Welcome!

Here you'll find sneak peeks of recent sessions, exciting news and updates as well as some of my personal life sprinkled in. Grab your favorite snack and get comfy - feel free to stay awhile and browse around. So glad you found me :)

Saturday, September 11, 2010

Moving!! - Albuquerque Lifestyle Portrait Photographer

This blog is moving!! You can now catch the latest news and sneak peeks at:


Can't wait to see you over there!

- laura

Tuesday, September 7, 2010

Eliana: Littlest Hero - Albuquerque Child Photograper

You may (or may not) have noticed, but I'm SO proud and excited to finally announce it formally here: I recently signed on to donate my time to a little organization called Inspiration Through Art, formerly known as the Littlest Heroes Project. They organize and coordinate for many, many photographers in the US to donate sessions and images to families that qualify - families that have children that are battling serious life-long illnesses or disabilities.

Between the medical expenses, time spent going back and forth to doctor appointments (often times out of state), shuttling their other kiddos around, work, school, family life and the emotional aspects, you can image it is not easy in any way to take time out to book a family photography session. This is where someone like me comes in - I get matched with a qualified family, and voila! Fun times happen!

So needless to say, I'm THRILLED to be a part and even more thrilled and excited to introduce my very first Littlest Hero! Meet Eliana!

She is spunky, sweet, silly, funny and so, so so outgoing. She is the life of this party...already, at age 7! She's got pulmonary hypertension - In the images below, you'll see a rockin' purse she sports - that holds her pump...that pumps vital medicine into her body 24 hours a day. She's got TONS of these purses I hear - I only got to see this cute little pink one. Eliana is a trooper - from the time I spent with them, I can tell she is a fighter. She's been through a lot more in her 7 years than many of us going through in our lifetimes. Rumor has it she's a trouble makin' middle child ;) and loves spending time with her siblings and dancing around.

I am so so glad Eliana is my first Hero... and loved getting the opportunity to meet her, her sister, brother, mom and dad. This family was sweet and friendly - and a perfect combo. They will hold a special spot with me.

- laura






























Sunday, August 29, 2010

Wyatt & Mason - Albuquerque Children's Photographer

I remember how fast 6 months with my OWN kiddo flew by so, so fast. Even with the sleepless nights, naps during the day, teething, rolling, all those HUGE milestones that pass by too - it's such an amazingly exciting and fun time. Imagine my joy when I got to see Wyatt and Mason, again, at this fabulous age? And you know what? Six months goes SO much faster when it's not your kid and you aren't the one sleep deprived!

I'm positive you'll recognize them from their newborn session. They were JUST as easy going, sweet, and sleepy too! This session ended better for me - I was able to head home in my own shirt sans baby pee on myself and blankets :)

Needless to say, the boys were happy to see me and show off some of their new skills! I'm overjoyed and honored to be chosen to capture these precious moments of their childhoods. I adore this family - they can razz me all day long about the patterned socks I wear to their house and I've got no qualms rearranging their furniture or playing tug with their dogs. It's love I tell you, LOVE!

Enjoy seeing these sweet boys again!

- laura






























Wednesday, August 11, 2010

Tyler - Albuquerque NM Childrens Photographer

A little man at 18 months... Need I say more? :) Busy, silly, inquisitive, non-stop, funny and oh-so-sweet. And this little guy is like apple-pie-cinnamon-and-sugar sweet.

We hit downtown Albuquerque on an early overcast morning and finished up in the Bosque...one of my all time favorite places to shoot (and spend some good quality time with my kiddo too). One of my favorite things to do on a session with kiddos this age is let them explore and wander - play some games, sing some songs and just explore. It's fun to see things through a kiddo's eyes again and get down and dirty with them.

We played for a good 2 hours and rounded out our visit with me carrying him back to the car. Perfect ending to a perfect session.

Thanks Jen and Tyler for being up for anything and going along with my wild urban ideas! Until our next session...

- laura













My all.time.fave.




















Saturday, July 31, 2010

Sophia (Round 2) - Albuquerque Child Photographer

Remember my post about my gorgeous one year old Goddaughter Sophia from just a few days ago? Ready for round two?!?

I am so beyond thrilled to finally be able to show these! One day, with Mama and Dada both off for a good chunk of time and my own kiddo napping, my camera and I had some private time with Sophia. With just us, she HAMMED it up for the camera...smiling, posing, giving me shy little glances, giggling, and at the end? She got REALLY curious and brave :) Little did I know, a mere 2 days later she would be shy and distracted during her birthday photo session.

