Raquel Leal Photography

New Blog!

2011-01-10T07:09:00.000-08:00

Thanks for coming to my blog! Please feel free to browse and then visit my new blog HERE!!

Boudoir Special!

2010-12-15T21:42:00.000-08:00

I know it seems too early to start thinking about Valentine's Day but it will be here before you know it! Book a boudoir session in January to get your album in time to give to that special someone or keep for yourself!

Boudoir sessions are all about making you feel confident and glamorous! Boudoir parties are a great way to get some of your girlfriends together, get dolled up and have some fun. Email me at raquel@raquelleal.com to book your session.

See some boudoir bombshells here.

Jessica + Patrick: Cave B Inn, Quincy WA

2010-12-13T17:12:00.000-08:00

I've known Jessica a long time...almost 15 years! We went to both junior high and high school together and were on our high school's drill team. We spent early mornings and late nights together practicing and dancing and making lots of great memories!

Jessica and Patrick got married at the Cave B Inn in Quincy, Washington right outside of our hometown of Moses Lake. The venue is just beautiful with breathtaking views of the Columbia Gorge.

Absolutely loved Jessica's pink shoes! Always great to add a splash of color and personality.

Patrick and Jessica decided to see each other before the ceremony and get all of the photos out of the way. We set up a special location where they could see each other for the first time and have a moment alone together. Love when couples decide to do this!

Love this shot of the groom watching his bride walk down the aisle!

These next two are some of my favorite photos. Ever. Totally unscripted, raw and real.

Lisa + Scott: An Intimate Green Bay, Wisconsin Wedding

2010-12-13T17:05:00.000-08:00

Lisa and I met about three years ago in a training program in San Francisco. We were there with a great group of people and have stayed in touch and tried to get together at least once a year. When she told me she was engaged I could not have been happier for her. Lisa is seriously one of the sweetest strongest women I know! When she asked me to come to Wisconsin and shoot her wedding I was ecstatic and could not wait! I had never been to the midwest before and you can imagine my surprise when I stepped on the plane in Green Bay and it smelled like home--dairies!

Lisa and Scott and a beautiful, intimate wedding filled with family, friends, tears and laughter. I loved shooting this wedding and love Lisa and Scott!

Lisa and Scott opted to see each other before the ceremony. It gave them a chance to have some alone time before all of the festivities and allowed us to get some beautiful photos of the two of them. I absolutely love when couples do this. The reactions and emotions are priceless!

Lisa was no doubt a beaming bride! I love how you can just see the happiness and emotion in her expression!

The wedding was held at the gorgeous Oneida Golf and Country Club.

The dance floor was hoppin!

I'll leave you with a photo that totally shows Lisa and Scott's awesome personalities!

Cherie: Boudoir Bombshell

2010-12-13T16:53:00.000-08:00

Katie & Christen: Boudoir Bombshells

2010-12-13T16:24:00.000-08:00

These two lovely ladies booked boudoir sessions together and we had tons of fun! I love these sessions because I love making women feel beautiful and confident. It's fun to all get together and play dress up and be Victoria Secret models for just a day!

To book a boudoir session for yourself or a group of friends email me at raquel@raquelleal.com

Dress Heaven...

2010-10-15T15:15:00.000-07:00

Is there such thing as dress heaven??? If so...I'm pretty sure this is what it looks like! So dreamy!

Dresses by Maria Lucia Hohan via the cherry blossom girl.

Fear of Failure...or Success?

2010-10-13T14:34:00.000-07:00

For those of you that may not know, I work full time as a commercial loan officer. I dread coming to work every day and wish that I could be doing what I love. I know I shouldn’t complain because there are plenty of people out there that don’t have jobs or are less fortunate but why can’t I do what I love and make a living at it? Or maybe I can. I read all over the web successful business people saying just do what you love and the money will follow. I read my favorite quote from the amazing Steve Jobs over and over:
“You've got to find what you love, and that is as true for work as it is for your lovers. Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work, and the only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven't found it yet, keep looking, and don't settle. As with all matters of the heart, you'll know when you find it, and like any great relationship it just gets better and better as the years roll on. So keep looking. Don't settle.”
(You can read the full speech here:http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/chat/1422863/posts)

So I've found what I love...now what? It seems so much easier said than done. I can read a million quotes that tell me to do what I love but for some reason my stubborn self won’t listen. So I sit back and think about all the things I’d love to be doing and do nothing.

