ABIGAIL TODD PHOTOGRAPHY

... while on vacation in SOBE

2012-01-16T22:06:00.001-06:00

Love is the perfect reason for celebration. I had an anniversary session with a couple that was visiting our wonderful city of South Beach this summer. Such a perfect idea don't you think? It's very common for families to have getaway sessions while they are vacationing here at the beach. It's so pretty here! Unfortunately on the day of this session, we had a big thunderstorm clouding up the whole week... we barely even made our session. But the time we did spend together, we managed to stay rain free. [ That is until it was time to go home and my brother & I high-tailed it five blocks in the pouring rain to the car. Fun! Fun! Then again, we kind of have a thing for rain.]

There's much reason for celebration around the house and I can hardly contain it all in my tiny little figure. This new year is definitely starting in the right foot. There's only one problem, how much I'm going to miss being at home all day with this little fur ball of mine. Goodness I love him so much. :) It's time to work!

♥
SOTD: Right As Rain by Adele

hello Holly | Senior Session Preview

2012-01-05T23:00:00.001-06:00

Trying to blog and watch the Heat game at the same time is something that is becoming more and more difficult. Just incase you are wondering, we are on our second overtime with a five point lead and one minute left in the game... seven point lead now. :) This is my first post of 2012... goodness that's gonna get some getting used to. Meet Holly, one of the seniors I shot last year in Baton Rouge, LA during my last visit. (Yes, I am that behind on blogging.) She was a complete natural and my direction was simply guiding her towards the light. Holly my dear, you are so beautiful. It was such a pleasure working with you; even if we were running around downtown trying to beat the rain... and in the end... what the heck... let's get wet anyways! :)

The Heat won! Grey's ended on such a sweet note after much aggravation towards what was happening with Terry & Henry and the Miami boys kicked butt even though the team wasn't complete without Wade and James playing. Another perfect Thursday. I have a feeling that this month is going to be the beginning to an AH-MAY-ZING year! I'm off to snuggle in bed with Prince Charming.

♥
SOTD: Set Fire to the Rain by Adele ♥
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Goodbye 2011

2011-12-29T12:23:00.002-06:00

In preparation for what I was going to write for this blog post I looked up 2010's farewell note. My tears swelled, what seems to be the easiest thing for me to do nowadays. I've become the biggest sap. Ever. 2010 was tough, and if you think like me, we can consider it beef jerky. 2011... you've been... peanut butter. Sweet but salty. Chewy but smooth. Super sticky and not the same without jelly. And above all... really nutty. Leave it to me to compare a full year to snack food. Unlike last year where I selected a few pictures to commemorate all that happened throughout the span of three hundred and sixty five days... this time, I've decided to remember it ALL. I blame it on things like Twitter and Instagram and their wonderfully copulation of one's images in tiny squares. I'm copying and pasting my iPhone's picture gallery on here. Next year, I want to read all this that I'm writing and not only recall the details - but see it - visualize it in the organized picture mess I am presenting. This was 2011. My peanut butter.

2011 had lots of play, to be totally honest; something that I hadn't quite experienced before. It was about taking sides. Learning the difference between being alone and loneliness. Walking in the beach with a pitcher of juice and yelling so loud that people look at you weird. Fitting a big lifestyle into a tiny room. Finding out the hard way that switching to cheap shampoo doesn't fly. Grasping lifelong lessons: Never set a coffee cup on your sunroof. Memorizing the phrase: "Stop. Focus. You're out of control." Making crunch-wraps at three am. Stumbling on great news on Twitter - the kind that make you leave your desk and bawl your eyes out in the bathroom and call your Mom and repeat them over in between sobs. Meeting really weird people. Using the word crisis every other day. Getting a crap load of flat tires. Teaching someone how to fix a flat tire. Learning how to drive stick shift; well almost learning. Taking long bubble baths. Collecting lots and lots of corkscrews. Moving twice. Having someone knock on your window while you are talking to them on the phone and smiling like a fool. Finding my way back home. Discovering the value of trust. Dreaming more than living. Eating hotdogs for a week straight. Having someone make you a 'wake from the dead' scrambled eggs breakfast. Quitting coffee. Realizing that quitting coffee was probably the stupidest idea ever. (I'm laughing at this one.) Being in the right place at the exact right time. Screaming like a teenager in a concert. Having someone read my mind all the time. (It isn't a good thing. Really freaky actually. And super ANNOYING.) Loving Coco more than ever. Planning your dream home and seeing it unravel day after day. Watching Despicable Me a hundred times. Getting genius ideas at 5 am. Crying over something that isn't fair, wishing there was something you could do to make it go away - being one hundred percent relieved when things turned out well - even when no one thinks you care. Getting sunburned and arriving at your girl-friend's house half-naked because you are on FIRE. Making easy-mac the hard way. Long conversations about the same thing over and over. Dancing in the middle of the street. Walking endless blocks for the greatest chips and salsa known to man. Missing someone; everyone. Changing your mind about buying groceries - three times in a row. Having the whole office jam to Chris Brown. Realizing that timing truly is everything.

Taking pictures of people I hadn't seen in ages. Loosing pictures that meant the world to me at the time. Eating pizza for breakfast lunch and dinner all in the same day. Stripes, this year was definitely about stripes. Visiting Louisiana and feeling like a total stranger. Drawing faces during showers. Talking about photo shoots that never were scheduled or accomplished. I became a version of ol' McDonald. Twice. Well, almost twice. Sleeping forever. Unpacking all of my wonderful stuff that had been put away for a really long time. Listening to Adele on replay. Helping someone overcome the worst of challenges. Changing favorite colors; it's now gray. Yes, gray. Giving up on being a plan-a-holic. Wishing I would actually gain weight. Having tons to say and just smiling. Changing... and changing again. Long days at the beach... [so wish it was summer still]. Witnessing someone change their life around. Getting an eye infection that finally makes me take off my contacts before bed every night. Fully understanding the meaning of what being selfless is. Turning the page. And most importantly, after everything that this year has sent my way, I'm thankful for waking up & smiling about something everyday. Only God knows how big of a deal this is to me. I couldn't be more grateful for all that have and have lost. Simply because I now know the value of it all, down to the most insignificant thing. Like, self-closing kitchen drawers and magic lights on my fridge. It's not about the big things. It never will be for me. I feel that this year has given me plenty of little things to see it as a growing experience. There's only up from here. 2012, I'm ready to start climbing.

[ If you read all of that... breathe. I know it was quite an eye-full. ] Thank you all for your continued support! I love you. Truly. Madly. Deeply. HAPPY THURSDAY!!!

♥
SOTD: Marchin On by OneRepublic

the birth session that got away

2011-12-22T17:04:00.003-06:00

This waiting game of being called to the hospital is killer. Makes me think twice before doing anything. Should I take my camera bag every where I go? Am I gonna have time to come back home for it and drive to the hospital if they call me while I'm standing in Walmart's never ending shopping line? Should I go to bed earlier than usual to make sure if they call in the middle of the night I'll be rested? Today was one of those I want to do nothing but sit and wait for the phone to ring. Maybe watch movies. Maybe eat a Big Mac because they are only $1.80 today (buy one get one for a penny day). Maybe help Sam with his Ronald Reagan report. Oh I know, look at all my birth session photos. I'm so glad I did, because the following birth session fell through the blogging cracks. I missed one! This particular one was definitely one of those middle of the night calls. I circled the time in the following picture just so you can see - 3:39 AM. No matter what time it is - capturing the story is very very important to me... so you can bet I will be up and ready the day I am called to the hospital. I remember sitting in a room talking to this family about their birth session. This was another one of my miracle babies. Looking over the pictures makes me feel like it was only yesterday. I present to you: Brandi's birth story.

C-sections are a different ball-game from natural births. Not every hospital will allow a photographer (me) to do all the things I have been allowed to in the past. It's very important to talk to your doctor if you have a scheduled c-section or in the case of an emergency and it were to be the case what the rules are. I've never been turned down from entering the room, but that's because we always plan ahead and get all the information necessary. Every family considering having a birth photographer needs to do their bit of research to make sure it's ok the day the baby is arriving. These next three pictures happen in a total of 3 seconds. And here's the baby!

Mom's reaction to seeing the baby is always my favorite. It's such a tender moment. I can't even imagine what it would feel like first hand. To see the little being that you have been carrying around for 9 months. Your baby. For the first time. After imaging and picturing whether it will have lots of hair, your nose, his eyes... you get to meet him/her. HOW EXCITING! Magical I tell you.

Another wonderfully blessed and happy family who will forever have these images of how their little one arrived in this world. I'm really really antsy now for my phone call. :P It's Thursday, my favorite day of the week, and time to cook. I'm off to become Ms.Rachael Ray and pretend that I am hosting a show and talk to my food. T-T-F-N!

♥
SOTD: Forever by Chris Brown

newborn cuddles

2011-12-21T13:37:00.003-06:00

A couple days ago I was in complete baby awe. That's typically how I get when I shoot newborn sessions. Holding a tiny little person and watching them be all snugly and cute makes me all warm inside. I start imagining what its going to be like when my best-friend delivers her baby in June and I get to do this over and over again... Oh my goodness! This itty-bitty person came to play one Sunday morning and we had quite the smiles and giggles going on. Internet, meet Bianca.

There's only ten days left to this crazy year 2011. My, where did all this time go? I am anxiously waiting by the phone to be called in for a birth session. It's kinda scaring me a bit that it's going to be one of those least expected moments. Like right before bed after a really long day... that's when I make myself the strongest batch of coffee known to man to keep me up from falling asleep through the many unexpected hours of child labor. It's such an adrenaline rush for me once I'm there, being in the room, not being part of it at all but capturing every little detail. Witnessing the miracle. That's my favorite part... I get chills just thinking bout it. Eeeeek can't wait! Cheerio folks.

♥
SOTD: Slow Dancing In A Burning Room by John Mayer

love is... | Liz & Alien

2011-12-06T22:55:00.004-06:00

"So how did you guys meet?" That's all I had to say and Liz's smile pretty much stayed glued on for the rest of the night. Alien went into a detailed account of how it all happened, Liz corrected him a couple times - kinda like on the movie 'Mr. & Mrs. Smith' - and I sat there watching them bubble about each other. They met at a friend's small getty and after a game of Twister, Alien had his eyes set on getting to know Liz. It's been four years since and they are at their loviest peak. I met Alien at the beach while I laid out and photographed the group skim their butts off in South Beach. Once I met Liz, and saw just how protective and caring he was of her, I asked them if they would be interested in collaborating with me. Part two of my love-train-movement would feature this lovely couple. Now that I've gotten to know them a bit more, I know I couldn't of picked a better couple to work with for this particular plan. I am having the hardest time choosing a favorite for my office and hopefully you all will be of some help. This is love according to Liz & Alien:

It's all in the smile.

It's all in the hold.

It's all in the kiss.

I've always been somewhat of fascinated with trains. Now, more than ever, they have become part of my life considering I live right next to a train track and a metro train station. I tell you, it was meant to be. I believe I will do one more set of a couple in a similar scenario to complete my wall of love is... project. Once I get them all printed I will post a picture of just how cool it looks on my spectacular striped gray wall. If you are interested in participating [ I know I had a search before and talked to many couples - if you are one of them and would still like to participate, please contact me again. ] email me. Send me a picture of you and your loved one and I will pick one more couple to receive a session with me and their pictures of our day together. Just for reference and because it's still one of my favorite shoots, you can check out part one of the project here. Many many thanks to Liz and Alien for being such wonderful sports during the shoot and every other time we've gotten together in between. A HUGE thanks to my friends Kevin & Rosy for helping out in every way possible during the shoot and for participating as well. ;) I'm so looking forward to next one! So much that I want to be in one as well! :)

♥
SOTD: I Feel It All & My Moon My Man by Feist

Just for Me: OSC

2011-11-28T12:30:00.001-06:00

We reunited in a bar after years of not seeing each other. It was definitely catch up time so we had plenty to talk about. From that day on, things progressed into what you can call a sisterly bond. Sure we talk about everyday, go shopping together and have breakfast/lunch/coffee/dinner/movie/TV dates but, then again what two sisters don't? I realized the other day as I started to blog this project that I wanted to post detailed descriptions of my relationships with each one of my 'subjects'. Not because I feel that my blog readers need to know about them, or that it contributes at all to my photography... but because this is my journal. I use my blog to allow others to get to know me... to get a sense for who I am and whether I would fit as their photographer. When time goes by, I want to look back and not only see the progress of my business and how much I've learned throughout the years but also where I was in life, who I was friends with and to what extent. Things always change. Having pictures and written words expressing feelings and relating memories is such an awesome thing to come across years later. I know that if Yane and I were to stop being friends today and never spoke again there would be so much to remember... & I'm about to tell you why. I have so many nicknames for everyone... and it's definitely not because I can't remember people's names (my memory is always crystal clear). Among the many lovely names I call Yane, my favorite for all loving purposes will be Mother Theresa. Simply because if I were to have a mother figure amongst my friends, Yane would be it. She's always reminding me the vital things in life, which I neglect to do in a timely manner, and making sure I come through. She says the phrase "Oh Boy" for pretty much every idea I come up with, wakes me up every Monday-Friday with a [GOODMORRNINGGG - Hello hello - and my ultimate favorite "Ehh Loo" (because if you know me, typing phonetically in Spanish is the way to go.) I must be very predictable or Yane has some kind of psychic power because most of the time she knows what I am going to say even before I start to speak or if I do say something (and not the whole thing) she will just give me one of those - uhuh that actually sounds more like ajaa.. and then I know I'm pretty much screwed because she already knows the rest. I can literally sit here in bed and type up so many things but I won't... she will probably tell me I over did it. AND I probably will. ;) Moving right along to Yane's next best thing... [ ;) ] is my next model: Gary. Gary is Yane's piece of heaven on earth, prince charming, cherry on top, piece of cookie dough on her ice cream... you name it. Having witnessed their relationship almost from the start, I will say that he's definitely been the greatest boyfriend & (as the sister here) I have nothing but wonderful things to say about him. We had a bit of trouble with the scheduling of the shoot, because we are all such busy little bees, but once we got together Yane was so relieved... & me too.

I honestly had the hardest time keeping it together during the shoot. Gary and his coaching was way too much to handle. I think this was one of those days that Yane and I will continue to make reference to every time the subject of pictures comes along. Hopefully we will have the same attitude for every shoot we ever do together. I have the next one already in the works. Only problem is that the requested location may be one of those IMPOSSIBLE places to find. ;)

Haha! Alright folks, the pictures above have absolutely nothing to do with the OSC project and I actually didn't even take them. Gary did. But Yane's been asking me when was I going to do that thing I said I was that I haven't gotten around to do doing in forever and a day and it was time. :) This is my "It's Monday and I know you wish it wasn't cause you are working and I'm here in bed still editing away, laughing at what to post because whatever I write I know its not enough and you are probably going to tell me something about it so I'll just go all out and post the 'SFYAOOC' pictures along with detention lines so that they can finally stick in my head kind" kind of present. I LOVE YOU SO MUCH! Muah Muah! -- Stay tuned, more OSC previews coming up. Happy Cyber Monday everyone!!!

