February: { 5 things I love}

2.28.10

So here it is the end of the month and that means we are that much closer to Spring. I really can't wait to be done with the snow. I'm so over it!! Since I figured it is time to say goodbye to February, I figured I would take a look back and remember some really cool things I couldn't live without!

** in no particular order:

1.) Family Guy volume seven. Todd and I try to sit down once a week and indulge in a few episodes. It's a great way to look at each other and shake our heads in disbelief.

2.) I got a new dog grooming tool called "Zoom Groom" at the local pet store and Dozer loves it! He knows I love to spoil him so this is the perfect gift for us! Seriously...the hair comes flying off. I can't believe how much he sheds for being a bulldog.

3.) My awesome gift from Colton. I'm still amazed and it was without a doubt the highlight of my month!

4.)Morel Mushroom Festival Button!!! I love this button because I love morels, mushroom hunting, and Boyne City! Todd and I just got our conformation emails about the festival and we are counting down the days!! Bring on the morels and wine tasting!!!

5.) Last but not least, Fisher's Nut Topping!! I have been on an ice cream binge lately and I love my vanilla ice cream, a gallon of chocolate syrup, and a pound to nuts to top it all off!! It's my new addiction which also goes well with watching Family Guy.

That is a little insight into my life. Hmmm....I wonder what five things I will love next month....to be continued!

~Leilani

22 days + counting.....

2.26.10

Let the countdown begin. If you haven't called and booked your appointment yet for the uber fabulous Makeover Escape...you better hurry!! There are still some slots available but I wouldn't wait to the last minute if I were you.

Oh...did I forget to mention that when it's time for your photo shoot, you will be able to see all your images and pick the one you want printed. Yep....that's right, talk about state-of-the-art setup. We are pulling out the big guns for this event and who knows what else we will come up with before the big day!!

Call 989.831.5668

Have a great weekend everyone!!

~Leilani

Purchase Family Session

2.25.10

Meet the Purchase Family. Full of love, laughter, and fun stories. This session consisted of a few formal shots mixed with a tickle session, a splash of Mom time, and ended on a proud note. It was a great overall session and at the end, Colton got to be the set director and chose the black background which always produces a nice dramatic touch--especially with black & white images. I'm telling you...he know's what he's talking about :)

Again, thank you so much! You have such a wonderful family!

~Leilani

An Unexpected Suprise...

2.24.10

I was soooo looking forward to this session. I really can't explain what is it with Colton but he really brightens up my day! Maybe because he really is a cool kid to talk to, maybe because he's so down to earth and is such a little grown up, maybe because he knows how to make me laugh...whatever the reason is, I wouldn't change a thing.

So there I was gearing up for the Purchase family session and enters Colton with a gift. Now keep in mind that this is only my second time meeting him! I never thought in a thousand years that I would be accepting such a gift from such a young client. I was so honored and thrilled that he thought of me as not only a photographer but as a friend.

Thank you so much Colton, Jamie, and Brad...you really made my day!

~Leilani

It's all about the Timeline!

2.23.10

So yesterday I posted Tyler's 9-month session, today it's all about the timeline. I try to reference previous posts so you can see what the session was like but here you can really see how much Tyler has changed!

I absolutely love this package. I love how it tells the whole story. I love how you can see him grow! I highly recommend this package to you or someone you know is expecting. It is a perfect timeline that can be cherished forever.

Thank you again Tonya, Steve, and Tyler!

~Leilani

Tyler's 9-mo Session

2.22.10

Cute little baby Tyler. It is so crazy to think that he has been my longest customer. Tyler just turned 9 months and he is the absolute happiest baby I have ever met. Nothing but smiles and it makes mom and dad very happy.

Tonya and Tyler just completed the Maternity, newborn, 3-6-9 month package. It is absolutely amazing to see the timeline. Time flies so fast and before you know it he's going to be asking for the keys to the car! Take a look at his session....I'll be posting the timeline soon.

Enjoy!

~Leilani

Donations for a Cause!

2.16.10

Helping people is such a wonderful feeling. Helping people in more ways than one is even better. Alexa LaLonde is trying to raise money for two incredible causes: Children's Miracle Network and the Miss America Scholarship Fund.

Anything you are willing to donate will be greatly appreciated. Now is the time to return all those pop cans or perhaps dig in between the couch cushions!

If you are interested in making a charitable donation, please click on the image below and it will take you directly to Alexa's page or click here.

Thanks for your participation!

~Leilani

Alexa LaLonde: {Miss Stanton}

2.15.10

I know for some people I may not have to introduce you to Alexa but for the others who have been out of the loop, this is Alexa LaLonde, a local celebrity and Miss Stanton.

I was absolutely honored to photograph Alexa. It's not everyday when I get to shoot a woman of royalty in my studio :) The shoot went fabulous! I got to see some incredible dresses and hear all about her busy schedule--and I thought that my schedule was pretty hectic!

By winning Miss Stanton, Alexa qualifies to be in the running for Miss Michigan! Miss Michigan! That's a HUGE deal. Alexa, I wish you nothing but success and happiness and I know you will achieve great things in life. Oh-remember, I don't sacrifice my coolness for just anyone! :)

~Leilani

Happy Valentine's Day!

2.14.10

Happy Valentines Day! Todd, Haylie, Dozer, Moxie, Snowflake, and myself are all enjoying our time at home snuggling on the couch and spending time with the family. I hope your day is full of love!



~Leilani

Happy Birthday Grandma Montoya!!

