Bright Waters Photography

New seasons, New directions

2010-11-16T11:34:00.000-08:00

You can now find the lovely Adrea's work at adatakes.wordpress.com
She is now working as a division of CueLife

AND

Sarah's wonderful work can be found at sarahscheidler.com
She has started a new photography venture, check out the website.

much love
Ada & Sarah

Hiatus

2010-09-18T21:18:00.001-07:00

Sarah and I are working on our website - an actual website.

And we're also toying with the idea of new solo photography blogs within that website.

We are not sure that this one is done forever. But for now, we're trying things out.

Adrea's @ adatakes.wordpress.com

Sarah's @ sarahgives.wordpress.com

Adrea: Sophia

2010-08-29T09:45:00.000-07:00

This is a slightly different version than the image on facebook...

Adrea: Ava Smiles

2010-08-26T22:14:00.000-07:00

Sigh, there is no point in separating these if Facebook only updates once every few weeks. What an annoyance. And now theres this whole other share option. Hmmm.

Anyway - third and final post on Ava (even though there are about ten more that are my absolute favorites). I did Ava's family's Christmas shoot last year and was frustrated that I couldn't capture just how incredibly adorable Ava was at the time. So I have been pestering her mom to let me try again since and whoo, our schedules finally meshed. I'm satisfied finally... for now...

Adrea: Ava Magic

2010-08-25T21:16:00.000-07:00

I don't remember getting Ava anywhere near anything blue. The asphalt just changed to match her eyes apparently.

Adrea: Hang in There

2010-08-24T21:09:00.000-07:00

Oh come on, you all were thinking of the kitten hanging from the tree branch poster too - admit it. And she is easily as cute as a kitten...

Adrea: Maggie at the Blue Door

2010-08-23T20:55:00.000-07:00

Adrea: Maggie @ the Fountain

2010-08-22T21:03:00.000-07:00

Adrea: Happy Accidents

2010-08-21T17:31:00.000-07:00

love when a photo goes out of control

Adrea: Charley

2010-08-20T05:13:00.000-07:00

This guy got diagnosed with some bad news a while but, but he's living a charmed and loved life at the moment.

Adrea: Ellie

2010-08-19T05:08:00.000-07:00

Who says babies are hard to photograph until they can sit? Oh, right, I usually do. But luckily, I'm getting the hang of it and Ellie just happened to be a star.

Adrea: Beaches are Moody

2010-08-18T17:01:00.000-07:00

And I love a little drama in my photography... even if its ever so litte

Adrea: So We're Just Walking on the Beach...

2010-08-17T10:54:00.000-07:00

Adrea: Asher Has a House

2010-08-15T22:50:00.000-07:00

Adrea: Asher is One & Likes Dibs

2010-08-14T01:39:00.000-07:00

Adrea: Neighbor Sweetie

2010-08-13T04:28:00.000-07:00

Adrea: Neighbor Baby

2010-08-12T04:20:00.000-07:00

I spend a LOT of time at my mom's house which is attached at the hip so to speak with her neighbor's house. A new family moved in recently and I keep thinking 'wow' what a difference to know they are nice and well.. neighborly (as opposed to the previous owners). So, of course they have a baby and I of course take out the camera.

Adrea: Early Morning

2010-08-11T01:22:00.000-07:00

This little girl has so much cute energy it bursts from her. This is a quieter moment.

Adrea: Samantha Portrait

2010-08-10T01:40:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Samantha Sue!

Adrea: Ryan Helping Out

2010-08-09T07:01:00.000-07:00

It was Ashley's shoot mostly, but Ryan was so so great. As I was about to leave, I realized we'd finally built a rapport and I asked him if there were any other shots I should get. And he said yes and posed for me.

Adrea: Ashley is One

2010-08-08T02:59:00.000-07:00

Adrea: Portrait of Julianna

2010-08-07T07:46:00.000-07:00

There was another portrait this day that was more beautiful, but for some reason, I LOVE this one more. Now if we just had some text on screen to fill up the off center wonderfulness... our watermark would have been a good idea!

Adrea: Sibling Week #3

2010-08-06T01:51:00.000-07:00

So technically this is several sets of siblings... but it counts.. right?

Adrea: Elise

2010-08-05T01:51:00.000-07:00

Adrea: Portraits

2010-08-04T11:03:00.000-07:00

I'm learning more and more that portraits are my favorite things to do... and yet I wouldn't want to get penned in to only portraits... I don't think... maybe I would...

Adrea: Megan Portrait

2010-08-03T01:51:00.000-07:00

I am eternally switching back and forth between focusing here or on facebook. Repeat alert for facebook users! Maybe I'll try a different processing version to post here than I have posted on facebook.

