Eastbrook Studios invites you to photoblog!

The fotobug has moved.

2010-02-26T14:43:00.000-08:00

Yes, you read that right. Click on the fotobug above!!

a merry little Christmas.

2009-12-26T21:40:00.001-08:00

hope your day was
filled with moments
that sparkled

belly laughter

lovely gifts that
didn't cost
a penny

and love

xox, sarah

H1N1 is Now Available!

2009-12-17T15:54:00.001-08:00

My travels this past week suddenly took me to Longview Texas. True to its name, the views there are long. The horizon is as straight as a two by four. It's a small sweet town located in East Texas. The town is filled with people who will make eye contact while saying hi to you with smiles on their faces.

For those of you who have been emailing me over the past few weeks, I apologize for my delay. I was very ill with H1N1 that gradually turned into walking pneumonia. I now understand why people die from that flu. It sucked every once of energy out of my body and if I would have been left alone, I was certain that vultures would've pecked at my lifeless limbs. Good news is, that I'm much much better now.

So, needless to say, when the Longview,TX Walgreen's advertised, I politely declined their current red light special.

The Moore Family is now four!

2009-12-03T15:53:00.000-08:00

My super photo assistant, Cece, recently had her baby girl! Congrats!!! Baby Emily is so petite and beautiful, just like her mama. I have known Cece since high school and ever since she joined the Eastbrook team, we have gotten closer and closer. Cece is more than my assistant, she has become one of my closest friends. In fact, she is one of the closest friends I have ever had in my life. She teaches me how to be a better person and for that I am forever grateful.

Introducing sweet baby Emily!

There is something so amazing about tiny little toes.

And how baby feet can fit so perfectly in your hands.

Beautiful.

Sweet gal!
So relaxed her her parents arms...

I LOVE this image of Jacob with his baby sister.

The Moore Family is complete!

Cece,

You are amazing and look SO fantastic!!!! Thank you for everything that you are.

Love, Sarah

Giving is AWESOME.

2009-11-25T10:01:00.000-08:00

You know someone. You know someone who's experienced a tragedy, is struggling to stay afloat, is raising kids while holding down more than one job, or is volunteering selflessly despite extenuating personal circumstances. You know someone who can't afford custom photography, but who would cherish it this holiday season. You know someone who deserves a year-round reminder of their family's spirit, love, and beauty.

You know someone. I guarantee it.

I want to know who they are, and I want to give them the chance to experience complimentary custom photography, Eastbrook Studios style, valued at $650. Whether it's canvas or albums, prints for Grandma, or a slideshow to watch over and over, it's in your power to give them the artwork they deserve this holiday season.

Oh, and the best part? The person who nominates the winner receives a prize valued at $350. What better reason to show some love could there possibly be, people?!?

The rules:
* You cannot nominate yourself, and the person nominated must sincerely be incapable of purchasing my services. (Being unable to make mortgage payments for a two-million-dollar-vacation-home in Paris does not qualify as sincere financial need.)
* The nominee must reside in New Mexico. Tell me who you know, what they're experiencing, and why they deserve my artwork. Please include a way to contact both your nominee and yourself as well.
* You must e-mail me the full story : sarah@eastbrookstudios.com

The winner will be announced on Christmas Eve -- get nominating!
I can't wait to read all of your entries!

Open your heart to someone this holiday season
and thanks for giving me the opportunity to open mine.

With love,
Sarah...... aka 'fotobug'

Sara P. My friend.

2009-11-20T22:07:00.000-08:00

dear sara p,

i just wanted you to know
that this evening
on your wedded day
you looked beautiful
(as you always do)
from your pink sparkly toes
that peeked through your high heels
to your soft waves of curls that
bounced as you walked
from room to room
smiling
as mrs. trujillo

i adore you and
your classy way of thanking your
loved ones for traveling so far
and looking at your husband
and saying out loud and smiling
'We are happy.'

i just wanted you to know
that after all these years
I still look at you and see
the little gal
in my 7th grade english class
that is so pretty
and full of grace

in many ways you
have not
changed at all
and the things that have
are just simply more
amazing than they
already were

i am happy for you
proud of you and
i love you!

xox,
sarah e

Goodbye Canada-ish. Helllllllo Hawai'i!

2009-11-02T22:35:00.000-08:00

Time flies.

Two months ago I was counting down the days until we met in California to meet Jaxon for his fourth birthday Disneyland present. I imagined that when we were reunited again we would run towards each other in slow motion, each step getting closer and closer until meeting at arms length at which point we would collide and fold into one another. Embraced. It wasn't like that at all. It was better. Much, much better.

Jaxon walked towards me and then diverted his path when he spotted Lincoln. They had their 'Kodak moment' embrace (way to steal my moment Lincoln!) but really, just watching their happiness made my heart feel warm and fuzzy. Then Jaxon looked in my direction, looked away and then did a double take. (I knew I should have pulled my new bangs back!) Jaxon realized who I was and his face lit up so brightly with a smile that is forever burned into my memory. 'Hi auntie.' He casually walked over to me as I squatted down to hug him. 'Hi Jaxon.' We continued to stare at each other smiling. Then he sweetly said, 'I reaaaalllly missed you.' His eyes welled up with tears and he admitted, 'I thought I was never going to see you again.' My heart melted and my moment was much much better than I imagined it to be.

Time flew.

Before I knew it I was giving Jaxon an Eskimo kiss at the airport. No tears were shed as we signed (ASL) 'I love you' in the air. Then I assured Jaxon (and myself) that we will see each other again soon. I will start counting those days, starting now.

This one makes me laugh out loud!
Sweet boy.
The other sweet boy.
Snow white ride with 'mona' and 'grandpa'.
Lincoln used to hold my pocket this very same way. Love this.
After we arrived in Oregon Jaxon said, 'Remember when I went to Goofy's house?!'
I love LOVE LOVE this one SO MUCH!!!
Two of my brothers, Britttany and little Jaxon.
Waiting for the Halloween fireworks to start.
Oregon. aka Canada-ish.

Jaxon with his case of trains. Update: We have Edward now!! Thanks to his Nana!!!
Handsome boy.
About to scare his dad!
One of my favorites.
In love with this.
Silly boy.
This tree already had 'D + B' (for Daniel and Brittany) carved into it!!! Meant to be? I'd say so!
Makes me smile.
Fun with his dad.

I think they need a huge canvas of this one!
I laugh at Jaxon in this one because when he throws a fit he hides his face.
Cutest boy. Ever.
'Auntie, Can I go with you to Hawai'i?'
Eskimo kiss.

Now, back to Albuquerque via Hawai'i! Another journey that is so dream-like.... I look forward to sharing those pictures with you all soon!

Trains, trains, trains.... and the one named Edward.

2009-10-23T16:15:00.000-07:00

If it takes me another week to finish writing this journal entry, then so be it! I have started this entry in my mind for several days now and tried to open a new journal entry page but every time I try a little boy grabs my attention and says, 'Auntie, do you want to.....? Can we please...? Will you look at this? Oh and by the way auntie, I reallllly love you.'

I can hardly believe that I am with Jaxon.

We talk about trains a lot. Thomas, Henry, Molly, Harold (who is not a train but is Henry's friend), Stanley, Skarlowey, Peter Sam and the list goes on! The latest one he wants is Edward. Right now the obsession is with Edward. And after Edward? He wants Emily. I ask Jaxon, 'Then who do you want after Emily?' He responds frankly, 'Well, actually Auntie, I want them all.' I can understand his need for all of them. You see, Jaxon has memorized the animated Thomas series and I have watched him carefully organize the trains along the track. Then, like a director, he then starts a scene from the show. Word-for-word he recites the scene using phrases such as 'golly fellow' and 'thank you sir, you are so kind' and if one of the characters is not there to say his/her line, it's just not the same.

This is serious business. We must get Edward! Then Emily then Cranky the Crane then....

You would talk about trains all day long if this face looked at you like this!!

Sweet boy.
Jaxon took this one of me.(His composition is quite remarkable, if you ask me!)

Since I am very much a workaholic, it's been a hard task for me to just take time out for myself. I am 'on vacation' but still trying to stay on top of emails and phone calls as much as I can. Then when I look back on the images in this blog my heart cries out with the proof of why sometimes we all simply need to take signs seriously.

I may have missed a lovely moment such as this.

Oregon is gorgeous! The leaves are a kaleidoscope of colors and my late night walk last night provided me with a light fog, a warm pumpkin latte and the feeling of a peaceful love in my heart that words just cannot express.

Look up.

2009-09-29T12:40:00.000-07:00

Two years ago today, I was in New Zealand grieving. I was suffering the loss of my husbands father. I cried so much that I developed the worst migraine in the history of migraines. Then my dad called me to tell me that my grandpa passed away. That was the moment that my eyes glazed over and my body went on auto pilot. Numb. Then not numb, then numb again. I couldn't be there for his funeral so, I asked my friend Michelle to do a huge favor for me. She didn't know my grandpa at all but she agreed to my favor, without hesitation. As I cried eight thousand miles away from where I longed to be, my friend cried as she read the following words in my place.

"My name is Michelle Laredo and I am standing in place for Sarah Eastwood who is currently out of the country. Sarah has asked me to read the following words since she could not be here today.

You might remember my grandpa Joe by his ornately covered hats or by the cherry hill scented smoke billowing out of his wooden pipe. You might also know him for the strands of rubber bands that he collected around town that somehow found their way around his wrist and up his forearm. What I remember most about my grandpa is a simple conversation, between me and Grandpa Joe, when I was twelve years old. I was having a bad day and I expressed to my grandpa that nothing in my life was going right. Grandpa Joe mentioned something about God and how HE is watching over us at all times. Being the sassy pre-teen I snapped back at my grandpa, questioning him, 'God who?? How do you know if HE even exists?!' Grandpa got so frustrated at me and told me that God did indeed exist; that HE was everywhere. I then snapped back again, ' Where's the proof? Show me then.' My grandpa didn't look defeated like I wished him to be at that moment. In my twelve year old mind- I wanted to win this argument. Instead my grandpa told me ,'Missy... I should spank your bottom!' He hesitated and then continued with words that ended up changing my life. Grandpa said, 'Everyday there is proof! Look around yourself. Everyday the sun rises and the sun sets. God puts color in the skies that surround us.' I stood there stunned as my grandpa walked over, gave me a hug and then walked out of the door.

It's no wonder that sixteen years Iater I still love looking up at cloud formations, I constantly make time to stare at the sun as it is setting, or that on days when I find myself looking down I am quickly reminded of faith. My grandpa taught me to see the proof that God shows us everyday and I simply look up. I love you Grandpa for having faith in God and I thank you for having the courage to share it with me."

Thank you, Michelle....aka Miss Lauriedoo. Really..... expressing this letter for me was so meaningful and if I could show you how much it meant to me, I would. We always pick up right where we left off and I look forward to traveling across the world with you again one day. Afterall, it is the only way I get you all to myself!! Let's knock elbows soon my friend. Love, Sarah

Yadéeh and Justin. Because, that's why.

2009-09-25T10:12:00.000-07:00

Dear fellow blog readers,

I know sometimes you probably ask yourself the following questions:

Why are all of Sarah's customers so ridiculously good looking?
Why does she get the most awesome weddings and coolest customers?
Why does her team stay so pumped about what they do?
Why does the fotobug always know where to go?
WHY is she SO lucky?

Okay. So maybe I ask these questions. But really, they all have that annoying answer that we all despised getting while growing up..... 'Because, that's why.'

I would like to introduce to you Yadeeh:

Why is she beautiful from the inside out?

Why is Justin laughing so hard?

Why are they so cute?

Why is my camera attracted to lovely moments?

