Breakfast

I have to say, since purchasing my iPhone 3Gs (yes I'm a little outdated), I love Instagram! Anyone else? This morning I decided a healthy and balanced breakfast was in order. I wish I had more of these moments throughout the day, but hey, a girl has to start somewhere. I don't know why I have such a hard time with food and eating healthy. Greasy, fatty, sugary foods are just YUM! Moving on... a little fried egg in olive oil with Sriracha, whole wheat toast with a little butter and low-sugar jam and half a grapefruit. Cheers to a great day everyone!

Lifestyle Photoshoot

My model, my friend - Sharrese. Isn't she gorgeous! We did some gorgeous shots, if I might say so myself ha down in the southern part of San Jose. The day started off with a lot and I mean A LOT of low fog. I actually thought that would be pretty cool for some of these shots giving it a smoky, sexy look to them. After a couple of hours the fog raise and the lighting couldn't have been more perfect.

I'm official!!

Well...I'm official! I've created my own website finally and it is LIVE!! I have to say it is sooo scary and so exciting to put yourself out there. I'm looking forward to my future in this industry and to making lots of people smile and enjoy their photos for years to come. I can't wait!!!

Enjoy!

http://www.claireoharastudios.com/

Valentine Mini Photo Sessions

Valentine Mini Sessions are here!

Capture the heart of your little ones with a photo you will keep forever and can share with their classmates

1- 30 minute photo shoot (location of your choice)

10 images in an online gallery for private viewing and ordering.

$50 per child

Send me an email to reserve your spot today claire@claireoharastudios.com

website: www.claireoharastudios.com

Hardie Family Pictures

I love this family. They are caring, giving, funny and always willing to help. Winnie and I were pregnant together, suffered together and ate together. Her daughter and my son are exactly two weeks apart. I tell you it couldn't be a more perfect situation. Once our babies go to sleep, we take turns once a month to watch each other's child and go out for a date night with our husbands. I love you guys and thank you for everything you do for us.

This was like magic for me. I'm sitting outside of a North Beach restaurant on a gorgeous day in SF (winter? HA) The cutest dog checking things out. I loved the colors on the table and the black and white of the dog and of the tile floor. The funny thing, a dog passes him. He does nothing. The dog is a few feet from him and then he decides to bark. The other dog was large, I might add.

Hand in Hand

Hand in hand they walk through the alley of North Beach. Probably on their way home with shopping bag in hand. You can see the strength these two have together. The long time love and commitment they have to each other. Then my mind just wanders from there. Trying to guess what their lives were like, how they met, how they fell in love. What IS their story?

Excitement

I rented a couple of lenses yesterday from Borrow Lenses in San Carlos. I can't say enough great things about them. I am shooting an old co-worker/friend of mine for some fashion shots and head shots. I rented the Canon EF 50mm f/1.2L USM and Canon EF 35mm f/1.4L USM. I've never done fashion type shots before so I'm super excited to be spending tomorrow morning with her!


The morning was bright and I was up early, I slept. It felt great! I was looking at my rented lenses thinking about other things I can shoot while I have them. The sky this morning was so red and gorgeous. Great weather for the bay area today. Then I saw the dew on the grass this morning and had to take some pics. Up close and personal. I was on the ground in front of my house in my pajama's, not embarrassed until a lady walked by with her groceries.

Cupcakes

I thought the title would grab you! I love cupcakes, but I have to admit I'm very picky. Don't give me dry, small, or too much frosting to cover up for bad or dry cake and then charge me $3.50. Wow, harsh! That being said, a girlfriend of mine moved out of state and misses her California cupcakes. I don't blame her. I am going to attempt to send her some via freezing and putting in Tupperware and hoping for the best. I decided to check out Vanilla Moon Bakery in San Carlos. Very cute little boutique. I ordered a few for my friend and ordered the lemon and carrot cake for myself. Not bad. I wish the cake was a bit more moist. The size of the cupcake was just about right and they had a fresh taste. I guess I'll have to go try more flavors :)


Note: I rented a 50mm 1.2 lens to shoot these in my home.


Flavor: S'mores

                                                               

Great finds

I forget that I love TJ Maxx and similar stores like Ross and Marshalls. It's not for the clothes either. I go straight to the back of the store to look at all of the household items - towels, cups, nick-nacks, soaps, lotions. This time I wasn't in here for any particular reason. I came across these cards and realized I needed thank you cards for my baby's first birthday party. PERFECT! I really love these. $3.99 for a set of 30. How could I go wrong! I set up my own stage at home with my white foam board, as much natural light as possible and bam here we go.

Books

I loveeee books. Let me rephrase that, I love buying books. The funny part? I have a hard time reading. I am so easily distracted by what is going on around me or the thoughts in my head that I forget what I have just read and I have to start all over. I love the idea of reading and I have the intention of actually reading them. I stumbled upon this small stack of books. Some of them are new, some of them have bookmarks from where left off. Maybe I should make this a New Year's Resolution - to read more! 

Prepping

I have been prepping for my baby's FIRST birthday along with dealing with a nasty cold. I didn't think I would be a sucker for wanting to do so much for this little boy who wouldn't remember a darn thing about his first birthday. It really is for us and boy are we excited. I made these little favors using baby food jars, Skittles, tissue paper for the top and twine to tie it. The bad part, I was so busy with the party I forgot to pass around the basket for everyone take. So now I'm stuck with these. Good thing my husband LOVES Skittles!!