Adrea: Sibling Week

2010-08-02T01:31:00.000-07:00

Okay, you all know I love my kids. Adore them; Think of them and love pours into my heart. That being said, I have a mom crush on these kids. Twins: Abby& Ben, Little Sister: Emma. They are just sweet decent kids. I tell them to mash together and they mash together. I pull them apart and they go about their business. They're not desperate to have their picture taken, but they bring joy to their faces when pictures ARE being taken. I'm sure at home they have their moments... but I'm only saying that because its the obligatory thing to say - actually I think they are probably sweet and adorable and wonderful all the time.

Adrea: Siblings and Me

2010-08-01T05:07:00.000-07:00

I love to get siblings together in portraits, but wow, have I realized how very much I canNOT control that dynamic. Heck, even as adults, getting you siblings to get close and loosen up can be tricky. And it's only been in the last few weeks that I've really understood why.

Listening to the insight that comes "out of the mouth of babes" has been breaking my heart. When I ask a 3 year old to put their arm around their 2 year old sibling and that 2 year old throws off the gesture, I can see the rejection in the other - very clearly. When the kids are older, the words confirm my suspicion, "She doesn't like me!" says one younger brother out of the blue. I'd have never, never guessed that his refusal to follow my direction was based in self-consciousness.

Now I know... now I can maneuver better. I am also more willing to let the artsy shot happen - get them in the same frame.. sometimes who they are creates an interaction even when they aren't even near each other. It's not the perfect hug, but I like it. Bring it on siblings!

Sarah: 2 Dinglers = LOTS of laughter

2010-07-28T00:00:00.000-07:00

my personal favorites.

SUCH a fun mom & son pair!

Sarah: The work of one amazing man...

2010-07-26T00:01:00.000-07:00

Joel Tkach is an architect.

I like his work.

also... I had the opportunity to stage the place... and do a little florist work...

Sarah: What a lovely lady!

2010-07-22T00:01:00.000-07:00

Sarah: Babb + Hodge = LOVE

2010-07-20T21:36:00.000-07:00

Sarah: a little love

2010-07-09T00:16:00.001-07:00

a little focus...

it's over due...

good thing my business partner doesn't charge late fee's

Adrea: Freddy's Day Out

2010-07-03T15:34:00.000-07:00

Adrea: Rings

2010-07-02T08:20:00.000-07:00

Adrea: Sugar... ah, Honey Honey...

2010-06-29T16:23:00.001-07:00

I cannot take credit for the cuteness of this idea. This girl's parents call her "Sugar" and worked tirelessly for two hours to get this little sweetie comfortable and sleepy.

Adrea: One of Each for Lost time

2010-06-29T07:48:00.000-07:00

Adrea: Flower Studies #3

2010-06-18T21:43:00.000-07:00

Adrea: Andja's Graduation Day Location #2

2010-06-17T09:17:00.000-07:00

Adrea: Andja's Graduation Day Location #1

2010-06-16T07:46:00.000-07:00

Adrea: Trucker Jen

2010-06-14T08:57:00.000-07:00

Adrea: Another Favorite

2010-06-13T00:27:00.000-07:00

so it goes ALL by itself.

You know, my favorite of all favorites seem to be couples moments. You wouldn't peg me as a romantic, would you? Unless you know of my fervent Harry/Ginny ship...

Another note. I appointed a critic (aka my mom) to take a pass at my galleries before I send them to clients - so she can tell me that actually some things I thought were great look ridiculous or she catches any number of things. She has a passion for centeredness however that I do not share.

So of course the above picture went on her radar. The problem is, usually about a month after a shoot I look back and more often than not, end up agreeing with her. This time I really really like the off center. I checked with the client (since we are friends, it didn't sound like I was digging for reassurance... I hope) and client likes it off center (is she just saying that? we'll never know).

The question becomes... what will IIII think in the long run? So far, I am snobbily retorting that though the couple is off center, the hall is dead center... so it works. But... time will tell.

Adrea: Shoe Fettish

2010-06-12T00:42:00.000-07:00

I have come to realize that I have some sort of photography foot fettish. It all started because Sarah was taking torso shots, and for some reason when I tried that sort of style, I came up with the feet. And the first time I tried was with Claire's family where only Claire was short enough to be in the shot completely and it was very cute and successful. Now I usually try for a similar thing because I'm often surprised what gets caught in the body language of our legs and feet... and the cool shoes people wear (highly ironic since I buy shoes once every five years and complain anout it the whole time).

Anyway, after editing the Q's shoot I realize I've obviously gone off my rocker. Here are all the ones I chose to edit... which means there are countless more I did not!

In my defense, some of it does have to do with shooting families with small children.

Adrea: Q Fam

2010-06-11T00:59:00.000-07:00

Adrea: Q is TWO

2010-06-10T00:34:00.000-07:00

Adrea: Cinderella wore Docs

2010-06-08T09:38:00.000-07:00

How would the story have ended if Cinderella had worn Jen's wedding shoes?

