Renee's Blog

It's official......

2009-03-05T11:45:00.000-08:00

my new site is finished!

Please go check it out and let me know what you think!!

My new site

COMING VERY SOON..........

2009-02-24T20:55:00.000-08:00

My new website and blog!!

FREE Sessions! Yep, that's right.............

2009-02-07T22:11:00.000-08:00

I'm offering FREE MINI SESSIONS the week of Feb 16th! You get the session for free and one free 8x10! In return, I get a signed model release so I can use any of the images on my new website.

Set up a playdate with some friends and I'll meet you at the beach, park, or your home!

If you're interested, leave me a comment and I'll contact you!

Hey Everyone!

2009-02-05T13:24:00.000-08:00

I've been busy getting things done!

My house is nearing completion and so is my new site!

I will also be changing blogs in the near future, but for now, I'll keep posting here!

Stay tuned for previews!!

Nik & Kimberley

2009-01-28T14:59:00.000-08:00

Since I had no where else to host this (temporarily) I figured this was as good a place as any. Some of the links will not work on the slideshow (again, temporary). I'm still trying to learn some of the behind the scenes of my new sites, so if the slideshow is finicky, be patient!

With all that said, please enjoy the reception of Nik & Kimberley!

I'VE BEEN SLACKING!!!!!!!!!

2009-01-28T14:55:00.000-08:00

Not really, but didn't know what else to title this.

Actually, we're giving our home an interior face lift, YEAH, it's way overdue!

I've been busy proofing a reception for my nephew & his wife!

I'm also giving Renee Whiting Photography a face lift! Which means the following: a new website, new blog, new photocart, etc. It will all be good, but in the meantime, I feel a bit disconnected.

Please be patient with me and hopefully SOON everything will be finished!!!

Ahhhhww, the single brew.............

2009-01-11T21:26:00.000-08:00

My hubby got me this great new coffee maker for Christmas! It's a Keurig single brew system and we love it! No more making a full pot and dumping half of it, simply brew one cup at a time! It also makes tea and hot chocolate! With our kitchen being out of commission for the next couple of weeks (it's getting a minor face lift), this is going to be great!

A few more of Winona & Matt

2009-01-06T21:29:00.000-08:00

Here's a few from when we moved out of the redwoods.

Winona and Matt

2009-01-06T12:05:00.001-08:00

What a great couple! I had the pleasure of photographing Winona and Matt and their soon to be little one! They wanted some "in the redwoods" photos. It was pretty dark, damp and cold in the shaded redwoods so we moved into a more sunny location for the second half of their session. Here are a couple from the redwoods..........

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

2009-01-01T16:33:00.000-08:00

We celebrated last night with a few friends! Nothing too wild, but we did make it 'till midnight!

Today has been a LAZY day! The TV has been on all day with the Rose Bowl Parade and Football! Being a UCLA fan, I must say, "Go Penn State!!". Although at half time, USC was up something like 31-7.

We just finished eating ciappino for "linner" (not sure if it was lunch or dinner). I am so stuffed!! Good thing my resolution is to blog everyday and not exercise!! Well, I might exercise some as I got a wii fit for Christmas!

Happy 2009 to all my friends and family! My wish for you all is a year full of God's love, health and happiness!

I'VE BEEN BAD...........

2008-12-30T23:50:00.000-08:00

VERY VERY BAD! I'm ashamed at my lack of posting, my lack of photos and my lack of sharing little bits of my daily life with you!!

So, beginning January 1, I am making the commitment to sharing each and every day!

365 DAYS OF ME! My life and my photos!

The Pumpkin Patch

2008-10-27T22:23:00.000-07:00

I went to the Pumpkin Patch today with my little niece and nephew!! What a fun day! Wyatt is ALL boy and was constantly on the go......running! Ella is just a sweetie and was content just to play with the straw!

Halloween Baby!!

2008-10-15T22:43:00.000-07:00

I haven't done many photo sessions lately, but thought I should share this one! Happy Trick-or-Treat!

Big Trees and Sunbursts

2008-10-01T16:10:00.000-07:00

I took a walk this morning through Big Trees State Park. I have a family session coming up soon and they want them in the redwoods, so I thought I'd check out the location and besides, it was such a gorgeous morning! I am such a sucker for trying to capture the sunburst between the trees!

Jenny in Africa!

2008-09-24T21:37:00.000-07:00

Thought I'd share a few photos from Jenny's trip to Tanzania! She's home safe and sound. Well not really home anymore, as she's already back at school :( She had a wonderful time and is ready to go back!

