amy perl photography

NEW BLOG ADDRESS! - Amy Perl Photography

2011-06-22T09:34:00.000-07:00

PLEASE VISIT ME AT MY NEW BLOG ADDRESS....

amyperl.com/blog

Thank you blogspot for almost two years of hosting my blog...
but it's time to move on...

See you at my new place!

xo
Amy

COME ON DOWN! THURSDAY, JUNE 16 evening

2011-06-15T09:07:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow night, June 16 is the first Piedmont Avenue Art Walk! I will be part of the activities with a little added fun in front of my studio! My neighbor and I have invited the delicious FIVETENBURGER.com to park in front of our spaces and sell their yummy burgers etc. I have also invited a couple of really cool artisans A Boy Named Coy (www.aboynamedcoy.com) and Hoof and Horn (super cool leather stuff).

My neighbor at Cougar Horse (cool boutique and art stuff) and I are doing this together, so it looks like it will be a pretty good time!

We'll be there and open from 6:30 (and before a little probably) - 10 pm. Come and check out the art, hang out, we'll have benches out...food...some drink for 21+ year olds....

Happy Summer!

Amy

Portraits of a Wonderful Family - Amy Perl Bay Area Photographer

2011-05-17T15:22:00.000-07:00

Before we went on our vacation, my dear friend Rachel asked me if I could photograph her family for her grandfather's 95th birthday. We did group shots in many different configurations, but my favorites are these, of each person's faces. Especially grandpa's face.

France Part 1 - Amy Perl Bay Area Photographer

2011-05-13T14:22:00.000-07:00

I have been really really really behind on posting on my blog... We went away for a bit, but that is still no excuse. I've been in "getting my duck's lined up" phase for awhile, and I'm still in it, but still....

Things have been really good. I've been working a lot, meeting some wonderful new people, hanging out with my family etc etc. I've also got Open Studios coming up in just a few short weeks that I need to prepare for! I'm going to show "art" stuff, not portrait stuff.

Anyway, here are a few snaps from France, it's from just the first day or two in Paris, there are many many more to come, but I need to get some photos out to clients, so I have to do that first!

Enjoy.

Waiting in the long long line to go into the Louvre

ummmm.....a REAL work of art....artsy mullet....

bored at the Louvre...

the crowds are RIDICULOUS.

adolescent tourists...

I think that's Thor on the end...

Science Project Week - Oakland Unified School District

2011-04-10T17:14:00.000-07:00

Once again, it is Science Project time at my kids' school. And as many parents know, Science Projects (not always, but often) fall into the lap of the parents to guide, hand hold, help, and ultimately stress out over. I have no idea why this is so, but it is. So I find myself right now, at 5:16 pm Sunday evening, the evening before the projects are due....printing out the photos that will be glued onto my kids' poster board to be turned in tomorrow. I just thought I'd share.

My son decided to soak eggs in 4 different types of vinegar for 4 days, because we read somewhere that in doing so, they would bounce. These are the quick shot of this. And yes, after 4 days...it stinks. Especially when they break open. We had to air the kitchen out after that one...

My daughter wanted to see what a snail likes better, chocolate or a lollipop. Turns out...neither. Although on the second try, our little guy decided to climb up on top of the chocolate...although we didn't see him/her taste it at all.

Enjoy.

Introducing...Jared Karol - writer extraordinaire

2011-04-09T10:50:00.000-07:00

My good friend Jared Karol is an amazing guy. We've been good friends since high school and he's always been one of the most creative people in my life. He's a musician, he's a teacher, he appreciates (my) art, and he's also an AMAZING writer. He is currently a teacher and in this last year has decided that truly, his passion is his writing. And so, here I am supporting HIS art. I wanted to post this short story he wrote, because I think it's hilarious. If you would like to see more of his writing (although I will also be posting more of it on my blog in the future...) go to, www.lickthefridge.wordpress.com, and also www.goodblogs.com/bloggers/595.

Oh, and Jared is also the husband to Erica (super cool) and the dad to TWIN two year olds. You rock Jared.

I was supposed to "illustrate" this piece with some photos, but I've been crazy busy (yay portraits and preschool photos!) so I decided to post it without. Besides, I think the visuals in the story speak for themselves.

Enjoy!

Attack of the Berkeley Mom
By Jared Karol
February 13, 2011

The playground was crowded but peaceful. Nothing was out of the ordinary. Throngs of two and three year olds swung, slid, climbed, pedaled, shoveled and toddled around in an organized sea of chaos. Adults stood by in the wings ready to intervene should intervention be required.

“Mommy, look at me”s and “Daddy, I did it”s echoed around the play area. The sun shone. A pleasant breeze cooled the air. Frisbees glided gracefully in the adjacent park. Pot wafted in from behind the tennis courts. A “preacher” proselytized on the corner. This was Berkeley. Everything was perfect.

Unexpectedly and without warning the sky thundered and roared. The breeze became a hurricane. Sand blew in eyes, blankets were upturned, frisbees nosedived, roaches were extinguished.

Sudden weather changes like this did not occur in Berkeley. People couldn’t figure out what was happening. They philosophized, they intellectualized, they harrumphed, and they blamed it on non-organic food, U.S. foreign policy and Michael Crichton.

Then the people looked up. The answer to the disturbance came in the form of a helicopter hovering over the center of the park. The people openly wondered who was in the helicopter. Famous people didn’t visit Berkeley. Someone said that they thought it might be David Hasselhoff, but they weren’t sure. Anticipation grew, wind blew sand, hands shielded eyes.

Then, anticlimactically, out of the helicopter stepped a frumpy mom in her early forties and her maniacal five-year-old boy. People moaned in disappointment. The boy bum rushed the play structure, while the mom lagged behind and talked on her cell phone. The helicopter lifted and the park returned to its previous state of recreational calm.

While there had been no meteorological storm, a shit storm was about to take place within the gated fences of the play structure. The boy, freshly escaped from his padded room, ran around wildly like someone had put hot sauce in his go-gurt. He trampled younger kids. He hooted and hollered and Tarzaned his chest. He snatched toys out of two-year-old hands. He pushed kids off swings. He steamrolled babies at the bottom of the slide.

I looked around for R.P. McMurphy but couldn’t find him.

Meanwhile, just outside the playground fence, the mom continued her cell phone conversation. Topics included pedicures, celebrity sightings, and who was the biggest bitch on the new season of The Bachelor.

The scene was mildly amusing and made for good social commentary. That is, until the five-year-old asylum escapee knocked my daughter on her ass at the bottom of the slide.

“Can you believe he chose her? I mean, do you really think he’s going to spend the rest of his life with her? Come on. They’re not in love.”

I tried to channel the Buddha. Observe without judging or reacting. I picked my daughter up and dusted her off. I breathed deeply.

Less than a minute later, cries that I recognized as my son’s came from behind me. He lay on the ground next to a big wheel. Chief Bromden towered over him, before he hopped on and pedaled away laughing.

“You’re not really gonna get 20 Candles on Your Cake, are you? I got that last time and I totally wished I had gotten Bastille My Heart! It so goes with my skin tone better.”

Buddha? Hello? He wasn’t answering my calls. Instead of counting to ten, my mind was deciding which would be more appropriate: whooping a five year old’s ass, or beating some sense into a “my son has never heard me say no” Berkeley mom.

As I was deliberating, a third incident of barbarism occurred. No response. My children were not prepared for this. They had not worn their army fatigues and battle gear. They were unarmed and they needed me to protect them from the lunatic that had escaped the asylum.

“No, I’m dead serious. Sarah Palin is going to be at the Guerrilla Café for lunch tomorrow. They’re going to give her some serum to make her a liberal. Swear to god.”

“Look here, chief, you’ve hurt my kids three times now. Do you think – “

Before I could finish my lecture, I was knocked to the ground with a heavy blow that seemed to have come from the tree behind me. A woman with tall red boots, a stars and stripes bikini, and a gold headband stood over me.

“Wonder Woman?” I said, in a daze.

“Don’t you dare talk to my son ever again. He will do as he pleases, and I will protect him from any danger that he may encounter. Our family does not believe in discipline and you have no right to introduce your rules and morals in this manner. You should be ashamed of yourself.”