(By the way Yadeeh, you are stunning!)

Because...

that's why.

Why did I take Yadeeh and Justin's ring shot with the cover of Rock Band? Because one day, I heard awesome music (and what I thought was the radio) while I was cooking dinner in my kitchen. (Yes, we are neighbors.) I then made a comment to Yadeeh about her 'rockin' it out the other night' and that's when Yadeeh said, 'You heard meee???' heehee ..... the rest is history. And lemme tell you-they are GOOD!

Yadeeh and Justin, I had such a fun time with you at your anniversary session! I look forward to more ethnic dinners, board games, the backpacking trip in Peru but most of all, I look forward to seeing you perform rock band LIVE! Just because, Sarah

Andrea and Diego. Untouchable.

2009-08-25T19:50:00.000-07:00

One day during bible study Andrea noticed someone that she hadn't seen in class previously. She spotted him from across the room and was instantly drawn to him. She kept looking at him hoping he would notice her and make eye contact. Diego kept his focus on his studies. The following week Andrea took a little extra time getting ready for bible study that day and when she arrived hoping to catch Diego's attention, he wasn't there! It put her focus back on to the whole reason why she was going to class, to study the bible. The following week Diego was in class and Andrea couldn't help but glance over every so often. He finally locked eyes with her. In one swift moment Andrea smiled, her heart skipped a beat and he stole her breath away.

Andrea and Diego had such a strong connection with each other that over the next few weeks they continued to study the bible together and made a joint decision to get baptized together. In front of family, friends and members of their church they made a promise to welcome God into their lives.

Diego faced Andrea as her head emerged from the baptismal. As she wiped the water from her face she locked eyes with Diego. In one swift moment Diego took Andrea's hand in his..... she smiled. He expressed his love to her and told her everything she meant to him...... her heart skipped a beat. Then he asked her to marry him..... he stole her breath away.

Andrea and Diego have a love so incredibly pure and honest that not only can you clearly see it but.... you can feel it with every single cell in your body.

Beauty.Pure.
Real.
Untouchable.
THIS IS LOVE.
Andrea and Diego,

It's a compete honor to document a love like yours. Really. I feel so blessed and I will never ever ever be able to say thank you enough times for trusting me.

xox, Sarah

a little bit of the three OH.

2009-08-18T11:56:00.000-07:00

I woke up early in the morning, walked sleepily down my hallway and like clockwork turned into the living room to check on Pearl. That was the exact moment when my jaw dropped open and a little gasp of air entered my lungs, holding on to time. I stood there speechless. Motionless. My eyeballs instantly wider as I smiled at my new bubble gum pink colored 2010 Vespa. Yup, right there in the middle of my living room floor was the fotobug's new companion.

Yesterday, I turned a little bit of the three OH.

For many months now I have dreaded yesterday so very much. And for those of you close to me who have had to hear about my birthday for months now..... I thank you for listening.... or for at least making eye contact while acting like your listening to me ramble on an on....ha! I also thank you, in advance, for any future ramblings. Because to be honest: I am not quite done yet. :o)

In light of my birthday, I have spent a ton of time thinking about my life. I have thought about how blessed my life has been and where it's going to go.... I don't know all the answers yet but there are some things that I like to think I know. So, I have decided to make a list of thirty things about me. This blog entry might drive a few people nuts.... but, it's my blog and it's my birthday so.... there. (Gosh, that was bratty!) Well, here it is:

1. Sometimes I have laughing episodes so hard, I cry.

2. Many days my job is so fun I have to pinch myself to make sure I'm awake.

3. I adore children. Other peoples children.

4. One of my favorite things to do is people watch.

5. I never watch the news and seldom watch tv.

6. I became a vegetarian over ten years ago when I went to my friend Sara's Hawaiian luau and saw a pig on a spit. We created a 'rip' Wilber sign and I from that day forward my meat eating days were final.

7. I fold my t-shirts in perfect rectangles.

8. I run because it keeps me sane....ish.

9. Sometimes, I randomly catch myself tapping my feet to music... tap, shuffle, heel-toe-heel, tap, tap, tap- stomp. (I was a tap dancer for 13 years....)

10. My idea of a perfect vacation is somewhere outside where I can easily get to a body of water, a refreshing piece of watermelon and have my running shoes handy.

11. I love the smell of rain.

12. My favorite musician is John Mayer (and if you have been to my studio you would have seen the cardboard cut-out that I have of him.) Ingrid Michaelson is a very very close second.

13. I am hopeful.

14. Most of the time, I trust too easily.

15. When I can't sleep at night I go outside and look at the stars or moon.

16. I almost have the whole Albuquerque sunset time chart memorized.

17. I love clouds.

18. My hair styling skills are hopeless. I was raised with brothers (that's my excuse) and I never ever know what to do with it.

19. Even when I have moments of uncertainty or lack of confidence I know that I have a support team who is there for me to cheer me on.

20. I am a horrible listener. There, I said it. It's a bad quality to have BUT I am working on it!!

21. Everywhere I look (in my house, car, bags) I find chap-stick containers. Used, unused and never completely empty.

22. One of my favorite things to do is to perform random acts of kindness.

23. My posture is frightening. So, if you see me slouching please say something!

24. I have a really acute sense of smell.

25. I used to be a litter bug (which makes me cringe to admit). Key words: 'used to be' AND NOW I spend some of my free time picking up litter randomly. In parking lots or around my neighborhood.

26. I believe that happiness is a choice.

27. My favorite color is pink (but it used to be orange!!)

28. I own way too much clothing and pairs of shoes.

29. I LOVE getting cards or letters in the mail.

30. I am worth it.

So, after I thanked my husband for getting me the pink Vespa. He looked at me with all sincerity and said, 'I didn't get it for you because I wanted to, I got it for you because I love you.'

So, even if I don't have all the answers to my future and where I am going.... I know that wherever it is: I am loved. This much, I know is true.

Charlie. As himself.

2009-08-07T08:34:00.001-07:00

Have you ever said something without thinking it through and then been MORTIFIED at what fell out of your mouth? That is how I met Charlie. We were sitting at the laptop bar, at Flying Star, when the battery life warning on my friends laptop started blinking. I quickly looked under the counter for an outlet, spotted one, grabbed the power cord and without thinking turned to the gentleman sitting next to me and thoughtlessly blurted out, 'May I stick this between your legs?' His eyes suddenly as big as saucers and my face instantly felt sun burnt. I was utterly EMBARASSED. There was no turning back time.... so we all burst out laughing and didn't stop until we all had sore abdominal muscles. Which is one way to burn off the dangerous calories of the lemon cheesecake we consumed.....AND more importantly make a friend.

Meet Charlie:

One of my favorites.

LOVE this one. (and yes, it's out of focus on purpose.)
Stunning eyes.
How cute!

Charlie,

Thank you for laughing at my awkward introduction on our first meeting... for the impromptu sunset yoga lesson (which I believe was totally a level 2- 3 ish.... right!?) and MOST importantly for just being you.

The world needs more people like you and always continue to just be yourself. :o)

Thank you soverymuch,

Sarah

Jaxon. Pure joy.

2009-07-30T22:59:00.000-07:00

My brother and sister-in-law have made the decision to move to Oregon. With them they will take one of our family's greatest blessings: Jaxon. Both sides of our families can talk about Jaxon for hours- and do!!! He lights up ALL of our lives by just being himself. He is creative and sees life in such a pure way.... it's magical. I feel so blessed that during his last couple of days (before starting his journey west) he spent a night at my house. Today after running at the park, chasing a make believe squirrel and laughing so much we got tears in our eyes Jaxon had a very long nap. He woke from his nap and came running down my hallway with great urgency in his voice:

'Auntie, come HERE!'

I jumped up and quickly followed in the direction of his voice, 'what is it Jaxon??'

'Hurry, I have to show you something.'

He led me to the door and pointed upwards. 'Look, look at that sunset.'

'WOW....' I smiled and carried him outside. As we watched he sky he slowly shook his head, 'I just can't believe it.....'

'What can't you believe?'

'This sunset.... it's beautiful.'

I agreed, 'Yes, it is. Thank you for sharing.'

My time spent with Jaxon was like the sunset that he shared with me. Just beautiful. Today, I am not sad about what I'm losing.... I am happy and thankful for everything that we shared. Keep looking up sweet Jaxon...... Oregon sunsets are waiting for you to arrive.

A tattoo from each grandma. Too cute!

We set the self timer for these. Jaxon pressed the shutter and ran as fast as he could to make it just in time to get in the shots. It was so much fun we couldn't stop laughing!

Then Jaxon expressed his desire to hold (and use) Auntie's very expensive camera. I am still in shock that he captured the following images. These are straight out of the camera without any cropping at all.
If I only had time to tell you what he was saying to make me laugh....

Seriously people, isn't he gorgeous?!?! (And totally going to be my future camera assistant.)

Daniel and Brittany, I wish you safe travels and hopes for a journey that fulfills all of your families dreams. Love, Sarah

Happy Birthday Lincoln. Happy day sweet David.

2009-07-24T03:43:00.000-07:00

Weeks before my mom knew she was pregnant with Lincoln, I knew. I remember looking at moms reflection in our full length bathroom mirror thinking about how her tummy seemed slightly 'poofy' and as she fixed her hair she hummed a song. Something seemed different about mom and when I asked her if she was pregnant she giggled, 'what made you ask that?' She stopped for a brief moment, in thought, then carried on humming. On Christmas day that year mom and dad announced that we had one more gift but we couldn't 'open' it quite yet. The suspense ate me alive as mom smiled and built up to say, 'we are having a baby!' My mouth dropped open and I exclaimed, 'I knew it!!' Every single day from December to July I prayed that mom was having a girl. I already had two brothers and I thought that was enough!

As dad and I paced the hallway in the hospital for the baby status update we teased each other even making bets on if baby was gonna be a 'Tiffany' or a 'Lincoln.' The doctor emerged from the room (from which seemed like an eternity) and announced, 'it's a... boy!' My heart sank as I looked at shiny speckled linoleum floor and thought to myself..... but Tiffany was gonna play dress-up with me!!! As I walked into the room the doctor handed my baby brother to me. Before dad or mom or any other family member got to hold Lincoln I got to be first. As my arm supported his head close to my heart he opened his eyes to greet me and I said, 'Why hello there.... it's nice to meet you, Lincoln.' He was the most beautiful baby I had ever seen and at that very moment I forgot about combing barbies hair, rainbow bright and 'girls only' tea parties. At that very moment I knew that I was in love. Then dad whispered to me, 'just think Sarah, when your about to turn thirty, Lincoln will be graduating from high school.' ........'ohhhh dad, that's soooo far from now!' Dad chuckled knowing time better than I did. I looked over at a very exhausted mom and in her eyes I saw the same lovely expression as the day she was humming to herself in the bathroom.

Needless to say, I have always felt a special bond with Lincoln. When we weren't together I would wonder if he was hungry, if he had toys to play with at home, did he have his nap yet? I have had eighteen years of worry thinking about what choices Lincoln will or won't make in his life. When I moved to New Zealand for several years, I missed my entire family but I found myself missing him the most. After two years of being gone, I returned to NM for a visit and as I walked through the airport my hand was suddenly filled with a small warm hand. I looked down at Lincoln and he said to me, 'sister you are..... beautiful.' I replied, 'And look at you Lincoln! You're so tall now and looking very handsome!' Hand in hand we walked towards the airport parking lot the entire time thinking to myself, 'Now I'm home.'

Baby brother Lincoln,

You are the best surprise I have ever received.

Happy 18th birthday!

