Tracy Dodson Photography | Temecula Valley Photographer

Murrieta Wedding Photography | Adriana & Skylar | Part 1

2012-01-26T15:36:00.000-08:00

So over a year ago (December 2010) I get an email from someone saying that she's getting married and wants to book me for 2012! It seemed forever ago and yet - here is that same sweet girl - beautiful, happy, joyful and married already.... Their engagement is here.

I feel like I made new good friends - I just love weddings. Adriana was a dream bride who had her dream wedding. She was so relaxed the whole day and you could tell she loved her single minute of her day. It was a joy and honor to be such an intimate part of their day. Thankful for my good friend Carri Roman of Roman Studio Photography who shot with me. She's an amazing photographer herself who shoots with me when Jessy cannot. Besides, we have a ton of fun together...

Venue: Murrieta Methodist Church
Reception: Wedgewood, Fallbrook

Awesome makeup by Monique Tinahui... she is specifically trained for photography and it shows...Monique also did her hair.

...and here's the beginning of the day that begins the rest of her life with Skylar....

Audie's side of their story:

We met when I was in middle school, through the church we attend. Skylar was popular and all the girls loved him, but I was not interested AT ALL!!! I actually disliked him very much, but when he came back to church as a counselor when I was a junior in high school…Something changed. All the sudden I was in love and I knew from the moment we started dating was that he was the one I wanted to spend the rest of my life with.

beautiful gown - funny story - she got it all on and forgot the slip - that was comical!
i love these next two pictures - not sure why but i do
carri caught this with the girls in the back - love it...
I loved the bright light...this was around 9:00 a.m.

Carri went to Adriana's Grandma's home to photograph the men - it was around the corner - she did an awesome job...here's Skylar

Skylar's side...

Although I may have known Adriana before, it was not until I came back from my 2 years in college that I noticed what an amazing woman she had become. I knew as soon as I saw her that I wanted to know what really made her tick. She was an angel and I wanted her to shine her light in my life.

more soon...I'll leave you with this beautiful portrait of Adriana...

Engagement | Johnny & Jessica | San Juan Capistrano Engagement | Temecula Valley Photographer

2012-01-25T11:45:00.000-08:00

Love this couple - love this shoot! Lots of different places - lots of different light - awesome variety! Can't wait for the wedding in March! I had been waiting for this engagement for about a year - finally happened and then boy - it's gone quick! 2 months from yesterday they will be married...

took me long to blog - because well - actually I am an accountant and had some year end things to do for a company a volunteer for and my husband...but their pictures have been done for a month :) xo love you guys!

love the bells...they look pretty cute too!

one of my favorites...well i have many but this one is one...and the ones above...and the ones below...
love the texture on the walls - and them...love them too!
had to find some light for back lighting - and then she showed up in this awesome yellow dress - these are probably my favorites...really -
especially these below...

cute museum - they made it cuter...

Daniel & Jenna Engagement | Murrieta Engagement Photography

2012-01-18T10:00:00.000-08:00

I met Daniel and Jenna in Hawaii at Teresa's wedding - loved them from the start and was so excited when they contacted me for their wedding.

This was a cold and foggy day - I LOVE LOVE LOVE their photos - I love the colors and the feel to them (love that they have their coats and Jenna a scarf on) - they were so great together - always laughing with each other and willing to go anyway - we had such a great time. I hadn't been to the plateau in a long time - every time I go, I wonder why I don't go more often!!!

Can't wait for their wedding - they are getting married in their Grandma's backyard and the reception is at her parents right next door - it's going to be incredible!

Sisters! | Menifee Valley Family Photography

2012-01-17T21:27:00.000-08:00

A quick mini session with these two sisters - I had a 20 minutes time slot and they could do it - so happy it worked - they were so much fun and hilarious together! Can't wait to see them again.... I did the older sister's pictures about a six months ago for her 8th grade promotion - you can see that HERE

I love that they had their hair done prior to the shoot - their hair looked perfect - both of them!

