[Picture Life] with the Millers | Orange County Family Photographer

In April I held a Mother's Day Giveaway contest in my VIP Facebook Group (go join!) where I had people nominate a deserving mom for a FREE photo/video shoot. So many incredible women were nominated and after all the votes were counted, the winner was Ashley Miller!

Ashley and I worked at the same company in HR a few years ago and I had not seen her since she left. It was great to catch up a bit and to meet her adorable little fam.

Without further ado, meet the Millers!

It was a pleasure to document this family at one of their favorite places and give them photographs and a film to cherish for a life time. If you are interested in booking your authentic family session, drop me a line!

Thank you for stopping by. Check out our Facebook and Instagram for daily updates.

xo,
Sarah C.

The New Varisty & Bristol To Memory | Orange County Photographer

On Friday night I attended a show at The Constellation Room at The Observatory in Santa, Ana. My husband's band, Bird & The War, was on the bill to play so when I left the house I grabbed my camera, ready to shoot some video for them and also be the merch girl.  I was impressed by a few of the bands, so much so, that I picked up my camera and photographed a bit for them. The first band that caught my interest was The New Varsity. Within a few seconds, I knew it was going to be a fun performance. Why? Because, Pop Punk.

And then the headliners, Bristol to Memory played a great alternative, pop punk set! This was a kick-off show for their EPIC PROPORTIONS TOUR. They were really entertaining to watch.

Hopefully you can walk away from this post with some new music to listen to!

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Thanks for visiting my blog, see ya next time!

Smoke Bombs | Orange County Photographer

I recently did a 90 minute shoot with two subjects and five smoke grenades (or smoke bombs). I have been sharing photos on Instagram here and there and was asked to write a blog post about my experience using them. So here you go!

First of all: I bought my smoke grenades from this website. Enola Gaye Wire Pull Smoke Grenades. I used Red, White, and Green smoke grenades during this shoot. They have military grade available but I did not buy those. I hear those last longer and likely create more smoke. Amazon also sells them but this site was cheaper. Each one lasted about 5 minutes (give or take) 

Once you get the smoke grenade, I suggest making sure you have an assistant with you to help. I didn't want my subjects holding the smoke grenades so I needed an assistant. It's also possible for the smoke grenades to stain light colored clothing so that is another reason I didn't want my subjects holding it when being photographed.  I suggest your assistant wear all black to prevent staining. 

Okay so to use the smoke grenades, you want to grab the wire tab, away from you and then pull it, again, away from your body and others.

When pointing towards the sun, the red smoke bomb lost some color.

It was really interesting to see how the colors photographed.

To get the above effect, I shot towards the sun when it was probably at a 50 degree angle (an hour before sunset) and let the sun rays engulf the smoke. 

Just a lot of waving the smoke grenades up, down, and around.

Once you are finished, the grenade will be HOT so it's a good idea to put it some sort of container or let it rest on something until it cools down.

This was the red smoke grenade and for some reason this shot had some purple hues.

Played with color hue in Lightroom to change the green to blue!

I jumped in for a few photos and I really liked the green smoke in the background as it faded into the trees.

Thank you for checking out my blog, all about using Smoke Grenades/Smoke Bombs! Feel free to ask anything in the comments below. I would love to hear your feedback!
If you're interested in booking a shoot with me using these awesome props, don't hesitate to contact me!

Keep up with me on Facebook and Instagram for daily updates. 

Until next time!

- Sarah xo

Women's March 2017 - Orange County, CA | Orange County Documentary Photographer

Today was one of the best days of my life. It was such an honor to be part of history where in 60 countries around the world, over 3 million people marched on behalf of women. I marched in Santa Ana, CA (Orange County) with over 20,000 people of all ages, race, creed, ability, and sexuality. I was in awe of my community coming together for me and all women.

As one speaker proclaimed, "This was a coming out party for the allegiance of social justice warriors."

I didn't see any "official" press at our event. Surprise, surprise. So I took part in documenting and being the people's press. It's important that our voices be heard, and our ideas shared.

Enjoy and please share!

Thank you for visiting and supporting.