I tried to explain, but she kicked me in the teeth and tossed my crying children on top of me. The three of us lay strewn in the sand like a kicked over trashcan, wondering what had happened.

Wonder woman swooped up her son from the sand box and they flew off into the distance. They do know everything, I thought. They really do.

An explanation.... - Amy Perl Bay Area Photographer

2011-03-04T18:47:00.000-08:00

First of all, I feel I need to give an explanation for my lack of posting on my blog! I last posted the first week of January...and since then I have been very busy with busy-like stuff. Photographing a few families, photographing a couple of preschools, working on my (not posted yet!) new website etc etc etc. I have also decided to make time for my art again. This past week I did a little experiment with a couple of my photos, and I'm so totally excited about it! It involves my travel, or 'art' photos....doing a little mixed media something. It's so much fun, and it's definitely the 'getting back to my roots' that I've been searching for. So, it's gotten me kind of side tracked...More to come on that soon.

In the meantime, here are a few snapshots that I did recently of a couple of wonderful families!

HAPPY NEW YEAR - 2011 here I come!.... - Amy Perl Bay Area Photographer

2011-01-04T14:34:00.000-08:00

The last few months of 2010 was a whirlwind....my kids' soccer, their school, their homework, dinners, class projects......and then there is my 'work'. This year I was so happy to work with many families I've known for years, and also some new families. I tried to blog post while this was all going on but it seemed to fall to the wayside...here are a few families...more to come later! ( I have to go pick up the kids from school).

HAPPY NEW YEAR

It's been awhile...- Amy Perl Oakland Photographer

2010-12-23T10:40:00.000-08:00

It has been since October...since I've written or posted anything in my blog. Wow. That's a testament to how super busy I've been. I had to let my blog posting drop in order to get all my work done, and there was a lot of it this holiday season! It's been great, thank you so much to all my clients to welcomed me into their families again this year. It's really an honor.

As much as I truly love my work, I also benefit hugely from taking a step back and paying attention to why I was drawn to photography in the first place...It's time to plan a couple road trips, photo trips, maybe even a workshop or two. I love taking photos of people, but I love also to challenge my thoughts, my ego, my fears, by getting out into the unknown and creating stories of how I feel and what I see.

I am really looking forward to what 2011 brings for me and my photography. The road has taken many bends for me in the 23 years I have been photographing (since I was 14, freshman in high school!) and I am excited to see where the next turn takes me.

For now, here are a few cute shots of my kids in the snow, on our way out the door for their first full day of (white out condition) ski lessons.

Happy Holidays!!

My girl lost her first tooth!!

2010-10-20T20:49:00.000-07:00

My daughter Avi lost her first tooth on Tuesday. So cute. We were out getting shoes for her brother (he's 9.5 and tears through shoes at a record pace), and right there in the middle of the store, I yanked out that little teeny tiny tooth of hers. These are the photos I took as soon as we got home.

Some are tooth shots, some are just photos I like.

Lots of fun with the girls...- Amy Perl Bay Area Photographer

2010-09-21T11:14:00.000-07:00

This is the second year (third portrait session) I have been invited to photograph these three wonderful girls. The first time I photographed them was last summer, and I came away with some of my all time favorite pictures. Then the next session I did, again, I came away with new all time favorite pictures....and now this time, again, I love these photos. The girls are amazing, they are calm, fun, comfortable, and their RAD parents let them be themselves for the photos. This is so so important. If we try to MAKE kids do what WE want or what WE expect, it's much trickier than really letting them be themselves. I just end up playing with them, I just happen to have a camera.
Thank you for making my job so fun.

Newest Portraits - Amy Perl Bay Area Photographer

2010-09-16T08:55:00.001-07:00

After a nice long summer, I've been diving back into full time work with some wonderful families that I've been invited to photograph. It's always such an honor to get the phone call, or the email from a complete stranger who wants ME to photograph their babies/their kids/them. It's such a cool thing, definitely an ego boost. ;) Each time, I'm reminded why I do what I do. I mean, I get to make fun photos for a family to keep forever of the most important thing in the world. PLUS, I get to play with little ones and hold teeny babies...I love it.

Here's some shots from this past week

Sweet Maggie (this is our third...or fourth? time together!) -

Big brother, and his brand new little sister, just hanging out, talking about trains and drinking milk-

Super fun studio session....I mean, she was full of personality, how could I not love my job?

Weekend Getaway

2010-09-07T10:40:00.000-07:00

This past weekend I ended up in "Black Rock City", aka. Burning Man. Been thinking about it for years, and this year the opportunity presented itself. I figured, I'm 37, I've got two little kids, AND I have a 'free' weekend (my husband was able to watch them/sleepovers were planned etc)....why not? So off I went, with a couple of my favorite people ever...and we had a blast. I met some wonderfully caring people, and I was amazed at the sharing-ness of everything. The dust was a little much, a little crazy, but once I accepted that it wouldn't go away, it as all fine. I embraced the "Pigpen" in me (although it wasn't hard to find).

I didn't shoot much, I was too busy looking at everything and soaking it all in. And I'm happy I did that. I did get a few shots I really like...I'm sharing them here!

Wonderful Frances England

2010-09-02T11:35:00.000-07:00

Earlier this summer I had the opportunity to photograph the wonderful songstress Frances England. It was really fun...if you don't know her she is an awesome (children's) musician....Check her out! She's big! www.francesengland.com.

Here are a few shots from our session.

Summer is ending...

2010-08-26T22:54:00.001-07:00

It's been a wonderful summer. I took more time off than usual, to spend with my kids, my family, go on trips, relax, read, swim, etc. I'm so so sorry it's over, although now it seems the weather is just heating up here! Well, I've finally just gone through some of the photos I took on our 2 week camping trip (Russian River, Mendo Coast, Redwoods, s. Oregon) and I'm just now sharing some of them. I've got a pile of new fun 'work' photos/portraits too that I'll get up and sharing shortly!

For now, here are some of my faves.

Again, with the old camera...-Amy Perl Oakland Photographer

2010-07-01T15:11:00.000-07:00

It's official. I just love my dinosaur of a 4x5 camera. It's all so MANUAL. Love it. I just did a session and was lucky enough to have the wonderful 'spirited' little girl really put her patience to the test. She did great. Setting up this camera isn't the quickest thing in the world, so when it works out, I love it! I also did some "regular" fun photos with them. :)

New Mexico and Arizona Road Trip

2010-06-16T11:37:00.000-07:00

Last weekend my friend Ashley and I took a road trip to New Mexico and Arizona. We only had 3 days of driving, so we decided to stay around and near the NM/AZ border. Mostly The Navajo Nation area. Stunning. I've been to that area before, years ago, and wanted to see it again. Still amazing. The "major" towns we ended up in were Gallup NM and Chinle, AZ (at Canyon De Chelley). I have very quickly gone through and picked a chunk of my favorite shots. Ashley brought along her lens attachment called a Lens Baby. It was super fun. It's supposed to emulate a 4x5 camera with bellows...thus giving it the blurry edges etc. I may have gone overboard with it, but it sure was fun! Here is are some of my faves.

Baby Miel is here - Amy Perl Oakland Photographer

2010-06-10T11:36:00.000-07:00

Miel is here! The baby and the cute new clothing line. Here is the baby that is inspiring it all!! She's just 9 (or 10?) days old here, I shot these last week. Cutie.

Film again - Amy Perl Oakland Photographer

2010-06-03T10:08:00.000-07:00

We went up to the house at Clearlake this past Memorial Weekend, super relaxing, so relaxing in fact I barely was able to lift my arms to take any photos. Lazy really. But I did shoot off one roll of film, and these are my faves. Isaac, Avi and Bea. This was on Sunday eve, so the kids were pretty wiped out, as you may be able to tell...also pretty unamused by me....

Avi in a blue dress - Amy Perl Oakland Photographer

2010-05-18T23:04:00.001-07:00

More shots (see previous post) of Avi modeling the adorable new line, Miel.

