mila | my family

i know people think that photographers must have loads of family pictures.  it's actually not true for me.  i mean... i have tons of kaya pictures.  i used to have a lot of curtis pictures too.  but all of us together?  or even better, all of my family together or curtis'?  nope.  it's effort to get the gang gathered, setup a camera to include me, keep everyone calm and collected... etc.  it's like organizing a christmas dinner.

typically when i do family portraits for my clients we set aside an hour to get the full family and fun moments.  with my own it seems that the collective party can't handle more than 15 mins of attention from one of their own. it's hilarious.  it's like watching a session on fast forward.  thank god the pictures come out good.

curtis' parents will be celebrating their anniversary this month so we brought the troops together (as many as we could gather in one day) and did the shoot.  sad to say we're short 3 of his siblings but altogether it was a fun 15 minutes.  then off to dinner!

the brothers (less 1) and yes... they are all different colors.  trust me.  they are brothers.

the eldest.  the one who ALWAYS bugs me about pictures.  the one who LOVES to see his pictures... but needs more practice getting them taken.  lol.  we love him and all his quirks.

four out of seven

mila | never ending stories

the gift that keeps on giving.  education.  i'm on a permanent quest for self-improvement.  the latest theme has been the hunt for light.  i've been made extremely aware by scott robert.  if you can't find it then make it.  what a gem of information.  can't wait for this month's workshop!  here's the images from last month.

mila | a new year

i ended the year somewhat burnt out.  fighting for time for me amidst my commitments and responsibilities, fighting for jobs in a down turned market, fighting to stand out in a sea full of color and to stand up to all that was weighing me down.  i begin the year with motivation and a new commitment to stay true to myself.  i don't have to compromise my art so i won't, i can opt for a simpler life so i will. i elect to take the time to find myself and renew my passions.  i already feel stronger for having said that.

location scouting is a must on my list and i must do it more often.   i have an instant model in kaya and we've got adventures out there just waiting for us.  is there any better way for us to spend quality time together while she lets me??  here's our first attempt.

mila | leaving 2010 with a mini kaya update

looking back now, this year went by so fast.  i feel like i barely looked up. i had my highest highs and dropped to my lowest lows.  this mommyhood thing really kicked my ass but i feel like i've also kicked back.  today i can say that i'm in control and it feels good.  it didn't always feel that way.  i'm going to try my best to hang on to this feeling.  maybe even stay on top of the situation but change is a constant in this mommy role so i dunno.  i do know that i've got people to turn to who love us, support us and are reliable.  thank god for them.

it wasn't the best year in business for me.  i'm sure there's an entire nation and world that would agree with me on that.  it's ok though.  everything happens for a reason.  in a way... i'm glad.  it allowed me to focus on our new family and to find my bearings again.  tomorrow is a new beginning and i've got big plans for the year.  the first quarter is re-vamp time.  i can't wait!

p.s.  a kaya mini update

• three days ago she started crawling.  tentative, subconscious but deliberate.  she's as conservative with her movement as she is with her giggles.
• she's quicker to smile now.  maybe not with strangers but definitely around family
• she actually cares when i leave her with strangers now.  not too much, but enough to make me feel wanted.  ... i know... it's all about me.
• she likes to pull herself up to a standing position.  she tries anyway
• her first tooth is showing up!  bottom left.  woohoo!

just throwing these in here coz it reflects how i feel right now.  sigh ;)

happy new year everyone and be safe!!!!