Greetings From Edmore

6.29.10



I collect things. Many things. I collect postcards, stickers, patches, ticket stubs and all kinds of other stuff. I don’t really do much with them or have a special way to display them, instead I just keep them in a drawer. That’s my special place for them.

According to Todd, I’m a hoarder. But between you and me, I think he’s watching too much A & E. Because I collect all these things, I thought it would be fun to try design my own postcard. I really didn’t know the reason why I chose this image, but to me it screamed postcard. So here’s my first attempt.

Happy Tuesday!

~Leilani

Movin' On Up

6.28.10

I really think it has to do with NEVER having one. There was really no need for one where I lived. I always thought P.O. Boxes were used for people who were always on the move. Well guess what folks....I'm Movin' On Up! Strange...I suddenly have the urge to start singing the theme song to The Jeffersons at the top of my lungs.

Yep, to say that I was so tickled to have a P.O. Box I can call my own is an understatement. I feel so fancy now. Whenever I meet people, I introduce myself as "Hi! I'm Leilani Tucker at P.O. Box 431." Again people look at me weird but that's just because they don't understand.

So if you have the urge to send me stuff in the mail, feel free to do so. You never know what crazy stunt I'll do in return.

So here is a new way to contact me:

Leilani Tucker Photography
P.O. Box 431
Edmore, MI 48829

Well we're movin on up, To the east side. To a deluxe apartment in the sky....

My Labor of Love

6.25.10

Okay, okay. I realize that a couple of people are going to try and hunt me down and pull out my teeth until I release all of the images but how else can I put it....this is one heck of a personal project that I need to make sure everything is perfect.

I am hoping that it will launch next week. I'm keeping my fingers crossed. But other than that I am just as excited about this and really hope it turns out great. Yesterday on my drive home, I realized that if I just take a chance, enjoy what I'm doing, and not be afraid to fail then something good may actually come of it. My project is a labor or love and something that I will be so proud to share.

So I leave you once again with another teaser. It's okay, you can say it....I'm such a meanie!

Enjoy your Friday!

~Leilani

Tyler's 1st Birthday!

6.24.10

Can you believe that Tyler is 1 year old? Me neither. Time has flown by so fast. I couldn't believe that we celebrated is 1st birthday. It's amazing to see how much Tyler has grown. He has been photographed when he was in his mamma's belly, newborn, 3-6-9 month and now his official first year. He is by far my most photographed client and I couldn't be any happier.

The entire session from start to finish was a blast. Accompany with cake, balloons, and turning one and that's a recipe for nothing but smiles and Tyler did just that. His expressions are priceless! Here are a favorite images of his session.

I can still hear is laughter!

This expression is priceless!

Digging in and getting the good stuff!

Happy Birthday Tyler!! I can't wait to see you again!

~Leilani

Me + Pinkberry

6.23.10

I LOVE PINKBERRY!! I'm just going to come right out and say it. I have seen their commercial about a thousands times and it looks amazingly good. The way the pomegranate yogurt tingles my taste buds and enlightens all my senses. Combine that with the fresh taste of blackberries, strawberries, kiwis, and a pinch of honey almond granola. Your taste buds will never be the same. Good luck finding one anywhere near the state of Michigan. New York is the closest state :( There may be a road trip in the near future!

I have been a little quiet over the past few days. I decided that since I was on vacation there would be absolutely no work involved. Well I almost listened. I did blog for a couple days, but then I decided I better be enjoying my time off. Well I did just that...I found Pinkberry among many other things!

Here's a little piece of frozen yogurt heaven I would love to share with you. I wonder if they can ship me a gallon of their pomegranate yogurt. A girl can wish right??

Anyway, I'm back home and ready to get back to the daily grind. Have a great Wednesday everyone!!

~Leilani

Green Week: Personal Project Teaser

6.18.10

I realize that posting teasers is not a very nice thing to do. But considering the circumstances, it's kind of fun putting my readers in suspense. I always have these crazy ideas floating around in my head and every once in a while, I actually get to complete them. I called upon two of my Seniors who are an absolute blast to work with. I ran my idea by Caissie and Sam and they were just as excited as I was.

So here's a teaser of what is to come! It will be something new, fun, and different than anything I've done in the past!! Stay tuned.....

Have a great weekend!

~Leilani

Green Week: Yellow + Blue = Green!

6.17.10

It was a place I have been meaning to visit for quite some time. I drive a lot and I'm always scouting for some new locations for my clients. Well I finally stopped, received permission, and started taking some pictures.

While exploring the land, I came across this old tractor. I just fell in love with it the moment I saw it. I am very much into rusty-weathered looking things. I wouldn't be surprised if I end up enlarging this picture and hanging it in my house somewhere. Even though I wasn't born in the state of Michigan, it has become my home. I love this state and especially this hidden treasure.