My head is my worst enemy. It has thoughts that make me doubt myself and my abilities to be a photographer. It started with me thinking, if I can book 10 weddings I’ll think about quitting my day job…booked 12 this year. If I can get 200 fans on facebook I’ll seriously think about quitting…up to 343 now. I need to redo my logo and my branding and then I can think about going full time….I need to book 20 weddings for 2011 and then I can quit…the list goes on and on and my mind keeps going and going….and the bottom line is that I’m scared.

Fear. That four letter word. I let fear take so much power over me. (It took lots of courage just to publish this post and not worry about how silly it might make me seem or what people might think about me) It’s easy to say just trust in God and everything will work out. Not so easy to do. Anyone out there have any advice, ideas, thoughts?

I’m also not used to being so open with myself, especially out on the web but I figured I’ve got to start putting myself out there sometime. So here goes. Thanks for reading.

By the way…I’m having a baby…in 20 days. I’m so excited to see him and hold him I can’t even explain it. It’s amazing to me that I will be able to love another child as much as I love Adriano. Parenthood is such an amazing gift. I’m a lucky girl.

And because I feel like every post should have a picture...here's one from a wedding I shot last Friday. Enjoy!

Jessica + Patrick: Sneak Peek

2010-09-14T15:26:00.000-07:00

I am loving the pictures from Jessica and Patrick's wedding at Cave B Winery in Quincy, Washington. Here is a quick sneak peek...many more to come soon!

Mary and Eric: Engaged!

2010-09-06T22:43:00.000-07:00

To view a slideshow which more images from Mary and Eric's enagement session click here.

Email me at raquel@raquelleal.com for more information on engagement photography!

Gina + Jason: A Coeur D' Alene, Idaho Campground Wedding

2010-09-06T14:18:00.000-07:00

I've known Gina since high school. I was her captain on our high school's drill team. Gina was always the fun, crazy girl who loved to dance. I was thrilled when she asked me to shoot her wedding!

Gina and Jason met through Gina's sister Sheri. Jason and Sheri were walking buddies and really close friends. A group of Sheri's family and friends had gone out to a night club to celebrate her birthday. The dance floor happened to be empty when they arrived and Gina headed straight to the dance floor ready to bust a move. When she called out "Who's with me?" Jason came to join her and the rest is history! They've been breaking it down together ever since!

Gina and Jason got married at the Fernan Lake Campground in Couer D'Alene, Idaho. The scenery was just beautiful and the weather cooperated with us after pouring rain that morning.

Jason proposed to Gina on a bike ride...love how they incorporated that into the wedding details!

To view a slideshow with more images from Jason and Gina's wedding please click here.

Email me at raquel@raquelleal.com for more information on wedding photography!

Kelly + Ben: A Colton, Washington Country Wedding

2010-09-03T22:39:00.000-07:00

It's been too long since I've posted on the blog! I've got lots of weddings and engagement sessions to post so stay tuned!

Kelly has been one of my best friends for about 15 years now (wow, that makes me feel old). We met at church youth group sniffing permanent markers and trying to figure out how to throw a summer barbeque at my parent's house with out having to invite some of the stinky boys.

I was so honored when she asked if I would photograph her wedding. As a wedding photographer, I get to be involved in every part of the bride's day and capture all of the behind the scenes and intimate moments.

Thank you Kelly, I love you like a sister. And Ben, well I guess you're alright...even though you took my Kelly all the way to Alaska. We do share the same birthdate so it's obvious why Kelly picked you :)

Kelly and Ben got married in Colton, WA at Red Barn Farms. The location was so perfect! Rolling green hills, a beautiful blue sky and big red barn!

The barn is surrounded by wheat fields and a lavender field, so they incorporated those into the wedding details.

Kelly and Ben chose to see eachother before the ceremony which I love! It's such a special intimate moment and totally helps settle the nerves throughout the day.

Here's a shot of me with my two best friends...love these girls!

To view a slideshow and see more images from Kelly and Ben's wedding please click here.

Email me at raquel@raquelleal.com for more information on wedding photography!

Franchesca + Josh: Oakhurst Wedding

2010-06-23T21:18:00.000-07:00

Franchesca + Josh: Sneak Peek

2010-06-06T21:37:00.000-07:00

A Morning at the Coast: Ryann + Jody

2010-05-19T09:05:00.000-07:00

Ryann and Jody are seriously one of the sweetest, cutest couples I've met. They met in grade school many years ago and reconnected in college and have been together ever since. They will be getting married this Fall in Three Rivers and I am so excited to shoot their beautiful wedding!

They love spending time together at the coast so I met them over in dowtown San Luis Obispo to start our shoot and then we headed to Avila Beach.

Jody has been golfing since he was a kid so we snuck onto the Avila Beach Golf Resort to get some shots on the green. I love when my couples incorporate a little bit of themselves into the shoot!

