michelleANDERSEN 2011

FREE!!! HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS

2011-04-18T22:54:00.001-07:00

FREE!!! HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS

a photo by michelleANDERSEN2011 on Flickr.

On Saturday April 30th I will be offering a FREE photo shoot!
Yes! I said FREE Photo Shoot!!!
WHO:
2011 & 2012 Seniors.
Call today to book your slot!
What you get--
a FREE 30 minute photo shoot
includes hair and make up
a facebook image to share with all your online friends

*this will be an on location shoot, details will be sent to you upon booking!
Thanks,
michelleANDERSEN
photography

PORTRAIT||sarah ida

2011-01-30T22:50:00.000-08:00

Sarah was the official winner of my photo shoot contest from March 2010. We were church buddies when I returned to Utah State University to finish my degree in 2005. She was telling me that she felt guilty winning the contest because of our friendship, but I'm so glad she won! It was so much fun to catch up with her before she moved to Montana for her job! Sarah was so much fun to photograph and what can I say I love shooting on Pierpont Avenue! Such a great location with so many background options!

PORTRAIT||the Preisler's 2010

2011-01-30T22:35:00.000-08:00

Dunh! Dunh! Dunh! I introduce to you the very energetic, and enjoyable Preisler family!!! I served in the New York City South Mission with Melinda. Back then she was known as Sister O. ---and was most definitely the the most desired english trainer/possibly companion on the mish. I was lucky enough to live in the same pad as her. Oh! The memories of Flushing, NY. It was fun to meet up again and get to know her beautiful, and when I say beautiful, I mean BEAUTIFUL family! I had so much fun chasing her kids around to get them to actually look at the camera. Who knew the Ogden train depot could be so cool! Thanks for a fun afternoon!

PORTRAIT||the OLSON'S 2010

2011-01-30T22:23:00.001-08:00

What a fun day! I just love this family!!! (Anna-the mom happens to be one of my "besties") --If you've been following my blog I've been lucky enough to photograph her beautiful family from the very beginning. Seriously! Watch for some black and whites from their wedding ---4 kids and a mortgage ago!

2010-10-07T02:42:00.001-07:00

WEDDING||marcus & kelsey

2010-06-07T22:15:00.000-07:00

This wedding was AMAZING!!!
I love, LOVE it when I get to be a part of a fairy tale wedding!
There's nothing better than seeing the handsome prince making his princess HIS!
You truly are a beautiful couple on the outside and inside.
THANK YOU for having me be a part of your magical day!

I've posted all the other 'sneak peek' pics on my FACEBOOK page.
You can CHECK this album out on FACEBOOK here!!!

My New Life||Stephanie Nielsen

2010-05-05T10:17:00.000-07:00

I haven't posted anything for a while. I've been in the middle of finding a new place and getting ready to move. This is from a blog called nienie dialogues I like to check every now and then. Click here as well to read the blog. Get ready to be inspired! Don't forget the tissue!

photo shoot contest WINNER!!!

2010-03-30T23:52:00.001-07:00

...and the winner is...

...drum roll please!!!

PORTRAIT||the WASHINGTON family

2010-03-30T14:02:00.000-07:00

This was my 4th and FINAL shoot during my "San Jose" weekend. I have friends that have had their pictures taken at this park, but I had no idea that it would be a photographer's dream. So many different backdrops and endless opportunities.

The Washington's were so easy to work with
and came to the shoot full of ideas they wanted to try! Until now, I had no idea that 3 year olds even knew what college was...this little one is already talking about how she's going to college! Love it.
Thanks for finishing off my photo weekend in the Bay with a BANG!
Let me know what you think!

FREE||photoCONTEST!!!

2010-03-30T13:25:00.000-07:00

Hey EVERYONE!!! It's the last day to enter my FREE photo shoot contest!

These are the entries I have:

Sarah Ida Huber
Jason Miller
Carrie Poulson (Nielsen)
Deidre Cote Pilcher
Oakstream: Alisha
Amanda (Norma Rae)
Jamie (Shorty)
Dorothy Gregersen
Rachel Kartchner Hampton
Mary Wilcox
Samuel Peterson
Kristy Neff
Tiffany Cameron
Julie Neff
Jodee Bosen
Sara Low
Camilla Kuhns
Cheryl Wilcox
Lalis Castillo

I'm doing the drawing tonight at midnight!!! So get your blog comment or Facebook status updated by 11:59 p.m.

(If you post something in your status--
be sure to shoot me an email so that I can go check it out!!)

I will not be able to enter the OUT of STATERS:
They are as follows! Thanks for your love and support!
If you ever come to Salt Lake City, UT on vacation let me know!

Juliana
Bekah
Samantha
Hannah
Nicole Hanson
.lauren.anne.

PORTRAIT||the NOZIK family

2010-03-24T11:20:00.000-07:00

During my most recent trip to visit my sister in San Jose, I offered military families a discount to have me shoot their family photos. It worked out perfectly and my weekend was booked! This was the 3rd shoot that week(end)-it started on Thursday-- and my first one on Saturday morning.
Isn't this shot above just perfect! I love the flag, so patriotic. This little guy was a ball of energy! He was definitely the one in control of the shoot and definitely adorable! I loved watching his parents interact with him. It's always great seeing what parents will do to get their kids to smile. He actually proved to be a great photographer as well! I let him snap a few with my camera.
Enjoy! Let me know what you think!

PORTRAIT||Rebecca and Mike

2010-03-20T10:23:00.000-07:00

These images were taken on campus at UC Berkeley. I'd never actually been on campus at UC Berkeley and when Rebecca requested that's where we shoot, I was really excited! This is where Mike and Rebecca met and spent loads of time. I'm so glad that we could capture them in a location that was them! Luckily the threatening rain clouds didn't open up and poor down on us.