2.13.10

Today marks an incredible time in my Grandma Montoya's life. Today she turns 81 and is just as beautiful as I remember her. Today we talked about all the little things in life. It ranged from the difference in weather, new stop signs that were put up last week, the health of the rest of the family, and of course my dog and cats.

When I say the little things, I don't mean them as something with little influence--it's quite the opposite really. To me, some of the littlest things in life really makes life worth living to the fullest and they are the things that really matter the most.

Grandma, I love you so much and I wish I could be in sunny California to share your day with you.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!

I actually received this photograph in the mail today form my Aunt Dora. What perfect timing! I was approximately a year old in this picture and my Grandma still looks that beautiful.

~Leilani

Senior Gallery

2.12.10

I'm slowly trying to get everything caught up. There is just not enough time in one day. Well I could probably get a lot done if I didn't get any sleep but that's a very dangerous situation waiting to happen.

I finally launched my Senior Gallery. I've got some other categories I'm working on so please bear with me. Take a look at all my fabulous clients. They are so awesome and I can't believe they are almost graduating!!

Oh speaking of seniors, I'm still in need of Senior Representatives. Click here to get all the juicy details.

I'm so happy it's Friday. I've got a couple of really cool shoots lined up. I can't wait to post them but until then....Have a nice Friday!

~Leilani

To view the Senior Gallery, click the image below or click here.

Testing the Waters

2.10.10

A few weeks ago I hosted a photography party where I invite a few of my photography buddies and we talk shop. I love talking photography...I could talk until I was blue in the face if I could find someone who would listen to me that long.

During the party, one of the attendees busted out THE lens. I'm not talking just any kind of lens...I'm talking about THE lens. THE lens that I have dreamt about forever. THE lens that would never come off my camera, THE lens I would sacrifice my left arm for and develop a new way of shooting.

I put the lens on my camera and asked Caissie if she would come outside and test the waters with me. Of course it was freezing outside and I literally shot about 8 frames. Granted that was not enough time, but when there is something of that caliber attached to my camera, I'll take any time I can get. Just looking at it was incredible let alone actually shooting with it! So here are a few images shot with THE lens.

Enjoy!

Ahhh...I still remember what it felt like that day. A memory that I sometimes fall asleep to with a huge smile on my face. I wonder how long before I cave in...only time will tell.

~Leilani

Mark Your Calendars!

2.9.10

Don't forget to mark you calendars for Saturday, March 20th from 9 to 5. I would hate for your to miss out on such an exciting event! Appointments are filling up fast!

Call the lovely Ladies of Stanton Hair Studio at 989.831.5668

Don't forget to check out the video! Click here to view it!


~Leilani

Super Bowl Sunday

2.7.10

Nothing like tossing around pigskin, eating some chicken wings, drinking carbonated beverages, laughing at the commercials, and best of all seeing if my numbers are going to win any money! I highly doubt that I will win any money, but at least I'll be sitting with my two favorite guys enjoying some football.

Have a good Sunday everyone!

A Little Piece of Cardstock Heaven

2.5.10

Ahhh, business cards. Who knew that a 2 x 3.5" chunk of card stock with pretty pictures and an awesome logo could be featured on a blog. Well folks, it's today's feature and if you take a good look, you may recognize some familiar faces!

Now keep in mind that I change the layout of my business cards often and you never know whose beautiful or handsome face may grace an individual square. So really... in a way, these cards are collectors editions! Consider this volume II. So if you get the luxury of seeing these business cards first hand, better grab yourself one because you will have a rare form of printed card stock in your possession! Now that is something you can tell all your friends about :)


I hope you have enjoyed my ramblings on this fine Friday!



~Leilani

Senior Reps Needed!

2.4.10

If you or someone you know is going to be a high school graduate in 2011, then please give them this information. Being a Senior Rep is so much fun! Imagine coming into the studio, getting your picture taken, and having your images printed on business cards. It is THAT cool! oh...did I forget to mention that this shoot is FREE!

Not only that but you receive HALF off your session and you can accumulate huge print credit and your friends will receive extra credit also!

What else do you get? Well...actually you will be featured on the blog numerous times, have your image on the website, an album on Facebook, and co-starring in an upcoming flip feature with yours truly!

Here's the skinny:

1.) You must be from the graduating class of 2011

2.) Only one male and one female from each school is eligible

3.) You must be outgoing and not afraid to approach people with your awesome business cards

4.) Please email me a picture of yourself along with a few paragraphs about your interests and activities.

That's it! Once I receive your email, I will send you a confirmation stating that I have received your request and I'll be announcing the winners sometime in May.

Any other questions, please feel free to email me.

I would like to give a special shoutout to Ryan! He was my rep last year!

Good Luck!



~Leilani

Nathaniel's Senior Session {Outdoor}

2.3.10

I first need to give a HUGE thanks to Nathaniel....Thank you so much for being a trooper! You are absolutely amazing and I'm so happy you took one for the team and withstood the cold, wintry weather and gave nothing but fierce, amazing outdoor images!

So now that I got that off my chest, Nathaniel's session was AH-MAZE-ING! Imagine being outdoors in 30 degree weather in t-shirts while trying not to look cold. He did just that and such a fantastic job doing so.

I will admit that I love shooting outdoors. If I could shoot every session outdoors I would. I love having the freedom and the varieties of backgrounds Mother Nature has to offer. Obviously when Nathaniel mentioned that he wanted an outdoor session, I was thrilled. It felt so good to get out of the studio!! Here are few of my favorite images during his session:

Thanks again Nathaniel...I owe you one!

~Leilani