Temecula Family Photography | Kayes Family

2012-01-17T09:24:00.000-08:00

I met Carla when we worked on a wedding together - she does amazing floral design - her company is enchanting bloooms - I highly recommend her - she's fun and her work speaks for itself. Go check it ou! We shot this on a late cold morning in December.... much like today except there was sun trying to peek through the trees!

Senior Boy Photography | Chase | Temecula Prep Charter School

2012-01-17T07:20:00.000-08:00

We met for a quick mini session to make the yearbook...full session in the spring. I also made the rest of the family take a picture - they weren't planning on it - I love that it was cold and they are bundled up....and boy WAS it cold!!!!

Mazie is ONE YEAR OLD |Menifee Baby and Child Photographer

2012-01-16T12:44:00.000-08:00

Mazie was 1 year old in December - One full year of pictures - once a month...Usually on the month birthday or within a couple days. Loved seeing them every month! You will still see Mazie on here...just not monthly. I just love that we photographed her every month - so cool to see how she changed month to month....xo

Menifee Valley Photography | Dietrich Family

2012-01-14T11:54:00.000-08:00

I don't normally do mini sessions but for some reason this worked out perfectly this day!! Love this family - Lauren is Hannah's sister (the family post right under this one) - i love the outfits they chose - and i LOVE BOOTS - and they have the cutest kids - and how about those pigtails!

it was sooo cold - the kids did so great despite the cold - they were super cute with their parents and tried so hard to be good!

Menifee Family Photographer | Sivilay Family

2012-01-14T09:17:00.000-08:00

One of my favorite families :) I wish they lived next door...We did a quick mini session spur of the moment - I shot them, Bo shot my family!

I forgot to stamp them with my logo - pretend they say Tracy Dodson Photography for me. Thanks.

I'll post my family soon so you can critique Bo's work :)

Murrieta Family Photography | Dearie Family

2012-01-13T20:43:00.000-08:00

Disa is a dear friend of mine. She catered my parents 50th anniversary party for me - amazing amazing amazing food - everything was perfect. We traded - she cooked, I photographed...Took over a year to get these done but we finally were able to keep a date with no rain! I think it was worth the wait...

One thing I am always struck by in families is the uniqueness of everyone - it's so fun to see all the kids personlities...and the parents - and I love watching them interact. We had a blast - and Disa made me the most awesome pumpkin roll - wish I had a piece right now!

The dog posed perfectly...as did the humans (as Steph calls people)

poor megan had brand spankin new vans and stepped right in the mud! you can't tell in the pics through - phew...I think she was able to clean them...hopefully...

i love these kids and these next shots..

i just love my red weeds (yes I have claimed them)...they photograph so well! - Mari looks pefect in them...

it's a wrap...

West Ranch Senior Portrait | Santa Clarita Senior Portrait Photographer | Kylee 2012

2012-01-05T07:15:00.000-08:00

Kylee is the daughter of one of my high school best friends...and Kylee and Jessy have become best of friends as well - soooo fun! It rained on us the whole time as we trekked around Placerita Canyon taking her photos - I thought we wouldn't be able to pull it off - we laughed and had a blast! Her sister came along to shield my camera from the rain...I think it worked cuz it's still working! Love her colors in her outfits...and Erika - don't be mad at me that I have pictures in the hat - I like it!!!!

Santiago High School Senior Portrait | Dallas | Corona Photographer

2012-01-04T00:53:00.000-08:00

We met Dallas and her mom mid November this year at Humphrey's estate in South Temecula. We had the best time exploring the grounds. I love when the Mom's come - Dallas's mom was easy going and so enjoyable to spend time with - just like her daughter. Dallas is a beautiful girl - I will let the pictures speak for themselves. You know photographing seniors is probably my most favorite subject to shoot and this one just confirmed that all over again...
Of course shooting in the field is my favorite place...and I could see she loved this place too - it was exactly what she pictured and I was so pleased!
This next one is one of my favorites - I like her expression and her outfit a lot...it's perfect for this field...
maybe the next two are my favorites...really I just love all the shots in the abandoned property...
Thank you Dallas - it was awesome to meet you - exciting to see all those college acceptance letters you are amassing! Can't wait to see where you choose to go!