2010-05-17T17:24:00.000-07:00

Miel Clothing new Oakland kids fashion line! - Amy Perl Oakland Photographer

I recently did a small photo shoot for a new up-and-coming clothing line called Miel. The clothes are unbelievable cute. Super cute designs that made me nostalgic for my own childhood. The fabrics they are using look like they could be from a trunk found from the 20s and 30's, filled with perfectly preserved patterns. I love it.

Look for their website soon! I'll make sure to post it once it is up.

In the meantime, here are some shots I love with our models....Avi, Amaya and Lucius.
I know, I know, Avi is in a lot of stuff (my daughter) but I can't help but offer her up! She's so used to it by now!

My kids are back on film - Amy Perl Photography Oakland

2010-05-10T17:29:00.000-07:00

From time to time, I try to remember that I am a film photographer. This seems to be coming up a lot with photographer friends (and others) lately, and I just felt like adding my two cents. I love film. Always have, always will. I spent much time (and money!) on my film habit, and it was a hard break up. Well, turns out I don't need to be broken up with it. Turns out I still crave that addiction, and I'm going to start using again! I began photographing in my early teens, worked on the yearbook staff in high school, hung out in the darkroom, spent all my college years in the darkroom, then after college I again lived in darkrooms, then built my own darkroom....had gallery shows, did experimental printing processes...none of which involved computers or anything digital (other than playing with cooking film in the microwave a couple of times, just to see....). Anyway, you get the point.

These couple of shots of my loves are shot on my ancient 4x5 monorail camera, using my FAVORITE film EVER, Polaroid type 55. I've been using this film for almost 20 years, and I pray and hope I can always get some...for now, I have a small stash.

Beautiful Clark Kids - Amy Perl Oakland Photographer

2010-05-05T22:08:00.000-07:00

This is Lulu and Silas. Our buddies from LA that came up for a visit last weekend.
I dragged them into the studio for a few quick snaps while the dads were outside playing with their remote control cars.

I mean, the eyes on these kids....

Where has April gone? - Amy Perl Oakland Photographer

2010-04-20T23:31:00.001-07:00

Where has this month gone? It's been jam packed...kids' spring break, a family trip to Chicago, my daughter had her tonsils/adenoids out, I photographed my kids' ENTIRE elementary school (as a fundraiser!), a handful of portrait clients...and here it is, it's been 20 days since my last posting. Unacceptable!

I did a little home shoot for a new ADORABLE little girls dress up clothing line, called Wish. It's the wonderful brainchild of a creative mom in Rockridge, and we had so much fun doing these photos (you'll see below), although it was raining, it all worked out!
The website is new, but for more info on Wish go to www.wishgenuinegarb.com.

Here are a handful of photos that have happened this month.

A few of my kids' school fundraiser shots (interested for your school? get in touch!!)

WISH CLOTHING LINE:

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And a couple of family portrait sessions...love 'em:

And another family session:

Fun School Photos, It's the season! - Amy Perl Oakland Photographer

2010-03-30T21:32:00.000-07:00

I've just realized that it's been almost two weeks since I posted last! Where does the time go? Well, I know...I've been lucky to have a handful of cute, fun school photo sessions. I never really though that photographing schools would be a direction that I'd follow, but I have to say, that being able to offer FUN AND REAL photos of kiddos at school is actually really satisfying. I know, from experience, the "huh?" that I feel when I get my kids' class photos from their school..."is that MY kid?", "why does he/she look so stiff?"...

Last year I embarked on doing the opposite of stiff kids school photos, and it's a good deal. I donate a percentage back to the school (I know how much schools need the extra financial help, no matter the size!), and then the school is happy and so are the parents! Last week photographed my kids' entire elementary school as a fundraiser for the school, and it was such a cool experience!

Anyway, I could go on and on...but if you are interested in having your school photographed, please get in touch! It's a great way to silently raise some much needed money too. :)

Here are some snaps (I only chose some of the color ones, although I do offer each photo in color and black and white) from a wonderful Montessori I photographed a couple of weeks ago. Cuties.

A Small City Hall Wedding - Amy Perl Oakland Photographer

2010-03-19T16:51:00.001-07:00

At the end of February I photographed a small wedding at City Hall in San Francisco. I am a big fan of using as much natural light as possible, and city hall being full of windows...of course there would be plenty of light! Well...it was a cloudy and rainy day. Of course. Fortunately, my camera (Nikon d700) rocks in low light, so it all ended up being great. I love the shots we came up with. The couple is super artistic and so let me have freedom to be artsy too! Love it.

Snow shoeing in Colorado

2010-03-05T12:17:00.000-08:00

Last weekend I went out to Denver to visit my BFF from college, CU Boulder. I have not been back in 15 years! I forgot how stunning the mountains are there. I have to say, I'm pretty sure this is the most healthy weekend trip I have ever taken. Jogging, snow shoeing, eating healthy, plenty of water...much less debauchery than I'm used to. But it's great! I wasn't paying for it for days and days....I didn't take my camera out much, just to snap a few shots during our hike. Thought I'd post them, just because.

As Ginger pointed out, the Rocky Mountain National Park isn't as pretty as the Swiss Alps, but they looked pretty good to me!

I'm the one in the blueberry pants

First time on snow shoes - I could get used to this

Fun fluff through the trees on the way down

This scary looking place is my first apartment with my (then boyfriend) husband. I made Ginger drive me by it. At the time, it didn't seem so sketchy, although it is in an alley...but it just looks like a scary crime scene place or something to me now..

and this...I just had to share this. This is my husband and I talking on Skype the other day while he was at work, he also had to take a work call, so I took the opportunity to photograph the scene with my iphone. Jeez...talk about tech-geeked out.
The thumbnail of me is in the bottom left corner.

Not just photos for work.... - Amy Perl Oakland Photographer

2010-02-23T21:53:00.000-08:00

Believe it or not, I actually like to photograph just for me sometimes! I forget that I like to, from time to time. We all get caught up in our busy lives, we all forget to let loose and do something we love, just for us...well, I'm making a serious effort this year to do some more shooting for me...because it feels good, and I can do whatever I want!

I am sitting here at my computer thinking of some of my favorites, and looking around in my folders on my computer and I ran across these photos I did of a car show in Golden Gate park, I think it was 2006 or maybe 2007. There are a couple of shots of Isaac, my son. I love the one of him with my camera, shooting a car too. My dream boy.

Way back when (feels like a lifetime ago now) I co-founded a kids/baby clothing company. There were a handful of tee shirts that we made using my photography, and the one image in here of a red Camaro (I think) is one that we used on a tee.

I love these shots, I hope to do more *for me* this year!

My little photojournalist - Avi Perl Photographer

2010-02-17T08:59:00.000-08:00

My daughter and I went to get our nails done on Monday. The kids were both out of school, we're finally pulling out of a long spell of being sick, and my son was off at a friends house. So we went to go make ourselves feel better by having paint put on our nails. It was fun. The place was not that great, and not too cheap either. My daughter didn't want to go to the good place we've been to before because, well, she didn't understand anything they were saying to her...Well, we ended up at another place where she didn't understand the language. Here is her photo essay on our experience.

Photos to share - Amy Perl Oakland Photographer

2010-02-16T21:05:00.000-08:00

I did a couple of fun sessions this past week and wanted to share some from them. One is from the baby's (don't want to name names....) first birthday. I met her when she was in her mama's belly still, then at about 6 months, and now for her first birthday! I don't think I've ever met a one year old, that didn't seem like a one year old. She seems much wiser than her year. And a solid walker too!

The second round of photos are of a trio of brothers at my studio. Their mom mentioned that she liked the printed backgrounds that I have in my portfolio on my website, so I went out and picked up a few more patterns. I love the new look it gives the studio shots. Not that I don't like it on white, but it's fun to change it up now and again!

I think I'm finally getting back into the swing of things here...keep posted for more new work in a few days time.

and here she is in front of her traditional korean birthday table of food, and in her fancy korean dress, happy birthday girl!

Brothers -

My Month "Off" is up...- Amy Perl Oakland Photographer

2010-02-09T17:33:00.001-08:00

So I kind of took the month of January off, although that never really happens does it? I mean, taking a month off...when you have two kids (sick a lot of the time too), a house (with painting and other fix it projects), a home office and a studio, a goal of trying to turn vegan....well, at least we got the living room painted! I wish I was more productive, I had such big plans. Well, I did run around Lake Merritt three times! I have a goal of running a 1/2 marathon in the next couple (few?) months. Never done it, and I've always wanted to. This girl isn't getting any younger, so may as well take the bull by the horns and go for it. Hopefully my geriatric knees can handle it.

