Sweetface Photography

Rockin' the dress | del mar portrait photographer

2010-07-26T23:35:00.000-07:00

In a few short weeks, Annie and Richard will be celebrating their 10th wedding anniversary. To celebrate, Annie emailed me and said she wanted to get back into her wedding gown and shoot at the very spot where she said yes to Richard all those years ago (how romantic is that?!). I was so looking forward to this shoot because I've always wanted to do my own "trash the dress" session, so I got to live vicariously through Annie. Plus, she just seemed like so much fun to hang out with it - and she (and all of her boys) proved me right.

Have to start with the shoes. I just love a pretty pair of shoes!

Rawr! Check it - Annie is owning this shot.

Ten years and three kids later...

...it's no wonder she had such an amazing smile throughout the shoot! gorgeous!

Happy 10th anniversary Annie and Richard! Here's hoping the next 50 are just as fun and amazing!!! :)

Ali in an alley | san diego family photographer

2010-06-27T19:26:00.000-07:00

There's no better compliment than a lovely family coming back and trusting you to capture some memories for them. Today I got to photograph Roxanne, Craig and Ali for the second time and they were such great sports, trapsing up and down the streets and yes, even alleys of downtown san diego. Here are just a few from today's session...

Let's start with our blog title - Ali in an alley ;) Isn't she adorable!?

I love this one...

Shameless plea for votes | san diego family photographer

2010-06-24T07:30:00.000-07:00

Hi friends and readers. Today is the last day of a contest I entered my daughter into about a week go. It's a contest to win a session from one of my favorite local photographers, Melissa Koehler. My sweetface is trailing in the votes so I figured I'd try one last avenue to garner a few votes for her. In order to vote you have to have a Facebook account. I don't expect anyone to go out and create one just to vote, so no worries if you don't have one. But if you are already a Facebooking extraordinaire, please read on.

In order to vote you have to first go to Melissa's fan page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Melissa-Koehler/102897976989
Once you're there, click the "Like" button at the top of her page.
From there, go into her photo albums and find the "Cutest Kid Contest" album.
My daughter, Angelina (3 yrs), is the very first photo in the bunch. Click on her picture and then "like" her photo.
Your "like" is your vote.

That's all you have to do and it only takes about two seconds.

Voting ends at 11:59 pacific time tonight.

Thank you!

xoxo
Gwen

Trisha |bonita maternity photographer

2010-06-19T19:21:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I wonder if I should really call this a job. Because, aren't you supposed to hate going to work? Picking up my camera to capture special moments in time for people is, I imagine, much like the moment when a kid first hears the chiming of the ice cream truck. A moment of joy and anticipation. That joy is magnified when my clients are sweet, charming, funny, and gorgeous. Trisha is all of those and thensome - even despite nearing the end of her pregnancy (and you other moms know exactly how hard that time can be). I had such a great time photographing, and even better time just getting to know her and her family.

First I'm going to start with this. Because after my love of my family, photography, and food...there's my love of shoes. I couldn't resist a shoe shot when Trisha broke out these little lovelies...

Did I mention she was g-o-r-g-e-o-u-s?

Finally, one of her and her boys. How beautiful is this family?

For the sake of art | oceanside family photographer

2010-06-14T10:26:00.000-07:00

Jessica paid for her family's session by check. Right before I deposited that check I reviewed it for accuracy, and when I looked down at the "for" line, Jessie had written in "the sake of art" and it made me smile and literally laugh out loud, and I knew in that moment I had this session's blog title.

Jessie and her family welcomed me into their beautiful home for their photo session yesterday morning. I had so much fun shooting them all - there was so much love, laughter, and even a couple of bottles of wine. I swear I have the best clients pretty much ever.

Lovely ladies...

Let's end where it all started ♥

Box of chocolates | pacific beach family photographer

2010-06-07T17:15:00.000-07:00

What's the saying ol' Forest Gump made famous? Life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you're gonna get. Well, the same can be said for photographing young children - especially when they range in age from 10 months to 5 years old. And especially when the 5 and 3 year olds are boys. But these kids were such a breeze to work with, and the entire family is beautiful, sweet, and the camera loved each and ever one of them. Take a look for yourselves...

I just love sweet, baby girls...