Ryann and Jody were eachother's first kiss and will be eachother's last too! Thanks for being so wonderful and for sharing your love. Can't wait for the big day!

Also, special thanks to my friend Dena for making the super cute sign and Lisa for being my assistant for the day!

Rosa

2010-05-05T15:27:00.000-07:00

Kate's Tea Party!

2010-05-05T15:12:00.001-07:00

The Final Countdown...

2010-04-02T13:44:00.000-07:00

A couple of weeks ago Laura asked me to shoot her and her bridesmaids getting ready for her big day!

Here are some of her lovely lady friends!

The dress!

And finally Laura looking beautiful and ready to walk down the aisle!

Boudoir

2010-04-01T10:00:00.000-07:00

I'm still working on editing all of the photos from the super fun boudoir party we had a couple weeks ago but wanted to share a couple of my favorite images so far!

Back to My Roots: Destination Wedding

2010-03-08T12:38:00.000-08:00

I always dreamed of having a destination wedding and was lucky enough to have been able to get married in Terceira, Azores an island off the coast of Portugal. My father was born there and my mother's family is from that island as well. And it just so happened that my husband's fathers family is also from the same island and town as my father.

We were married in the church Nossa Senhora da Penha in the village of Fontinhas where both of our fathers grew up.

I was luck to have a lot of great family that lives there who helped out with the wedding details. I chose to use hydrangeas as my main flower because the island is covered in them! I decided to take a photographer from the states because for me the photographs were one of the most important parts of the day and I didn't want to rely on a foreign photographer.

The reception was at the Terceira Mar hotel with an outdoor cocktail and appetizers hour before a full buffet for dinner. The hotel took care of everything - including setup, decorating, food and cake. It was so nice not to have to worry about all of those details!

We had about 80 people fly over from the states for the wedding and ended up with almost 200 guests! It was an amazing experience and so much easier to plan than I even thought!

The fun thing about having a destination wedding is that everyone is in vacation mode! The day before our wedding everyone attended a bullfight in the street and then we had a dinner for everyone as well. The day after our wedding we had a bus come and take everyone on a tour of the island. We stopped in the hills and ate, drank, sang and danced..so much fun!

If you've dreamed of having a destination wedding and are second-thinking yourself, don't. They are much easier to plan than you would expect and an amazing experience that none of your guests will ever forget!

PS - I totally recommend hiring a photographer that includes a DVD of all of your high resolution images in the wedding package. Mine didn't and I totally regret it!

Michaela and Jonathan: Sneak Peek

2010-03-07T21:53:00.000-08:00

My new website!

2010-02-22T17:56:00.000-08:00

I've been working on this website for a really long time...too long actually. But I finally got it up and running! I am not web savvy at all but Showit makes it so easy to create your own website. Please check it out and I would love to hear what you think of it!

Thanks so much! <3 Raquel

Click Here!

Blogs, blogs, blogs

2010-02-16T15:22:00.000-08:00

I could seriously sit and browse beautiful blogs all day long! So I thought I'd share a couple of the blogs that I frequent regularly. Be prepared to waste valuable time sitting in front of your computer...

Wedding related sites:
Green Wedding Shoes
This site is a must-read if you are currently planning a wedding. There are so many great ideas for save-the-dates, engagement shoots and wedding details. I especially love the vintage inspired posts. If you are looking for ideas to make your wedding modern and different, definitely take a look at this site!

Kiss the Groom
Elizabeth Messina takes the most breathtaking photos I have ever seen. I seriously want to jump into her photos. She can take something so simple and make it look amazing. There's just a realness (is that a word?) to her photos that I am in love with. She has some awesome giveaways on her blog right now too so be sure to check it out and leave a comment to enter the contests!

Lifestyle sites:
Style Your Life
This site is great for fashion advice. She puts together outfits from top to bottom including accessories and includes the links where you can purchase them. Always reasonably priced stuff, functional and totally cute.

Fitness 4 Life

Lunden gives great tips on fitness and eating right. On top of that, she is motivational, gives some healthy recipes to try and is so willing to answer any questions you might have about working out and being healthy!

Happy blogging!

<3 Raquel

Mother and Child

2010-02-15T13:18:00.001-08:00

Boudoir: Sneak Peek!

2010-02-14T17:15:00.000-08:00

We had so much fun during this boudoir shoot! Lots of laughs, glamour and hotness! Makes such a great gift for your guy or to just show off to your friends! Email me at raq422@yahoo.com if you're interested in scheduling a glam session!