♥
SOTD: The Song of the Heart by Prince

2011 Birth Session Giveaway

2011-11-14T15:50:00.002-06:00

The end of the year always comes too fast. Way too fast. I freak every time November rolls around, perhaps its because December means I age another year. Nevertheless, I want to cram in all the things I wanted to accomplish that I haven't quite gotten around to. This year I wanted to give a family the opportunity at a free birth session. The experience is one that I treasure as if my clients were part of my family. It feels as if it's an exchange of gifts. I give them one of the happiest and important moments of their lives captured and I receive the pleasure of witnessing another miracle of life. How amazing is that?! So here's how the giveaway will work:

I will randomly choose one family that is expecting and due before the end of the year to receive a free birth session package. There are only a couple of requirements. You must live in South Florida in the Miami area. Again I will emphasize, you must be due before December 31st, 2011. Send me your entry information ( Name / Phone / Due Date / Place of delivery [hospital/home] / & any other information that you would like to share) by email to: jtab11o4@gmail.com. Birth session package consists of full delivery coverage with images on a DVD. I will be picking a winner by November 25th. So share share share! Pass the word along to friends and coworkers... neighbors and random people you see walking around in the baby department. Haha. :) I'm joking about that last part. Can't wait! I wanted to post some of my favorite from past birth sessions: [swoon and bring on the awwws]

That's pretty much it folks. I am so excited to get back into the hospital and do this again. It will be my fourteenth birth session. Woop Woop! I have two very special ones coming up next year. My best-friend and cousin are both expecting soon. Well soon enough, we still have a long way to go. I'm getting so antsy to meet the tiny ones already. The little peanuts have no idea that their photographer aunty has so many things planned for them already. This giveaway is just what I need to close up 2011. Up next, more One Step Closer posts. Happy Monday!

♥
SOTD: Look After You by The Fray

Just for Me: OSC

2011-11-09T13:30:00.001-06:00

How many people can you say, "I've known you almost my whole life"? I have only about a handful of friends that I've known that long. I can remember as if it was only yesterday Mai in preschool with me. Then as we transitioned to elementary we had a small little group... and Mailluli was always much more mature than the rest of us. All throughout our school years, Mai and I have been assigned to sit together because of our last names. Never failed. Those front seats were always ours. Goodness, remembering that time makes me feel ancient. The days of big glasses and Payless sneakers, oh no wait... SPICE GIRLS sneakers and bell bottoms. D.A.R.E & graduation dance practice... when we had the whole world figured out. Things were as easy as giving someone the thumbs up or down. Wow! How time flies. Now we're all grown up and Mai has a little one of her own. Mia. Such a precious little thing! She wanted to model right along her momma. Too cute!! Mai does that eyebrows thing I do... it has become one of my during the shoot questions.. 'Can you lift your eyebrow?' Haha, so silly I know. But most of us do it subconsciously. I know that for me, whenever my attitude kicks in, you can see that eye lifting by the second. You can pretty much determine just how I'm feeling depending on that left eye of mine. It has a mind of its own. Mai, you look beautiful. Love love love.

Mai, we've seen each other change and grow. I'm so proud of us! It's a pleasure to work with you and your family and I really look forward to doing so in the future again. Love you hun! | Priscilla is another friend that I've known forever. Our moms have been friends way back before we even existed. I have pictures of us sitting holding hands as little girls in these tiny dresses. That was such a mom thing to do - "Kids sit/stand and hold hands for the picture." That was many many moons ago. Here she is now... Super fierce! ;) !

Pris, thank you for doing something that you wouldn't normally do. You trusted me 100% and came out of that shell for the time being and it was so meaningful to me. I'm so happy that we got together for this project idea. It allowed me to get to know a whole different side of you. It's a shame that unless someone has the guts to ask things, and dig deep, things go by so unnoticed. It's about time we have another Starbucks date. We have to plan a date for all that we talked about with Sam and the hubby. I am sure it's going to loads of fun. Woop! Woop! :) Muah!

♥
SOTD: Amber by 311

let's take a break

2011-11-08T14:46:00.004-06:00

It's one of those days that even though I have already had my morning coffee... I'm craving some more and a bit more after that. It's just probably the weather. As soon as winter comes along I get all juiced up about my white mochas and pretty much want nothing else. So here I am longing for some coffee and I come across this picture from this weekend's engagement session. Talk about a sign. According to the two 'hands' in the picture, they were pretending they were tourists, and my camera was just taking, you know - vacation pictures. I told Vale that I wanted to shoot pictures inside the Starbucks, maybe because I was testing their willingness or perhaps because I really wanted to. Nevertheless, these two were happy to climb through hoops to get any shot. I loved that. I was so nervous going into this session, because Vale is a childhood friend and expectations are always so high when you know the person. But we did it. And after loading these pictures... I'm oh so happy. Woohoo! Love ya hun! I'm off to Starbucks for a caffeine shock - YUM!

♥
SOTD: Good Feeling by Flo Rida

Just for Me: OSC Introduction

2011-11-08T09:16:00.002-06:00

One Step Closer... that's what I decided to name this project. I have probably explained why dozens of times and each time I do so, something changes. Whether it's because someone new I photograph gives it a new meaning, or because circumstances change amongst friends. One thing remains constant though, and that is the purpose of this project. We all have moments that we aren't entirely happy with ourselves. Our appearance, what we feel we're worth, where we belong... all these insecurities that we may not share with anyone at all, cloud our minds from time to time. Sometimes we look in the mirror and just don't even want to 'see' ourselves. I am one that suffers from this state of melancholy often. It has nothing to do at all with being unhappy or emo like some of my friends will call it... it's seasonal, some times even momentary. Months ago I had one of my 'down spells' and took the time to analyze my friends... whether I was alone in feeling this way or were they having the same thoughts at times. It started with one of my girlfriends. I asked, Why do we wear make-up? And she responded it's to make ourselves look pretty. I'm honestly thinking, "You ARE pretty." The conversation went on and on and we talked about what we don't like about each other... and I reached the conclusion that my girlfriends all felt the same way I did sometimes. But, were the guys also this way? One night, I had it all come to me. I was talking to a friend who means a great deal to me about this topic. I remember getting all flustered and emotional about it and he did the one thing I wasn't expecting. He poured all those feelings that I had inside myself out to me about himself. I went to sleep that night, after thinking about all he said over and over, with the biggest smile on my face. Not because I was happy that, "Hey! There is someone who feels the way I do." But instead because I wanted to change that. I wanted to do something that would help them see themselves the way that I saw them. I know the hopeless feeling all too well, and when I see it in others, it makes me angry. Saying things only helps in the moment, there had to be a better way, a reminder. 'A picture is worth a thousand words.' Um yes, all those words I wanted to say, I would tell them with a picture. A picture that would portray just how amazing each and every one of them are. And so, this idea blossomed into a project. I shared my ideas with a couple friends and it grew into something I wish I would have thought of before. I'm making a yearbook portfolio of my friends [ & every one I ever went to school with ]. I'm encouraging each and every one of them to come out of their shell. To see themselves differently. To get one step closer to me, so that I can capture the real them, the real - You.

Now, this would be all rose colored glasses if only I wouldn't have had a major technical disgrace. My third day of shooting, after completing 6 mini individual sessions that same day, my laptop crashed. I got that clicking sound of death and later the question mark gray folder that might as well say, KILL ME NOW. I was at home with one of the girls and nearly had a heart attack. I rushed to the Apple store the very next morning to see what was going on. They had no good news... only things like - We can't even recognize your drive. This had never happened to me before. Losing session pictures? Yeah right! I make a CD and back them up... no chance of a slip up. Well, yes chance. It happened. I even sent the drive off to a data recovery company and there was nothing they could do. I cried SO much about it. Because even if I were to re-shoot, it wouldn't be the same. Those pictures I lost are still in my mind. Ovi and his death grip on the chicken, Stephanie & Coco romancing, Laura and her flip hair shot, Adrian laying down turning his face at me... they are gone. I was really discouraged and didn't want to keep shooting. I wanted to abandon the project altogether, because it didn't seem meant to be. But, then I had that same boost of confidence that I wanted to instill in them, focused on me. I was reminded that it didn't matter anymore what I had lost, that we would do it again, that it was ok, that now I just had to do it better... and he was right. I had to continue. I had lost all my sessions but one. ONE.

They say everything happens for a reason and I like to believe so. That one shoot left was quite a significant one. After all, he was the one who inspired the whole shooting idea. You've seen him before on the sneak peaks, and if you happen to be a friend of his on Facebook, he switches in between all the project pictures as his profile, meet Ray. Raymet. My cover boy.

I knew that he was going to make me practically beg him to participate, not because he didn't want to do it, but because he has the word NO on a ticker that he must complete a high quota of on a daily basis. Lucky me, he saves them for every time I come up with one of my genius ideas. Ray and I became friends in one of the most awkward ways possible. You know those signs that usually make you run away from people, or cross over to the other sidewalk just so that they won't even make eye contact with you... that pretty much SHOULD have been our reaction. But we have proven that two suicidal crazies can actually understand each other and not plot ways to drive each other mad. Instead, we balance. He listens to me repeat "Oh today was such an emotional day" on a daily basis and I get to discover one of his kazillion "Look what I can do" tricks. We never shut up but can be completely silent. RANDOM is our middle name. We know when to be there for each other and when there is no other option but space. I am myself around him and lately, that's something that's quite rare. There are no sugarcoated words and if tomorrow comes and he's not around, I know he will find me some ice-cream to make up for it. It's the perfect friendship I tell you.

I had envisioned the shot I wanted to capture of him long before I even persuaded him to do the shoot. It was so easy... the moment I had him in front of me I knew exactly what to say to get the exact reaction I wanted. This was my theory amongst friends. I wouldn't have to take some time to warm up and study their features and stuff. I already know them, I've looked at them countless of times. I've pictured them in my mind in different setups. Now it was just putting it all together. This next one is my favorite. :)

I'm honestly trying really hard not to be all mushy. Because every time I speak of my friends I can ramble on and on... so let's see if I can keep this one short. (Haha) Ray, I LOVE YOU! Thank you for being you and only you know what that means. For bringing me down to reality when I seem to be thinking up in Lala Land. For being that strength that I need at times when I don't want to get up. For telling me off when I need it. For listening. For interrupting. For contradicting. For surprises. For reminding me that I know what I am doing. For believing. For trusting. And for caring more. Everything that falls in between is a memory. We've evolved. "I just knew you were going to be something more than just a person I know from a distance." :)

Up next I will be showcasing my next friend/model and so on with everyone's pictures. I'm so excited to share! I will resume shooting in two weeks... so if you happen to land here on this blog and want to participate, shoot me an email. I am really looking forward to continuing in this wonderful approach at reconnecting with everyone and giving them that umph of celebrity status that we all need from time to time. Tootles!!

♥
SOTD: You Found Me by The Fray

a photo-less post

2011-10-25T10:00:00.004-05:00

This summer I started a photo project called One Step Closer. It allowed me to reconnect with friends I hadn't seen in many many years. I also was able photograph some friends that were always too stubborn to "let" me do my thing. Over all it was a win-win situation. I was extremely happy to constantly spend every ounce free time with a camera in hand. Unfortunately because of everything I had going on the past couple of months, melodramatic technical issues, the horrible hot/rainy weather and the impeccable timing of wind storms wrecking the set (almost every time) ... I decided to postpone the completion of the project until the fall or even winter. Because we all know that Miami's winter is the closest thing to a perfect photo shoot climate. But, I'm anxious. I want to get the ball rolling and posting these pictures of these new and upcoming models I've discovered! (My friends are the cutest!) So, I've come to a compromise. I will be sharing in two parts: Summer Project | Winter Project, which in other words equals to Abigail's ALL of 2011's One Step Closer Project. Nope, that doesn't sound right. Titles never really have been my thing. Let's see, how about, One Step Closer | 2011 Photo Project. I like I like. :P That's whats up next folks. Stay tuned.
♥
SOTD: Such Great Heights by The Postal Service

back from hibernation... (YAWN) | Blog Me Monday

2011-10-17T23:22:00.001-05:00

Well hello there! Looks like not much has changed around here, huh? Tsk. Tsk. Tsk. Shame on me. My leave of absence is all over folks... a new phase is definitely coming and I am about ready to start sharing. You all know that I transitioned last year from Baton Rouge, Louisiana back to my home town of Miami, FL and have been working in both places ever since. That's something that will definitely continue. I actually have to book my flight for my end of the year trip to LA before all the holidays catch up to me (available booking dates coming soon). What's been cooking and is still in the works is a new home/studio office. Yeah, that's right! I have a new home! I've been pretty much killing the hours of making it into the most wonderful Abby-thing ever. Home-improvement has never been a facet to scare me, and if we happen to talk about "painting"... well let's just say that I will do just about anything. Even some crazy stripes or two. I never thought that I would have such a yearning to settle roots back in Miami the way that it's actually happened. I feel incredibly blessed to of gotten this far and so so grateful to everyone that has helped me get here. It's been such an emotional roller coaster and I finally feel like I am ready to go on to the next ride. I'm moved in, but there is still so much to do of course. My mom reminds me just about everyday, "little by little". Because if you know me, I have a list and a Sharpie, and I'm ready to get everything done. Pictures will be up soon of the almost finished house project, along with my favorite "step by step" process captures. So I guess the questions is, have I been shooting this summer? Yes, I have. Not as much I would have liked; but enough to satisfy my camera-in-hand urges. I'm kinda going to go backwards in my blogging/story telling order. Up first, something a bit different for my style.

Being back in Miami... is such a WOW thing for me. If you have been an active reader of the blog you will remember reading me rant on and on about 'home' and how much I missed it all ... the beach, the food the places... the weather. And yeah, its pretty much exactly everything I remembered and hoped it would be. One of the favorite perks is living close to the beach. Close enough that I can go to the beach before I get my day started. Go to the beach after a long day. Spend the day at the beach. Or just drive by and see the beautiful blue/green ocean and move along to my next activity. I do all of this on a repeat basis quite often. So when a friend asks me to come shoot at the beach one early morning, my undoubtedly answer was yes. Beach, sun, perfect day and my camera - um yes sir! :) Their hobby: skimming. I don't know of a lot of people who will wake up at 7:00 am every Saturday to go do some form of physical activity. Usually that's the best time to be tossing around bed if you ask me... Still, these guys do it. And they love it so much. Being there and watching them throw that board time after time can be a bit monotonous if you are just sitting in the sand, but with a camera in hand - things change. I always tell them, "Forget that I'm here"... and they do, most of the time. I have picked my favorite ones that kind of tell the story of our morning together... they probably aren't the guy's favorites, but then again this is my blog and I get to pick the ones I want to share. One of them is supposed to be making some kind of video too, so "whenever" that's finished, if he allows me to (cough cough), I'll add it on here as well. Skimming... (a bit more dangerous than I thought)... in South Beach. Miami's little piece of heaven.