PORTRAIT||Paula for Sum of All Numbers

2010-03-11T20:51:00.000-08:00

Marketing & Sales guru Paula is the newest addition to Sum of All Numbers,
a bookkeeping company based out of the Bay Area. Need a little help getting your books up to date and kept that way? Check them out here.

Paula was so great to photograph. She has a very welcoming personality perfect for her role with Sum of All Numbers. Even though she told me she likes photos of herself BEST when she's not smiling, I couldn't help but tell her to smile...it just brought her warmth to the surface! What a beautiful and spunky woman! Would you check out those eyes!

2010-02-17T18:14:00.000-08:00

NEWBORN||precious baby girl

2010-02-17T10:20:00.000-08:00

This was my 3rd newborn photoshoot ever!I guess the 3rd time really is a charm b/c I'm going crazy with ideas of how to shoot newborns now! My favorite thing about photography is that there is always something you can change to make the shoot more exciting and interesting.

The daddy, is one of my little brother's buddies from growing up and lived on our street. I was so excited to be able to take pictures of his precious baby girl.
Thanks! She's beautiful!

PORTRAIT||kristi and aaron ferre

2010-01-19T22:57:00.000-08:00

5|18|2007

from this ....

....to this

12|12|2009

I was lucky enough to be Kristi and Aaron's photographer when they got married and will probably get many more chances throughout my life to take more photographs of them. (This is sibling photoshoot number 2). They are so much fun to photograph! I didn't include their goofy--behind the scenes photos that shows that side of them...maybe later I'll do another post. (If you're lucky!) BUT I do love their LOVE! So in love! Woo!

PORTRAIT||jonesy

2010-01-04T23:45:00.000-08:00

--for Christmas this year I decided I would take pictures of all of my siblings (and their families) for my dad and Laura...so far I've only been able to actually photograph 2 of the kids..ONE of which is Jonesy..a 5050bmx riding guru. You can follow him and his bike riding buddies on their blog here. I'd say he's got a pretty awesome gig. He gets paid to go all over the country and ride...all while encouraging kids not to do drugs! AWESOME!

PORTRAIT||the WEBB family

2009-12-17T16:49:00.000-08:00

Once in a while in the middle of an ordinary life, love gives you a fairytale.

...so what do you think?
Remember, if you post a comment you are entered into my free photoshoot contest!

freePHOTOSHOOT||enter to WIN

2009-12-17T10:32:00.000-08:00

how to ENTER:

Leave a comment anywhere on this blog (be sure to include your name)
Leave a post about the contest on your own blog or facebook status

I will post the winner on March 30, 2010

||Portrait|| Taunya

2009-12-01T14:10:00.000-08:00

||spunky toes just like her personality||

I absolutely love this shot of Taunya! It's as if she's going to conquer the world!

|| HELP || Jon and Tiffany Unander

2009-11-17T21:38:00.000-08:00

Photo by Clara Jerome Photography

I just found out that my childhood friend Jon Unander is battling cancer. To learn more about his condition and how you can help click here.
Get better Jon! I'll pray for you!

||Engagements|| Marcus & Kelsey

2009-11-08T00:41:00.000-08:00

Holy Cow! I love it when I meet with a new client and feel a connection from the get-go! Kelsey and Marcus have been dating for 7 lucky years! They are so much fun to be around and so comfortable as well! I love the way they look at each other! You can just see the love, adoration, and friendship eminate from them...and I get to call them my friends now too!!! When we got done with the photoshoot I was sad that it was over. I can't wait 'til their wedding in May. My goal with their shoot was to try and get angles I've never captured before that fit their personality! Please, please, please leave me some comments so I know what you think! Image #2 was a new idea, but I really like the yellows....of course they are adorable, but "kick it, or keep it" on the post processing (photoshopping)?

||Essure|| Conceptus Inc.

2009-11-01T22:41:00.000-08:00

2009 Fall Essure Summit

I had the great opportunity to document the Essure Summit for Conceptus Inc. I spent a whole day and two evenings rubbing shoulders with OB-GYN's from all over the country. I was very impressed with how real they were as well as how much they truly do care about their clientele and the health of the women they serve. To learn more about who they are and what Essure is all about please click here.

||Engagements|| Marcus & Kelsey

2009-10-20T00:46:00.000-07:00

I had so much fun shooting with Marcus and Kelsey in the Saratoga Hills and nearby Los Gatos. Kelsey's one request was to have some REDWOODS...and I must say
...BEAUTIFUL!...
and not just the trees.

...watch for more to come...

Taylor and Natalie: Happy Anniversary!!!

2009-09-24T19:00:00.000-07:00

Taylor and Natalie were married on August 26, 2008. Their story is one like unto a fairytale for sure! See a few details below or on my website!

Congratulations on ONE year and one month!!! :0)

First Kiss:

Our first kiss,WOW!-- I was 16, Taylor was 17, we were at Rock Canyon Bowl just out for a walk. The sprinklers were on and Taylor picked me up and put me right in front of one of them. We were absolutely soaking wet! We walked over to a bench at the top of the bowl, and Taylor kissed me.

Our Cake:

Our cake was phenomenal, it was all different flavors, 4 tiers, it was textured very thin stripes of off-white and white. It was very simple but very elegant. We put some bright flowers on the cake as decorations.

The Dress:

My dress was amazing! It was very simple. Round neck, gathering around the bust and waist, and a drop waist where the dress flowed out from. A friend of mine made the flowers that were placed on the left hip of the dress.

Honeymoon:

We went to Palm Beach, Florida. We were able to stay in a condo and just be with each other. It was amazing, no schedules, just beach, swimming, and my husband!