Seriously? How awesome and adorable are these boys...

Mom and dad are totally working it for the camera. Hotness! ;)

I heart the K family. Fo' real...

Just Shoot Me | san diego urban photographer

2010-05-29T17:18:00.000-07:00

Apparently, three photographers climbing shrub boxes, posing in front of buildings and laying down in the street to take photos of each other is quite the sight to see. Last weekend I met up with two of my photographer friends, Sophie and Jen, for a bit of a head shot exchange and a lot of photography fun. In the process, we attracted our fair share of onlookers and even one who decided to jump in the shot. It was so much fun talking shop with some fellow photogs and even being on the other side of the camera. Here are a couple of shots of my photografriends ;)

Oh...and don't forget. Sweetface Photography is on the list of nominees for the 2010 San Diego's Parents Pick for family photographers. You can vote EVERY DAY for 19 more days. Click on the image below or click here to vote!

Happy Family | coronado family photographer

2010-05-24T10:57:00.000-07:00

Riva contacted me a few weeks ago wanting to get some portraits of her family of five, but was a little hesitant. I understand - it's a little nerve-wracking being in front of the camera. I'm so glad she decided to just go for it because [1] children grow up so fast and [2] I got to meet this beautiful, sweet, fun family! Twins Jeffrey and Brandon delivered exactly what I expected from twin three-year olds: LOTS of energy and play. Baby Lauren is just the cutest, sweetest little girl; I just love her smooshy cheeks! Riva and Scott, you have such a beautiful family - it was such a great pleasure photographing you all. Hope you enjoy your sneak peeks!

Downtown, family fun | san diego family photographer

2010-05-15T14:11:00.000-07:00

I just love this family. How could I not? Take a look for yourselves...

They know how to have fun...

They can strike some fierce poses...

And my goodness are they just the most beautiful family!

Much to my surprise...

2010-05-12T19:33:00.000-07:00

...a friend of mine just emailed me to tell me Sweetface Photography is on the list of nominees for this year's San Diego Parents Pick awards for family photographers!

Now that my jaw is up off of the floor I can tell you just how thrilled I am to even be on this list with some of the local photographers I admire most. I don't expect to win but to actually make the top five would be a goal I certainly wouldn't mind bragging about. ;) So, if you please, click on the ginormous logo below or just click here to nominate me!

Don't forget - you can vote every.single.day until June 13! :)

Show me the awkward | san diego family photographer

2010-05-01T11:38:00.000-07:00

Hello friends!

The first contest of 2010 is here and there's a little bit of a twist on it this time around. If you haven't experienced the awesomeness of the Awkward Family Photos website yet, please take a moment to peruse it first and try not to soil yourself during your fits of laughter or flashbacks of your own family's awkward photographic moments) to witness the inspiration for this month's contest. Go ahead and check it out...I'll wait. :)

Ok, so many of you have seen the most standard of contest solicited by photographers, myself included. The basic premise - submit a photo of yourself, your family, or your child(ren) and let the voting begin. The premise here is still just that, only this time I want you folks mustering up the courage to publicly display your own awkward family portraits, submitting those photos, and encouraging your friends and family to vote yours the most awkward! Fun, right? Well...I can say that because I'm not putting my family's awkward photos on display. Erm...because we don't have any...yeah, that's my story and I'm sticking to it. lol

Entering is very simple. Just send me an email with your family's most awkward photo and a quick description about the photo (a couple of sentences will do just fine).

That's it - it's that easy! I will be accepting entries from May 1 until May 10. The top three finalists will be featured on my blog on May 11, and voting will last through May 15. Voting instructions will be posted that day as well. The winning photo will be announced May 17.

Now, what's the big prize up for grabs? The winner will receive a FREE session and a FREE 11x14 print (that's a $180 value)!

Official rules:

1. Winner must reside in or be willing to travel to San Diego, CA for the session.
2. Only one entry per person/family.
3. Please include your name, address and phone number along with your entry photo.
4. Winners of previous Sweetface Photography contests or prizes are ineligible for participation.
5. Winning session must take place before August 31, 2010.
6. Prize not redeemable for cash.
7. Winner will receive one free session for up to five people and an 11x14 print. Additional prints and digital images from the session may be purchased at 10% off.

