Forget Me Not Design

Wishing You a Happy New Year!

2012-01-08T12:36:00.000-08:00

This year has begun and is already moving fast. We're a week into January and the list of things to do is long. Taxes need to be worked on, personal projects are piling up but I'm feeling up for all of it. I'm trying to stand in that place of gratitude more and more. A place of softness and love. I'm trying to be easier on my kids, my husband, myself. I'm trying to stand in the space of realizing that I can do all of these things because I'm healthy and have the ability to do them. There are so many people in the world that don't have that ability for whatever reason. I do, and squandering it or complaining about it isn't going to do me or anyone else any good!

I just wanted to take a moment to wish everyone a Happy New Year and I hope that you can find a way to stand in the space of gratitude with me. I understand that for some it may take some work and for some it may be hard to find something to be grateful for but I know that each and every one of us can find at least one thing to be grateful for.

This photo was a total gift and unexpected moment. We were hiking with friends on New Year's Day and Rick, who is an amazing photographer, turned around and said that Matt had found a great spot for a portrait and to pile the family into this tree and smile. I was so wanting to have a family portrait taken, especially after photographing so many families at the end of the year.

Rick, thank you SO much for capturing my boys and I. I just love the photographs. A person can never have too many photographs if you ask me. They're what stay with us, reminding us of who we were, what we looked like, where we spent our time, of each other.

Happy New Year everyone! May the year bring you everything you hope for and more.

A Little Longer Than I Hoped

2012-01-06T11:34:00.000-08:00

Well, I was trying to make a clear break from this blog address to the new one in 2012. But, it's just not happening. I can't seem to make the new blog look the way I want, feel the way I want so. for now, I'm sticking to this one.

For now, I'll say that I feel a little like this rocket. When we were in Tahoe for New Year's Rick and family had a rocket that said it would fly "100 feet in the air guaranteed!". There were 4 boys ready to witness this amazing feet and high hopes from the parents. Well, I don't have a shot of it soaring through the air because it pretty much was a dud. We anticipated a super fun flight and wound up with a puddle on the ground and a disappointed group of adults. I'm not sure the boys were that bothered by the whole incident. The beach was right there and climbing rocks and digging in the sand seemed to make up for any splashed hopes.

When I finally do switch over, I promise you'll be the first to know!

2011 - The Year Reflected

2011-12-31T20:30:00.000-08:00

2011 is coming to a close. Sometimes it feels like an arbitrary thing that we're supposed to do at the end of the year. Stop and reflect upon our last year of life. Think about what we've done, what we want to do and how we want to change for the future. I guess it's a good thing. Kind of like going to sleep every night on a grand scale. There are definitely nights, many in fact, that I go to sleep thankful and hopeful for the next day. For the next day to be better, for me to be kinder, more forgiving, more gentle. On the larger scale, the new year is a time for letting go of the past, creating new goals, new aspirations and new beginnings.

I think that this year, which has been filled with so much, gratitude is where I land. That is what I want to share for my end-of-the-year snapshot. Gratitude.

I am grateful for my breath. For being able to breath deeply at every moment of my day. I am grateful for my sight and my hearing and my voice. I am grateful for the movement of my body. To be able to wrap my arms around my children, to hear them tell me "I love you". I am grateful for the sound of my husbands breath as he sleeps next to me at night. For the warmth of his body and his being with me each day.

I am grateful to have had time spent with my mother before she died. To have her live here with us, so that she was able to share time with the boys. I am grateful to have photographed all of it. To have images as memories for myself and for them.

I am grateful for my sister and for her family. For her being there with my mom when she died. For her being here still, to laugh with and share our life experiences. There is nothing like a sister for those times. I am grateful that we share a similar sense of humor and the memories of our parents.

I am grateful for my extended family. I now have parents and grandparents and many brothers and sisters and I love them all deeply. Even extended aunts and uncles and cousins. It's pretty amazing and special to have married into such a wonderful group of people. I am truly grateful for that and for each and every one of them. In the face of losing my mother this extended family was there in complete support, in many different ways, all meaningful and deeply appreciated.

I am grateful for my business FMN Design and the lessons that owning that business has taught and continues to teach me. I am grateful for all of the wonderful brides and grooms I have met and designed beautiful books for as well as the photographers that I have worked with over this past year.

I am grateful for the launch of September-Days and the joy that taking photographs has brought to my life. I had the pleasure of photographing over a dozen families in this last three months of the year. Each family was unique and fun and different. And thanks to my amazing husband who is a brilliant location scout, each family was photographed at a different place. Amazing.

