'tis the season to give!

With the Holidays practically upon us, I can't help but think about how quickly this year has flown by, and how much I have been blessed with. With that feeling of deep gratitude comes a yearning to serve. Sometimes I feel like I don't have much to give...but then I think, "Wait! I can give pictures!"

I know how much I value pictures of my family, and so I'd like to ask you to nominate a family who you think is deserving of this gift. There aren't really any guidelines, but for example, it could be someone who has fallen on hard times financially or someone who you really admire.

The winning family must be able to meet me within 15 miles of Huntington Beach for their session, and the session must be completed by December 9th in order to have pictures in time for Christmas.

All of the nominations will be carefully considered and the winner will be determined by a special panel of judges. (not ME!)

The winning family will receive a 1-2 hour photo session with me along with a Top 10 CD and their choice of two 8x10s or one 11x14. (total value: approx. $470)

Please send a paragraph (or more) explaining who you are nominating and why to: sharihansonphotography@gmail.com. All entries must be received by midnight (PST) on Friday, November 27th. Please include your nominee's contact information with your entry.

The winner will be announced and contacted on Monday, November 30th.

**Special Note** If you'd like to remain anonymous to your nominee, make sure you specify that in your entry, and I will make sure to keep it a secret!!!

Elsner Family @ Crystal Cove | OC Family Photographer

Meet the Elsners...such a cool family! We had fun down at the beach for our session and I couldn't have asked for better weather/lighting or for better subjects! I have had fun going through the images from their session...and went a little crazy on this sneak peek...but I hope you enjoy how they turned out!








I think this next one is possibly my favorite shot...BEAUTIFUL family!



In the following photo, the kids were spotting dolphins...and every time I would look, the dolphins would be gone...oh well! But I love that I caught Nathan's cute dimple in this one!





This kid was DETERMINED not to smile...I think it almost made him more adorable!

Brittany + Bronson = Married!

Brittany is my niece, and a few months ago we were all up in Utah together and I got to shoot their engagement pictures...and then they asked me to come to Florida and shoot their wedding too! It was so much fun...I felt a little bit guilty leaving Brad alone with the boys while I was off on my adventure in Orlando! It was fun being a part of their wedding and meeting Bronson's family. Shooting a wedding is a lot of work and not really my specialty -- in fact this was my very first time doing a wedding. I had a lot of fun though and really hope you guys like how your pictures came out! Here is a bit of a sneak peek...there are a TON more...but here are just a few to give you a taste of what is to come... (click to enlarge photos)

Jones Family | OC Family Photographer

When we got together with Kay's parents and siblings for the big group shots a while ago, we postponed doing her little family until later since they are local. So here are a few from our session...we found this cool wall that is unfortunately temporary! Poor Reese was an unhappy little one pretty much the entire time...but we all did our best! I love this first picture because it's kind of deceiving...she kind of looks like she's just laughing and playing peek-a-boo...but if you look closely you'll see tears streaming down her cheek!!!!! Max was pretty mellow...he's such a cutie!!!!!!!!!! Anyway...I hope you like them and I love you guys!

FYI: Time Is Running Out!

Saturday, November 21st will be your last opportunity to get pictures in time for Christmas! I am still available on the following dates:

Friday, Nov. 6 - AM or PM
Saturday, Nov. 7 - PM
Thursday, Nov. 12 - PM
Friday, Nov. 13 - AM or PM
Saturday, Nov. 14 - PM
Wednesday, Nov. 18 - AM or PM
Friday, Nov. 20 - PM
Saturday, Nov. 21 - AM or PM

Book your session ASAP before it's too late!

ALSO...Don't forget to take advantage of my great offer for Holiday Mini-Sessions! (see sidebar for details!)

Something to consider: If you don't have time to do pictures in time for Christmas cards this year, how about sending out Happy New Year cards?!?! The offer for the Holiday Mini-Session is good through January 15, 2010.