Love, sister

Also, my husband has asked me not to make a big deal about his 30th birthday today or else I would have written about him too....I am trying to honor his request but I can't go without at least saying: Happy birthday sweet David! See, I told you that you would make it!!! :o)

Brian and Diea. Better together.

2009-07-01T15:50:00.000-07:00

My dear friend, Brian, married the love of his life this past Saturday in Florida. I had the honor of being invited as their guest and very specifically NOT their photographer. Of course, I would have enjoyed documenting their day but more than that I felt so special knowing that they wanted me to simply just be there........ especially for open bar cocktail hour. :o)

Two days before their wedding I went snorkling in the Atlantic ocean with Brian and his family. As we slightly treaded water letting the oceans current carry us north we spoke of Diea and how in just two days he will choose to be with her for the rest of his life. He told me that for the first year of their relationship he lived in California while Diea lived in Florida. They were first friends, spending every chance they could communicating with eachother via internet. They would purposely go out and rent the same movies and buy the same type of wine. In sync, they would watch movies together while sipping on wine, even though they had miles of land between them. A entire year of good morning emails, from Brian to Diea..... made them realize that they are better together.

On Saturday, my dear friend married a woman that he loves dearly and she loves him back. They have a deep friendship and honest love and to witness their celebration made me feel so honored. And just think...... the best has yet to come!

Hello gorgeous!

For: Brian... Yours, Diea.

The boys.

For: Brian .......love, David

For: ME .....because he's THAT cute.

David took this one....and 'posed' me too!

Then I took his idea.....

love the laugh.
and LOVE the kiss more....
but LOVE the way Brian looks at Diea MOST!
Ring shot: Now they never have to have land between them again....
......umm, I don't even like wine.... yet I drank this entire glass.

Brian and Diea,

It was an honor to witness your celebration of love and a much needed vacation for me and David....... many many many thanks.

Love, Sarah

I am my father's daughter and I wouldn't want it any other way.

2009-06-21T06:33:00.000-07:00

This blog post is extremely personal and probably crosses the line of being professional in many ways. However, I truly believe that we all have our own version of life and I know that I am who I am because of my story. It has shaped me into the person I am today and for the most part I really like the person that I am: forgiving, embracing happiness and loving.... and because I bring so much of who I am into my photography, I wanted to share a small piece of my heart.

This image was taken while I was on a 36 mile backpacking trip through the south island of New Zealand. At one point (after climbing for about eight hours by myself) I turned around and looked back at the path I had just climbed. I remember thinking about how, at certain points it hurt so much.... but looking back it was totally worth every step. Then for a moment, I didn't know if I was thinking about the path....

....or my life.

One of my very first memories that I can ever remember is of my dad. I was four years old. He was sitting on our maroon colored couch, his back faced the 80's style crackled mirrored wall that went straight up to the ceiling in our living room. The three bulbed lamp dimly lit the room while the sound of The Beatles danced through the faux wood box speakers. My dad hunched over his 'seed slide' brought a joint up to his lips, sucked in chronic and exhaled, his mouth shaped like an 'O'.... puff, cough.... exhale, breathe. My brother and I stood before dad anticipating the perfectly formed circle of smoke that would float from his lips.... like magic. We would use our index finger and poke it through the middle of the circle that would quickly grow bigger and bigger until all the smoke had dissipated into hazy air. We would jump up and down, 'Do it again dad, again!'

My dad was a drug addict for almost thirty years. It consumed him and shaped our family during my (and my brothers) entire childhood. Growing up we shared laughter.....but mostly anger. We walked on eggshells never knowing if dad was high on the roller coaster or crashing down..... on us. Emotionally. One day, dad had a moment of clarity and made the choice to stop his addiction. He has told me many times, 'once an addict, always an addict.' So, everyday he makes a choice not to go back.

The moment he quit is when, I believe, my dad really started living.

He left himself vulnerable to his 'true friends'.... his family, himself. He had to be openly honest about EVERYTHING and the deep tracks he carved into his family. For many years I used to wish my childhood was something else....something without circles of smoke. I think about how symbolic that simple puff of smoke shaped my life and how my dad chose to break the circle. The patterned cycle of life. To me he is proof that people can change. They have to want it though. The amount of love and pride I have for him is something that cannot be measured.

We all have a story. I wouldn't change mine for anything. Today, I honor my dad and his choice to be drug free. This year marks an entire decade!

My favorite dad......my hero.

Forever changed.

Thank you for making a choice: every. single. day.

Love, your favorite daughter

Adrianna and Arycela. Twinship.

2009-06-19T08:05:00.000-07:00

Twins. I have always been extremely fascinated with twins and multiple births. My grandpa was an identical twin and maybe that has something to do with it. I have thought about this a lot growing up and some things that keep playing in my mind about twins is their special bond. They start their life at the same exact time and at the same exact place yet they are very different. They carry an unexplained unity of twinship love that can only be felt.

The moment I met Arycela and Adrianna my heart was joyful. They didn't hold back smiles or personality traits... how perfectly amazing is that? I have been documenting them for over a year now and it's incredible how much their outer beings have changed and at the same time how their sweet bond has stayed very much the same. At the end of their first session with me they fell asleep holding hands.... a powerful moment I will never forget.

Sweet face of Adrianna.

This is joy!

LOVE this one.

Too cute!

Arycela got in her jeep and took off! It was one of the cutest things I have EVER witnessed!!

Love this.

Gorgeous smile.

With twins I believe it's: Double the blessing, twice the amounts of kisses!

Guillen family, I always look forward to seeing your girls! It was been an honor documenting your girls grow and laugh and play and love...... thank you for trusting me to document their twinship. One day, I look forward to wedding bells and more.... BUT that's a long time from now..... like we talked about, cherish each moment. Love, Sarah

Sweet Angelina.

2009-06-09T13:40:00.000-07:00

Angelina arrived to her photo shoot with her purse (Mary Poppin's style) fully prepared to share everything in it with me. Inside her purse contained things that she was interested in doing. (Playful items that reminded me of being eight years old and feeling like I was all grown up. Because that's what carrying a purse can do for a girl, as we girls know.) Angelina was perfect in pink from her polka dotted dress to her matching sandals and freshly painted finger nails. She has proper manners, shy giggles and a sweet disposition. I am positive that if her purse would have contained a measuring tape it would have read: 'Angelina, Practically perfect in every way.'

Gorgeous, right?! Seriously WOW.

Precious.

Love it.
LOVE it.
Makes me giggle!
Now this.... is love.

Ann, Thank you for introducing your beautiful daughter to me. The amount of pride and love that you have..... has to be immeasurable. Hugs, Sarah

Geraldine and Kermit. The Proof.

2009-06-06T06:44:00.000-07:00

Geraldine and Kermit are one of those couples who just happened to meet on a random day, totally unsuspecting that what they just encountered was love in its truest form. On their wedding day, I noticed that even when Geraldine and Kermit talked to separate people they would still be connected to each other some how. They would be touching shoulders or holding hands..... maybe without even knowing that they were still holding onto each other. What I loved most about their love is that the moment their eyes connected it was almost as if you could see their hearts light up like those plush glow worm toys (remember those back in 1984?) Comfortable and soft and proof that there is light in the dark. Everything at their wedding seemed to have a soft glow to it and just thinking about it literally brings tears to my eyes.
Beautiful.

Handsome.

At the salon.

I love this one my assistant, John, shot during pre-ceremony time.
Stunning!

This one was John's shot. WOW.
Seriously Geraldine....YOU ARE BEEEEEAUTIFUL!!!

Here comes the bride.

Pretty lady.
I dreamt about a couple of image ideas the night before their wedding. This was one of them:
and this was the other:

Smokin' hot. LOVE IT.

Gorgeous!

Geraldine and Kermit, The moments that unraveled on your wedding day were not something I could have ever predicted! I had a couple of 'wedding photographer firsts' occur at your wedding (...possible disc jockey services to come perhaps??) and I couldn't be more thankful. You are both a testament to true love and proof that finding happiness happens when you stop searching for it. I cannot thank you enough for welcoming me into your lives and trusting me to capture your proof. A complete honor (I know my assistant, John, felt the same.) Thank you for thanking me...... it means soverymuch. It's people like you that allow me to pursue the passion in my life and I don't think there are a million 'thank yous' that can ever express the way my heart feels right now....in fact, I think it might be glowing. Love, Sarah

Jenae and Grant. A three way promise.

2009-05-22T09:52:00.000-07:00

Jenae and Grant celebrated their wedding surrounded by family, close friends and their other love in their life. It was a triangular vow of love that included their sweet baby girl, their greatest love of all. As they said their vows to each other, their baby girl sighed and let out a 'ccoooooohhh' in agreement. It was a beautiful day of celebration for the journey that is ahead of them....a great day to be thankful for their love as a family, as best friends and of course, their unbreakable three way promise.

Sweet kiss.

Beauty.

Love this one.

Jenae, your stunning.

THE talented Guadalupe captured this one. Wowzers.

A snuggle.

This one gave me goosebumps and i LOVED every moment of it.

Jenae and Grant, Thank you for choosing us to capture all your promises. We look forward to seeing your baby girl grow and be loved more and more each moment. Your photographers, Sarah and Guadalupe

The World's Toughest 10K.

2009-05-17T22:09:00.001-07:00

Dear running coach,

I put my fotobug shoes into good use early this morning as the sun started to peek over the Sandia mountains. I arrived with 8 minutes til the official race start time. I didn't want to warm up for the race, a choice I made the night before. (Actually, a choice I made the night before while standing in the dark where I remembered the starting line drawn last year.) At ten thirty Saturday night, I asked my husband to drive me to I-25 and Tramway so I could stand in the dark and be face to face with the challenge us runners have. The hype, the start, the energy, tension, anticipation...... the lack of sleep, wondering if the right foods were consumed, thinking if I trained enough... the list goes on. But as I stood there, wearing my fotobug shoes, I came to terms with the steep incline and faced my pre race jitters while my husband waited patiently in the car for me. (He is so flippin' rad!) I slept a little better than I normally would before a race day and the drive to the race wasn't filled with anxiety like it normally is. Eight minutes and counting, right before the gun went off, I remained calm and collected. The gun went off and I gently started my incline making sure that Lincoln stayed by my side for at least two miles. (After that, I didn't see him again!) He is known for taking off way too fast and then paying for it the last couple of miles (as you know). So, I pulled the reigns on him and he stayed with me. I listened to Randy (our new running coach) and kept focus on one person in front of me, trying not to look away... with each step climbing and always thinking of positive things, never the pain. It was a personal best for me in the WT10K, over four minutes faster than last year, placing GOLD. You said that I would run faster and you were right and the race itself felt awesome! Lincoln ran his longest distance in a race so far, he came in 23rd overall! We are already talking about doing it again next year....

I hope we made you proud!

Love, Sarah

Here are some of my favorite images from the race!

Getting up early is totally worth it to see this view! How lucky are we?!

Never ever.

Look at Lincoln's perfect runner legs!! (on the left)

He pushed it to the end. I am one proud sister, lemme tell you!!!

It's hard to see with such a condensed image file but my favorite part of this image is in the background. On the right, you can see three guys standing in the background. It's my two younger brothers and my husband. I zoomed the image in and Daniel looks shocked, Lincoln is smiling and David is checking out my PR time with his 'I'm proud of my wife face' grin.

Since Lincoln left me in the dust, I had to carry him......pft! (Side note: Mom took this with her point and shoot and I LOVE IT!)

The Eastbrook Studios Team was the official photographer for The World's Toughest 10K! Pamela with That's A Wrap! Event Productions called us to document the race. How exciting!! Since I was running in the race, superphotomom Cece and THE talented Guadalupe captured the race. They had a blast! Pamela organizes many races throughout the year, she is always super organized and she makes sure to cater to the needs of runners. We hope to see you photoblog readers sign up for future races!