I am grateful for my friends, new and old. They keep me real and honest and what I love most is that they love me for me, allowing me to be who I am, which is a gift.

I am grateful for real, whole food. We are what we eat and I appreciate having access to and the ability to provide organic, whole food for myself and my family. We all feel the difference.

I am grateful for this life. Each day.

My ability to learn and grow and change.

My ability to love, deeply.

I will end with some photographs from over this past year. Just a gathering of images that sum everything up. I tried to pull something from each month or at least close to that. I'm not at home and I have what I have and breath while I put this out into the world. Not perfect, not completely buttoned up the way I would like, the way that at one point in my life would have stopped me from hitting "publish". But today, I know that even this, not my best, not my perfect self is something worth sharing.

I hope everyone has a safe and peaceful New Year's Eve and that this transition brings joy and prosperity.

Mason had a Star Wars party that was outstanding.

Both boys played on the Dixie Soccer team this year and had a blast.

We hosted a soccer coach, Coach Daniel, which was an amazing experience. We miss you Daniel and wish you a Happy New Year!!!!

Matt and I attended the most amazing car show ever hosted by Kelly and Steve Finn and Matt and I had a wonderful vacation in Lassen with our close friends whom we love.

We hosted both Easter and Thanksgiving at our home.

I was able to create something with my hands which I haven't done for a while which was rewarding and beautiful.

We went to Stinson for an incredible break from the world.

We had a vacation in Michigan which was revitalizing.

We went to Kauai which was a bitter sweet trip but beautiful all the same.

Miles had his first girlfriend.

The boys discovered their primal side.

My mother's life ended.

The Benson's

2011-12-21T08:00:00.000-08:00

Back in 2008 I designed an album via FMN Design for a couple whom Matt and Garrett had photographed their wedding. The album, which you can see a few spreads here, turned out beautiful and was a horizontal layout which I love.

Then in 2009 they asked me to take photos of their daughter Mila. She was absolutely adorable. I have a few images from that shoot on the September-Days website. She was just too cute!

When I sent out the information about the launch of September-Days I included Sara and Matt. They called me not long after to schedule a shoot because Mila was now three! and had a baby sister Flora. I spent my last Saturday morning with them and had the best time. I showed up at 7:15 am so I was there for the morning routine. Waking up, hanging out for a bit in p.j's, eating breakfast. I photographed the girls during this time which was so sweet. I love thinking about them being older, looking back at these images. They'll be able to see and remember their home, their toys, their everyday life.

The photo shoot wasn't about being dressed in the perfect outfit or the girls being on their best behavior. It was about a moment in time, preserved forever through photographs.

I thought it would be fun, before I share my favorites of the morning, to post a "then and now" image. Mila's eyes haven't changed too much over the years. They're still as big and beautiful as they were when she was a baby. I'll post other pictures in the next few days if I don't get swallowed by pre-holiday chaos and cheer!

For now....

Mila then...

Mila now...

Making A Change

2011-12-07T13:08:00.001-08:00

I've been considering making a change. To my blog. To the name specifically. I haven't felt like the name "FMN Design" has fit for some time. Mainly because I don't find myself sharing about the albums I'm making or anything that relates to FMN Design very often. I'm not sure why this is but it's true.

I've been wanting to have the name of this blog feel more like me. More like all of me. I want to feel like I can share about anything and everything. I guess I pretty much do that already, but what I want is to share about FMN Design, my photography, food, being gluten free and dairy free. I want to share about my life. My whole life.

Under the title "FMN Design" I've struggled with what to put out into the world. I don't feel like struggling anymore. Isn't funny how a name can do that? It's just a name but somehow, it means so much.

I remember naming our children. We poured through baby name books, we watched the credits of movies intensely looking for interesting names that would "fit" our child. We made lists that we added to and crossed off of daily.

Recently, when looking to name my photography business the lists started again. One in my journal, one on a big poster board taped next to the kitchen. At first I was upset and aggravated that I just didn't know the name. Then I sat back, laughed at myself and realized that it was a fun process. I got to name a business. My business. From that point on it became an enjoyable process and thanks to Matt and the loads of discussions we had about it, September-Days was born.

The interesting thing about the name September-Days is that it feels like me. More than just the photographer in me. It feels like most if not all of me. I was born in the month of September for one. I've always liked the month. It was the month of new beginnings because it's when school started although that isn't true anymore which I'm still trying to get used to. The list of family members who's birthday is in September is pretty long too. My mom, my niece, my father-in-law, two of my sister-in-laws. My father died in September, in between my mothers and my birthdays. It's the month of the Fall Equinox and usually one of the most beautiful times of year here in California. September holds quite a bit for me.