Summer - Sneak Peek | OC Maternity Photographer

Summer is one hot pregnant mama! It was so much fun shooting her and as you can see, "the camera loves her!" I can't wait for you to see the rest...hopefully this will tide you over for a bit! I also can't wait to meet her new baby boy in a few more weeks!!!







Seriously? I WISH I looked this good when I was pregnant!!!!!!!!!

Nicholas turns 2 | OC Birthday Party Photographer

Wow...what a fun party!!! A bounce house, pinatas (yes, more than one!!!), tons of delicious food and lots of good company...this is one blessed little boy! It was so fun hanging out with your family for the afternoon...I took so many pictures...it's been hard to narrow it down! Here are just a few...

Mortensen Family Sneak Peek | OC Family Photographer

My Aunt and Uncle were in town a few weeks ago for a little family reunion...and asked me to photograph them! My move has definitely put me behind schedule with photography...so thanks for waiting patiently for your sneak peek! We went to Crystal Cove, but unfortunately it got VERY foggy...but we tried to work with it. It was still fun! Then we got together one more time the next morning to try a few more big family shots. Here are just a few for you to chew on until I get the rest finished! I loved seeing everyone!




I love seeing all the grandkids with the grandparents! It doesn't get much better than this!
It was really dark by the time I took this one, so the quality isn't very good...but I had to post it...you guys just look so cute!!
Jack wasn't able to be in town with the rest of the family...so we got together the week earlier in HB...LOVE the colors and that sunset glow!

Two Handsome Young Men | OC Headshot Photographer

Meet my cousin (the blond one) Justin and his best buddy Steve. They were in town for a few days and needed head shots for interviews for modeling and acting jobs back home. And they are SINGLE ladies! Can you believe it?? Contact me if you're interested in finding out more about these two eligible bachelors! (Hee hee! They gave me permission to post this!!!)

Ashton Sneak Peek | OC Newborn Photographer

Aston was the best baby! So mellow...and absolutely adorable! His mom had a specific request to try to replicate an ad she saw in a magazine...with the baby resting on daddy's arms. I took a lot of pictures...and here are just a few...I hope you guys like them!!

Brittany - Class of 2010 | OC High School Senior Photographer

We've been trying to get together all summer to do these pics...and I am SO HAPPY we finally did! WOW she is gorgeous! Look at those amazing eyes!!! She was a good sport and got up early to meet me for pictures so we could take advantage of that early morning light. I had so much fun and hope you did too! Enjoy these few while I work on the rest!

Eli Sneak Peek | OC Baby Photographer

This is sweet, adorable Eli! His mom had pictures like this done of her two other boys, and so we tried to reproduce the same look with Eli so she can add his picture to the wall. I hope this is pretty close to what you were going for! The second pic was just cute with big brother goofing around!!! Thanks guys!

Wallin Family | OC Family Photographer

Meet the Wallin family. They were in town for a big family vacation together -- some from Utah, some from Texas and some all the way from BRAZIL! I heard about lots of fun at Disneyland/California Adventure and swimming...and of course we had fun taking PICTURES! It was really fun seeing everyone and getting to know you guys a bit better! The kids are all so cute, and I loved seeing you all interact with each other. And...notice in the last picture (the silly-faces one) everyone is wearing a "Wallin" t-shirt...why? Well not just because that is their name...but for Brian's surfboard company. He makes some sweet boards...check 'em out: www.wallinsurfboards.com Here's a little sneak peek of your pics...hope you like them!!

ANOTHER Hanson Family!! | OC Family Photographer

Yep...MORE Hansons! This is Brent and Maria and 3 of their 5 kids. They live in Orlando and so we don't get to see them very often. :( However, we were all in Utah at the beginning of the month for their daughter Ashley's wedding, and so we got to take pics together at this awesome OLD (1910ish) house down the street from where the reception was held. It was fun! Enjoy this little teaser...more to come soon!