Dan & Breanna WEDDING | Murrieta Valley Wedding Photography Part 2

2011-12-27T08:29:00.000-08:00

Dan and Breanna's wedding...for Part 1 click here Dan & Bre Part 1

Ready to go...
beautiful bouquet by Tracy Farrellsome portraits after the first look...
we all met in a field behind the home - it was so beautiful - the clouds were amazing - it was beautiful but freezing...hence the guys sharing the coats...

this next one is one of my favorite of Breanna...

they didn't kiss prior to the ceremony...
my favorite wedding picture so far...of all...
I could have shot in this field all day but it was soooo cold...and it was time for the wedding!
ceremony- the sun came out literally just at the moment it started...and yes it was soooooooo sweet to see Dan's face - one of my favorite parts of any wedding is seeing the groom see the Bride walk down the aisle...
I love how Jake saw Peyton on the way back down the aisle ...he was so excited...
portraits after the ceremony -the light was amazing and this neighbor's home was perfect!
reception - always a blast. Tracy Farrell did an AMAZING job decorating...it was simply perfect...

I LOVE their first dance pictures...some of my favorites ever....

Dan & Breanna WEDDING | Murrieta Valley Wedding Photography

2011-12-22T21:52:00.001-08:00

Part 1....

Dan and Breanna got married on a BEAUTIFUL and very cold day in November this year. This was a special one for me...I remember specifically the day that Dan came up to me and said, "when I get married - YOU are shooting my wedding....don't forget!"....Dan was not dating anyone at that point... in came Bre...

I found out Bre was interested in Dan during her senior photos - and I must say they are so great together - a perfect match which was very evident on the wedding day. Breanna was such a happy bride and Dan an adoring and sentimental groom - it was fun to be a part of this special day....

Venue: Private back yard
Hair: Megan Leland
Make up: Monique Tinahui
Wedding Coordinator: Tracy Farrell

....love getting ready shots...Bre got ready in her own home which I always think is so sweet...and touching...especially because her mom is a good friend of mine...she put her dress on at the venue...
there's nothing like the moment when the Bride gets her dress on...and I so often get to be a part - I have the best hobby...ever....
time for the first look...I LOVE LOVE LOVE first looks - it doesn't take away - it adds...I promise....sooo sweet....

and yes...Dan cried....aaawwww soooo sweet....she looked radiant and I am sure he wanted to pass out...he hadn't even seen her in the right picture...I just love it...
we actually did some portraits at this point - that will be part 2....Enjoy....

Newborn Photography | Murrieta Baby Photographer

2011-11-30T18:30:00.000-08:00

One of Nathaniel's favorite teachers - he has had him as a teacher in a few different classes for the past 3 years! He has been more than a teacher - a buddy to the kids - has coached their sports - gone on all the trips and camps - just an amazing teacher and we love him and are thankful for him and his impact on Nathaniel. I met his wife for the first time on this shoot - she is as sweet as she is beautiful....and their little son...well he is SO CUTE - go see...

The close up near the bottom of this series of pictures is my favorite!! I knew it right away when taking the photos...

7 weeks new...

Thank you for the morning with Jessy and I - we had a great time capturing memories for you and freezing moments that seem to fly on by.

Temecula Children's Photographer | Brady 1 Year Old

2011-11-30T08:27:00.000-08:00

I get to see Brady and his sweet Mom and brother every few months or so - He is 13 months old here - very busy - and LOVES lollipops...and his Nana - she was hilarious and could get him to smile alot!

I told Kristen I don't have much skill with balloons...I always seem to lose them..apparently Brady has my same skills - it was so funny when the balloons went to the roof - Kristen through my keys at them to get them down...ingenious!

The T Family BLOGGED | Murrieta Valley Photography

2011-11-29T15:40:00.000-08:00

Beautiful day, beautiful light and a beautiful family....just perfect....