So when thinking of changing the name of this blog, September-Days was tossed out. I was hesitant at first because I didn't want it to appear that I was just sweeping FMN Design under the rug and giving priority to one business over the other but, really, September-Days just feels right. For now. Who knows. Maybe a few months, years down the road I'll change the name again. To something that is me then. I wouldn't put that past me.

I guess I'm just letting anyone know who cares or reads this blog that the name/address will be changing. Maybe with the next post. I'll do a redirect for sure but if you have it bookmarked you'll need to change it soon.

That's all for now. I'll leave you with a photo that I makes me feel like my new name. It's a photo Mason took of me which makes me love it even more. Hope everyone is having a great week!

Brandon and Jared

2011-12-05T13:58:00.001-08:00

Brandon and Jared are like my boys. They are brothers, raised by the same parents, Lisa and Greg. They are raised the same, given the same guidance and yet are completely different. I'm still in awe of how that happens. We really are our own person when we come into this world.

We can be guided, led, even molded a bit but I'm convinced that there is a large part of who we are that is predetermined and just part of our being.

These are boys are wonderful and crazy and all things 8 years old. One's blonde and one's a red head and the differences just keep going from there.

The shoot was a ton of fun, especially since the boys kept me on my toes. They were willing to stand and sit and pose for me. When it was time for a family portrait the entire family had me in stitches. I had asked them to stand and hold hands and when they did I think one of them started moving to relax. Like they were shaking out the uncomfortable feeling they had. I saw that and loved it and asked them to just keep wiggling. All four of them started to wiggle and shake. I was dying but captured some really fun shots.

Lisa, Greg, Brandon and Jared thank you for trusting me to take your family photo's. I hope you love them as much as I do! You guys were a blast and I look forward to the next time.

Lisa

2011-12-03T08:00:00.000-08:00

She's probably going to kill me.

I'm going to risk it though because I want to share this photo and why I love it so much.

I've known Lisa for a few years now. She's the mother of twin boys that just turned 8 not too long ago. Her boys went to preschool with Mason. We didn't know each other that well while they were in school. She was running around with her boys in two different schools which, now that I think about it is kind of funny because she goes by two different last names sometimes, her maiden and married and I think two seems to be a theme for her. Even having two boys, twins no less. (Lisa, I know you're laughing right now!)

Anyway, we knew each other but didn't really know each other. I remember a while back I was sick. Really not feeling well. My mom was sick, I was dealing with insurance companies and had been on the phone for hours. Literally all day. Lisa came by. She brought me groceries. She brought art activities for my boys to do. It was selfless. It was generous and I didn't know why someone that I didn't know that well would do something so nice for me. It wasn't the last time she's done something like that.

Lisa is someone that you can count on. She is that person that if you're in a total bind and you don't know what you're going to do, she'll help you figure it out. She just will.

When my mom died and I was putting together the memorial service, I wanted to make large 8x8 double printed cards of stories my mom had written on one side and photo's of my mom on the other. I could see these cards in my mind but I didn't have the time to make them. I called Lisa. I knew that if I explained what I wanted, my vision, and she had the time, she would make it happen. I was right. She did. They were amazing.

Over the years we've become good friends. We text each other the longest texts possible. Why we just don't email I don't know but it's fun and that's just what we do. We make each other laugh. We "get" each other as mothers. I think we bond on that "I'm super neurotic and over-protective but I don't care because they're my kids" kind of way.

She's been having her family, her boys, photographed by the same photographer for years. I've been kind of hinting over the last couple of years that I would love to take their pictures, but she's loyal. Super loyal which is one of my favorite qualities about her. But, this year, with the launch of my new business (I think her desire to support her friend won out over the loyalty factor), she asked me to take their annual Christmas photo's. I secretly did the happy dance, no secret now, because I've been wanting to take their picture for so long.

I knew that photographing Lisa would be a little challenging. Challenging because Lisa, like so many of the women I photograph, doesn't like to have her picture taken. I was up for the challenge though and when the moment arrived for our time alone, I could see her get a little stiff and nervous. We talked through it. We took deep breaths and I reminded her that it was just me, her friend, behind the camera.

