When Time Stood Still: Photography by Andrea Bernard

October 19, 2012

When Time Stood Still: The Beauty of Relationships {Soboba Springs Country Club Photographer}

Filed under: Anniversaries,Blessings,Couples,Events,Families,Getting to Know my Clients — Andrea Bernard @ 9:41 pm
Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

When Roxanne first contacted me from Texas about taking pictures of her parents’ 60th Wedding Anniversary Party at Soboba Springs Country Club, I could tell by the adoration in her voice that this would be a cherished time.  I wouldn’t just be ”taking pictures” of the family – it would be my goal to capture the beauty of the memories and special relationships they share (yes, all 29 of them!).

I hope these images do just that for you, Rohrbacher Family, for generations to come.

The always-lovely Country Club was a great backdrop for this special event.


The closeness of husband and wife, and the affection of sister and brother…

The joy a mother finds in her toddler son…

The admiration future generations have for grandparents of integrity…

The unique bonds of a mother to her daughter…

The connection that binds them all: family, whether loved by blood or loved by invitation.

The years of childhood memories shared…

The respect sons have for a mother who has more-than-earned it…

The love daughters have for a mother who always set an example…

The miracle of shared life and memories that hold strong even when the miles separate…

And the lasting legacy of love and commitment that endured through joys and challenges, 60 years strong… and counting…

All beautiful, all unique, all reflections of the gifts God gives when everything that threatens to break and tear relationships down is instead met with steadfast love.

Thank you for inviting me in to your story and your lives, Rohrbacher Family!  I look forward to finishing your Web Gallery so you can view the rest of your images and think back on this amazing time together.

Cherish, Love, Remember Always,

Andrea

September 28, 2012

When Time Stood Still: Beautiful Redemption {Idyllwild Family Photographer}

Filed under: Blessings,Families,Uncategorized — Andrea Bernard @ 6:20 pm
Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

There is so much beauty to be seen in life.  Yet I truly believe the deepest beauty here on earth often comes through the other side of great challenges and pain, when God recycles the bad things and turns them out for His glory and our good, when He makes “beauty from ashes”.

This family has a beauty from ashes story, one in which God has worked wonders and redeemed their relationships – that is the business He’s in after all, redemption!  And so, it was with great honor that I tried humbly to capture their beauty – God’s beauty, so clearly in their lives.

Chris is leaving in a few short days to begin his journey as a Marine.  I’m so glad they’ll have these memories to share of their times together as this chapter closes and a new one opens.

Brother and Sister – they don’t love each other or anything… ;)

The light was so pretty up in Idyllwild; I think this stream was meant just for them!

In these next two sets, they were each sharing their favorite memory of time spent together – it was sweet to see all the smiling and laughing involved :) .

Katie recounting a story…

I know a touch of that adoring look Cynthia has on the right – a beautiful thing for a mother to feel toward her children.

I totally love these next family shots!! :)

We then moved on to a different part of the stream where the beautiful light illuminated the greenery.

In this next one, I asked each person to tell the others one thing they appreciate about them.  Once it was Chris’ turn to listen to what his mom and sister appreciate about him, he said, “Oh yeah, keep it coming!” lol

Mom held it together until the end, and then the emotion of it all came; she was so sweet.

Thank you, God, for making this family and covering them with Your Redeeming Grace – it’s something only You can do.

Cynthia, Chris, and Katie, thank you so much for opening yourselves and your lives to me – I was so blessed by this time with you!

Cherish, Love, Remember Always,

Andrea

Then“Then”, a 1990 single from The Charlatans, featured on Some Friendly album →

August 26, 2012

When Time Stood Still: Enduring Love {Hemet Anniversary Pictures}

Filed under: Anniversaries,Blessings,Couples,Getting to Know my Clients — Andrea Bernard @ 12:38 am
Tags: , , , , , , ,

Quite often in my life, I am amazed. Amazed by blessings so undeserved, by breathtaking beauty in nature, by ways my children grow up just a little bit more every moment. And then, there are times I am amazed by people like Bill and Rose Marie, whose love has defied all odds and endured the joys and struggles, blessings and challenges, of 60 years.

What a privilege to spend moments today with this sweet couple, learning bits and pieces of what it takes to always choose love… not the gushy, here-one-minute-gone-the-next type, but the strong, selfless love that never forsakes no matter the circumstances.

