Grin and Share It Photography

Last Thursday evening I shot a very special family session, one that I wanted needed to get just PERFECT.  I always get nervous before a session, even after 4 years in business, but with this session, the pressure was on to get it just right, to capture the essence of this family & their love for one another…

I met the Parkes almost 2 years ago at a neighborhood BBQ at my girlfriend’s house.    I can’t remember exactly how they found out that I was a photographer, but not too long after we met, they booked me for a session that September at Windansea Beach.   About 6 months later I heard that Allen was diagnosed with Stage IV brain cancer.  I can remember hearing the news, shocked and angry that cancer had entered yet another young family’s life, and immediately thought about their two young boys that I spent the evening playing at the beach with.   Given that we have mutual friends, I had heard a bit here and there about Allen’s progress & how he was doing, and then  I was absolutely thrilled when I received an email from Andrea last month asking me if they could schedule another session with me, and that Allen was feeling up to it.  Below are a few of the images from that session with this incredible family, and I look forward to shooting many, many more with them over the years!!!

Also, I wanted to give a shout out to all of my fellow golfers  here in San Diego,… if you would like to spend a fun filled day playing golf at one of the city’s finest course, while doing something for a VERY good cause at the same time, please check out “Come Play A Round with Allen Parkes” @ http://www.golfinvite.com/parkes.  This event will take place on Monday, May 7th at the beautiful RiverWalk Golf Club, and ALL proceeds from the event will go directly to the Parkes family to help with their medical & living expenses!!!  Also, if  you are not a golfer, but would like to make a donation, sponsor a hole, or volunteer for this event you can also do so at the website above. 

~Tessa

I am SO excited that the wild flowers are back in bloom, and Spring has definitely sprung!  The wild flowers above beautiful Lake Murray bloom only once a year, and last for about 3 weeks, but that’s only part of what makes these sessions so special.  April brings some lovely weather to inland San Diego, right before the heat kicks in and the green fades to brown.  The sunsets are amazing and the warm light mixed with the yellow flowers makes for some incredible images.  This is why I’m only doing one session per day vs. my normal back to back minis, so that each family can benefit from doing their shoot when the light is most beautiful and take advantage of these once a year flowers.

Below is the information on this year’s Wild Flower Minis.   Also, because the parking is so close to where I shoot, I can take requests for specific furniture props when you book your session.  Green sofa, black & white baroque sofa, a chair you’ve always loved, you pick one, and I’ll bring it with me!!!

A $50.00 non-refundable deposit is required to secure your session, and as always with my minis, I will book these on a 1st come, 1st served basis.

These Wild Flower Minis are great for families, milestones (birthdays, anniversaries, etc), and especially Mommy & Me photos.  If you’re wondering what to get your wife for Mother’s Day next month, look no further!!!!!!!

To book your session, please email me at: tessa@grinandshareitphoto.com

~Tessa