Favorite Memory:

My favorite memory with my husband probably is the day he came home from his mission. I remember seeing him and we just went straight up to each other and just kissed! I was so happy and speechless and Taylor was so excited he couldn't stop talking! It was hilarious.

finding INSPIRATION everyday

2009-09-23T22:45:00.000-07:00

A Spider & Hibiscus

One of my friends recently reminded me about capturing inspiration EVERYDAY. For about 2 weeks now, I've been delivering flyers to collect shoes for Green Eyes in Africa. On my walks passing out these flyers, I couldn't resist the hibiscus and this amazing spider! I hate, HATE walking through spider webs, so I keep a keen eye out for them and noticed this entire web suspended from one strand of silk that was connected to the above tree. It was incredible to me, and not to mention DISGUSTING! I took about 20 images trying to get my point and shoot to focus in macro mode. I think it worked pretty well. Anybody know what kind of spider this is?

Alexander Fett O'Neil [2 weeks old]

2009-08-19T21:17:00.000-07:00

the HELM family

2009-08-15T00:05:00.000-07:00

Emily and I have been friends since our days at the River Queen--which used to be the best place in town for a burger, fries, and a shake---until it was sold and turned into an Alberto's. I was there for the HELM-Belliston wedding...(my first gig as a photographer :0) and her sister, Candace's wedding...and sporatically along the way. I'm so glad we were able to make some time to catch up a little bit and to take some family portraits. The kids got a little restless, but did such a great job for as long as we were shooting. Good thing Xander had his trucks!

Ryan and Nessa

2009-08-07T01:03:00.000-07:00

This shoot was so much fun! Janessa and Ryan were engaged on the top of a mountain. Good thing he figured out it was time to propose (she was beginning to wonder if he was ever going to pop the question). These two can pretty much bet on laughing for the rest of their lives together. I'm so glad I got to shoot these engagements! Nessa has been a good friend of mine for about 5 years now, thanks to my little brother. I've been calling her Nessanator, or Nessanatorade for as long as I can remember! Nessa and Ryan were rockin' it as models and the fun was a constant. Almost a whole bag of their favoirte Jelly Belly Jelly Bean's was consumed on our drive to Brighton to a cool graffitied bus that was GONE!!! Luckily, there was tons of cool stuff to use as backgrounds...afterall we were enjoying mother nature, which I might add decided to storm like crazy on us the day of the first shoot. It was pouring and I mean pouring down rain when I met up with these two at the mouth of Big Cottonwood Canyon. I kept telling Nessa it would clear up by the time we got on location. AND...like clock work, the clouds parted for just enough time for a short little hike to the Snake Creek lift and plenty of gorgeous pictures! It's not hard when you have models like the two. Seriously! BUT...we still wanted some more, so we reshot on Monday and luckily the sun was actually shining. Crazy June weather in Utah. Enjoy the pictures!

laugh last with me.
always kiss me goodnight.
don't forget the jelly bellies.

THE [Sarah Anne Barlow] Internship: Day I

2009-07-13T21:45:00.000-07:00

I am seriously so blessed. (I wonder if saying that is copyright infringement?) I arrived in Nashville last night (7/12) to enjoy pouring rain and the company of 4 strangers. We ate at Jackson's Coffee and Tea a local diner with very cool employees. (Our server was great!) I got to meet Katie at the airport and then Sarah when she came to pick us up. We drove around the airport once more and then picked up Jessica. Rachelle would fly in about an hour later and there was no more room in the car for luggage or people, so we dropped the rest of our stuff off at the ICON in the gulch which is actually where Sarah lives!!! --and then headed back to the airport.

Today we spent the day defining WHO we are. (WE=the interns). I didn't think it would be so difficult considering the fact that I am a journal writer, but I found struggle in my need to put who I really am down on paper. (And I've been thinking about what I would write since back in January when I heard Dane Sanders speak at the PUG)--so I called Anna. Yay for good friends that help get our brains on track!!! After our intense afternoon it was time to head out to dinner: The Cheesecake Factory.

Happy Birthday Rachelle!!! She turned 17 with us! Dinner was great! I got my usual: Thai Chicken Pasta. (A menu that big makes my brain hurt and I can't decide so I stick to what I always get.)

||Leah||

2009-05-30T17:47:00.000-07:00

||Leah||Beautiful||Leah||

This morning I had the chance to photograph Leah, or Rebekah, as she is known in China.
The brother of an acquaintance contacted me at the beginning of the week wondering if I could help out. Considering my recent move and need to know the locations that surround me, I accepted. Leah is from a city named Xi'An. I've never been to China, but the name sounded familiar for some reason. When I looked up the city I figured out why... My friend Matt visited her city to see the Terracotta warriors. Very cool! It is a small world after all. Leah brought her love for modeling and excitement for competition with her to the shoot. She has been an aspiring model for about ten years now and showed up with a bag of clothes and make up in hand. She would've modeled all day if had the time! She was so excited to try all the poses she's been studying up on. I love how many different looks she has. I wish her the best of luck in her continuing competition. She was just awarded: the " 2009全国平面模特新秀奖“ which she translated to be: "Fourth 2009 China Model Match" ( for Magazine , website or Model for a production ), the " Rookie of the China Model " and The " Champion Award" within her city .

Sneak Peak

2009-03-31T20:16:00.001-07:00

My friend Sharman asked me to photograph her newborn. Newborns and Toddlers are so different from Brides, but still so much fun! These are two of my favorite shots from the shoot.
Tanner is 3 and all over the place. While mom was feeding baby Parker I went and found Tanner sitting in front of the TV watching his favorite kid cartoon. The above shot was the ONLY one he let me get of him looking at me. Little Parker did such a great job...he barely even cried and he kept staring at my lens. We had a fun morning together.

H&M

2009-03-20T01:21:00.001-07:00

In an attempt to get to know my surroundings here in Nor Cal, I asked some of my new friends, Heather and Mark, if they'd be willing to get a few more engagement photos in exchange for their time. I'd had my eye on this great location at an outdoor mall at Santana Row that has some awesome stuff for the urban look!
I loved shooting there! AND I loved shooting Mark and Heather!
They were up for anything and they're such a sweet couple.