Had such a great time with this family. Thank you for having me capture memories and special moments for you. Looking so forward to shooting your sister's engagement :)

Temecula Valley Senior Portraits | Temecula Valley High School | Taylor

2011-11-17T13:02:00.000-08:00

We met Taylor a couple weeks ago when it was still warm and sunny! He is so GREAT - so nice and well mannered - fun and easy to be with - we laughed a lot and Loved his Mom! ...I accidentally named the pictures Great Oak Senior...but he goes to Temecula High! I didn't realize till I put my mouse over the photos...so when your mouse goes over the photo and it says Great Oak...remind yourself that he goes to Temecula... hahaha - maybe they are rival soccer teams and I should fix it...because Taylor is a soccer player....and he goes to Temecula..not Great Oak....hhhmmmmm anyway - if he plays soccer as good as he takes photos....then it's all good!

Such a great smile.

he has the kind of smile that makes everyone smile - he would just smile at me and then I found myself smiling behind the camera - hahahaha!

I always have wanted to do a pic like this next one...I LIKE it!

I told him I thought it was cool behind the wall - so he climbed up there to look at it - He's way up on a ledge - I think it's like a private little patio for the theater....Glad he didn't fall...because we could not have gotten to him!

went to a field..which you know is my favorite location to shoot - any field with weeds - especially those red ones...I think Jessy's view is on left, mine on right...

and even better when the sun is golden and yummy - and the senior has a smile like Taylor's...

Family Photography | Temecula Valley Family Photographer | Sanborn

2011-11-16T11:48:00.000-08:00

Love this family! Thanks for hanging with Jessy and I for the afternoon!!! We laughed a lot – thanks for entertaining us!!

Found a red barn in Wildomar and the man was so gracious to let us wander around his property.

Fallbrook Photography | Engagement Photos | Maddie & Chris

2011-11-10T09:02:00.000-08:00

We met a couple weeks ago when the weather was still warm – the light was golden and the couple young and in love! Not to mention very photogenic and a blast to be with….

I love this shoot - everything about it. Enjoy... had a friend (Amber) also shoot a majority of the time - love all the styles...

We loved her dress – their outfits were perfect for our locations….They are getting married in fall of 2012.

these next two are my favorites…

Thank you to Amber and Jessy for shooting with me – for Amber taking a bulk of the shoot and for letting me interrupt when I could shoot them myself. I love how the pictures turned out – I just love love love this shoot and the warm golden light….Hope you printed tons!

Mazie 11 Months | Temecula Valley Baby Photographer | Baby Package

2011-11-07T09:06:00.001-08:00

11 months….

One of my favorite family pics….

Morlok Family | Family Photography | Temecula Valley Family Photographer

2011-11-03T12:49:00.000-07:00

I haven't hung out with this little guy too much – boy was I missing out – he is HILARIOUS! We had so much fun – I shot this with a migraine! They must have made me happy cuz we had a blast!

I accidentally made this next photo this brownish color...i like it!

ran Florabella – vanity – on the next series of pics…

Where’s Bryson?

back to normal edits…

trying to get hands in pockets – took both parents…I LOVE these pictures...boys always have the toughest times getting their hands inside their pockets!

Karsten just popped out with this hands on his hip pose...

oh my gosh – his smile is melting me!

playing peek a boo…

they were trying to get him to play peek a boo with me – he misunderstood – he was supposed to run around the pole and hide and then peek out – instead he ran right to the front of my camera and did it!

not sure where he is off to – he just ran around and cracked us up!

they were supposed to hide behind the parents and pop out on the sides….

always facing the wrong way…

cracks me up – they are wondering – why are we doing this?

he is soooo sweet...

facing the wrong way again…this cracks me up – it is so HIM! what is he doing back there??

playing with talking tom

he was trying to grab something - I think I left "tom" on in my pocket and he was still copying us!

in a dark slide – he told me OH NO – THIS IS TOO SCARY!!

warning his big brother NOT to go down...he went anyway of course...

xoxoxoxo I love you Morloks!

Great Oak Senior |Brenna | Temecula Valley Senior Photography

2011-11-02T20:28:00.000-07:00

Loved this girl – I also leave photo shoots amazed at how fun they are – Just loved her and her mom – Jessy and I had the best time getting to know them. Brenna was a easy to photograph – a natural in front of the camera….She has an amazing personality – she’s easy going – willing to do anything – even lay in weeds (sorry!)….We explored Fallbrook a bit – at Live Oak Park and then in a field…

She’s this beautiful and super smart too! Can’t wait to see where she chooses to go to college – she has amazing options – if you are young and reading this – work hard!! Get good grades! Brenna has amazing opportunities – a lot of payoff for her hard work!

