Ok, I just have to say that I haven’t had this much FUN shooting in a while…   The light was great and the action intense; the senior guys were in their element; even the buggy ride to scope out the dunes for shooting spots was incredible.

I’d not been out to Glamis before.  When we lived in Oregon, we went to the dunes there quite a few times, but Glamis is different.  It’s like… an entire world of dunes all spread out before you, calling your name, enticing you with every next hill and valley.  It’s stunning visually; and being a very visual person, the play of light and shadow, textures and swooping lines was like eye-candy for me.

This shoot was a combination of Tyler and Nathan’s Senior Portraits, as they both love to tear it up at Glamis.  But, since I already dedicated a sneak peek to Tyler and his awesome Idyllwild portraits, this post will be mostly for Nathan.

(BTW Tyler, I’m BURSTING to show you the amazing shots we got of you out in the sand – let’s schedule your View & Order Session asap!)

I found it really challenging to visually capture the perspective of how massive the dunes really are.   Not only do they go on for tens of miles in every direction, but every hill and valley is significantly larger than it appears. (Which, of course, makes it significantly more fun to climb, jump, and descend at massive speeds )

I’ve been told Nathan is not a huge fan of having his picture taken.  But let me tell you, he was in his element in Glamis.  Watch out, this boy can rock the shot.

During this next set, other people were riding all around us, watching as the guys prepped their jumps, watching us set up for the shots, etc. Some wondered if we were doing a shoot for Sand Sports Magazine.

We did some fun things with my wireless lighting and I’m super excited with the results.  My husband Josh thinks this next one of Nathan looking toward the sun in his sunglasses would make a great Oakley ad .

The sky just about lit on fire as the sun was setting.

I’d like to give a shout out to my amazing (and patient) “assistants” Cathy, Matt, Liz, Emily, and Helen for showing me the Glamis ropes, driving me around, and holding my lighting in what was I’m sure awkward positions for extended periods of time.  Couldn’t have done this shoot for Tyler and Nathan without you!  Thanks again.  You all are so blessed to have each other .

Enjoy, friends.  Can’t wait to show you the rest on my 50″ plasma .  What an amazing time in your lives.

Cherish, Love, Remember Always,

Andrea

I had the privilege of taking Victoria and her boyfriend John out to Vindemia Estate Winery last Friday – it was the perfect morning.  A little fog to diffuse the light, vibrant fall colors… While others were out battling the harried crowds of Black Friday shoppers, I watched the sun rise over the vine-studded hills of the Temecula Valley.  It’s a hard life, I know.

Victoria is a senior at Hemet High this year, and I’ve had so much fun getting to know her.  From the time we met at her Consultation, I knew she would make this shoot easy.  She has this amazing blend of self-confidence, gorgeousness, intensity, and a bubbly personality.

Then there’s John, who seems like such a great match for her.  He’s easy-going and strong.  What a sweet (not to mention amazingly good looking) couple.  (Hey, you know where to find me if you ever need a wedding photographer!

John, I think you need one of these in a large wall portrait.  Wow, that’s some intensity.  “Yes, that’s my girlfriend!” you can tell everyone .

It always kills me to have to choose which images to put up here on the blog for my clients’ sneak peeks… Especially with a shoot like this, it’s SO HARD to just pick a few!  I think this next one would make a good magazine cover .  Can you believe she has never done any modeling?

The house below is where Victoria grew up, amongst the trees of Idyllwild.  I think she carries a lot of the beautiful,  free mountain spirit with her still.

And a little retro beauty for ya…

I’ll leave you with one last shot from the top of the mountain – at The Point in Idyllwild.

Victoria and John, thank you so much for spending the morning with me.  I had a great time, and I can’t wait to show you all your images – everything in my attempt to capture the beautiful life God has given you.

Cherish, Love, Remember Always,

Andrea

Yesterday I met with Tyler and his mom Cathy to create some custom senior portraits.  We had a great time; we even had snow on the ground in some spots this early in the season!

When I pondered what to title this post, I was just struck by Tyler’s quiet strength.  Not the kind of quiet that never speaks, not the kind that’s insecure or timid, but the kind of quiet that runs deep and strong.  It seems to me that Tyler has quiet contentment all wrapped up in an outdoorsman’s dedication.  It’s quite a unique combination, and one that, if God has it in His Plan, will make a great Forest Ranger some day.

