Bay Area Photographer: Break
When I began Zemya Photography, I never imagined the incredible journey I would go on. I have learned so much and grown so much… as a photographer and a business owner. YOU have helped me become successful and where I am today is thanks to you. You have allowed me to tell your stories: stories of birthdays, and of your love for each other. You trusted me to be in the delivery room as you welcomed your children into the world, and honored me by letting me see the hardships of your lives too. All of these experiences have shaped me to truly be a better person, not just a better photographer. I thank you for that!
Yet, as I look back on the past 4 years, I see some personal goals that are important to me that I haven’t had a chance to develop. I realized that there was a story I was neglecting to be part of: mine. As such, I plan to take a little break from the business side of photography for a little while.
What does this mean for you? First of all, if you already have a session scheduled with me, don’t worry: we are still meeting! I will not abandon you and I’m dedicated to photographing your family. I also am planning on hosting mini sessions this fall. At this time, I’m just taking a break: not quitting 🙂
Of course, you’ll still see me post more of my work. As a matter of fact there are some personal projects I’m excited to plan and show you. I may even ask for your help.
But for now, this is the right thing for me to do.
Thank you for your understanding and support!
Mountain View, CA Child & Family Photographer: Riding dinosaurs
Do you remember all the crazy games you would imagine up as a kid? I envy little people. So few of us let our imaginations run wild as adults: we almost need training to allow ourselves to be that adventurous again. Our oldest son is a little too pragmatic: he’s never been into imaginative play. Our little one, though, on any given weekend he’s a superhero fighting bad guys. Do you remember the photographs I posted last September when I showed you my walking date with Spider Man?
As a child photographer I get a little glimpse of how each one of the kids I document exercise their imagination too. Little Z rode a dinosaur at our last session. His dinosaur may have looked like a tree stump to you and me, but for him: it was totally a dinosaur. And I love listening to that play.
Mom and dad brought his furry sisters out for our morning session too. Kids and dogs? Oh boy! Hard to photograph, but when everyone helps out it works out. I was a little worried that the ground squirrels running around Cuesta Park would be a challenge for the pups, but they did so well! Although I pity mom and dad for having to brush all those burrs out. I blame the dry weather :p
Enjoy their photos!
Palo Alto, CA Child & Family Photographer: Always learning
Little E had been in front of my lens since his rug-rat days, so I’m sure his face is familiar to you by now. I always look forward to photographing these guys. They trust me and my crazy ‘hey let’s do this!’ ideas, which always keeps things fun for me… hopefully for them too!
I didn’t think that after four years of being their family photographer, I would still be learning new things about them, but I am, and it’s helping me grow not only as a photographer but also as a professional. Through K I learned about environmental allergies: as I discovered that people are allergic to eucalyptus trees. Don’t worry — no adorable family members were harmed in the making of this photo session.
However, you guys will see in my NEW “Getting to know you form”, I ask if there are any environmental elements I need to be considerate of if we plan to meet outdoors. Your health and safety is really important to me, so be sure to let me know if there’s anything we need to watch out for. Your best photos happen when you can relax in your surroundings… and not have to worry about bees or plants that make you swell like a blowfish. If you are not one of my clients, please be sure to tell your photographer the same.
A little tangent for today, but I thought a good way to introduce a new process I’m putting in practice as I get to know you better. Now… onto the photos!
Bay Area Child Photographer: HER wedding
Its remarkable to me how something as ugly as cancer can show the true beauty behind people: in the acts of friends, relatives and even communities at large. I’ve marveled at the outpouring support that Jennifer (JLK) has received over the past two months (and hope it will never stop). Even you, dear friends, helped, whether knowingly (or otherwise) by ordering your holiday cards through my TinyPrints storefront to fundraise for this little girl’s medical needs.
One of the most marvelous gifts I’ve seen yet, has been from Jennifer’s godmother, nicknamed Fairy. You see, Fairy had her own special wedding day planned for this upcoming April. Sadly, given Jennifer’s prognosis, attending an April event may have been difficult, at best. So to be sure that her best flowergirl and Matron of Honor would be certain to stand with her, Fairy, her fiance and family, created a beautiful second (first?), private wedding just this past week-end. I feel very humbled to be asked to photograph it, and even though weddings are not my specialty, there was no way I would ever say no to this amazing day.
Since I felt this day was for Jennifer, I made this HER wedding through my lens, and photographed it from her perspective. I was a little worried how Fairy would feel about this idea, but she loved it. She was so incredibly gracious at giving me access to everything: down to photographing Jennifer IN her own wedding dress. How many brides do you know would allow the first person to wear their dress be a six-year old, little girl? I told you the woman was a beautiful human being! A Fairy godmother to be sure.
From getting ready, jumping on the bed, the ceremony, reception, frolicking’ at the beach, and s’mores by the campfire I witnessed a family by blood and by circumstance come together to make this day incredibly special. I saw Libby choke up watching her little girl have her makeup put on. I saw a bride tear up as she zipped up her flowergirl’s dress. I saw a daddy kiss his little girl on the dance floor. I saw a friend let Jennifer choose just how big she wanted her cake slice to be… and then later that same evening make her s’more, after s’more, after s’more. I saw an uncle race her wheelchair on the beach. All to make this special.
I have never had the back of my camera be wet from tears before as I documented an event, but I guess there’s a first for everything.
This is an incredibly photo heavy post, but it’s hard to tell the story of this day with any less (and I feel like I already cut so much). I hope you enjoy them!
Please continue following Jennifer through her journey at http://unravelpediatriccancer.org/blog/. If you are able to support this family, even if only in your thoughts and heart, it still means a great deal. If you are able to donate directly, your contribution is tax deductible.
Menlo Park, CA Newborn Photographer: Right on time
What better way to start a new year than with the birth of a brand new person? Since big sis was two weeks late for her arrival, Mommy was convinced that baby A would take awhile to make her arrival too. She hadn’t even packed a bag to the hospital when A announced it was time. Isn’t she beautiful?
Big sis was in awe, loved getting some dedicated attention of her own, and was a really good helper to me. Even volunteered to do some newborn poses of her own.
Grandma and Grandpa were also still visiting that day, and I enjoyed photographing them play with the kids. Happy New Year, everyone! Let’s greet it with a newborn session!
