Baby Teagan, already 6 months!

It's amazing how fast these little suckers grow! seems like yesterday we photographed Teagan in her first week of life! She's a little cutie pie for sure....














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First shoot of 2009!

Shannon and Chris got married a few years ago, they had a very Berkley Wedding at the Brazillian Room. They live on the East Coast {in Boston} but their families live in California. Shannon just had the big 30 and her mom surprised her with a photo session while they were out visiting for the holidays!

We had a great time at one of my favorite beaches here on the Central Coast. It was SUCH a glorious and beautiful day, the first day of a beautiful year ... 2009!

It was really fun shooting a couple that has been married for a few years - much different than an engagement session or wedding day. There is a different bond, which I could clearly see, very very cool....I am SO blessed!







Someone had written a note in the sand....Grace...something I know I could use more of and give more often! This would be a great word for the year..








Gunny got to assist on this shoot - he was super stoked!

Happy belated Thanksgiving!

We've been off-the-hook busy with final holiday albums and cards and weddings. It was so great to take a break this weekend and have my family visit.

Just living in this country we have so much to be thankful for. Even in harder economic times, so many are struggling and it breaks my heart. I've always been "miss optimist" {in fact some of my family members call me Pollyanna} despite when things are rough, life seems sunnier when we focus on the people and blessings we DO have, as opposed to what we do not have. Here's my "A" list of thanks for this season...

my loving husband
my sweet dog
good health
my family
freedom
Jill
Cady
my clients
gardening and the smiles it brings to my face when my plants grow and bloom!
talent
amazing light
flowers
deer
changing of the leaves
a warm fire in the fireplace to heat the house!

One of the lessons that has really been at the forefront of my mind this year that I'd like to share: the greatest joys and blessings in life come from people and things only God can give us....people, animals, plants....so really when outside circumstances seem rough, flip your thinking and be thankful for what you do have and the things money can't buy!

Thanks for reading...hope you enjoy my little family shoot, of my family!

Miss Ruby Jean....she's priceless!

my mom, with my niece and nephew (Jack) and of course, Coco the dog!
the whole family....
my sister and her "three" kids..

my mom with her furry grandson, Sgt "Gunny" Highway!



mi y mi mama...

Ethan and Grant | Santa Cruz Portraits

This is a start my catching up blogging {I have some of the most incredible things to share!} - and I'm sure all you workin' peoples waiting for 5pm today will enjoy a new post!

I've had the pleasure of shooting both Ethan and Grant since they were babies, and their parents since before the boys were born! Rene and John are some of my oldest clients - pretty much since I started! I am grateful for families like them who have stuck bye me for all these years - approaching 10 years now, I opened Allyson Magda Photography - time sure does fly!!!

We shot Ethan's 2 year old photos a couple of weeks ago - I think his personality shines through pretty clear in these shots.





big brother Grant...











In this family {like mine too} the dogs are just as important as the people!
here's Rudy and Shep:

Marlie | Paso Robles Portraits

I've been shooting Marlie since she was a week old... She just had her second birthday! She's a character for sure and loves loves loves to be tickled and play with her daddy!






















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Meadow and family | morro bay portraits

Meadow has been my life coach for a couple of years now, and she's always such a joy to shoot! This was the first time we got to shoot the whole family. Doesn't she have the most beautiful family? Their joy and true contentment is evident. Her daughter is just about ravishing with that red hair, and her personality more than goes with it!

If you're stuck in anyway, with your career or facing a big decision, you should contact Meadow - she is truly the best thing I've ever done for myself and my business... and she has quite the list of credentials....having been on the Oprah Winfrey show, and a book being published this winter!!

Natalie | 8 months

I just love to watch my mini clients grow! Natalie is already 8 months, and since I'm short on time, here's just a couple of my favorite photos from her shoot. To see her first session photos, click here.

The Bebe Collection is an awesome way to document the first year of your baby's life. We do three shoots within the first year. Capturing images you will truly cherish for a lifetime!!

Have a great weekend!
allyson


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All about the dogs...Jody and Andrew | Margarita

So Jody, Andrew and I hit it of instantly on the topic of dogs, and how much we love ours!!! Wilbur and Templeton were the co-stars of their engagement session we shot here on the Central Coast. They simply loved having their photo taken, riding in the back of the pickup - not so high on their list. Jody and Andrew will be tying the knot with a Paso Robles wedding next May at Meridian Winery. Congratulations you guys!