Chris and Izzy. Best buds.

2009-05-15T09:31:00.000-07:00

I met Chris over a year ago through my running group. Being around him brings out positive energy and after you have left his sight, his energy lingers. He is calm and collected and has an open heart. (Izzy, his dog is the very same way!) I am constantly amazed that Chris has lost 75 pounds of weight. One day he made a decision to change his life for himself. Along the way, he decided to never to look back at that 'other person' he used to be. What impresses me most is that he changed who he was on the inside, for the better. Chris is inspirational and what's so great about him, is that he doesn't even know it. His dog Izzy knows it though.....

...just look at that face!!!

When Izzy sniffs his eyes disappear, how cute is that??

LOVE it.

Chris loves photography and does it as hobby, so I let him take his own shot of Izzy. Great eye Chris!

love the laugh!
one of my favorites.

Dreamy eyes.

Best buds.

Chris, I enjoyed talking with you and adored meeting your snuggable Izzy. Happy 30th birthday!!! High five to you! Hugs, Sarah

The May Family.

2009-05-13T07:01:00.000-07:00

We documented the May family out on their land in Corrales. Their property has been in the family since World War II. During their session, the children's great grandmother was able to join us for some portraits. We quickly found out that it was her birthday! (I won't disclose her age..... because a lady never reveals that. But lemme just say, she is gorgeous!) While I was taking great grandmothers photos, I couldn't help but sing happy birthday to her! The smile that spread across her face was so sweet. I will never forget what a moving moment it was. I thought about her for the rest of the weekend and how life is too short to be forgotten. Absolutely lovely!

Great laughs.

The horse had something to say about the photo session!

Beauty.

Wonderful laugh!
A perfect cuddle with great grandmother.

If you ask me, the turtle smiled too!

Best buds.

Happy face.

Mother and daughter. Everyone that has a mother should have a photo like this.

Pure beauty.

May family, We enjoyed your families interaction! Lots of joy and love! Thank you for welcoming us to your home and sharing your laughter with us, Sarah

Saying goodbye.

2009-05-10T09:56:00.000-07:00

I am realllllly bad at saying goodbye. This weekend, I had to face 'a goodbye'. There are many reasons that I find goodbyes hard. My past is scattered with getting attached to someone I care about and then having to say goodbye..... some are for a little while and others I know I won't see again. And because I can't control that space of time, it makes it that much more difficult for me. This week I had to say goodbye to a wonderful family and my running coach. His training and support has made such an incredible difference in someone that means the world to me... my brother, Lincoln. I learned that my running coach is leaving for an opportunity that will benefit his family, which makes me glad he is going......and for selfish reasons I am beyond sad.

Before they left out of town, I documented his family. As long as I stayed focused on joyful baby Issac, I was able to compose myself...... just long enough to take their photos.

Sweet face.

Perfect hair.

Cute tush.
i love this one.

I adore the anticipation on Issac's face in the 'peek-a-boo' game.

I truly believe that only a mother knows what this feels like.... happy Mother's Day beautiful Ivy.
I don't understand why this door is low.... and why it needs a sign to warn people but, I love it!

LOVE it. love them.

Lincoln and I have a tradition at the end of our races together. Winner gets to be carried. The image below was from Lincoln's first race ever. 5k Run for the Hills where he placed third! On a side note: The following images were taken with moms camera phone or point and shoot.

I placed first in my age division. 10K.

Lincoln placed second! We also entered this race as a team and got fourth place together. Our team name was: Hungry Hippos...... when we run long distances (while training) we talk a lot about what we are gonna eat afterwards.

Dear running coach, Lincoln needed you more than words can ever describe. A little over a year ago he lacked direction in life and confidence in himself. No matter how many times I would tell him that he could do whatever he wanted with his life, he would remain stagnant. He simply just needed someone else with a different perspective (and on the outside) to tell him so. That's where you came along. There was a pivotal moment when I knew that Lincoln believed in himself. We had just finished a seven mile run and I was driving Lincoln home. Both of us were on a runners high, talking all the way home about what we were going to eat and how satisfying our hill workout felt. Lincoln was just about to get out of the car when he turned to me and said, 'Sarah..... I am pretty awesome, huh?' My heart burst with happiness and as I held back tears the only thing I managed to say was, 'Yes Lincoln, you are.' A year ago those words would have never come out of his mouth. He wasn't saying it to be boastful, he said it because he was proud of himself. The support that the running group and your positive coaching has given to him is something that I will forever be thankful for. Lincoln needed you more than even he knew and these days he has so many ideas about what he wants to do with his life that it's hard for him to choose! We will miss you soverymuch. Love, Sarah

Jacob is three.

2009-05-06T21:08:00.000-07:00

Handsome Jacob is already three years old. While taking Jacob's birthday photos Cece shook her head in disbelief, 'Where does the time go??' I remember taking maternity photos for Cece when she was pregnant with Jacob. I recall the way she would smile as she rubbed her belly wondering what her little boy would look like. It doesn't seem that long ago that Cece had her baby shower for Jacob while the ultrasound hung on her refrigerator door. It's been over three years already! I ask the same thing.... 'where does the time go??'

I love how held his fingers to show how old he is.

I adore this one!

Sweet boy.

Jacob loves bubbles so much that...

he decided to taste them!
His conclusion was bubbles are not tasty.

I took three images of Jacob with his dad (before he had to rush off to work) and this was the very first one. What an amazing relationship they have!

Cece and Waylon, It's been quite the journey documenting many events in your life.... from your baby in belly , pumpkin patch and birthdays. I can see how much joy your little man Jacob brings into your life and I know that you are proud of him... because I can see it. Actually, everyone can see it within 3 minutes of watching your family interact! It is so wonderful to think that this time next year, Jacob will be a big brother! He has so much love to give and I am so happy for your growing family! :o) xox Sarah

baby dante. a bundle of joy.

2009-05-03T23:59:00.000-07:00

At only four weeks old baby Dante is showing great signs of knowing exactly how to work the camera. He was a trooper throughout his entire session and only fussed when his mom or dad was out of his sight. I think he is in love with them as much as they are with him.

Workin' it.

His little piggies are perfect.

Handsome.

What a cute button.

He is so relaxed in his mother's hands.

To the proud parents of Dante, It was my pleasure to document your bundle of joy. He is precious and handsome and very very perfect. I look forward to seeing him dressed up at the wedding!

Mayera + Mischa. Sisters.

2009-04-29T08:10:00.001-07:00

'Maybug' and 'Moo' are what these doll-like sisters are nicknamed. We have been documenting these little beauties since birth and it's incredible how much they have grown. Maybug is about to have her first birthday already! She is just learning all about standing and finding balance before taking her first steps. Moo is a total girlie girl, who informed me that she was indeed a princess. I believe her too! She carried around her purse filled with all the necessities for princess survival..... crayons (check), lil' Mermaid figurine (check), princess fruit snacks (double check) and a ruler (check). The ruler surprised me at first but then I quickly remembered that both of her parents are teachers. And besides that, you know how many times I've needed a ruler and didn't have one!? Moo is one smart girlie girl!

Sweet, sweet Maybug.

Moo. A beauty.

Only a real princess would lose her shoe on the playground.

Maybug thinks her sister is funny....

....and she is!!

It's not very often that I get to be the photographers assistant. My talented photographer John took this session and documented all the fun loving and sweet natures of these lil dolls.... all the while, I was his back up. It's a testimonial on how Team Eastbrook clicks together! I love our teamwork!

Laurel is gonna graduate!

2009-04-27T03:41:00.000-07:00

Laurel is a high school senior this year! During her session, we talked about family and how she plans to go away for college. I am certain that her two younger sisters will miss their big sister more than she knows. In fact, I am not even certain that Laurel knows how incredibly stunning she is inside and out.... which makes her that much more beautiful!

Purple+ green+ Lauren= spring!

What celebrity does Laurel remind you of???? I have someone in mind. :o)

Gorgeous.

Laurel, Thank you for a wonderful evening session and not being discouraged by the wind! It gave you true model hair that we could have never created on our own. :o) I look forward to capturing you and your younger sisters in a girls only session!! Sarah

Erlinda + Greg are engaged!

2009-04-23T05:47:00.000-07:00

Buttons are cute. Puppies are super cute. Erlinda and Greg are SUPERDOOPER CUTE! From their matching thumb rings to their checkered Van kicks they remind me of a happy musical... especially when they broke out in song... in unison!! Greg is over a foot taller than Erlinda which brings Erlinda up to the perfect cuddling spot on Greg's chest. How ridiculously cute is that?

Rad.

Perfect cuddle spot.

'aaahhhhhh sewenya itchybuu a weenyaaa' From the Lion King......Yeah. Something like that.

Cuteness!!

Gorgeously cute.
love it love it!

Erlinda and Greg.... you left me and Cece feeling 'bouncy' and excited for your wedding day! I look forward to seeing you cuddle and laugh together for the rest of time. xox Sarah

Also, the first person to email me with the real words to that part of the Lion King song wins a rad prize. No cheating either!!!

Valerie and all her pretty little things.

2009-04-21T21:08:00.000-07:00

When Valerie walks into the room people can't help but magically be drawn towards her. People want to get to know her and they easily grow to love her. Valerie is magnetic. It's as if her inner beauty glows so strongly that it flows out of her pores for the world to enjoy. I love how she views all the pretty little things in life.... it's all so refreshing. A pure soul. One day my path was within reach of Valerie's magnetic sphere...... a day I will never forget.

I am drawn to this image and I don't know why. I just love it.

Gorgeous.

Valerie and her baby Chloe. Too cute!

So moody.
She has soul.
Beauty.
This one is a huge canvas in my studio.... that's how much I love it.
Valerie, everything I wrote about you is true. You are amazing... and simply stunning. The love that you and Chadd share is breath taking and I am so incredibly honored to have been part of capturing your love. Thank you so very very much for being you. xox Sarah

Colin and Jack. Cousins.

2009-04-20T17:57:00.000-07:00

Jack came to Albuquerque to visit his cousin Colin recently and their parents wanted me to document their friendship. What a great idea! They share a common ground of loving to climb on things, crack jokes and just be plain silly. These boys are high energy and full of fun action! When I asked Jack what made him so tall he told me it was 'ham'..... so, Colin knows what he needs to do if he wants to be tall like his cousin. Eat more ham. Who knew?!

"Friends have all things in common." - Plato

We all have....

a hidden talent.

I love this series.

One of my favorite friendship quotes is:

"If you should die before me, ask if you could bring a friend."- Stone Temple Pilots

A beautiful day!

2009-04-19T06:56:00.000-07:00

Some people have children. The others have dogs.

I remember right after the question of, 'When are you two getting married??' was fulfilled the next question was immediately, 'When are you having kids?' So, we got Pearl. I found her on the Internet and as soon as I saw her, I knew that I had to have her. She was raised on a farm that breeds Weimarainers and she was sent to me on a Southwest Airlines flight. As Pearl came down the conveyor belt towards me, my heart skipped and jumped and twirled around. I realized that until I touched her I had been holding my breath...... it was love at first sight.

Pearl waiting to go hiking.

She is hamming it up.

Relaxing in her outfit.

One of my favorites!

LOVE her nose!

Serious Pearl.

Pearl is our baby girl and we like it that way. At least for now, right my husband?

Sarah + Vince are on fire!

2009-04-17T06:23:00.000-07:00

You might remember Sarah and Vince from their engagement session that oozed all levels of hotness. Well, we did not expect anything less from them on their wedding day! They brought themselves and we brought our cameras. It was that simple. They LOVE to play and joke with each other and we LOVE that about them.

