Road Trip: {WPPI}

9.30.10

It was unlike any morning ever experienced in my world. The alarm was set to 4:00am and no one in their right mind should EVER have to wake up that early. But considering the fact that I was surrounded by over 200 photographers and listening to four top speakers in the photography industry about marketing, lighting, and business it was totally worth it. The trip was approximately a 2 hour drive each way but seems how Miranda Parker, from MP Photography, and I went together it was a roughly 15 hour day of talking about nothing but photography. I LOVED EVERY SINGLE SECOND!!

As a photographer it is so beneficial to network with other photographers. It's amazing the wealth of information that comes out of these seminars. Almost overwhelming sometimes. I'm so excited about implementing some new business techniques over the next few months. But most of all I'm glad I got to meet some new people who have the same passion as I do.

The Sky is Falling

9.28.10

I’m not even exaggerating. Well maybe just a little but still—if you were to actually hear this for yourself you would agree. I sometimes feel like I am Chicken Little running around the yard yelling at Todd and Dozer not to stand in one spot for too long.

We have acorns falling. No take that back—we have MONSTROUS acorns falling. When they hit the roof and fall into the lake, they can do some serious damage. I swear the neighbors must have nothing but dents in their metal slide because the noise is something like TING. TING. TING. SWOOSH!

Take it from me. Be careful out there. Try to wear a helmet if possible because in my neck of the woods—The Sky is Falling!!

Abbey's Portrait Session

9.27.10

It was a day where shyness wasn't even a factor. She no more than stepped her tiny foot inside the studio and she was ready for her moment, for her time to shine. When clients enter the studio, it's all about them and Abbey was officially the Queen for the day.

Abbey's new to the area and her mom, Valerie, was so excited to finally have her daughter's pictures taken outdoors. We played around town and the smiles that were captured were absolutely priceless. I managed to convince Valerie to jump in a few of Abbey's pictures because every mom needs a picture with her child. Here are a few of my favorite images of her session:

Abbey was certainly having fun with the camera. I just adore her outlook on life.

Every time I see this picture....I just can't help but smile. I love it!

Thank you so much Valerie and Abbey for making my day at the studio. I can't wait to see you two again! ~Leilani

Cheering for the Community

9.24.10

So it's Friday and the weekend is fast approaching and I couldn't be any happier. Meetings with clients, two senior sessions, oh--and it's Homecoming tonight!! I've got my fingers crossed that the rain holds off a bit.

Last year Todd and I attended every home game. He considered it our "date night." I know, how romantic huh? Anyway, as Todd was applauding and I was attempting to cheer in between bites of popcorn the woman in front of us asked who our son was we were cheering for. Todd and I both looked at each other. Then it hit us.

We must have looked like fools. Both of us dressed up with matching sweatshirts and me with popcorn all over my face cheering for no one in particular but the team itself. We didn't think of it as weird. We considered it as if we were supporting our community and besides where else can you spend date night for less than $20 bucks?

So in conjunction with meetings, shoots, and football games, here's another session I'm working on. I normally don't post teasers but this one is so cute I couldn't wait to share. Meet Traci & Rick. They are celebrating 30 years of marriage and I was so honored to photograph something as remarkable as this.

Have a great weekend! More to come I promise along with some SERIOUS NEWS I'm dying to share!!!

Waist Deep with Goodbyes

9.23.10

Dark clouds, ferocious images of lightening flashing, windows shaking, the loud crack of thunder booming, and howling winds that seemed to be getting its revenge against something. That's how Tuesday night was. Once the storm blew in, I couldn't help but think this was the closest feeling of what I would imagine a hurricane to be....

Then it was Wednesday. A complete opposite. Blue skies and warm temperatures. I was certain summer was over. But because of the lovely Michigan weather we get to experience, we got at least one more day to say our goodbyes to summer.

Meanwhile Todd and I were enjoying the outdoors and you know that saying, "Good news spreads like wildfire" well that's exactly what happened from the last place I would expect.

It all stated with just one lone lilly pad that floated from the other side of the lake...

Then out of no where, George showed up. George is Andy's cousin. Do you remember Andy? Well if not, click here to get the story. Andy must have said some nice things about me and he referred his family to come and pay me a visit.

And then there were two. Wow!! George and Benjamin. What a pleasant surprise. Just the two of them hanging out on a lilly pad. Seems kind of cliche I know, but obviously a lilly pad is the place to hang out.

Here's the two of them talking about the last time all the family got together...

And here's the goodbye. This may be the last time I get to see these two, but if I know Andy, he'll keep spreading the word. Andy's cool like that.