Nap time

2010-02-06T16:05:00.000-08:00

JENNIFER + ROBERT: ENGAGED

2010-02-04T21:12:00.000-08:00

Jennifer and Robert are two of the sweetest people...ever. We had so much fun on their engagement shoot and I am absolutely in love with the images! Don't forget to check out the video below too! Can't wait for their wedding this June!

JENNIFER + ROBERT: ENGAGED from Raquel Leal on Vimeo.

Music credit: Plain White Tees

Jennifer & Robert: Sneak Peek!

2010-01-31T23:45:00.000-08:00

Here's a sneak peek of the engagement session that I had this weekend with Jennifer and Robert. The session was so much fun and we got so many great shots. I had a super busy weekend with a maternity shoot and a newborn shoot as well so I'll be posting those later this week.

Adriano's Rockstar Party!

2010-01-26T21:45:00.000-08:00

I've had a couple people ask me about what I did for Adriano's birthday party so I decided to go ahead and blog it!

We had a rockstar themed baby shower and his room is decorated in a rockstar theme as well so we decided to keep with the theme for his first birthday.

I took him out and did a little photo shoot with him to make the invitations.

My husband Jason and I both have large families with lots of kids so I knew we needed to keep them entertained. I covered a couple of the tables with butcher paper and put lots of crayons on them so the kids (and some adults!) could draw and color on them. That turned out to be a really good idea! I also hung up a backdrop and had wigs and props to take pictures with - kind of like a photo booth. The kids loved it!

Some of the adults had fun with the photo booth too!

We also had a Wii with Rock Bank for the older kids to play during the party. For table decorations I just used some of Adriano's toy instruments that he already had and then got blow up guitars, stickers and temporary tatoos that I sprinkled on the tables (from oriental trading). I also found these frames at target that were records with the middle cut out of them that I put on some of the tables as well. (Could easily be made too) We hung up a couple posters on the wall too.

As far as food we kept is simple and barbequed hamburgers and hotdogs with a couple salads, beans and chips. The party turned out great and Adriano and the other kids had a lot of fun!

The Knot Best of Weddings 2010 Pick

2010-01-22T21:35:00.000-08:00

So I finally received the official email and got a copy of the magazine that proves it's really real! I was officially chosen as one of The Knot Best of Weddings 2010 Picks by past brides. I cannot thank my beautiful brides enough for voting for me! I am such a lucky girl! Of course I had to take some pictures to share!

The Other Side of the Camera

2010-01-17T21:06:00.000-08:00

I've been working on a new website that I am so excited to get up and running and I needed some shots of myself to use. This weekend I got to spend a day out shooting with Megan Welker. It was our first time meeting and we totally hit it off. Megan was so much fun to work with and has such a bright future ahead of her! I can't wait to see what she captured!

Here is a sneak peek from our shoot:

And here is a shot I got of Megan shooting (love her rain boots!):

A couple of weeks ago I received a phone call from The Knot magazine and was told that I was chosen as one of the top ten wedding photographers in the Central Valley. I was both shocked and honored! I heard today that the magazine is out so I am definitely going to run out and get one first thing tomorrow! I'll post pics!

PS - Today is my little sister's 25th birthday!!! Happy Birthday Melissa! Love ya tons!

Back to editing...

Twins! Juliana and Nolan: Tulare Newborn Photographer

2010-01-13T20:42:00.000-08:00

When I found out I was pregnant I thought, how cool would it be to have twins. Two babies in one shot. Two little ones that can grow up together and be bffs. Then I had my son and my thinking changed! I thought it's so hard with one new little one I can't even imagine having two at the same time!

Jessica and I met through California Women for Agriculture and have known eachother for a couple years now. Jessica just had twins and is already an amazing mother! Shooting twins was definitely a first for me and a challenge. These two adorable babies took turns being fussy for me!

Congratulations on your beautiful babies Jessica and hope you enjoy the photos!

Kayla: Senior

2010-01-09T23:06:00.000-08:00

I was so excited to meet Kayla for today's senior shoot. Kayla is graduating from Hanford West this year and will be attending college in New York this fall. Kayla was a natural in front of the camera and would really love to become an actress someday. I see a bright future ahead of you and wish you tons of luck in New York Kayla! Here are some of my faves from our session.

Adriano: Almost 1 Year old!

2010-01-05T20:45:00.000-08:00

I can't believe it's almost been a year since Adriano was born! This time last year I was not so patiently awaiting his arrival. Being a mom has been such a life changing experience and I love it more than anything! It's so amazing how quickly they learn and grow. He has taught me patience I didn't know I had and the true meaning of unconditional love! Even when I'm up at all hours of the night with him it's so worth it.