In this next set Bill was telling Rose Marie the exact outfit she was wearing when he traveled to West Virginia to sweep her off her feet :) .  He said, “You were the most beautiful girl I had ever laid my eyes on.”  She told me earlier, “He was completely different from anybody I had ever known.” They went on to get married and have seven children. :)

I love the way they look at each other with such admiration.

This hummingbird had perfect timing, flitting in just as they were gazing out the window together…

I am so thrilled to be capturing moments and relationship portraits at their 60th Anniversary Party at Soboba Springs Country Club in October.  All seven children and most of their families will be there!  What a treasure to be able to spend such a special time with their family, complete.

Thank you, Bill and Rose Marie, for allowing me this glimpse into your beautiful lives, and for allowing me to capture the love you share for generations to come.

Cherish, Love, Remember Always,

Andrea

July 23, 2012

When Time Stood Still: Let ‘Em Shine! {Inland Empire Special Event Photographer}

Filed under: Blessings,Events,My Thoughts on Photography,Uncategorized — Andrea Bernard @ 11:48 pm
Tags: , , , , , , , , , , ,

I had the absolute privilege of capturing memories for a wonderful group of people this last weekend at the 1st Annual “Let ‘Em Shine” Talent Show, put on by EEK Fitness. It was a tremendous success – not only as a way to allow children and adults with disabilities to share their special talents in the spotlight, but also as a reminder to the audience of how amazing, courageous, talented, and truly special (in the most positive sense of the word!) those with disabilities really are.

The event was set up with all kinds of fun decorations, helping contribute to the “star quality” atmosphere.

The Valley Queens were on hand to present awards and make new friends… They really connected with a few of the younger girl entrants especially.

The entrants brought smiles to my face with their smiles, shoulders held high with pride, and commitment to each other and their talents.

One thing that struck me about the evening was the amount of unhindered joy and emotion that filled the room.  What a blessing of an experience.

I love the look of love and pride this precious girl has for her treasured friend as they surround her in the dance routine.  So tender… And the pianist’s enthusiasm couldn’t be beat! I told her I wish my fingers would cooperate with me like that! :)

The High Hopes Program out of Temecula brought a great group – their first number was patriotic on the handbells…

And then later they let loose, getting their groove on! :)   High Hopes received 1st place from the Talent Show judges.

There was quite a bit of rockin’ out going on when these guys came on stage as well!

I was grateful to be hidden behind my camera for this next act…  I was a basket-case full of touched, happy tears as Alison lip-synced with innocence and passion “Mean” by Taylor Swift.

We had an intermission and I got a chance to capture some of the amazing people and colors of the night.

Victor (on staff at EEK Fitness) and his daughter then gave a special performance of “Under the Sea”.  It was aDORable.

It was neat to see Victor and the rest of the audience so proud of all the entrants.  Daniel was up next with an amazing lip sync of a hip-hop love song – performed from the heart.

D&D Group Home brought a great bunch of entrants as well, performing a patriotic “I’m Proud to Be an American” in sign language that had the audience singing and swaying heads along.

It was just beautiful to see the joy and dedication that filled the evening.

Voice of the Valley winner, Shelia Diggs Trammell, brought along some friends, performed with her Fantastic Dream Team puppet, and offered a moving rendition of the song “Hero”.

All the entrants went home with a carnation, a certificate, and their very own trophy.  I think it really meant a lot to them.  They will also each receive a 4×6 photo from their performance.

I think this image sums up how I saw and felt the event – nurture, joy, beauty, relationship, community – all things that define the best in us.

Thank you so much, friends, for allowing me to capture this amazing evening for you.  I’ll look forward to sharing the rest of the images with you in the Web Gallery I create for you on my website.  I hope to meet you all again some day!

Cherish, Love, Remember Always,

Andrea Bernard

When Time Stood Still Photography

June 21, 2012

When Time Stood Still: Newborn Bundle of Sweetness {Hemet/San Jacinto Newborn Photographer}

Filed under: Blessings,Families,Getting to Know my Clients,My Thoughts on Photography,Newborns,What to Expect — Andrea Bernard @ 7:19 pm
Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

So, I know it may seem as though I gush about EVERY client on the blog, but in all honesty, God does such amazing things when He creates people.  Whether they see it or not, I have yet to find one client who does not radiate the image of God in some way – His character, His creativity, His intensity, His beauty…  I feel truly blessed to meet all my new friends and see Him in them.