I knew it would be a great shoot when this was the first picture I took….See the pic on the right – I couldn't figure out how I kept getting those amazing lines that looks like sun rays (like I have not seen before..) – turns out – I had a total crack on my filter!!! I think I threw it away – I should have kept it for the effect!

Make up by Monique Tinahui: M&M Artistry

Yes her eyes are this blue…really!

I just love her sweet smile…

isn’t it so sweet? she really is that sweet! Whenever the kids smile at me – I smile back – I can’t help it!

soooo pretty…

looks like a model…she had amazing hair and her makeup looked incredible…

I love this next photo – I feel like it is “so Brenna….” – I know – I don’t know her very well – but this is how I picture her….I just loved this part of the photoshoot…cuz I love the light…

well this one too…probably my favorite…but if you know me, you probably know that because I love these type of sun pictures….

sooo pretty….just love her eyes….and her sweet smile!

she’s a water polo player…with lots of patches obviously….nothing like a full jacket – and it’s awesome colors too! Love Great Oak's colors..

the light looked so amazing right here – kind of foggy and smokey in the background…but it wasn’t either – just think it was right near sunset…we ran up the field to find the sun – you can see the remaining light on her hair before it slipped over the mountain…probably the perfect time to take the picture

love this series…

They say she looks like her Dad – loved the way they both spoke of him ….… I see a lot of her mom in her too. Isn't her mom gorgeous??? – two beautiful women who I am privileged to have met…hope I get to see them again! Thank you for giving me the opportunity to meet you and capture this special time in your life!

Mazie 10 Months | Menifee Baby Photographer | Baby Package

2011-11-02T10:23:00.000-07:00

Family Photography | Temecula Valley Family Photographer | Large Group

2011-11-01T09:52:00.001-07:00

19 people – TONS of fun… so thankful we did it -had a blast – hope it was an awesome memory for you all…picture order: Grandma and Papa at front, then the whole group and then individual families…enjoy….

I loved the Grandma and Grandpa - they were so sweet and smiled the entire time. I think it's so awesome to think that these children and children's children all started with them....God is so good!

I normally don't do a whole style of edits on a post - but on this post I did - these were all processed with the Florabella MILK action....

And my favorite picture of the day – LOVE IT!!

Temecula Family Photography | Family Photographer | Tracy Family 2011

2011-10-31T01:02:00.000-07:00

We were supposed to do 15 year anniversary pictures but we had to cancel – can’t remember why – then we had to cancel due to the awful heat wave…finally were able to shoot a couple weeks ago and decided to capture the whole family – we did a lot – had a blast, and laughed a TON! It is 1 a.m. right now – I should be sleeping…so please ignore all the comments I make. Enjoy!1

So this top picture is one of my all time favorite family photos…I am sure if I have taken your pictures, one of yours is in that top list too! But really - this is at the top of the top - everyone looks cute - Lara looks pretty - I love the expressions...I like the lighting and color...blah blah blah blah blah - see for yourself...

I know – they are pretty much perfect…After I shot this night, I must confess I was jealous…I wish I had done this when my kids were little – I did have pictures done – but not like this where we played around a lot…I am actually due for a photoshoot and am doing one soon – I keep getting jealous (in a nice way) of the fun the families have together and the pictures they get! I like how they dressed too – super super cute!

How awesome are they? You can see where all their children get their good looks…from their Mommy – just kidding Jonas…

see??? they are all soooo cute! I love them…and now I miss them…

yes his eyes are that blue and that cute…they will have to lock him up in junior high…I know because I am on my 4th junior higher...I know how they are...