She brought along a hat for the photo shoot that she found at a farmers market, made by a woman who told her that it takes about a day to make one hat. Lisa couldn't not support this woman who only charges $15 for each one. That's just Lisa. She wants to support people, to help people. It's what makes her happy. All of her friends, and I know this to be true, feel lucky to have Lisa as a friend. She's pretty amazing.

Here she is, in her blue hat and sweater looking beautiful. I just love this photo.

I also have to post the photo I took of her with her two boys. They are her entire life and when she talks about them, you can just feel how much she loves them. It was really great to spend time photographing them.

I have more to post from this shoot so I'll be sure to do that soon. The photo's of the twins are too much fun!

Lisa, your friendship means the world to me.
Thanks for all you do.
For me, for my boys, for my life.

The Feely's 2011

2011-11-29T20:55:00.001-08:00

I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving. Ours was sweet and shared with old friends. I was ever so thankful that the viral vertigo I had for a full week decided to go almost completely away by the end of the day on Thursday. Feeling woozy and dizzy is not my cup of tea!

Before the holiday I posted an image from my photo shoot with my friends and neighbors, the Feely's. We took a drive out to the Marin Headlands up to Hawk Hill. I have to say that having a husband as a location scout has major perks. He knows all the places to go!

Hawk Hill, for those of you who have never been, is at the top of the road that is at the last exit before merging onto the Golden Gate Bridge. You take the road up to the left and up and up some more and park at the mouth of a great tunnel that you can walk through, only to find yourself in a small, almost enchanted forest. It's just beautiful. And, as I've been blessed for the last few shoots, the light was perfect.

We were there at the late afternoon / end of the day, and because we're neighbors it felt a bit more like hanging out rather than work. Everyone for the most part was cooperative and from what I could tell, had a great time. Photographing friends allows for a whole other element to come into play. There's the interaction each family member has with each other and then there's my interaction that I get to have with each of them. F.U.N.

This trip Matt came with me. I asked him to take some video footage of the shoot for a project I'm working on that will hopefully come together by early next year. (I'm going to try to be realistic about that goal considering we're butting up against Christmas and New Years. Can you believe it's seriously almost 2012?)

Before I post my favorite images, I have to shout a big loud Happy Birthday to Monica. It's her birthday today and in celebration I wanted to be sure to post images of her beautiful family. Living across the street from each other over the past two and a half years has been such a treat. We've been able to rely on each other for so many things. Picking up the kids from school when one of us is running late, walking to school together in the mornings, grabbing things at the grocery store when needed, being there as support to help however and whenever needed. It's taken a huge weight off of my shoulders to feel like I don't have to do everything on my own. That if I need someone to help me with my kids, Monica and Sean are there. For those of you who have neighbors like the Feely's, you understand what a blessing this is. For those of you who don't, I definitely pray that at some point in your life, you'll have neighbors and friends like these.

Monica, you have no idea how much your friendship has meant and how blessed I feel that your family moved in across the street. Your Irish accents, your laughter, your easy way and 'it's not a bother' attitude are the best.

I'm so happy to have been able to capture your family in these photographs. Your zest for life is contagious.

Giving Thanks

2011-11-23T14:30:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving is tomorrow and we're hosting this year. It's a pot luck of families bringing different dishes. Matt and I are making the turkey and stuffing (gluten free this year!) brussels sprouts with bacon and some snacks. In preparation I went to the grocery store yesterday, early enough in the am that I thankfully missed the rush and as I knelt down on the floor putting things away, I burst into tears. It took me a minute to figure out why I was crying. Why all of a sudden I found myself face in hands in tears on the floor. It was from the thought of missing my parents. Missing them being a part of our dinner this year. If they were both alive and still living in Saratoga, they would probably be making the drive up here to have Thanksgiving with us. With my family.

They would be enjoying the boys. My dad would hang out and talk with Matt and build some Snap Circuit board with Mason, maybe even kick the ball around in the backyard with Miles. My mom would help cook. She would be loud and complain about who knows what. I would probably even be sighing with frustration from them being here, as people typically do about family on Thanksgiving. Because no one knows how to drive us crazy better than our own family. Have you seen the movie "Home For The Holidays"?

But they would be here.

I would get to enjoy them. Watch them with the boys. Smile and feel whole inside. Maybe this is partly why I've avoided hosting Thanksgiving for so long. Not wanting to fully acknowledge the hole that's there. But it's not too deep because the empty space is filled with so much love. Rebecca will be here and long time friends who are like family. There will be laughter and a kitchen filled with people bumping into each other. Kids running around and food, lots of food to be eaten.