I'm hoping I was able to catch a small piece of the "real" Sophia for Mama and Dada. My kiddo is as shy as they come... and knowing that, I can never expect to have any pictures of her (from another photographer) that REALLY, really, really capture *her*.

My big goal when photographing anyone (but little ones especially) is to be able to truly capture them - their quirks, silly looks, little habits. I want to make sure those things peek through these moments in time... and can be captured for many years where you can look back and see those things; feel those things. Little ones grow so fast, and some of the sweet, silly and unique things go away so fast - faster than we want at times. It's important to capture what we can :)

Enjoy the many, many faces of Sophia Jayne!

- laura

















This last one makes me giggle. I love seeing that inquisitive look on her face, her little tooth peeking out. Right after this - she grabbed my lens and then moved along to squish some ants.

Friday, July 30, 2010

90 Days of Summer - Albuquerque, NM Photographer

For years we've wanted to garden. Well, garden something more than strawberries which we've done before and the porcupine that visited us enjoyed eating the entire plants.

So - this year, we're gardening. We built a few raised planting beds along the west side of our home, and got a little planting-happy a few months back. Spring forward a few months - a few months of Albuquerque sun and rain from the monsoon season and I think we've overplanted. The chives are being smothered by the crookneck squash and the watermelon and cantelope vines are now intertwined. Our tomato plants are over 3 feet tall and of course, the strawberries have only flowers. Figures, right?

Recently we were able to "harvest" our latest treats. They're STILL in the windowsill and I promise you, this is a shot from last week. Possibly even 2 weeks ago. I am NOT the tomato eater of the house...I'm a texture kinda gal, and this texture? Not my thing. So I fully expect this little pile to grow over the remainder of the summer! :)

- laura




Thursday, July 29, 2010

90 Days of Summer - Albuquerque, NM Lifestyle Photographer

Wondering where my 90 Days of Summer personal project disappeared to? Yeah, me too!

I have been pulling out my camera to shoot, but for lack of time, they rarely get processed or posted for sharing. Nature of the beast of photography :)

So, with me having no clue what day of the ninety it is, here is one from yesterday.

Living in Albuquerque, home of the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, you'd think we would get our fill of hot air balloons in the 8 day period the Fiesta is rocking our town. Little do you know, we have balloons all.the.time. At the spot my house sits, we're below one of the prime sailing paths for the balloons and many, many mornings I wake up to the sky scattered with brightly colored, sometimes funny shaped, so-close-you-can-hear-them hot air balloons. I love it. Does my dog? Not so much!

Even growing up here, seeing the balloons year round and battling the tourists yearly during the International Balloon Fiesta, I still love 'em. I still love turning a corner and seeing them landing in a parking lot or empty field, I love waking in the morning and seeing 15 over my house - close enough we can shout "Hello!" and wave to the pilot and passengers. It's just home.

- laura




Saturday, July 24, 2010

Sophia - Albuquerque, NM Child Photography

Ready for a shocking moment? My goddaughter, whom you will remember from here, is now one! Last month I headed up to see her celebrate the big O-N-E, dig into a giant pile of gifts and smash some cake on her face. Not only that, but we did her one year portraits too.

Nothing screams birthday to me quite like balloons! Sophia loved these balloons and even had fun letting they go after our session was over. She's a balloon girl just like me :)

I was there, with Sophia, my own daughter and a ton of other family, for an entire week and I feel so lucky to have been able to spend that chunk of time with Sophia at this age. She reminds me so much of my own kiddo at that age - she was content laying in my lap and reading books for at least 8 hours out of the day! LOL Snacks and naps worked their magic to keep her happy and she was so inquisitive about what everyone else was up to. I'm so overjoyed and proud of her... and I'm so lucky and thrilled to be her godmother!

So, without further ado, here she is! Toddler Sophia!

- laura






















Friday, July 23, 2010

J - Albuquerque Boudoir Photographer

I've been dying to have a boudoir session that I could show - many women choose to keep their boudoir images totally private, and thus, many of my blog readers might not know that I offer these sessions. So finally, here is a mini-sneak peek of one of my boudoir sessions!

There's something different about these session...something special. It's empowering to help assist another woman, mom, friend, sister, any woman really celebrate themselves. Let themselves take a day to be beautiful, pamper themselves, crack open a bottle of wine at 10am... and not to mention buy themselves some new gorgeous lingerie and some fancy new pumps!