Andrew being a goof ball...Jody looking timeless and beautiful.



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Mia is one!

Mia turned one. She's such a cutie pie. We were very happy by her surprise visit with her parents last week. Click here to see photos of miss M from a year ago.




I just LOVED her shoes!!

Tyler is 2!!

Tyler has just turned 2! He's full of personality and is very interested in tractors...trucks...dumptrucks, you know, the boy stuff. You might recognize him from my website - he's the darling little guy in the grass, with the amazing and large blue eyes! It's always my pleasure to get to capture the growth of kids and families. Since I shot Tonya and Dave's wedding, I have gotten to see so many happy moments in their lives, and it's truly an honor! thanks guys!


LOVE LOVE LOVE this shot!...
Mommy and daddy are still in love...

Nicole + Jamie | San Francisco

Nicole and Jamie and quite possibly the sweetest couple around. We met up on Sunday after our wedding in the Bay Area....and had a fabulous and fun time! Here are a few of my favorites - including the "grassy knoll!"

Andreka + Cliff | Senior moments

The last of the senior portraits!

Isn't Andreka stunning?!
Cliff's a rock star...
or at least I made him look like one!

Barbara | Senior Moments

I don't do too many senior portraits, but when I do, we have fun! Here are a few shot of Barbara, she's going to become a nurse, like her mom! We shot these in beautiful and HOT (on this particular day) in Morro Bay, in case the large rock in the background didn't give it away...

Baby Teagan

Marna has become my friend over the last few years and when she told me another bambino was on the way, I was SO excited for her. Teagan was born just 6lbs 5 ozs about a week ago. She's welcomed by a big brother, Porter, who is amazing on the drums, and he's only 7! And of course two loving and wonderful parents. We where quick to get the newbie shots of her while she was still tiny, these suckers grow up fast! Here are a few of my favorites:

Tanner Drew | week 1

Tanner came into this world into the most awesome family. He was just one week old when we took theses, and he's quickly approaching 2 weeks! Thanks Bekah and Bryan for this opportunity. much love and many years of blessing with your little gift from God!
a+d

munchkins

Nobody stays for free....feeding the cows...

Ruby loves Gunny...




I returned from my trip from S CA with a couple of extras! My niece (Ruby) and nephew (Jack) have been visiting and we've been having a blast. Here are some snaps of the munchkins!
This week has been and adventure!

Kitty + Clara | the beach

Clara is almost 13! that's around 90+ years old in people years. She's having trouble walking these days, and Kitty wanted to get some snaps while she could still move around, she's a sweet dog. We headed out to a local beach and shot these of her and Kitty (Clara's mom). Kitty owns the The Spa Central Coast, if you are visiting or live here, it's worth a trip to!
I like the sunburst in this one!

Sumer + Mike | French Camp

Last week we went out to French Camp take some casual photos of our good friends Sumer & Mike and their dogs, Turbo and Lucy. We had fun shooting with the dogs and Dan as their entertainment. I just wish we had arrived a little earlier so we had more of that fabulous lighting!

Gavin 9 months

Katherine & James have been clients, well since they got married. Now they're more like friends. It's been fun to watch their family grow! Gavin is already 9 months and is truly a beautiful little boy. Isn't he just a cutie?!

Madeline | 2 weeks new

Miss Madeline Lucille (Maddie Lu or my favorite, LuLu) was just two weeks when we shot these....
so MUCH expression for so young!





and super alert!
very sweet...

She was being a sucker and wouldn't go to sleep for us. Her mom called me from the parking lot, she conked out as soon as they hit the elevator!

Danielle + Bryan | Margarita

If you know me at all, you know Dan and I spend time at the lake nearly every Sunday after weddings. Well, I've been admiring the light out at our favorite lake for several weeks now
....and I had the perfect candidates who gave me carte blanche on location, so here we are.

Bryan + Danielle are getting married in September, they have been in love for 7 years! High School sweethearts ... like we couldn't tell from the photos. Gesh, it's about time!!! (like I can talk - my story is exactly the same) Can't wait for their wedding, especially since Bryan and I convinced Danielle, she MUST go for a boat ride in the pond in front of which they are getting married....can't wait!

Misty | senior moments

Misty is graduating from Cal Poly's business college, soon! Isn't she pretty?! Congratulations Misty...we know you will do well where your path may lead!

