Continued...

Ok, now for the childhood part of my post. So this past weekend I was able to enjoy an extrememly rare luxury, a full weekend to myself! Now don't get me wrong I absolutely ADORE my children and I will be the first to tell you that they are the cutest on the planet (no offense;) but I have to admit that it was hard to resist the quiet lunch with a friend, a pedicure, and spending 2 hours shopping for absolutely nothing while avoiding the urge to make a dash for the nearest exit due to unruly kiddos. I was also thrilled to just relax with a friend and her little girls (I must admit they are a close second for "cutest on the planet";) I brought my camera along, of course, and I know she is dying for a sneak peek. This is for you Rischel;)

Calling all Cuties!

Ok, so I know I promised to tell you about the soon to launch website I have had the honor of contributing some photography to. Well, I have been waiting for the launch before I revealed it but there has been a few setbacks to launch date and I have kept you all waiting long enough so (drumroll please...) let me introduce The Dapper Baby. The Dapper Baby features the latest in children's fashions including Enchanted Enfant, Jean Bourget, Tartine Le Chocolat and incredible must haves for baby. Stop by and mingle with other dapper mamas through online forums, or check out the latest family-friendly vacation destinations. For now you can check out the lovely logo by going to http://www.thedapperbaby.com/ and push the refresh button until it launches;) If you don't want to click the refresh button repeatedly but want something to do while you wait to launch time well I just might have a remedy. Bella's Image and The Dapper Baby are joining forces to bring an opportunity of a lifetime to some very lucky Northwest children. From now until Tuesday, July 1st we will be accepting digital images of your little cutie to be entered into our Fall 2008 Model Search.
PLEASE READ CAREFULLY for what we are looking for:

• Model search starts Thursday, June 12th at 11:30 pm and ends Tuesday, July 1st at 11:30pm (PST)
• Entrants (parent/legal guardian of child) must be at least 18 years of age and live within 30 miles of the Seattle area or are willing to travel to Seattle to participate in the shoot (entrant is responsible for travel/airfare).
• Open to children 6 monthes to 5 years of age, boys and girls. Child must fit into clothing size 6 monthes to 4/4t. Current clothing size must fit comfortably on child.
• Child must be able to sit with little assistance.
• Send a digital image of your child to jennifer@bellasimage.com , image must be NO LARGER than 2mb.
• Each model that is chosen will be required to sign (parent/legal guardian) a model release form authorizing the use of their images.
• Forms must be signed within three days of winner notification, in the event the release is not signed during this time an alternate will be chosen.

THE GOODS:

• Each model that is chosen will receive a package with a retail value of $250 or more, including free portrait session and 8x10, additional prizes to be announced.
• National publicity as featured models on thedapperbaby.com.
• Invites and participation in the West Coast red carpet launch event to be held this fall 2008, including runway event featuring fall clothing fashions (all models will be walking the runway wearing clothing from the photo shoots)

Again, please submit images to jennifer@bellasimage.com 2mb or smaller. Please include your name, number, mailing address as well as the age and clothing size of child. Winners will be announced on or around July 3rd, 2008.

BONUS: Spread the word and receive a special prize. Put a link on your blog to this model search, the blog that sends the most hits to our site will recieve a special prize (a statcounter will keep track of the referring blogs).

Subscribe to Bella's Image blog by submitting your email in the box to the right to recieve the latest news, updates, and contest deadline reminders.

Inspiration...

As a photographer and artist I am always seeking inspiration. I often find this within my children and the world around me, the way the light dances in a tree, Sammy's skip around the room, or Jaden's carefree sense of humor. I also find inspiration from other artists. I am always telling my friends about the beautiful sites I often visit and they always remind me to send them a link (I, of course, forget;). There are three photoblogs that I check daily to see if they've updated, I LOVE them! Amy from Images of Grace has such a gift, her images are playful, have beautiful color and the perfect touch of elegance that I just love. Saving Grace Photography has images unlike I've ever seen before, the bokeh (I just love this word, it means "blur":) in her images are so creamy smooth with a light airy feel to them, simply stunning. And last but certainly not least, Tamara's "From the Treetop" is a real treat for the eyes, her mix of modern vintage and designer costumes (which she so ever talentedly creates herself) leaves me breatheless.

Disclaimer: If you are a blog addict or are a recovering blog addict I must advise that you not click on the links above as this may result in more daily computer time, inspiration overload, or a complete relapse for those who are recovering;)

Enjoy!

She's honey and the bees don't know it.

My baby girl, my love. We went to the zoo recently and had such a good time (my family fit's right in;) Just thought I'd share a few shots of Sammy during our trip to the zoo (Jaden wouldn't cooperate for the camera, imagine that:).




Until next time have a blessed day :)

Baby Announcements!

Beautiful baby announcements are now available! All announcements are fully customizable from wording to colors. I have nearly 20 to choose from and they are printed on beautiful art paper (various paper samples to choose from as well). Announcements start at $45 for a set of 25, please inquire to view all of my samples!

Miss "K"

I have been trying to include a picture with each post since that's why you're here, right? Here is a pic of Miss "K" isn't she a dolly?

Mother's day special ending soon...

Just a reminder that the Mother's day special ends this Sunday, so if you were still wanting to purchase a collection for 20% off there's only 3 days left! Saturday's are filling up fast, for those of you who need a weekend appointment, please let me know. I have one Saturday left this month and only two left in June. Here are a few more pics from the commercial shoot that I've been waiting to share.