My tears have stopped for now and I am thankful for all of the years that I did have with my parents. It's funny how short the time feels that I had them both here. The last times we were all together as a family feels like such a long and faded memory. That makes me sad, but again, only for a moment. There are still groceries that need to be put away, wonderful boys to be entertained, dinner to be made and laundry to be done. Life goes on.

So, today, as I shed my tears of sadness and longing and joy from the memories of my parents, I give thanks for their contribution to my life. They helped mold me into who I am today. They loved me deeply. I felt it. All the time.

I hope you take a few moments to sit and think about what you're truly grateful for this year and appreciate the people that are sharing your table, sharing your meal. Even if you're rolling your eyes waiting for them to go home. Appreciate the time you're spending together in any way you can.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone.

Sneak Peek - The Feely's 2011

2011-11-22T14:54:00.001-08:00

Because Thanksgiving is only two days away I have a ton to do I'm going to keep this short and sweet. After having our house filled with guests and the dust has settled, I'll write a longer post. But for today I'm going to do a sneak peek from my last photo shoot.

Last Sunday I photographed the Feely's. You might remember them from last year around this same time. Little did I know that it would be an early spark to what has now become September-Days.

Here is just one of my favorites from our session. I promise more and I'm actually not sure what I'm going to do because there are so many that I love!

The Thomsen's

2011-11-17T08:00:00.000-08:00

I met Alicia through Mason's school a couple of years ago. Her daughter was in the same class as Mason for kindergarten. She is tall and beautiful and has a wonderfully calm energy about her. It wasn't much of a surprise when I learned that she's a yoga instructor. Her energy, posture and all around gentle nature are completely in line with yoga. She's also a chiropractor and has just recently launched her practice, Whole Body Wellness.

I had been talking with her about yoga and my desire to learn a bit more about it and she agreed to come to my home and give me some yoga instructions in exchange for family portraits. During our yoga session she gently corrected my body posture when needed, explained what I should be feeling in certain positions and guided me through a wonderful experience. She instructs at the new yoga studio in Terra Linda, Embrace Yoga and if you have a chance you should take her class.

Last Friday it was my turn to share in the trade and take pictures of her family. It was a little drizzly outside so our plans to go to the open space near her house had to change but between her home and a walk down the street, we were all set.

I took each person aside for a little private portrait session and everyone was such a great sport about getting a little wet. It wasn't raining, just drizzling and the light was amazing. I loved watching each persons personality come through. The girls were super cute and enjoyed being in front of the camera. Phillip, Alicia's husband told me that the experience was a little uncomfortable. Being the focus of attention can definitely be uncomfortable but through our conversations everyone opened up and relaxed.

Alicia and Phillip, I am thrilled to have had the pleasure of photographing your family. You are a sweet bunch and I love that we captured who you are, now, as a family. Happy and in love.

Go Rockets!

2011-11-16T08:00:00.000-08:00

Miles has a passion. He's 4 almost 5. I didn't know it was possible to have a passion so young but it's true. Miles. Loves. Soccer!

From before he could walk he's been trying to kick a ball. We used to walk around the house, his little hands holding our fingers and he would use his feet with what little coordination he had to kick the ball. Any ball. They've been one of, if not the toy of choice, his whole life.

This year was the first year he played on an actual team. He was beyond excited to get a uniform and to be a part of a designated group of "soccer players". His practice was at 8:30 AM on Saturday mornings. Yes, 8:30 AM on SATURDAYS!! The games were right after at 9 and even though I really didn't like having to get up and out so early, it was a great way to start the day.

At the last game I brought my camera and took some stills and video. This is the U6 league so the teams were composed of boys and girls between the ages of 4 and 5, preschool and kindergarten. I don't know how the teams are divided or grouped but Miles wound up on a super small team of only 6 boys. I think most other teams had at least 8-10 kids if not more. The benefit of that was they all pretty much had to play their entire game with a quick rotation out here and there. That makes for tired boys, which anyone who has boys knows is a good thing!

I thought I would post a few of the images and a link to the video. I don't expect most people will want to watch. Four and a half minutes of seeing other peoples children run around on a soccer field probably isn't the most entertaining. I do know a few people who will tune in though. Nana, Papa and the rest of the family will probably take a look. I did put the movie to a great song called "Surfing On A Rocket" by Air. So maybe that will entice you...

Hope everyone is having a great week. We're half way to the weekend!

And here is a link to the video if you feel like watching.....Go Rockets U6 2011

The Jennings-Hoffmans

2011-11-15T08:00:00.001-08:00

Sometimes people come into your life and you have no idea of the impact they will have. Such is the case with Eric and Ericka.