Hanson Family Sneak Peek | OC Family Photographer

It was fun taking your family's pictures...I think we got some good shots! I hope you like how they turned out! Here is a preview of your session:





I LOVE this one!!!!!!! It is definitely worthy of hanging on your wall!

Brittany & Bronson | OC Engagement Photographer

Wow. Not only do I already have one niece who is married (Ashley just got married on August 4th!), but another one soon to be! Meet Brittany and her fiance, Bronson. This session was so fun...I hope you guys like this little sneak peek! :)





I love the look on her face!!!

Get ready!!!!

These sessions are perfect for getting a great family picture to go along with your Christmas cards this year! Plan ahead and take advantage of this great offer before life gets too busy! The holidays will be here before we know it!

Rebekah | OC Baby Photographer

It was so much fun to photograph Rebekah again...it didn't seem that long ago that we got together for her newborn pics. Time flies! She looked so darling in her leopard print! Thanks BobbiAnn!

"F" Grandkiddos Sneak Peek | OC Child Photographer

I recently had the pleasure of doing a session with 7 cute kids -- cousins -- and grandkids who were all together at the same time! They were all so funny and I loved seeing all of their different personalities! It's been fun going through all the images...Here are just a few to tide you over until I get the rest finished! Thanks guys...hope you like them!!!

Sneak Peek: Charlotte | OC Newborn / Baby Photographer

Here is sweet Charlotte...such a cutie and has the best fuzzy hair EVER! We tried twice to get this little girl to sleep for us, but she just wanted to know what was going on and didn't fall asleep until after the 2nd session! But, it's OK...she is gorgeous and was such a good baby...we even got some fun shots with her big brother Mason...check out the last pic! Isn't it cute? I hope you guys like them! More to come soon...

PROGRESS!

Can I get a "HALLELUJAH!?" Can I get an "AMEN!!!?" Oh yeah...the ball is rolling now!

As you can see I have finally updated the look to my blog! I am so happy to have my new blog header and logo finalized!!! Thanks to a lot of hard work and tremendous talent from David Contreras!

Now I just have to get my website finished...hopefully soon!!!! Can't wait to have it live and to be able to show more of my work, as well as offer more information for clients all in one place. :)

Hope you like the new look! Check back soon for some new specials I'll be offering for a limited time!

Kumaka | OC Child Photographer

Meet Kumaka...a little boy with a big spirit and I think the sweetest eyes I've ever seen. I wanted to try to tell a little bit of his amazing story, but Tracy (his mom) tells it much better than I ever could. You can find Kumaka's story HERE. Thank you so much for letting me come photograph him! He is the strongest 2-yr-old I've ever met...you should see him wheel himself around in that chair...holy smokes! He blew me away. Hope you guys like this little sneak peek!

Sonya | OC Photographer, Headshots

Meet my gorgeous (and recently admitted to BYU's MBA program!!!!) sister, Sonya! She needed some headshots so we went out and about San Clemente to get some pics...Hope you like them!

Oh, BABY!

Joshy | OC Child Photographer

Meet my sweet Joshy who recently turned 4! He was due for some new photos, PLUS he has been begging me for a "hair-a-cut" because he hates his curls and I promised him we would cut it after I got some cute pictures of him. So here are a few that I liked:



And this is his "I-am-so-over-this-Mom" face:

ok, ok...

I KNOW! Where is my website? Where is my updated Blog look?

I'd like to know the answers to those questions too my friends!

I am HOPING to have both the website and the blog updated by this weekend.

Keep your fingers crossed for me! I can't wait to have it all finished!!!!

Baby Kate | OC Newborn Photographer

Meet my friend Alex's new baby girl, Kate! She is such a mellow little gal...reminds me of Drew! Here is a sneak peek for ya...hope you like 'em!