100% sexy little bride......

plus a handsome groom....

plus a dose of passion....

plus lots of playfulness equals....

Wait! Hold it... can't leave out friendship..... PLUS the friendship... equals

Mr and Mrs. Tafuro!!!

Sarah and Vince are HOT! (see, even the ducks think so....)

Sarah and Vince, Thank you so very much for choosing Eastbrook Studios to capture your hotness! We also wanna send a huge thank you to all of your awesome guests who tore up the dance floor and loving family members who made us feel like we were part of your family. <3>

Jaxon's surprise lollipop.

2009-04-15T21:16:00.000-07:00

My nephew Jaxon LOVES receiving 'surprises'. Almost every time I see him he says with his cheeky little grin, 'Auntie, do youuuu have a surprise for me?' (Which is followed by flirty eyelashes that I would totally do anything for!) And of course even if I don't have something for him I respond with, 'Why, yes I think I do.' Then I frantically search for something, anything to give him. He is content if I just simply say, 'Your surprise is....... a really big HUG!!!' So, I took him a 'real' surprise and I just love his face when he saw what I brought him. Isn't he such a doll?

What a delightful little surprised face.

He just can't wait to hold it!

'Is this for me Auntie??'
I love this one!

Jaxon shared with me, 'I am not an adult yet.... I am a toddler.' He is a heart breaker!!

I adore how he is admiring it before tasting it!

With a face like this it's hard not to give him five hundred lollipops at a time!

I can (and do) talk about Jaxon for hours if you let me! He is so very loved.... and to me, he is perfect. <3>

Andrea and Jason = three

2009-04-13T22:29:00.000-07:00

Andrea and Jason are having a baby to have and to hold and call their very own. Inside Andrea's gorgeous body grows an angel made from love. Andrea rubs her tummy constantly feeling that connection between herself and her little angel. The way Jason looks at Andrea just pours out pure.... honest love. The butterfly nursery is ready and waiting to be occupied. More outfits than their baby could possibly ever wear await her arrival. Inside Andrea's gorgeous body grows an angel, made from love. Outside of Andrea's tummy waits her parents ready to have, to hold........ and to kiss her eyelashes a million times a day.

Andrea is so very loved.

Stunning.
I love the way Andrea and Jason's arms fell into place taking the shape of the eternity symbol.
One of my very favorites from their session.

Beautiful belly indeed.
When I met Jason and Andrea for their consultation with me one of the first things Jason said was, 'Andrea has a beautiful belly....' and I watched Andrea's face light up with happiness and then Jason leaned over and kissed her. At that moment, the room was filled with love..... and I couldn't wait to document Andrea's beautiful belly or the beautiful beautiful love they share.

Happy 1st Anniversary Cara and Evan!

2009-04-13T08:54:00.000-07:00

Cara and Evan's wedding day was bitter cold, much like the weather we are having now! The cold was almost non existent to the happy couple though! Evan wrapped his arms around Cara and together they stayed warm, always an excellent excuse for cuddling! Cara and Evan had a gorgeous ceremony followed by a romantic reception at the beautiful Tamaya Resort. There was wasn't a dry eye in the room when Cara's dad gave toast to his gorgeous daughter and then led her to the dance floor for their father/daughter dance together. A wonderful day to remember!

Cara and Evan walked straight off a magazine page.....GORGEOUS!!One of my shadow obsessions.

One of of top favorite wedding party shots EVER.

Cara and Evan, it was an honor to document your day! Thank you for your trust, love and for sharing your amazing families with me. I still look forward to meeting your little Max! xox, Sarah

Happy Easter!

2009-04-12T10:35:00.000-07:00

I wish I could say that the tips of my fingers are dyed pink today from coloring eggs yesterday, but they are not. Instead, I decided to work yesterday and I will continue to work today as well. No pity parties here! I have said this many many times to my family, my friends and my customers: I love what I do!! It brings me great joy to document people and their own special love. No family, couple, friend or person is ever the same, everyone bringing something different and unique. I constantly think to myself.... do I really get paid for doing what I love?? I am so thankful for all the people I come in contact with who are truly just themselves.

And because every post must have a photo, here is my nephew Jaxon with his latest quote (if you have seen the movie 'Ratatouille' you will understand why he said what he did:

Jaxon proclaimed, "I'm gonna be a chef when I'm an adult.... I'm just not gonna be a rat though."

Tanner Campbell is gonna graduate!

2009-04-10T08:45:00.000-07:00

Tanner Campbell walks into my studio and the first thing I notice about him is his six and a half foot tall stature quickly followed by his perfectly white teeth. Later I found out that he has never even worn braces! Tanner has many loves of his life.... one of which is his car (and possibly driving his car to the Melting Pot with Sam, his girlfriend....?) There was this 'all American' feel about Tanner. I learned about his camping trips with his dad, I witnessed the way he treats his mom with respect. He talked of his friends with a smile drawn across his face and Tanner stands tall claiming all six and a half feet of himself and the man he is becoming. As he should!

Look at those perfect teeth!!
Model material right here.

I love this shot of Tanner!

Too cool.

To Tanner's parents: Roxanne and Gaylord, between Juliette and Tanner (and even little Dottie and Paradise) you have every right to be proud of your outstanding parenting. Now that Tanner is going off to college your house may be more quiet, the meals a little spicier but the entire time you can burst with pride knowing that somewhere in this world are two amazing human beings because of you. Oh and Tanner, HAPPY 18th BIRTHDAY!

Leigh Luna + my new LOGO!

2009-04-07T20:38:00.000-07:00

You may have noticed the pink fotobug logo at the top of my blog..... it's the coolest thing EVER! The very talented Leigh Luna custom designed my awesome logo just for me! I also had the opportunity to see some of Leigh's other drawings that she has created and wow... this gal has mad skills. (Is it okay to say 'mad skills' Leigh?! lol) She showed me an intricately drawn butterfly that blew me away! I am proudly (and as quickly as possible) trying to incorporate my new fotobug logo on everything I can. It is even a piece flair on facebook now! Heck, maybe next year in Vegas it will be a tattoo....? So, to say the least I love it, I love it, I LOVE IT!!!

In between designing and logo talk, I took a few pictures of the stunning Leigh.

The fotobug has a history that is very special to me. Me and my dad (mom helped too) used to work on my car every week building, repairing, tearing out the old and replacing it with pretty shiny parts until one day......it was transformed into 'the fotobug'. I get so many inquiries about my car, that I will have to dedicate a whole blog post just for the story behind it! I will be sure to include before and after photos! <3

Kimberly + Jason....boo!

2009-04-05T20:16:00.000-07:00

When I was 8 years old I was so jealous of Kimberly and her avocado green parachute pants with the gold buckle attached to the front. Oh yes I was!

What I remember most about Kimberly is her scary love for Halloween. (Yes, I intended the pun.) Every year Kimberly's family had the coolest Halloween parties! They had creepy crawly sticky things to eat, perfectly carved pumpkins, a fruit punch bowl that glowed with bubbly fog flowing over the edges and a tape that repeatedly played 'The Monster Mash'. By the time midnight struck Kimberly was already talking about what she was going to dress up like 'next year'. So, it's no surprise that Kim's first wedding date was 666 (June 6th 2006) and her second wedding date was, yup Halloween night. Same husband.....twice. Jason carved 'Will you Marry Me?' into a pumpkin, how could she say no?! :o) So, I felt it was only appropriate that their photo session had a spooky-ish, romantical cold feel to it.

That's hot.

Thank you Kimberly and Jason for bringing who you are to your photo session. I enjoyed every single minute of it! xox

Kylie + Issac are in love.

2009-04-03T08:13:00.000-07:00

Kylie and Issac are high school sweethearts and within a nano second of meeting them I knew that I was meant to photograph their wedding day. Kylie has romantic blue eyes, her laughter flows freely and at any given moment she can catch Issac looking at her and her entire face lights up. Issac has a personality that radiates through the spiky hair style he struts. He can make Kylie laugh just by winking at her! Together they laugh with each other, at each other and at themselves!

Romantical eyes.....

lovin' the mood here.a perfect kiss!

You guys are adorable and I enjoyed the story of how Kylie spit bread on your face! That had me laughing long after you guys left our shoot together...... and again now! (You have my drool story to share if you want to!! HA!) I am looking forward to your wedding day! <3

the fotobug.... is now a shoe?!

2009-04-01T16:00:00.000-07:00

A couple of weeks ago I got a message from one of my customers, Trang, who has become a dear friend to me. She is known as my 'floating bride'. She had asked me what size shoes I wore. I was so busy working that I just wrote her back and didn't really inquire as to why she wanted to know. Well, three weeks later she handed me a box with the most beautiful shoes inside! She told me it was a thank you gift for everything I have done for her. For her???? I strongly feel like it's the other way around! I am so busy working, working, working that I forget to eat. I often get calls and messages from Trang asking me if I have eaten yet. Most of the time I haven't even considered making time for myself to eat. But, Trang does. She takes care of me. She knows that I can drink a fresh coconut at any hour of any day and she knows that I can put peanut butter sauce on anything and love it. (My mouth is watering just at the mere thought!) She knows how much I need to eat because I am an avid runner and I need the extra energy. Trang is a great listener and a wonderful human being. And knowing that she cares about me means so much to me!

Check out my new fotobugs!

Running in pink shoes makes me go faster.... I just know it! You better watch out Lincoln... and Steve... and everyone else in my running group that is faster than me!

Trang, I love you pretty lady! xox

Thank you.... for just being you. <3

Opal is gonna graduate!

2009-03-30T21:30:00.000-07:00

Now that Opal is getting ready to graduate I can't help but think of the time we were playing in my bedroom with our freshly painted fingernails. She was 6 years old and we started playing with my tape recorder, which I often used to record myself singing to. (I can't believe I just admitted that!) As I pressed record and placed the recorder up to Opals mouth, her impromptu song flowed from her lips, 'Hey pretty lady don't you ever stop just go, go, go.... hey hey pretty lady don't you ever stop just go, go, go....... you can't be stopped.' (I will have to find the tape for you one day so you can hear it for yourself!)

Opal was a miracle angel from the moment she arrived on earth. She was born premature and I remember my mom describing baby Opal as the tiniest baby she had ever seen. My mom told me that Opal's head was no bigger than a small tangerine and that her hands were as tiny as a porcelain doll and even smaller were her itsy bitsy fingernails, like a delicate speck of paint. I remember mom searching through my Cabbage Patch Dolls clothing just so Opal could be properly dressed until she left the hospital. Opal's mother, Lucyann, was born with her own challenges. Lucyann was born with muscular dystrophy and at only the age of one and a half she developed rheumatic fever. Opal has closely watched her mother go through two open heart surgeries and countless trips to the ER. Something a child should never have to see her own mother go through.... the constant worry of her own mother's life always on Opal's mind. When Opal was ten years old, I remember her asking me how old she had to be to get a job so she could help her mom 'get money'. It was what she most looked forward to doing. Most ten years old girls look forward to rollerskating and slumber parties and wanting cute hair ties. Opal looked forward to helping her family survive. And she did just that.

She has a perfect laugh.

When I saw this stop sign laying on the ground... it made me think of her song and I got goosebumps all over.
Lovin' the hair!
Stunning lady.
I love love LOVE this image of Opal. She is beautiful inside and out!
My sweet cousin Opal, you were born as an angel and placed straight into 'the real world' for a reason. Together you and your mom are true survivors and I am bursting with pride and feel so privileged to say that you are my family.Congratulations on your graduation!
Hey hey there world, there is a pretty lady named Opal and she can't be stopped...

.....just go, go, go..

.....you can't be stopped.