So go ahead folks - I want to see photos of wicked big hair and shoulder pads, AC Slater mullets and acid wash denim, identical winter sweaters on all the kids, goofy/freaky/funnylooks on your family's faces, or whatever else you think is just hilarious and fun!

What are you waiting for? Go tell everyone you know to enter this contest. All entries should be mailed to info@sweetface-photography.com.

And because a post just isn't a post without a photo...

Party of three and a half | Chula Vista maternity photographer

2010-04-04T18:44:00.000-07:00

You might recognize the beautiful family from a session we had last year, when little Bruce was just three months old. Well, the handsome little fellow is about 18 months old now, has grown so much, and will soon be a big brother. That's right - parents, Ace and Marie, are expecting another little boy in June, so we got together this weekend to celebrate this growing family. There were so many great shots that I had a hard time narrowing down some favorites to post for the sneak peek! But I had to narrow it down to just a few; take a look at some of what we got...

I just love happy families.

How cute is big brother Bruce?!

Gorgeous Marie. Gorgeous.

Finley, two weeks old | Pacific Beach newborn photographer

2010-03-22T19:20:00.000-07:00

Finley first made her debut on this blog about a month ago, when her parents and I got together for their maternity session. I just met her this past weekend and can already say I love everything about this little girl. She is gorgeous, sweet, calm, has awesome parents, and was totally ready to be photographed - and she's only two weeks old! Here are a few of my favorite images from the newborn session with this sweet, new family of three.

See...total stunner and not even a month old yet.

What better way to start Spring than photographing a gorgeous newborn?

A walk for the mind and the spirit!

2010-02-22T11:22:00.000-08:00

Hi readers! I am writing you today to tell you about an upcoming event that I am participating in that is both very important and very exciting to me. It is NAMIWalks for the Mind of America, NAMI’s signature walkathon event that is being held in San Diego, CA at Balboa Park: 6th / Quince / Balboa on April 17, 2010.

I will be walking with my head up; proud to know that every step helps to further research and treatment for those suffering any one or combination of the many forms of mental illness. More specifically and personally, I'll be walking with the hope that it helps get us closer to finding the cause and hopefully one day a cure for dementia and Alzheimer's - an illness that has recently begun to tighten its grip on my grandmother.

I would like to ask you to come and walk with me or to donate to support my participation in this great event. Visit my personal walker page to sign up: http://www.nami.org/namiwalks10/SDC/sweetface. There is also a link so you can donate directly to me online. Donating online is fast and secure, and I'll get immediate notification via e-mail of your donation.

NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness, is the largest education, support and advocacy organization that serves the needs of all those whose lives are touched by these illnesses. This includes persons with mental illness, their families, friends, employers, the law enforcement community and policy makers. The NAMI organization is composed of approximately 1100 local affiliates, 50 state offices and a national office.

The goals of the NAMIWalks program are: to fight the stigma that surrounds mental illness, to build awareness of the fact that the mental health system in this country needs to be improved, and to raise funds for NAMI so that they can continue their mission.

NAMI is a 501(c)3 charity and any donation you make to support my participation in this event is tax deductible. NAMI has been rated by Worth magazine as among the top 100 charities "most likely to save the world" and has been given an "A" rating by The American Institute of Philanthropy for efficient and effective use of charitable dollars.

Thank you in advance for your support.

For more information about NAMI, please visit their website at www.nami.org

Rachel + Chad + Perfect Timing | Pacific Beach maternity photographer

2010-02-20T12:28:00.000-08:00

This shoot was just meant to happen. Rain has been forecast for the entire weekend, but thankfully Rachel and Chad didn't let that scare them away from their maternity session this morning. When I left my house this morning, the ground was still wet but the sky looked beautiful - there was a slight sprinkle during the drive up, but I still had hope for a great shoot. Sun was shining when I arrived at their home, so we got started, first in their front yard and then we casually strolled around their neighborhood, letting the urbanscape present some location gems. And as we were finishing the shoot and walking up to their front door, the rain started. This shoot was just meant to happen. :)

Chad earning his husband-of-the-year award. Nothing like a mid-session massage!

Rachel = awesome. She has to be in order to let me shoot her in the rain - and look gorgeous doing it!