These sessions (so far) have just focused on women. Would I be up for doing a couples boudoir session? Absolutely. So, if you want some intimate portraits with your man (or your lady) contact me to book a couples boudoir. If you want to stick with the traditional route, these images make FABULOUS anniversary, wedding, Valentine's Day, Christmas, ANY type of gift. Give him the gift of YOU!

- laura




Sunday, July 11, 2010

babysisterdesign - Commercial Photography

I recently teamed up with Danielle, owner and designer-extraordinaire, for some product photography for her fabulous items. She is one of the most talented ladies ever, making beautiful, quality and TOTALLY custom items - using your child's measurements to make a perfect fit. She has some fabulous fabric choices and combinations to pick from making modern, comfortable and durable children's clothing easier to come by.

You can check out her etsy store here: babysisterdesign and you can 'Like' her designs on her Facebook Fan page too! Trust me - you will not be disappointed!!

Contact Daniellemto get some custom items for your kiddos - she's as sweet as can be as so utterly talented too!

-laura

This is her Grace outfit: sweet, ruffle bottom capris with whimsical pillowcase halter top.




You can also get a custom t-shirt to pair up with the Grace ruffle pants... creating a funky and fun combo. Perfect for playing outside and still looking fabulous!







And this....this is my FAVORITE! This is the Paige dress. Isn't it just adorable? The perfect combo of fun and bright fabric, beautifully crafted and sewn with love in such a sweet, feminine cut. My girlie "Ooooo'd" and "Ahhhh'd" over this baby as we pulled it from it's package (she loves this beauty just as much as I do) and she adored wearing it too!






Sunday, July 4, 2010

Happy 4th of July - Albuquerque Lifestyle Portrait Photographer

Need a little red, white and blue in your life today?

- laura




Monday, June 28, 2010

Meet Abigail - Albuquerque Newborn and Infant Photographer

Sweet tiny eyelashes, a fabulous easy smile and GORGEOUS coloring....that's how I'd sum up little Abigail in 3 ways if I had to. She was so easy going and still squishy for the most part at a super fun age of ten weeks old.

It's not often I'm asked to photograph and 10 week old...and I'll admit, I was a tad stumped. But I just KNEW I'd love that age. They are so much more interactive than they are at the newborn stage and still just as sweet. So, if you're debating on whether you still want newborn images or even want to capture that little 3 month old occupying that spare room in your house, take a peek at this little sweetie and contact me ASAP!

Fun times ahead for this family! Thank you so much C. family - I can't wait for next time!

- laura



















Monday, June 14, 2010

Day 10 - Albuquerque Lifestlye Portrait Photographer

Meet Norman. You can read about his BFF in my previous post here.

We love Norman...mainly in the winter months. We have some huge glass blocks in our bathroom that let in the light (that I LOVE so much) but they also let in the cold (which I don't love so much). So, Norman gets turned on and cranked up and very, very quickly makes friends in this house!


- laura




Sunday, June 13, 2010

Day 9 - Albuquerque Lifestyle Portrait Pet Photographer

Meet the oldest of our hairy trio. She rarely makes an appearance in any of my photography...not because she has a camera fear (like my big, wussy dog!). She has a TODDLER fear :) Hair pulling, eye poking and in-your-face book readings aren't quite Stoli's cup of tea but she is incredibly sweet, easy going and loving.

I bought her as an anniversary gift for my husband years ago...but since she came home, she's been my baby 120%. Almost every night I can count on waking up and finding her asleep by my feet.

She seems to have a "thing" for the space heater in our bathroom - whom we've affectionately named "Norman". If she can tear herself away from him long enough, she could take up hours of love and cuddling in your lap.

- laura




Saturday, June 12, 2010

Day 8 - Albuquerque Childrens Lifestyle Portrait Photographer

Wondering where day 7 is? Yeah...me too! Let's be honest here... day 7 came and went without a single image snapped. I guess you could say I already fell off the wagon of my 90 days of summer project...but it's actually pretty rare that a single day passes without me snapping anything on my camera (or camera phone). It just so happens one fell during this project. Such is life, right?

There's something to be said about the Golden Light (the last hour of sun before sunset)...it's so warm, golden and buttery. It's an instant mood lifter, a feel-good kinda light. I'm not sure I'd ever survive in a place that had a lot of cloudy and rainy days. As much as I think I'd love it, I really truly know I'd miss the daily sun desperately. You can find me out every day, getting my daily dose of Vitamin D!