A choice for change.

2009-03-28T09:35:00.000-07:00

I don't watch tv that often and I rarely ever watch the news. By choice. I got lost today clicking around on the net and I ran across the video below. It is simple and powerful and it made me smile from the inside out. My dad was a different man while I was growing up and these days I often forget that 'other' person ever existed. It has taken many years to see that my dad was masked by a layer of debris and pain and he will never be that 'other' guy again. He is such a loving and forgiving man now and I adore him more than he will ever know. I am who I am, because of him. I will always walk through life with my own story because I have the proof. He proved to me that people can change if they want to.

Click here to see the video.

Who has made the choice to change, for the better, in your life? Call or send them a note right now to tell them how much their choices mean to you.

Here is a loving kiss from Jaxon to his grandpa, my dad. Because of you Dad, everyday I make the choice to try and be a good person, better than I was yesterday. I am forever thankful for you.

Rachelle's portrait session!

2009-03-25T20:46:00.000-07:00

One of my awesome photogs, Guadalupe, had a session with Rachelle this week. Here are some interesting facts about Rachelle. She llloooves to ball room dance! She started ballroom dance a little over a year ago with Bill Zimmerman at Enchanted Ballroom and after only 5 months of training she was lucky enough to receive top scores in her age division!! Her dancing feet have taken her to places like Phoenix, Vegas and local competitions. She attends UNM where she is studying many languages.... Spanish, French, (ASL) Sign language, Latin and Japanese!! Oh, one last little thing: She is beautiful!

Look at those eyes!

Lovin' her attitude!

Sassy.

Rachelle and her gorgeous and powerful dancing legs.

We wish Rachelle much success in her goal to become a teacher!

Annetra + Marcelo in Vegas!

2009-03-19T20:14:00.000-07:00

While we were up at WPPI in Vegas a few weeks ago, we took the opportunity to contact one of our gorgeous couples to see if they were up for a photo session. We met them out on the Vegas strip and had such a fun-tastical time with them. Annetra is gorgeous and Marcelo is so handsome! They know how to just be themselves, our perfect kind of people. Annetra has a great energy about her that Marcelo clearly adores.

They love to laugh!

How romantical!

Seriously, Annetra you are gorgeous and my camera LOVES you.

I love how Marcelo's kiss fits perfectly on Annetras neck.
This hallway smelled so good.... I wish we still had smell- o- vision.

Sharing a secret.

Reminds me of a lovey dovey movie.

The fountain of wishes.... and kisses.

Thank you so much for a wonderful shoot in Vegas. You guys really know how to work it! I can't wait to see you in May. I adore you both! xox Sarah

Sarah + Vince are engaged.

2009-03-06T08:57:00.000-08:00

When Cece (superphotomom) and I met with Sarah, we knew that her personality would mesh perfectly with the Eastbrook Studios style. I personally didn't think we could mesh any better until we met Vince. Together, Sarah and Vince know how to rock it out!! They have a fun loving energy and their entire engagement session oozed all levels of hotness.

Fun!

I love this one!

Handsome groom.

Now that's hot.

But this one is even hotter.

flirty fun.

The sky was perfect! Thank you mother nature.

Sarah is totally HOT. i LOVE this ONE!!

Cece and I look forward to your guys wedding! You guys bring your hot selves and we will bring our cameras.

Jared's Bar mitzvah

2009-03-02T11:01:00.000-08:00

Since I have recently learned that saying 'cool' is still radical to say, I want everyone to know how incredibly cool Jared is! This boy has skating skills, great taste in music and to top it off polite manners. Did I mention he is only thirteen?! To say the least, I am impressed with this young man. We met out on location for his private photo session and had so much fun! We are looking forward to his Bar mitzvah this weekend!

Jared has a great laugh!

Model material right here!

Jared is COOL!

In action!

This shot makes me laugh! So cute!!

I love this shot and think it's RAD.

FYI- And just so I don't get notes or emails about this: I was recently informed that 'radical' is totally not cool to say. HA!

Vivaaaaa las Vegaaaaaaas!

2009-02-26T21:40:00.000-08:00

Last week Team Eastbrook flew up to Vegas for the gathering of photogs. We attended WPPI, a HUGE photographers convention, for five days straight. Oh yeah! Before we went to listen to seminars, I assumed that I would be more than inspired by the top photographers in the world. Really, I don't even think that can explain the way it made us all feel. Everyday we all went through ranges of emotions from being blown away by the stunning creativity to feeling so incredibly blessed to be doing what we love. We all attended different seminars each day and we would text each other to share our experiences all day long. My favorite text from one of my assistants, Guadalupe read: 'Awe.....I was teary eyed and about to cry, this is really awesome...thanks for bringing me, it's truly inspiring. :)' What I adore about my employees is that we are like family. We appreciate and respect each other. Another favorite memory is when my supermom/photog assistant, Cece, tucked me in at night! Oh yes she did! Cece always takes care of me, whether it's assisting me on a wedding or the latest of making sure my ears stay warm at night under the covers. HA! I love my team and I really am blessed to have shared this unforgettable trip with them.

Oh and in case the some of the other photogs were wondering.... yes, we will bring it to the dance floor again next year. We all tore up the floor at the 'mock wedding reception' and had several people recognizing us as the 'dancing photographers' throughout the week. One group even asked us if we were professional dancers! I am sure it had something to do with our interpretive dancing or maybe it was because Guadalupe decided to pull off a back flip on the dance floor! Just being around Cece and Guadalupe always makes me feel so incredibly cool!

Here are some of my favorite images from our adventurous trip!

The view from our hotel floor.

We walked and walked and ate and walked.

This mall display was dreamy wave of swirly colors...

The Beatles LOVE show was breath taking! Everyone must see it.

Love the colors in this view.

We did not get a tat. Maybe next time...?

Pink.

If Guad had wings, I know he would be able to fly.

Goodbye Vegas. We need our sleep.

Happy Valentine's Day.

2009-02-14T13:55:00.000-08:00

Okay, okay I know that Valentine's Day is completely commercialized and overrated in that sense. My husband and I both agree with this. We are not cheap! We just express our love to each other each day so it's really not that different than any other day to us.

Some days I wonder if there are any other two people out there that are as opposite as me and my husband. I am pepper. He is salt. I could be bundled up in a coat and he would be in a t-shirt perfectly content. When he wants to go see a movie, I would rather stay in for the night. He loves politics, I loathe them. I feel confined when I am indoors for more than an hour. My husband could stay inside for days before realizing that the mailbox is full at the end of our driveway. If someone asked us to make a choice between two items, I can bet that we would choose differently! He sees things half empty and I see them full. I have said many times that I think the only thing we have in common is our love for each other. I am the pepper bringing spice to his life and he gives me just the right dash of salt flavoring. So, together we balance each other out. Either that or we can make a good batch of mashed potatoes! Actually....... we would have to have to make two separate batches because I prefer them lumpy and he likes them smooth and creamy.

My husband keeps me grounded when I can't be, he still carries me through parking lots and listens to the latest gossip about 'The Bachelor'. He knows every side of me, everything about me and loves me and chooses to be with me anyway. I feel so lucky to be loved endlessly!

My husband, I love you all days.

Sara P + Greg are a family!

2009-02-08T12:45:00.000-08:00

When I think of Sara P, I can't help but think of the petite little girl sitting in the front row in my 7th grade English class. She wore glasses, carried her over sized back pack and spoke only when spoken to. Always polite. But could dish back sarcasm to the 8th grade boys, if need be! Because our parents named us the most popular girls name EVER, we once shared the same name with four other Sara's in our classroom. It could get really confusing in class so all the Sara's had to add-on our last initial to our name. That's how Sara Passariello became 'Sara P' and I became 'Sarah E'.

The day Sara P called me to tell me that she was going to have a baby, I couldn't help the flashback of all of our memories together. As teens we used to baby sit together, talk on 'three way' constantly, randomly call people out of the phone book for corny prank calls (gasp!), have sleepovers, pass each other folded origami heart shaped notes during passing period and whisper secret crushes about cute boys. After high school we became roommates. We roller bladed together, went running by the mountains, took advantage of our quiet apartment gym and met weekly for tea. All the while talking about life, family, guys, love and the stray cat we eventually adopted! We were still up to our pranks even then though! There was the water balloon attack on David from the balcony....and the Vaseline covered doorknob! HA!

I couldn't help but smile all day long when Sara shared her baby news with me. My petite little friend was going to be a mother... she was all grown up! Then when I saw her baby tummy I squealed with joy, I had never seen a cuter pregnant belly than hers! After Alec was born, I watched my dear friend stare at her sleeping baby boy on the couch with a love that I believe only a mother can relate to.

The belly.

Sara + Greg are so cute!

I love love LOVE this one!

I really like this perspective of the belly.

Sara is gorgeous!

Aweeeeee!

This was at the baby shower. Look at all those gifts!!

I adore this shot of Sara and her grandma at her baby shower! They were measuring her belly.
Baby Alec, fast asleep....

and dreaming.

Alec is very loved!

A quiet moment in the nursery, one of my favorites.

And......just for old times sake. Here we are in our homemade Halloween costumes, 2004. We took first place at the bowling alley Halloween costume contest!!

I am so proud of you Sara P for all the great choices you made in life. Like following your heart to be a teacher. It must be so special for you to walk the halls of our old middle school as Ms. Passariello and working along side our old teachers!!! And ever since our baby sitting days together, I always knew you would be a wonderful wonderful mother.

Love always, Sarah E.

Eliya + Craig are MARRIED!

2009-02-03T12:55:00.000-08:00

Eastbrook Studios has had the pleasure to photograph several weddings at Grace Church. Out of all the weddings we have documented there, Jonathan Schmidt has always performed the celebration of marriage. This time was no different. Well, maybe almost. Jonathan, like many times before, spoke of promises and commitment, love and faith. As usual, he spoke highly of the beautiful couple standing before him. However, this time, with this couple he would stop briefly every few minutes to exchange smiles with the bride and groom. As the ceremony drew closer to the presentation of husband and wife, we noticed Jonathan taking longer pauses between words. A little more smile exchanges took place. Possibly to remember this moment with more intent this time, for today the bride was his very own daughter. He smiled playfully teasing, trying to capture another moment in time as daddys little girl, before allowing them to finally kiss! As Craig and Eliya walked down the isle together, Jonathan watched with pride knowing that Craig will keep his promise to love his little girl forever.

Eliya and Craig chose to see each other before the ceremony for a 'first look.' We love it when couples choose to see each other because it allows us to take more romantical photos of the couple and they get some of the pre ceremony jitters out! The blue New Mexico sky is fantastic!

My assistant, Cece captured this lovely moment! Gorgeous!

As photographers, we end up laying on the ground a lot to get just the right angle.

Eliya is gorgeous inside and out!

I love the look on Eliya's face in this one. She is loved!

Photographers call this kind of light 'God's light.' It's the moment right before the sun sets. I love love LOVE this image!!

Craig's guys have his back.

The parents prayer was so touching!

Love is when your in a crowded room and the only person you can see is the one you love.

Thank you Eliya and Craig and both sides of the families for including us in your special day! We felt welcomed and honored to share such a relaxing day with all of you. Our favorite part of the day was feeling the love during the prayer with parents. My eyes got teary just knowing that all the love in the room for Eliya and Craig was true!

Brian and Diea are ENGAGED!