Poor Kaitie – she wasn’t herself – but still so cute – went home that night and had a fever and was sick for over a week! with croup! How is she still the cutest thing ever? oh and this reminds me, I owe her a treat!

awesome older big sis – she is such a great girl – she helps me with Stephanie all the time during youth group…I love how she would just break out in spontaneous laughter – which is why I like this picture a lot – cuz it’s her sweet laughing face…

she will need to be locked up in high school…or Jonas will have to get a gun

see how awesome her laugh is???? I might have to print this for myself because it makes me smile…

sooo cute! I love his gap in his teeth – I just love this kid…

since this was supposed to be about their anniversary – we did some anniversary type photos….which I might add they pulled off very well…Emma helped me with the poses…so many cute ones..here are a few…

the gorgeous Wife and Mommy and also my dear friend…Lara is one of the sweetest, kindest women I know…

here are some more of sweet “I don’t feel good but I will be perfectly obedient and friendly anyway and still look amazingly cute” child:

oh I LOVE her! She is that cute and that happy and soooo much fun!

Caleb was laughing because I had them kiss her- he was just beside himself – to kiss a girl – yuck!

they are just yummy…. so so yummy…

classic side shot from Jessy – love it..'

they also ate pudding (it was supposed to be ice cream) – I probably shouldn’t let out our secret – did you think it was ice cream? we had sort of a picnic…. Caleb’s face is classic – did he not know this was about pictures? He is looking at me, “like seriously? are you really going to take a picture now??? Can’t you see I am eating?”

So not sure I should confess this next one….no one probably reads what I write anyway – seeing that I am really an accountant and all and NOT a writer…but there is cooking sherry in those wine glasses…and that makes me laugh as this is such a setup…and why are they laughing? I have not a clue – but whenever I think that there was cooking sherry in there, I crack up considering we are at Wilson Creek – which is known for it’s wine!

I love this picture – makes me smile as I type this…Don’t tell them I let it out about the cooking sherry…

so here they are being cute again in the picture below – totally unposed – I turned around and they were laying this cute and talking –staring into each other’s eyes while holding hands…I was so fortunate to get this picture…

Caleb found one of my biggest fears in life…that’s right a grasshopper. Whenever I read the OT and it talks of the 10 plagues – I think I would have died in the locust plague – literally. One time I walked home from the mailbox and there were 100s in the street – I had to run through them – they started hopping and flying – it was like a horror movie - I thought I was going to pass out…this is just one – but it’s enormous and it was out to get me…

I was so brave to take this next picture – I think they should pay me extra – actually Jessy had this angle – I was directly in front of him – right where the grasshopper wanted to hop – right at me – but he didn’t…Jessy’s angle makes it seem like it is super close to Caleb’s mouth – in reality it was closer to me and my camera – that’s how brave I am – you know Tracy – means brave – very fitting don’t ya think? Caleb is brave that is for sure!

they are so cute – two peas in a pod (seriously they are) – love them! Jonas is amazing dad…

I just love this family- look at Katelyn’s face! Hilarious – what is she smirking at? Probably Caleb… Such pretty girls…

secrets – thinking that Emma is telling Kate that she took a drink of the cooking sherry

I love my 16-35 lens - it takes the coolest pictures..of the coolest people..

Okay- so this next one is probably my favorite memory of the night – Caleb was happily playing football with his dad – sort of heaven for him I think - he is really into football at this moment ….anyway I (the dumb annoying photographer who decided to ruin his fun) ask if the whole family can play – guess who got the ball and who wouldn’t give it back - yes the cute one who was really sick but livened up for football! Please LOOK AT Caleb in the background – this was not turning out how he wanted it! He said, “I knew that would happen…” meaning that if we give the ball to Kate – she won’t give it back – don’t ya just love little sisters????? Little sisters are sooo good for big brothers...

Look at the joy on her face!!! It’s blurry but it’s classic! I love it – it was super dark at this time – I shot with the ISO all the way up… I don't think Caleb has moved..

she still has it – Caleb decided to join in the fun…

this was her hike – she was supposed to hike it right way – but instead she ran 10 feet or so and hiked it while running – it was soooo funny!

yes – he finally got the ball – he ran as fast as he could!

Can you print this for his room please?