I've moved!!!

2009-01-28T00:13:00.000-08:00

Helloooo!!! It's been way too long! I've been thinking about all the stuff I have to blog about and still don't have anytime to get down to the knitty gritty and get it on here. For those of you who don't know, I moved to the Bay area. I live in a place called Sunnyvale, CA. I'd never heard of it 'til I found out I was moving here. It's a great little place surrounded by what I like to think of as Computer Land USA...aka the Silicon Valley. I just wanted to spread the word about this great photographer I got to meet tonight at the PUG meeting. (Pictage User Group) His name is Dane Sanders. He's all about the "you" in your photography business. I loved the demonstration he did tonight. I was inspired and excited to attack the photo world of northern California! I took so many notes! Look out world, here I come!!! I'm still available for photoshoots in Utah! Call me now to book your shoot!

The Broadhead Family

2008-12-12T16:55:00.001-08:00

I love capturing families as they really are...who gets the most distracted by the
babies, who gets the most zany in the images, who poses for the camera...
ALL of it! I love it!
This is such a photogenic family! I was sooo excited with
the number of images that turned out amazing! Great smiles and great style!
I'm so glad I got to share this evening with them!
Happy Birthday Janet!

The Olson's 2008

2008-11-05T22:25:00.000-08:00

I have such great friends!
Anna is one of those friends that when I see her after long periods of time we pick up right where we left off. I consider myself a lucky person for knowing her and learning from her!
I remember during college that she had this amazing ability to love and enjoy everyone around her. One of the quotes that was on her wall went something like this: "There are two kinds of people in this world...the ones I like and the ones I haven't met yet." I'm sure I butchered the actual quote, but the idea of it says something profound about Anna's character. She has always been a great friend and is an amazing mother and wife. I love how she has followed her dreams. We used to talk about how when we grew up we were gonna be neighbors and own a scrapbook store together. Well, we have yet to be neighbors, but Anna followed her passion and established a scrapbook company called Paper Posies, with her husband Mike. She is awesome and I'm so glad she shares her family with me!

I'm lucky enough that I've been able to photograph her family as they've grown. I got to be there when Sara Jayne was blessed and hold Jarom and Elena soon after they were born. I can't wait to see who baby number four looks like!

The last time I photographed their beautiful family was in March of 2007:
It's so fun watching them grow!

CHANGE

2008-10-20T00:13:00.000-07:00

Warning: This entry contains some of my personal thoughts.

Change is inevitable. It's always been something that I wanted to deal with well, but the older I've gotten and the more things I've gone through, I've realized that I don't let go of yesterday all that well. I think if I were a tree I'd be the last one to lose my leaves. I think the reason wouldn't be because I feared the seasonal adventure that awaits me with encroaching winter, but that I'm afraid of what I'll miss if I really let go of every last leaf. (and maybe those leaves are the people in my life that come and go...) As I drove up the canyon with Sara and Betty for our "leaf" shoot I found myself reflecting on the reality of how everything around us is in a state of constant change. I was thinking about how the trees must miss their leaves as they become bare for the winter...and how somehow that teaches us something a little more about a Heavenly Father who loves us. Those trees that lose their leaves every year also give life to new leaves after the duration of a difficult winter. Where there is something lost there is something gained after a proper time. There is something amazing that awaits us with the changing seasons, AND something that the duration of the seasons teaches us as well. It makes me think of Ecclesiastes 3:1 "To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:"

It's interesting to look back at my life and consider all the plans I've made and to contemplate the changing of goals and dreams due to circumstance and the agency of those around me. The truth is we all affect each other. Possibly in just small ways, but I honestly think that everyone that comes into our life has a purpose there and that somehow we actually decide by our own choices how that purpose is fulfilled.

As I've reflected on past memories and all that I've learned from fellow friends and photographers, I've realized that I love to be inspired. I love to be listened to and I love finding new ways to look at this beautiful world we live in. While at WPPI last March I had the chance to be in a seminar by Jesh DeRox. He is an amazing artist who connects with everyone he comes into contact with. I don't think there was a dry eye in the class when he was finished. There was this huge group of people in line waiting to talk to him as well. I definitely left that class a better person because of my experience there. I hope and pray that I can one day have that same affect on those that choose me as their photographer and friend. I love finding the beauty I see in the world through my lens and capturing it forever!

Thanks friends for being the leaves on my tree...I hope I get more than one season with you!

Sara and Betty

2008-10-19T23:46:00.001-07:00

I've been dying to take pictures of the fall leaves so I asked my friend Sara if she wanted to go and of course it turned into a portrait session which I LOVE! We had such a fine time hiking around at the mouth of Little Cottonwood Canyon. I'm amazed at how nice the weather has been and I'm so glad I'm still getting to enjoy it with good friends and my camera. Thanks for the fun shoot ladies! You look Marvelous...simply marvelous! :0)

Fire in the Sky: The 4th of July 2008

2008-10-14T22:23:00.000-07:00

I know, I know...these images are really old...well, there are more to come! For the 4th some of my friends came up to Riverton and went with me to Riverton Towne Days! I spent the whole firework show shooting into the night sky. I love what I was able to capture! I've also decided that one of my favorite objects to shoot is a ferris wheel. There is just something so magical about them. I also practiced a bit of panning and I love the shot of the kid roller coaster! What a great evening!

Self Portrait

Camilla

...and the rockets red glare,
the bombs bursting in air gave proof thru the night that our flag was still there...

Taylor and Natalie: Wedding

2008-10-03T15:01:00.000-07:00

Hello friends!
Sorry it has taken me such a long time to get these posted! This was such a perfect day! Natalie looked gorgeous and we had so much fun shooting. Natalie and Taylor wanted something a little different to be captured on their wedding day so instead of spending all of our time on temple square we headed out into the city. We got some awesome shots! I hope you enjoy looking at them as much as I enjoyed taking them. :0)

Introducing Taylor and Natalie:

2008-09-10T22:22:00.000-07:00

Holy Cow! These two are so much fun! We were laughing just about the whole photoshoot! Taylor and Natalie were so natural in front of the camera. This is why I love my job! I get to meet great people and capture them exactly how they are! I'm so glad I got to meet them! Be sure to keep an eye out for their wedding images...they'll be posted any day now!