Mr. Sunshine is too cool to get in the water. ;) Poor Dairon has a fractured knee and pretty much was in the same boat as I was. Sitting. Waiting. Wishing. Just like Jack Johnson's song.

The wipe out pictures... Man, I wish they wouldn't get offended if I were to post all of those on here. These weren't so bad... at least they aren't the painful looking or embarrassing ones. Falling looks like so much fun!

This outtake just screams - FREEDOM! ... JOY!! ... WOOHOO!!! ... I should definitely have a picture of myself like this somewhere. All this water had me doing a skippity hoppity dance.

[6pumpwm ... a must have before an early morning session. STARBUCKS!] Thank you guys for having me out there with you playing in the sun. I really love how all the pictures turned out and can't wait to see what you all do with them. I'm there with my telescope anytime you need me. Rain or Shine. :D

The weather is starting to change over here. Lots of rain (Of which I haven't complained of one bit. Love me some rainy weather.) & what seems to be a cooler breeze than usual every now and then. November/December are our perfect hair-day months... not too cold and most of the humidity is gone. Can't wait! Next up, I'm not sure if I'll be posting house pictures or session previews. What I would really like to do is put together all my pictures and videos of how it all started. We shall see how that turns out. This week I am shooting one of my favorite little ones again, so excited to see how much she's grown! And to wrap this up... I just want to say: Dear Blog, Oh how I have missed you.

♥
SOTD: Island in the Sun by Weezer. So fitting.

Sam, Max & Elmo | Miami Children Photographer

2011-08-12T19:00:00.001-05:00

It's very important for a photographer to get a sense for who his subject's are, what they like and what they are looking for when shooting a lifestyle session. Any session for that matter. This family... I get them. They know me and vice versa. We don't even have to plan in detail their photo shoots. I started working with them back when Max was just as young as Sam is now. Max was one of those little boys that won my heart over in an instant with his luscious blonde locks and charming deep blue eyes. Now that he's a bit older, he's developed this charisma that so perfectly fits his look. Future stud no doubt. Along with tradition, we drove on over to the neighborhood park and let the boys play and do their thing.

His hair... its one of those things I wish I could bottle up and just dab on when I need a bit of sunshine in my life. I caught myself focusing on it constantly during the shoot, as if it was a separate entity altogether. Max and then there's his amazing blonde curly hair. :) I think now that they have moved up north he will be getting it trimmed (I secretly hope not). That's right, they have relocated. And I am pretty much crushed that this was probably the last time we would get to work together. Not unless I come visit or they decide to vacation in Miami - (hint, hint). You guys definitely will be missed. But thanks to this wonderful thing called internet, I know we will keep in touch and I'll get to see those munchkins grow.

We played. He ran. And the wind carried his hair and I photographed it. It was lovely. But wait a minute... I wasn't the only one working that day... "Max the photographer with talking camera assistant Elmo" also came along. He literally would stop and say, "Ok my turn." This kind of thing really melts my heart into a puddle of milk chocolate. Yum. You guys were awesome as always. Like I said before, I will miss you!! I wish you guys nothing but the best in your new home.

♥
SOTD: Sexy and I Know It by LMFAO ;) Enjoy your weekend everyone!

BFF

2011-08-08T07:22:00.002-05:00

There is this movie that I've watched countless of times and it has the catchiest little theme song.. it goes something like this: "You've got a friend in me. You've got a friend in me. When the road looks rough ahead and your miles and miles from your nice warm bed, you just remember what your old pal said, "Boy, you've got a friend in me"." Hmm did you guess where it's from? Toy Story! As I was washing dishes today, I started humming along to that song... remembering my oldest friend. I've talked so much about her on the blog that you would think she's my child.. or Coco.. (Don't believe me? Search on the right: Rex. Haha, told ya!) I am not sure if it's a freakish thing of mine, but we have been together for so long that I feel she's with me when she's not. I can ask myself what she would say about something and even answer back in her quick slick comments. I can even see her do that lip thing and try, TRY to raise her eyebrows higher than mine. It feels like forever ago since the last time we saw each other, and even talked to each other. But we will both tell you that time and distance is something that has never once affected us. When we were kids we used to live right by each other, literally 4 houses away. Then right about middle school she moved 5 minutes driving distance. That was a OH MY GOD big deal thing. Considering that neither one of us drove, seeing each other everyday and sharing grapes wasn't going to be such an easy thing to do. But our mothers took turns bringing us both to school and that made things tolerable. Then she moved almost 2 hours away while we were in high school. If I thought the previous move was killer, I couldn't prepare for what this meant. Thank goodness for cell phones and AIM. And then it was my turn, I moved to Louisiana - 14 hours away from her. Ouch. Little by little the distance between us grew, and our bond just seemed to get stronger. Our talks that much more important and memorable. There is a saying that says you don't know what you have until it's gone. This wasn't the case because we both appreciated each other and valued our friendship tremendously. Friendships just like any other kind of relationship are work. We have had our fair share of fights and arguments, tears and like we say - attacks. But every time she was slipping away, meaning there were days I hadn't heard from her... didn't matter who's turn it was to call, or if I blew up her phone with messages, emails or even if I had to send her a webcam video... we would reunite and everything would be better. Everything always got better. Maybe because our news or troubles were now evenly spread among us two... we were no longer carrying the burden alone. We have always been the type that even our mom's know that we are closer than we are to them. To the extreme that her mom would tell me things she wanted to get through to her... And now life has switched the cards. Things have really fallen out of plan. But, I still hear her in my thoughts. Because when you love someone so so so much, there is no such thing as letting them go. They will forever be a part of you no matter what happens. No matter who tries to come between. No matter how difficult the circumstances are. Friends, if there is anything I have recently learned from what I have been through is that friends are needed. We all need someone. People who are there to hold your hand and laugh with you. Cry with you. Make weird animal noises with you. Dance your troubles away with you. Sit up late at night and jabber with you. Lay in the grass and relax with you. We may not have the same person to do all these things with. We may have several different kinds of friends. The ones we can get really close to. The ones we party with. The ones that give that motherly advice. The ones that we only get to see ever so often but can pretend like we were together yesterday once we do. And there are the ones, the rare ones, that you don't need to see, speak or be with - because they just ARE. Them existing and going about life even if they are out traveling around the world is good enough to make you happy. Be good to your friends. Value them. Don't be afraid to love them more than it seems they love you. They may just be going through something at the moment that doesn't quite let them see you the way they should. It shall pass, and they will remember what you did and how you made them feel. I know I have been rambling on today about love & friends. I had a dream last night that knocked my socks off. I dreamt that I lost her. Her that I have been talking all along about. And I just pretty much woke up out of breath and crying. What a nightmare. So, in case you have forgotten or deleted that message from a long time ago that I told you to keep looking at: I LOOOOOOOOOVE YOU. I know am not the only one tear-eyed over here right about now. What a lovely way to start my Monday. This calls for a Starbucks run - maybe even a 'Jesus in a Cup' [Custom made drink by the fabulous Corey at my local Starbucks. It's everything you need to make you feel 100% better. Anytime, every time.]. There's a extra special family session preview coming up next... Stay tuned!

♥
SOTD: You'll Be In My Heart by Phil Collins. [ Yes I've been watching Tarzan too. ;) ]

city lights, track & field | Senior Session Preview

2011-08-07T15:16:00.005-05:00

She has this contagious smile, the kind you can't get enough of. I wouldn't know if it was because love was in the air or that was just all her. You know when people are all lovey and they are glowing... that's how this senior session went along. I remember what it was like to be a high school senior with what I thought then was going to be the love of my life... I smiled foolishly too. Truth is that love makes us smile no matter how old we are. These two were way too easy to photograph and hang out with. Maybe because it's my second sibling to shoot, (btw - Falan & Mccall have a super cool rockin' mom) so it all stayed in the family. I loved these pictures so much that I have just been feeding the blog bits and pieces - here and here. Thank you both for being such awesome sports walking around the city with me!

Every so often I become obsessed with a song. It's happened again. I really don't even know why this song appeals to me so, but it stirs my insides and soothes me all at the same time. My friend Mark sent me a link to another one of their songs and I usually like to listen to various tracks of artists I am not familiar with. I landed on this one track and let's just say it's been on replay ever since. Here's the song's video on their YouTube channel... Find Me by Boyce Avenue.

I just love love loveeee it. It's a super rainy afternoon and I am in such a chill mode. I am going to work on another blog post and keep on editing. The sound of thunder is making me want to take a nap so bad though!! That's the sweetest time to just catch up on some shut-eye... the rain tapping on the window and the distant roars of the thunderstorm. Now that I have gotten myself in the mood, a 20 minute power nap can't hurt anybody! :) Sweet dreams bloggers!

Just for Me | OSC sneak peak

2011-08-01T09:18:00.004-05:00

They say that time heals all wounds and that great things come to those who wait. Bottom line must be that in order to be healthy and achieve greatness you must be a patient person. Luckily, I am. Along the four years that I have been shooting I have met many photographers that share the same passion I have for the arts. Some who are in it more for the business, some who want to be photographing movie star's Glamour covers, others who just love nature/people and some like myself that just feel that the camera should be part of my body. For me it wasn't about taking a perfectly composed picture, or one that will win an award... it was always just about having memories of everything. Even if that meant we were taking pictures in front of my Logitec web cam back in the day or now with my iPhone. I finally feel that it's become more than a hobby, a job, a business or a past time. You may ask now, is it after four years that you finally feel like its grown to be more? To be completely truthful, yes. In the past I've felt like its been all those things but I have been wanting more. More.

When I was younger (teen) it was just a hobby, my thing, and the best way to decorate my room/binders/desk and any wall space that I was entitled to. I basically found that the camera was just an extension of my eyes to my hand. Then when I started my business it was so exciting... I was mostly in awe that people actually wanted me to document their family's lives. It was a "job" that ever since I have always enjoyed. It grows every time I shoot... the love and need to continue to become a better photographer. It's part of me now, whether I am shooting or not. The way I see things, the things I notice... it's weird to describe and by no means do I want to sound like a freak. I guess I can say that's my gift, to see people differently than how the see themselves or how society views them. And I am so so grateful that things are this way. It's made me a much better person. Being passionate about photography for me comes from a source of my appreciation for people. Beauty. Nature. Things. Light. You see, above all the things that I do, I am a dreamer. An idealist. Always hoping for the best. Wishing on things larger than life. Making endless plans. Having visions of what would happen if only... Most nights my dreams inspire me with ideas that I know would turn out to be amazing shoots. Images. Pieces. But who has time and/or the means for all of this to actually be carried out and accomplished? So these ideas get jotted down in my daily book and a pin is placed for a rainy day. And that's how the visionary and creative stuff I wish I could photograph takes the back seat and the real (client requests) move on forward. Here's where the change needs to happen.

I don't know exactly what has overcome me these past couple of days but something has seriously gone wrong. Everything I touch gets damaged. I've been laughing about it, but really just freaking out inside, simply asking SERIOUSLY? Again? I literally am scared to go outside because of it... you know the odds of a million... they just seem to love me. Computer, hard-drive, iPhone, car, lost mail, pink-eye, stuff missing... all this negativity. Sucks. I am now reciting to myself every morning. "Today is going to be a GOOD day." It's actually working. At least in my mind it is. :) Because other wise the sadness consumes me. I get tired of being in a rut with the same 'ol stuff. I slowly start giving up on having visions. On dreaming and on creating and realizing the plans I had already set for myself. Some may say this has a lot to do with with someone or something happening but that's just putting excuses for the simple fact that my backbone has been bending. Wait a minute... Whaaaaat? Exactly. Friends, if you have ever told yourself to stop dreaming, some thing's a matter. :( Dreams are our escape from the pressures of life, from reality. In our dreams magic happens; pigs fly and the sky is really purple. I have a list of over 50 things that I have throughout the years wanted to shoot. For me. Because I dreamt it and think my ideas are awesome! Some are half-way done, some I have NO idea how I will execute. But the goal is set. I have made myself a visionary bucket-list... and these items must come to life. Some spectators of my blog may want to know what does this mean... will I no longer be shooting for the public? Absolutely not. I would love to collaborate just the same with families that in all kinds of shoots. What this means is that there will be some random stuff posted on here that don't necessarily look cohesive to my lifestyle photography on the blog. After all, I want all my readers to feel that this blog is not strictly a showcase of recent work but also about me, the photographer, and all the musings that rise. So if you are a prospect client or one that I have recently worked with, do not be alarmed. I am just adding a new category - Just for Me. First up will be my One Step Closer project. It's been two months in the making and I am very thrilled with every one's cooperation that has been a part of it. So so grateful to all my friends for their help. Here's another sneak peek of what's to come.

Coconut and I are off to the beach today to meet a client and then later soak up some rays and continue to get nice and toasty. This week I am looking forward to catching up on all my editing and hopefully blogging some more tonight. Don't let the Monday blues getcha folks! Chim chimney - Chim chimney - Chim chime cher-ee! A sweep is a lucky as lucky can be! :) I don't know why but I felt like singing that along with good morning cheer. :)

♥
SOTD: Nothing by The Script.

Coming Soon: One Step Closer

2011-06-28T20:30:00.007-05:00

There is something baking in the oven. It's all over facebook and many of you may of been directed here because of certain posters that have been circling amongst friends. I want to just say a few words so it doesn't feel like top secret but also has you wanting to come back to check it out. Weeks ago I sat with a friend and talked for hours about everything that makes us who we are... our looks, likes, personality, preferences, insecurities, habits, friendships, and situations that have shaped us into the person that we now have come to be. This started with the plan of getting 'one step closer' to my friends and like all great ideas... it has turned into something bigger that I am so so happy with. Can't wait to share! WOOP WOOP! ;) Stay tuned guys. ♥

"Let the rain come down"

2011-06-11T09:00:00.001-05:00

"When the tide goes out at the seashore, it usually leaves behind a scattered trail of small treasures. What came with the waves may range from a collection of shells to starfish to bits and pieces of things that people lost in the rushing water... Although the tide goes out, it always comes back in again." After reading this last night I had a big smile on my face. It gave me something to think about as I tried to fall asleep. This morning I really didn't plan on blogging so early.. but I just wanted to share that little tidbit. We shouldn't worry about the end of things. The falling apart of things. The being left behind. Because the same way it was all once abundant and put together... it shall all happen again. ♥

I am blogging this session next. It's one of my favorite senior sessions I have ever shot... come back soon to see! Enjoy this somewhat rainy-to-be weekend. You all know that I will probably escape the indoors to go play... I am definitely looking forward to it! I have a session planned for today... as long as the rain steers clear to before or after I will be only dandy camper. :) Hoping for some kind of miracle. Tootles!

