January 6, 2012

When Time Stood Still: Rockin’ the Off-Road {Glamis Senior Pictures}

Ok, I just have to say that I haven’t had this much FUN shooting in a while… :)   The light was great and the action intense; the senior guys were in their element; even the buggy ride to scope out the dunes for shooting spots was incredible.

I’d not been out to Glamis before.  When we lived in Oregon, we went to the dunes there quite a few times, but Glamis is different.  It’s like… an entire world of dunes all spread out before you, calling your name, enticing you with every next hill and valley.  It’s stunning visually; and being a very visual person, the play of light and shadow, textures and swooping lines was like eye-candy for me.

This shoot was a combination of Tyler and Nathan’s Senior Portraits, as they both love to tear it up at Glamis.  But, since I already dedicated a sneak peek to Tyler and his awesome Idyllwild portraits, this post will be mostly for Nathan.

(BTW Tyler, I’m BURSTING to show you the amazing shots we got of you out in the sand – let’s schedule your View & Order Session asap!)

I found it really challenging to visually capture the perspective of how massive the dunes really are.   Not only do they go on for tens of miles in every direction, but every hill and valley is significantly larger than it appears. (Which, of course, makes it significantly more fun to climb, jump, and descend at massive speeds ;) )

I’ve been told Nathan is not a huge fan of having his picture taken.  But let me tell you, he was in his element in Glamis.  Watch out, this boy can rock the shot.

During this next set, other people were riding all around us, watching as the guys prepped their jumps, watching us set up for the shots, etc. Some wondered if we were doing a shoot for Sand Sports Magazine.

We did some fun things with my wireless lighting and I’m super excited with the results.  My husband Josh thinks this next one of Nathan looking toward the sun in his sunglasses would make a great Oakley ad :) .

The sky just about lit on fire as the sun was setting.

I’d like to give a shout out to my amazing (and patient) “assistants” Cathy, Matt, Liz, Emily, and Helen for showing me the Glamis ropes, driving me around, and holding my lighting in what was I’m sure awkward positions for extended periods of time.  Couldn’t have done this shoot for Tyler and Nathan without you!  Thanks again.  You all are so blessed to have each other :) .

Enjoy, friends.  Can’t wait to show you the rest on my 50″ plasma :) .  What an amazing time in your lives.

Cherish, Love, Remember Always,

Andrea

 

November 23, 2011

When Time Stood Still: Quiet Strength {Idyllwild Senior Pictures}

Yesterday I met with Tyler and his mom Cathy to create some custom senior portraits.  We had a great time; we even had snow on the ground in some spots this early in the season!

When I pondered what to title this post, I was just struck by Tyler’s quiet strength.  Not the kind of quiet that never speaks, not the kind that’s insecure or timid, but the kind of quiet that runs deep and strong.  It seems to me that Tyler has quiet contentment all wrapped up in an outdoorsman’s dedication.  It’s quite a unique combination, and one that, if God has it in His Plan, will make a great Forest Ranger some day.

Tyler is a hunter. It was fun to hear how just yesterday morning he was up before dawn tracking coyotes at his grandparents’ property… Yeah, up before dawn… On Thanksgiving Break!  Like I said, he’s focused! :)

We tried to be as inconspicuous with the gun as possible, but… Did get a few strange looks!

The light streaming through the trees from under this bridge was SO cool.  What a handsome guy, huh?!

We went a bit further up the mountain into the COLD to create some portraits up by my favorite wintery gate.  Don’t know who it belongs to, but it always reminds me of winter in Narnia ;) .

Tyler got his BIG truck from his grandparents, who are very special to him (and he to them, I’m sure!).  This portrait is one of a set that is especially for them.

Thanks so much for allowing me to capture this point in your life, Tyler.  I know God has great plans in store for you!

Talk with you soon,

Andrea

August 16, 2010

When Time Stood Still: Family Through it All {Southern CA Family Portraits}

Filed under: Families — Andrea Bernard @ 3:20 pm
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It’s been a while since this shoot, but I wanted to get back and blog about it anyway – I couldn’t before since the portraits were going to be a gift for Father’s Day :) .

Jessica and her boys are our very dear neighbors, and I’m always so honored to capture portraits for them and their family.  Jessica and I have the whole “2 energetic little boys” thing in common, and I’m just bursting with excitement about her third little boy Jax who is soon to arrive!  Thanks so much, Jessica, for your friendship and for entrusting me with some of your precious memories.  Love you!

Here’s a brief overview of our Mini-Session:

 

The three beautiful sisters…

 

Adorable cousins ~

I couldn’t resist including little man’s cute scrunchy face in this one!

And finally, the extended family.

August 7, 2010

When Time Stood Still: All Part of Growing Up {HS Senior On-location Photography}

Filed under: Seniors — Andrea Bernard @ 4:29 pm
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What a privilege to capture Senior Portraits for our dear friend from the Northwest, Jason.  After a not-so-great experience with a commercial chain studio, he and his family asked me to take some pictures for him while they were down here in Southern CA for his graduation, and of course, I was honored!  It was so wonderful to see the whole family, who we have considered “family” for years now, beginning when my husband Josh was a Youth Pastor up in the Portland, OR area. 