Class of '08

2008-08-19T21:31:00.000-07:00

..the ballroom is meant to be danced in!

the kuhns (koonz) siblings

2008-08-19T21:10:00.000-07:00

a little bit silly, a little bit goofy, a little bit in awe, unh huh!

This is my gorgeous friend Camilla! Her family was in town for graduation and they haven't had "sibling" pictures for some time now. So, she asked me if I would photograph them! We only had a short amount of time before Camilla had to be to the graduation ceremony, so we did what we could trying NOT to get her dress dirty...which makes for some slightly challenging poses. Thanks for squatting in your skirts ladies!

Dandelion Wine

2008-08-06T20:28:00.003-07:00

My summer has been extremely busy and I've been neglecting my blog! So sorry to all of you who are followers of my work and for not posting anything new. For some reason I have always loved these kind of dandelions. I once told my roommate that I was "that kind of flower". I know, I know they aren't flowers. BUT! they are for making wishes on and then their seeds get all over the place--I am definitely all over the place. I've loved my summer! I've had the awesome chance to work as an EFY counselor...my normal day job...and even some fun photoshoots here and there! Thank you everyone for supporting me in my endeavors and helping me follow my dreams. :0)

Summer Fun---

2008-08-06T20:28:00.001-07:00

My last session working EFY I decided to pull my camera out. Ah the joys of shooting with an SLR instead of a point and shoot. The first 5 shots are some of my favorites from check-in and the counselor orientation dance. What an awesome four weeks I had working as a counselor this year! I learned so much from the youth. They are seriously incredible and are going forth in life

The other shots are of my friend, Ian's, band-- After Midnight performing at Muse Music in Provo. I loved being able to capture them on stage...now if you could only hear them play. They are very talented and enjoyable individuals. Look closely at Ian's shoes (he's the one on the left..in the 'band' shots)--I thoroughly enjoy his style!

A Saturday Morning

2008-06-17T22:17:00.000-07:00

The morning of my little brother's wedding my sister and her husband spent the night with their two adorable little girls. That morning we sat around in our jammies and I couldn't resist getting some shots of their cute little family...all but one of them are of Gracie. BUT the one that isn't is of Lelia. She's 5-- and I love how she seems to be pondering in the image. She really does act like she's 5 going on 15. Ah...how I love them and wish they were closer!

Remembering Florida

2008-06-17T21:55:00.001-07:00

These images are from back in April. I've been meaning to post them since....it's amazing how busy life gets! I hope you enjoy them!

Farnsworth Family

2008-05-08T23:36:00.000-07:00

Everytime I shoot it's like falling in love over and over again--falling in love with capturing who people really are that is. Little Halee was a typical toddler, ready to run at every chance she could get. I was a little worried that we hadn't captured the traditional "family picture" to hang on the wall, but once I sat down to edit these images I couldn't stop smiling. I just kept saying to myself I love this, this is why I am a photographer!!! I am so grateful to be able to see the love that this little family shares as well as all those I've been able to shoot in the past.
I see these images and I just want to give back. I hope my passion shows up in what I captured.
Chris, Brooke, and Halee you are an adorable family. I'm so glad I've had the priviledge of getting to know you. I'm looking forward to our proofing session!

Olivia

2008-04-14T16:55:00.000-07:00

One of my good friends, Brian, brought his little girl over to my place on a Sunday afternoon to talk cameras and photoshop. Olivia was so adorable I just couldn't resist snapping a few shots of her. Brian was so worried about her making a mess--I guess I just figure-- that is what kids do..is make messes.

On my way home

2008-04-10T21:51:00.001-07:00

...after a very inspirational few days at WPPI my friend Stacy and I couldn't resist but stop to shoot these ruins just off of I-15. As we drove by we both looked at each other and she said, "you want to stop?" I was so glad she asked...so we got off the freeway and headed back in the direction we thought we'd find the road that would lead us to our treasure...only that wasn't quite the case. We drove down this cool red asphalt for a bit , but it led us to a creek and a fenced off area . Our "treasure" awaited us on the other side. We flipped the car around and headed back down to I-15 to hopefully find the real road that would get us to our desired destination! As you can tell...we made it! What an adventure.

Charity suffereth long and is kind Corinthians 13:4

2008-04-10T01:22:00.000-07:00

I had the awesome opportunity to photograph a wedding of a friend of a friend in Tampa, Florida! It was beautiful! Not only did the clouds wait to let the droplets of rain out until after the ceremony but a rainbow even showed it's face just before it. The ceremony and reception were held at the Davis Islands Garden Club, but the fun didn't stop there...for those who could attend there was an extended reception on the Carnival Cruise Ship, The Inspiration, which sailed to Cozumel, Mexico. Another beautiful ceremony and reception took place on the ship as well. A couple of my favorite photos from the cruise are soon to follow, but here's a couple from the original event as a teaser.

WPPI 2008 LAS VEGAS

2008-03-20T22:19:00.000-07:00

Where to start???
Life, or Photography...it's all about getting better and finding inspiration! This is the second year I've ventured to Vegas with my photographer friend Stacy Young with Three Winks Studio for WPPI: Wedding and Portrait Photographers International. She's amazing by the way.
Stacy went down early for the business workshop and so I traveled down with some other photographer friends I met through Pictage, Kellee Smith (Moments by Kellee), her second shooter Megan, and Shellee Draper (Photography by Shellee). We made it down early enough on Sunday afternoon and were able to take in a platform class as well as attend a program called "young guns". It was awesome. So inspiring. There were about ten photographers in their twenties that shared a piece of their success with us. It's amazing to me how humble they seem to be and how willing they are to share their secrets. Each day just got better and better with the amount of information I was able to take in.