I did manage to squeeze out a few photos this month, mostly of my kids, but also of one of my favorite families. They had baby number three and I was lucky enough to get the call to come and photograph them again. I've posted photos of these guys on my website (www.amyperl.com) and on my blog over the years, I just love them.

So, upon the strong request of my cousin, here are some new photos!

Field trip to Chinatown with buddies Zeke,Ruby and Rachel (not pictured):

This is in Grace Cathedral.

handsome.

Avi home sick.

and introducing, Corky, our pet Crayfish.

My friend Ashley is taking some photography classes, and her assignment was to take photos of the sky at dusk. I tagged along.

Here are some photos from the newborn session I got to do. Cutie. Here is a quick snapshot of a morning in the life of a newborn and her siblings and mom.

New Year, new fun iPhone App!

2010-01-09T13:20:00.000-08:00

Check out this cool iPhone app effect...just like the Holga cameras. Love it.

Happy New Year!

Goodbye 2009.....Amy Perl Photography

2009-12-21T18:28:00.000-08:00

I can hardly believe that the end of the year is just around the corner. It's feels like it's been a whirlwind...I started the year off on trip to Mexico in January (tagged along with my husband, he had to work)....and then it all feels like kind of a blur! I met so many wonderful new people this year with my portrait work, photographed a handful of super cool/chill weddings (right up my alley!), and was able to go on a handful of mini trips. I realize that this entire year, I've mostly been posting photos of my clients, and a few of my kids, so I decided I was going to post a handful of just my faves from my life. Some are travel, some are family...but it's just a handful.

I am tying up loose ends to get ready for our annual holiday trip to visit my family in southern California, have to pack, set up a little display in my studio window, pack me and the kids, clean up and organize the house.... :)

HAPPY NEW YEAR! Thank you (to my clients) for a wonderful year, and I truly feel so lucky to be able to work with you, experience all the different families, and jobs that I did this year.

Here are some shots from Austin, Mexico, Oakland, Clearlake, Costanoa...

This is me taken by my friend Bonnie Berry..

A handful of new shots....- Amy Perl Oakland Photographer

2009-12-07T22:26:00.001-08:00

I have been having such a great time this season photographing new (to me) families, as well as families I have known for years....I've just done a quick selection of a few of my faves, I just realized I have not posted anything in a couple of weeks. Yikes. A testament to a busy season. :) I'm nearing my holiday ordering deadline, so soon I will be able to share more of my favorites.

Lot's of new photos! - Amy Perl Oakland Photographer

2009-11-12T12:26:00.000-08:00

Well, it's been a busy portrait season, and I'm having a blast! Meeting new families, seeing some "old" ones....I am in the middle of much editing, so I don't have much to say..but I wanted to share some of my recent work. This is just a sampling of what I have been doing as of late.

The holidays are gearing up, so don't forget to order your portraits if you hope to give them as gifts. :)

In Berkeley...

In San Francisco...

In my studio on Piedmont Ave, Oakland...

Meet Napoleon...

and in SF the day after Halloween...

So comfortable... - Amy Perl Oakland Photographer

2009-11-03T22:31:00.000-08:00

As I do every year with this gang, I always feel right at home. I don't like to name names on my blog, so I won't but I just love 'em. So easy to photograph, so easy to hang with, the kids laugh at my weird noises...it just works. I think we determined this is the 4th year I've photographed these guys, and in January I get to again, with the new baby on the way!

I've been pretty busy this fall season, it's been a lot of fun. I wish I had more time to dedicate to posting on this blog, I'm so happy with the work lately, but it's tough to get it all done, so late at night. As I sit here typing I have a handful of family sessions I need to edit! I'm on it though! :)

Star Wars Halloween

2009-11-03T22:19:00.000-08:00

This year, we went with the Star Wars theme. We didn't know that Yoda is actually a girl, but it turns out it is so. I took this quickly in those frenzied moments just before we let them out to go trick-or-treating. Is there ANY few minutes in a child's life that is more exciting/crazed/jazzed/spazzie than those few minutes before we let them loose to gather buckets full of candy?

Avi=Yoda, Isaac=random Star Wars/Clone Wars fighter guy....

The Beach Girls...at home this time...- Amy Perl Oakland Photographer

2009-10-26T09:58:00.000-07:00

I posted photos of these sisters on the beach a little bit ago. This time I was at their house with their stuff...not a shy bone in anyone's body. Ahhh...

Cool Collages - A Client's Cool Work!

2009-10-26T09:42:00.001-07:00

I've got a client who does these really cute, customized unique FRAME-ABLE collage pieces. They are so sweet. I was photographing her (adorable) baby boy a few months back and while at her house I noticed the cool pieces she had made in her house. We started talking and it turns out she's super duper talented, and does a lot of scrapbooking....well that lead into a conversation of how that talent could translate to showcase the photos we had done, or how to offer different things to my clients, on what to do with their photos....anyway, here are a few samples she made for me to post.
One (the orange-y one) is a shot of my kids that I love. We were at the top of the Oakland hills on Skyline and the sun was going down...I love how she pulled the colors out of the shot to make kind of a 70's-surfer look. Love it. And the other one, is a client...cute little Jacob, and his newborn shots.

Her name is Gretchen, her email is gdevinsky@gmail.com and she would love to work with you if you've got some photos you'd like to make a unique piece with!!

GREAT HOLIDAY GIFT. :)

Surprise! A Gift. - Amy Perl Oakland Photographer

2009-10-22T15:52:00.000-07:00

It was such a treat for me to photograph these kids in their space, doing their things...I've photographed for their mom for her business, Tinymcsmall.com, a great online retailer that is on hiatus right now....so this was really fun. She hired me to do a secret shoot of her and the kids for her husband's birthday, and then surprised him with a book from the session. I got a call from him last night thanking me...so nice. I try not to name names on my blog, so Mom-of-these-kids...thank you for having me, and thank you for appreciating me and my work. Your creativity and ideas are superb..and I hope to keep photographing for you! ;)

Fun, Silly Sisters...and very cool parents too - Amy Perl Oakland Photographer

2009-10-22T15:42:00.001-07:00

I had such a blast photographing these guys. It was not the first time I had met the girls, I also photographed them at their preschools! So they knew me...but they are also not shy at all. And their mom and dad, well, they made the session so relaxed. No 'rules' and pretty much everything was cool to them. Love it. Oh, and great house too. :)

Love these guys - Amy Perl Oakland Photographer

2009-10-15T15:42:00.000-07:00

Could this family be any nicer? I don't think so. Too bad they live all the way over in San Francisco, and we're over here in the Oakland sticks. So far away.....

Fall Photos - Amy Perl Oakland Photographer

2009-10-08T21:19:00.000-07:00

Things have been very busy, so I have not had time to post as much as I'd like to. I have met so many great families recently, at their homes as well as in my studio and at my Portrait Day at Crackerjacks in Oakland. The home sessions I have been doing lately have left me very inspired....I'm so happy that I get to photograph the way that I do (as a job) and that the families I have been meeting really have been allowing me to go with the flow.....It definitely allows me to be creative with the photos as well as have fun with the kiddos, so they are not intimidated by the camera.

The photos I am posting are from my weekend last weekend. I went out to Chicago and stayed with friend in Winnetka. So green, so lush. I photographed a couple of other families while there as well, but I just picked a bunch from my friends' family as I followed their kids around the house all weekend. Thank you guys, for opening your home and your heart to me. xoxo

Crackerjacks Store Portraits - THIS SUNDAY!

2009-09-28T14:39:00.000-07:00

HOLIDAY PHOTOS HOLIDAY PHOTOS HOLIDAY PHOTOS!!

Well, I've been a busy lady and because of that I forgot to send the smoke signals out that I am having a Portrait Special day this Sunday at Crackerjacks clothing store, off Piedmont Ave. I have been photographing in the window there for over 5 years now...Elizabeth (the owner there) is wonderful and has been so welcoming to me over the years! If you have not been to her store, you need to come. It's a beautiful baby/kids store, new and resale clothing as well as a very generous selection of eco-friendly products! Toys and otherwise....and a GREAT selection of Halloween costumes.