Anyway, I’ve found that most guys don’t really look forward to having their picture taken.  In fact, some really dread it.  The whole saying “cheese”, being on-the-spot, posing awkwardly thing can really be annoying (it’s annoying to me too!).  Who feels like putting on a fake smile for an hour anyway?  So, my style is much more laid back: we have some easy conversation and get to know each other better, we wander around, and I do my best to try to see into who the person is while putting them at ease.  I hope you felt this in your experience.

Thanks for being YOU, Jason.  I had a great time talking with you and observing what a godly, mature man you’ve become.  I hope you and the family enjoy this new set of Senior Portraits – not just as something you had to get done, but as a reminder of the ways God is growing you in this extraordinary time of your life.

Thanks again, and I can’t wait to show you the rest!

~Andrea

April 21, 2010

New Life, Abounding Love {Riverside Custom Newborn Portraiture}

Filed under: Newborns — Andrea Bernard @ 9:00 pm
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I had the absolute privilege of shooting with the B Family just 7 days after little Caleb was born.  My, what a family full of life and love he has entered! 

Precious little man, welcome to our world!

 

LOVE that natural little fauxhawk!  Those who know Gil & Cassie know that this little guy is such a perfect blend of the two of them.

Such a fun family, with Nana joining in!

Caleb content in Mommy’s arms…  Her love for him is so precious.

And sleeping, protected by Daddy’s embrace.

Can I just say how much I ADORE tiny baby features? 

And here’s one of Daddy and Sissy – so happy together!

It was SO sweet to see how big brother & big sister dote on Caleb.  They are so proud of their little brother!

 

Shoots like these make me all the more excited to meet our little one in October!

 

G&C, thank you so much for entrusting your memories from Caleb’s first days to me.  He is such a doll, and I can’t wait to see him grow through the years!  Love you!

~Andrea

January 11, 2010

When Time Stood Still: A Young Man of Authenticity {San Jacinto Senior Portrait Photography}

It was so neat to be able to create with Aaron a couple of weeks ago.  Not only is he an accomplished actor, but he also loves the Lord with a sincere heart.  I was encouraged and blessed to talk with him about how faithful God is, and I pray to have captured in Aaron’s images some of the strength that comes from his deep faith.

When a senior chooses to bring his or her Bible along to the shoot, I try to give some ”alone time” with the Lord for a while before shooting any images.  It’s really important to me to make sure any pictures the senior has to remind him of his relationship with God also reminds him of the Truth God spoke in the quiet moments, as the images were taken.  This afternoon ended up being gorgeous – an inspirational place and time for Bible reading.

Aaron also plays the guitar and sometimes leads worship using this gift.  At one point during our time, a couple of ladies walking around the lake asked who he was serenading with such beautiful music, so we told them Aaron was serenading God :) .

Thank you so much, Aaron, for the privilege of capturing this special time in your life.  I look forward to our View & Order Session to show you the rest of your images!

November 20, 2009

Cherish These Times…

There is nothing quite like sharing a laugh or a cuddle with your boys.  Our neighbor Jessica has two of the most adorable and precocious little boys ever.  Our boys hound her every time she pulls into her driveway, asking if Jayden and Jayse can play.  (Sorry, Jessica!)   Anyway, a lot has gone on in our little neighborhood in the past year, and I think we all have realized just how precious each moment we’re given really is.

I was so happy to capture this special time in their lives, memories Mommy can look back on with a full heart, and portraits the boys can look back on years from now to be reminded how very much they have been loved.

Always safe in Mommy’s arms…

Jessica wanted some shots done for her Facebook page as well.  She is so beautiful!  (and her hair always looks gorgeous – she’s a hairstylist at Lauren Michael’s Salon & Spa in Redlands; can’t wait to let her go to town with my hair!)


As you can see, these boys are seriously cute!

And lastly, a candid, finger-in-the-nose, full-of-laughter family shot…  :)


Thank you so much for sharing this special time with me, Jessica.  I am so thankful for your friendship and of course those cutie pie boys, too!  Can’t wait to show you the rest at your View & Order Session…

February 12, 2009

Fun-lovin’ Guy with Intensity!

Filed under: Uncategorized — Andrea Bernard @ 10:18 pm
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I had the privilege of shooting with David the other day in some really unique locations. Although he said he didn’t quite know what to expect, David was a pro by the end of our time together – being willing to try new things, giving me his own brand of intensity and laid-back charm for the camera (and for… Melanie, is it? :) ), and coming up with ideas together with his sister, Lauren, who was a great assistant throughout the shoot.

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Thanks for the opportunity to capture you in your “prime,” as you said on your questionnaire, and may your images remind you for years to come of the fun ways the Lord will continue to draw you near as you seek Him!

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