On Tuesday, our last full day in Vegas, Stacy and I wandered down Las Vegas Boulevard to miracle mile, the m&m factory, and the coca cola store. These are some of the fun images I captured with my fuji S5 and 50mm 1.8. It's not about the equipment, right? It's about what I see through my lens and how I give back to those around me.
Hope you enjoy!

Stacy was nice enough to model for me for a bit. I loved this sofa, and mirror!

Snapshots featuring: Anna Rasmussen, Stacy Young, Captain Kubota (a hired model) Bally's fountain by the hamburger place... and my inspiration for my color combo I hope to be implementing in my upcoming branding and logo.

Gracie-Goo

2008-03-20T21:53:00.000-07:00

Photography is about capturing moments. My older sister Heather has been here with her kids visiting for a few months. Usually I'm frantically running around the house in the morning getting ready for work, after sleeping in from a late night. The day I captured these images of Gracie was no different. I couldn't pass up the chance to pull out my camera---she was sitting on my mom's bed and the master bedroom was full of natural light from the open blinds. She was sitting there with the "funnies" as if she was reading them. Gracie is only 16 months old and it's been fun to see her little personality show up more and more the older she gets! She's quite the momma's girl and shortly after the shots on the bed she wanted to be held by none other than her mommy....whoooo happened to be sitting at her favorite spot in front of the computer---next to one of Gracie's favorite toys: the phone. I'm so glad I took the time to capture this little moment. Isn't she a beautiful little girl!

A Day At The Lake

2008-03-10T23:42:00.000-07:00

Last Saturday a couple of my friends went with me to shoot out by the Great Salt Lake. I've been wanting to shoot out there for sometime and it proved to be an awesome place to shoot! We ran into Brett Colvin, he offered us some great shooting advice and shared some very inspiring stories. My jaw about hit the sand when he told me that he worked with Annie Leibovitz. I love running into other photographers that are willing to share their story. I was so inspired I was ready to work for nothing!

These first shots are of my friend Heather. I absolutely love her red hair and beautiful green eyes!

These next few shots are of Andy---I found it interesting how much his look changes. I love the movement in the second to last image...but my personal favorite is the first image. I know it's "mine" but I think it looks like a music add or movie poster!!! I'd love to know who you think he looks like--anyone famous? hmmm...

Dane & Mindy Bridals

2008-02-26T14:59:00.000-08:00

She's so beautiful!--and he's my brother and the biggest goof ball ever!!! ---But I must say he looks very handsome in his tux! For now that's all I got in words! 32 days and counting!!!

Ryan and Emma Tie the Knot

2008-02-07T16:33:00.000-08:00

Emma and Ryan were sealed on February 1st in the Jordan River Temple. It had snowed the night before and right up to their sealing time. I thought for sure we'd have to fight the snow flakes, but we were lucky and the storm ceased just for us. We only had 30 minutes before the luncheon but I kept Ryan and Emma out in the cold as long as possible. Like the carriage turns back into the pumpkin at midnight, it's inevitable that human popsicles form in February and we had to stop shooting earlier than I would've liked. These shots are a couple of my favorites.

And they live happily ever after....

It was Christmas Time....

2008-01-14T22:55:00.000-08:00

I love Christmas time...and everything that is Christmas (except crazy shoppers) especially when I get everything I want for Christmas and more!!! (and I did) Before my mom took the tree down I had to get some 'ornament' pictures. For those of you that don't know I love the colors red and green together! AND red is my favorite color. So I had to get red bells to decorate the lighted garland. Also the word BELIEVE was a very important word for me during 2007. Truth be told, I'm not where I thought I would be at this point in my life, but that doesn't mean I'm not in the right place. It's just hard to have faith and really believe that I really do have a plan of my own...or rather that a loving Heavenly Father has a plan for me...that I cannot always see but that is still there. I just have to keep believing and then the peace comes. That is what I love most about Christmas! We truely get to reflect on the life of the Savior and why he and his life are important in our lives. I have learned that it's easy to take the blessings we have in this life for granted and recognizing the Savior and His influence in my life over the holidays has helped see who I am and who I'd like to become and why.

Princess Emma Jane

2008-01-14T22:15:00.000-08:00

We had so much fun shooting Emma's bridals!!! My assistants Mike and Jess came with me and got some great angles. Emma didn't really need anyone to make her smile-- everytime I told her I needed a smile she would bust into laughter--- She was born ready for the camera and pretty much posed herself. She looked absolutely stunning and we were able to get some amazing images! I'm convinced that her giddyness for her wedding and being all dressed up like a princess were the reasons for her grinning throughout the shoot...even though I'm sure Mike would like to take credit for the laughs...he did keep the jokes rolling during the shoot.

Memory Lane

2008-01-12T21:08:00.000-08:00

During the holidays and once every summer I get together with my friends from high school. This year we met up at Sandy's new condo in Draper---ate too much food, caught up with each other, and watched a little football. I had a bridal shoot that afternoon and still had the lens with me that I'd rented, so I thought I could put it to good use and really get my money out of it! Even though it's been a while since high school, it was still a bit daunting to pull my camera out--- I got loads of crap back then for taking my Canon AE-1 EVERYWHERE with me. Little did my friends know that I would be their claim to fame in the yearbook our senior year. One day they'll thank me! (Some already have) --Besides it's fun playing the crazy aunt that captures the moments of our lives! (You know the one I'm talking about--from the movies).

The picture Sandy is holding in her hand is from Junior Prom our Senior year. It's of Becky Exeter(Earl), Sandy Nelson, and Myself dancing. The Junior's despised us...well, some of them because we showed up in our parent's formals. I was wearing a yellow bridesmaid dress my mom wore in the late 70's. The best part is that the guys taped electrical tape to their pants to make them look "right".