Tyler is a hunter. It was fun to hear how just yesterday morning he was up before dawn tracking coyotes at his grandparents’ property… Yeah, up before dawn… On Thanksgiving Break!  Like I said, he’s focused!

We tried to be as inconspicuous with the gun as possible, but… Did get a few strange looks!

The light streaming through the trees from under this bridge was SO cool.  What a handsome guy, huh?!

We went a bit further up the mountain into the COLD to create some portraits up by my favorite wintery gate.  Don’t know who it belongs to, but it always reminds me of winter in Narnia .

Tyler got his BIG truck from his grandparents, who are very special to him (and he to them, I’m sure!).  This portrait is one of a set that is especially for them.

Thanks so much for allowing me to capture this point in your life, Tyler.  I know God has great plans in store for you!

Talk with you soon,

Andrea

The leaves were vibrant and the air crisp… We weren’t exactly prepared for it to be quite THAT crisp, with a dusting of snow over everything and drips of freezing rain falling on us from the dewy leaves above.

Our time was filled trying to stay busy and distracted from the cold, but when you look back on this stage in your family’s life, Michael and Rebekah, I hope these images help you remember how precious it is…

The scrunching of little noses, gentle touches from pudgy fingers, tiny arms that wrap you up in bear-hug squeezes, love and laughter, even distracted glances from eyes eager to take every bit of world in… Memories buried deep in the soul.

Your sweet family is just beautiful – I always enjoy shooting with you. Thank you for the privilege.

Bekah, your laughter is such a gift.  Never stop .

May the  two of you be blessed with decades upon decades of enduring love, held strong by the One who loved us first!!

And may your daughters always bubble over with His joy.

Thank you, friends, for allowing me to play a part in helping you remember these treasures.

With sincere gratitude,

Andrea

PS – Oh, and a sneak peek of the way I can show you your portraits up on your wall to scale: (Don’t forget to bring to your View & Order Session pictures of the spaces you’ll want to put pictures up in your home!)

In my best theater voice, “I am happy to introduce the fun, the outgoing, the ever-beautiful and talented… Erin!!”

Erin is my Senior Rep for Baptist Christian School this year, and I couldn’t be more thrilled.  I first got to know Erin when I created drama head shots with her a couple of years ago, and since then, I’ve had the privilege of catching a few of her shows.  Great acting and intuition, and let me tell you, what a voice!  I know she’ll go far as she pursues a career in dramatic theater and performing arts.

Well, without further ado, here are the portraits we had fun creating together around the University of Redlands campus, where she plans to go to college next year:

Seriously, she’s gorgeous.

We were given permission to shoot in one of the retro-style classrooms on campus.  I thought Erin did a great job channeling a (modest) pinup vibe, while still making it her own.  Love the dress and shoes!

Here she is on her shoe phone.  She’s a crackup, always fun in her randomness .

This next spread is one of my favorites from the day.  I wish I could show it to you all in person on the 50″ plasma I use for View & Order Sessions.  The black and white image is really intense.

The bright colors she chose for the following outfit look amazing with her skin tones.

She has spunk…

She has grace…

She’s not afraid to be a little wacky… (Her FB posts are always entertaining)

And she loves Jesus.
I’d say that is definitely a winning combo .

Thanks so much, Erin, for applying to be my BCS Senior Rep for 2012.  I am honored that you’ve allowed me to create with you, and can’t wait to show you all of your portraits!

Cherish, Love, Remember Always,

Andrea

Meet Stephanie, my 2012 Senior Rep for Hemet High… Friendly, fun, ambitious, beautiful Stephanie. It was SO hard to narrow it down to just a few for her Sneak Peek here on the blog.

As I edited her images, I seriously kept thinking to myself, “She looks like someone…” .  I figured out later that I kept seeing glimpses of Reese Witherspoon pop through… in her smile, or the way her laugh brightens up her beautiful cheekbones… I can’t quite put my finger on it, but it’s there!  Do you see it too?

We had a great time working our way around a few areas in Temecula & Oceanside, shooting and chatting and enjoying each other’s company. If you see Stephanie around, ask her about the $50 Gift Cards she’s handing out and how you can book a WTSS Session – you’ll get a great deal, and her referrals could earn her an iPad 2!!