My sister came to surprise me with a visit last week so we took Adriano out for his photo shoot! His birthday party theme will be a Rockstar theme so we took the pictures to go along with the theme. Enjoy my baby boy!

Brad and Gina & Paul and Elizabeth: Double Baby Bumps

2009-12-29T23:39:00.000-08:00

One of the best parts about being a photographer is meeting great people. I photographed Brad and Gina's wedding earlier this year and Gina and I have become friends. When I found out that they were expecting I started thinking about their maternity session right away!

Gina and Brad's good friends Paul and Elizabeth are also expecting so we dragged the boys out to the Kaweah Oak Preserve to take these shots. Brad and Gina are expecting a boy and Paul and Elizabeth are expecting a girl - can't wait to meet their little ones next year!

Lisa: Anytime - Tulare Portrait Photography

2009-12-12T13:14:00.000-08:00

The Morgans: Baby Bump - Tulare Maternity Photography

2009-12-11T21:19:00.000-08:00

Gabriela and Evan: Tulare Children's Photographer

2009-12-04T21:41:00.000-08:00

The Engles - Visalia Family Photography

2009-12-04T19:52:00.001-08:00

I had a lot of fun photographing the Engle family! They are an extremely good looking couple and extremely nice too! They made me feel right at home in their beautiful new house. Enzo is such a beautiful little boy and will be a big brother soon too!

The Garcias - Tulare Family Photography

2009-11-25T22:46:00.000-08:00

Luke and Shelly: Baby Bump - Visalia Maternity Photography

2009-11-25T21:42:00.001-08:00

Chloe and Colden - Tulare Children Photography

2009-11-09T21:43:00.000-08:00

The Rebelos - Tulare Family Photography

2009-11-07T10:44:00.000-08:00

Adriano: 9 Months Old!

2009-10-31T14:22:00.000-07:00

Katie and Ozzie: Baby Bump - Hanford Maternity Photography

2009-10-18T14:05:00.001-07:00

Cherie's Big Day!

2009-10-14T20:20:00.000-07:00

A Dream Becomes a Reality...revisited

2009-09-25T00:50:00.000-07:00

I just came across this post that I blogged a couple of months ago. It seems ironic to me now that my title was "A dream becomes a reality." It seems like the more appropriate title now would be "A dream becomes a nightmare." The dairy industry is currently stuck in the worst downturn the industry has seen. I have seen people's lifetimes of hard work and sweat equity vanish. My father, father-in-law, uncles, brother, cousins are all dairyman. I talk to dairymen in my job everyday and for some, they are on their last breath of hope right now. One of my husband's family members decided that the pain was so bad that he took his own life. I've seen my husband struggle with the fact that his dreams are not going to come true. I've heard it in my dad's voice, seen it in my uncle's face, felt the tension and fear.

It costs a dairyman $13-$15 to produce one hundred weight (cwt/100 pounds) of milk. The average milk price that the dairyman have been receiving this year has been $10.29 per cwt. Dairyman have no control over the price that they get paid for their milk (unless they hedge, which is not easy to do especially here in CA). The average price that you pay at the grocery store for a gallon of milk today is $3.50, up 28% from 2008. The price that the dairyman who produced that milk gets paid has decreased approximately 40% from 2008.

There are many factors that have led to this downturn including over-production, imports/exports, etc. but I am not an expert on that. I am just a daughter, a wife, a niece, a cousin and a friend to dairy farmers who wants to make sure their story is heard.

There are many far more intelligent and dedicated people out there working to come up with a solution for the problem. If you are interested in more information, check out Barbara's blog here. She is an amazing dairywoman and advocate for the industry.

If nothing else, please tell any dairyman you know that you appreciate their hardwork and strength. And please always focus on the beautiful, good things in your life - your loved ones, your health and the gift of another day to live.

These pictures depict the realization of my dad's dream...enjoy and thanks for reading!

Marianne - Lemoore Senior Photography

2009-09-24T22:27:00.001-07:00

So I am finally getting through editing Marianne's photos and had to post some more of the shots. I really think this is my favorite shoot yet! I love shooting seniors because I get to incorporate two things I love - photography and fashion! So fun!

Email me at raq422@yahoo.com to book your photo shoot!

Check out Marianne's slideshow here or below:

Avery - Tulare Children Photography

2009-09-22T21:55:00.000-07:00

Little Avery is quite a character. We went out and about around Hanford to take some pictures for her 6th birthday. She has such a personality and was lots of fun! The day started off a little rough but once we threw in the candy, ice cream and merry-go-round rides she was much happier!