So, this Sunday, I will be doing portraits there, you must sign up for a time slot. If you are interested, and only if you will for sure be able to come, call the store at 510-654-8844 to sign up! The fee is $75.

Here are a few snaps from my last day there.

Great to use as holiday gifts, or for your holiday card.

Fall is here! - Amy Perl Oakland Photographer

2009-09-22T22:00:00.000-07:00

Fall is here! Yesterday was the last day of summer...although here in the bay area you'd hardly know it was fall. These record temps are great...but getting a bit draining. Well last weekend, while we had a quick rainfall I had a session with this wonderful family that I met last year at my studio, but this time we met at their house. So much fun, and the rain actually added a nice texture to the whole thing.

BEAUTIFUL new product!

2009-09-22T16:04:00.000-07:00

I love love love this new thing I'm doing. I found a place that mounts photos onto really beautiful bamboo bases. I love this. The photo is flush with the edge, and it just pops off the wall. Check them out!

It's also a super cool alternative to framing or even canvas (which I still love). Just another cool option of something you can do with our photos!

If you are interested, get in touch and I can get you a quote! (if you are a client of mine that is...this only applies with photos I have taken).

Avi is 5 - Amy Perl Oakland Photographer

2009-09-22T12:57:00.000-07:00

Well, she did it. My baby turned 5. She's so tall. She's so fun. She loves Barbie. See below. The photos we did outside were mostly directed by her...

Avi seeing the MEGA-PACK of Barbie clothes....whew.

Avi WITH the mega-pack of Barbie clothes.

Barbie Barbie Barbie

My husband shot this of me trying to set up the Barbie Dream House. It's mostly done now.

My beauty is five.

Fun at home - Amy Perl Oakland Photographer

2009-09-03T16:21:00.001-07:00

It's true, I LOVE doing home portrait sessions. It's so nice to be able to hang out with the kiddos to see their rooms, to see how they play, play dress up,hug their parents. Don't get me wrong, photographing in all settings is great, but to be able to get a glimpse of different lives, and to take my shoes off and be creative...it's great.
Here are a few from a session last week.

First Day of School! - Amy Perl Oakland Photographer

2009-09-01T13:04:00.001-07:00

It's finally here! Avi is now in kindergarten....can't believe it. I can't believe she's almost 5. So much has happened in all of our lives from the moment I found out I was pregnant with her...until now. Amazing how fast it all happens. How did my Isaac become a 3rd grader? When did that happen? He was just a fat baby a few months ago it seems....

Beach Beauties - Amy Perl Oakland Photographer

2009-09-01T12:19:00.001-07:00

So, as we know, living here in the Bay Area, the summer weather in San Francisco is not always predictable. Although it's not always the worst thing, because sometimes it really helps with the photos! I love fog, and I love fog near the GG Bridge. So dramatic.
I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to photograph these three girls, totally fun, uninhibited...makes my job EASY. I had a great time chasing them around, in and out of the water, it was great. And I'm so excited, but in a few weeks I get to chase them around their home and do it all over again!

Beautiful Sasha - Amy Perl Oakland Photographer

2009-08-17T09:18:00.000-07:00

I'm starting to get the end of summer phone calls for Fall/Holiday family photos, it's such a great time of year here in the Bay Area to do photos. The weather is great, and usually is until November! I just did this session last week with Sasha/mom/grandma, and I just picked out a handful to share.I love when I have the 'freedom' to do the work I love...actually I have had the luxury of having mostly that kind of freedom lately! The only time it is tough is when a client really has not seen my blog or my website, so they are not clear on my 'style'. As of recently though, this has not come up much!

Wedding Portriats - Glen Ellen

2009-08-12T11:59:00.000-07:00

I photographed this great wedding in Glen Ellen a few weeks ago. The couple was SO chill...totally open to the day, the photos, went with the flow...made for a very relaxing work day for me. I just quickly picked a few of my favorite portraits from the day. There are a ton that I love from the reception as well, but for now I am just posting some portraits!

Some Favorites - Amy Perl Oakland Photographer

2009-08-05T15:08:00.000-07:00

Well, it's been a long time since my last post, a few weeks I believe. We went away on vacation - San Diego, Clearlake, a bit of Mexico and a quick Vegas stint. All fun, all relaxing! In looking back on my past few posts, I realized I've been showing my own personal photos, which I love to do, but for a quick change I am today posting some photos from some recent (pre-vacation) portrait sessions. And as I am still a bit lazy from my time away, I have not edited this selection down much and am showing quite a few photos...but why not!?

Also, I have sent an email out to existing clients regarding my fall/holiday session schedule. If you are interested, let me know soon! I have a "book before Sept. 10" special, you get 10% off! Also, My session cut-off date is November 29. That is if you want to get prints by Dec.15.

Enjoy the photos, and I hope to see you soon!

I'll be posting my vacay photos in the next day or two....

Jacob...

Cole and his parents at the studio:

Sasha, her parents, and hidden brother/sister:

and Azure.....:

4th of July weekend - Amy Perl Oakland Photographer

2009-07-10T13:28:00.001-07:00

Every year we go to Clearlake for the 4th of July. I can't remember the last time I wasn't there for the 4th...but these past few years I have been venturing into town for the Carnival/the locals with my camera. I didn't go too crazy this year with the photos, but enough to satisfy me. We also made smores, swam, played, relaxed, watched fireworks. I am not including photos of all those activities, but here are a few (ok more than a few, but still, just a few).

AHHH, sprinklers...

Carnival, Clearlake

img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2647/3707405027_546007b294_o.jpg" width="565" height="565" alt="DSC_1577" />

Avi Rose - Amy Perl Oakland Photographer

2009-07-02T14:25:00.000-07:00

This morning (Isaac was out at a camp out) Avi woke up, and I swear she must do head spins in her bed when she sleeps. Her hair is AMAZING when she wakes up. I had to do a before and after. The before photo is right after breakfast. Waffles with chocolate chips. Thus the chocolate on the face. The after photo is right before we walked out the door to go to camp.

Cutie.

Texas - Amy Perl Oakland Photographer

2009-07-02T14:05:00.000-07:00

Ah, Texas. I went to Austin to visit my friend Bonnie Berry, www.bonnieberryphotography.com, and to travel the area in search of good photos...I think I found a few. :) It was fun traveling with another photographer who understood my need to stop for the seemingly most mundane of spots...This just fed my fire a bit, and now I need/want to go do more road trips! For me, the experience of the unknown, that's for me. If only I could convince my husband and kids how much fun driving around in 100 degree weather looking for (boring) things to take photos of is. Hmm..that may take me a bit longer.

I had a hard time editing, so I decided to put A LOT of photos up. This in only about 1/3/ of the total ones that I picked as my favorites!

Forgot to post these! Isaac and Avi in April

2009-06-24T16:46:00.000-07:00

Ok,I am standing up typing this because Isaac has stolen my desk chair so he can play his Lego Star Wars game on my laptop. It's all downhill from here...

These are photos I took of the kids over spring break in April that I forgot to post. I just love them. They are sitting on our picnic table at Clearlake. This table is the center of pretty much every stay at the lake. It's location is a fixture to everyone in my family. It shows up in many many of my photos.

Isaac is holding up the newspaper because it's his birthday. April 6.

Summer is Here!

2009-06-23T13:24:00.000-07:00

Well, the kids are out of school, and now they are hanging out at day camp...but before that, we went up to Clearlake. A great week. A week of NOTHING, but just being. Loved it. We had rotating friends come up and hang with us....and I am embarrassed to say that I barely took any photos....I was enjoying the air too much to even pick up the camera....nice to give my visual brain a rest though. I am attaching a few photos, not all of them, I'll get to that later (after I get back from Texas, yay Bonnie!) next week.
But here are a few snaps of Avi, (headless, he barely let's me take his picture any more...booo...) Isaac, Bea and others...I'm not going to name everyone's name, but they are all dearly loved. The second round of friends (you know who you are) will be posted next round.