Adrea: Bridal Portraits 13 years late

2010-06-06T06:16:00.000-07:00

This is Jen. She was my roommate in college. She also got married IN college (yes she was crazy, but to be fair, Adam is cool and they are happily married to this day... 13 YEARS later).

She also happens to have a closet talent as a model as we accidentally discovered documenting her perfect hair before cancer robbed her of it.

See, my biggest stumbling block with my photography is my own self-consciousness. And, that is often the biggest stumbling block for my subjects as well. Well, cancer was bigger than that. If I had inhibitions ordering her around, getting her to keep craning her neck until the light was right, I had to get over it. This was no time to be timid and get timid shots.

And as a result it's the photography I am most proud of - both professionally and personally because she has a legacy now of that horrible time (that yes, does go on from time to time) that is actually quite beautiful, as is, I might add, the strength and honesty she showed while going through it.

Anyway, now it seems I see her as a friend first (of course) and someone to document second. (Dangit, Jen, we forgot your scar again).

SO, because I have a hard time scheduling just plain old good friend time, I usually use the need for a photoshoot as a cover and we're off and running.

And, despite the fact that my ideas aren't quite as meaningful as they once were at inception - we usually find out we were much cooler and deeper than we thought we were. Like the petticoat shoot that Steve so poignantly pointed out was a harsh juxtaposition of Cancer-bald with little girl's innocent petticoat.

And this one? New life maybe? A bride to the next phase? Committing again to keep going, keep fighting, keep laughing, keep sharing, keep dancing? Yeah, maybe that too.

Adrea: Flower Studies #2

2010-06-05T01:32:00.000-07:00

Adrea: Flower Studies

2010-06-04T09:42:00.000-07:00

After discovering awesome action star "Florabella" is a mom of one of Abby's classmates I've been inspired to try some florals.

Adrea: Perfectly Safe

2010-06-03T02:07:00.000-07:00

Yes, this is a trick. No children were put in danger in the making of this photograph.

Adrea: Lucas & Family

2010-06-02T01:30:00.000-07:00

this next one is artsy I know, but I sorta like it

I don't expect that all kids are just going to naturally like me. It's helpful if they think I'm ridiculous, but what we want to avoid is the mere sight of me making them burst into tears. In this family's case, Lucas happened to like me a LOT. Which happened to make for great pictures ... and also happened to make for a problem, as he wanted to play with me, not stand ten feet away with his family. Ah, well, I had a great time.

Adrea: Abby's Expression

2010-05-30T12:36:00.000-07:00

Abby drew this during Samantha's good bye party.

Adrea: Tim & Sarah Portraits

2010-05-29T12:29:00.000-07:00

Sunset party where there are plenty of people to help entertain my kids? Must be time to play around with portraiture.

Adrea: Sydney Portraits

2010-05-28T00:54:00.000-07:00

Adrea: Portraits from Samantha's Party #1

2010-05-27T01:58:00.000-07:00

Adrea: Mia's Family

2010-05-25T07:24:00.000-07:00

Adrea: Julia is FOUR

2010-05-24T12:53:00.000-07:00

what??! when? Why?!

Adrea: Mia Mine (not really mine)

2010-05-22T08:57:00.000-07:00

Adrea: Technology Masters Conquered

2010-05-21T22:09:00.000-07:00

Sometimes a client doesn't mind doing something a little goofy. Sometimes even, the client really wants something a little off the beaten path. We aim to please!

Adrea: Coronado Bridge Run

2010-05-17T07:40:00.000-07:00

This past weekend I joined some family (and 8000 others) to walk the Coronado bridge (Steve ran it). Normally I'm not too big on these 5k thingees, but it's not often I'm allowed to walk up the Coronado bridge without being arrested. So Abby stayed with her GREAT Grandmother and I strolled the boys.

My Cousin-in-law Colleen is 6 months pregnant, so we had to have a mini (a very mini) maternity shoot in there).

you could see the water far beneath in between the seems of the bridge... yikes.

At the point I take the next picture, Steve has already finished the run. Bum.

Hmm. Consider this event photography as it's not my usual sparce post.

Sarah: Nico is 2 months

2010-05-10T13:07:00.001-07:00

Adrea: Gus Short

2010-05-06T20:48:00.000-07:00

Adrea: Pearl Short

2010-05-04T04:35:00.000-07:00

Sarah: Mama Byrd @ 41 weeks

2010-05-03T05:00:00.000-07:00

SUCH a good sport... and endlessly positive... this mama (and papa too) is amazing...

Adrea: Again with the Basket

2010-04-30T05:50:00.000-07:00

When looking for the photos for Thursdays post, I found this. The only issue with being an obsessive photographer is you have too many photos "good enough." This one hadn't made the cut obviously back when I took it, but I love it now.