Summer evenings, happy kiddo, happy husband, happy puppies... Hugs, kisses and "I see you"s completed this evening. Best of all? I captured a ton of family memories and moments just for us. And of course, one to share too.

- laura

Friday, June 11, 2010

New Product - Albuquerque Lifestyle Portrait Photographer

I'm SO excited to announce my newest product - the mini accordion albums! These mini albums make the PERFECT gift for moms, dads, grandmas, grandpas...anyone! Used as a brag book or displayed on a desktop, these babies are to die for!

They're sized at 3x3 and come equipped with a strong magnetic closure...making sure to stay closed and protect the classic art linen pages inside. You can select a custom image cover or choose from a variety of colored fabric covers...making these albums even more custom for you.

They come in sets of 2 and are available as an upgrade to select digital packages.

You'll fall.in.love with these - I did and cannot wait to see YOUR images on the next set I design!

- laura

Thursday, June 10, 2010

Day 6 - Albuquerque Lifestyle Portrait Photographer

Day 6 actually brings you multiple photos... of a cherished and very, very loved item in our house. Not only is it essentially a classic but it never goes out of style. My girlie LOVES it to pieces, literally. We're needing to apply a duct tape fix soon or else the cover and the stories will be separated forever.

It seems to be loved in waves... weeks at a time when it's opened over and over each and every day. Every rare once in awhile, it gets a break to sit on the shelf while another book goes through the ringer. But this book gets tossed (or rather pulled) into the cycle more often than any other book.

I'm glad this is my day 6 image...captures a love in my daughter's life right now.


- laura




Wednesday, June 9, 2010

Day 5 - Albuqueruqe Lifestyle Portrait Photographer

Tired of hearing about how awesome our backyard is and how much time we spend out there? Well, this is just the beginning - buckle in and keep watching/hearing all about it!

Summer as a kid. This picture practically sums it all up. *sigh*

- laura




Tuesday, June 8, 2010

Day 4 - Albuquerque Photographer

We love bringing birds to our yard year round to watch...Sometimes it can be so exhausting. Trying to keep the bird feeder full (which the birds can totally drain in one day), making sure there is fresh nectar for the hummingbirds and making sure the bird bath has water it in on hot summer days. In the winter, we then worry about stocking enough suet for the birds as well.

But over and over it pays off. We watch a HUGE variety of birds come and go (as well as other neat guys like lizards and dragonflies). There's even a few times we get a hawk on our back wall.

All of 3 of us enjoy watching the daily activities of the birds - making nest, eating, bathing, lounging in the shade....as long as we keep that feeder full!

- laura




Monday, June 7, 2010

Day 3 - Albuquerque Lifestyle Portrait Photographer

Day 3 gave me perfect time...it was still warm and muggy out, with a gorgeous blazing sunset that just made me yearn to be outside. Exploring my yard and neighborhood, at a different level than walking my toddler girl, is just such a fun and different experience every single time I get out. From sunrise to sunset, Monday to Wednesday (or sometimes Sunday), things change so much... there's always something new to see, something new to discover.

Every year I vow to capture these flowers in my planter in all their glory...before the blooms either lose their petals or the weight of them finally brings the long skinny stem down to the ground. I caught them this year but know I've already missed the window with my pansies - the 100+ degree weather the past few days finished them off for the season. Pansies are a staple though, so I know I can catch them next year.

Something about the spring, summer and fall blooms - what makes them so irresistible?

- laura






Sunday, June 6, 2010

Day 2 - Albuquerque Childrens Photographer

Day 2 brought us more outside fun...this time with tears and sadness. I don't think even a Popsicle got to show it's face (or that it would have mattered at all). A quick recovery was had and no kiddo was injured or harmed in the snapping of this image :)

- laura





Day 1 - Albuquerque Lifestyle Portrait Photographer

You might have seen my recent post on Facebook, breaking the news I'd be starting a personal project soon. Yesterday, on June 5th, I began... Shooting for me, 90 days in a row this summer. You'll learn (and see) more about me while I learn more about myself. I'm sure some days will be simple images, just a moment from our day, and sometimes others will be more exciting...at least I hope! All I can guarantee is a large variety of images, feelings and inspiration :)

This is a staple to our summer. Hot sunny days, a swimming pool in the shade and popsicles. We could sit outside and play all.day.long and love every minute. We're an outside kinda family!


- laura