Our newest Senior Ambassador

Meet Gage Marchini, who will graduate from Highland High School next year. He's very involved with FFA as well as a big time swimmer and cross country athlete. And, yeah, he's adorable! I think he kind of looks like Chandler from Friends, but I became aware of how old I truly was when he had no idea who this Chandler guy is! Especially depressing since "Friends" didn't even start until I was out of college - but I digress...Here's Gage! Let me know if you know a current Junior who might be interested in being a Senior Ambassador for Misty Dameron Photography this next year.

Senior Ambassadors

If you are a high school junior or senior this year, have I got a job for you!! I'm looking for some outgoing, energetic young people to represent Misty Dameron Photography at your schools this year. If you have had your senior portraits done by me, or want to, you're a perfect fit. I LOVE Seniors and their unique one of a kind personalities and I've decided - I want to do more Senior sessions this year! Senior Ambassadors can qualify for all kinds of prizes like portrait sessions, free prints, free canvases, free albums, free purses and totes...it's up to you how much you want to qualify for. So, if you like me (tee hee) and you like my work, contact me and I'll explain more about my SENIOR AMBASSADOR program that YOU are qualified for!

BELOVED - Golden Edition

Meet Lyndon and Louise. They met when they were 9 and 7. They began walking to school along the railroad tracks, both of them barefoot! Louise let Lyndon walk on the rails so he didn't hurt his feet on the rocks and splinters of the ties - he knew right then that she was the girl he would marry. Years later, they did indeed marry. And the stories they have to tell are hilarious and will warm your heart at the same time. Fast forward 60 years and many children and grandchildren later - what a beautiful story of love and loyalty that many will have to cherish.

It was a bit difficult to hold the camera still while we did this session, between the tears and laughter it was quite a feat. But, the entire time I kept saying to myself...this is what it's all about!! What a gift this would be not only to the BELOVED couples in the session, but to their children and grandchildren and even future generations. Every one of Lyndon and Louise's descendants should own this video. Lyndon and Louise are a true case of happily ever after. They are beautiful, their love is beautiful and anyone who watches this video will be moved by their deep rooted love and faith in God.

This BELOVED session would be such a treasured gift to give to anyone this Mother's Day -particularly the Golden Edition series that we have begun, I honestly can't imagine a more perfect gift for everyone to give to our Grandmothers this season. Don't pass up this opportunity to give the gift of a true love story, their own.

-Misty Dameron, Bakersfield photographer-

Surfer Wedding

Stephen and Jen's wedding this weekend in San Clemente was almost a photography brain overload. They thought of every detail and every detail happened to be the best photo op ever! First, these surfers took their entire bridal party for a paddle out prayer circle that morning, with matching rash guards announcing their pending nuptuals - of course to complete the morning pictures, Jen wore a garter in her surf gear and Stephen a red bow tie. Could they be any more fun??

The rest of the day was spent in San Clemente style checking out all the local hot spots and posing here and there for a quick pic. It made for such a fast paced, fun day. My husband got to tag along for this wedding and that made it more fun since that doesn't happen very often. Jen actually played on my husband's Bakersfield College soccer team 10 years ago! So, it was a personal event as well as a work day and it just so happened to be our 15 year anniversary weekend...all in all, pretty perfect!

I have great hopes for this couple who share so many of the same passions in life. Thanks for letting us be a part of your special day, we were honored to be there as your photographer and as your friend!

Misty Dameron Photography, Biggest Loser Style!

Got to spend Sunday afternoon with Shay Sorrels from the Biggest Loser Season 8 and we had such a great time. We actually burned quite a few calories as well! Our photoshoot took place at Back Bay Natural Reserve in Newport Beach and we walked a good two miles together. Fortunately I had nice sensible shoes for walking, but Shay broke some cute three inch heels on our walk! She's such a trooper though, finished the walk broken shoes and all! But it was worth it, we saw some great wildflowers and fun scenery there. Shay is one of the most inspiring people you could ever meet, she just shines from the inside out. And from a photography standpoint, she is so naturally photogenic, it's really hard to take a bad picture of her...then you get her laughing and it's a done deal! Love that girl and I am so proud of her. Can't wait to see her at the end of Season 9. Keep an eye out for more images from our fun session together.

my BELOVED Continued (the longer version)

These BELOVED sessions are so on my heart right now, I just feel the need to dialogue a bit more about them. I think THIS IS THE PROJECT I've been searching for in my years as a photographer.

Most of the portraits or even candid photographs that are taken, in everyone's family, happen at key moments in our life (as they should)...our wedding day, our birthdays, the birth of our children and their birthdays and so on. This is what we document and look back on as "our life." At our funeral someday, these will be the images that will linger in a slideshow or in frames around the house of future generations long after we're gone.

But, to me, it seems that the majority of our life was really lived in between these monumental events in the everyday relationships that took place. If you've been with me long, you're saying, yeah, heard it before Misty...and that's true -- I've always been more interested in photography of the everyday. BUT, have we chronicled our love story throughout the years as well? Don't we want our grandchildren and great grandchildren in the future to know where it all started? Don't we want our love to be chronicled as well? And not just on our wedding day.