40s Girl Headshots | Orange County Photographer

My sweet and sassy friend Kristie wanted to get some 40s style headshots...and eventually we'll do some of her husband as well. It was so much fun Kristie! You're such a natural in front of the camera...even more so now that you know the secret to smiling with your eyes is being able to wiggle your ears! (Thanks TYRA!) :) Anyway, here are two that I just finished editing. Now playtime is over because I have lots of other sessions to work on before I get to play around with these anymore! Hope you like them!

S & H Sneak Peek | OC Child Photographer

Our original plan to have our session at Centennial Farm was foiled by a Scottish Festival! So we quickly decided to move to another location nearby, TeWinkle Park. Thanks guys for being so easygoing and flexible in that situation! Your kiddos are so sweet and I couldn't resist taking a peek and editing a few this afternoon. Hope you like them!






Thanks guys!!

Baby Bradley | OC Newborn / Baby Photographer

Meet my friend Jessica's new baby boy, Bradley! (LOVE the name!) Such a handsome "little man" -- isn't he? He wasn't loving having his picture taken...but I think we got some good ones! I hope you like them! More to come soon...

Kerr Boys | OC Baby and Child Photographer

So, last fall I got to take my friend Kristie's family pictures, and her boys were so good...they are such cutie pies and I just can't get enough of Greyson's cheeks! He just turned ONE and Garren just turned FOUR! So we had to document these milestones in their lives...here are a few to tide you over until I get the rest finished! Hope you like them! :)

Change is comin'...

I am excited to announce the upcoming launch of my new website and redesigned blog! If everything goes as planned, it will be up and running on June 1st! I am currently having a logo designed and can't wait to show you all my new stuff!

With that, I need to let you all know that my discounted session fees will expire on June 1st. (Prints and CDs will still be at 30% off though!)

So, if you are interested in booking a session with me (for ANY time in the future) take advantage of the discounted session fees by booking with me on or before June 1st. (Session fee must be paid IN FULL in order to receive the discount.)

The new fees will be as follows:

Snap Session: $50 (individuals only; lasts about 30 minutes)
Individual Sessions: $75 (lasts about 1-2 hours)
Group Sessions: $150 (Up to 4 people, $20 per person thereafter, lasts about 1-2 hours)

email me: sharihansonphotography@gmail.com call me: 714.865.3885 to book your session today!

Alex + Fam | OC Maternity and Family Photographer

So, I've been trying to get my pregnant friends to let me photograph them so I can build up my maternity portfolio...and so far not much luck! But, my friend Alex was willing to play along...and brought along her cute family. I think she's got about 6 or 7 weeks left until the big day...baby #4, and boy #2! Here are a few to peek at until I get the rest edited. Thanks for being such a good sport! Your kids were great!!!!!!!! I hope you like them!

Baby Zaden | OC Newborn Photographer

Meet baby Zaden...2 weeks old and absolutely an angel! He was so much fun to photograph! He is my friend Jaclyn's 4th boy...yes, my friends, FOUR boys! (I'm pretty sure I'm headed down the same path!) Anyway, CONGRATS on another handsome little guy...and I hope you like the pics!

Sneak Peek: Max | OC Newborn Baby Photographer

Here he is! My cousin's new baby boy...Maxwell Duke (affectionately known as "The Duke" -- I know, SO CUTE!) So, congrats Matt and Kay...I hope you like 'em!


I especially love this one...he's like, hey, what's up? 2 weeks old and already waving!

Kay | OC Maternity Photography

*********UPDATE***********

Less than 24 hrs after I took these pics, Kay had her baby!!! They named him Maxwell Duke -- SO CUTE! Can't wait to see him! Congrats to the proud parents and big sister!

*DISCLAIMER*

At the request of my beautiful cousin, I am to let you all know that she is due ANY DAY NOW and that I don't normally recommend doing maternity shoots this late in a pregnancy. Usually around 33 or 34 weeks is good.