Graham + Julie, SLO town USA

Graham and Julie are my first ever "my space" couple! I don't know a whole lot about my space, other than it seems like another place to suck me into the computer vortex of entries and reading, so I've neglected to start one, even though I know I should.

I joked with them that Graham was "wife shopping" because ever since they met, he doesn't use my space anymore!! Haha.... We had a great time shooting engagement photos around downtown, they are native San Luis Obipsoians (new word!) and are getting married in June at the Dallidet Adobe - super stoked for me - I love that place! Congratulations Julie & Graham!

Baby Natalie. 2 months

Baby Natalie is just 2 months old. She's very sweet and happy as you can see!

Jayne Wayne + Theo | A.town

I first met Jayne back in 2003, we just had moved from Santa Cruz to the lovely Central Coast and I shot her wedding. Since then Jayne and I have become good friends. Recently she started her web and graphic design business and needed some head shots. She's a big animal lover and I don't just mean she loves animals, she loves BIG animals - horses! That's way her business name is Jayne Wayne Equine Design. Don't ya just love that?! Check out her site when you have a moment. And if you need website she's great to work with and is good with optimization - something anyone with a website needs!

Theo is one of Gunny's good buddies. Over-n-out.

Bijou + Poppy

Bijou has wanted a little dog for a long time. Poppy is just ten weeks old....

kyrie + valentina | babies

You might remember Kyrie from back in November - I posted photos from her first day here on this beautiful earth. She's growing quick and is the sweetest little thing! She's about to embark on a big adventure - as she and her family are moving to the Grenadine Islands - Union Island on Wednesday! We hope to get to visit over the next few years!






Valentina - such a little cutie pie...and such fair skin - just like a real live doll!

The lovely Dawn Lambeth |

Last spring I shot the delightful Dawn Lambeth's headshots for her new CD!   If you love old school jazz you'll love this CD. Check out their website and enjoy!

Mama Mia! | Santa Rosa

Our good friend from high school, Aaron, and his wife had baby Mia this summer.  She's a complete sweetheart and a happy little gal, we got to hang out on a trip up north just before Christmas...here are her 5 month portraits:

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Ella 7 months

Today was my first day shooting in the new studio, what a treat! Ella is 7 months old. Her favorite toy is the reindeer you'll see below. She's full of smiles, big blue eyes and drool! Merry Christmas Ella & family!
allyson

Everrett turns one | Cayucos

Tina & I met when we were 7. We've been great friends ever since. From being munch kins in the Wizard of Oz in elementary school, to being tap dancers and dirt bike buddies, till now, we've had a lot of laughs and good times. It's really fun & special to have a friend that you've known for such a long time, and over so many stages of life and crazy to think that our kids will share a similar experience. Everett was born just over a year ago, as you'll see, he has lots of expression for such a young guy. He's very sweet too, well, at least for now he is, we'll give him a few more years on that and see what happens!
LOVE this shot of him eating sand!
Obviously they are a fun family - must be where Everett gets his personality!Gunny Highway got to come on this shoot....he was in a few photos too! I think this one is my favorite.

Christmas Cards Galore!

Bye now I have officially processed over 1300 Christmas cards....a bit scary, but the upside is that I've almost reached my goal for 2007!

Here are a few of the "fronts" - there is much more to each card and in person, they are absolutely amazing, but this will hopefully give you a general idea of the "A" style Holiday Card.....If you're on the A list - you just might receive one of your own for Christmas!

this one is still in progress...

Families on the beach! | Avila

Shelley & Gil called me on short notice....they came over from the valley for a quick vacation in Avila with their puppy - Molly. If you've read my blog for any length of time, you'll know how in love with my puppy - Sergeant Gunny Highway "Gunny" - I am....so I just had to take their photos, because I could relate to how special they felt their puppy is. If you're not a dog or animal lover, you might not get what I'm saying, but if you are, you totally will!!!

Molly and Gunny met today - they got along OK, but we were convinced if they hung out longer they would have had a blast!

I don't know why but to me, Blogger certainly seems to desaturate and lessen the contrast of photos when posted - so please know they look much better in print than when posted online!

Families on the beach! | Cayucos

One of my favorites beaches to shoot at ... well it was, until I found a new beach last week! It's great because of all the different locations. Danielle is a sweetheart, and is always a pleasure to shoot as are her parents - you can tell!

LOVE this one - above....and below.