A new effect!

2008-09-13T11:43:00.000-07:00

Trying out a new "pencil effect." Pretty fun!

3 Generations, Skittles and Blankies!

2008-08-22T23:05:00.000-07:00

Whatever it takes needs to be the motto when you are trying to photograph a family of 14!

Today I had the priviledge of doing a session for some friends of mine! Frank & Margaret wanted current family photos of their children and grandchildren. They are blessed to have a family of 14! Even though we started early, it was sunny! They have a gorgeous property, but we stayed in the one shady corner!

Here's a little preview:

I Love You, You Love Me........

2008-08-17T14:05:00.000-07:00

They're a Happy Family!

Off to Africa!

2008-08-14T09:35:00.001-07:00

Yesterday, my daughter Jenny, and her friend Maya left for Africa! They will be meeting up with a volunteer group, OneHeartSource, doing AIDS education and orphanage work in Tanzania. They have a few days of traveling before meeting with their group. It will be exciting to hear all about their adventures, I did hear some talk about taking a small plane to the beaches of Zanzibar and of course, a Safari. They'll be gone about 4 1/2 weeks, please PRAY for their continued safety!

Here's a couple of the leaving pics..............

My Nephew's Family!

2008-08-08T23:57:00.000-07:00

This evening I had the pleasure of meeting up with my nephew and his family for a little photoshoot. I think we got a couple of good shots even though we were battling some BRIGHT sun! Next time, we need to meet a little later or hope for a little fog!

Here's Michael, Christa and their two cute daughters, Jacy and Michaela!

She's Never Made the Blog ..........

2008-08-04T12:51:00.000-07:00

...........and of course she let me know!

I was talking to my middle daughter today, telling her about the pics I just got framed of her and her sisters and that I needed to either replace her pic (since her husband isn't in it) or her sisters (since it included her husband). She let me know that she had not seen these pics and that she had never made the blog. So Jamie, this is for you..............and I've leaving it up to you, should I do these as just sister pics or include the husbands??

SF Marathon

2008-08-04T11:00:00.000-07:00

We spent a night in San Francisco, where some of the family ran in the SF Marathon. Great job to anyone who can run and finish a marathon but especially to my family who participated! Completing their first marathons were my daughter Jenny and nephew Dave A. Congrats to both of you on a job well done! Also running the marathon were Ken and Jon (brother-in-laws & best friends). Margie did the 1/2 marathon (her first). Great Job Margie!

Not that I'm bragging or anything but in a little friendly family competition Jenny came in first running her very first marathon is 3:53! GREAT JOB!

And talking about a little friendly competition, of course, Jon & Ken had to place a bet on who would finish first! The bet was.......would it be Q-Ball Ken or GI Jon?? Would Ken be shaving his head bald (including a little wax & buff) or would Jon be getting a military flattop? It was a close race for the two of them, in fact less than two minutes separated them (which is pretty amazing after running for 26 miles)! Jon, we look forward to meeting you at the barber shop!!

Here are a couple of pics of the gang after the race.

I feel like it's been forever.....

2008-07-19T13:27:00.000-07:00

since I've posted here!

We had a big 4th of July party, but I was pretty busy and took just a few photos, nothing really great enough to share.

I went and worked a fair w/my husband, but worked such long HOT days, that I didn't take any photos.

We had a BIG Rotary club BBQ here last week, but again, I was so busy, that I didn't take any photos.

Today, FINALLY, I put my macro on my camera and went out into the yard to take a few flower photos. I hope you enjoy them!

Just like Jenny.........

2008-06-26T23:58:00.000-07:00

They wanted to be just like cousin Jenny! They even looked for flowers in the grass to make it the same!

GRAFFITI

2008-06-24T17:29:00.000-07:00

Girls, I said, "no graffiti on the walls!!"

Hey Uncle Ken.........

2008-06-24T16:56:00.001-07:00

we borrowed your hats!!

My Nieces, Lots of Fun!

2008-06-23T16:45:00.000-07:00

My nieces, Addy & Cami are staying with us for a couple of days! It is so much fun having them! They are non-stop busy, 24/7! Cooking, crafts, swimming, trampoline, computer and tennis, and that's been in just one day!

Here are a few photos of the fun so far!

Siena House

2008-06-17T23:52:00.000-07:00

Last week I did a session at Siena House. There were 3 pregnant tummies and 4 babies! Here's a little preview of the day!

Peek-a-Boo!