I met them both when I was in a, shall we say, a transitional period of my life. I was ending one chapter and beginning another. My father had died a few years before, I had just ended a marriage that formed out of the loss of my father and was rediscovering who I was, as an individual in the world.

I had pink and purple hair. I was Starfire. The three of us all came together in what to me felt like a vortex. It was an intense time of freedom for all of us. I met Matt right at the crux of it all and when Eric, Ericka and I were driving one Sunday afternoon, the day after my first date with Matt, we were in a car accident that would change our lives...for the better.

I guess that's a deeper post that I can get into some other time because I don't want to lose focus on what I have to offer today. Photographs of Eric, Ericka and their two beautiful girls. They are truly some of my closest friends and I was honored when they hired me to photograph them. Eric's parents were in town so it was a great opportunity to capture a moment it time. Time for all of them to be together. Time to document who they are today.

I have to say there's pressure when photographing strangers or people that you casually know but there is definitely pressure when photographing friends. I think for me it stems from not wanting to let anyone down. When I can step out of the way, and let myself relax and be guided to follow what I consider "The Holy Spirit" I'm o.k. Then, I can trust and know that everything is going to be alright.

The girls are fun, beautiful and spunky like their parents. Eric and Ericka are in love and wonderful and real. His parents were true sports throughout our adventure together and I'm excited to share my favorites.

And just to show how black and white can change the whole look of a photograph....

The Jennings-Hoffman's : Sneak Peek

2011-11-14T08:00:00.000-08:00

I've been having so much fun taking pictures these last few weeks. It's amazing how doing something that I love just lights me up from the inside out.

I photographed some close friends at Cavallo Point and almost never left the giant field that is the central point of the property. I kept saying we were going to go for a walk and then we just kept shooting in the field.

I thought I would share one of my favorites in the field as the "sneak peek". A family portrait doesn't always have to be everyone front and center looking at the camera. This shot is a great reminder to me of just that.

More to come in a day or so......

Friday Inspiration - I Believe I Can Fly

2011-11-11T16:11:00.001-08:00

Today is Veteran's Day. I am grateful and want to share my appreciation for all of the men and women who have fought for my freedom and the freedom of the world. In honor of this freedom I wanted to share some inspiration in a way that expresses freedom like I've never known or ever will.

I've often heard the phase, "living on the edge". I don't think I've understood it's true meaning until now. If you watch the video below and please, if you do, hit it to full screen because it can handle it and it's the only way to see it, you might have a little more insight into the phrase as well.

I felt myself catch my breath. I felt myself swell with fear and excitement and anxiousness. I felt myself a little more alive.

I can only imagine that is what these people feel when they're pushing the limit. And man are they pushing the limit.

and if you're left wanting more, you can watch the 40 minute documentary which was released today on the adventure blog....sebmontaz.com.

Sit back, take a deep breath and enjoy the ride....

During The Down Time

2011-11-10T08:30:00.001-08:00

When I'm photographing a family, on location and out and about, down time isn't something that happens. I usually have to create some by going to my camera bag and fiddling around a bit so that I can allow the family to just be with each other for a bit. I like the moments that are created during that time and I get some of my favorite photographs because of it.

After doing some research about photographing a newborn I learned that there would be down time. Time for the baby to eat, to change the diaper etc. Knowing this made the process easier and allowed me to spend a little time focusing on the rest of the family.

Because I set the "studio" up in our great room the kids had access to all of our toys. Both children gravitated to the musical instruments and picked up both the ukulele and the guitar. I thought I would share a few of those images to show what our "down time" was like.

10 Days Old

2011-11-09T08:30:00.000-08:00

There's nothing quite like looking at a newborn baby. They're so squishy and they make little squirmy moves and sounds. They don't do anything and yet they do something because when I'm around a newborn baby all I can do is stare at them. Their little toes and fingers, the swirl on the top of their head. The little snorting sounds they make as they adjust themselves. They're mesmerizing.

Not enough to make me want to have another one though. Let's not get too caught up in the wonder!

But really, I find myself thinking about the miracle of life when I look at a newborn, isn't that just what you're supposed to do? And a couple of days ago I had the joy of photographing one of these fresh, squishy newborn babies. His name is Joseph and in the photo's he's 10 days old.

I've photographed newborns before but I wanted to capture him in a classic way, so I did a bit of research before the shoot. I reached out to my cousin Jenna for some advice because she photographs newborns and does an amazing job. She pointed me toward another photographer which led me to another and it was inspiring and overwhelming and made my head spin just a bit.

