Photos by Amanda
After WPPI I was really inspired by Elizabeth Messina. She had huge impact on me and I could not help but be overwhelmed by her work and passion, I think I even got a little teary during her workshop. She made me realize that I not only was a photographer, but a story teller. And as a story teller, I am compelled to tell the story of my time, or at least the story of my childrens’ time. When I look at them I see this brief moment where innocence still reigns, and their joy is so pure and simple. I had a little bit of sunlight, bushes of yellow daisies, a tractor, and a farmer (my dad), what more could you ask for! I was not sure what exactly I was going shoot, toddlers are unpredictable, but they were willing to indulge their mom for a half hour. I even got my dad to smile for a few, and having these images of him mean the world to me. I love love love my dad, and to see him with my children is a feeling I can’t describe. I love the beauty of old and new and I think photographing generations together gives you the sense of time passed and all that lies in between. I love my children dearly and I find it an honor that God has given me a gift and a passion to savor these sweet memories.
Family Photos by Amanda
I got to meet the newest addition to the Zapata family last week, and boy was he cute and so so tiny. We headed to Gledora Mt. Road, one of my favorite spots to shoot and spent the afternoon getting some fun family photos. I was really looking forward to this shoot so I could try out my newest props. My dad had these old crates that I have been dying to use them (I am sucker for found things!) and I thought that they would be perfect for their little girls. I will now always bring these crates on my shoots! I love the Coke-a-Cola one! The red just really pops. The girls did a fantastic job of posing and waiting patiently for their little brother.
03.13.2010 Posted in april
This is my sweet dog Lola. She got her first hair cut and I just had to share the pictures. I am not sure which picture makes me laugh more! When she is full of hair and fluffy, she makes me think of Alf… (anyone remember that show?!?) Once it was gone, I called her my hairless cat. Poor girl! Too bad haircuts don’t slim us girls down like that… hehe!
03.12.2010 Posted in info
Yep… I finally did it and jumped on the band wagon… (Actually, I made Amanda do it.) We have a Facebook fan page and are looking forward to connecting with friends and brides on FB! Please take a minute and become our fan. It would mean a lot to us! And if you have some free time and want to write a review, we would greatly appreciate any kind words you might want to say about April Smith Photography. Thank you for all of your love and support!
I just got back from the most wonderful Vegas trip ever!!!! I feel like I won a million dollars and I didn’t even step foot into a casino! Amanda and I attended the WPPI (Wedding and Portrait Professionals International) Conference and we are bursting at the seams from all of the inspiration we received. Going from seminar to seminar, we heard some of the industry’s most talented photographers share tips, strategies and encouragement. I am so excited to start the wedding session of 2010!!!!
My new inspiration comes from:
Elizabeth Messina
Jerry Ghionis
Charles and Jennifer Maring
Jasmine Star
Thank you to these wonderful and amazing photographers who were willing to teach, bare their soul, and give a little bit of themselves to all the photogs who attended WPPI. I am more excited to be a photographer today then ever before!
Engagement Photos by Amanda
I was contacted by Bianca through a long time family friend, Lindy, I grew up with her son, Dustin, and needless to say he was my best best friend. I did a family shoot for Lindy this past Christmas and it was the first time in ten years that I had seen Lindy and her family. After our fun afternoon of shooting and catching up Lindy had passed along my information to Bianca and that is how we met. It always amazes me how things work out and how people re connect, it’s a fun part of my job and it makes the world feel that much smaller.
When I met with Bianca to hear all her plans and ideas for her big day, I was so excited to shoot their wedding. For their engagement shoot we headed to the Mission Inn, and even though this is were Bianca and Mike are getting married, it is such a beautiful place, how could you not want to shoot both your wedding and engagement here!!! This was my first trip in a few years to Mission Inn and it really is a maze of amazing places to shoot. Mike and Bianca were great sports, we went up and down flights of stairs and even risked 100 year old elevators. They were wonderful to work with. I can’t wait for their wedding in May!
Engagement Photos by Amanda
Its always nice to have a reason to spend the afternoon at the beach. I live in the woods and though I love the trees, snow, and squirrels, its always nice to take a break and enjoy the Pacific. So when Dezerray and Mike wanted to do their engagement session in Laguna, I was thrilled and excited to get some more “shooting at the beach” experience. The weather forecast was predicting rain all that week, but both Dezerray and I were saying our prayers for good weather. Well the sun did not show, but at least the rain held off!!! Dezerray and Mike were so much fun to work with, they even brought their dog, Stella along to share in the fun, after all she is part of their family. The streets of Laguna were pretty busy but we were able to find a few quite spots to get some great photos. We then headed over to the beach, by the Montage Resort. It was pretty easy to get to but there, but there were a few stairs! It is always worth it though, especially when the couple lets me drag them all over the beach and they will still smile for me! I can’t wait for their wedding this April . . .
Wedding by April
Today (Feb. 27, 2010) was a stormy and rainy day! Definitely not typical weather for sunny So. Cal. It reminded me of the week of rain that poured non-stop right before Bobby and Suzanne’s wedding. That whole week we clung to the weather man’s prediction that the storm would pass by the end of the week and we prayed that the weather would clear in time for the wedding. My heart praised God when clear skies emerged that Saturday! It seemed like an impossible dream had come true! (For those of you who don’t live here, we NEVER get rain for 5 days straight like we did that week.) The wedding day of Bobby and Suzanne turned out to be picture perfect. It was freezing cold but at least it was dry!
Bobby and Suzanne have become very dear friends to me and I am so thankful that I got to meet them and be a part of their day. And I was even more thankful that they got to have the wedding of their dreams and that we got such great pictures!!! The met before the ceremony at Hidden Oaks (yes… one of my favorite places!). Then, the ceremony and reception took place at the San Dimas Country Club. My absolute favorite part of the day, besides when Bobby and Suzanne saw each other for the first time, was when Bobby sang a special song for Suzanne at the reception. (Bobby is a very talented singer!) It was so endearing to watch him sing about his love for his wife.
So… here are some of my favorites from the day! I am going to feature this wedding on my website, so I have way more to share with you than normal… Enjoy! (BTW… Suzanne’s mom made her dress!)
E-session by April
I always love the opportunity to go to Disneyland, especially when I get to spend the time with sweet people like Sandy and Ron! They aren’t over-zealous Disney fans, but they love spending their time together walking around the parks. It was a perfect place for their engagement session. Their wedding is next on my calendar. After enjoying a wonderful morning with them at California Adventure, I am looking forward to spending the day with them at their wedding….
by April
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