‘Tis the season to be together and enjoy each other’s company. I enjoy this time of the year since it is the best chance both Josh and I can relax and have fun with family that visit from out of town those who are in town. Our son for sure LOVES having all his cousins nearby. Recently I have had several families request lifestyle photography sessions rather than portrait sessions. The lifestyle approach has become a personal favorite of mine since it is not always posing and looking their very best. Now, I am not saying that my clients do not look their best, rather I am saying that through the eyes of Mojica Photography, family pictures can include real life experiences that we create together to best capture normal, every day life they want to remember. Let’s face it, our children are growing up all too fast and are learning to leave childish things behind :’( ; this is when I try to pick up one of my cameras and look at what my son likes to do and just follow him and capture the moment. Here are a few family photo sessions sharing memories together as they were really hanging out and doing what they already like to do.

These hospital pictures will always amaze me because of the moments just before becoming a mommy are usually the most painful, before the epidural of course! Pregnancy and delivery is probably the most sacrificial moments a mother can give to her child. You’ve heard them all, from 2-72 hours of labor (one of my sisters included), moms share their pain to their children to remind them that they went through a lot of blood, sweat, and tears to bring them into the world. This to me is pure love. And having photos like these are small reminders of such moments to share with generations to come.

So, you want to have a royal wedding, but your name isn’t Kate Middleton. Not a problem, if you’re willing have your ceremony in the classiest city in Kansas–Lawrence (disclosure: I may be a little biased, since I live in Lawrence). The Castle Tea Room, an actual castle, serves as a venue for intimate weddings and receptions, and I had the pleasure of covering a wedding there a few weeks ago. The ceremony had an ancient Scottish theme, and was very moving. I was only sorry there were no kilts. Enjoy!

A couple of months after having a one year old session with Avery, her mom asked me to come back for more. This time with her parent’s family and their spouses. I had so much fun with this family and this day worked out perfectly for them. Their bright red and blues showed off their true colors in college sportsmanship and the lighting of the early evening was perfect that day for showing off all the green surrounding the lake. I truly loved this session, not only because it was a perfect day, but it was also the perfect session with a fun and amazingly beautiful family.

Here is a teaser of a fun session of an extremely fun family! Now this is just half of the family so stay tuned!

It’s so rare to see puppy love in engaged couples anymore. It seems like more often than not, marriage proposals are little more than an exercise in practicality rather than an expression of love. Not so with this couple. I have yet to meet a couple so in love. It was really cute to see how they interact with each other. As they gazed into each others’ eyes, lovingly held hands, and shared gentle kisses, an aura of love enveloped every shot. Let me assure, those smiles are genuine.

What would you do on a rainy day? How about have your engagement session? This couple had scheduled their engagement session and the day was super overcast all morning and the drizzle started falling a few minutes just before the session began. Well, they were all dressed and ready to go, I had my cameras and a few umbrellas in the trunk, why not? Here is a teaser of this amazing couple as they endured the weather during their engagement session.

Generally most people travel to the photographer for portraits–regardless if they are in studio or on location portraits. And then there are cases (such as in wedding photography) that having them travel 45 minutes for a photo shoot for engagement pictures may not sound too enticing. As a photographer, I tend to look at my surroundings and think where would be a good place to take pictures. I like to be familiar with Topeka, Lawrence, and the KC Metro area because if I need to go to an engagement session in Kansas City, for example, I may know where we can go by knowing the style the bride and groom would like to create. Taking a notebook with me when we go to places is something I like to do. I usually look around and look at everything! I sometimes jot down the streets, city (whether I am in Topeka, Lawrence, Kansas City, KS or Kansas City, MO!)

I also note why I like the spot. Does it have tall flowers? Does it have a pond or a lake? Does it have a grungy feel to it? What colors does the general background have? If I am really quick in noticing I can also choose wether the location may look best in the A.M or the P.M. by noticing where the lighting angle the area may have.

Having too many locations may be overwhelming, however it is great to have a variety at least one of each “category” in each city. This way each shoot may have that unique feeling to it and at the same time I would not need to choose which hay field would be best for this couple. I also like to tie the locations together. You if the couple would want the variety of styles, try to find the grungy old building closest to the lake to save time, gas, and lighting.

Another thing that may be a good idea is have a point-and-shoot camera with you and snap a pic and at least match the location to the image number so you could then get the rest of the details down later! Another way to record your locations is by leaving a memo on your phone. Most cells have voice recordings and can save a few seconds at a time. Just remember to transcribe your memos for future reference.

Really, the sky is the limit; and regardless if your focus is wedding photography or family portraits, having a list of locations has its pros. Besides, if you are just sitting in the passenger seat it doesn’t hurt much to jot it down!

Photo by KC Bridal Fair

We are so excited to participate in the upcoming KC Bridal Fair 2009 in The Westin Crown Center in Kansas City, MO!
In this bridal fair we will give couples 40% off the package they choose for their wedding. To get this discount just drop by our booth on August 22nd, 2009 and reserve your wedding event. In order to reserve a date for your Event, you must pay 30% of the total amount of your event (discount applied.)
Check out our website for date availability on our website at mojicaphotography.com/appointments.html
We hope to see you come by our booth on August 22nd!

Now why would you need to go to a bridal fair?
Well besides the fact that I will be giving out a 40% discount on all my photography services, here are some deals the KC Bridal Fair 2009 is offering!

GRAND PRIZE – $5,000 VISA GIFTCARD
RUNNER UP PRIZE – HANDMADE WEDDING GOWN DESIGNED BY LORENDA GRAY
HOURLY DRAWINGS VALUED AT A MINIMUM OF $100 EACH

TASTE TESTINGS – FUN – PRIZES – SHOPPING — Yum!

The KC bridal Fair will also host a variety of wedding-related professionals who will give you great ideas and help you plan well for your wedding day. This will be a great time to get to know who you want to work with and who will be able to serve you in your wedding in the ways you want to be served! Here are a list of the participating vendors as it appears on the KC Bridal Fair website.

American Laser Centers
Balloon Garden
BeautiControl
Bridal Extraordinaire
Bridal Solutions & Tailor
Caricatures By the Fine Tooners
Celebrity China
Custom Bridal Wear by Lorenda Gray
Envelopes by Ann
In The Mix Productions
KC Photobooth, LLC
Mary Kay Cosmetics
Mojica Photography
Moore Travel
Olathe Chiropractic
Paper Mill Designs
Perfect Postage
Premier Entertainment
Ribbon
Scott E. Thomas & Daughter Photography
Sherrie’s Cake Magic
Sir Knight Formal Wear
The Westin Crown Center
Weddings of Endless Possibilities

Another note I would like to emphasize is that if you pre-register online you will get $4 knocked off the door price per ticket.
Click here to pre-register online!
See you at the bridal fair!

For more info on the bridal fair and how to register you can visit their site and register online at the KC Bridal Fair website.