Family in the vineyards | SLO town USA

Karen has the sweetest family one could ask for. I shot their family portraits at the ranch next to Edna Valley Vineyards in Edna Valley - imagine that! In fact, I just checked out their website and they have several of my photos on it - which I forgot about - not all of them - but check it out anyhow!

So back to Karen's family....the kind of family one can only hope to have when they grow up!

Vintage Christmas | Templeton

I have photographed Michelle & Shane's family for 3 years now....and Michelle never ceases to amaze me with her ideas! This year we did a Christmas tree decorating theme - and I think it really worked, in fact it might be one of my favorites shoots for this season. Here's the proof:

Meadow | Spark Life Design

Here are Meadow's most recent photos....isn't she sparkly?! We were going for a bit of a rocker look and I think we achieved it!

I met Meadow and her beautiful daughter - who stars at the top of this blog, bet you can pick her out - about a year ago when she asked me to shoot her headshot for her business, Spark Life Design. Since then I've had the joy of getting to know her professionally and personally and I can see why she does what she does.

About 8-9 months ago I was beginning to feel "empty" from my work. It's easy to say that this might not ever happen to you, and it might not, especially if you do what you truly love. But going on 9 years in the business, my feeling towards what I do had changed for some reason and more disturbing, I could not put my finger on it.

I still took beautiful photos that couples & families cherished and loved, but for me personally, something was missing. It was hard for me to believe that this was the case, because I am living my dream come true, and successfully. So I felt that there had to be some reason I was feeling this way.

Meadow helped me rediscover why I do what I do (which I knew all along, but had lost my path you could say) and to bring back the joy, along with fresh new vision. Caution you photographers if you are reading this - "burnout" can happen to you! - without you ever suspecting it. If you don't take care of it, it will take care of you.

Anyhow, I don't need to drag out the story, but Life Coaching really opened up my mind and energy in amazing ways. I highly recommend it, even if you just need a fresh perspective!

Hey if it works for Oprah, it will probably work for me!

Blessings, Allyson


PS I just re-read this entry and it sounds a bit salesish - So I thought I should clear the record - I wrote this all on my own, with no solicitation or benefits from anyone - it's all true!

Welcome Baby Kyrie!

Our good friends Samadhy & Kyle had a baby girl yesterday - Kyrie. She's got a full head of hair and is very sweet....

Family | Willow Creek Olive Ranch

So, I've been a bit behind in my postings, I have a lot of shoots to post, but am not so sure I'll get them all up, before our trip to Canada! We leave tomorrow morning to meet up in Calgary and then onto Banff with our cousins, Jeff & Jen. If I have internet access, I'll update from there.

This family is sweet & special. This is the kind of family where you can feel the love and warmth. The kids have so much fun character, which I can only attribute to how well they've been raised. They live and run their family business, award winning Olive Oil, Willow Creek Olive Ranch. To round off the family they have a dog named, Olive! It was only natural to do the shoot at home at the ranch....so here they are!

1 Year Old

Gunny Highway! Since we got our puppy almost 1 year ago - I've become a complete dog sap - my family is still in shock and so am I! Today Gunny is one...and I made him wear this bow, he wasn't very happy about it, but isn't he cute? He really is the best dog ever, and I'm totally not biased.

Gaby, Max & Issie

It's been a bit of a wild weekend/early week. I had a wedding up in Carmel on Saturday - super fun and really beautiful and then headed home late that night to hop on a train Sunday morning for Newport, where I attended a seminar, visited my mom and had a session with some of my favorite little people - Max, Gaby & Izzie. Here's a slideshow from their shoot.

"Little" Henry

Dan and I spent about 7 years in the town of Santa Cruz, CA. That's where we went to school, got married and started our careers. One day on his way to happy hour at the Santa Cruz pier on his bike, he rode past a cute 2-bay auto shop - I know it's hard to imagine a cute auto repair shop - but this one really was!! He decided to stop in and ask if they needed help. Well, it turned out that they did, and so began the start of Dan's automotive technician career and the start of our friendship with Henry & Lisa Carter and their family. This little guy below is named Henry after his Papa or grandpa Henry. He's a pretty fun & funny little character. I shot these while up in SC a few weeks ago.....

The funny part of this story is that just today we had a kid stop in who is on the same path as Dan was, and while he wasn't on his way to Happy Hour for the $1 margarita's, we hired him just the same!