Instant fave! I seriously just *love* this photo. Rachel, you are one stunning preggie. Can't wait to meet your little girl!

Giving is Awesome - the winners | Encinitas family photographer

2010-02-14T08:39:00.000-08:00

As some of you may remember, this past December I announced my participation in the Giving is Awesome (GIA) program - a program that affords custom photography for some very special people in our community (click here for more info). When I contacted Laural with the news of her winning, she was just weeks (if that) pregnant with their second child and knew that she would want to save her GIA session for his arrival. Well, yesterday morning I had the honor of meeting and photographing this beautiful, new family of four. I had a great time shooting with them yesterday - the weather was so perfectly gorgeous and this family just shined with love. Take a look...

Umm yeah - the eyes. Killer!

How cute is little Mason?

Gabi was just the epitome of doting big sister. She was so eager to just hold and love on her baby brother - totally melted my heart.

One last shot of this beautiful family...

I am so glad I participated in the Giving is Awesome program this year. It renewed my faith in the good that can be found in people and provided me the opportunity to meet this sweet, lovely family.

Rain, rain go away| Mission Bay family photographer

2010-02-07T23:25:00.000-08:00

I've been watching the weather for the entirety of this last week because the threat of rain was imminent for today's session. In fact, as late (or as early, depending on your POV) as 1:00am this morning, the weather channel was still forecasting morning showers. Melissa, my client, and I decided that we'd wait until an hour prior to the session to call it - if it's raining at that time, we'll postpone; if not, we'll meet up and see what happens. Thankfully, when I peered out of my window this morning, the clouds were bright and the sun was shining! Melissa and Brian are parents to Nathan and Kira. In honor of Kira's arrival and Nathan turning three soon, we made our way out to mission bay to capture some images of this beautiful family!

Raise your hand if you're ready to see sneak peeks! ;)

Ok, so I know I say it time and time again, but I mean seriously, I *am* right. I get to shoot some really beautiful families!

Hot mom alert ;)

And I'll close out with a close up of miss Kira, in an image which is likely to make my favorite 10 of 2010 list at the end of the year.

A dozen smiles | San Diego family photographer

2010-01-31T21:01:00.000-08:00

Today I met one of the most fun, charming, and beautiful families in all of San Diego. Seriously. I'll admit being a shade nervous anticipating my largest group yet - eight adults and four kiddos under three - but I had *such* a great time photographing all of them.

As you can imagine, shooting a large group means LOTS of pictures, so this post is going to be word light and photo HEAVY (which is how most would prefer it anyway. lol)! Let's get to the sneak peeks...

Let's start with where it all started - Roberto and Ana (and their furbabies, too!).

With their grandbabies...

The whole gang!

Check out Ruthie and Peter heating things up. Careful you two - that's how you got the lovely Valencia and Toby ;)

Definition of cute = Toby

Go ahead...melt from the sweetness! :)

Another furbaby, Cooper, getting in on the photo action...

Hayley, Eduardo, and Adrian looking fab.

I found myself a little jealous of Adrian's wardrobe ;)

Dan, Jessica, and little Sophia being beautiful together...

I swear Sophia is "smizing" like no one's business. Tyra would be proud ;)

LOVE this family. Great job guys!

Walkin on Sunshine | san diego family photographer

2010-01-24T20:16:00.000-08:00

I love photos. I love beautiful families who love photos. I also especially love that the storm that has been accosting our usually sunny city for the duration of this last week, broke just in time to let this session happen. The weather today, while a tad colder than most of us Sun Diego folks are used to, was capital G-orgeous. Seriously - as I was making my way to this shoot, I had the Katrina & The Waves song blasting from Nigella's speakers (Nigella is the new car's name; more on her in another post). Anyhow, I suppose the fab weather was fitting since the family I had the pleasure of snapping today is capital G-orgeous, too! Don't believe me? Take a sneak peek!

Here's Ciria with her lovely Isela and handsome Joaquin...

The cuteness of miss Isela was almost too much to handle. I mean, seriously.

Joaquin is just the most handsome little boy. Pretty much ever.

Proof that beautiful babies come from beautiful parents.