Happy Summer!

GNATS!! ARGH!

GO ALAN!

Go Dayna Go!

Yay Avi! And also fun with Remote Control Cars

2009-06-11T22:29:00.001-07:00

Hooray!! Avi is graduating from Preschool!! Onto bigger and better big girl school. Here are a few snaps from her graduation ceremony, as well as photos from this past Sunday eve. My husband and son have FINALLY found a hobby that they can both geek out on. Which leaves me and Avi to run around and take fun pictures...great for everyone!

And now for the cars...

Holy Smokes, Seriously Cute Henry

2009-06-11T22:22:00.000-07:00

So, this is Henry, I photographed him this past weekend. Seriously? He is out of control cute. Loved photographing him. And his mom, makes these AMAZING framed collage-like pieces of art work with photos etc. It's based KIND OF on the whole scrapbooking thing, but the finished pieces are these intimate/powerful/super cool pieces based around simple design and photographs. In the coming weeks I will be posting some samples of her work, and she is starting to take this on less as a 'hobby' and more of something to offer others! I'll keep you posted. In the meantime, here is her cutie-pie Henry.

Lots of work, Little Blog time

2009-06-11T21:44:00.000-07:00

I'm not sure how many people actually check out this blog, but for those of you who happen across it from time to time...I apologize for being very delinquent in my postings. And now I am about to leave for a week, so there goes that...but in the meantime I feel like I ought to explain myself with a list of my goings-on as of late...
Two weeks ago I photographed an AMAZING wedding in Upper Lake, Ca(some of my faves are posted in this blog post), which if any of you know where that is it is on the North end of Clearlake, where I (my parents/family) have a vacation home, and have been going there since birth. So when this wedding came up there, on a weekend that I already planned to be there...I accepted. And am so happy that I did! So, there was that, and then I photographed ANOTHER beautiful wedding the next weekend at the Pelican Inn at Muir Beach. Hopefully I'll have a few from that one to post soon! (I have to get permission first of course.) I've also been filling my time photographing preschools. So much fun, and it works great with my own children's school schedule etc. I've also done some photo work for a great baby company called Lifefactory.com, and I will post some photos from that as well very soon. The make super cool, toxic free, glass baby bottles. They are unbreakable, because they have this non-toxic squishy (patent pending) silicon stuff on the outside. And they just look very cool too. I've also had my share of very cute chubby babies to photograph....so I've kind of been all over the place with my work, but it's been great. I love keeping it so diverse!

So one more thing I have to mention, my son, Isaac, today finished 2nd grade. Tomorrow, is my daughter Avi's LAST day of preschool. In the fall it's off to kindergarten! What happened? It's all moving so fast! I plan on taking some time this summer to be with them, go swimming, go to Clearlake, you know...live a little. And hopefully, I'll remember to bring my camera with me from time to time....

Here are some snaps I loved from the Upper Lake wedding. I'll post some more photos again soon!

Great Clothes! - Amy Perl Oakland Photographer

2009-06-05T09:00:00.000-07:00

The clothing brand is Bunny and Bee, and it's GREAT! Way back when, when I was a part of my own start up baby clothing brand, I met a good handful of other moms who were doing similar things. These are creative people, with great ideas, and with the experience of a mom to get what other moms want for their kids. That being said, Jennifer and husband Faez started a super cool brand called Bunny and Bee. Faez is a graphic designer and comes up with the most unique screen print designs. They've recently started doing more cut-and-sew fashion, and I love it.

I've photographed for them a few times, here are some snaps from our most recent session!

To see their ADORABLE clothes go to, www.bunnyandbee.com.

Abbey and cousins - Amy Perl Oakland Photographer

2009-05-18T18:03:00.000-07:00

I met adorable Abbey at one of my Crackerjacks in-store portrait days last year before the holidays, and her parents called me to do some photos of her with her two boy cousins while they were here visiting from the East Coast. There is one photo in here that just shows how in love she is with them....cute little face.

Getting to know them... - Amy Perl Oakland Photographer

2009-05-14T12:45:00.000-07:00

I love getting to know my 'clients'. The kids get used to me, they feel more comfortable with me and my camera, they like to show me stuff...love it. This is the third year that I've "worked" with this family, and I always come away with some of my favorite photos. The last couple of photos I've shown here, I wish I had done for me an my family. The generational photo. That's what photography is all about right? Capturing memories, capturing faces, showing who we are, where we come from, where we live. This is why I started photographing in the first place, and this is why I always will.

My Mother's Day - Amy Perl Oakland Photographer

2009-05-11T21:03:00.000-07:00

I had a wonderful Mother's Day. Anybody who knows me, knows I am a busy body. As my father likes to call me. And it's true, and I'm not ashamed...but for Mother's Day, my family allowed me to do just this. We went to Genova Deli and waited and hour for some delish sandwiches, went to Golden Gate park to eat them, then over to Stow lake and we watched the cool sailboats and scootered around the lake (turns out that's really tiring and I only went around once), then over to the Polo Field area and ran around there. Isaac and his dad geeked out with Isaac's awesome remote control car, while Avi and I ran around leaping and peeking into old horse stables. I took pictures. A perfect day.

San Francisco Wedding - Amy Perl Oakland Photographer

2009-05-04T07:54:00.000-07:00

I photographed this wedding a month ago...can't believe how fast time flies. I LOVED shooting this wedding. The bride and groom (thank you) were AMAZING and FUN, and I'm not just blowing smoke. I had a great time.

It's morning before I have to take the kids to school so I just quickly picked these as a few of my faves from that day. Just wanted to share a few.

Baby in the Studio - Amy Perl Oakland Photographer

2009-04-29T22:55:00.001-07:00

Yahoo Emerson! She is so cute, and made the best expressions...see for yourself. Fun in the studio.

Preschool Photos - Amy Perl Oakland Photographer

2009-04-28T20:54:00.000-07:00

At the beginning of the year, I decided that it was high time that I took all of my experience from the past years and put it to the test. For the past 5 years, I have been doing these Photo Portrait Days at Crackerjacks clothing store (www.crackerjackskids.com), as well as a store called Milk (they just closed, bummer) and Recess Urban Recreation (www.recessurbanrecreation.com). The photo days are a little crazy, but also super fun. I get to meet many new families and sort of introduce them to my style of shooting, and it also has been a huge help in getting my photo name out in the world! Some days I have 20+ families that I photograph!

Anyway, I am talking about this, because this is the experience I decided to bring to my 'new' venture. Preschool Photos. No, not those cheesy ones...with the horrible sponge-painted backdrop, and no un-natural weird looks on the kids' faces...but fun, adventurous, photos that we would want of our kids. And it's wrapped up in a "Class Photo" name!

I have photographed a handful of schools this year, and it's been a blast. This school that I'm showing below, Blue Sky Preschool...amazing. The Director Michele, is wonderful and so sweet. I had a great time. Soon I will be venturing into a much larger school, Duck's Nest, off Piedmont Ave (just past my studio!), and I'm really looking forward to it.

If you are interested in having me come to your pre-school, just give me a holler! I'd love to do it.

Holga Film - Amy Perl Oakland Photographer

2009-04-21T22:05:00.000-07:00

I was shooting a wedding a couple of weeks ago and decided to bring along my old duct-taped Holga for fun. When I was at the wedding I realized there was still some film in it, so I just shot the rest of it at the wedding. When I got it developed, turns out it's from a desert road trip from AT LEAST 3 years ago.
Here are the shots that were on there. The motel sign is one of my faves in Vegas.
At the very very end of the strip...very dreary street. Love it.

Great Family - Amy Perl Oakland Photographer

2009-04-19T17:12:00.000-07:00

Here are some pics from a session I did with this super fun, chill, go with the flow, family. It was great. Lots of fun in the studio.

Time Away - Amy Perl Oakland Photographer

2009-04-16T17:14:00.000-07:00

Last week was the kids' spring break, so we went up to Clearlake, and then to Humboldt to visit my cousin. Love it up there. Humboldt County is so stunningly beautiful, it almost hurts. Every time I go there I wonder why I don't live there....here are a few snaps (film...for those out there who care...you know who you are)...I'll have more to come later but this is all the editing I could muster up right now...before I go get the kids from school...enjoy the greenness.