2008-06-12T21:33:00.000-07:00

This is Evelyn, isn't she just the cutest!?!?!? Her eyes are HUGE! This is the 2nd time I've had the pleasure of photographing her and she's now at the age where she's past the "baby blob" stage, meaning she can sit and interact! It is such a great age!

Playing with my NEW LENS!!

2008-06-09T23:20:00.001-07:00

I got a new lens today!! I love when UPS makes a fun deliver to my house! I got the 100 Macro! It is going to be a fun lens to play with. Here are a few shots that I got today! They're not perfect, but not bad for a first try!

Rotary Surf Slideshow

2008-06-05T14:39:00.000-07:00

Here's a little slideshow that I put together from our surf/beach day on Saturday! Despite no waves, a good time was had by all. It was a perfect Santa Cruz day!

Dude-ettes!

2008-06-01T20:03:00.000-07:00

I was down at the beach today with my husband for a Rotary Fun Day! It turned out to be a beautiful day here in Santa Cruz! I thought we'd be down there for an hour or two and it was so nice we stayed for 5 hours! Needless to say, we got way too much sun! I guess I should be posting some Rotary photos, but instead here are my three nieces that came down to join in the Rotary Paddle Out! I love these girls so much!!

A couple more from the "T" family!

2008-05-26T15:51:00.000-07:00

I'm just about done editing, so thought I'd share a couple more from this fun family!

Here's the whole gang, all 14 of them! And one of Grandpa a.k.a. Mistro with one of his little princesses!

The T Family

2008-05-24T21:59:00.001-07:00

Today's session was a family of 14!! Meet some of them. Mr "T", his children and his 4 granddaughters (soon to be 5)! They were such a fun family! I love that they were up to moving the couch outside to capture the wonderful view!

Cute Baby R

2008-05-15T21:18:00.000-07:00

Here's a couple of pics that I got of Ros and her parents. She is such a little cutie pie, but made me work to get any kind of smile out of her. Look at her big blue eyes!!

If you're a photographer......

2008-04-26T12:18:00.000-07:00

........or play in Photoshop, then you have to check this out! My friend Kylie, from Phaunt, is celebrating her One Year Phaunt-a-versary with lots of give aways! You do not want to miss this!

Phaunt Blog

I love and use lots of her actions and highly recommend them!

I love this quote......

2008-04-24T21:53:00.000-07:00

and I hope I'm using up all my talent!!

When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left, and could say, "I used everything you gave me". Erma Bombeck

Isn't that great and oh so true!

Baby Dylan

2008-04-23T20:41:00.000-07:00

Dylan is my new great nephew! He was born on Monday, 4/21/08 and weighed a tiny little 6 lbs. 9 oz. He is just precious! Congratulations Matt & Kathy! And to his Uncle Jim, should you be concerned that your nephew is already holding a doll??

Baby Brooklyn's Storyboard

2008-04-18T22:37:00.000-07:00

I brought over the storyboard to Brooklyn's mom tonight and she loved it! I haven't taken many photos lately, so it was fun do something a little creative! Little Brooklyn is so adorable and I hope I have the opportunity to photography her again soon!

Megan & Rolo's Wedding

2008-04-07T16:23:00.001-07:00

Megan and Rolo's wedding at Chaminade was perfect in everyway! They are so in love!
They had a fabulous photographer from San Luis, Cameron Ingalls. Please check him out!

Of course, I had my camera with me, just for my own practice! I'll be posting all of these images, plus more on my website in the next couple of days, so feel free to check that out also! Out of respect for Cameron, I took all my ceremony photos from my seat and did not take any formals. Him and his wife Anna, were so kind and encouraging to me with my photography.

Megan & Rolo's wedding also happened to be our daughter's 21st birthday, so you'll see a few of those photos at the end of the slideshow. Happy Birthday Jenny!!

Many blessings, Megan & Rolo, for a lifetime of love and happiness!!

Megan & Rolo's Rehearsal Dinner

2008-04-06T23:51:00.000-07:00

My niece Megan, and her husband Rolo, asked if I would take a few pictures at their rehearsal dinner. Of course I would! It was not your typical rehearsal dinner. It was at the boardwalk in Santa Cruz, and it was all about pizza and bumper cars!

Meg, let me know what photos you want printed and also, stay tuned (hopefully tomorrow) for the wedding photos I took!

Matt's Mini-Session

2008-04-06T14:46:00.000-07:00

I was at a photography workshop last week and we got to do a mini-session one day. My little "model" was Matt. He is absolutely adorable! We didn't have much time together and he was very serious but at the same time a very willing model. Given the amount of time that I had with him, I'm very pleased with the photos I got. I hope that Matt and his parents like them too!!