Winners are awesome | San Diego family photographer

2009-12-25T12:03:00.000-08:00

Before I announce the winner of the Giving is Awesome giveaway, I just want to take a moment to thank all of you for your nominations. This giveaway turned out to be so much more than just being able to do something nice for a deserving soul. Reading all the entries really just reminded me about the basic good we all have within us - and for that I am the most grateful. It was such a difficult choice to make, as there were so many deserving families highlighted and all the nominees were very deserving of this giveaway. But alas - I can only choose one.

The winning nomination came from Annie, who will receive a complimentary CD with their next photo session. Our very deserving winner is Laural - a very good friend of Annie's who has been there for her during times of need and beyond; whose family is going through some of their own tribulation right now; and who is, in Annie's words, "...super helpful to me, and a genuinely kind, good person" and "...truly kind even when things are tough for them."

Congratulations Laural and Annie!

And with a full heart, I wish all of you wonderful readers a very Merry Christmas!

News team...assemble! | San Diego family photographer

2009-12-21T19:38:00.000-08:00

I had a list of things I wanted to make sure I mentioned in tonight's blog entry, but after a loooong night of Christmas lights hunting, a heavy meal, and not realizing I left my wallet at home until it was time to pay for said heavy meal...my brain is fried. So it seems you are saved from suffering my usual long windedness and are left simply with the fabulousness of this FUN group's smizing, laughing, and their ode to one Ron Burgandy and the channel 4 news team ;)

The "news team" jumping into action...

If this isn't an indication of just how much fun we had, I don't know what is...

Cameron and Maricel - or shall I say hot and hotterer?

The extra fabulous miss Ashley...who promised to hook me up with the most amazing tattoo artist...in Ecuador. Now I just need to get someone to fly me down there! Any volunteers?

Brittany and her hubby Joey...working it out.

the siblings...

You stay classy San Diego! ;)

Sweet and Sour - the second installment!

2009-12-15T11:55:00.000-08:00

Hi readers…

…just wanted to put out a couple of reminders and share the newest Sweet & Sour installment.
Friendly reminders:

Giving is still awesome! You can catch up on the details by clicking here. I’ve already received some heartstring pulling entries, but I’m still accepting nominations. So if you know someone who you think deserves to win, please submit their story right away. Even if you can’t think of anyone personally, feel free to pass this along in an email, post this link to your facebook or myspace, or even share on your own blog. Help me to help someone you care about! Deadline for nominations is in one week - December 22!

Fee increase alert! My prices will be increasing come the first of the new year (the new prices can be previewed here), but if you book your session prior to the new year – I’m talking even at 11:59pm on New Year’s Eve – you will lock in the 2009 session fee! So if you’re expecting in 2010, or already know you want to get some portraits done for your child’s June birthday, AND you want to save a little money, then book your 2010 session today! What are you waiting for?

THE SOUR
*dog kicking neighbor. Had to report a neighbor to the authorities because we witnessed him kick his dog...hard. Poor puppy (an adorable seven month old grey pitbull) squeeled in pain and it broke my heart. Don't know if anything was done by the auths but we shall see. Will keep you all posted.

*a jammed finger (so if there are any typos…blame the finger).

I don't know how it happened but for whatever reason, my left index finger is in pain. I'm walking around with a stupid splint on it and can't even offer up a decent excuse as to why I have it. Maybe I should make something up - like a freak mini-horse racing accident? Hmm...sounds better than, "I honestly don't know", right? Right?

*buyer’s remorse before actually buying. I saw these pretty neat pre-lit reindeer decorations for half off last week. I was super hesitant and talked myself iinto buyer’s remorse without even putting it into my basket. Gave myself all kinds of good reasons not to buy it. Alas, this is usually a sign that I really want something and of course, I can’t seem to learn myself. Anywho, OF COURSE when I go back into the store yesterday to finally pick one up – they’re sold out. Criminy!

THE SWEET

*The husband. My sweet man knows that I have always wanted a surprise birthday party. Of course...he should since I tell him every year. But alas he finally heard my cry and said surprise party ensued this past Sunday! Now for those of you who know me, you're probably scratching your head and thinking, "but your birthday's not until next month". Ah, see, now therein lay the real surprise. My hubbabubba threw me a surprise birthday party on HIS birthday. Now ain't that a suprise worth loving?