HOWEVER...as you can see in the following pics, she looks gorgeous, radiant, and happy! Everything an expectant mother should be!

Thanks Kay - it was fun! LOVE YA! Can't wait to see the new little guy and snap some shots of him for you!

Ha, ha...very funny!!!

Lisa & Abby | OC Family Photographer

I met and made an awesome new friend, Lisa and her sweet daughter Abby today for some fun picture time. They are in town all the way from Texas for Spring Break! We headed down to Crystal Cove and had lots of fun! You are both gorgeous and I loved spending time with you! Here are just a few to tide you over until I get the rest finished!

That expression is PRICELESS!

Baby Miranda | OC Baby Photographer

How lucky am I? TWO gorgeous baby girls in one week!?!?! I am getting spoiled!

Here is sweet Miranda...she's already getting so big and has the cutest cheeks ever! She was such a good girl for her photo shoot and I hope you guys love them! Here's a little sneak peek for ya:

Baby Rebekah | OC Baby Photographer

Meet my friend Judy's first granddaughter! She is absolutley a precious doll! She was such a good baby and I think we got some good shots! Here are a few teasers...hope you guys love them! (How can you not? she is GORGEOUS!)

Howe Family Sneak Peek

Meet the Howe family...you are all so much fun! Thanks for this opportunity! Here are a few teasers for ya...I hope you like them! Oh, and I was just playing around with a vintage action on that last one...I kinda like it, what do you think?

Baby Kamaile (kuh-my-lee)

My good friend Heidi just had her first baby girl! (She has two sweet little boys already...) I was lucky enough to come take pictures for her the other day...what a gorgeous baby! She has so much hair and the longest eyelashes I've ever seen on a 2 week old baby. I hope you guys like them! It was so much fun...and hard to just pick a few for your sneak peek! I can't wait for you to see the rest of them! But for now, enjoy these:

* * * SPECIAL! * * *

Photographs are a unique gift... so, why not surprise your sweetie with a special photograph of you and/or the kids this Valentine's Day?

These 30 minute "mini-sessions" will be held through February 7th only!!

Book your session today to take advantage of this incredible offer:

Valentine's Day Special

Only $50! (up to 4 people, $5 each add'l)

for 30 minutes of photographing fun!!

-and-

your choice of:

3 high-res digital images,

2 5x7 prints,

-or-

1 8x10 print

* * 50% deposit due at time of booking to secure your session date/time. Thanks!

Book now or forever hold your peace!

Just kidding.

No really...book a future photo session with a 50% deposit to secure your session date by: December 31, 2008 and take advantage of my discounted portfolio building session fees, which are:

Snap Session (30 mins, individuals only): $15

Individual Session (1-2 hrs): $25

Group Session (1-2 hrs, up to 4 people, $10 each add'l person): $50

As of January 1, 2009, the session fees will be as follows:

Snap: $30, Individual: $50, Group: $100

I am still offering 30% off all CD and print orders, for a limited time.

Wirthlin Family

My friend Jill was in town over Thanksgiving and we got together to take their family pics at the park... They've already seen all of their pics, but I wanted to go ahead and post some of them on here for the rest of you who know and love the Wirthlins too!!!

I love this last one of the kids quacking at the ducks -- they were really loud! Thanks guys, it was fun seeing you!

Jenks Family

I had so much fun with you guys...your family is so sweet and I just love Brady so much! He's such a handsome little guy! And thanks - a HUGE thanks - to Steve, I didn't lose my cute red chair at the beach. :) Thanks again...hope you guys like them! I had so much fun going through and editing your pics. They will be finished soon...but until then, here are just a few of my favorites:

Baby "K"

This little sweetie was such a good baby during her shoot! She is an absolute doll! See for yourself...

I was really excited to try out this vintage baby scale I snagged off Ebay...I guess I need to make sure it's set right because this little one should have only weighed about 7 or 8 lbs - not over 10!!! Oh well, it's still cute!