I am always intrigued at the differences in people's relationships that I have the pleasure of photographing. The camera does not lie (photoshop does though! - a little photographic humor), but the rawness of relationships really comes out when I'm doing any kind of shoot where relationships are in the mix. It frequently brings me to tears to photograph a couple who has been together 5, 10, 50 years and has seen it all - the good, bad and ugly. But that's where the unconditional love lies. Yes, wedding days are priceless and the wide eyes of wonder are exhilarating, but to photograph two souls who have been together for years and years and connect on so many levels is deep. To capture that authentic, nothin' but real moments that two people share is awesome and yet humbling.

So, that's what BELOVED is all about. Really telling the story that exists...not posing. It's not actually a photoshoot, it's an EXPERIENCE. It's actually an invitation for you to connect or perhaps reconnect with each other. It's an invitation to experience joy in each others presence, not to smile and look at the camera for a beautifully lit portrait. In fact, where this session takes place would hardly matter. The scenery is not even noticeable, coordinating clothes are not necessary. All that's required is that you bring yourself and your beloved and be willing to accept whatever experience it may bring...and that's enough.

I realize this may seem too intimate, too vulnerable (especially for you testosterone folk) - but I promise within 5 minutes of the session, you will relax and enjoy the session. In the end, you will walk away feeling more in love, more in awe of that person, more aware of the relationship that exists, more in touch with what God has given you than you were before the session. And as a bonus, you will have unique and amazing images that you and your family will cherish for a lifetime.

I really feel that God has placed this on my heart for this time in my life. I hope that THESE are the images that are at our funerals, the ones that show the true love stories that we have.

my BELOVED

What if I asked you not to "look like you're happy", but instead invited you to FEEL HAPPINESS? What if instead of asking you to "act joyful" I asked you to FIND THE JOY that you truly feel inside of you. What if a simple photoshoot helped you celebrate your commitment long after the rings were exchanged? What if your "for better or worse" actually meant celebrating the best that comes after the inevitable worst?

A new genre of storytelling photography is now available to you...BELOVED. The missing piece to your photographic story. Call me to schedule your BELOVED session today!

We're back...

We just got back from WPPI (Wedding and Portrait Photographers International) in Las Vegas and as always, I am overwhelmed, exhausted, hugely inspired and so ready to begin again. I have so many new ideas to implement, I don't even know where to begin. We got to listen and learn from brilliant, studied, successful and encouraging photographers from around the world. Jesh DeRox, Kevin Kubota, Lori Nordstrom to name a few. So, where do I begin? Right here...ready to change the world...

Last minute gift idea!

Running out of time to get that perfect gift? Me too, hardly even started shopping for Christmas. Therefore, I know I personally will be doing a lot of gift certificates this year too! But, yes, I have gift certificates available in any denomination for that family member or friend who would LOVE to have a special photoshoot. Maternity, Newborn, Family, or Wedding. Call me up til Christmas Eve at 661-900-4501 to purchase a gift certificate, or visit my proofing gallery to purchase online (if there's not enough shipping time before Christmas, you may have to pay extra for overnight shipping or come visit me to pick up your certificate). Thanks for shopping and happy photo making memories!

Bakersfield New England Style

Every year I spend about as much time at Hart Park as I do at home, and every year I say "this is way more beautiful than last year." And while I do have memory issues lately (old age I suppose), I think it's an exceptional year for Fall colors. Everyone needs at least one family portrait in the Fall foliage. While I'm a very big fan of thinking outside the box when it comes to portraits, "Fall pics" is just one of those things you've just got to do at least once!

I'm going to be out at Hart park this Saturday and Sunday (November 14-15), as well as the Saturday after Thanksgiving (November 28). Then, one more weekend out there December 5-6--so one of those has GOT to work into your schedule!

These families were just taken yesterday afternoon and this morning, so this is currently how amazing it looks out there. You'll be able to see the rest of their images next week sometime on my website. Deadlines to order for Christmas cards and gifts delivered by Christmas is December 11, so schedule those shoots before it's too late!

So Cal Beaches still the best

Now that I'm a transplanted OC to Bakersfield girl, it seems that the central coast is the place to go for a family beach day (and a beach photography session). I've learned my way around Pismo, Morro Bay, Paso and even Cambria and yes they are stunningly gorgeous. But, after this weekend's beach shoot at Newport Coast, I realized that I still feel most comfortable shooting in my old backyard. The fresh, blue sky and the smoothness where the sand and water meet was home to me...sigh. Now, if we could just do away with the traffic that stands (literally) between here and there!

The Schonauer family made that trek this weekend and it was so much fun playing in the sand and water. These two girls were about as cute as they come in little white dresses. I won't be making another trip down (or to the central coast beaches either) until the new year, but if you like this look let's talk and make a plan for the New Year.