2009-01-27T14:43:00.000-08:00

Brian and I go way back, way way back. Our friendship began in the cereal isle of Jewel Osco, isle 3. I was 15 years old and had just retired from my paper route job deciding to upgrade to a 'bagger' at the local grocery store. Being short in height and just inches from being able to reach the top shelf of the highest cereal shelf, I hear a wise crack make a comment to me about my short stature struggle. That wise crack would be, yup, Brian. His cheeky comment made me laugh! What I didn't know is that Brian would continue to make me laugh for many more years to come, becoming the best of friends. That wasn't the first time we encountered a memory with cereal either! Brian I know you know what I am referring to.....the weevils!! hahaha! I got to know Brian's family over the years and being raised with three brothers myself, I fit right in with Brian, his brothers and the constant playfully/rude teasing. (Although, I am sure they still probably think I am a crazy hippy! Nevertheless, they welcomed me like family.) And after all of these years, through ups and downs, several moves, college and time, we remain friends.

As soon as Brian told me that he and Diea were getting a dog, I knew Diea was the one! When Brian emailed me inquiring about engagement photos I was flattered! I have ever only heard great things about Diea and meeting her solidified my support for such a wonderful relationship. After their session they invited me out to dinner, I felt so special! Over dinner they spoke of common beliefs, gave each other secret flirty looks and shared pasta off of the same fork. They are in love! I sat there feeling overwhelmed with happiness for my old friend Brian and my new friend, Diea.

Here are Brian and Diea looking stunning!

This one rocks my happy little world!

Diea is the real deal! Gorgeous!!

A miracle... Brian did not blink in this one! HA!

Now this one is a personal favorite from their session. A car happened to speed by and I just happened to point my camera in the general direction of where they were standing and without looking through the view finder I made a split decision to press the shutter. Through the speeding cars window I captured Brian and Diea holding hands. This is just proof of the way love works. It's unpredictable and can find you when your most off guard.

I love the position of the glowing sun close to their hearts.

I wanted to send Diea and Brian back to Florida with a bit of New Mexico.

Today my doorbell rang and FedEx drove away leaving behind a box. Enclosed I found beautiful flowers and a card that read: 'Sarah, Thank you for taking time out of your day to take our amazing engagement pictures. You will never know how much it meant to us. Lots of Love, Diea and Brian' My goodness, I feel so special!

Brian, it was really great to have finally met Diea!! She is sweet and smart (just as you said she was) and I totally support the love that you share. :o) I was actually really nervous to take your photos just because I always feel so much more pressure while taking photos of a friend rather than a 'normal' customer. All I think about is hoping that my friend will appreciate the way that I see them through my lens.... and for me that can be difficult. Thank you again for trusting me to document your love! Oh and I love the flowers and card that you sent! :o)

Just for today...

2009-01-03T10:12:00.000-08:00

...I am going to tackle my new years list with a realistic attitude.

For me, it's easier to think of life in a smaller sphere of time. When I go running I simply place one foot in front of another. I can't just start running thinking that I will run 20 miles. But I know that I can run 5 miles easily. I will just run 5 mile increments four times. You see, I suffer from (self diagnosed) fourteen-a-phobia. Anytime I have to run a distance farther than fourteen miles I feel fear. I am afraid of many things that might happen during the run but, mostly I fear that I won't be able to finish the distance. A couple of weeks ago I completed a fifteen mile run and the reason I got through it was thinking about taking each mile, one at a time. I went through 'my lucky list', which is where instead of thinking about the physical pain or negative things (ie.; it's too cold to be running, my knees hurt, I am hungry, I can't do this...) I choose to concentrate on the things I am thankful for, like how my AWESOME running coach will be waiting for me with hydration or how I am thankful to have family.... or cheese.

I truely believe that all big things were once something very small. So, this year my list will consist of all things small in hopes that in the end it will have become something much greater. Here is part of my 2009 list:

Just for today I....

will talk less and listen more.
will think before I act.
promise to ignore the person who will cut me off in traffic.
will make a better effort to let the elderly go before me in line at the grocery store.
will ignore the pile of laundry on the floor.
remind myself about the little things in life that really matter.
will laugh at myself.
will pray for someone who is suffering.
call someone just to let them know I was thinking about them.
remind myself that perfection is unobtainable.
try something new.
let go of something old.
pick up litter.
won't text message while driving.
donate my time selflessly.
will sleep in an extra 20 minutes, maybe 25.
make more time for my handsome hubby and my family.
will try to accept the things I cannot change.
am going to stand up for something I believe in.

Just for today, I will not suffer from fourteen-a-phobia.

Phong + Trang + Khang.... my extended family.

2008-12-31T07:42:00.000-08:00

I met Phong and Trang several years ago when Eastbrook Studios was just getting off the ground. Many of my customers know Trang as my 'floating bride'. Trang is like a petite doll and just as lovely as one too! Over the past several years we have become more than customers to each others businesses. We have become friends and recently, with the birth of one of the most handsome babies EVER, I feel like we are family. Trang and Phong own Cafe Trang located off of Louisiana and Central, around the corner from my studio. Cafe Trang offers healthy traditional Vietnamese food that is addictive. Ohhhh and the fresh coconuts are scrumptious!

The famous 'floating bride' image. It was displayed at the state fair a couple years ago titled, 'She's a Keeper!'

Phong + Trang = the very gorgeous Khang

I just love how Khang is looking at his cousin in this image! So funny!

My extended family. :o) I had made a comment about how I think Khang looks like his Auntie Sarah.... really though I just like to think that he does!

Trang and Phong (plus baby Khang) have been very accommodating to my Eastbrook Studios family and also to my parents and brothers.... I really cannot thank them enough!

Stocking stuffers and the little things that count.

2008-12-25T06:03:00.000-08:00

It's a quarter til' six and I am already up and rifiling through my stocking looking for the walnut!

As a child, I could hardly ever sleep on Christmas Eve knowing that Santa was bringing me goodies. I liked how all the tiny hand wrapped trinkets fit into the stocking. I loved that we were allowed to open them before mom and dad got outta bed. I remember one Christmas morning my younger brother, Daniel, opened his stocking pulling out all the goodies and then his hand revealed an orange and a few walnuts. Holding the orange and nuts, he very seriously whispered, 'Why does mom put these in here, it's not like we're gonna eat these.' Being younger than me, I didn't know that he knew that mom and Santa were close! Slightly stunned I started to giggle. With that, we both giggled. We tried to hold back our giggles but once we get started, it's always hard to stop! What made our giggles turn into a full roll of laughter was when our oldest brother, Mark, inquired from the back bedroom, 'What are you guys dooooing?'

Every year Santa brought us oranges and nuts. Every year after that we got oranges, nuts and giggles.

We didn't have a lot of money growing up and I feel blessed looking back knowing that other poor families may not have even had stockings. I am so thankful that we had stockings filled with trinkets and candy every Christmas. I am most thankful for the walnuts though.....thank you Santa for making each Christmas morning with my brothers the little things in life that count. Thank you for the nuts. :o)

Giving is AWESOME.

2008-12-12T16:08:00.001-08:00

You know someone. I guarantee it.

Oh, and the best part? The person who nominates the winner receives a prize valued at $350. What better reason to show some love could there possibly be, people?

The winner will be announced on Christmas Eve -- get nominating! I can't wait to read all of your entries!
Open your heart to someone this holiday season -- and thanks for giving me the opportunity to open mine.

With love,
Sarah...... aka 'fotobug'

Jack Merrick 1908-2008

2008-12-05T06:48:00.000-08:00

'It's just so hard to believe that he was born in 1908.' This was my husbands comment as we reminisced about his grandpas recent passing. It's true. It is so hard to believe all the changes that Jack Merrick went through in the hundred years of his life. Those triple digits, for many, is the magical wonderful number to reach. I know it is for me. So, what is the secret to living a long life? Jack knew. In fact, we can all learn how to live not just a long life but a happy life from Jack Merrick. It's actually quite simple. Humor.

My favorite memory of Jack happened while I was living in New Zealand nearly six years ago. Jack was telling me that he looked forward to going to his class reunion every year. He enjoyed catching up with his his old classmates and learning how they were treating their life. He explained to me that there were only three classmates remaining. And that was including himself! He had recently come from the annual class reunion and shared with me, ' I am looking forward to the next one. I wonder who will be left next year.......... ol' Jim wasn't looking too good.' And with that we both chuckled. That was the sense of humor Jack carried.

He looked forward to living life. He loved gardening and always sent visitors with freshly picked lemonades in hand. (Yes, they have lemonade trees in New Zealand. Looks like a bumpy lemon, tastes like homemade lemonade inside.) His house in Tauranga, NZ was the first house built on the block and so the street was named after him. He looked forward to something, whether it was going to church on Sunday, baking his own bread or spending time with his cat. Jack lost sight in his right eye when he was only 19 years old while clearing away thick thorn bushes from the lush New Zealand landscape. He drove until he was 93! Jack Merrick was a polite gentleman. Always waving as visitors drove away from his home, until all that was left to the human eye was a speck in the distance. Jack is survived by two remaining children, many grand children and great grandchildren.

If I were to guess, Jack was most likely the last person to survive in his class.

Courtney + Niquel = sisters

2008-12-05T04:41:00.000-08:00

My customers are fun. there is no denying this. However, I have to admit Courtney and Niquel are SUPER extra DOOPER FUN! These gals have shared a wonderful balance of friendship, encouragement, love and even shared the truck with each other. My hope is that the sharing bond they have never ever ends. You both are so incredibly LUCKY to have that special sister bond.

I was totally tickled when I saw this backdrop for you gals..... lucky LUCKY you!

Courtney has a contagious smile. She smiles and we all smile.

How cute are they!?

Niquel has eyelashes all the ladies magically wish for...

Sassy.
I love this shot!

'The truck.'

This shot makes me think of all the pinkie promises that sisters always keep.

Thank you Courtney. Thank you Niquel. When I was on my way home from your photo session I felt like I was a teen again. It was the same kinda feeling like when my mom would pick me up from a slumber party too early and I really didn't wanna go home yet. I was giggling most of the way home. It was the best ab workout I had all week!

Aubry in San Diego.

2008-10-23T05:46:00.000-07:00

There are so many people on this earth that have similar lives. Each day we all go through the motions of living yet each of us has our own version of the story. The story of life.

If I had a twin out there it would be Aubry. Our life stories are parallel in SO many ways. It's true- we are both directionally challenged! However, our similarities are mostly within the hardships we have experienced. You know, the part of life that chews you up spits you out and leaves you there with a choice. To be consumed by the pain or to get back up and stand. It's a choice. Aubry and I made the choice to stand back up every time the hammer of life would pound us into the ground like a tent stake. A simple decision to get back up is so pivotal because I believe it's the part of life that molds us, shapes us and makes us stronger each time we are tested. It defines who we are. If we didn't have an age difference, I would swear we were separated at birth.

Aubry is my cousin and I hadn't seen her in over twelve years. Last time I saw her she was still a spunky little girl. So, when she picked me up from the airport- I was in awe. When I looked into her eyes I saw my own. Before my visit I had imagined being a tourist while Aubry gave me a personal tour of the city. Aubry in San Diego unvieled something much much better to me. Instead of a city tour, we happily found ourselves stationary on her living room couch each day. We talked- that's it. She talked, I listened. I talked, she listened. Occasionally we breathed when we started to feel lightheaded. Oh don't worry, we took the occasional latte break to refuel before resuming our positions. After all, we did have many years to catch up on!

The second time I visited Aubry in San Diego we actually left the couch a bit more. We went to the backyard and took some pictures!

Here is Aubry in San Diego!

Gotta love her laugh!

She's a desert girl that surfs- it's total body work out. Here is the proof!! On a side note I must confess two things... 1. Aubry took me surfing and I learned that I cannot surf. 2. I am so jealous of her amazing surfers body!
This is a spin off of the classic cig shot- Aubry is not a smoker.

She is very flexible...

....and does this for her 'party trick.'
Spunk.

