The Cat is Out of the Bag

Let me be the first to introduce you to my other "baby". I have been using my free-time (after Taji goes to bed and while he naps) to carefully shape and nurture this creative little thing. My Taji Baby actually had a lot to do with it, and with my husband's encouragement and support, it made it even more possible. Some of you have already met this "baby", and well for those you of you that have absolutely no idea what I am talking about, I proudly introduce you to Color En Vie. Go ahead click on the link, you know you want to see what this is ;)

And while you can read up on the background in my "About" section of the website.... this is how it all really began. It all started with my beautiful baby boy, that twinkle in his sea-blue eyes and the postcard beach behind him. Yup, the photo below is what inspired me to look further within my artistic thought.

As I began to play more with my camera, try out different poses and themes (hence all the portraits you randomly see of Taji), others started to notice and inquire within. I seized the opportunity to photograph my newly engaged friends, my pregnant friends, and their little babies. I began to build my portfolio, my blog, and now my website. With the holidays approaching, I was offered yet another opportunity to shoot family portraits and design holiday cards. Having many years of photobook design and photo montages under my belt (as many of you witnessed at our wedding, and on this blog), I realized how all my artistic hobbies have collided.... and all it took was that click of my first SLR camera. It was there all along, hidden. With the right tools, it poked its head out and has never looked back. I feel fortunate to be able to explore this creative venture while I work part-time. While I was on a mission to become the best photographer for my son, and document every expression and memorable milestone, I stumbled upon something else: the excitement and reward I feel when I photograph others' special moments as well.

Regardless of what kind of an adventure Color En Vie takes me on, I love this hobby of mine because it continously incorporates Taji. I like to think of Taj as my Muse, his continous development, transforming smiles and giggles give way to inspiring ideas. If anything, the second Taji sees me pulling out the camera and clicking away, he immediately lights up and begins to pose.... how's that for inspiration?!

And if things couldn't get any more exciting, my friend Jamie put in a good word, and next weekend (Dec 4th) I am shooting an intimate and beautiful sunset wedding at the very exclusive Bacara Resort & Spa in Santa Barbara! They are generously compensating me and have reserved me a room for the night :) Since Brad will be busy working and entertaining both his client and his employee-best friend Jason who are from out-of-state, my sister, niece Chloe, and Taji baby in tow will accompany me to this event. I feel very grateful for this opportunity, and a weekend away with my sister and our babes! Wish me luck! :)