Love you Tracy family – you guys are amazing – it is a JOY and PRIVILEGE to know you and serve with you at FBC.

hugs….xoxoxoxoxo

Please LIKE This ....haha - that sounds funny...I better go to bed - it is now 1:16..yikes

Children's School Portraits | Murrieta Children's Photographer

2011-10-27T11:04:00.000-07:00

2011 preschool school portraits…enjoy

6 Month Baby Boy & Family | Murrieta Valley Family Photographer

2011-10-26T10:34:00.000-07:00

Love this family - love their kids...enjoy!

love this next side shot - love when jessy captures these types of shots...

I love this last one!! Not a lot of smiles for me as I think he was cold - but boy oh boy is he not the cutest baby ever? His eyes are amazing!!!

Diandra + Werner | San Diego Wedding Photography | Tracy Dodson Photography

2011-10-25T17:41:00.000-07:00

sooo…I know I say it all the time – but I LOVED This couple – they are soooo awesome!!! Diandra and Audie are bridesmaids in each others weddings which are two weeks apart (in January)! So fun to be able to do the photography for both brides…

When Diandra and Werner came over we laughed so much! I love how they met – he was an usher and he spotted her her in church!! He is from South Africa – so cool….After meeting him, I thought how different it is to be raised here instead of somewhere else. Werner is so mature – hahahha – that sounds so funny but he doesn’t seem like a typical 23 year old – he has his set goals – he has thought of his future and how he wants his family to be. I asked him if he thought kids are raised differently there and he said, “for sure!” Raised to be super responsible – accountable for their own actions – etc… He spotted Diandra in church and made sure he was able to meet her – and he made a good decision that day – because she is AMAZING – so sweet, so fun – …so clearly in love with this man from South Africa – so ready to devote her life to him…

enjoy the pictures - I love all the variety in their images – we had such a great time – gut laughed a lot – wanted to go get coffee after but Werner had to watch a rugby match (again – how cool is that????)

….and isn’t she gorgeous?

different angle than I normally do – love the way jessy edited it…

this restaurant was closed but here were workers inside – they gave us chairs etc… so nice!

an abandoned pretty front porch…

La Jolla never disappoints…love all the textures in the rocks…and they look so cute in front of that texture…

they had to run fast because the tide was super super high – you can see how wet the sad is…worth it though cuz look how cute these next pictures are! I wish I had pictures of Robert and I running in La Jolla in our early 20s…

some of my favs are in this section…

see that water in the back of this next picture?? they were standing over on the edge and Diandra got soaked!!! oops!

Love this picture of Jessy shooting in the field...

2011-10-24T12:34:00.001-07:00

85mm 1.2
f/2.0 1/2500 ISO 400

Samantha + Brandon | Los Angeles Engagement Photography | Tracy Dodson Photography

2011-10-23T18:52:00.000-07:00

Samantha was a bridesmaid in a wedding I photographed back in March of this year. She was so sweet and so excited for her turn!!! I was so stoked to get her wall post on Facebook on my photography page!

Her fiancé is amazing like her. We had a great time wandering all over. Brandon is a drill sergeant in the Marine Corps…hard to believe because he is sooooooooo nice and friendly!!! ...now don't get me wrong - I know drill sergeants are normal....but I still can’t imagine him yelling at anyone!!!! I get a little star struck (maybe an understatement....) but Brandon was soooo cool!!! My brother was a marine sergeant so I know what happens at boot camp!! I asked him if he yelled and he laughed! When he first got to the shoot - he couldn't even talk - seriously!!! AND I can’t believe how hard he works and the hours he puts in. He is SUCH a hard worker - Those marines are amazing!!! I want a picture of him in his DI uniform and her in her gown at the wedding!! I am hoping he brings it - you said you would Brandon!!! So thankful for all the military in our country - It was so fun to talk to him about his job. \

and GET THIS – Guess where Samantha goes to school???? Well only the best college ever….UCLA! She is so fun, so nice, so sweet and so beautiful - inside and out. They were so fun together and made us laugh the whole time – super easy to shoot…

Enjoy!