Canvas Mosaic of Fun Family! Amy Perl Oakland Photographer

2009-04-13T20:55:00.000-07:00

I have just returned from a week away (kids' spring break) and so I'm frantically trying to get caught up on a bunch of work, so for now I thought I'd just share this cute canvas that I did for one of my favorite families. Always fun, always ready to play...and I'm so glad they decided to get the canvas for their mantle!

Photos of Bonnie and Sam - Amy Perl Oakland Photographer

2009-04-04T12:15:00.000-07:00

I was lucky enough to hang with Bonnie on her recent trip to the east bay, and damn, I wish she lived here. One of the most inspirational people I know, and always filled with praise and much needed honest opinions. She makes me question my work, which I love. She pushes me to do what I love and to do it well. I love that. The last night she was here, I stopped by her friends house where she was staying so she could take a few snaps of me and my family...BUT I had just gotten a new camera so I had to pull it out and do a few of my own of her and her beloved (getting sick....we gave it to him...) Sam.
Bonnie, if you see these, hope you like 'em.

Moms Who Click

2009-04-02T15:15:00.000-07:00

A couple years ago...has it been that long...a kick ass east bay mom photographer Angela Lang got in touch with a bunch of us. She thought it would be a great idea for us "competitors" to all meet/hang out/drink wine/talk photo talk/and everything in between. It's been one of the best group relationships I've ever been in. It's a place for us photo-moms to talk shop, but also to get advice, share referrals...be OPEN and sharing with our experiences and knowledge. We got (those who could be there) together the other day at Jen Molander's beautiful new house in Montclair to hang and catch up. Here are a few pics...mainly of Mary McHenry's cutie, but also of Angela and her newbie.

My Heart and Mind are ready again....

2009-03-31T23:20:00.000-07:00

I have been longing for something and I've been toiling over this...what is it? It came to me in the last few days, after a few conversations with people I care and respect...I NEED FILM. I need the technical, hands on, completely personal feeling it gives me and my work. This is my art. This is how I say what I don't have the words to say....It's time to go there again....here are some that I love...that are from years past...but I still love. Time to make more.

Avi and Friends

2009-03-18T14:15:00.000-07:00

Some fun in the studio. They were playing movie stars...yikes.

Egg - www.eggmusic.net

2009-03-12T21:11:00.001-07:00

Egg. www.eggmusic.net. I've written about these guys before, my friend Steve is the drummer for them. They are a super fun "kindie rock" band. They are based in Los Angeles, and so they flew me down there this past weekend to do some photos for their upcoming new website look...here is a sneak peek at a few of the photos.... Also, they will playing up in San Francisco on April 25, at Recess Urban Recreation. www.recessurbanrecreation.com

Rachel - The FAB Personal Chef / Caterer

2009-03-11T20:29:00.000-07:00

Rachel's cooking is awesome. Let's start there. Last week I went over to her place to do a trade with her. I photograph her amazing dishes for her blog, rjsteiger.blogspot.com, and I get to walk away with food for my family! These photos are all done in her beautiful kitchen in San Francisco. All totally healthy and yummy meals. And to take a quote from her blog, " I can make your life easier by shopping, cooking & delivering meals tailored to meet your needs." Trust me, your life will be made MUCH easier if you have her helping out....just in the few days of my family eating the meals she's prepared, I've actually had time to sit down and help Isaac with his homework, read more than 4 minutes of book time before bedtime, AND actually cram in a show or two on the boob toob.

Anyway, here are a few photos from our day last week, and her yumilicious creations.
Again, here is the link to her blog, and you can find her contact info there too:
http://rjsteiger.blogspot.com/

Isaac Haircut

2009-02-19T13:10:00.000-08:00

Need I say more? Before and after.

Avi Dance

2009-02-19T13:08:00.000-08:00

Just cute.

She is still working on her "cheese" smile...

A new 'project'?

2009-02-18T22:08:00.000-08:00

In December we (husband, kids and I) went out to Walnut Creek somewhere..not sure where now, but there is this little train museum place. It's awesome. There is this whole culture (all men that I saw working there) of mini trains...and the sets that these trains were on were awesome. I had my camera thinking I'd be photographing the kids that day, but instead got sucked into these little sets...I remember years ago seeing a photographers work similar to this. They created these little weird scenes and then photographed them very close up, with shallow depth of field, and they had this surreal creepy dreamy look. THESE ones though, the ones that I took, are like real life situations...I love this. So then, when I went to Mexico in January, we were at this crazy super mall in Nuevo Vallarta (wasn't into it really) and there was this little display there showing off the condos and the condo community that you can get into there.

Something is going on here..and really, I'd love to find more little mini-scenes like these...How cool would these look really really big, like 3x3 feet hanging on a wall...hm...my artsy brain is having a moment.

Fun Mom and Daughter!

2009-02-17T22:14:00.000-08:00

These ladies were so much fun. Not a shy bone in either of their bodies.
Enjoy...moms out there..we can do this for you too! ;)

Studio Fun

2009-02-17T21:44:00.000-08:00

So it turns out I'm a very slow blogger...I love floating around checking out other people's blogs...seeing their photos, their lives, their thoughts. But for some reason when it comes to my own I'm a bit slow. Ah well, so it is. But alas! I am posting some new pics. My friend graciously lent her two adorable girls to me, Clara and Zoe, last week and we did a little fun afternoon in the studio. Avi is in there too, of course. What would some experimenting be if my kids were not involved somehow? I am printing out (as I type this) large prints of each of these photos, and then I am going to post them all up as a grid like this in my studio/store window! I hope it'll look cute...I love this mini one, so that's good!

This is an idea I have had bouncing around in my head for years. Literally. I definitely want to do some more portraits like this, hopefully some of my client will want to also!

Mexico!!!

2009-01-28T16:34:00.000-08:00

My husband had a work conference down in Puerto Vallarta...so I suffered...and went with him. It was terrible really....ok, so it was great. I actually relaxed. It was great to be able to go (thanks mom and dad!) on a vacation sans kids...although admittedly after the 3rd day away from them, I really wanted them there experiencing it all with me, and playing with me too. Although I would not have been able to do some of the things that I was able too...like get lost on a really really long dirt road, walk around small towns fast and stopping whenever I wanted for as long as I wanted...ok, so it was great. BUT, my husband, poor guy was working most of that time. Anyway, we just got back a couple nights ago, so I have not had time to really thoroughly go through all the photos, but here are a few that I really like, and I will for sure post more in the next few days.
Viva Mexico!

I have a 'series' of tourists while there...it is fascinating to me. Could the tourists stand out any more????

Super Studio Session

2009-01-28T16:27:00.000-08:00

So, I've been in my "new" studio for a few months now, and I am super excited about the photo sessions that I have been doing there! There is so much flexibility with the space, and the neighborhood, and I'm working it all to my advantage. Getting great portrait photos in the studio, and then taking a walk a block down to my secret outdoor spot for light and vibrant outdoor shots has given me many more options to offer families for their photos.
Here is a session I did with a family a couple of weeks ago.

Beautiful Belly!

2009-01-28T16:23:00.000-08:00

This couple is so great...I photographed their wedding 6 years ago, and am so excited that they called me again for belly photos! I'm also very flattered, because he is a photographer himself...there is no bigger flattery than another photographer asking me to photograph him!

A Favorite Wedding - Oct. 2008

2009-01-07T13:54:00.000-08:00

This wedding was a wonderful wedding. I had photographed the groom's mom's wedding the year before and so I knew the family already. How fun to photograph both the mother and son's weddings! The setting for this was amazing, in the back yard of his sister's house in Ross, up in Marin. It was a perfect day, the plants, the light, the guests, the bride and groom - it all worked in my favor! I love the photos that came from this day. I have yet to post wedding photos, but I thought it was high time I did! To be honest, I have been laying low a bit on the wedding photography, but have realized really, how much fun it is, and hope to photograph more in 2009! Referrals are welcome. ;)

Look how proud and happy the bride's father looks while looking at her...I love this one.