This is me and Aubry. The first photo we ever took together!
I love this one!

I am so proud of you Aubry. I know I should have told you this when I said goodbye to you at the airport or while leaving a permanent couch print in your living room. I admire you for breaking the cycles- for finding a way out of the hard circular patterns of life. Thank you for not compromising yourself or your values and for holding onto your spunk. I think about the words of Gandhi you hand painted on your wall: Be the change you wish to see in the world. Thank you Aubry! I love you for the person you choose to be.

Matt Esparza High School Senior!

2008-10-16T14:52:00.000-07:00

I had only known Matt for 5 minutes when he began telling me the drama stories in the day of the life in high school. I found Matt to be mature beyond his age when he spoke of civil rights and I could clearly see that he is the type of person who stands up for himself with great confidence. He is also open minded and didn't think twice when I asked him to climb the side of a building- exactly my kind of customer! Many times during Matt's photo session, I found myself laughing so much that I had to stop to breathe normally for a few moments. Matt is a witty character who easily shares his life stories without hesitation of being judged.

lookin' cool here

Matt reminds me of a Hollister model in this one- minus the cologne. (Inside joke...heehee)I LOVE this shot- one of my most favorites EVER!!
lovin' the texture of this wall

His soccer ball matched the wall... who knew?

A huge thank you goes out to The Duus Family for referring Matt to me!! Thank you!!! Also, I want to personally thank Matt- thanks for being you. By the way, I am still chuckling when I think about your 'bowl-cut' comment.... you are too funny!

Cynthia + Shad are ENGAGED!

2008-10-09T21:47:00.000-07:00

Cynthia and Shad know the meaning of loving something and letting it go. Their eyes met many years ago and neither one of them expressed they way they felt- so they walked away carrying their secret with them. Time did not stop and neither did their thoughts of one another. So when life's fork in the road led them together again it was meant to be. Some call it fate. So, if you truly love something just let it go...... love always finds it's way back to where it belongs. For Cynthia and Shad this time is for keeps.

They are so cute! WOW!
They look at each other with such love!I LOVE this last shot of them sitting on the edge of the road!
Thank you for the great chat after your session- you are wonderful people who deserve the love you share.We are going to have so much fun on your wedding day in 2009!

Jessica and Marc are gettin' married!!

2008-09-25T21:12:00.000-07:00

We were greeted by a little black nose sniffing under a wooden fence. When the front door of Jessica and Marc's door was opened, there stood before us was the rest of the cute black nose. His name is Boston (named after the city where Marc is from) a friendly little dog! Jessica and Marc welcomed us into their beautiful home (lovin' the purple wall) and nicely manicured backyard. Pewter belongs to Jessica and he kept running inside the house to check on her- how cute!

Jessica and Marc are getting married this October! A beautiful time of year for their celebration!!

Thank you for choosing Eastbrook Studios to capture your moments of laughter and love! And also, a special thanks to Marc for not running us over.....heehee!! Seriously though, thanks.

so much passion!

i LOVE this one- so romantic and dreamy!

i love the random dog in this shot.... love makes everything but the person standing in front of you disappear.

The Romero Family!

2008-09-23T14:46:00.000-07:00

Crystal, Adam and all five of their girls (yes, five- you read that right) are such a wonderful family! I have been photographing the Romero family long before they were seven in total. What impresses me most is how this family arrives fully dressed with matching attire and all the girl's hair combed perfectly for every photo session. I often think... Do the Romero's have hairdressers and stylists hidden in the back of their SUV?? I am constantly awed by the organization this family has- I suppose with five children it's crucial! Crystal is like wonder woman running around (selflessly may I add) making sure all the girls are primped and photo ready. Adam makes sure the girls have something to snack on and happily entertains his pretty girls. Talk about teamwork!

I am so thankful for Crystal and Adam trusting me to capture their girls as they grow! They are such a beautiful family and always a joy to see!

This was Christmas 2007 'pre twins'.
This one still cracks me up!

'Bellie' and Rosea at two weeks- so tiny!!

Here are the twins now- look how much they have grown!!

Jayden loves the camera!

Michelle + Jason are in love!!!

2008-09-19T11:27:00.000-07:00

When April from Sweet Blessings called me to tell me that Michelle and Jason needed a photographer she said to me, 'I think you're really gonna like this couple.' April was wrong. I love them!! Michelle and Jason are the ideal kind of couple for Eastbrook Studios. You might ask, why so? To sum it up simply: They can be themselves. (And as a bonus- their wedding colors were black and hot pink. Totally awesome!!!)

The sun brightly shone down on Michelle holding her daddy's hand, as he led her each step closer to Jason. Her daddy happily led her up the isle to be given away, where waiting for them- the perfect gentleman. All of the guests could hear Jason's sincerity in the kind words he spoke to Michelle as she approached him, 'You look incredible.' And with that, Michelle comfortably flirted, which was followed by a giggle. When Jason and Michelle were given the cue to share their first kiss the guests were in for a surprise. Unknown to Michelle and everyone watching, Jason bent down and easily lifted all 82 pounds of pure cuteness up into his arms and they kissed. Everyone continued to smile and clap and they kissed some more! In between the two kisses they looked at each other and actually took a moment to flirt! It's who they are and exactly what they do!!

The interaction between this couple is loveable and I am sure that if you were to bump into them anywhere, chances are that Jason is carrying Michelle in his arms..... because after all, it is what the perfect gentleman does.

I am so tickled pink that Michelle and Jason chose Eastbrook Studios to capture their day! <3

Here is one of my favorites from their rockin' engagement session in the street!

i love LOVE this shot of Michelle on the playground + i also adore the little girl on the next swing over!

The best first kiss EVER.

The flirting between kisses!

The awesome polka dotted cake from Sweet Blessings Bakery. The guitar cake was so cool too!

Super sweet!

The rain poured on Michelle and Jason's day- a wedding day blessing for a long marriage!

9.11 I remember, do you?

2008-09-12T10:32:00.000-07:00

It's hard to believe that seven years has past. Four years before Jaxon (pictured above) was born.

As I close my eyes, I remember....

The phone rang in the middle of the night, a typical humid New Zealand night. Peter answered, tapped lightly on the door and whispered, 'Sarah, your dad is on the phone.' I was half awake when my dad said, 'New York is being attacked.' In my half slumber (and being from New Mexico) I instantly thought of aliens. In dreams or in moments of half awareness things like that oddly make sense. I was confused, sat up in bed and turned the TV on to CNN. I shifted my eyes towards the glass paned french doors that led outside to the upstairs balcony. In the reflection of the glass, I could see my kiwi family all leaning towards the glowing television, where smoke bellowed from the first plane that collided with the tower. Everyone in the room was silent. Directing my attention back to the TV, the second plane hit and we all gasped in unison. I quickly looked away from the TV and stared outside into the darkness- twinkling lights sparkled off of the Auckland harbor water. Looking past Rangitoto Island, into black darkness, I imaged my family back in America and instinctively wished my family were safe with me, in New Zealand. I was more than 7000 miles away from my family. I was further away from New Mexico than I ever felt before, utterly helpless. Thinking ........why??? I clutched tightly onto my future husbands hand, instantly feeling safer.

I open my eyes, I remember.

Approaching my dad's house yesterday, I saw hanging at half mass, the strong colors of America. Two and a half year old Jaxon was running around the yard, laughing and rolling in the grass, oblivious of 9.11- as he should be. I grabbed my camera and asked Jaxon to hug the flag pole. He did. But as he let go, he quickly leaned towards the pole and said, 'Oh- and a kiss too.'

Angelica + Joe are MARRIED! (sneak peek)

2008-09-08T11:21:00.000-07:00

When Joe saw Angelica walk up the isle his eyes instantly welled up with tears. He blinked and held his breath for a moment in time. I can only guess that they were tears of joy because walking towards him was pure beauty. Angelica had her arm intertwined with her dad and as her dad let Angelica go, his eyes too were instantly filled with joy. Angelica's dad was giving his beautiful daughter away to a good man, named Joe. Angelica and Joe declared their commitment to each other at the famous St. Francis Cathedral up in Santa Fe! The sky was a crisp blue New Mexico August sky- a wonderful day for a celebration!

After we pack up our equipment and head home, often we reflect on the bride and groom's celebration of the day. As Guadalupe and I talked about what a great day Angelica and Joe shared together, I imagined the reception continuing as the clouds rolled in.... the guests dancing the night away. As I sat in the car being thankful for such a wonderful day, I looked in the rear view mirror back up towards Santa Fe and I too held my breath for a moment in time. Guadalupe instantly pulled the car over so we could get a better look at the path we left left behind us. We witnessed a double sunset rainbow- something so special and very beautiful. We started the day with pure beauty so why not end it the very same way??

Thank you for choosing Eastbrook Studios for your wedding! We look forward to watching your three handsome boys grow up and witnessing your relationship bond closer together. There were so many couples at your reception, who have been married for years. We have never seen so many couples stay dancing on the floor once the 20 year mark was called out! We have no doubt, that one day, you will be the last couple dancing on the floor.

Joe looking so handsome!

Angelica is stunning!

A perfect kiss.

A wonderful moment before heading to the reception!

An amazing way to end such wonderful day!

Happy 1st Anniversary Kristi + Jason!

2008-08-18T16:45:00.001-07:00

I can't think of a better way to start off my new and improved blog! So, without going into any detail about my old blog.....

I would like to scream from Albuquerque all the way to Cali, 'Happy Anniversary Kristi + Jason!!'

As I sit here looking back at the photos from their wedding day, I can't help but think of many memories I carry with me. I am not just talking about their wedding day alone, but the months and days that led up to their day of promise. Like the bachlorette party with Kevin Kostner! Actually, going back even further- the years preceding the day they got married. You see, I met Kristi when I was only fifteen years young. I remember her being bouncy, filled with tons of energy and she had a very distinctive laugh. For those of you who know Kristi- you know the Kristi laugh! I remember having sleep overs with her as our sugar induced giggling would carry through her mom's thin walled apartment- where on the other side, I am sure someone was pulling their hair out well into the night. I can almost guarantee that most of the giggles were provoked by Kristi showing off her double jointed knees!

Time, after graduation, carried us to different places in our lives and many many years passed. When Kristi contacted me to share the news of her engagement with Jason, I was happy for her. When Kristi asked me to photograph her wedding, I was in disbelief. Trusting me to capture her day was a huge compliment and I felt honored. Having not seen Kristi for many years had me feeling anxious to be reunited with her again. Out of sheer nervousness, I was sure that I would break out into the Manzano Monarchs school song complete with dance moves. (We were on the drill/dance team together in high school. 'Go Monarchs, GO!!') My nervousness was calmed as soon as I heard her exclaim, 'Sarah-bean!!!' which was followed by that signature laugh. Kristi was the same only more confident, more beautiful than ever and totally head-over-heels in love.

When Kristi talked to me about her prince charming, I had visions of a man galloping up on a horse with a rose clenched in his pearly whites while declaring his love to the woman he will love forever. As soon as I saw the energy of love that Kristi and Jason shared with each other, I too was hooked. I could not stop looking at they way they looked at each other. It was true. It is the way love is supposed to be.

With that: I raise my glass and toast, 'To Jason: May you always hold your princess bride tight and kiss her each night. And to Kristi: May you close your eyes at night with Jason's kiss upon your lips -not just for the night, but for life.'

Here are still some of my favorites:

They know how to laugh!

I love this magical moment when the sun suddenly appeared through the clouds to reveal this!

I like how they play!

I love love LOVE this moon shot! (A special thanks to Dan Dawes from Complete Music for holding my light for this one. Oh, and for saving my favorite high heels for three months!!)