Wednesday, July 29, 2009

Meet Baby Camdyn Faith Hodge and her beautiful story!

One of my most dearest friends for many years Natalie, was so excited to become an auntie for the first time. With so much happiness she called me and asked if I could take some portraits of her newborn niece. Little did I know the story behind the birth of Camdyn and what perseverance her parents went through to have their baby girl. So I was talking to her mommy and asked if she could write how baby Camdyn came into their lives. Here is what she wrote.

Camdyn Faith Hodge was born on June 3rd, 2009 but she had been a dream of ours since 2005 when Travis and I were married. Unfortunately, after a year of trying to conceive and surgery, we were told that we would not conceive naturally and that our only hope was to pursue extensive fertility treatments. We began the long and painful process of In-Vitro Fertilization. After several months of medications, injections and surgical procedures we were hopeful to have a a successful embryo transfer, however, we were crushed to learn that the cycle had not worked and we were not pregnant. We took a year to recover from that experience and decided to try another cycle of IVF. This time, the doctors tried different medications and injections in hopes of growing better quality eggs and embryos. I received the best phone call of my life when we found out on October 24th that the cycle was a success and we were finally pregnant! We praised God for blessing us with this miracle. Travis and I were over the moon with excitement and couldn't believe that our dream of becoming parents had finally come true. Little did we know that our battle was just beginning. Soon after, I started to have bleeding and learned that I had a slight tear in the placenta which meant that I was on bed rest until the end of the first trimester. Upon being released from bed rest I went back to work and was really enjoying the pregnancy until I wound up in the hospital 6 weeks later for 4 days with pre-term contractions and some type of unknown infection that threatened the life of my growing little baby. I was ordered back on bed rest for the remainder of the pregnancy, which was approximately 4 more months and received fetal monitoring and ultrasounds about 3-4 times a week. Every appointment was nerve racking but week after week we received good reports on our growing little "he-she." Each week marked a milestone and gave us a bit more peace as grew closer to the due date. We finally reached what we considered to be the "safe zone" of 36 weeks and I was released once again off of bed rest. Once again, that time was short lived as I began having unexplained high blood pressure which lead to strict bed rest and a scheduled induction. The happiest day of our life came when I delivered Camdyn at 12:59 pm on June 3rd, 2009. She was a mere pounds ounces and 18 inches long. A tiny little peanut! She's been the biggest blessing and we finally feel like our family is complete!

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Wednesday, July 22, 2009

Ray + Karla Engagement Session Newport Beach and Balboa Park

Love is funny. Sometimes it takes second chances to get it just right. Karla and Ray have a story to tell, but in the end it brings them a Happily Ever After. I remember being in Arizona when I received the call from Karla saying "Rita, I'm getting married and you are my photographer!" So excited to hear all the details, I found out that Ray is serving our country in Iraq so he leaves for a long period of time. We knew that he would be home in July and knew we had to schedule their engagement session. Karla is a funny girl as she was searching high and low for something to wear and came up with nothing. So she called me and asked,"Rita, can you please come to my house and help me find something to wear?" Of course I did, and we came up with three outfits and shoes....oh does this girl have shoes!

On to the day of the shoot. I was so happy my husband Bill came to shoot along side me. We decided we would leave early, enjoy the day together, and scout locations. As we were walking around I receive a call from Karla saying they had just been in a car accident! "Are you ok?" I say. She said they were both fine. "It's ok we can reschedule." I say. "No, no we are still on for our shoot." she says. I understood we would not be shooting on schedule. With an hour of time of shooting we had so much fun. Ray and Karla were putty in my hands, willing to do anything, everything, but get in the cold water! Maybe next time :). With such a short time of shooting we were only able to get in two of the three outfits, but I am very pleased with the results. Ray and Karla thank you for such a great time we will have to plan a dinner date and just hang out. We look forward to your wedding in January at San Juan Capistrano Mission!