Adrea: Same Basket, Same Baby

2010-04-29T08:32:00.001-07:00

now add 7 months of love & milk

Sarah: sleepy time

2010-04-28T11:30:00.000-07:00

Adrea: Funny Boys

2010-04-27T01:29:00.000-07:00

Sarah: the perfect moment.

2010-04-26T08:54:00.001-07:00

every now and then... I capture it... without any effort...

it's a beautiful thing...

Adrea: Brother Naps

2010-04-23T23:04:00.000-07:00

Please God bless us with many more of these moments

Adrea: Finn without the Fuzz

2010-04-22T01:30:00.000-07:00

For about five minutes after a bath, Finn's hair stays down. I love his fuzzy wuzzy do, but I think it can distract from his cute little face in pictures.

Sarah: Yum

2010-04-21T10:21:00.000-07:00

Adrea: Some Easter

2010-04-20T01:48:00.000-07:00

Adrea: Fashion

2010-04-18T01:21:00.000-07:00

Adrea: Those Brothers

2010-04-15T13:36:00.000-07:00

They were great about sitting still for me, just not all at the same time. SO I followed them around instead.

Sarah: Shelby

2010-04-12T08:00:00.000-07:00

I have known Shelby since she was 8. And now... she is all grown up... what a lovely lady she has become! I had SUCH fun being with her... while we shot her senior portraits!

Adrea & I will be offering

SENIOR PORTRAIT SESSIONS*

$100

APRIL 15th - JULY 15th

*one person, no more than 3 oufit options, one location picked by photographer, one CD 5-10 images and online gallery. All prints ordered separately.

Adrea: Consequences of Being related to Me

2010-04-10T13:18:00.000-07:00

Look. You can't have me over at your house at sunset and be too surprised when I force you to become a model ;).

Adrea: These Guys + Some more

2010-04-08T10:02:00.000-07:00

You should remember these guys. Well we did a little extended family shoot, and these are my favorites of the kids' together and portraits.

Sarah: Baby Benton is coming SOON!

2010-04-07T01:00:00.000-07:00

Adrea: Ethan's Event

2010-04-06T15:07:00.000-07:00

Adrea: And Finn

2010-04-02T02:23:00.000-07:00

How long before he has hair heavy enough to lay down?

Adrea: Hayden Under Cover

2010-04-01T08:10:00.000-07:00

Hayden was *not* loving me this time, but he's so gorgeous, I love these even though had to resort to paparazzi like behavior

Adrea: Brynn by herself

2010-03-30T09:35:00.000-07:00

Adrea: Asher for Easter

2010-03-28T09:14:00.000-07:00

Adrea: At Last

2010-03-27T06:48:00.000-07:00

Adrea: Jett

2010-03-26T14:15:00.000-07:00

Adrea: Baby for Karen & Jason

2010-03-25T13:46:00.001-07:00

Adrea: Hudson - Sugar Shopping

2010-03-19T13:15:00.000-07:00

Adrea: Hudson - Granite shopping

2010-03-18T01:05:00.000-07:00

Sarah: yes... 6 weeks old... lovely boy twins

2010-03-17T00:01:00.000-07:00

I REALLY REALLY loove shooting TWINS... it's decided... love the twins...

another set to introduce to you next week!

Sarah: 8 = LOVE

2010-03-14T00:26:00.000-08:00

Adrea: re-edit

2010-03-13T02:25:00.000-08:00

She doesn't *look* like she's in the middle of life-sucking (and life saving) chemo, does she? But she was. I lost the edit to this picture in the great drop-kick hard drive disaster of 2008 and its one of my favorites so I re-edited and am re-posting

Adrea: Rain Watching

2010-03-12T08:37:00.000-08:00

Adrea: Jack in the Glass

2010-03-11T09:24:00.000-08:00

Adrea: Anna's Mom

2010-03-09T09:46:00.000-08:00

Adrea: Waffle Lady Making Cookies (artsy)

2010-03-07T09:20:00.000-08:00

Adrea: The Waffle Lady

2010-03-06T04:51:00.000-08:00

Adrea: Beautiful Anna

2010-03-05T01:50:00.000-08:00

Adrea: Finn by any other Name..

2010-03-04T00:55:00.000-08:00

or part two of "I'm a Model..."

So, my sister-in-law Megan (no, not the owner-of-Meggie*liz-Megan-sister-in-law, Megan-my sister-in-law-thru-my-brother) 's sister in law Chelsea, owner of Sew*la Grace sent me this onezie for Finn which you may have seen back in October was still a little big for Finn. So I've still been trying for nice product shots. Whoo. That was a mouthful.

Sarah: love from 7 months

2010-03-03T10:56:00.000-08:00