♥
SOTD: Into the Ocean by Blue October. "I thought of just your face. Relaxed and floated into space." I heart this song. So so much.

little miss Lexie Grey | Miami Newborn Photographer

2011-06-08T14:57:00.002-05:00

My most recent newborn sessions have been such a dream. Working with newborn babies has been one of my favorite aspects of my work as a photographer... I have the patience and grace to somehow understand their silent language. Well, silent when they are sleeping that is. :) Meet Lexi. The moment her parents said her name would be Lexi I automatically thought of Lexie Grey. [Character from my favorite show - Grey's Anatomy. Turns out I shot an Addison Montgomery last year and now it's Lexi's turn. I wonder if I'll ever have a Meredith. Haha. :)] I enjoyed playing with her so much. She was absolutely perfect. Perfect perfect.

Something else that was quite perfect was the light in their home. I was so happy to move around between the rooms and still achieve exactly the looks I wanted. Don't these parents look smitten? Lexi has had Daddy's heart wrapped around her finger from the first moment he laid eyes on her. And she didn't even break a sweat doing so. That little angelic face wins anyone over.

Thank you both for allowing me to come and photograph your little one. I look forward to our next shoot together when little Lexi isn't quite so little anymore. Summer is in full swing over here in Miami... we really don't ever see much of a change between seasons... but SUMMER... oh yeah. THE HEAT IS ON! (Laughing to myself because yeah the Miami Heat are definitely kicking butt right now.) Oh I know we lost last night's game... but you gotta hand it to them - awesome awesome team. Woop woop! We are mid-week, only a couple more days till the weekend folks. Enjoy!

♥
SOTD: I'm Into You (feat. Lil Wayne) by Jennifer Lopez

Escape by Enrique Iglesias

my date with prince charming at the beach

2011-05-25T20:19:00.004-05:00

Love at first sight. I've been told time and time again that there is no such thing. For many, it may be a farfetched illusion or even impossible. Because how could you possibly love anything with just a glance? Is it love or just mere attraction? Isn't that what we call energy/vibe? Is it commonly misinterpreted for love? Hmm... my theory that it does exist is yet to be proven factual. Growing to love something seems to be the rather normal process, right? I can attest to this 100%. Here's why: When I was choosing a puppy, my eyes were set on this cute little girl that was sweet as can be. But, I was told I should have a male puppy... so at the time I was crushed I wasn't going to get the one I really really wanted. For some reason, I told myself that if I couldn't have a female puppy, I was going to look for the girliest male puppy of the litter. And there he was: the blonde, blue-eyed, pink nose runt that wanted to boss everyone around. Hence, how I ended up with my Coco. Now I look back and couldn't imagine having any other dog. At first glance, he may be feisty, loud, annoying, completely and irrevocably stubborn. Yup that sums up what most folks think of my midget dog barking at them. But, if you let your guard down and give him a chance to get to know you... he is by far the greatest little creature ever. I blog about my little Coconut quite often... and it has been about a year since the last time we had been photographed together. These pictures were taken on Coco's first day to the beach. What an experience for my pooch.

At first, the sand seemed to be his favorite thing. Kicking it up in the air, hopping up and down... doing his chicken scratch... it was all fun and games. UNTIL, I decided he needed to experience the ocean, the salt-water and what not. Coco locked his emergency breaks and I had to drag him half the way and carry him the rest. Totally totally freaked. He reminded me of little Maddy and her first time at the beach. Mind you we are in the shore where only the water will reach about 2 inches at times. He didn't like it ONE bit. So, [the good mother that I am] I took him back to the towel and cuddled him until he had somewhat forgotten that we were close to the water. He then decides to dig his face in the sand (I'm guessing to rub off the seawater) ... 'covering every inch - eyes, nose, ears, tongue'. At this point he is looking at me like he just cannot believe what is happening. Coco starts doing his reverse snort thing (what we call his asthma attack) and I then realize - "Maybe this wasn't such a good idea." To sum up the revolutionary process.... he learned his lesson. No more licking/messing with the sand. When we got home and I bathed him, I was still taking sand out of his eyes and ears. From now on, Coco will stick to South Pointe Park... where he only sees the ocean from far away. :)

I meant to blog on Monday and write an updated version of an about me kind of post... but my internet has decided to quit giving me the appropriate signal.. go figure.. and things have been a bit inconvenient. Nevertheless, I still intend in posting on such topic, so here it goes:

- I have developed a recent obsession for hotdogs. In every way possible. Meaning on the bun, corn dogs, grilled, fried... you name it. It's kinda scary that I really don't know all that is in a hotdog, but I really am digging them right now.

- I, for once in 4 years, have a "natural" tan. After a couple of sunburns, I have been able to keep up with it and I absolutely love not getting burnt so easily anymore at the beach. Plus the golden color makes me feel all sunny inside.

- I don't remember if I mentioned that ice-cream is my favorite dessert - well fellas I have found my favorite flavor of the month. Breyer's Reeses Pieces Peanut Butter Cup Ice-Cream. The name is a mouthful I know. I have eaten 3 quarter gallons by myself within a matter of weeks. Favorite indulgence till date.

- I've been paring up weird foods. [like usual] Pretzels and cream cheese is a new favorite. Also animal crackers with pancake syrup... or is that maple syrup... hmm not sure but it is GOOD.

- My music preference has been a roller-coaster lately. I don't know if you have noticed but song of the day has been pretty random. I'm really excited about going to the Kings of Leon concert coming up. !!!! !!!! !!!! !!!! Really really excited. :)

- I love that I can take my work anywhere. That I can shoot anywhere. That I can edit anywhere. I love that I am mobile. My work comes along where ever I want it to go and not everyone can really say that, so I LOVE it.

- I hate humidity. Period.

- It was Grey's Anatomy's season finale the other day and the closing lines really stuck with me. Meredith: "There's a reason I said I'd be happy alone. It wasn't 'cause I thought I'd be happy alone. It was because I thought if I loved someone and then it fell apart, I might not make it. It's easier to be alone, because what if you learn that you need love and you don't have it? What if you like it and lean on it? What if you shape your life around it and then it falls apart? Can you even survive that kind of pain? Losing love is like organ damage. It's like dying. The only difference is death ends. This? It could go on forever."

- Wow to the previous bullet point.

- My favorite place to eat here in Miami is called Lime. Tex-mex nothing special.. other than their pico de gallo. My girlfriends and I are fanatics of their pico. We are even willing to walk 15 blocks for it. :)

- I am waiting for the perfect couple to come along to shoot in this one place that I have had my eye on for a while. I don't even want to talk about it. Trust me, it's not your usual location idea. So if you are thinking about what would be cool, unless you are a random freak like me, you are no where near my vision cloud. If you think you are up for it, and totally have faith that I can make you look wonderful 'no matter what we do' let me know. [big smirk on my face]

- Rain. It's magic. I talk about it all the time. It rains in my dreams all the time. I wish it would rain every night while I am asleep. I have been planning this shoot that involves rain... that is really a work in progress... and once everything I have in my mind gets put into a picture... I will be one happy chick. I just need to reconfigure everything and start from scratch... that's the best way to tackle projects that don't seem to get done.

- Wine. It's my favorite alcoholic beverage. Merlot to be exact. Give a girl red wine and woohoo! Haha ;)

- Favorite product that I offer to sell: canvas wraps. If I had more wall space I would fill it up with every picture I love mounted on a canvas wrap. They are truly a work of art.

- I was told the other day by I client that they were surprised to see how short I am. That in my pictures I looked taller. Well sorry to disappoint but I am 5'3. I take it after my mother who's 5'0. I actually LOVE being on the shorter side.

- I miss my dinosaur. A lot. Awholelotabit.

- I haven't been shopping in a while and it's kind of time for me to find a new pair of shoes. Buying a new pair of shoes does something to you. It lifts the spirits. It makes you feel like a million bucks... and every time you wear them the feeling continues until it's time for the next new pair of shoes. ;)

- I mentioned a while ago how I have quit coffee... well it's been 3 months that I am no longer addicted. I will probably have 1 or 2 white mocha a week during client meets, but that is it! No more twice a day or everyday ordeal. My wallet and kidneys are really happy. I enjoy every cup now that much more, just because I don't know when I will have my next one.

Coco trusts me. He knows I would never do anything to hurt him. These two pictures depict Coco's fear of the ocean... First one above: We do that all the time, he will lay on my leg as I am sitting on the floor or the bed, so it wasn't really a fear of falling that had him holding on for dear life. Second picture: (happened almost instantly after the first) This is what he does when he's afraid. He digs into my neck to hide. To find comfort. To feel safe. It melts my heart.

It's Wednesday, not my favorite day of the week but it's the closest thing to Thursday. I want to wish you all a wonderful night and a beautiful rest of the week. I am working on a big project that is making my creative nerve links spark every time a great idea comes along. I really hope everything turns out as planned and so that I can share with you all the things I've been jamming up. It's a long weekend for most of you.. not for me. People off of work/no school means perfect day for family session. Enjoy the beach on my behalf friends!

♥
SOTD: For the First Time by The Script. I have such mixed emotions about this song. But it seems to be on the radio every time I tune in. So it's not SOTD - more like song of the months.

Much love

- from Coconutty and I

green grassy hills | Miami Family Photographer

2011-05-24T22:02:00.003-05:00

Happy Tuesday everyone! It had been a year since the last time I had seen my dear friends the Bollingers. I just love working with this family. Little Niles stole my heart a long time ago with his charm and good looks. Miss Addison is learning from her big brother how to work the camera herself... too too cute. These are my picks from our session together recently.

Niles was all about rolling in the grass... so much that in every picture there is evidence somewhere on his face/shirt/teeth... :)

I loved her little tutu! I am such a frilly girly girl. All this kind of stuff makes me want to have my own little ballet dancing princesses. :) There is still more to come of the Louisiana sessions. Looks like I will be coming again in the summer. I will be posting dates as soon as plans become more concrete. Alrighty folks... back to paying attention to the Heat game. :) This is a close one. My anxiety is through the roof right now. C'mon WADE!

♥
SOTD: Be Somebody by Kings of Leon

beach fun | Miami Children Photographer

2011-05-20T00:21:00.001-05:00

I am so excited to share the following session. Madysen was such an awesome little model last session that I knew this time around things weren't going to be much different. Before I keep on with the chitter-chatter... here she is. The tiny smiley princess.

Take a look at these boots... aren't they the cutest thing?!? I have a knack for boots, and especially cowboy/girl ones. Love love love. If people wouldn't look at my like 'I lost my horse somewhere' or something I would wear mine all the time. Sure, I know what you are thinking, who cares what other people think... Well if I was still in Louisiana, I might actually do so. But, here in Miami... I don't know... What do you guys think: Bikini & cowgirl boots? Hot or Not? ;)

It was Madysen's first trip to the beach. Lucky thing I came along to photograph all her reactions. I wish I would of had that of myself. The feel of the sand. Seeing the ocean for the first time. The waves. The sound of them crashing at the shore. The salty breeze. The way that it's in constant motion. This crazy sand business that sticks to you... and no matter what you do you will not get off of you.. even if you keep touching it, rubbing it.. ugh. The water rushing at you... for the first time. Guys, she FREAKED!

Rain boots? Oh yes please.

It's officially Friday now (woohoo) [I know I celebrate for pretty much everything] !!! I have lots of things planned for later today. Really excited about my afternoon at the beach after taking care of all my business in the morning. I have the most awkward tan right now... I left my sunglasses on for far too long and it's as if I am wearing a Zorro mask... People were staring at me in Walmart today, again, and it wasn't nice. So, I have come up with a plan to tan only my eyes so they can catch up to the rest of my body. Hehe :) Let's see... what can I update you guys on that has nothing to do with the beach or pictures... OH oh - Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides is out today. Definitely will be rolling into theatre for that. I am reading 3 books at a time now. One of which is a new read and two others that I have decided to revisit for comfort reasons. I am working up a post of favorite book quotes... more on that later. Grey's Anatomy season finale last night... totally missed it - can't wait till it's up online to watch. Oh and speaking of season finale - CASTLE.. totally knocked me off my socks. I am in awe, literally, of how they chose to end the season. I have 6 semi-baby chickens. There is one which I named Ricky Martin because of his highlighted head feathers... he loves me and thinks I'm his momma. I want to shoot them before they get any older/bigger. AND I meant that in the taking their picture sense of course. (devilish little laugh) Coco likes them A LOT. Things with my blog are finally shaping up, 'glad to be coming back to the way things were'. I really missed seeing my work up somewhere. And dear families that have gone by un-blogged - there will be a special mix blog post - kinda like those random ones I do all the time - honoring your fabulous sessions. There you have it friends, a little tid-bit since I haven't given you all a Blog-Me Monday in a while... who knows - surprise surprise!

♥
SOTD: Bounce by Calvin Harris

Take Over Control by Afrojack feat. Eva Simons. It seems this song gets me out of the worst of moods possible.

One more - totally random song that totally doesn't go at all with the other two - popped into my Pandora today: Tom's Diner by Suzanne Vega. I love it when it's been a while and you hear something like this.

color me mornings

2011-05-16T02:14:00.000-05:00

There aren't very many reasons I like to wake up early in the morning. Simply because it's not until mid day that my body actually recognizes that the day has commenced. But when it comes to sunrises... I have a very pronounced weak spot. There is something so magical about watching the sun rise from under the ocean... (same goes for the moon). For this maternity session we headed to one of my favorite spots at the beach. Megan & Josh matched so well that even the lifeguard hut was in sync. :) These are my favorites from our lovely morning together.

Must give a special thanks to my youngest assistant for his strenuous labor helping out that morning. Love you Sam. More than I could possibly put in words. :) Happy Monday everyone!

♥
SOTD: Rolling In the Deep by Adele. This woman is one creative genius.

some baby love

2011-05-14T01:20:00.001-05:00

"Happiness isn't happiness without a violin playing goat." You may be wondering what this goat business has to do at all with this post. It happens to be one of my favorite quotes from the movie, Notting Hill. Every time I think of the word happiness it comes to mind. What is happiness? The dictionary defines it as feeling or showing pleasure or contentment. Obviously it can mean different things to everyone... but sometimes what makes you happy today doesn't mean it will continue to do so forever. When I started to shoot this session there was one thing that was completely indisputable. This bundle of joy has perfectly fulfilled the 'forever in happiness charm' for this family's life. Sometimes you come across families that are very open manifesting affection and LOVE towards each other, and you can't help but think... These people are truly happy. That's how I felt photographing the following family. For an afternoon I found myself witnessing the love that they have towards their new baby boy and each other... absolutely touching and wonderful. There were a lot of pictures that I wanted to post, and even narrowing it down became a little difficult - These are my favorite from our session together. Pure love. Utter happiness.