THE HERE AND NOW...
Other's in attandance not pictured here: Shane Babcock, Sam Horne, Brian and Jamie (Lifferth) Smiley, Dave and Emily (Belliston) Helm, and Sandy's Man!...hopefully I didn't forget anyone...

I absolutely LOVED Sandy's decorations in her house, so I had to include them in my blog!

Ryan and Emma

2008-01-04T22:36:00.000-08:00

Okay, so I've been a total slacker and I haven't been posting anything new! It's crazy how time gets away from you when you let it.

Ryan and Emma decided they wanted their engagements in the snow...and they got exactly what they asked for- thanks to mother nature! The weather was so warm and then bam...it snowed, sheets of snow. I love it when a couple knows exactly what they want! Emma's Bridals will be posted in the near future!

Meg's Kids

2007-12-01T18:34:00.000-08:00

Dane and Mindy

2007-11-20T16:20:00.000-08:00

Dane is my younger brother and asked me to do him a favor and take some engagements for him. I had been dying to shoot some images at the "gold doors" downtown, but I never could find them...until now. It was so much fun to spend an hour with Dane and Mindy being goofy and getting to know Mindy a little better. It's crazy to think that even little brothers grow up...or seem to because they are planning a wedding. Crazy!
"Love to love loving the love." -or something like that.

Party of Five

2007-11-05T14:48:00.000-08:00

What an adorable family...and not because I'm biased. Casey (the dad) is my cousin and was incredibly patient considering he hates being in front of the camera. I think my favorite part of the shoot was when Jackson (the youngest-he's four) said to me, "Am I gonna be a hot babe?"---I told him he already was and after that he kept saying, "I'm a hot babe, huh!" What a character! I had so much fun on this shoot it didn't even feel like I was working. I tried a couple different editing methods. Hope you like them!

My New Website!!!

2007-10-30T09:01:00.000-07:00

I've been saying for months now that my new website is "almost up"...well, it's finally up! I still have some fine tuning to do but atleast it's up! I'm currently working on a logo, so watch for that in the near future. To all those who are friends I haven't met yet thanks for stopping by and checking out my work, and to all those whom I've had the chance to work with and get to know, thank you for your support and love! -Michelle

Melanie

2007-10-09T10:47:00.000-07:00

Nellie & Cliff: Blacks Beach San Diego CA

2007-10-01T16:44:00.000-07:00

There are many people that have come into my life and made a special mark. Nellie has been one of those dear friends that left her mark, so when she told me she was getting married I knew I would be making the trip to be part of her day. Nellie looked stunning on her wedding day. Her hair and makeup were perfect...pretty good for a California surfer girl whose favorite way to do her hair IS not doing it. Ah..ponytail girl...gone glamor girl. Thanks to the hard work of family and friends, the wedding day details came together for a beautiful ceremony and reception. I'm so glad I was able to capture the day--the way I saw it! Congratulations Mr. and Mrs. DeSouza. :0)

Mr. & Mrs. Rockwell

2007-09-29T11:06:00.000-07:00

What a fun couple! JJ and Candace were so easy to be around on their wedding day. We had a blast wandering around the temple grounds with the videographer and family friend, Kory (who's website will be launched in the near future). JJ asked Candace to marry him on the stage of the off broadway theatre--Candace's favorite date spot---and obviously she said yes. What a great pair! Thanks for sharing your day with me! You will have a wonderful life together.

baby TYLER

2007-09-20T22:59:00.000-07:00

Ah! Newborns are so precious. I just so happened to end up at this little guy's parents place for the night of his first bath. How lucky am I--- I got to hold him for a while and then it was time to bust out the camera. Proud parents are John and Tauna Roe.

Candace

2007-09-19T13:41:00.000-07:00

Alie

2007-09-14T16:59:00.000-07:00

I love these shots of Alie! Doesn't she look HOT! She volunteered to be a model for Chad's portfolio. He does hair at Switch Hair Salon on Foothill Boulevard. If anyone is searching for a great stylist, I highly recommend his services. Watch for more of Chad's work in the near future and thanks for stopping by my blog! -Michelle :0)

Jason & Shalee

2007-09-13T15:51:00.000-07:00

Wedding Bliss

2007-08-23T17:42:00.000-07:00

Daren met Alison at BYU-Idaho all because his friend Spencer wanted to go visit some old friends. They are such an adorable couple and fit together like 2 pieces of a puzzle. I'm so glad I got to share this special day with them and their families. We spent loads and loads of time shooting on temple square. Alison, Daren, Spencer and I even ate lunch at the Nauvoo Pantry Restaurant. I must say they have the best Chicken Salad sandwiches around. After a photo filled couple of hours we all met back up in Alpine at Alison's Aunt's home for the reception. There was Cold Stone icecream, fortune cookies dipped in white chocolate with sprinkles and yummy cake. What a beautiful and fun day!

something old . something new . something blue

2007-08-15T09:09:00.000-07:00

What a beautiful evening for a ceremony and a reception. Channa was married to her High School sweetheart Travis on July 28th. These are a few of my favorite shots from the event.

Sara

2007-08-04T11:32:00.000-07:00

Stacy

2007-08-01T18:51:00.000-07:00

I needed to rent some equipment from my friend Stacy for a shoot, so to accustom myself to her stuff we took the practice time to go location hunting in downtown Salt Lake. It was so fun to find new doorways and cool streets for future shoots. Who would've thought an old cement factory would be so cool!

Courtney

2007-07-15T21:43:00.000-07:00

A Thursday Evening

2007-07-12T22:54:00.000-07:00

Channa has beautiful eyes and if you get close enough you can see that one is more blue than the other. Fun! She is such an easy going bride. What a relief when thinking of the craziness of the wedding day! It was so nice to spend some time getting to know her and her mom and sister. It was soooo hot the day we chose to shoot. Even though it was seven at night the temperatures were well above 100 degrees farenheit...atleast that's what my car said. The only thing Channa ever asked for was water...and well, some homemade rolls from the Lionhouse Bakery. Yum!!!