Adriano - My Baby Boy

2009-09-21T22:06:00.000-07:00

It has been so long since I've posted pictures of my baby! He is going to be 8 months tomorrow and I can't believe how much he has grown in the last 8 months. It seems like yesterday he was just a tiny little newborn who needed me to prop up his head and hold his bottle for me...he depended on me for everything. It's amazing watching him as he becomes more and more independent. He can now hold up his own head, hold his bottle, sit up and is making his first attempts at crawling. I guess that's how life goes--we just keep getting more and more independent and parents have to learn to keep letting go little by little. He has my heart and will always be my baby boy. Love you Adriano!

Vinho

2009-09-15T21:04:00.000-07:00

I got to spend some time today with my avo (grandpa) making wine. I don't know what he enjoys more...making the wine or drinking it but I had a great time watching and helping him. My avo has always been full of life and is always there whenever we need anything. He is such a strong man yet can be so soft too. He can be loud and stubborn (which is a trait that many of us have inherited!) but it has always amazed me how unafraid he is to show emotion and never fails to say goodbye or end a phone call without saying "i love you" in that thick Portuguese accent. I am grateful that I got the opportunity to capture him doing one of the things he loves doing--working with his hands! Makes me want to be a wine maker!

Of course you have to taste the wine to make sure it's good!

Location, Location, Location

2009-09-10T20:19:00.001-07:00

So I've decided to try to blog more often than I have been! I've been so busy lately with work, photography, my baby boy and life in general that it's hard to find the time! I'll be posting some pictures of Labor Day weekend soon...so stay tuned!

I've decided to post some tips on taking pictures from locations, to wardrobe, to anything you want to know!

First up - location. This is one of the most important things to consider when booking a photo session. I am an on location natural light photographer and love to have my clients choose their own locations. This really works great for both the client and me! I get to shoot in great new locations and the client gets to have a say in their photographs.

When coming up with locations think of places that mean something to you - where you first met, your first date, somewhere you hang out often, somewhere that you will feel comfortable...even your own home. Here are some examples of awesome locations that were suggested by my even awesom-er (is that a word??) clients!

Cherie and Steve at the laundromat - Steve's family own and operate laundromats and Steve had the brilliant idea to shoot in one and the photos turned out to be some of my favorites!

I did an entire family shoot in and around the home - with a young child and a newborn it's best to keep them where they feel comfortable and relaxed.

For Marianne's senior session we just drove up the road and found an awesome orchard with amazing light to shoot in and this shot has to be one of my FAVES of all time!

Here's one from Donny and Maria's engagement session that was totally Donny's idea. He's a member of the forcado bullfighting group so we headed into the ring for part of the shoot.

There are so many great locations out there - just use your creativity, trust your instinct and if you need suggestions I'd be happy to offer some! I'll post about choosing clothing next!

I'm off to pick up my little sis from the airport now for a fun-filled weekend at the coast with the best cousins in the world for Cherie's bachelorette party! I am so excited and will definitely have pictures to post on Monday!

Ciao,

Raquel

Marianne: Hanford Senior Photo Shoot

2009-08-23T21:50:00.000-07:00

This shoot is all thanks to Kera. We became friends on facebook as we have mutual friends. Even though we had never really spoken in person, Kera has referred me to her family and friends. When I asked for some seniors, she hooked me up with her sister-in-law Marianne.

Marianne is a gorgeous girl, inside and out. She has so much drive and determination. She is ASB president, on the volleyball team, working hard to be validictorian and wants to go to Stanford next year. I have no doubt that she will be very successful at anything she attempts to do.

I loved this shoot so much and had tons of fun with Marianne and Kera. Thank you Kera for introducing me to Marianne and for being out chauffer for the afternoon. And thanks Marianne for being you and letting me capture your beauty! Enjoy!

Lemoore Senior Photo Shoot

2009-08-20T21:28:00.000-07:00

There were so many good shots of Anne that I just HAD to post a couple more! If you're interested in a fun senior photo shoot send me a message at raq422@yahoo.com!

Anne - Senior Photo Shoot

2009-08-17T20:10:00.000-07:00

I love senior sessions! They are so much fun! You get to get all dressed up and go out and have a fashion shoot just like America's Next Top Model! I love helping the girls decide on outfits to wear and usually bring along a few extra accessories to play around with. I get to play Tyra (but not quite as crazy)and direct the photo shoot and run around to find different locations to shoot in.

If you want to have your own photo shoot complete with a wanna-be stylist email me at raq422@yahoo.com.

Anne is my cousin's wife's (and good friend) sister. She is a beautiful girl with legs that go on for years. She agreed to be one of my senior reps and braved the 100 degree weather to go out and model for me. Anne was great and we had lots of fun! Thanks so much Anne for doing this for me! Enjoy!