Enjoy!



Happy Thursday!

~Leilani

Green Week: Avocados

6.16.10

Some say fruit, some say vegetable, I say DELICIOUS!! I don't know really know its classification (fruit or vegetable) nor do I really care, but what I do know is that I LOVE me some avocados. I eat them plain and I eat them wrapped up in a flour tortilla (which is my favorite way). How can I have a Green Week and not feature avocados?

When I do purchase these tasty treats, my mouth starts to water and I'm so excited to get home, turn on the stove, and start slicing and dicing. Just a dash of salt is all I need and I'm in heaven. Avocado green heaven where they make beautiful necklaces out of the pits and avocados are falling from the sky and everybody, and I mean everybody is doing the Happy Dance!

I guess I better calm down on my daydreams.

Have a great Wednesday!!

~Leilani

Green Week: Herb Garden

6.15.10

When I get to enjoy some time at home, I cook (sometimes). Well I wouldn't exactly call it cooking, it's more like I throw in a bunch of different stuff that sounds good together and I hope for the best. If you don't believe me, ask Todd about my homemade cole slaw or better yet my stroganoff surprise. I am not afraid of experimenting when I cook and poor Todd is always the victim.

So this leads me to my next installment of Green Week. Over the weekend I planted an herb garden. I was so excited because I love how they smell and the adding them to my delicious experiments--I mean dishes. Throw in a few thyme sprigs, add a dash of oregano, some rosemary....I'm all about it. I even planted some mint just so I can enjoy the scent while out on the patio.

Here's to my new herb family. I plan on making some mean dishes with these divine herbs in the future. Better watch out Paula Deen, I've already received some calls for my own cooking show!

~Leilani

Green Week: The Power of Juice

6.14.10

So I decided that this week's theme for the blog is Green Week. I don’t really know why, I just thought it would be fun. I think I’m going to see how this one turns out and possibly hold a contest to see if you guys can guess the theme for the next one.

Onward we go…..Green Week is anything about the color green. Today’s feature is something I have been dying to share because for two weeks now I have been juicing. I absolutely 100 percent love it. I juice all kinds of fruits and veggies and have already seen its effects.

If you’re asking yourself, “Self, what kind of juicer?” Then I’ve got two words for you: Jack LaLanne. His juicier is amazing. My absolute favorite juice recipe is 3-carrots, 1-apple, and a ½ inch of ginger root. Throw in some crushed iced and you’ve got yourself one tasty beverage. Don’t believe me? Try it. I dare you!

Have a good one!

~Leilani

Photo Movie {Part 1}

6.11.10

I was toying with the idea of making a photo movie. I have never done anything like this before and thought it would be really neat to try. The making of the photo movie was a blast and Dozer definitely got his workout!!

The only thing I suggest is having a bit of patience depending on your internet speed. The number of images the slideshow has to load is quite large, so patience is key. I would wait until the light grey bar becomes a dark grey bar. It's much better to watch it without buffering pauses.

So here it is, my first photo movie debut. Have a great weekend and enjoy!

My Memory, My Enemy

6.10.10

It’s tough to admit, but I’m not the most perfect daughter in the world. I do realize that my mom is probably never going to let me live this down but I forgot. I just plain forgot. I think it’s because I’m getting older. Yeah…I’m going to blame it on my age. My memory is my enemy. But really who gets two birthdays in one year and expects me to remember both of them?

You see, I have never been good at remembering birthdays. I’m always off days, weeks, sometimes months. Take for example my mom’s birthday. It was a few years back and I was so excited to call her and wish her a happy birthday because for once I didn’t forget. It was June 5th and I wished her a happy birthday. Come to find out her birthday is January 5th. I am either six months early or six months late. So it's an ongoing joke to celebrate her half birthday.

So then I was patiently waiting for January 6th. I called and wished her a happy birthday---well you guessed it, it was the day before. I just couldn’t get it right. So now it’s 2010 and I did my good daughterly deed and called her on her correct birthday this year but I forgot about her half birthday :( My brother even called and reminded me.

How could I have done such a thing?? Well I hope this makes it up to her. I have a beautiful package in the mail that should be delivered by tomorrow. Gotta love snail mail.

Happy Belated Half Birthday Mom!! I hope you can forgive me.

Love your number-one-favorite-non-perfect-daughter-who-tries-not-to-forget-things :)

~Leilani

TJ's Baseball Session

6.9.10

One of the cool things about being a photographer is I never know what the client has up their sleeve. I have shot a soccer league before but a baseball session--I was thrilled! We did a number of different things and it's so entirely different when it is a one-on-one session.