I will close with this picture. I had Todd take the picture because even though I had jeans on, it didn't stop me from going waist deep in the water to get some amazing images of my new friends. I finally have my closure with summer and as much as I hate to say it, I think I'm ready for Fall.

Last Chance: {Back to School Special}

The sale ends on Friday, September 24. If you're thinking about booking, now's the time.

Call 616.894.0166 or email Leilani@LeilaniTucker.com

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Caroline’s Senior Session

9.21.10

The first time I saw Caroline I could tell she was very sweet and sincere. She’s also very grown up for her age. I seriously can’t believe how grown up my senior clients are. I have had situations where I have dealt with the senior only—absolutely no parents were involved with the planning or the ordering. Times have definitely changed.

While discussing Caroline’s session, she wanted to incorporate one of her favorite pastimes—slalom skiing. I was so excited to shoot this because she would definitely be the first of my seniors to do something like this. We started at the studio, stopped by a few different locations, and finally ended up at the lake. Another cool fact about Caroline is she is not a local senior; she lives roughly two hours away and her parents have a cottage nearby so she’s by far my farthest senior!!

Caroline is college bound (with honors) nonetheless and is heading in the medical field. I know whatever she chooses Caroline will succeed (with honors of course).

Thank you again for choosing me as your photographer. I will definitely never forget your session and don’t be surprised if I ask for lessons on slalom skiing ;)
~Leilani

If you would like to see more images of Caroline's session, click here for a slideshow.

Game Night

9.20.10

I'm kind of spastic at times. I may even be a tad bit crazy. But if you mention these two words, my psycho alter ego emerges and I'm Leilani x 100. I really have no idea what comes over me but I get a little louder, a little giddier, but most of all I get a little more competitive. I love to play board games--the classics like Clue, Scrabble, Pictionary, Yahtzee, the list goes on and on....

On Saturday night after eating pizza, I managed to convince Todd, his son, and his son's girlfriend to have wait for it.....wait for it.....GAME NIGHT!!! The guys were not 100 percent into it because of the MSU game, but hey, isn't that was DVR is for???

So it was on. First up, Yahtzee....which let me tell you, there is no way you can compete with beginner's luck. No way. I could have gotten 3 Yahtzee's and still not have won. We moved on to Pictionary. Boys against girls. Let's just say the girls would have kicked some serious can if it was an honest game. It was not. Apparently the guys thought they were playing charades instead of pictionary...but all was good and after such intense games, it was Toddy's turn to watch the game.

So here are the lessons learned from Saturday night:

• If you're playing a game with someone who has never played before, there's no competing with beginner's luck.


• If you're playing pictionary and it's boys vs. girls, there needs to be an umpire involved. Trust me on this one ladies.


• And last but not least....thank goodness for DVR. If it wasn't for DVR, I could have kissed Game Night goodbye!!
  
  
  

Jack's My Man!

9.17.10

Ha! As far back as I remember....I was hooked. There is something about the taste, the smell, and the look that makes me drool. I honestly think it's even more so now because I can't have it everyday. My lack of over indulgence makes me cherish each and every single bite even more.

Jack in the Box is by far my most favorite fast-food restaurant in the entire WORLD! I could eat enough Sourdough Jacks to put the world to shame. Sourdough Jacks, seasoned curly fries with their buttermilk, and iced tea equals one happy girl. Now if you were to throw in some Pinkberry...I would be all set and for the first time in my life I would be speechless.

So here's where I start to tear up and my stomach starts to make some crazy noise. Michigan doesn't have any restaurants :( I went online and the closest Jack in the Box is in Alton, Indiana. In case you are wondering (cause I know you are) that's over 500 miles away. I realize this news is kind of depressing, but on the flip side, I started collecting the Jack antenna balls and even though I can't be where Jack is, he can at least be with me wherever I go!

Have a great weekend everyone! ~Leilani

Hutchinson Family Session

9.16.10

It was a typical family session--for the most part. Everyone was excited, happy, and nervous all at the same time; I was of course over the top giddy (surprise, surprise) and gearing up for the session. The location was thought out in advanced and we were prepared for a nice walk in the park. What we weren’t prepared for was the gigantic attack from mosquitoes. I’m usually worn out after a photo session, but this session I was not only worn out but I was weak from such massive blood loss.

The Hutchinson family took the massacre with such grace. What makes this family so special is the father is gearing up for his deployment. I can’t even begin to express how grateful I am to have such an honor of photographing a family session such as this. Here are a few of my favorite images of their session:

Look at their blue eyes! Amazing.

Thank you Hutchinson Family for allowing me to document such an incredible day. ~Leilani

Specialty Items: {Senior Albums}

9.14.10

This has been something I have been dying to get my hands on for quite some time. I have ordered several for my clients but none for the studio. Things are about to change. I finally sat down, went through all my seniors and designed this beautiful
10 x 10 hardback album that I absolutely adore.