Tekla and Eric - Tulare Wedding Photography

2009-08-02T18:17:00.000-07:00

I had the pleasure of shooting Tekla and Eric's wedding yesterday at the Historic Seven Sycamores Ranch (http://www.sevensycamores.com)and despite the heat, everything was perfect! Tekla looked so beautiful and Eric was genuinely happy. Both families were great and an awesome time was had by all! I'm so glad I got to be a part of your special day! Have fun in Hawaii and enjoy!

Eric surprised Tekla with some beautiful earings for her to wear.

These girls throughly enjoyed the candy buffet!

The maid of honor (and sister of the bride) was a self-proclaimed "wedding crier"

View their slideshow here:

Coelho Family: Faith, Hope and.... Love!

2009-07-17T09:21:00.000-07:00

Yesterday evening the Coelho family braved the 100 degree heat and we went out to the country to take some pictures. These two cute little girls are appropriately named Faith and Hope. Faith's smile can light up a dark room and Hope's eyes just sparkle. Even though Paul wouldn't admit it, I think he enjoyed taking pictures with his pride and joy's - his girls and his tractor! Maria looked radiant and the sun was perfect. Thanks for giving me the chance to capture your beautiful family and the love you have for eachtoher. Enjoy!

There's Faith with that smile!

And Hope with those eyes!

I even got Mom to pose for me too - Doesn't she look gorgeous??!!

Playing with some textures on this one.

Side Pony Tails and Puff Painted T-Shirts

2009-07-17T08:15:00.000-07:00

I was at my cousin Cherie's house the other night (see her engagement pics here), and we started going through boxes of old pictures that she had. We reminisced about the great times we had during the summer we spent in Spain and traveling through Europe and how we can't believe our mothers dressed us in those hideous dresses when we were younger.

Then we came across this picture:

It was taken in 1988 - I was 7 years old, side pony tail and puff painted t-shirt(that I made myself thank you very much!) and a camera in my face. I had never seen this picture and don't remember it being taken but it almost made me want to cry. It just validated my love for photography that started..dare I say...21 years ago. This is what I've wanted to do for a long time and I'm so lucky to have a chance to do what I love doing. Even though I'm not able to do this full time yet, I have faith that I will get there. Thanks to all of you who have helped me on my journey - including my family who let me dress them up and take tons of pictures of them...i'll have to dig some of those up and post them too!

Maciel Family

2009-07-14T23:43:00.000-07:00

I had a busy day last Saturday which included shooting one of the cutest families! Baby Cole is only one week old and his big sister Mia is already helping Mommy and Daddy with him. Thanks David and Adrie for letting me into your home and being up for anything!

This is a great example of making my clients pick their locations for the shoots. We decided to stick around their home and everyone was more comfortable and we found some great locations to shoot.

Enjoy!

Cherie and Steve - Tulare Engagement Photography

2009-07-04T13:43:00.001-07:00

This last weekend I had the privelege of shooting engagement pictures for one of my favorite couples - Steve and Cherie. Cherie is my cousin and one of my closest friends. We've been through a lot together and I am so lucky to have her in my life, especially living so close to me now (thanks Steve!). She started hanging out with Steve at my wedding, in Portugal in 2006 (summer of love) who just happens to be my husband Jason's cousin. I have known Steve for a couple years now and think he is a great guy - which is evidenced by his huge group of friends. We've become closer over the years and I am proud to consider him not only family but a friend as well. I have never seen Cherie happier and know that their love has only grown stronger as they have had to go through rough times together. I wish you two nothing but pure happiness and love for the rest of your lives and want you to know that Jason and I will always be here for you no matter what. Thank you for giving me the chance to take these pictures and document your love for eachother! I can't wait for the wedding and for you two to start procreating so our kids can grow up together! Love you forever!

To view their slideshow click here and leave a comment below for Cherie and Steve!

Cherie and Steve: Sneak Peek

2009-07-04T07:16:00.000-07:00

Ava Kathryn

2009-06-26T20:24:00.001-07:00

There's no place like home. I got to spend last week back in Washington visiting my family and attending my 10-year high school reunion - wow just saying that makes me feel old! It was great to spend time with the family and catch up with old friends too.

While I was there I got to do a fun photo session with my godchild Ava. She is a HAM! We got to go back by the creek behind the dairy that we used to go to when we were younger. Miss those days! Love you Ava---Enjoy Nicole!