I love the vintage edits Jessy did in these next pictures…. – they are edited normally too but I just loved these…Pandora from Florabella…

Brandon was amazing at spotting spiders – crazy – and they are HUGE at this place!! This one was in the middle of where we were walking and he spotted him!! At least there are NO snakes that I have seen…

I love this shed – it’s so cool – I have no idea why it’s there…there is nothing in it – except a huge spider and some old electrical thing….I used to get nervous about old abandoned buildings…I see many- I always wonder if there will be something scary to surprise me someday (ya know what I mean??) …but on this day, as always, it was still just the HUGE spider that is always there in his huge amazing web….I took a picture of it but it’s not on here…not sure why I put the one above it on? Oh I know – it’s because Brandon spotted it and it was impossible to see!!! I had to have him stand behind it so I could take a picture – my camera couldn’t even find him!

anyway back to the couple – they look good by the shed yes??? :)

the light was warm, creamy and amazing this particular afternoon..

hahahaha I love this!

Their kids are going to be soooo cute!!!! I hope they have lots! and I hope they still live by me so I can take there photographs!!!

I know, I know…I should photoshop the initials to say B+ S….maybe I will for their engagement book! But maybe M & J will go on here and see their little sign on the tree - hahahaha

so…we can’t wait for your wedding!! It’s going to be soooo awesome – and by that time my kids will be out of school for the summer – YAY!!!

Newborn Photography | Menifee Valley Photography

2011-10-22T13:02:00.001-07:00

Love this famly – love this newborn…

maternity – 39 weeks

live birth – It’s a GIRL!!

Pink Beanie by rosebudavila@gmail.com - sells for $20. Contact her! She's raising money for adoption!

PLEASE LIKE IT AT THE BOTTOM ON FACEBOOK TO ADVERTISE FOR ROSY!!!! TELL YOUR FRIENDS :)

and now Noelle’s newborn portraits

Desi wanted in on the action…how cute is this?

It's A GIRL!!!!!! | San Diego Baby Photographer | Tracy Dodson Photography

2011-10-14T09:07:00.000-07:00

One of the most amazing, interesting and fun things I have done....very unique yes?

I know right? Who is this cute waiting to have a baby?? Her maternity pics are right here CLICK FOR MATERNITY

one thing in common in all births is cell phone talking!!!

Why do hospitals get that good ball ice - I think all our refrigerators should make this ice!

visiting mommy...showing me her baby...

it’s a girl!

Frame this please...

and they are all in color too:

and just in case there weren't enough pictures for you...here is a slideshow..

there seems to be a black vingette on this - it is not there on my screen :) must be an uploading thing...but it's still good nonetheless...enjoy :)

Canyon Lake Maternity | Temecula Valley Maternity Photographer

2011-10-11T13:35:00.000-07:00

I will let the pictures speak for themselves…Next post will be the live birth of the sweet baby in this tummy.... We processed these a bit vintage and very golden...xo

F.A.Q. Wedding Photography - Advice for CLIENTS

2011-10-10T23:49:00.000-07:00

I thought this was so good on choosing a wedding photographer. It is from Melissa Jill. She is one of my go to photographer's. I have learned a TON From her. Her whole tips for clients section is awesome - and her photographer resources...

This is advice for you if you are looking for a wedding photographer....

Three simple pieces of advice:

1 - Make sure that when you view their photos, you FEEL something. You are hiring an artist with a specific eye and heart. You want to resonate with how they see and capture the world around them--specifically relationships.

2 - Ask to view an entire weddings worth of photos--the proofs. Any photographer can show you a slideshow of their best 50 photos they've ever shot and you will be impressed. But that won't give you a good sense for what your wedding photos will look like. You want to make sure they have good quality photos throughout the course of one entire wedding.

3 - Make sure you like them as a person. Whoever you pick to be your photographer is going to be around you and your family for many hours on the best day of your life. So you want to feel comfortable with them and most of all, be able to TRUST them.

My most recent wedding in Hawaii..

Family and Grandparents | Murrieta Valley Family Photographer

2011-10-10T15:58:00.000-07:00

I noticed the shoe later! see it??

the "original" Farrell family...

Mazie 9 Months | Temecula Valley Baby Photographer

2011-10-08T18:46:00.000-07:00