The shutter sound had is undivided attention. It was quite magical... to see him just shift his eyes no matter what position he was facing, straight at me every time he heard a click.

A family that kisses without any commands? Yes, please! :) I was so thrilled that there was no awkwardness in asking them to try anything at all. As a lifestyle photographer, sometimes telling families that I want them to forget I am in the room and carry on as if it was a regular day can be a little intimidating. I usually suggest an activity or let's hang out by the couch, bed, rug... and now just talk to each other or so and so.. right? With them I only had to say 'Ok - let's start by cuddling in the bed'... and bam they nailed it. Every shot was one that I knew I would want to keep.

I love sessions like this one. So chill... and yet they make me feel so much. Love love. On another note.. Coco had his first salt water encounter today. It was like watching America's Funniest Home Videos. He totally freaked. And I seriously couldn't help but laugh and push him further into the ocean. Definitely worse than a cat... You would think that he would be OK since he enjoys his bath... nope... the beach was a totally different ball game. Then the sand. OH BOY! He attacked the sand, got it all in his face/eyes/nose... Time to shh - I will be sharing more when I post the pictures of our lovely afternoon date. It's the weekend!! Woohoo! Time to take some pictures... :) Have a great one my dear blog readers. Catch ya later! ;)

♥
SOTD: My Love by Sia

TO DO: Coco/bike/beach=PICTURE

2011-05-06T08:45:00.004-05:00

Sometimes you just have to sit back and watch. Watch what unravels in front of you. Sometimes it's not about the pose; but what happens after people get comfortable or change it up a bit to best represent what they would naturally do. Sometimes you have to be patient. Even if the sun is giving you the most divine light ever and you don't want to miss it. Sometimes you have to wait for an outfit change, or a diaper change, or a even a change in memory card. Rushing doesn't work around here. I happen to be one that if I ever feel rushed... I get really frustrated. It may be because my parents graced me with an immense sense of patience or perhaps because I am a perfectionist... I think it's an equal mixture of both. In one of my most recent sessions, as I waited for a quick wardrobe adjustment, I saw this. I saw me in another person. I saw who I wished I was right at that moment. (Not that I wasn't happy shooting, because that actually turned out to be an amazing session.) I wanted to be that girl with a bike in the beach photographing her pooch. I saw in my mind what Coco would look like sitting up there. I imagined how nice it would be if Coco would be that well behaved to stay on a bike's basket instead of leaping out like a nut as I tried again and again to pose him there. I saw the picture in my camera of Coco's photogenic self looking straight at me as he always does when he sees the camera in my hand. Perfection. And I smiled to myself. In those 30 seconds that I daydreamed I added something to my long to-do list. 'Must bring Coco and a very short leash to the beach and rent a bike for amazing shot that will probably end up on a canvas in my house.' :) It's Friday everyone. We are celebrating over here with a Starbucks grande-iced-white-mocha-8 pump-extra shot-with whip in hand and happy clicking fingers editing away. May snuck up on me. I had been talking about 'Oh in May' for a while and goodness writing month "5" is freaking me out a bit. Yikes! The rain is making me creative and I can't wait to have a moment to go and just stand in it and let it calm everything around me. Yeah you can think it's psycho or whatever... but try it one day. (Not in the cold... only time it really really sucks.) Rain.. one of the most simple pleasures in life that we can't control but only enjoy. Speaking of rain...

♥
SOTD: The Rain by Calvin Harris

Pursuit of Happiness by Kid Cudi

Give Me Everything by Pitbull feat. Ne-Yo, Afrojack & Nayer ♥
Everytime this song comes on... the volume comes up and I can't stay still. Love love. [ Gave you guys 3 SOTD's, one for every day of the weekend ;) ] TTFN!

Mason - the Sophie giraffe lover

2011-05-05T00:00:00.002-05:00

Time is flying by. This was Mason's one-year shoot. It seems only yesterday I was sitting in Starbucks listening to Casey tell me about her pregnancy and planning how I would photograph the birth of their very special baby boy. I remember that I didn't even know if shooting the birth was going to happen.. I had a trip to Miami scheduled and I was sure that it was going to interfere. But Mason... Mason sped things up and came early to everyone's surprise. Thank goodness... because this is one little boy that I would of definitely regretted missing out on meeting. Whenever a family choses you as their photographer you are taken on a journey. The journey of "____'s" growth. Such a special treat! We had our session at the State Capital park.. here a few favorites from our session together.

This is his favorite smile... LOL scrunchie-nose and all. To look back at Mason's growth story you can click here, here, here, here, and here. :) In that picture below.. doesn't it look like Mason is holding a camera ready to.. CLICK! Future photographer of 2030. Wow.. seems like that will be forever from now... but it will be here before you know it.

Thank you guys again for having me along this whole first year of Mason's life.. it's been a pleasure. Even with me transitioning to Miami.. we made it work! :)

♥
SOTD: Somewhere Only We Know by Keane. I don't about you, but this is an alllll time favorite. Love love. :)

"I won't tell 'em your name"

2011-04-08T14:20:00.002-05:00

Who was you high school crush? Did he/she make your eyes twinkle and your insides giggle? Did your cheeks feel a burn from laughing and smiling just at the thought of being together? Does Taylor Swift's song You Belong With Me and Fifteen make sense? Whether this was a long time ago or you are living it right now... Sophomore year with Mr. Perfect... we can all relate to those feelings of young love. This is a session preview of the shoot I am editing right now, first one from my most recent Louisiana trip. McCall and Jacob brought me back to those years in my life. At first I was a bit scared of what to do with them... how close is too close? What will Mom (who is watching) be ok with? I didn't want it to be like one of my adult shoots... and well it wasn't. Not because of me but because of them. I said, "Alright guys be natural with each other.. flirt and do those things to each other that is sweet and cuddly..." The looks I got were... priceless. "That was so awkward." I then remembered, when I was their age... flirting and being affectionate in front of my parents was a big no-no... and "Really? Be sweet and cuddly.. in front of you? My mother? In the middle of the street? Don't think so." So despite what seemed awkward and hilarious of me to ask of them... THEY ROCKED IT! I am loving this session. So much that I wanted to blog it right away. :) It's Friday folks! Woohoo! Fridays mean nothing to me, time to work more and more... I don't have weekends off, so I can't really celebrate like the rest of humanity. Photographers know that weekends mean time for lovely sessions, weddings and shoots. [I will admit, lately I have been bumming my weekends... so it's about time I quit the slacking.. tsk tsk. ;)] I am looking forward to being one busy little bee editing all the wonderful shoots from my trip. Thank you all so much for your support... knowing that I have clients that wait for me to come into town to shoot... makes me really really happy. I love you all! Have a fabulous weekend and enjoy the lovely weather that will be shinning upon us for the next couple of days. I may just go to the beach early tomorrow before my shoot to soak some of it up. :)

♥
SOTD: Name by The Goo Goo Dolls

beautiful mess

2011-03-29T14:50:00.003-05:00

Yesterday I listened to a song that made me want to put together a blog post. [Woohoo for inspiration.] I am no longer going to apologize for falling out of the routine of blogging continuously and in a timely manner. Because that means that I would have to apologize for a lot in my life lately. Like taking forever to answer the phone or calling back... or even a simple text message. For sleeping too long, for eating too much, for calling at wee hours at night and for disappearing in my cave called home. My friends and family have accepted that life for me right now is a beautiful mess. The only lucky people that get to see the best part of it are my clients. You guys. Because when I go shoot (when I am doing what I love) I indulge in it's greatness that much more. Every time I meet someone new and explain how I started my business and what I love about it.. my eyes almost swell with tears. I am so happy to have a creative outlet that allows me to see life in a different way. Through different eyes. I have sessions that I will be blogging soon that have inspired me... shown me the beauty of working in my favorite place in the world. Home. Miami is just so perfect. I could literally rant for hours about how much I love this city... ahh paradise. I've selected a couple pictures of some of the things that have been going on lately. They're not in chronological order... they aren't even previews... they are random shots that I wanted to share.

The series with the trains will be up soon. Picture below is my favorite outtake from the trial shoot. My best-friend Ovi is probably going to kill me for posting but then again I am sure he doesn't ever check the blog, so he will never know. The Sugarcooks (my gal-best-friends) have a new shoot coming up as well... which you will not want to miss. Turning the glamour down a notch and making it more of a 'spring break meets miss Latin America during a lunch date' shoot. Haha it's hard to describe the look.. but we are all very excited to be working together again. It's always fun when the girls collaborate.

This little one was just a dream to work with. I seemed to be a kid magnet that day.. because all eyes were on me... a photographer's treat. So easy and delightful to capture this family's special day.

I've shot games before. Football, basketball, baseball... so this wasn't a first. The boys took me out to see what kind of pictures I would come up with. Let's just say that being the only girl on the field with a huge camera... encourages everyone to puff up a bit and walk tall. :P I'm trying to convince some of them to participate in the next group shoot... but I guess it's scary to be asked to model. I wouldn't hesitate to do it.. but these boys are shy. Self-conscious about their bodies and being awkward. Go figure. Let's see what I can bribe them with. Girls are so much easier in this respect... my girlfriends you tell them, "Hey, I want to take pretty pictures of you..." and they are all up for it. I need a monster truck. Or a bike. Maybe both. And some mud. There. Perfect scenario. I will be leaving to Louisiana this Thursday... to photograph some of my favorite families.. so excited. :D If you are reading this and I haven't spoken to you about our shoot together this weekend, CALL ME... I will be calling you anyways today or tomorrow.. just tying all loose ends before I arrive in the wonderful swampy state. Friends, enjoy the rest of the week.. it's only Tuesday - end of March. It's been a crazy month. I hope I haven't put you through a whirlwind with the randomness of this post. Trust me, it took a lot to decide what to write about. Just glad I did. :) I am wishing that April brings us along lots of calm spring showers and drenches us with lots and lots of happiness. Tootles loves!

♥
SOTD: Beautiful Mess by Jason Mraz ♥

just in...

2011-03-03T08:04:00.002-06:00

Good morning to you too! The days are set for my next trip to Louisiana - March 29th - April 5th. CAN'T WAIT!! I look forward to hearing from you all. If you are considering booking, act fast! Space is limited. :)

♥
SOTD: Atrévete-te-te by Calle 13

family session at Haulover Beach

2011-02-27T21:00:00.002-06:00

Time to play catch up. We have been enjoying beautiful early summer days here in South Florida. Not trying to brag to my fellow blog followers in other parts of the world, but it's been real NICE. Makes me fully appreciate the value of living in such an amazing city. Every time I am driving on either one of the causeways this goose-bumpy feeling comes over me like, "I live here? Gosh!". So as a given, shooting here is just as pleasant. This family that you are about to see has been a long-term planned shoot. Turns out I went to high school with la tia, Adasis. We talked about working with her family back then... and recently it finally came through. We headed over to Haulover Beach Park to shoot their family/maternity session. Here are a couple of my favorites of our morning together. Enjoy! :)

Tia Adasis with the kiddos. :)

Ahh the beach... I think I will never get tired of it. Well maybe after the first degree sunburn that I just happen to come across a couple of days ago I will stay away from the UV's for let's say... a few more days. But you better believe it that as soon as the pink turns brown I am right back on the horse. Can't help but to LOVE IT! [Definitely wasn't referring to the sunburn guys- that I don't like at all. I have gone through a whole bottle of aloe cooling gel in a matter of two days. That's what happens when the white girl has her first beach season encounter. OUCH!] If you are a family that is considering having a session with me in Miami, remember that we aren't limited to the beaches (sand/water) ... there is so much all around that makes for some really cool looking photos as well. During our session planning I will be more than happy to share ideas of things we can do. As far as what's new with me... I am going to be announcing my dates for my next Louisiana Trip this week, so keep a look out for that. Really excited about seeing my friends and families back in LA again. This will be a short trip so booking space will be limited. If you've been waiting for me to come back for a spring shoot, send me an email so I can keep count of how many sessions I am looking at scheduling. So looking forward to it! La Madeleine.. Lucy's... is it crawfish season yet? ;) Have a fantastic week everyone!

♥
SOTD: Ciega, Sordomuda by Shakira

pause

2011-02-18T00:03:00.004-06:00

Someone forgot to press my play button. The inactivity that I have put my poor blog through is totally uncalled for. What did he ever do to deserve such abandonment? Hiya fellow lost people. :) The beginning of this promising year has been nothing short of a roller-coaster ride. Of which I will admit, has it's great advantages and low-key moments to spare. Honestly, I've been in a phase of writers block. Countless of times I've started to post and deleted the whole thing for fear of getting to riled up on a particular subject or saying nothing at all. Not today.

I've chosen a word of the day (kinda like our teacher's used to do back in school): Ambivalence. [Definition (wikipedia): the experience of having thoughts and emotions of both positive and negative valence toward someone or something.] Lately, I've been in such a emotional state of battling with my brain, even with my hopes and dreams. It's not a surprise if one day I am off happily shooting birds and bees and the next I am looking at my camera wanting someone else to read my creative mind and carry out my visions for me. Sad part of it all is that I know the reason that this is happening to me. I QUIT COFFEE. No joke folks. If you have been a blog reader for a while or even a friend, you know that it's my daily staple, the drive/pull that slapped energy to my days... and now... now what? I have replaced it with signing up again to the gym... "to work on my fitness". Hahaha riggggghhhtt Abigail. Truth is that when you give up something you love you need to replace it with something you love as much or more in order for it to stick without seeming like a burden. Let's just say that the gym is quite not making the cut. I still crave the adrenaline that makes my tummy & heart smile. I've suckered multiple times these past two days... figured if I have one cup might as well have three. Starbucks misses me, what can I say? ;) This weekend is jammed packed with shoots and meets. I've been feeling like someone is pulling on my limbs in every direction. Busy is an understatement. Yet, I couldn't be more delighted. I took a mini-break from my Love Is... project. So for those of you who are waiting on me to set up our shoot, things are getting back on track and we will be scheduling shortly. (Hence the empty train above. Time to fill it up!) I will be posting session previews and catching up on all that's been going on within the next couple of days. No worries. No more disappearing. I am here, here to stay. :) Enjoy your weekend everyone! The weather will be FA-BU-LOUS!