That being said, God really outdid Himself when He made this precious little newborn.  As I complimented Baby Cole’s sweet, tiny, six-day-old features, his grandfather said something like, “I’m sure you say that about all the babies!”  And I do, because it’s so true!!  Isn’t he just perfect?!

A little angel, really.

Cole’s Mommy and I worked together to soothe him to sleep for this first set of images; he was such a little doll.  It’s so important to me to work on baby’s schedule when creating newborn portraits – and our patience paid off :) .

Though we’ve just met, the impression I get is that Baby Cole is entering such a peaceful family – full of gentle patience and overflowing with strong love.

Adding more feet to the family! :)

It’s so clear that big brother Caleb adores his baby too!

The connection between a mother and her baby is always beautiful.

Love those wrinkly toes!!

While Mommy fed baby, Daddy and big brother played baseball.

It was adorable, and I hope these portraits help you as parents remember the roundness of his little face at this stage of toddlerhood, his inquisitive eyes, those cute little jeans he’ll be grown out of soon, and how the special relationship you share now will only grow more precious from here on out.

Thank you so much for the privilege of creating with your beautiful family, Trujillos.  Can’t wait to show you the rest of your portraits!

Cherish, Love, Remember Always,

Andrea

June 11, 2012

When Time Stood Still: All You Need Is Love {Fairway Canyon Wedding Photographer}

Filed under: Blessings,Couples,Gallery-Wrapped Canvases,Getting to Know my Clients,Uncategorized,Weddings — Andrea Bernard @ 2:36 pm
Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

When I first met Branden and Jessi for our Consultation, I could tell they were madly in love just by the glances they exchanged… the way they paused and looked at each other whenever I asked a question, the way they shared a desire for a simple wedding, meaningful and sweet without all the drama some over-the-top weddings have.  “We just want it to be very… US,” they said.

Fast forward to a month before their wedding, and I received an email stating they had eloped!! :)   What a nice choice for their desires for simplicity; they seemed so happy with the way their intimate ceremony worked out.  They kept their venue date and instead used the planned time to celebrate with friends and family – a reception full of joy, tears, laughter, and love.

Here’s to simplicity, Branden & Jessi: All you need is love – choosing it for each other everyday for the rest of your lives.

Image

Jessi is a nanny for cutie pies D & P – they love her to bits (if you can’t tell)!!!

And she thinks they’re pretty special too :) .

It was great to meet Branden & Jessi’s bridal party – they were fun to work with for traditional and… not-so-traditional portraits ;) .

The women all looked so lovely…

I think Branden and his Best Man Rodney heard more than once that day that they looked like they belonged on “Men In Black.” ;)

Of course we had to get a little mobster action in there:

The light was beautiful and soft in the field because of the clouds – reflective of the simple beauty of their love.  I think this would make a perfect gallery-wrapped canvas on Branden & Jessi’s wall:

They are so relaxed and tender with each other.

Our next stop was the railroad tracks, where they had some time to just enjoy each other’s company candidly.  I always feel so honored to be the “fly on the wall” when a bride and groom have special time together before they meet the crowds of the day.  It’s beautiful.

It’s so fun when I don’t need to encourage additional affection or joy between a couple.  The bliss you see on their faces is all them :) .

A passing car honked in approval, and Branden agreed of course!! :)

Looking off into their together future…

This one would make a gorgeous wall portrait.

This one too:

They had a Blessing Tree at the reception – each guest could write a blessing on a gift tag and then hang it on the tree.  What a great idea, together with such vibrant spring colors!

The reception was a joyous celebration – great food, memorable toasts, fun dancing, plenty of laughter.

The venue was beautiful.

And I’ll leave you with another portrait of the simple beauty of their undying devotion… with a little romantic vintage style mixed in.

Thank you for the privilege of capturing this sweet time in your lives, Branden & Jessi.  May every coming year be even sweeter!

I’ll see you soon to show you the rest of your portraits!

