being a photographer in Southern California, especially with clients like April and Nate!!! I had another great ES in Coronado today. I met these two last week when they hired me to shoot their wedding in Cancun and we wasted no time in getting the engagement session done. As you can see from the photos these two are great in front of the camera. They really knew how to turn it on for the camera :) But there was a lot of giggling going on and even some cartwheels! I won’t go into details but Nate had a line that kept April laughing and I thought for a moment I was going to get flashed!!! Good thing Nate’s a firefighter ’cause these two were smokin’! I can’t wait until Cancun guys. Have a great time next week.

and no we weren’t cooking! Today I got together with the fabulous Jules Bianchi, Jessica Claire, and Jessica’s assistant Stacey to learn how to do polaroid transfers and emulsion lifts. Jules was the expert and a great teacher. I tried this a few months ago on my own and was so frustrated, but Jules made it so easy. I’m excited to be offering these unique art prints to my clients. Be sure and ask to see some. I will be printing and framing more of my own in the next week or so!

Today I had a lunch meeting with my great friend Doug Ebbers. Doug and I met not long after I moved to CA from KS. We both worked at a school for emotionally disabled kids - Doug as a teacher and me as a therapist. Now we have both gone on to start our own businesses.

Doug and I got together today to come up with a game plan for photos for his personal chef and catering business, FLAVOR. Doug plans and caters small events as well as provides personal chef services. He can cook dinner for your family and even do it in your own home!!! I think this is such a need these days with busy professionals and families. I’d love to have someone cook a nice healthy gourmet meal for my family one night a week! So I’m going to be doing pics for his website, brochure, and advertising!!! Doug is going to be a big hit if lunch today is any indicator of what he can do in the kitchen.

The great dip he made. How DO you get those cucumbers to look like that?

Working in the kitchen.

If you can’t see his info and need his services just give him a call at 619-309-9780. And if you hire him, tell him he owes Leigh a tiramisu!

Lastly the amazing Curried Chicken Salad.

Today I had a great engagement session with Ashley and Justin at the beach! These two were just so fun. I can’t wait to shot their wedding in April. Again just another example of the great couples I get to work with. A little cutting up (especially by Justin) and a whole lotta love. These two were naturals :) Thanks guys!

Well it has been a whirlwind of a year! And a great one. This year I got married, twice :) haha! and transitioned from my day job as a therapist to a fulltime photographer. I ended the year with about 27 weddings and got to work with some great photographers here in southern CA. I’ve met a lot of wonderful people and am looking forward to amazing weddings next year, all 17 that I have booked so far! My family was blessed with the addition of our first girl in 21 years and my baby brother graduated from college and got engaged. My kids and my husband make my life better every single day!

It’s been a great year but I expect 2006 to be even better! Happy New Year to everyone who stops by here and thank you for your support. If I have your address you will be getting a New Year’s card. If you don’t think I have your address feel free to leave it here in the comments section or email me so I can put you on my mailing list. Have a great 2006 - Sincerely - Leigh