Zack and Allie Thayer's, very first birthday party. The "Thing One and Thing Two" party theme was so adorable. Mom and dad (Betsy and Brad) made sure every details was done to perfection. They wanted everyone to have a good time. But most of all, they wanted to give their twins a day filled with love. And with these (and many, many more) pictures, Zack and Allie will be able to see it all in "Captured Memories"....

If the celebration is important, shouldn't the pictures of the event be too? Let me help you keep those important times of yours and your family's memories alive in pictures. 

 

Thing 1 and Thing 2.........Zack and Allie

Zack and his new friend.

Turning 1 is Fun!

Big sister, Riley, leads in the singing of the"Happy Birthday" song.

Not sure if this is food or a big, messy toy.

Messy yet tasty fingers.

Zack- reading his birthday card.

Family time.

Capturing your treasured moments... that's what I want to do for you. 

Whether it is with a beautiful portrait or just some "live in the moment" candids.... These are your memories and I am here to give them a lasting life.

As my friends and I get older, we are blessed in becoming grand-mas. My dear neighbor has one grand daughter, Lyla. 

Lyla is a character- full of life and fun. Here are a few pictures of a little girl- just being a little girl.

 

Don't let these treasured moments get away.

Call me to schedule a sitting soon.

Contacting me

I have a new email that is up and running. If you have any questions, feel free to contact via this address.....

sliekhusphotos@att.net

I will get back with you within 24 hours- or sooner.

Can't wait that long to contact me? No problem. Just call my cell anytime. 714-270-7724.

I look forward into hearing from you.

New Lap Top and Engagement Photos

I am so excited!!! My husband just bought me a brand new laptop computer for my photography business. I have always been a desk top girl so this lap top stuff is kind of new to me. It's very thin and very light. It has Windows 8 which is brand new to me also. People who have the new Windows 8 say they really like it- I am excited to learn all the ins and outs of this thing.

In the year 2011, my husband and I were blessed to have both of our children, Matthew and Katie, get married. Katie married Jason in April and 3 weeks later, Matthew married Brooke. Most people would think that was a bit crazy but for the most part, it wasn't bad at all. Both weddings were very different from each other and so much FUN!!!!!!

A few months before each wedding, I took the bride and groom to be, out for some engagement photos. Both photo sessions were taken in various spots around Fullerton, California.

I love to take engagement photos. New love is so very exciting and I try to capture that love with images that speak their feelings. I enjoy using lots of different areas to take the pictures. I believe each spot adds a new level of love. 

If you are interested in engagement photos, please call me and we can discuss your wants and needs for pictures of you and your loved one.

Katie and Jason

 

Matthew and Brooke

It's springtime and Love is in the air. 

Dating, Engaged, or Married.... 

Let me capture your love with photos you will treasure forever.