♥
SOTD: Aléjate de Mi & Mientes by Camila

love is... | Laura & Ovi

2011-01-06T12:23:00.002-06:00

I've been prancing around lately with a big smile on my face and well... people have started to notice. 'What's going on with Abby?' 'Why is Abby so happy?' Well... December was a turning point for me. I came up with an idea for a shoot that I wanted to try out - has to do with trains, couples, love, kisses, heavy wind.... talk about a vision, right? I started to act upon all my thoughts right away and began my search for models and willing subjects to carry-out my plan. The hunt was exciting. I loved hearing from all the couples that were interested in participating in the shoot. Things immediately initiated. First up were my good friends Ovi & Laura. (Aren't they cute!) The vision: The Notebook meets Pearl Harbor... ( I'm laughing real hard inside at this one because describing that to people was actually harder than I thought it would be. ) Off we went looking for their outfits and boy, did I crack up with all the costume possibilities. When the day finally arrived, I was back on trial make-up and hair duty... which now has become a normal thing... Abby the photographer/hair/make-up/crazy girl running-around in pj's with pan con bistec for Laura. Here they are, the first set of the love is... project. Enjoy.

Love is... sweet.

Love is... sparks.

Love is... rush.

Love is... sparkle.

There is not much more I can say about this project... other than it's got my lovey juices flowing. I'm so excited for all the rest of the shoots that are coming soon. On another note, 2011 is starting on the right foot. I am about to go shoot a newborn session, followed by a maternity and more of my train business... so I am one happy camper. Weather lately has been PERFECT - can't complain one bit. Even though today it seems like it's going to rain, which reminds me of my next big idea shoot... I am in the search for colorful umbrellas. I tweeted that a couple of weeks ago... If you know of any store (even one online) that sells a variety of umbrellas, message me. Don't mind me and all my creativeness for fun shoots, it rubs off on my regular sessions as well, trust me. Back to being a busy little bee. Have a great rest of the week folks. I will be off shooting what love is...

♥
SOTD: Moment 4 Life by Nicki Minaj

This Is My Life by Edward Maya

That's Life by Michael Buble

farewell 2010

2010-12-30T14:08:00.001-06:00

As the last remaining hours of what this crazy year called 2010 expire, we all can't help but look back at what's been going on. A full year has gone by in a blink of an eye. I don't know about you, but for me... this was a roller-coaster one. In the spirit of how random, up & down and totally insane it was, I have put together picture collages of work, play and life in 2010... all mixed together because that's exactly how it happened.

2010 was all about Coco. Eating great food, again and again... I pigged out the whole year. Craved some pretty crazy stuff.. had an overdose of rice krispie treats and cream soda, cheese dip, chili cheese Fritos, peppermint schnapps, pasta and steak sandwiches. And how could we forget STARBUCKS. I have put in petition to be co-owners with my local store since I basically live there now. I had the best burger ever sometime this year... the best gelato and the best margaritas known to man. I started skating again (which by the way I need to get back on). I've reconnected with old friends and made new ones. I have had several perfect days - the kind that from the moment you wake up till you go back to sleep you are living a dream. I've learned the value of space and privacy. I've been tossed back and forth between Louisiana and Florida. I can now finally call Miami home once again. I have added to my extensive collection of shoes and developed a whole new obsession of Checker's loaded cheese fries. I had a near-death experience, I almost crapped on my panties during the scare, and then had a hard time catching my breath afterwards. I loved sparkly blue things and realized that I am leaning towards a new favorite color. I have been drenched in the rain several times... (one of my favorite things to do)... watched double rainbows and witnessed countless of beautiful sunrises laying on the beach reading a book. Life has been complicated this year. Still, I only look at the little things that made it wonderful. The little things like: getting a visit from a loved one on a bad day. Getting a kiss from a long lost friend. Snuggling with the little rat that licks my nose every morning. Buying the perfect pair of black boots. Making someone laugh so hard they snort out their drink. Listening to someone defend you. Waking up to the smell of pancakes, eggs and bacon. Going to sleep with a big smile that doesn't wear off even while you are dreaming. Being stuffed from the yummiest pizza late in the morning. Jamming to a favorite song, ALL DAY. Sipping on liquid love. Planning bucket-list activities. Shop-therapy. Driving real fast in an empty highway with the windows down. Fitting in those jeans that you haven't been able to wear for a while. Getting the best massage ever. Giving someone happiness in a box. Finding someone fixing your bed while you are brushing your teeth. Haha you know what I am talking about... :) When you look at all the small things individually that brought you happiness, and then you put them all together, the big picture now seems a whole lot better. There is actually a picture worth looking at... the kind to even take a second glance for.

Thank you to all my wonderful clients this year for your continued support and for being so amazing to me. To my friends for all our adventures. To my family for all their love. 2010, I thought you were gonna kill me... but you found a way of shedding light at the end of the tunnel. It's time to welcome 2011 with open arms. ♥

♥
SOTD: Yeah 3X by Chris Brown

love is... | sneak peak!

2010-12-20T23:54:00.003-06:00

It's a late night editing streak over here folks... waiting for the lunar eclipse to happen. My body really wants some shut eye, but this just doesn't happen every day and I'm the kind of girl that likes staring at the moon. This shot is from my session today - first part of my upcoming project - Love Is. I am so excited to edit these and shoot the rest. Good night my lovely blog readers... cuddle up and go watch the sky... pretty interesting stuff going on. :)

♥
SOTD: Paperweight by Joshua Radin and Schuyler Fisk

color brights | Miami Family Photographer

2010-12-15T12:08:00.002-06:00

Every morning I wake up with the possibility of going to one of my favorite places in the world. Just a short 8 minute ride to the beach. How's that for a yummy breakfast? While most people view Miami as a vacation hot-spot, it's simply considered home for this little Hialeahian. For this session, I wanted to do what most people outside of South Florida do in the beach when it's cold, still go. It's a known fact that us Miamians will stay out of the sand for most of the winter while the snowbirds travel down south for a milder version of their cold weather. We all got dressed up to play at 6:30 am in South Beach. It was beautiful. The light, the colors, the quiet sounds of the tiny waves blending with the shore... (picture below - this is what it looked liked when we first got there.) I could so wake up looking at this every morning.

Combination sessions are one of my favorites. What am I referring to as a combo session? Double purpose, two in one - in this instance - family/maternity session. Even though it seems to be all about Zachary, Samantha is ever so present in the pictures as well. Lorayne has the cutest baby bump!

Zach is my first little boy of a million faces... during the pictures that is. It's as if he was purposely making fun or trying to look silly for me. And it wasn't because he was crying or mad... he was actually snacking and playing around; I would call out his name and he would pose like that. Check him out:

The sand on his hands weren't much fun. But the having me wipe his hands every minute or so definitely was. Not me, I like the sand. I probably looked like a freak rolling around with all my clothes playing with Zach to get the pictures I wanted. When I got home I had a pound of sand in my hair, shoes, clothes and had to shimmy shake outside to get it all out.

Thank you guys for being early morning troopers and walking lots and lots. Can't wait to meet baby Samantha!

Friends, I know that I am supposed to be all about the cold and what not because I love winter... but I need a break. I am in Miami, its not supposed to last over here. We are supposed to have one cold day a week, not everyday for the past two weeks. I am running out of clothes and options on how to go to sleep without waking up freezing. So far bundling up and wearing my toe-socks isn't working. ;) Happy Wednesday!

♥
SOTD: Memories by David Guetta (feat. Kid Cudi)

randomness | Blog Me Monday

2010-12-13T12:16:00.004-06:00

Good morning everyone! I hope you all thoroughly enjoyed your weekend... I had an interesting one. Ended it realizing again for the hundredth time that I can't eat sushi. I mentally prepare myself that today is the day that I will develop a liking for that acquired taste. Um yes the motivation is there... the willingness to try is there... the stomach to bear it, the taste buds that send forth approval, the action of taking a second bite - all that takes a holiday and leaves me chugging down my drink. So I am asking for help. I am going to nice places, so this is good quality stuff. What shall I try? I have had the ones they say that most people should start off with: California roll, Shrimp Tempura roll, King Crab roll ... mostly cooked stuff. Why am I so hung up on liking sushi you may ask? It bothers me that I eat almost everything and can't come near something so popular. It's a social thing... and I want to socially fit in the "let's eat sushi" crowd. :)

The picture above is another from my new project. The one that I can't seem to stop plotting for. This train business is really making me excited. The couples I have been able to meet with so far are totally digging the idea and getting worked up about outfits and what not. If you messaged me and I have yet to respond, that doesn't mean that I am not interested in having you join. I am trying to email and meet people at the same time and pretty much will get around to everyone today and tomorrow. Your response is coming. :) I am going to go study the system some more this week and will start shooting very soon. I was thinking yesterday morning about the movie Pearl Harbor (one of my faves) and how there is a train scene there that I really really like, turns out it was playing on TV later that night... and I was right, totally fits the scheme that I am trying to achieve. Woohoo!

In other news, there's a new series coming from the makers of Grey's Anatomy that I am really looking forward to checking out. Off the Map. The show deals with medical care in a third-world country (phrase that I actually do not particularly like). They are filming in Hawaii... making it look like it's a tropical jungle in South America, reminds me of LOST. Actually it's like a combination of both shows (Grey's & Lost) (Didn't we ask for something like that a while back?). This is one that I know my mom will join me to watch... the main doctor/actor, Martin Henderson, happens to be one of her favorites ever since his appearance on Bride & Prejudice. Premieres Wednesday January 12 on abc.

I am off to do good... I hope you all have a great week. I am looking forward to this one with high hopes. [At least I am hoping that all the positiveness will help my long week sound sweeter.] ;) Cheerio Darlings!

♥
SOTD: Eh, Eh (Nothing I Could Say) by Lady Gaga

one kiss please | Miami Family Photographer

2010-12-09T12:40:00.008-06:00

It's cold. But it's sessions like this that make me all warm inside. I look forward with pure excitement to shoot Kristin's family portraits every time. It's because I know that she is the kind of mom that treasures the pictures so much that she will design books and cards, and decorate the whole house with the latest photos. I've walked in their house and seen my pictures on their walls, makes me smile, a lot. She is always actively involved in the planning process and coordinates everyone's clothing and props perfectly. I really imagine myself that way one day when I have children of my own. I am so happy to have moms that care so much about what I do, makes my job so pleasant and rewarding. I had a hard time choosing favorites, because this became a huge session, so here is ALL the ones I really really liked. Enjoy!

Sam reminds me of a little Ralph Lauren baby model... blonde, tie, sweater... what a cutie patootie. I believe I mentioned before that his brother, Luke, was one of my birth session babies. My third birth session ever, and its been quite some time since then. They are forever my memory of hospital visits as the session who had the most family members come in the room to welcome the baby... not to mention the family who's faces couldn't possibly show more love and affection... raw emotion.

Kiss kiss time... I love Sam's tongue out face... :P

Ahh love is flowing through the air. Kiss here, kiss there. I want a kiss too.. :) Thank you guys for being so great despite our technical difficulties... I knew that if there was one family that would never mind having more pictures it would be you guys... :) Fellow blog readers, enjoy the weekend... bundle up, cuddle and snuggle.. it's brrr cold. I will be at my local Starbucks with an IV of pumpkin spice warming up my veins. Que rico!

♥
SOTD: There You'll Be by Faith Hill

love is...

2010-12-08T23:42:00.005-06:00

The juices have been flowing a lot lately... creative wise that is. Today I've started planning my next big project. For weeks it has been merely ideas and a simple vision of a shot I really want blown up on a canvas on my wall. Soon it will all be coming together. You may of read on my twitter feed: I'm looking for young "in love" couples to model for a shoot. Well I have found them... may still want a couple more so don't be shy to ask. So my dear blog readers, I wanted to give you a tiny introduction to what's to come. I am beyond excited. Stay tuned.

♥
SOTD: The Best Thing About Me Is You by Ricky Martin (feat. Joss Stone)

mon petit voyage | Blog Me Monday

2010-12-06T11:53:00.005-06:00

For today's installment of Blog Me Monday I will be sharing pictures and stories of my latest Louisiana trip. I really am having trouble deciding which place to call home... because I quite can't say that I am stationary anymore. Traveling so much is great, but it kinda messes with your head as to where you are "supposed" to be. Who am I kidding... if my mother heard me say this, she would be so like: "Abigail, what do you mean you don't know where home is?! Mira mija, you were born and raised in Hialeah (Hialeah - agua, fango y factoria) that's home and it will always be." And of course I agree... but my dear Louisianan friends have a little piece of me too. This recent trip was all about revisiting old friends and clients that I have shared so much with. Along with trying new things and savoring old favorites that I have OH SO missed. Every time I go on a trip, I seem to set ONE goal: take pictures. Pictures of myself. Pictures of what I see. Pictures of what I want to remember. And the greatest pet peeve of coming back, is that I fail to accomplish that goal, every time. I feel that it's because since I work with a camera, it tends to be put away when I'm having fun and the only thing that I slug around is my wonderful iPhone. So my dear blog readers, here is a pot of soup of what I experienced this past trip. Excuse the quality and the randomness... that's how I tend to go on vacation.

I was smitten with this building, and have decided that I want words like that on one of my walls. [ mental note: BIG BOLD letters, quotes or words that represent art for the office... next home improvement project. ] I read Dizzy & Jimmy during my two flights - yes, the whole book. It's one of my favorite auto-biography books, ever. I have a new nickname among friends, Juju; and now it seems I find that word everywhere. My rental was a little Ford Focus... which I learned to love. Especially the sunroof because the weather was soooo purrrfect.

In MIA there is no such thing as the change of leaves during the fall. Seeing it happen made me all nostalgic of what fall and winter is actually supposed to be like. But then again I remembered all the layering of clothing just to go outside to take Coco to go potty and how I would never want to get out of bed in the morning and started to love my Miami weather again. I made it a point to pig out this trip. I think I even gained some weight. Woohoo! [Yes, gaining weight for me is a good thing.] La Madeleine probably got tired of seeing my face... I was there almost every other day. I have been thinking that in the future I may collaborate to open a franchise here in South Florida... I know I would have a handful of faithful customers - starting with my parents and brother who were insanely jealous that I was having soup and more DELISH soup and they weren't. Lucy's is also a must go-to place of mine over there. Mainly for their margaritas, which are my favorite by far of any place I have ever tried. Starbucks. That's a given no matter where I am... I took pictures of the ones there just to prove that I am a loyal customer. AND to show that even though the folks over there prefer CC's - *bucks is so much better - I decided to opt out of the locals recommendation this time. But I will say... the baristas over there need to learn a thing or two from my friends at the 49st Starbucks in Hialeah. (When I was back home, and welcomed with a "where were you for a week?" I knew I was glad to be back. The VIP and extreme friendliness was definitely missed.)