Ania Nadine

2009-06-26T16:15:00.001-07:00

Donny and Maria - Chino Wedding Photography

2009-06-15T22:17:00.000-07:00

I had the pleasure of shooting a beautiful wedding last weekend for an amazing couple. Seriously, they are so amazing that I don't think there was a dry eye in the whole place during the wedding party toasts! Donny and Maria are truly some of the nicest people and had a really fun wedding party too! Thanks for letting me be a part of your special day!

I started off the day at Donny's house with the guys.

We got off to a late start but the guys were ready to get their GQ poses on!

Then I met up with Maria at Blondie's where she was getting her hair and makeup done.

I loved the reaction the junior bridesmaid had when the "party bus" pulled up!

Full of emotion...love it!

The way that they look at eachother just oozes LOVE!

View the slideshow here and leave Donny and Maria some comment love too! Thanks for stopping by!

Raquel

Jasmine Star Workshop

2009-06-06T22:41:00.000-07:00

I had the pleasure of attending a photography workshop put on by the fabulous Jasmine Star earlier this week. I learned sooo much and my head is spinning with all of the information! I am inspired to work on finding my brand and developing a new website, blog, etc. I'm so excited to dive into this head first so please stay tuned for some great things!

Here is the group of awesome photographers that I got to meet!

Cousins

2009-06-06T22:27:00.000-07:00

I got to spend today with some of my fave people--my sister and my cousins. We decided to have some fun and have a little photo shoot like we used to do when we were younger! I think it's every girl's fantasy to get dressed up and be a model for a day! We had so much fun. I love these girls!

Here is my cousin Cherie. I am so glad she moved to Tulare not too long ago so I have someone to hang out with. She is getting married this fall to my husband Jason's cousin and they are an amazing couple.

This is my little sister Melissa. She is one of my bestest friends. I can always count on her to tell it like it is but she also has the biggest heart. I love you and miss you sooooo much!

This is my cousin Denise. She attends SFSU and I couldn't be prouder to call her my cousin. She is a beautiful person inside and out. Things just aren't the same without Denise around!

I even got to get on the other side of the lense for a couple shots too!

I think I am so lucky to have such wonderful girlfriends in my life and am so glad we had some fun taking these pictures that we'll have to look at when we're all growing old together! Love you guys!

Jake, Nick and Thomas

2009-05-30T22:45:00.000-07:00

I had the pleasure of taking some shots of these guys for their grandmother's birthday. They were so much fun and I hope grandma likes them!

Adam Pierre turns 1!

2009-05-30T22:26:00.000-07:00

Meghan

2009-05-10T23:42:00.001-07:00

So in love... - Tulare Wedding Photography

2009-05-03T22:09:00.000-07:00

One of the best parts about being a wedding photographer is meeting amazing couples. Brad and Gina are a beautiful couple, both inside and out. I feel blessed to have been a part of their celebration of love.

Edward John Avila, Jr

2009-05-01T14:05:00.000-07:00

My little brother had a baby! I was so excited that I got to be there and am so happy for Eddie and Nicole! It's such an amazing experience to be a parent and I am so glad that my brother gets to feel that now too! Congratulations and I miss you guys way too much!

Justine

2009-04-15T16:12:00.000-07:00

Kelcie

2009-04-09T21:34:00.001-07:00

Adventure

2009-04-07T20:42:00.000-07:00

I spent this morning shooting an engagement session with Eric and Tekla. We had quite the adventure hiking through trails complete with animals and scary bridges! Then we headed to downtown Visalia to finish up the shoot. They are such a fun couple and I can't wait for their wedding this summer!

Anticipation

2009-04-02T22:33:00.001-07:00

I had the pleasure of shooting some maternity pictures for my cousin Arnold and his fiance Mercedes. I love how these pictures turned out and can't wait to meet Baby Emma! Love you guys...enjoy!

My Baby Boy

2009-04-01T15:38:00.000-07:00

Lucky - Fresno Wedding Photography

2009-03-18T14:10:00.000-07:00

I'm lucky.
Lucky to have a beautiful baby boy, a loving husband and an awesome stepson.
Lucky to have wonderful friends and family.
And lucky to have had the opportunity to shoot Michael and Stephanie's wedding.

Anyone can see just from looking at these two that they were meant for eachother. Thank you for letting me be a part of your beautiful day. I wish you a lifetime of happiness!

2009-03-13T22:18:00.000-07:00

2009-03-05T09:58:00.000-08:00

6 weeks old!

2009-03-03T11:13:00.000-08:00

4 Weeks Old!

2009-02-20T09:20:00.000-08:00

I can't believe Adriano is 4 weeks old already! It seems like just the other day I was patiently anticipating his arrival with a carton of frozen yogurt propped on my big belly. He's been growing so fast and eating like a little piggy!

He was really not feeling my little photo session that I set up for him!