I took pictures of Francesca at River Park in Lompoc California. We were both having a difficult day, but about half way through the photo shoot we were both laughing. Francesca is a beautiful woman inside and out. She is very positive and sees the best in people.  It is nice to hang out with her, because of this quality about her.

Francesca’s family own the resturant La Botte here in Lompoc. The food there is incredible and the best Italian food I’ve ever had. The homemade bread is to die for, and the desserts are fabulous. If you haven’t been there before, make sure you stop on by, you will be happy you did. Francesca, her mom, dad, and sister are usually there and the welcome is so warm and you feel like you just stepped into their house.

I met Francesca through her son Josh. I saw him skateboarding one day in the Walmart parking lot.  I had to give him one of my cards, because I wanted to take pictures of him. If you scroll down the page you will see that photo shoot. Through Josh I’ve met his family and his friends and feel like part of the family now. I’m so glad that I gave Josh my card that day!

Tony my husband and I went to River Park to take pictures of Lauren and Ben. Here are the pictures from that day.

New Year’s Eve I spent a few hours taking pictures and having a couple of beers at Thin Line Co. Tattoo in Lompoc. Deano Graves is the owner of the shop. He wanted to offer a New Years Party for the city, where people could get together socialize and get a piercing or a tattoo. Piercings and tattoo’s prices were reduced for the whole day and night. I got another piercing, this one on the top part of my right ear, and no it didn’t hurt. Here are a few pictures from that evening and of some of the people that were there that night.

I took pictures of Laura, Mark, Andrea, and Carlos at Miguelito Park in Lompoc.  They wanted family pictures for their holiday cards. Mark is my husband Tony’s brother. Laura is my sister in law, and Andrea and Carlos are my niece and nephew. We went to Miguelito Park to take pictures and it ended up being a really great location for this shoot. Between shots the kids could play on the playground equipment. This was a wonderful suggestion Laura and Mark. Thank you for letting me take pictures of you and your family for the second year.

I first met Kyndal in Fresh and Easy where her mom Lori works. I really liked the clothes she had on, she had her own original style. So we got together to do a photo shoot. We went to Gaviota Beach. It was a perfect day for taking photos, the sun was warm, and the blue sky had white clouds in it. I enjoyed watching Kyndal twirl around. She did it several times and I got a few shots of her twirling. I asked her if she liked to dance and she said “no, I like to twirl”. I thought that was so endearing. She is a vibrant 16 year old and I had a great time taking her pictures and getting to know her better. Thanks Kyndal for letting me spend the afternoon with you and for allowing me to take your pictures. You are beautiful!

In July I was driving out of the parking lot at Walmart, when I saw this guy skate boarding across the lot. I started following him in my car until I caught up to him. He looked so confident on his board and I knew I would have to take his picture. I drove to where he was and rolled down my window. I told him I was not stalking him, and that I wanted to take his pictures,  then handed him my card. His name was Josh White.

A few weeks went by and he called me, but I was not available at the time. I called him back and he was busy at that time too. We played phone tag for several calls, then I just asked him to keep calling me because I really wanted to take his picture.

I didn’t hear anything from him again until August. When he called me we set up a meeting place at La Botte Italian Restaurant.  He told me his family owned it. When I got there he was with two of his friends, Isaac White, and Ralphie Banks.Or should I say his Crew was there.  He asked if I could take pictures of all of them and that he was going back to college in a few days. I didn’t want to miss the opportunity, so we meet the next day.

My husband Tony came along to video tape them dancing which they call “Jerkin“, and I took still pictures. We went to a park in Santa Barbara called Elings Park. I had never been there before and it’s an awesome park. We took some pictures and video and then we headed for the beach.  First things First…dinner.  We ate at a hamburger joint and then Josh, Isaac, and Ralphie started Jerkin and a small crowd gather to watch. Then off to the sand as the sun began to set. We all had a great day, thanks guys