Blog Entry

2009-01-07T12:36:00.000-08:00

Ok, so Bonnie Berry is amazing. She is a wonderful friend/photographer/artist and she just posted the most amazing blog entry about my new studio...love her. Check out this posting.

http://www.adventuresoflazygirl.com/

Oh, and here are a few recents of Isaac and Avi.

Happy New Year 2009!

2009-01-06T19:35:00.001-08:00

Whoa. Well, after a super busy holiday photo season, we took off to San Diego to spend some time with my family. Kinda hectic, kinda fun. We did all the stuff, Hannukah (we lit the candles for all the days! I think it's a record!), Christmas, hiked in La Jolla, went ice skating in Coronado (weird to ice skate and look at the beach at the same time), went to the Pasadena Rose Parade on New Years Day. Yep, we pretty much did it all. The photos I am including are just a snippet, but it's all I could muster up.

I'm looking forward to 2009, I've got lots of ideas flopping around in my head, and I look forward to seeing how they all roll out!

Avi in a rare calm moment

My dad and Isaac with the Christmas beef

This is a photo of the tv, the kids were watching A Christmas Story..this is one of my favorite scenes.

This is a cropped snippet of my parent fridge...time to clean it up a bit?

This is right before we all lovingly watched Avi burn her hand on a candle.

Nana and Isaac

We're past the half way mark!

Girl in training

I'm sorry, but when did my little boy get so HUGE???

So, I realized that many of Avi's clothes are too small. Check out the floods.

Sky writing at the Rose Parade

Adam, Dayna and Bea - BFF's

2008-12-11T20:15:00.000-08:00

This is my son Isaac with Bea...um...is it love? let's hope.

New from my studio!

2008-12-11T20:01:00.001-08:00

So, in the busy-ness of this holiday season, I have also begun photographing in my studio. Turns out I love it! I have to be honest, I was a little bit scared at first, just because I am so used to the variety of locations and the variety of light when I photograph at your homes...but I love it here at the studio too! I have great natural light, and it allows me to be more specific in my shots too! Anyway, here are a few from
the studio from these past couple of weeks. I look forward to doing many more sessions here!

img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3149/3100723345_5436af4864.jpg" width="500" height="400" alt="mcgrath5" />

And these three kids...I met them a few years ago at my in-store Crackerjacks photo day, three adorable siblings. So this time they came to my studio, and we decided to take a walk down the way and photograph them outside. There is a big cemetery near my studio, and there are a lot of cool nooks and crannies to photograph in. These photos are from there.

This one was with my old polaroid....love it. Art Amy is back.

Wow...this is a busy season!

2008-12-11T18:56:00.000-08:00

So, I think I posted like 3 weeks ago...And that's about how long it's been since I've come up for air. It's been an awesome busy few months, and am thankful for it. Thankful to have met so many cool new families, thankful for the creativity that they have allowed me to explore, and thankful that it has all been fun. I am posting just a few of my recent family sessions...thank you, all of you for letting me into your lives, and having fun with your kids.

Here are a handful of photos that I love...not that I don't love many others, but this is what I came up with today!!

First is Henry, Lily and Hadley (just 3 weeks old!) - Big brother and sister were so good, and patient....

And here is Emma, Linus and their parents...some of you may recognize these beauties from my website portfolio and also from my postcard mailer....love these kids...

This is the BEST funny face picture I think I have ever taken. Really.

And meet sweet baby Jacob...less than a week old...I just wanted to eat him up.

And one of my all time favorite siblings....Ali and Elijah..on FIRE.

A few from my studio this past week...

2008-11-14T08:55:00.000-08:00

Kiya and Ellis

and adorable, squishy TJ...

Is this really my JOB?? I like this too much...

2008-11-13T22:07:00.000-08:00

So, this shoot, with the Rubin Family was fun, was chill, was exactly why I love my work. I have a few photographs of myself and my sister from when we were pre-school age, taken by an art-student babysitter of ours. The photos are black and white and just so rich. I feel like those photographs tell more about us as kids than many of the family snapshots we have filling my mother's photo boxes in her cupboard. Well, these photos that I am sharing of the Rubins remind me of those photos I have of myself. And these photos, I feel, really represent how much I love to take pictures.
I hope you enjoy them too.

Beautiful, Fun, Mollie

2008-11-05T15:10:00.000-08:00

This is Mollie. I met Mollie and her mom, Heather a few years ago at one of my Crackerjacks store events. I think Mollie was about 6 months old then..same as my daughter. Mollie is now four. Every time I see her (and her mom!) I have so much fun. She's energetic, into the camera, into me...and she and her mom both have this infectious laughter - it's wonderful. So, these photos are from our session last week. As promised, I have pulled out my old trusty 4x5 camera and used it with Mollie at my studio. We also did some regular old film like I usually do, as well as some digital stuff. We started at the studio, then just walked a block down to the cemetery (it's beautiful!! not scary!!!) and did some fun stuff there. Here are few snaps from our session.

Lots and lots of fun. Thank You.

2008-10-31T16:52:00.000-07:00

This is another family I photographed while down in Los Angeles, so much fun. They are friends of a close friend of mine, and I couldn't have asked for a more chill and fun session. We just hung out at their house, photographed the baby sleeping, the big boy chatting me up, laughing, being silly...and then we ended with a bee sting on big boys finger. I left him alone for that one...Seriously, I am having such a good time with my job. Is this a JOB? I giggle thinking about that sometimes....

My Favorite Camera - I've missed her...so I'm bringing her back.

2008-10-30T22:19:00.000-07:00

This camera taught me how to take pictures. Before I got her, I had been photographing for about...10 years...but never like this. This was BEFORE digital was even on any artist's mind. I graduated with a photography fine art degree.....but didn't really know how to take a picture until this camera came into my life. At least not the kind of photos that I felt spoke to and for me. Anyway...it's been quite a few years since I've shot with this camera. A lot has happened in my life since I used this camera almost exclusively. I've had two kids. I've passed the 12 year marriage mark. I've opened my own photography studio.

So, in the move to my studio, there she was. I tucked her away on a shelf, but today, after a good talk with a photographer friend yesterday, I pulled her out and here she is. I took a couple shots of a beautiful 4 year old girl today, Mollie. I will show those photos soon.

In the meantime, here is my camera, in my studio, as well as one of my all time favorite photos that I took with it. It is a photo of my BFF from childhood. She is 8 months pregnant and stunning. I am now offering portraits with this camera. It's time to bring my roots back into the game.

A few products I am carrying - Holiday Shopping!

2008-10-30T21:56:00.000-07:00

I have had so many clients asking what I think the best way to display their photos is...and there are so many options. I am showing just a few here that I like, that I offer. Canvas prints (super cool) and also frames that I am carrying. One stop shopping. Since I shoot/crop so much as square, I decided to carry square frames, since they can be kind of tricky to find. My prices are totally reasonable. $20 for the 10x10 frames, and $15 for the 8x8 frames.

These are two 20x20 canvas wrapped prints. I love this size. On paper is sounds kind of big, but then when you put them on the wall, they are the perfect size.

These two are 11x14 canvas wrapped prints. Super cute, and I love that they tell a story.
I think a three is a great number for this size print...I love images in threes...

These next couple of product shots are the same thing, just different colors. I am offering 10x10 frames (shown here) in Black and Dark Walnut. I also carry the same thing
but in 8x8 size.

Los Angeles Family deuce

2008-10-28T16:37:00.001-07:00

This is Faye. Faye is on FIRE. Faye is a beauty. Faye has opinions. Faye's mom and dad are awesome...and they are so creative and appreciative of creativity, it is always a treat to photograph them all. Thankfully Faye is going to have a new baby soon...so I'll get to go and photograph again soon.

My Los Angeles Portrait Trip

2008-10-28T16:27:00.000-07:00

Last year I traveled down to Los Angeles to photograph a few families....and then I did it again....and again, and now this is becoming a wonderful regular thing for me. I have so much fun, I get to stay with friends and photograph families all weekend. I am planning another trip for spring 2009, and definitely again in the fall of 2009.
But for now, I want to share some of the photos that I did while there! This is just the first round...I will have more up very soon.

By the way...I LOVE when kids want to dress up...in whatever. LOVE IT.
This is Lucy, she apparently is Belle pretty regulary. Henry just has those eyes....