Christmas Card Time!

Can't believe it's actually November, time to get going on all those Christmas cards. If you had a shoot this past year, I can repost your images so you can order your Christmas cards. My cards range in style and price depending on the look you'd like and budget you have to work with.

My custom Christmas cards are so much fun (if I do say so myself!). The three most popular are the 5x7 postcard style, the 5x7 fold over card and the fun 5x5 tri-fold card. Take a look at these images to see what style you like best. The fun thing about these is that you can use multiple images with some of the fun stuff we shot. The press printed cards are $3 and $4 with an art fee of $25 (waived if you purchased a portrait collection).

If you still haven't done a shoot with me this year, what are you waiting for?! I can still fit you in this month, but call to schedule right away! The final date to order prints/cards for Christmas is Friday, December 11.

Call me to start your Christmas card order today!

Who Knew???

Who knew cotton could be so beautiful or that a junkyard could produce so many colors? Still on the constant mission to find new places to shoot in Bakersfield and what I'm finding is, I've barely scraped the surface. Three recent engagement shoots are proof. Most recently we went hiking with Richard and Amanda through the Southwest weeds to find some awesome crops that made for great pics. Bailey and Jessica as well as Will and Shanna trusted us enough to shoot them at a junkyard and none of us were disappointed with what we found. I loved it so much, this is where I'm going to do my own kids' Christmas card pics, so watch for those later! Lastly, with adorable couple Mike and Kelli we wanted a new twist on a traditional spot. Hart Park, although it's easy to fall into the same type shoots since I shoot out there so often--we went this day with fresh eyes and found some fun new spots to shoot.

Engagement shoots have become some of my favorite types of shooting, because creativity is a front runner and my couples have been so much fun to explore with. Kudos guys!

Happy Halloween Customer Appreciation

Well in the hustle and bustle of the Fall, I love the little break that we get called Halloween--a time to reflect on how my little ones are seeming to be less and less little every year. This year was the hardest yet on choosing a costume for my 10 year old boy. It seems there are aisles and aisles of cute costumes for girls, but when it comes to boys--not so much. Once they are out of the superhero/pirate phase...what then? I practically punched the teenage boy who worked at Party City the other day for calling me out on being a dull mom because I wouldn't let my 10 year old son be a scary monster with guts hanging out. Sorry, guess I'm old fashioned in some ways. I actually told my son at Party City to feel free and "google yourself a new mom when you get home." Ha!

That tangent aside, I am so fortunate to have great professional portraits every year of my kids in their costumes. Lucky for me, my professional photographer travels with me always. So this year, I thought I wish I could do this for all my clients! And so, why not? This year to say thank you, I'm opening up my studio for my clients who have done a Fall session with me this year (or are booked to do one) from 4-5 on Halloween night. It'll be just a quick session each, but at least we can capture a few precious moments that we will remember forever. After Halloween, I will mail 4x6s of the best shots. So, let me know if you'd like to join in the fun. Tell the kids this is the first candy stop of the evening (I'll be sure to have my candy jar stocked!). Happy Haunting (or not if you're as old fashioned as me!)

Purple Mountains Majesty

Well, definitely the most scenic wedding I've ever shot. The first part of September my assistant Stephanie and I had the privilege of driving to Aspen Colorado to shoot my beautiful cousin, Christy's wedding. We decided not to do it the easy way and fly, no we opted to drive an RV out to Colorado. I really wanted my kids to go and meet some family that we don't get to see much, so they went with me. Bakersfield's fun, but as far as scenery goes--it's a little...well...dry. But Aspen Colorado, hello??? Amazing. The RV aspect of it made it just a fun whole week, with lots of photojournalism involved. Actually I gave my 7 year old daughter a camera to photojournal the behind the scenes shots! She got some great stuff and plenty of not-so-great, unflattering shots that I pray you will never see.

The wedding day was due to have thunderstorms off and on and of course if that had happened the mountain top wedding that was planned would have been derailed. It was an amazing day however as we watched the clouds perfectly make their way around the outskirts of Buttermilk mountain--making the wedding dreams a reality. The scenery was majestic, the bride and groom stunning, and to top it off the chair lift with guests covered in red blankets was crazy fun. All in all, it couldn't have been a more picture perfect wedding. Here's a few shots that I'm not even sure do the day justice, but they were some of my favorites. The entire wedding can be seen on my website.

After the wedding we really did ride down the mountain on a ski lift. I actually learned to ski on this actual mountain when I was 12, so that brought back some nice memories for me as I remembered trees on which I nearly cracked my skull. Stephanie was quite the trooper on this lift, as she is a little height phobic, but she rose beyond her fears and I think the high is always a little sweeter when it follows sheer terror.

So, would I love to be a world traveling wedding photographer? Absolutely! How does that one begin that, I have no idea. But for now, I love our humble little town and the people that fill it-- however, I would happily rise to the occasion of escaping our 100 degree town to do more destination weddings. But really, it's all an adventure and I wouldn't trade my life for anything.