I MISSED COCO TERRIBLY. Everyday. Every time I went to bed. In the mornings. During lunch. All the time. So my friends surprised me with a carved pumpkin of Coco's face. (In November... yes they saved a pumpkin for me, how cute!) Let's just say that it made me feel so much better. Haha. Isn't he adorable?!!?! My parent's have now decided that he is more "their" dog, which is totally causing some controversy in the family. Coco now welcomes my dad in a higher pitched squeal than me... and yes that is making me jealous. He needs to reconsider his uncommon behavior.

If you truly want to know what I was up to, ask the bears. I became good friends with a couple of stone cold statues... and they seemed to love my attention. As you can tell:

I worked hard during my trip. Shooting and editing were my main attraction. Only during my breaks would I "have fun" going out to eat. Which I will say that was one of my favorite highlights of the vacation. I watched Kaylynn work and realized that we as photographers, have no life. Honestly. But at least we have that common quality together. :) I would like to thank my friends who welcomed me to their homes and made me part of the family. Fed me and babied me while I was there. Those who took the time to come see me (cough cough) and those who were there the whole time. There was so much more that I wanted to do, but time did not allow. There is always next time. Thank you so much for your attention and care... can't wait to see you and do it all over again. NEXT TIME: I want crawfish. So that means that I will be skipping a doodle over there in the summer for sure.

♥
SOTD: Set the Fire to the Third Bar by Snow Patrol

Ry & Pax's Session Preview | South Florida Family Photographer

2010-12-03T14:31:00.001-06:00

It's Friday (I love Friday's), and although it's been a while since I blogged, I have really been looking forward to sharing this family's pictures. You might recognized them from previous sessions. The moment I walked in the house and first saw Riley, almost a year later, it was as if time never went by. I joke around and say that I have a knack for children, well that may be it, or the fact that maybe babies remember... they remember the people that were there to coo at them from the beginning. Kenneth & Sarah are one of my favorite people to share with, and it doesn't even feel like work. I thoroughly enjoy photographing their family and spending time with them. Here are some of our time together. Enjoy.

I think this was an only for me to capture moment... Kenneth coming down the slide, was priceless. Mainly because I had no idea how he was going to manage. Ry LOVED it! And I appreciated just how much they are willing to do for me to get the shots I want. Playing at home is one of my favorite ways to start a family shoot. It definitely breaks the ice and sets the mood for the rest of the duration of the session. Kids feel more relaxed knowing that I am there to play with them and not ONLY to take their picture. That kinda freaks them out at times, pressure is tough on kids. Play sessions definitely have my A+. It's not always ideal because of space limitations and/or lighting, but if that's what you want... I will make it happen.

This is one of my favorite things to do during a kids session... swinging back and forth - I don't know if that has an actual name or not, but you get the picture. Pax was loving it. It made Mom and Dad a bit tired from swinging him again and again, but I got the above picture. Which for Pax will be a tremendous accomplishment... he went so high he came out of my frame... that's like a woohoo!!! for the little munchkin.

It cracks me up every time that parents use reverse psychology on their kids. At first I didn't quite understand. Why would you tell your child not to do what we want him/her to do? That was until how saw how magically it works. For instance, "Don't you look at me and give me a big smile! Don't you do it!" Ding! Eyes my way and perfect smile... GENIUS I tell ya. It's our rebellious nature to do what we are told not to, and wow, I never thought it worked at such a young age. For photographers, that's an awesome trick. Bribery works too, but then again I believe that we have to follow through on what we promised... because if not I will always be remembered as the girl that promised them some candy and never gave them any... not cool.

And so ends our family session preview. Thank you guys for being awesome as always. I look forward to my next visit to Louisiana so we can hang out... miss ya already! Much love and kisses!

Can you believe it's December already!! I woke up today so nostalgic towards 2010 and where it went so fast to. The holidays have got me a bit rushed for everything. I really am trying to get everyone in and out in a timely manner and that's why the blog has gotten some what of the boot lately. But I promise that I am not ignoring you if I haven't gotten around answering every one's request immediately. I am here... bright-eyed and bushy tailed, wild hair and all - working like a busy little bee. Enjoy the weekend everyone, the weather is supposed to be FANTABULOUS! So go out and do something fun in the sun... I know that I will. :)

♥
SOTD: They Bring Me To You by Joshua Radin

sunny side up | Miami Family Photographer

2010-11-25T18:14:00.003-06:00

As I loaded these from this morning, I couldn't help but want to share one! We found a matching lifeguard shack, what are the odds! Enjoy the weekend every one. I am steadily working trying to get everyone's order done before the holidays. Such a little busy bee I have once again become. Tootles!

♥
SOTD: What's My Name? by Rihanna & Drake

show me the snowman | Baton Rouge Family Photographer

2010-11-23T07:20:00.001-06:00

This little munchkin and I share a bond. The kind that only he and I understand. Mom & Dad may believe that he has telepathic senses as to when is picture day, because there is never any sleep or smooth sailing in the getting ready part... but when we come together... the sun rises and there is clear bright skies. Haha. I am laughing at myself for saying that. It's true! He is one of my birth session babies, and I believe that babies might have a thing for those who where there during the delivery. As if he were to remember me being there cheering on his arrival. You can see more of him - here here and here. Here are my favorites of our session together. (Mom isn't this a quick timely preview?!?! I am so proud of my blogging achievement . Another big point for me.)

I don't know which one I like more, the above or the below, because his face is equally as amusing and OMG-I'm-going-to-eat-you to me in both. Mason you make me wanna pinch your cheeks and give you kisses kisses and more kisses!!

Thank you guys for being so great every time we work together. It's such a pleasure to do so over and over again. Especially since I get to see baby Mason grow up, I feel part of the family. The Cuban aunt who makes loud noises and rolls around in the grass for Mason's amusement. Love it! :) And for everyone else... Happy Tuesday! Enjoy the rest of your short work week, can you believe November is almost over? Whew!

♥
SOTD: Show Me What I'm Looking For by Carolina Liar

checking in...

2010-11-15T22:40:00.006-06:00

Hiya folks! I wanted to check in for a quick sneak peak. I know that my family's are anxious to see a preview... and I am ready to get back home to start editing. These all happen to be families that I have shot a birth session for and I am so excited to of revisited them after one year. Louisiana weather has been kicking my butt, all this sudden hot/cold change... I am bearing through it all and trying not to get sick. I will be back to my normal schedule soon. As always - have a great week my lovely blog readers. Stay tuned for more from these sessions and those to come. :)

♥
SOTD: Here We Go by Joshua Radin - it's been on replay for a long long time... ♥

a bit of movie talk

2010-11-08T08:44:00.000-06:00

Good morning my lovely blog readers! I woke up today very excited for today's post, since last week I skipped on the blog-me-Monday deal. I had a friend request a movie-themed post. If you know me by now, movies are a big deal. I rarely watch TV... other than my three favorite shows (Grey's Anatomy, Private Practice & Castle). So that means that everything else is either a favorite classic or whatever is new and out on rental. I am going to start by quoting one of my favorite films (I love the book too though ... by Nicholas Sparks, actually more than the movie.), The Notebook. It's the scene where Allie and Noah have gone out for a boat-ride and it starts to rain. Perfect timing. Actually, I found the movie clip, click here to see it if you would like.

(starting with Allie) "Why didn't you write me? Why? It wasn't over for me. I waited for you for seven years. And now it's too late." - "I wrote you 365 letters. I wrote you everyday for a year." - "You wrote me?" - "Yes." - "You..." - "It wasn't over. It still isn't over."

... commence the kissing and the means of releasing all the frustrated build up of emotion. But that scene is not the only reason why I like the movie so much... it's because of the immense sense of passion and love in the story. I've read the book twice and seen the movie countless of times, and still get chills. Cry every time. That reminds me of my other favorite part from the movie... the fight scene where Allie is deciding whether to leave Noah's house to go meet up with Lon.

(starting with Noah) ... "Hate you if you leave here." - "Have you been paying attention to anything that's been happening?" - "I guess not. I think I must have misread all of those signals." - "I guess you did." - "You're bored! You're bored and you know it. You wouldn't be here if there wasn't something missing." - "You arrogant son of a -----!" - "Would you just stay with me?" - "Stay with you? What for? Look at us, we're already fighting." - "Well, that's what we do. We fight. You tell me when I'm being an arrogant son of a ----- and I tell you when you're being a pain in the ---. Which you are, 99 percent of the time. I'm not afraid to hurt your feelings. They have like a two second rebound rate and you're back at doing the next pain in the --- thing." - "So what?" - "So, it's not going to be easy. It's gonna be really hard. And we're gonna have to work at this every day but I want to do that because I want you. I want all of you, forever, you and me, everyday. Will you do something for me? Please? Will you just picture your life for me? Thirty years from now. Forty years from now, what's it look like? If it's with that guy, go. Go! I lost you once, I think I could do it again, if I thought it's what you really wanted. But don't you take the easy way out." - "What easy way? There is no easy way, no matter what I do, somebody gets hurt." - "Would you stop thinking about what everyone wants. Stop thinking about what I want, what he wants, what your parents want. What do you want? What do you want?" - "It's not that simple." - "What do you want?"- "I have to go."

Yes, definitely one of my favorites. I think most girls that are into romantic movies have this one on their list. The next movie I wanted to talk about is an upcoming one. Another Rachel McAdams, which I've realized that I really like her as an actress, in theaters this week, Morning Glory. Here is the trailer:

Really looking forward to seeing this one. It's been a while since I have done a movie post. I have skipped the movie going routine lately, the last film I watched at the theatre I believe it was Eat Pray Love, so it's time to jump back on the wagon. Another upcoming film I want to see is Burlesque. Mainly because of Cher and Christina... but I do like music and theatre related films. Here is that trailer:

So that is my picks for this month's new releases. What are you looking forward to seeing? This past weekend was so perfect for snuggling at home watching movies. The cold has started to creep in. We had excellent weather. The kind that you are happy to be outside even in the sun because your hair will stay in tact. Awesome! I am off to Louisiana folks. I wanted to post something before the trip just to let you all know that I will still be available through phone or email. I am looking forward to all the wonderful stuff planned. Seeing some familiar faces and meeting new ones. So excited! Have a great week everyone.

♥
SOTD: The Fear You Won't Fall by Joshua Radin

Mr. Brightside by The Killers

REAL Family Time | Miami Family Photographer

2010-11-03T22:15:00.001-05:00

This was another installment of my favorite kind of family session. When families allow me to come to their homes and there are no props, no backgrounds, just them and I doing what 'they do' on a regular day together, I feel that the session at the end of the day will not only reflect my style, but it will be totally "them". I am so over seeing balloon backgrounds and kid-sized Crayola crayons in the little one's pictures. What do those pictures say about them? What will they remember when they look back at that picture? I know this is strictly my opinion and my liking... but who really turns down the idea of your family being captured the way that you are? Whether you choose to stay home, go to a park, the beach, the pizzeria around the corner or a combination of them all... that's your choice, and it will be about you and your family. That's who I am there to photograph. You. And them. Together. Loving each other. Playing with toys, throwing a ball, pulling each others hair, eating M&M's or ice cream. I know that's the reason I enjoy birth sessions so much. Because it cannot be more 'real' and less rehearsed than what happens in that delivery room. Raw emotion. Kind of like what has been captured here, here, and here. Love love love. So that is what we planned for this family. It may take a few moments to get used to. Kids are so used to seeing a camera and being told "CHEESE" that it's almost automatic. I kept trying to get them not to look at the camera and "play" but the black thing covering my face seemed to be much more interesting than Mickey Mouse or Buzz Lightyear. Then I realized that he was just flirting with me, being the ham he is. And in that moment I knew that we would hit it off super well. Here is your pic-preview Leti... you were all so great and I couldn't be more grateful for your trust and openness to allow me to be part of your life for one day. It was wonderful.

Blue eyes haunt me. I think I go to sleep thinking blue and wake up thinking blue. This gorgeous doll has the most 'wow' steady stare that I have ever seen in such a young baby. It definitely commands attention and keeps you captivated. And as if that wasn't enough... those chubby toes and the way she would sit... this is a hot babe in the making. So so cute!

I eventually realized that she liked looking at me and not the camera. So I was implementing the challenging game of peek-a-boo while trying to focus on her and get the shot I wanted. After many laughs... score.

They have the sweetest set up as a backyard... a park with a lake and lots of ducks. Time to go outside and play in that lovely Miami weather. It was perfect... cool, breezy and cloudy at 12:00 pm. I mean if I had a lake in my backyard... it probably would of been time to go for a dip. But that's just crazy me loving any kind body of water. One day I will get scared to death by a random animal biting me in the leg and that trust of open water will disappear.

I briefly mentioned before how I had a "duck situation" during this session. These animals were so aggressive, impatient and loud. Pecking at each other, getting really close to us - almost reaching the food out their hands. But then again they were probably freaked out that Julian wanted to show them all his miniature skateboard tricks. Which at first completely made me "lol"... but wasn't as funny as Gianna wanting to eat the stale bread. Kids... never cease to amaze me.

I will be photographing their cousins soon... and I can't wait. I am siting in Starbucks blogging today... and they have started the red cups. Which only means to me, WHERE HAS THIS YEAR SLIPPED AWAY TO? Seriously. Time is running and I don't think I am ready for December which is around the corner. 2010 has merely said hello - how are you- and it's gone. I am looking forward to the change of weather though. Woohoo for the cold. Time to snuggle and drink hot coffee again. Time for good hair days all the time and for toesocks. For potato soup and peppermint mochas. Time for me to turn another year... (I will admit that I am NOT looking forward to saying 23 instead of 22. Two-two is much better than two-three. But then again that used to be Jordan's number and Lebron James' too... even though I like him as a "6" much better. haha) Time to watch the Heat kick some butt. This time of year is good. Busy but, good. Have a wonderful rest of the week, we are past the hump and the weekend is just a glimpse away. :)

♥
SOTD: Vuelve by Ricky Martin

Ride by Cary Brothers

Ahem...