You can follow my work on Facebook and Instagram for daily updates.

Be good to one another.

[Picture Life] on Friday the 13th

"Friday the 13th" brings up different thoughts for everyone. For some, it's horror films, and others fear it will be an unlucky day. Some people just go about their Friday normally.  For me, I think about $13 tattoos! For the past few of years I have gotten 4 of these simple design tattoos. So yesterday I met some friends at a tattoo shop in Costa Mesa for some tattoo fun!

Now, I realize I didn't get any photos of the final tattoos (except mine) but I really wanted to focus on the energy of the day. I hope you enjoy!

Agape Art Collective - Costa Mesa, CA

Jon with Aaron behind

The boys patiently waiting. We waited a total of 3 hours! [L to R: Jon, Jeremiah, Aaron]

Aaron stole my camera and took some photos including this one.

This is our tattooer, Sal. He was rad and down to earth.

Aaron stole my camera again and snapped this of me.

I always love checking out tattooer's stations. The artwork on their wall tells a lot about what kind of artist/person they are.

And now the prep begins for my tattoo!

Thank you Aaron for snapping away while it was my turn!

yum! I have a deep love for pizza and I am pretty stoked on this new tattoo :)

Thanks for checking out my blog. I hope you enjoyed a glimpse of my personal life!

I am available for hire in little adventures like this so drop me a line and we can discuss working together.

Keep up with me on Facebook and Instagram for daily updates. 

Until next time!

[Picture Life] with The Guimonds & Powell Families | Orange County Family Photographer

This is a Sunday afternoon, well spent! Sunshine, planes overhead, and two loving families ready for some portraits!

I met these families under sorrowful circumstances. We have a mutual friend who recently died. His mother, Lynda, gifted Heather and Terra and their families with a photo session this holiday season. I was thrilled to spend some time with them and capture some special memories.

We decided to shoot at Back Bay in Newport Beach where I photographed Michael this summer to pay tribute to our friend. I am stoked on these photos, so enjoy! 

First we have The Guimonds. This trio was so much fun. I let the little one take the lead and he did a marvelous job. 

and now for The Powells

Thanks for visiting! If you would like to book a family session, contact me!

Keep up with me on Facebook and Instagram for daily updates. 

Until next time!

[Picture Life] Peacock Hill Photo Sessions

We have had the honor of photographing different horses and their owners this year at Peacock Hill Equestrian Center and last month we hosted our second photoshoot marathon!  Enjoy these photos! 

Mother, Daughter, and their boys

BEETLEJUICE! BEETLEJUICE! BEETLEJUICE!

Halloween is one of my favorite holidays because I enjoy the thrill of putting together a costume.
I decided a month ago that I wanted to be Beetlejuice this year since my hair was kinda green.

So then it became a matter of putting together my costume since I don't like buying packaged costumes (unless it's perfect like my Peter Pan Costume haha)  I bought my pants at Forever 21, tank top at Target, and tie at Party City. I owned the jacket already. Special effects make up was purchased at Spirit Halloween: white cream, green grease, purple and black eyeshadow, liquid latex, and brown browshadow (pre-owned). Shout out to my friend Amanda Fonseca for instructing me on how to achieve make up I wanted!

“BEETLEJUICE”

“BEETLEJUICE”

“BEETLEJUICE”

Lastly, my roots had grown out and I needed them green (plus I needed a hair trim) so I went to Jessica at Gold & Braid Salon in Mission Viejo, CA and I was thrilled with the results of a green shadow root and silver ends. 

Halloween has been twice as fun the last 4 years since I have been able to dress up with my significant other. This year we went as gender-bending Beetlejuice and Lydia Deets. We celebrated Halloween at our friend Ali's birthday party and we had a fun little photoshoot. 

My husband Chris had all the clothes and hat already so I bought some black lace for a veil, created a polaroid, and he borrowed my 35mm camera (I couldn't find my polaroid camera!).

“My whole life is a dark room”

— Lydia Deets

Our new friend

“I myself am strange and unusual”

— Lydia Deets

“I’m the ghost with the most, babe!”

— Beetlejuice

How was your Halloween? Who did you dress up as?