There are a LOT of photographers out there. And I mean A LOT.

Every day, I receive emails that simply want our pricing information. I am flattered, as that typically means you like our portfolio enough to consider hiring us. But frankly, I'm feeling a bit used. Like I'm just a body behind a lens. When really, Jake & I can offer so much more than just an end product. But you don't know that, and it's not your fault. You, dear client, are bombarded by internet ads, ad-filled wedding magazines, and recommendations from family and friends. And you are overwhelmed.

So while searching for your perfect photographer, be sure step away from the emails and indulge us with an in-person meeting. Find out who we are behind the lens... what motivates us, what drives our passion, and what just might make us your perfect wedding photographers. We will find out if we click and if we have that chemistry that will put you at ease and just make you feel good on your wedding day. We know that not everybody is our client, but when the shoe fits, it feels so good. And you just can't tell that from an email.

Today, I am posting a few images of myself to prove my point. I have never considered myself photogenic. I don't think I am the ugly duckling either, but I have just never been that comfortable in front of the lens. But I was in desperate need of some new images. My facebook profile pic, until now, was taken back in 2008. Eek!

So I called up on my husband Jake to indulge me with a few images. With him behind the lens I am comfortable, I can laugh, I can be my dorky self, and I can give him "lovey" eyes without even thinking. I don't feel like a sitting duck being taunted to perform. And you should never feel that way either. I love the way my new photos turned out. I chose the right photographer.

Please enjoy a few images of me by my favorite photographer, Mr. Jake Bowles (aka love of my life aka my big strong man) :)




I am officially the world's worst photography subject... partway through my shoot, I made Jake give me the camera so I could take some photos of him. Told him it would help me relax. I was getting itchy watching him with my D3 and not being able to take photos! And it worked. I got my fix. I relaxed. And I also got my favorite photo of Jake to date. I want this one blown up wall-size :)

Since we're on the subject of Jake, I also got this shot of him last night while testing the lighting for a family shoot out at the beach. Delicious.

Hello blog readers!

I know it has been ages since I last posted here and I have not forgotten about you. I was on such a great roll for awhile too with all the fantastic weddings & shoots we had in April. My apologies for the lack of communication, and I have no other excuse but that I have been absolutely buried in editing, shoots, and designing books for my lovely clients. (Yes brides and grooms, I am working on your photos!!)

I know a few of you are regulars, and I do appreciate you stopping by. I figured that instead of waiting for me to get my act totally together, I would at least leave you a little love note & let you know what's been going on with CBF since my last post. Sound good?

Okay then... on the work front, it's been a very exciting time for us. Let's just get to the point...

1. We have some AWESOME new wall art for you to choose from, and our studio samples just arrived for you to see!! (Wooo hooo!). The pieces are brushed metal with a matte finish and come completely ready to hang. They are totally modern & fitting to our photography style. You are going to LOVE them. They look great with Classically finished images and Vintage images alike (our favorites are the Vintage on them because we just love that artsy look!).

2. We are introducing a second book line for our Fine Art Books. This has been a huge project on our end. Lots of hours of research and decision-making went into this, and it eventually became something we just knew we just couldn't live without. The new books are museum-quality and offer more pages using really beautiful paper that defines the term Fine Art. Completely handmade by master craftsmen, they use old-world binding techniques & the latest technology to ensure an heirloom product. And if you're feeling green, you'll be happy to know that each book also consists of at least 50% recycled content. Our samples will be here soon, and I cannot wait to show them off. They are indeed a luxury item not for the faint of heart.

3. Jake and I have been doing some serious goal-setting & business planning over cappuccinos. To ensure our creativity, we even do this in our dream neighborhood, where we one day hope to escape condo-life for the grass lawns, dog parks, views, and picket fences. You, my friends, are our vision. We aspire to be the best wedding photographers you can commission for your wedding day. We aim to provide you with not simply photos, but with beautifully captured images that make you happy, make you feel beautiful, make you not just remember, but actually feel life when you look at them. We want to be the artists in your canvas of life. Does that sound cheesy? I can't help it, and I so don't care! We love what we do, and knowing that you love our work is what makes it all worthwhile :)

And on the personal front? If you're curious...

1. Jake just turned 31 this weekend. (Happy birthday baby!!)
2. I turned 30 the very next day. (And no 3-0 crisis... I really couldn't be happier with where I am in life right now!)
3. We took a few days off over the 3-day weekend and I really didn't know what to do with myself, so sat in the sun and read a book where a wedding photographer is the main character. (You don't want my brain to go to complete mush, do you?!)
4. I got some sweet action shots of Sophi & Hitch chasing each other in Lake Chelan. I'd show you one, but I haven't even unpacked the camera bag yet. Oops.
5. We've been working out like crazy. If you happened to follow my blog posts over the winter, you'll know I was completely lost with what to do at the gym, so we dropped that gym and joined a new one 10 weeks ago & couldn't be happier. Seriously, it rocks! Check out the Gravity Janes website to find out what's got Jake & I so excited about pull ups, kettlebells, and eating veggies. It's been a major life change, and all for the better! I will probably blog separately about the gym down the road, as it definitely deserves more attention.
6. Um... that's all on the personal front right now... time is about 90% work, 10% personal. I am so lucky my husband supports me!