The Harbor at Oceanside had some super fun colors to work with – this whole laid back, bright, fun seaside theme reminded me of something you’d see in a magazine spread.

Isn’t her smile gorgeous?!

Thanks for your excitement about being the WTSS Rep for your school, Stephanie .  I can’t wait to show you the rest of your images!!

~Andrea

Cherish, Love, Remember Always… When Time Stood Still

It was a beautiful, breezy afternoon when the line of cars full of family pulled up.
Each had come from different distances – as close as a couple of miles, as far as thousands -
to celebrate Chuck and Lenie’s first 50 years of devotion to Christ and one another.

Their children had purchased a WTSS Portrait Session as an Anniversary gift for them.
During our Consultation weeks ago, I was told this was a momentous occasion, the sort of gathering of extended family
that might only happen once in a lifetime…
and I was so honored to be there to capture it.

First we gathered the grand-kids…

Then we went for some individual family shots.

There were some very sweet moments of reuniting…

But on the whole, the little boys made most of our time together super fun like THIS:

I LOVED IT!  Seriously!

We can’t forget about these sweetie-pie girls, though.  Even jet-lagged and surrounded by a crowd, they were adorable.

Thankfully, once it was time for the huge group shot, I had a little help directing the show and getting everyone into place .

And we came up with a perfect memory of a treasured time:

This next shot was specifically requested, as Chuck & Lenie have one just like it from their wedding day, 50 years ago! 
It’s so wonderful to see them even more glowing with love than they were on that special day. 
I know they would say that Christ has held them strong and grown their love through it all.

Chuck & Lenie, congratulations on this momentous occasion, and thank you so much for instilling in your children and grandchildren a love for the Lord!

Cherish, Love, Remember Always,

Andrea Bernard
www.WhenTimeStoodStillPhotography.com

These sweet little sisters have captured my heart at every shoot.

So many beautiful entries for this week’s theme… Check them out!

Just now getting around to blogging about this wonderful family and the beautiful time we spent together last month….

I could go on and on about how honest and real and hilarious and giving and compassionate these dear friends are, but I’m sure that would embarrass them in their modesty, so for now, I’ll just say, thank you friends for being you.  Thank you for not letting entire countries get in the way of our friendship.  Thank you for letting us into your world and caring about ours.

And now for part two, the family from which our dear friends come:

Tom and Shelley Stafford have a blessed life – full of more giving and receiving, full of more love and grace, than most will ever know.  For decades now, they have opened their home and family to developmentally challenged men who might otherwise live out the rest of their lives in institutions.  They call their home Bethesda Place, from the biblical account of a pool with healing qualities.

From what I’ve seen in the time that I’ve known the Staffords, the healing is much more far-reached than even they can imagine.  Healing for the men, yes, and healing for Tom and Shelley; healing for the community and those who help serve there, healing for those who receive the benefits of the work the men do at Bethesda, healing for those who receive the wood-worked Crosses and Nativities, and for those who receive the trees that grow as reminders of their labor and God’s Planting.

And surely, all are welcome.  Isn’t this the command we have all received, to care using our very lives for those in need?  “…to the extent that you did it to one of these brothers of Mine, even the “least” of them, you did it to Me” (Matthew 25:34-40).  Thank you for caring for Jesus in your ministry, Staffords…  You have welcomed Him in as family.  And I know you too are infinitely blessed to live with Him each day!

Thank you again for the blessing of joining you to capture the beauty of your lives.

love for her just seems to radiate right out of them.

There’s nothing like being held by Mommy and Daddy.  It’s amazing to me how babies relax in their parents’ arms.

Okay, see what I mean about the irresistable sweetness?

This is one of Mommy and Daddy’s favorite outfits for K – we thought she looked so cute, like a little beach girl from the 1920′s .

Kendall was so cuddly, all curled up, sticking her little fingers and thumb in her mouth, hand to her face… drifting off to sleepyland.

Her room was the sweetest cherry blossom pink, the room Mommy wished she would’ve had growing up.  (I think any girl would love it!)

That’s Kendall, tiny little thing, sleeping there on the closet shelf.

Thank you so very much, Colin and Breanna, for the opportunity to meet you and capture memories with your sweet little girl.  She will grow and change so fast – you’re going to LOVE watching it all transpire before your very eyes!  Cherish this time, and know you’ll be blessed even more by her life in the months and years to come.

~ Andrea