These albums are so amazing because not only the front and back covers have incredible photos but because the pages are hinged so they lay flat and are perfect for viewing. Your hands will never be the same after they have experienced the feel of this album :)

I would love to give a shout out to Emily for gracing the cover. When I saw her image, I knew it would make the perfect cover.

Lyndsey had such an incredible session, I had to show off her beautiful layout.

Here it is! The remarkable hinged paper. Love, love, love it!

Another Lindsey is being featured. I love the rustic under-the-train-track-bridge look so of course I had to include her.

Here is the lovely Samantha. I absolutely love the 4 vertical images and how they are displayed.

For pricing information regarding these albums, please check out the website.

The Big 1-0

9.13.10

There are certain days when I feel life isn't fair. Monday's are never fair and the summer coming to a close is definitely not fair. But today....today is the unfairest day of all. For as long as I can remember, I always wanted a little brother or a sister. Growing up an only child was great but I often wondered what life would be like to have someone to play with, someone to blame stuff on, and someone to get into trouble with. For me, trying to blame my stuffed animals never fooled anyone--believe me, I tried one too many times.

My little brother turns the big 1-0 today. A day when I should be giving him nuggies or punching him ten times and throwing in the extra one for him to grow on. I should be plotting some kind of hilarious prank that would embarrass him yet we can laugh so hard about it together. Unfortunately we are 2000 miles away from each other but I still love him the same.

I love you my little brother....Happy Birthday!

Back to School Portrait Special!

9.10.10

School is in session and let the fun begin!!! I have received so many inquiries about school sessions I figured I should run a special. With much brainstorming, I have come up with a fun little package that should meet in the middle. There is a catch however, this special is only available for two weeks and is offered to preschoolers through 11th grade.

Yes that's right. Two Weeks. I realize it's sudden, but with such a huge savings, it has to be. Sessions do not have to be scheduled in the next two weeks, but it does have to be paid in full by Monday, September 27th in order to receive the discount.

I can guarantee with these sessions you will have the smile you want and not have to mess around with retakes. Besides having fun, you will look your best and have plenty of images to choose from.

If you are interested in making an appointment, please email Leilani@LeilaniTucker.com or call 616.894.0166.

August: {Five Things I Love}

9.9.10

I can’t believe it’s September already. I’m sure you know what that means…if you do kudos to you and if you new, then welcome to my randomness and to this installment of 5 Things I Love!

As usual I jot down all the things that were amazing during the month and gather up my five favorite and put them out on the world wide web. I guess there’s no better time than the present to dive right in. First up…..


Sunsets: When my mom and brother flew out and visited me for two weeks, we had some of the best sunsets any person could ever dream of. Because I get to witness these beautiful events nightly, I literally have hundreds of different sunset pictures. I want to enlarge one and hang it in my home, but it’s torture to pick just one. Maybe I’ll have a contest in the future to help me decide on the image.

Jeff Dunham: So for Toddy’s birthday I bought him tickets to Jeff Dunham. I mean how could you not think a guy who plays with dolls is not hilarious! We laughed and cried and just had an amazing evening. I managed to grab this photo with my little point and shoot camera because Todd’s favorite character is Walter. I’m just glad I didn’t get attacked by a dead terrorist for bringing my camera to the show ;)

Summer Squash: I realize that summer is quickly dying and there’s nothing I can do about it other than reminisce. I love summer squash, I love zucchini, and I especially love any food that has summer in the name. Unfortunately, I can only think of summer squash so when I think of more…I’ll be sure to add it. Anyway…garden fresh veggies I absolutely love.

Football Games: Friday nights mean football games. There’s nothing better than sitting on the bleachers, cheering, drinking hot chocolate, and shoving popcorn in my face. Vestaburg Schools has just finished their new football field. Todd, Haylie, and I were so glad we got to witness their first home game on their new field. Although Vestaburg lost the game, it was still a fun place to be. I can’t wait for the season to come into full swing.

Just Dance: Okay….I have been soooooo excited to post this. I was thinking about dedicating Just Dance to an entire blog but then I changed my mind and thought it should be featured here. I LOVE IT!! If you seriously want a workout that’s very disguised and just want to get down and boogie—this is the game for you. I seriously bought the Wii system just for this game alone. I love it, love it, love it. I’m seriously considering going pro because I’ve got 15 dances mastered. I pity the fool who wants to have a dance off—I’ve got the moves. Oh—and mark your calendars because Just Dance 2 is going to be released sometime next month (yay!!). I’ll be the fool standing in line at Walmart at 11:59 pm dancing to Pump Up The Jam!