It's is so neat to have your work turned into more than just prints. Trading cards, buttons, magnets, and sports tickets are other options just to name a few. Here's a few from TJ's session.

Love this one! I totally reminds me of the movie Sandlot, "I'm the great Bambino!"

Have a great Wednesday!

~Leilani

All For You, All For Love

6.8.10

So the other day Todd and I were holding hands and walking around the yard. We were unwinding from the day and just talking about all the little things in life. Dozer was following us and Moxie was enjoying her normal rolly polly routine.

Everyone was in their happy state and that moment when we turned the corner, the heart was the first thing I saw. It was like everything else was black and white and this heart stuck out like a neon sign. The funny thing was it had to have been there for a while. I never realize it, nor have I ever seen it before until now. I'm so glad we did.

It really has a special place in my heart and I get all warm and fuzzy every time I see it. I took this picture to remember not only this moment, but because I'm always looking for signs and on that particular day, I realized my life is heading in the right direction.

Happy Tuesday!

~Leilani

Senior Special {Limited Time}

6.7.10

School is out and it’s time to live it up!! Well it’s probably time to get a summer job, start planning on what colleges are of any interest, and let’s not forget about attending open houses!!

Sometime in between your busy schedule, you somehow have to find the time to get your Senior Pictures taken. Well I’m offering one sweet deal you don’t want to miss out.

Additional prints are available at regular price and session must be paid in full by July 31, 2010. Sorry No Exceptions.

Call or email to book your session or if you have any questions!!
Leilani@LeilaniTucker.com or 616.894.0166

Fish Stories Told Here

6.4.10

So it’s the beginning of bass season and Todd and I are starting to gather all the rules and regulations for our upcoming fishing derby. It’s more like a little friendly fishing competition that somehow I always win. I do have somewhat of a competitive streak in me you know :)

Our rules are simple: the first bass. Sometimes we get a little creative and throw in biggest bass, most bass, or most fish caught (all species). And the winner receives a great prize that has to do something with fishing. So let’s see… I’ve won a new filleting knife and a new cutting board. Hmmm….I wonder what I want this year. Maybe some polarized glasses or perhaps a new fishing hat.

While I’m still debating on my prize, I’ll leave you with an image that makes me want to practice my cast. I’ll post an update when the derby is complete. Well shall see who wins this year :)

Have a great weekend everyone!!

Fish On!!

~Leilani

Get One For Yourself...

6.3.10

Taking pictures of people is something I love to do--there is no denying that. But sometimes I get so caught up, I forget to take pictures for myself. Even though I am capturing images for other people, I still like to try to take some for my own pleasure.

This picture represents just that. Even though this picture is of Ashlee (the most awesomest senior rep in the entire world), I took this picture for me. It’s nice sneak in a few pics that make me happy and really….who wants to be photographed by a grumpy photographer?

So if you’re out there taking pictures of fabulous people, make sure to stop even just for one second, to get one for yourself :)

Have a great Thursday!

~Leilani

May: {Five Things I Love}

6.2.10

Seems how it's June, you know what that means....this month's edition of Five Things I Love. I get to thoroughly examine everything and only get to share the five things that I couldn't live without for the month....so allow me to share with you in no particular order:

Mushrooms!! If there was one season I wish wouldn't end, it would have to be mushroom season. Oh and Summer. So there should be two seasons that shouldn't end.

Deadliest Catch. So now that I have caught up on The Office, it's time for me to start a new show. That my friends is Deadliest Catch. I LOVE IT! I'm hooked and I'm so devastated that Captain Phil is no longer with us. Every time I eat crab legs, I will say a special prayer for him. The Cornelia Marie and the show will never be the same.

Calphalon Cookware. Okay seriously....I have been drooling over this cookware since forever ago and I am a firm believer you get what you pay for. In my opinion, the initial investment is worth it and my eggs, veggies, meats, and grilled peanut butter and jelly sandwiches have never been better!! Sometimes it's hard keeping them in the pan because they slip right out--they slip right out!! That's a non-stick pan right there.

Blackberries. I have been eating blackberries like they are going out of style. I guess it doesn't help that they have been on sale at Meijer for the past 3 weeks and it's a great substitute for my sweet tooth I experience every night. They are delicious. Yum!!

And last but definitely not least, sun block. Yes sun block. It was the sunniest four days off (well three actually--Monday wasn't all that nice) and being on the lake I knew I would get one heck of a sunburn. For the first time, I played it smart and planned ahead. Instead of getting my first sunburn of the year, I now have a nice brown tan going on and I'm in no pain! Yay!

Stay tuned for next month. I have a feeling June is going to be a dandy!!

~Leilani