But, what I learned was that patience is the biggest key to the experience of photographing a newborn. Without that, you're lost in a sea of frustration. Being prepared for the accidental mess due to being without a diaper, having the room nice and warm and maybe even going as far as to play womb sounds throughout the session. I did all of these things in preparation but nothing can really prepare you for the actual experience.

I had the beautiful cream colored blanket draped over the bean bag, the backdrop all set. Julie brought Joseph over, took off his clothes and placed him on the blanket, ready to go, and....he pooped. 30 seconds into the shoot. What can you do but rinse and blow dry the blanket while they take a feeding break and get set back up. I think that just made everything easier for me. We had the worst out of the way in the beginning. I felt like we couldn't go anywhere but up from there!

I definitely have a new found respect for newborn photographers. For the people who specialize in only photographing newborns. The ones that have been doing it for a long time, who have the babies safety in mind above all else, they have a gift, a true talent.

I do love the images from this shoot. Knowing that I captured this amazing moment in time. It goes so quickly, that "just out of the womb" look. It only lasts for a few days. They start growing and changing and before you can even blink because you're so exhausted and in a daze from all that just occurred it's over, gone.

Joseph, you have a beautiful family who are in love with you and will help guide your way. Welcome to this crazy world.

The Chiu Family

2011-11-01T14:37:00.000-07:00

Last week I photographed the Chiu family. We went to an area just past the Presidio Yacht Club and it was a perfect afternoon. The skies were clear and we had a beautiful view of San Francisco and the Golden Gate Bridge.

They have two boys that are the same ages as my boys and two of our boys share the same name. Their youngest and my oldest are both named Mason. Miles goes to school with "the other Mason" and you can imagine how confusing it may get on play dates!

I asked the boys to bring along some of their favorite things and I'm so glad they did. Mason can be seen most days in his rain boots. Rain or shine! On some of those really hot days he still wears those boots and that just had to be documented. Zachary brought along his Pokemon Cards and I asked him to pull out his favorites. I think it looks like he's making them levitate. The fact that they say "energy" makes it even better.

I enjoyed getting to know the family better through my lens. It was a fun time of being together and taking photographs of who they are, separately and together.

The Gladiator & The Shark

2011-10-31T11:38:00.000-07:00

It's Halloween. One of my favorite but craziest times of the year. It feels like I'm about to get plowed over by a snowball of holiday preparations, end-of-the-year photo shoots and projects. It's like I know it's here, coming down the hill toward me and there's NO getting out of the way. I think acceptance is the key here. Let it bowl me over and enjoy the ride.

To kick off the start of the holiday season.....The Gladiator and The Shark... I couldn't resist putting my kids in the middle of the street on the way to school. The light was amazing. So beautiful.

Happy Halloween to All. I hope you have a safe and spooky time!

Michelle

2011-10-18T11:58:00.000-07:00

September-Days is off and running!

I know that being in front of the camera can be challenging. I've run the course from always wanting my picture taken because I didn't seem to take a bad photo to needing plenty of "prep" time because I want to look my best. Age is challenging at times. The dark circles and bags and wrinkles that are creeping in make me camera shy to say the least. I do know that embracing these new additions to myself is the only way to go. Looking at the beauty that is me, lines and wrinkles and all can be tough but totally necessary.

This is how I coach the people I'm photographing. To relax and just be themselves. When your true nature shines through and you're enjoying yourself beauty shows up. It's funny, one common comment I hear from people is "why are we so hard on ourselves?". I don't have the answer but I get it. Moving through that uncomfortable feeling is what I hope to do when photographing someone. I want to show them how beautiful they are. Their smile, their vulnerability, their true self.

I photographed Michelle this past weekend. We spent some time talking, breathing and taking pictures. She, like a lot of the people I photograph was a bit camera shy. But, she was willing. Willing to go there, to expose herself to me. I had asked her to bring along some props or things that were inspiring to her. She brought her guitar which she's been playing for about a year now. It was inspiring to hear her play.

At the end of the shoot her son came for some family portraits. She brought along his bongos and together they played and laughed and I took pictures. I definitely had too much fun to call it work.

Thank you Michelle for being open and willing. For asking me to photograph you. You're absolutely beautiful!

2011-10-15T14:35:00.000-07:00

SO excited to announce the launch of September-Days.

I hope that when you have the time you'll check out the site. I just love taking pictures and can't believe that all these years later, my talk of having a photography business is true.