*Facebook fans! They're trickling in slowly, but at least they're increasing. I love logging in and seeing a new FB fan or two. It's like a sweet little present and affirmation that somebody digs me. ;) lol Have you fanned Sweetface Photography on FB yet? If not...it's never too late! Click here to join the party!

*Mixed Chicks hair products.
Particularly their conditioner. Have started using these products on the kid's hair and am loving it. The conditioner has really helped with keeping her hair soft and less tangled; the Hair Silk is great for keeping the frizzies at bay and adding some more shine. Will definitely keep buying from them!

*Starbucks Caramel Brulee Latte.
Holy canoli! I'm not really a big Starbucks person, but I go during the holidays for their Peppermint Mocha. Well, this past weekend on my way to a photo session, I stopped in to get the P'mint mocha again but my eyes (and tastebuds) were quickly sidetracked by the little chalkboard drawing of a little latte called Caramel Brulee. My lips ordered and then they fell in love. This latte is pretty much love in a grande cup. Highly recommend you try it folks!

Just in time for the holidays | Carlsbad newborn photographer

2009-12-12T15:36:00.000-08:00

You met Leah and Mike, and big sister Addison, a couple of months ago for their maternity session. Now they're a new family of four, having just welcomed handsome little Preston into the world last week. Such a sweet little guy; Preston just went with the flow of things and never fussed no matter how many times we repositioned him or changed his clothes. Once again I found myself wanting to put down the camera and just melt in and enjoy his delightful newborn-ness. Thankfully I didn't because [1] that would probably have freaked his parents out (lol) and [2] you all wouldn't get to see just how beautiful he is...

...from his fingers...

...to his toes!

Talk about perfection...

Look at those eyes!

In the adorable hat that Leah's mom made for him...

And in the spirit of the upcoming holiday we captured what are probably my favorite images of the season......

Big waves and bigger love | la jolla family photographer

2009-12-05T22:00:00.000-08:00

I was very excited when Alice told me she wanted to do her family session in La Jolla cove. I'm one of the few San Diegans, I'm sure, who had never been there. Not that I didn't want to - just never found enough motivation to go. But thankfully she picked this spot because it was just beautiful - almost as beautiful as their growing family. Try to keep an eye out for Alice's little bump - she's just over halfway to welcoming their second cutiepie.

We're gonna post a lot of the fun, sort of out takes so we don't ruin the surprise of their holiday cards this year...

Kisses for daddy...

Seriously, and I mean, seriously adorable...

Giving is Awesome! | san diego county lifestyle photographer

2009-12-02T00:11:00.000-08:00

You know someone. You know someone who's experienced a tragedy, is struggling to stay afloat, is raising kids while holding down more than one job, or is volunteering selflessly despite extenuating personal circumstances. You know someone who can't afford custom photography, but who would cherish it this holiday season. You know someone who deserves a year-round reminder of their family's spirit, love, and beauty.

You know someone. I guarantee it.

I want to know who they are, and I want to give them the chance to experience complimentary custom photography. It's in your power to give them the artwork they deserve this holiday season. The winner of this contest will receive a complimentary photo session AND a high-resolution disc of the images from their gallery!

Oh, and the icing on the cake? The person who nominates the winner receives a complimentary CD with their next photo session (including sessions already scheduled for a future date). What better reason to show some love could there possibly be, people?

The rules:

* You cannot nominate yourself, and the person nominated must sincerely be incapable of purchasing my services. (Being unable to make mortgage payments for a two-million-dollar-vacation-home in Paris does not qualify as sincere financial need.)

* The nominee must reside in or be willing to travel to San Diego county. Tell me who you know, what they're experiencing, and why they deserve my artwork. Please include a way to contact both your nominee and yourself as well.

* You must e-mail me the full story: info@sweetface-photography.com

All nominations must be received by 11:59pm on December 22, 2009. The winner will be announced on Christmas morning -- get nominating! I can't wait to read all of your entries!

Open your heart to someone this holiday season -- and thanks for giving me the opportunity to open mine.

With love,

Gwen

Note: I wish I could take credit for this idea, but the amazing talent that is Kristen Kalp started this quickly growing project, Giving Is Awesome! Three cheers for Kristen!