Handsome Twins Sneak Peek

These two cute boys are twins -- but very different in looks and personality! It was a blast meeting them and I loved being greeted with hugs! Thanks Susie, I hope you like the pics!

(This one was totally unposed - but I love how they are looking at eachother! Look at those cute profiles! SOOO handsome!)

Kerr Fam Sneak Peek

I had so much fun with you guys! Thanks for being so wonderful! I hope you like the pics!

Elsner Grandkids Sneak Peek

Just a teaser...hope you guys like them! I still can't get over how cute it was when Cameron came up to me and said, "Thanks for taking my picture!" and then Kainoa chimed in, "Yeah, thanks, it was fun taking pictures!" That totally took me by surprise! All of your kiddos are SOOO cute!

"J" Family Sneak Peak

I had so much fun and your boys are just adorable! Thanks for being such good sports, I hope you had good time too! Here just a few teasers... I know you've been anxiously awaiting some, so here ya go! :)

Katie & her girls

It was so good seeing you guys, even though it was super quick! Your girls are darling and I hope you like the pics! Love ya!

Shintaku Family Sneak Peak

Thanks guys, it was a lot of fun!! I love your boys! I hope you like the pics!

LeBaron Family Sneak Peek

Isn't this the cutest little redhead you've ever seen??? He's such a sweetie! Thanks guys, it was fun! I hope you like 'em!!

Carr Family Sneak Peek

We met at the Santa Ana Train Depot for these pictures, and it was really fun! Thanks guys! I am so grateful for the experience! I hope you enjoy your pictures...here are just a few teasers...

Shill Family Sneak Peek

Our friends came to visit us from Arizona last week and we had a lot of fun together. We went down to Laguna to take some family pics, and I wanted to give you guys a peek at some of the pics I got of the kids...more to come later! I hope you like them!

THANK YOU!

I just had to take a quick moment to say THANK YOU to all of my friends and family who have booked sessions with me!

So, just an FYI: I am currently booked through November. Yes, that's right. Can you believe it? I can hardly believe it!!! But, being busy is good. I love the experience I am gaining and am so thankful for the opportunity to take pictures of you and your families!

Also, I will only be offering my discounted session fees to those who book by December 31, 2008. BUT -- keep in mind, the 30% discount on print and CD orders will still be in effect beyond that date.

Thanks!!!

Just had to share...

Isn't she DARLING????

Young and ambitious...Headshots!

Meet my little brother James. He recently graduated from Cal State Fullerton and has been actively pursuing a job for the past few months. He called me up to see if I could do some headshots for him to submit with his resumes. Good luck James! I love ya! Here's the color and the black and white. I hope these will work!

What a handsome guy! Sorry ladies...he's happily married!!!!!!!!!

Jones Fam Sneak Peek

I had the pleasure of meeting up with my cousin and her family tonight to take some fun family pics on Main Street. I've been wanting to go scope out that area for a while now, so this was a perfect opportunity! I think we found some pretty cool places...and I'm sure I'll go back to use them again in the future. We were planning on doing some beach pics too...but the weather turned weird - very foggy - you couldn't see the end of the pier, let alone the water! So, we opted to just shoot the urban background tonight, and we're going to get together again soon to get some beach pics.

Here are two of my faves so far...I hope you like them!

Aren't those the cutest little chubby baby legs you've ever seen????????

You have such a sweet family...thanks guys!

More to come soon!!

Mrs. E's Headshots

I did these yesterday for Mrs. E...she is a singer and needed some updated headshots for an upcoming concert series she will be perfoming in. Her front room had the BEST light...I was quite jealous! We had fun and she was such a nice lady! Thanks Linda!

New 'do shoot...

Jakob and I played around a bit today...and had lots of fun! He was such a good little model -- even when he got tired of taking pictures! Here are a few of my favorites...

A Sample Of My Work