Cherish, Love, Remember Always,

Andrea

June 6, 2012

When Time Stood Still: I Heart Faces – All Boy Series {Inland Empire Children’s Photographer}

Filed under: Blessings,Children,Families,I Heart Faces,Uncategorized — Andrea Bernard @ 3:51 pm
Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

I have never doubted that our boys are “all boy,” even when, for a short period of time when he was two, Micah said his favorite color was pink  ;) .

They are double-trouble, double-energy, double-sweetness, double-fun!!

All of these are totally candid images.  I call this one “Teeth and Guns”:

“Exploring”

“Caught in the Act”

“A Boy and His Dog”

“Only They Can Make Each Other Laugh Like This”

So many adorable entries for this week’s theme… Check them out!

Photo Challenge Submission

May 17, 2012

When Time Stood Still: Glowing and Beautiful {Senior Pictures in Hemet and San Jacinto}

Filed under: Blessings,Seniors,Uncategorized — Andrea Bernard @ 1:13 am
Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

I really feel so blessed to do what I do.  I so enjoy creating with people, capturing moments and bringing out beauty… My most recent high school senior, Kaitlyn, made it easy.

She was such a joy to create with.  She’s laid-back and bubbly at the same time, her interests are well-rounded, she loves to help out in the community, and of course, she’s gorgeous, as you’ll soon see.  (With a list like that, it’s no wonder she was crowned Miss San Jacinto this year!)

She exudes such grace.  Her demeanor reminded me of Audrey Hepburn in the black and white portrait below.

And of course, a country girl’s gotta wear her cowboy hat with her tiara at least once! :)

The wind was LOVING Kaitlyn the day of our shoot.  It gave her natural beauty even more depth.

We visited the goats.  It was super cute to see how much they loved her – she has worked with goats for years in continued service with FFA.

There were SO many great portraits to choose from; I had a hard time deciding how to narrow it down for the sneak peek here on the blog.

Again with the ethereal grace – she looks like an angel!

Kaitlyn, thank you for allowing me the honor of capturing this fleeting chapter in your life.  Life is beautiful – I can’t wait to see what God has in store for you next!

Cherish, Love, Remember Always,

Andrea

February 16, 2012

When Time Stood Still: No Greater Joy {Idyllwild Senior Portraits}

Filed under: Blessings,Seniors,Uncategorized — Andrea Bernard @ 2:46 pm
Tags: , , , , , , , , , , ,

The inspiration for the title of this blog comes from two sources: my dear friend and 2012 Senior Clairence, and 3 John 1:4 – “I have no greater joy than to hear my children walk in truth”. Clairence is a source of joy to so many. The Lord has entrusted her with more trials than most of us will ever experience, yet she has allowed these to mature and refine her. She walks in truth, and exudes joy. You are a blessing, friend.

Thank you for allowing me to try to capture even a hint of what makes you… you.

She made my job so easy – no matter the pose or lighting, every time she laughed or smiled or reflected and I saw the real her, it was beautiful.

 

What a natural beauty.

We shot some at Lake Hemet, and though it was overcast, the glow of the winter pastel colors was inspiring.

I was bursting with excitement when we rounded a bend and found this stunning field.  With the emotive clouds and trees and mountains, it was perfect for Clairence – but it was COLD!!

Clairence’s heart beats for sharing the reason for her joy, and she hopes to pursue a career in full-time ministry.

 

“LORD, I have heard of your fame; I stand in awe of your deeds, O LORD…” Habakuk 3:2

An elegant (but fun) portrait from our time in Idyllwild…

I know so many agree: You are a special young woman in so many ways, Clairence.  Continue to love and honor the Lord – I can’t wait to see the amazing plans He has in store for you!

In closing, here’s a little French-inspired atmosphere in honor of your love of all things French, Clairence! :)

June 19, 2011

When Time Stood Still: Happy Father’s Day!

Filed under: Blessings,Newborns — Andrea Bernard @ 7:44 pm
Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

It’s been said that a great father is a good representation of God to his children.

Thanks to my husband, my father, and my father-in-law for making this true in our lives, and for all the dads out there who do the same.

“The eternal God is your dwelling place,
and underneath are the everlasting arms.”

Deuteronomy 33:27

Next Page »

Theme: Customized Rubric. Blog at WordPress.com.

Follow

Get every new post delivered to your Inbox.