2010-10-26T08:52:00.001-05:00

...just a friendly reminder for all my Louisiana folks. I am so excited to be coming so soon again. I am ready to pack my jacket and boots, because by the looks of it, there will be no such thing as winter in Miami this year. So woohoo for some cold weather! Last night it rained and I was inspired for upcoming shoot ideas. Another chapter of SATC girls shoot is fast approaching. Can't wait to work with a new set of best friends, it's so much fun! Time to go get my morning fix of juju... ICED PUMPKIN SPICE LATTE - 6 pumps of spice please. They will be out out of season before long, so I've got to squirrel away as many as I can. Hehe :)

♥
SOTD: Weight of the World by Chantal Kreviazuk

such and such | Blog Me Monday

2010-10-25T16:59:00.003-05:00

I look forward to every showcase of blog me Monday. Yesterday as I was editing, I had ideas flowing around of what I could possibly talk about today. I figured that a good break in cycle would be to sum up my past week. I watched one of my favorite chick flicks - How to Loose a Guy in 10 Days- and one of the quotes in the movie aroused my curiosity to elaborate further in such topic. "All is fair in love and war". Whether it was John Lyly who first spoke of the proverb or Kate Hudson in her charming character for the movie, it possibly may be one of my favorite sayings of all time. Even though it is often used to justify behavior that is not accepted, or to sum up the volatile matters of the heart, I feel it is too commonly disregarded as false judgement. Love and war are two circumstances where you act upon instinct and repeatedly have no control over the outcome. How details and proceedings are executed are solely dependent of who is in charge, and such person's views of what is considered admissible. Why are we so quick to judge when it comes to matters of love and war? Mainly because our conscious is trained to form judgment of the situation. Unless we were all free spirits that believed that everyone acts upon the best interest of others, there is questionable room for doubting inspiration. So, what is my take? Fairness is subjectable. I have been taught to act favorably towards others. Even if sometimes things don't always seem that way, only he who knows the motives of the heart can be the judge of actions. We may hurt others in the process of life, because who really hasn't had a misfortune when it comes down to love? Whether it's that boy you liked in high school who broke your heart or saying no to the freak that keeps annoying your existence - there is always a two-sided coin to every story and one who appears to get the shaft. When it comes to love and war, love fully and fight with your heart. Strive to act lovingly towards others. Wish for the best and deal with the aftermath with utter passion. Mistakes, problems, fears and crap will happen that will bring contention with those around you. Forgiveness is never required but most often taken advantage of or misused when given; don't let that be the end of your love. Make a war of proving yourself. The astonishment in humanity may change the views of the other party and turn everything around. Or at least we are hoping so. ♥

Whew, how did I come around making this a full on discussion escapes me. Maybe it's the music I am listening to that is juicing me up. That and reading Pride and Prejudice... will stir up all sense of emotions. I wanted to share two out-takes of my most recent session. As I am lying in the grass surrounded by the hungry beastly ducks, this happened.

Julian's face just makes me laugh. Where did this duck come from? And why did it almost attack me? The procession of images in between weren't taken because the duck was in my face... That's what I get for yapping about how much I love the feathered friends. Let's just say that this experience with the flying freaks did not go so well. Haha... more on this session soon. To conclude this blog me Monday segment, lets talk about SOTD. The other day I picked songs of one of my favorite artists, Joshua Radin. His music really lulls me. I am not quite sure if it's his soothing voice or the soft melodious songs... but I find myself turning up the volume every morning to his stuff. On days like today, when a venti just won't be enough, I turn to tunes that help the day go by quicker. If you ever feel overwhelmed by the chaos of what the morning has thrown your way... try it. Listen to him sing to you. It WORKS!! Have an exceptionally detailed week full of events that will make you love the end of October my friends. I am off now to 'be bold and jump in the cold water'... tootles.

♥
SOTD: [ I'm not picking today. Explore Joshua Radin's work and let me know what you like...]

Miss Sassy Giggles | Miami Baby Photographer

2010-10-22T08:18:00.004-05:00

Sometimes you reconnect with people you haven't seen in a long time and it feels as if it were only yesterday that you were together. That's the case for my next mommy, we used to go to the same high school and now years later, I was photographing her new family. How cool is it to have old classmates your age doing all sorts of things in different trades. I know that in a few years I am going to look for doctors and lawyers among my class and be like, "Remember me?The skinny girl with long hair, the one sitting next to you in biology... yeah won't you please be my physician". That will be the day... until then I will continue to take pictures of every one's family and wedding engagements, because that's what people my age seem to be doing. Getting married and having babies. For the rest of the singles out there... soon enough it will be your turn, or what the heck, let's have a "single ladies" photo shoot. We can sing to Beyoncé's song the whole time through. Woohoo. I will not be one to discriminate! Alright back on track with this lovely family. So I've known the momma for a while and had only heard stories about little Izabella Sofia, and how much of a ham she was. Jenneth just said, "Wait until you meet her. You will see." I thought I knew, but I had no idea. The sassiest tiny little person I have ever met! These are my favorites from our session together. It was so hard to even pick because I loved her expressions in them all. Makes me want to pinch her chubby cheeks! And I must not forget to mention... Dad, thank you for being so supportive and at least in front of me, not complaining one bit about all the cheesy stuff we gotta do to make the little ones laugh. You have no idea how much it means to us women to get our family pictures taken. Thank you thank you!

Ahem, see what I tell you about being sassy and fabulous... work it Bella!

Thank you guys for such a lovely time together. Bella is so beautiful. I just want to steal her for the day and pretend she's my baby. Don't worry I've got a 5 hour return policy... haha. I hope to see you all soon!

It's Friday folks! Woohoo! I am probably off somewhere right now discovering new shooting locations. I have dedicated today as a scavenger hunt for 'must-go-to-places' for upcoming sessions. Somewhere between Coconut Grove and South Beach, with a Starbucks cup in hand, sunglasses on and a camera on my neck... yeah I blend in real well with the tourist. Have an exceptional weekend everyone!

♥
SOTD: Single Ladies by Beyoncé [just because I now mentioned it, it will be stuck in my head all day.]

Like a G6 by Far East Movement (yes I am part of the crowd that likes this song. hehe)

Happiness | Miami Family Photographer

2010-10-20T16:10:00.003-05:00

There comes along in time a person that captivates your attention. That with just a look they've got a hold of you and they can either make you smile or frown in an instant. I was told beforehand that this little one was particular as to who she payed attention to... but almost immediately during our first look, I won her over. She is so expressive and totally aware of everything around her. Maybe its how I am so dedicated to my job that I really don't care if you may think I am making a fool of myself in front of the children, but it definitely works. She loved it, and I got the pictures I wanted. We had a big family session, all the cousins and parents joined in. I don't do these as often, but when I do, I remember how big my own family is and how nice it would be if one day we would do this ourselves. I love big families. This is a preview of our time together at the park.

Here are the momma's of the kiddos, three sisters, because I told them I need a picture of just them too. I really did have a fantabulous time with them. We shot the session in the park that we have all been going to as children. Which at first I forgot might of been crowded with others, but yeah that quickly wasn't the issue when we left the playground and crowds behind. Every time I shoot there I see it in a totally different way. What I once thought was fun to go bike riding, skating and feeding the ducks... has turned into my work playground. Makes me feel old... and then I remember that I still go there to ride bike, skate and feed the ducks and I don't feel old anymore. ;) This week is flying by. Which is good... I am anxious for my shoots this weekend. Can't wait to see what happens. On other note, everything for the Louisiana trip is ready for next month. Glad that all that is squared away. Today's blog post has taken me all day to write because I woke up in such a dancing mood. Today's SOTD are the kind that I will get up and dance for... the ones I am dancing to right now. (what a mix of choices...)

♥
SOTD: Canción de Amor by Don Omar

Love In This Club by Usher

Los Campeones de la Salsa by Willy Chirino

All I Ever Wanted by Basshunter

South Beach on an early Friday morning

2010-10-19T07:30:00.001-05:00

On Friday I checked an item off my bucket list. [Bucket list post coming soon.] I have been living in Miami most of my life and had never seen a sunrise at the beach. So simple. It's taken for granted by most South Floridians. Being on the east coast, sunrises is the way to go. I have watched plenty of sunsets, so that wouldn't be considered a must try item on the list. Even though I will admit, I am a sucker for the sun and water. Together, separate, doesn't matter in what form. I have been thinking of shooting early morning sessions at the beach, so this presented itself as the perfect opportunity to knock two things at the same time. I woke up super early, got my basket together and headed off to South Beach. Had a friendly pit-stop at my favorite breakfast place (aka *bucks) for some super yummy morning buns. (If you aren't so much into sweets, this is a perfect option.) (And yes I do realize that I seem to sell/promote Starbucks every time I write a post. I promise I have no affiliation with their advertising department. haha) Found a parking spot right away, which if you try to do later on during the day, it rarely happens. You just have to get real lucky to land a close one most times. Picked a nice looking patch of sand and plopped all my stuff down. Time to relax and enjoy.

It wasn't long before I was surrounded by the most curious little creatures. I love seagulls. Always have and probably always will until the day one attacks me. The weather was so amazing. You can tell that the air is changing, the cool breeze and wind don't speak summer anymore. The sand feels cold and almost wet. The birds almost huddle, and I laugh at how they tend to hide their legs... so cute. This time of day, even if it's early, was giving me such a beautiful display of pinkish light... wanted to call up a family and shoot right then and there. I was ooohing and ahhhing the whole time.

You might remember this little guy, the one I called Frank. Here he is, modeling for the camera. Keeping a close watch of my every move. Making sure that I don't drop a crumb of my morning bun. Because he had no personal space issues. I secretly loved that. My pigeon companion... and to make a connection - my Starbucks rewards card happens to be called birdy, has a pretty pink background with migration birds on it and yup I had not thought of this before, but I am a bird person. Not more than I am dog person, because Coco rules, but these feathered friends do have a special place in my heart.

A good book is a must. I'm always reading quite a different selection of books. I have started about five different ones and catch up on reading them depending on the mood of the day/night. I'm reading Pride and Prejudice for the third time... definitely one of my favorites if not it. I am a big Jane Austen fan. "It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife."

This friendly breakfast-eater-at-the-beach-like-me started a chaos amongst the birds. He brought along Burger King. The birds went nuts. Literally. I just sat back and watched. It was his turn to fend them off for a peaceful breakfast. Quite the show I must add... these guys aren't playing around when it comes to food. And hash-brown nonetheless.

My lovely morning at the beach concluded far too quickly. I stayed until the sun warmed my cool skin and the tourist started arriving with their beach attire. I read and I watched others. I fed the birds and shooed them away from pecking at my straw. I sat there mostly alone admiring the beautiful sunrise and completely enjoyed it. I went home feeling energized and totally refreshed. What a simple pleasure will do to ya... definitely something I will be scheduling for myself again. Soon. And while I wish that these pictures could make you feel like you were there sitting by me enjoying too, I will say that I took them in efforts to relax you too. I can't believe I lived away from this for so long. I really really really missed the ocean, and all that comes along with it. The next time that you are stressed or think "I need a vacation" if you are one of my Miami readers, plan to do something like this. If you aren't in Miami, you must come. There is a photographer that I really admire and she does this thing called a "staycation". That is where you see your current living city through the eyes of a tourist. Doing all the "it" things, without having to spend money on plane ticket, hotel or lodging... very smart idea. Living in Miami is a "staycation" all year round. Don't take that for granted! Fall or winter, who cares, go to the beach anyways; with sweaters and fleece if you must. When you do, tell me about it. I would love to hear about your relaxing escape. It's Tuesday, I know, I am a day behind - but still, HAVE A WONDERFUL WEEK! I will be posting family session previews soon. So so cute. Till then, tootles my friends. [Lime green toenails... oh yes I did!]

♥
SOTD: You Got What I Need by Joshua Radin. Also by him - I'd Rather Be With You, Closer, Sky & Paperweight ... LOVE LOVE LOVE. I'm smitten by all his music. ♥

hello there Frank

2010-10-15T10:53:00.003-05:00

This little guy was super friendly this morning. When I say super I mean EXTREMELY. He wanted my morning bun (Starbucks' cinnamon roll) so bad. I believe he even sang to me, you know in that purring sound they do, "Abby, feed me. Feed me." He took a peck at my straw and even climbed on my toes. I was in awe at how domesticated he was. I fed him straight from my hand, piece by piece, he took each one without freaking out. He chased off all the other poor guys coming close though. I named him Frank, the starving greedy pigeon. Blog Me Monday will be about my little adventure on South Beach today. Stay tuned. :) And how could I forget - Enjoy the lovely weekend ahead my wonderful blog readers. Woohoo it's Friday!

♥
SOTD: Young Folks by Peter, Bjorn & John

Let It Rock by Kevin Rudolf

Secrets by One Republic

2010 End of the Year Special

2010-10-12T18:00:00.001-05:00

That's right folks. You may hear the buzz of everyone having holiday packages, end of the season deals... I am keeping it simple. Same session. Same amount of time. No session fee. South Florida clients only. Consider it a housewarming present. :( I know Louisiana peeps. But the good news for 'yall is that I will still be going to visit next month. For more details on scheduling a session in November while I am in Louisiana, email me. It's the last visit of the year!

♥
SOTD: Cooler Than Me by Mike Posner

baby glow | Miami Newborn Photographer

2010-10-12T08:53:00.004-05:00

My blogging is all-over the place. Sorry for the inconsistency of scheduling posts and updates. I am truly trying to find a flow that will work with me. This preview is only a year late... [tsk tsk Abby]. Turns out that he just turned one and what better time to post. Carter was one of my birth babies, so Lindsay is like family. I am so happy to connect with my clients that way. Here is Carter just a couple of days old.

I am in family session editing stretch. So excited to share what is coming up. These are some cute babies! I've got the music blaring and already had my first cup of coffee. Life is good this morning. I am changing things up today, instead of a song of the day, I am playing pandora. I usually only do so on my iPhone, but I am feeding off the rush of my QuickMix. But I will still give you:

♥
SOTD: Say It Right by Nelly Furtado

Hey Daddy by Usher

You Were Meant For Me by Jewel ♥

blue skies | blue Monday

2010-10-11T08:03:00.001-05:00

Lately, the weather has been making me fall in love with autumn. The deep rich blue cloudy skies and the warm (not hot) sunshine followed by the cool breeze is total bliss. It's been a past couple perfect days. Yesterday during my family session at the park all I kept thinking to myself, "I wish this Miami weather would continue for the rest of the year". Beautiful days like these are meant to make us wish for brighter and happier feelings. Even though I am known to love rainy days, fall's weather is one to envy. Coco and I have been taking trips in the mornings to the beach to soak it all in. I really believe it helps set the mood for the rest of the day. There is something so magical about the ocean. It helps clear your mind and focus on thoughts with a greater positive outlook. When I stare off on to where the sparkling blue meets the horizon, I can't help but relax; such a calming effect. Breathe. Appreciate the fact that I live so close to the beach once again. [Because it is so easy to take it for granted.] Smile at the tingle of the salty wind spin my hair to knots. Capture it all in my heart and bring it with me as I carry on with my daily activities. Time is flying by, already a new season. Before we realize winter will be right around the corner. Which means time to bring out that clothes that takes up most of my closet space. But that also means it's time for boots, trench coats, and scarves... can't wait. I wish you all a wonderful week, hopefully the good weather streak will carry on. :)

♥
SOTD: Tu Recuerdo by Ricky Martin. (It's been SOTD for the past 3 days... can't get enough of it.)