No photos today... I have a zillion open in Photoshop that I must get back to! See you all soon :)

On Friday evening, around 11:30pm, I received a text from my sister-in-law that her water had broke. Jake and Shelley and I were still awake, going over our game plan and packing all of our equipment for the wedding we were shooting that very next day.

I celebrated with a mini jump for joy. Not just because I was going to win the family pool for guessing the correct day (even though I had been warned that no prizes were going to be given to anyone who dared guess past her scheduled due date), but because I knew that very soon, we would be able to meet our very first niece! (Addison is preceded by her 2 year old brother, Harrison, and we have 3 nephews on my side of the family as well.)

Even though Tish's pregnancy had been slightly less glamorous than she had hoped (that last month was a bit uncomfortable for her), her labor was a story I will happily tell any pregnant woman I meet. All went very well, and sometime around 3:30am, little Addison Marie was born.

Before heading to the wedding, we stopped off at the hospital to see our favorite new baby girl. Camera in tow, of course. Here she is, held so dearly by Grandma Elsa. Well done Tish & Jesse!! Congrats!!

I love how sometimes life inspires when you're least expecting it. Okay, so maybe it's not completely random that I happened to be at home with my dogs and my camera conveniently nearby, but, it was unexpected that during this exceptionally busy day today, I took some personal time to photograph my two best, furry friends.

After a phone meeting with a lovely bride, a trip to the pet groomer to drop off Sophi & Hitch, a load of laundry (because their favorite blanket has to be as clean as them, you know), a quick lunch, and a conference call with one of my favorite Italian vendors, I should have been off to my next task of creating Fine Art Books for my patiently awaiting brides.

But life inspired.

After immediately returning home with Sophi and Hitch from their day of beauty, I was in love. Their fur was soft as cashmere, smelled of fresh gardenias, and they were tired. So tired. And all they wanted to do was nap on their big zebra blanket, fresh out of the dryer... still warm. But so inspired, I grabbed my D3 and 50mm 1.4 lens and shot away. 92 frames to be exact. Using available window light, I captured them around the house... and then let them nap.

I often wonder if I love them too much. Is that possible? I often wonder if they know how much I love having them around... how much I love caring for them... and how I so appreciate their companionship. Do they know how empty the house feels when they're at the doggy spa? How strange it was to make a PB&J sandwich without them sitting at my heels for a tiny taste of peanut-buttery goodness? Do they know how much these photos mean to me? No... probably not, but I do know they appreciate a warm blanket, being fed on time, bites of banana, and the occasional nap on our bed.

Oh, the life of a dog :)

As January comes to an end, I realize that 2009 is moving forward in full-swing, and I never wrapped up 2008 on a personal level. I started the Spiderman 3-Week Challenge in early December, made it 13 days in, pulled my hip-flexer and totally left you hanging (not that you didn't have anything better to do than read my next iPod play list and mediocre workout that day). So... what happened next, you wonder?

After a little R&R (to heal the hip), some holiday celebrations, and much-needed family time, I was ready for a more consistent, and full of self-improvement 2009. Jake and I started going to yoga, and I began visiting the gym the way I had envisioned when I started the Spiderman 3-Week Challenge. Rather than paying homage to the workout gods by hanging out in the cardio room now and then, I committed to a more regular class-only routine. I always get a much better workout when someone else is leading me, and a bit of competitive nature ensures I just cannot slack. Currently, my weeks consist of alternating days between yoga and spinning. No weights yet due to tendinitis in my shooting arm (which acupuncture is currently helping). I aim for 5 days a week, but typically workout 4 days. I feel good. I am happy.

Just after the new year had passed, one of my yoga instructors had said it best. Create New Year Evolutions. Not resolutions. Resolutions can often be set-ups for personal disappointment... things we hope to achieve, but often fall short of for whatever reasons. Instead of recognizing your good attempts, you feel bad for having failed your goals. Who needs that?! So instead of setting goals, her advice was to do your best to commit to evolving into a better you. Whether that means healthier eating choices, more physical activity, or reevaluating your relationships and overall happiness, celebrate each good choice you make. Celebrate your personal evolution. This, I can commit to.

At COSA BELLA FOTO, we are looking into lots of ways of evolving our company this year as well. There are many good things in store, and we'll be sure to let you know when they happen :)

Sign up for the COSA BELLA FOTO email list, by clicking here and putting "mailing list" in the subject line. Also feel free to let me know what you want to see and hear about on the blog this year!

And, a few photos from my winter vacation to enjoy as well...