Marlee 7 months

I shot Marlee for the first time back in December when she was just a few weeks old, and I don't remember if I blogged about it or not! Either way, she's a cutie pie with a big time personality. Time flies and she's already 7 months! Sitting up, making noises, responding with great expression, making noises - she's going to be full of personality!! Here are a few from the shoot we did for her 7 month shoot.....

The most talented...

The most talented ladies I know both happen to be jazz singers. Kellie Wenzel of NewjaZ and Dawn Lambeth and the Usonia Jazz Band are the most wonderfully talented musicians. Dawn and Kellie each have a unique and different Jazz style, Dawn being mostly old school - 20's-40's jazz and Kellie is more new school jazz. I'm no music major, but I know these ladies have what it takes! I do play the piano, but don't practice nearly enough!

I was honored recently by the opportunity of shooting each of these lovely ladies photos. Kellie's will be used for promo pieces and demo cd's and Dawn's will be used on her second album which will be out in the next few months!
Here they are.....

Kellie...Dawn...we went for a real classical portrait look - don't you think they look straight out of the 30's?! Special thanks to our friend Rhonda Johnson of Bridal Makeup and Hair - beautiful job!

Mexico!

Mexico!
I'm so very excited to be heading down to Baja to the small town of San Vicente. We usually go
about once a year with our church. In the past Dan and I have taught classes, he teaches welding and I teach computers, and then we go to a labor camp and do a short program for the kids.

Below are kids from one of the labor camps 2 years ago. The families that are in these labor camps come from deep down in Mexico. The corporations that run the camps bus the families up to Baja. The families want to come because they can make $9 a day versus $2. For the months they are at the labor camp, they stay in a 12x12 room with a dirt floor and tin walls and roof. Plus if you're 9 years old, you can work and get the wage of an adult.

This year I'm down with the women's ministry team. We're going to put on an outreach to the local women of the town.

Being down here puts life into perspective. We truly are so rich to live in the US. Serving others in the name of God is truly a rewarding experience!

Bijou!

I had this vision for a photo shoot and made it happen. As you can see, Bijou was the perfect subject. It's so fun to do shoots "for myself!" I always walk away inspired with more ideas and more creative energy. The end result of these little escapades such as this is, is that I become an even better photographer for my clients, because I am constantly staying fresh, not getting static and always moving forward. Enjoy these images! and if you'd like to see more, watch the SLIDESHOW

Special thanks to Camilla, Scot & Bijou!

Hip Family

Vicki was the winner of a family portrait session from a silent auction donation we participated in. I had a great time taking these photos of her & Stan and their 4 kids. These images are drifting from the traditional family portrait - but way good stuff, don't ya think? They're a bit "rocker" - love it!

Sandra & Richard

Sandra & Richard wanted to have their photos taken in our beautiful neck of the world before they up and moved to Richard's home country of England. We discussed their shoot and decided on a beach just north of Cambria. Well, we got there and it was just absolutely windy, I don't mean a little breeze here and there, I mean like torrential winds!!!! We tried taking a few shots, and decided to try another day. We agreed upon Santa Margarita Lake.

So a few weeks later we met at the lake and went out on the boat to some of my exclusive locations. We had a great time. They love dogs and we happen to bring Gunny - who likes to randomly go swimming we discovered - his boat days might be limited.

We really clicked with Sandra and Richard and they wrote us the nicest thank you...

"Allyson & Dan,
Thanks for the rock star treatment during our photo shoot last week. It was above & beyond our expectation. You two are really special. We wish you both all the success to reach your dreams. ~Sandra & Richard"

We think you two are special too, and yes, you're rock stars. Shine bright in your new home town of Lanchester, Englad!
Cheers!
Allyson

Family & children lifestyle sessions

I've been up to my ears in children and family lifestyle session, which I am thrilled about. I just love to watch families growing and enjoying this beautiful world we've been given to enjoy and soak up! On the Central Coast we have been so blessed with awesome weather, I guess this would be the one exception to the global warming argument - the winter has been so warm!

Wedding season is upon us, so check back for the most recent wedding photos. I am SO looking forward to this season. We have many truly fantastic couples we're working with many awesome locations.

I am honestly so very thankful to my clients who choose me to capture such exquisite and timeless memories of their life, it's not only a dream come true for them to have such wonderful events and moments, but a dream come true for me to be capturing them!

Enjoy these images, I'd like to hear your thoughts - I didn't go to Art School for years of critic to have it end there!