In celebration of this new beginning, I'm running a promo through the end of the year. Call to book your session soon so that you have time to make your end-of-the-year holiday cards!

I can't wait to hear from you....and enjoy!!

September-Days.com

WEBSITE

Friday Inspiration - Brian Dettmer

2011-10-07T12:21:00.000-07:00

Matt receives a magazine from Columbia where he studied photography. We flip through it when it arrives to see what's being talked about and which artists are being highlighted. This last issue brought Brian Dettmer to our attention. His work is nothing short of incredible.

He takes books, encyclopedias seem to be a favorite, and carves into them to find figures and words that emerge from the depths. He uses clamps, rope and weights to hold a book in place and applies a clear sealing varnish to the outside. Then he carves through the cover and pages one at a time. Amazing!

Here is his statement. I think it's worth reading and if you like the few favorites of mine that I'm posting, you should definitely check out his site to see more.

The age of information in physical form is waning. As intangible routes thrive with quicker fluidity, material and history are being lost, slipping and eroding into the ether. Newer media swiftly flips forms, unrestricted by the weight of material and the responsibility of history. In the tangible world we are left with a frozen material but in the intangible world we may be left with nothing. History is lost as formats change from physical stability to digital distress.
The richness and depth of the book is universally respected yet often undiscovered as the monopoly of the form and relevance of the information fades over time. The book’s intended function has decreased and the form remains linear in a non-linear world. By altering physical forms of information and shifting preconceived functions, new and unexpected roles emerge. This is the area I currently operate in. Through meticulous excavation or concise alteration I edit or dissect communicative objects or systems such as books, maps, tapes and other media. The medium’s role transforms. Its content is recontextualized and new meanings or interpretations emerge. Brian Dettmer

Happy Friday!

The Caputo Family...Continued

2011-10-04T10:57:00.000-07:00

A few posts ago I talked about how there are a lot of changes happening. Mostly changes in my focus. The focus of my business and the things I place my attention on. I'm not moving away from anything, just adding. I kind of shake my head at that because I've felt like my life is so full at times that adding anything new might make me feel like I would explode. but, I'm not exploding. Good news for Matt and the boys! I am expanding though and that feels right and good at the moment. Expanding to bring into focus more of myself and to figure out ways to incorporate things that interest me into my existing life.

Photography has been a huge part of my life for the last 20 years. I can remember having conversations with my best friend in college about how one day we would have a photography studio and take family portraits. She would ride up on her motorcycle and I would, well, probably drive because riding a motorcycle wasn't my cup of tea.

Now, 20 years later, I'm officially starting a photography business. It's almost ready to launch and I'm really excited about it. I'll be sharing the new site soon but until then, I'll post more of the images from my first "client" the Caputo family.

I also just want to say thank you again to Julie, Adriano, Amy and Anthony for such a wonderful afternoon. You made my job easy!

I have to share this one of Anthony too. I know I had one very similar to it yesterday but I can't decide which one I like best!

The Caputo's

2011-10-03T12:28:00.000-07:00

This past Saturday I had the pleasure of photographing the Caputo family. Julie, who's daughter is in second grade with Mason, is pregnant with their third child. We talked about taking maternity photos which I was super excited about because I love documenting that special stage in a families life. I have to say I think this is one of the nicest families I know. I mean, we were shooting right through dinner time and both children were amazing. There wasn't any whining or crying or fussing at all. I know it's not a perfect world all the time but for me, they were terrific!

I'm sharing a few of my absolute favorites from the session. We started at Cavallo Point and spent the last part of the afternoon at Rodeo Beach which was a perfect spot. The weather couldn't have been nicer for early October. Julie and her husband have been married 9 years and they're so cute together. I just loved watching them interact and Julie giggle. It was a sweet afternoon for sure.

Enjoy!

Refreshed and Renewed

2011-09-21T08:46:00.000-07:00

I'm excited to announce that the FMN Design website has been refreshed. This summer was full so this process took a bit longer than expected, but it's here! I've designed quite a few books over the years and I'm happy to be able to highlight a number of albums for people to see. I'm still offering the 'Daisy', 'Earth', and 'Orchid' albums and hopefully the photographs will give people a good sense of what to expect when ordering their books. I've showcased both a 'Classic' and a 'Unique To You' album design for both the wedding album and guest book options as well.

If you haven't been to the site in a while or if you were just there yesterday, stop by and take a look. Any feedback is always appreciated. I hope you enjoy...