Details 2

2007-07-11T23:07:00.000-07:00

A couple of months ago I went to my friend Russ's wedding. I wasn't planning on shooting there, but I took my Canon E600 which is just a digital point and shoot. It takes great pictures and here are a couple of my favorites.

EFY 2007 --Power in Purity

2007-06-26T22:48:00.000-07:00

I've totally been MIA lately and that's because I just finished working EFY or Especially for Youth. I loved it! I miss it! It changed me! I am posting a couple of my "creative" shots on here from registration, some of me and my co-counselor Bryan that my "kids" took of us, and let's not forget dancing with Brooke and Emily in front of EVERYONE! Oh!---to be seventeen again!

2007-06-02T00:55:00.001-07:00

It's "troo wuv" at it's finest. Daren and Alison are so adorable together. I love seeing couples like these two where their love just emanates from them! When we arrived to shoot, Alison had the special assignment to investigate the candy options at Sweet Afton's. Their planning on getting some fun suckers as wedding favors. Cute! She said they HAD to get lollipops! I'm so glad they bought them---I love what we were able to capture of them enjoying their yummy sugar sticks!!! Yay for sugar!

Dashboard Cofessional: Stolen

2007-06-01T12:58:00.000-07:00

I just finished watching the "Stolen" Music Video and I'm absolutely in love with it! Click to watch!!!

Greg & Summer

2007-05-31T23:14:00.001-07:00

Greg and Summer asked me to take some pictures of them before Greg heads off to training...he's getting ready to go to Iraq.
We had a fun time together. The thing about Greg and Summer is that they have a very real love. They were high school sweethearts and so the story goes...she waited for him to serve in the military and then serve an LDS mission...then, he waited for her to serve her LDS mission.

---Details---

2007-05-20T20:29:00.002-07:00

Saturday evening completed my weekend of weddings perfectly.
I had the chance to enjoy the company of some old friends at a reception for the newlyweds Stacy and Bryan Hansen. It couldn't have been a better setting. They had their reception at Soldier Hollow in Midway, UT. I was excited to be able to use my new lense and focus on some fun detail shots. These are what I got:

the cake: cheesecake.beautifully displayed on a cheesecake tree
the bouquet: thrown right to me!!!
the martinelli's:
the smiley's.the helm's. the hansen's. the singles

Some days are PERFECT!

2007-05-20T17:44:00.002-07:00

What a beautiful day! I can't think of how else to describe it except for beautiful!

Aaron and Kristi Ferre
05.18.07

Dreams do come true....

2007-05-20T17:02:00.001-07:00

she has this posted on her myspace....

and she found one.....

Ryan and Stacey Hightower
April 28, 2007

What a special day! Stacey and Ryan's sealing in the Timpanogos, UT temple was beautiful! We spent a fair amount of time afterwards taking pictures in the blistering heat. I'm surprised the two didn't just melt. Stacey was convinced her sunburn would show up the next day, but her skin was pretty pink by the time the reception started. I couldn't resist posting the picture of Ryan's expression after she fed him the cake! I think that's his hurry up and kiss me face! :0) And...ahhh! such a tender moment sharing their first dance as husband and wife.

5 and 10

2007-05-08T16:44:00.000-07:00

FIVE years ago today I returned home from my mission to the New York City South Mission. I learned to speak spanish there and met some amazing people! I can't believe it's been 5 years!!! I wanted to pause for a moment from my photography posts and add this little landmark of life history. It's strange to think back to all the great times and moments that have passed in my own life that have helped me get to where I am today.
When I think back to how it felt returning from the mission, the best way I can describe it is with the scripture 2 Timothy 4:7, afterall it played over and over again in my head. I knew that I'd fought a good fight, I had finished my course (atleast up to that point in my life), I had kept my faith. What a great feeling that was...

On April 11, 2003 my dear friends and "other" family were sealed for time and all eternity in the Salt Lake City temple. me.miriam.rafael.johnny.billie jo petty

I met them with Hermana Petty in a laundry mat when we had 15 minutes left to get back to our pad. They had just returned from a trip to Hawaii where they'd visited the Laie Temple. Miriam said under voice, hiding behind the paper, to Rafael, "Uh, oh they found us." They were later baptised on September 30, 2001.

...of course I had to go back and visit the big city!!!

brooklyn bridge.may 2004

THEN, in 2005 I was hired by CES youth and family programs as an efy couselor!!! Don't worry, it only took me applying 4 times in a 7 year period of time before I finally got the job. Persistance definitely paid off. Life is definitely about timing.

San Diego State University 2nd year as a counselor with my D.P.O.D. girls.

I graduated in May of 2006 with a Bachelor of Science Degree from Utah State University in Physical Education

It was at USU where I got back into my passion of photography and was encouraged by a photo friend, (Russ Dixon) to buy my own digital camera. I didn't think I could let go of my 35mm Canon AE-1, but I bought my Nikon D70 and started taking photography a little more seriously. With 10 weddings under my belt and big ideas of better equipment and lighting classes I'm excited to see what it will all become.

AND Now...I am faced with the decision to attend or not to attend my 10 year high school reunion. Go Miners!!!

So these are the life events I've been thinking about in great detail at the current moment. Are n't you glad you read about them!!! :0)

Dmitri

2007-05-08T15:28:00.000-07:00

Meet Dmitri, my newest little friend. His aunt Katie brought him over to my house one night on a walk and I asked her if I could add his little face to my portfolio. She was up for it, so we ventured into my backyard for a bit...he was so cute in his little GAP hoodie! Shh don't tell his mom, we let him play in the dirt.