To view more of their engagement session click on the link below.
http://cliftonphotography.myshowit.com/rayandkarla/index.html


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I love these shots Bill captured of them laughing, it was seriously like this throughout the session.Photobucket

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Thursday, July 16, 2009

San Juan Capistrano OC Photog ShootOut Sneak Peak!

Camera check, directions check, ready to meet 50 wonderful Photogs check...check...check! All I can say is that with every new ShootOut I am a part of I walk away with so much more knowledge . Being a part of this group has not only given me a whole outlook on the way I capture a photograph, but it has given me inspiration to become a better photographer. A special shoutout to the wonderful people from Photog Shoot Out Hanssie, Matt, and Rob for putting together this amazing gathering, everything was perfect. On another high note we had amazing guest speakers. I actually had the opportunity to shoot next to one of America's top ten wedding photographers....drum roll please.... the famous Jasmine Star. Yes I know inspirational, she challenged me in incredible ways! Love her!

The first group session was with another amazing photographer I just love her style Kristin Rogers who taught us about lighting. Our models Troy and Aimee were so gorgeous they could of walked out of a magazine. When I saw the connection between these two it just melted my heart. As you all know I am sappy over true love so I found myself following this couple to each session. Later to find out that Troy is an awesome photographer himself soon to wed the girl who has captured his heart. How lucky are they to have all these amazing photographers to capture their engagement shots! Here is just a sneak peak of some of my favorites of the day. Troy and Aimee I have tons more, but was just so excited to share a few for now. I wish you both the very best, hope to see you more at future Shoot Outs.


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Thursday, July 9, 2009

New York, New York!!!

You never know where photography will take you or who you will be blessed to photograph. What a great honor to be asked to capture someone's very special day all the way across the United States. Steve is a native New Yorker and Brittany is a So Cal girl. Brittany's time in New York secured in her heart that this is the place she wanted to wed the man of her dreams, and begin their journey. I am blogging because I am humble, but giddy like a little kid with excitement. You hear through the grapevine that there is nothing more beautiful than an October day in New York. Now, I will have the opportunity to view for myself. Everything is falling into place and arrangements have been made. Steve and Brittany thank you for letting me be a part of your day! Here is just a few portraits we took a few months back for their save the date cards!

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Friday, July 3, 2009

Savannah Casanova Sweet Sixteen!

A child's love is very special and is a true blessing. As a mother myself you have the experience to love, teach, discipline, nourish, and watch them grow. You pray that every valuable lesson in life if they do fall, they will always know you will be there to help them back up. The Casanova's are a very close family, and through ups and downs, they come out stronger and even closer. That is were Savannah's sweetness, love, and kindness shows. This young lady is one that will not only succeed in life, but give to the world.

Savannah's photoshoot was in the plans for a while, but when the day finally came it couldn't of been more perfect! You see Savannah's mom has a job that comes with a very long comute, so her time with her family is very precious. This photoshoot was not only to capture her daughter's coming of age and her beauty, but to spend that special time together.

For Savannah's blog debut I was asked to pick a song I felt was special for her blog slideshow. The pressure....no, really I was cool with that. After listening to music, lyrics, it came to me. I had the song! Later, the next day I asked her mother if she would like something special to say to her daughter. Her mother wrote these touching words, "Our Savannah, already 16 and it seems just like yesterday that we were blessed with you; our miracle child. People thought I was crazy to have a baby at such a young age; but I truly believe that everything happens for a reason. I am so happy I was blessed with you. Time has flown by and you could not make us any prouder! You are truly one of the most amazing young ladies; thoughtful, caring, unique and most of all beautiful both inside and out. Your Dad and I are excited for you and your future as we know you will make the most of your life and we will be right there with you on your lifes journey! Just like our song "In My Daughter's Eyes" I see alot of me in you; but one thing is true you will surpass me and that is all a parent ever truly wishes for with their children. So, "Punkie" go gettem and never stop till you have achieved all of your lifes dreams! With All Our Love - Mom & Dad

You know that song I had for Savannah all picked out and excited to post well click on this link to see her slideshow!

http://cliftonphotography.myshowit.com/savannahcasanova/index.html

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