Dallas

2008-04-05T13:55:00.000-07:00

Last weekend I spent an incredible weekend with 4 friends that I had never met! Yes, that's right! We all did an online photography course together and have been talking (online) for over a year, and decided it was time for a meet up. We headed to Dallas since two of the five of us lived there. The girls are all so amazing and our journeys as photographers has been equalling amazing! I have learned so much from every one of them.

Enjoy a little peak into our weekend! Or should I say, enjoy some of the photos that I took during our photo taking outings!

Thanks to Tiffany, Tiarra and Emily for all the cute little models!

Baby Brooklyn

2008-03-27T08:35:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I had the priveledge of getting to visit with Baby Brooklyn (her mom and auntie, too). She is just 12 days old and is the most petite baby ever. I've known her Dad since he was just a couple years old. I still can't believe that he's married and now has a daughter. T-you did good and I look forward to the next 25 years as I get to watch you & Tina raise your family!

I took a few photos and hope to do some more in the next couple of weeks.

Finally.........

2008-03-26T12:30:00.000-07:00

Aaron and Janelle, I'm sorry it took so long for me to finish Simone's photos. I hope you think they were worth the wait!

For anyone else who sees this, Simone's dad Aaron, wrote this song while they were pregnant with her. She is their special little ladybug!

My Niece, the Gerber Baby!

2008-03-19T22:54:00.001-07:00

Look at this face and eyes! Is she just a perfect Gerber Baby?!?! This is my niece, Simone. She was over yesterday for a few photos and lots of auntie kisses!

Christina & Landon

2008-03-19T16:31:00.000-07:00

Now that I finally have figured out how to share slideshows, I thought I'd share one from Christina & Landon's wedding. They were married in January at a beautiful little Bed & Breakfast up in Napa.

Christina, I hope you enjoy this!

Please Excuse My Mess!

2008-03-17T10:00:00.001-07:00

After I finally figured how to add the slideshows to my blog, I had to then re-align my blog margins. In doing so, it messed with all the previous posts and now everything old is out of alignment. I figure there is no reason to go back and fix them, and hopefully going forward it will look better. But, in the meantime.......PLEASE EXCUSE THE MESS!!

This is for Jenny!!

2008-03-06T22:47:00.000-08:00

✌ PEACE ✌

A Little Tip for Mac Users!

2008-03-06T10:46:00.000-08:00

Don't you just love it when you learn something new? I do, especially when it is either computer or photography related! Well, just this morning I learned that if you click on the "American Flag" in the upper right corner of your screen that you can pull up the "character palette." I was always going through all the keys while holding down the "alt" key to find those silly little characters. Now, here they are............ ✞☃☂✂✌ and so many more!

Well, that's your Mac tip of the day! I hope you enjoy it as much as I am!!

Designing Cards!

2008-03-04T22:39:00.001-08:00

This has been fun and new for me! I've started designing cards to be offered with my photos. Here are a few samples that I am offering with the Siena House orders.

Siena House Babies

2008-03-02T16:05:00.000-08:00

Last Tuesday I had the privilege of doing a session at Siena House. Siena House is a crisis pregnancy home in Santa Cruz. There were 5 babies and 3 pregnant moms there. Please meet:

Cindy, Autumn, Evelyn, Jamielynn and Joe! They were all so precious!

A Day at the Park

2008-03-01T22:00:00.000-08:00

On Wednesday I visited with my niece and her two daughters! After we picked up Jacy from school we headed to the park to play! It was a gorgeous sunny day! I'll share a few more later, but here's two...

Cake Anyone??

2008-02-19T21:09:00.000-08:00

Today my niece, Addy (or Adelina Carolina, as I so fondly call her), spent the day with me. After a not real exciting morning we decided to bake a cake. We always seem to bake when she's over. Today it was a cake! She loves making a round layered cake, so of course, that is exactly what we did! Funfetti w/pink icing and sprinkles!!

A Cool Alley & My Daughter!!

2008-02-18T16:25:00.000-08:00

Today Jenny & I had planned on "shooting" together, but she discovered she had a dead battery, so instead she became my model. It was perfect since I'd been wanting to go back to Squid Roe Alley and take some pictures!

Here are a few, enjoy!

Let the Competition Begin!

2008-02-17T18:42:00.000-08:00

OK, not really a competition, but Jenny is home this weekend and we're having fun dinner nights. She has decided that she loves cooking! Not bad for a college student! Our dinner last night is just a sample of what she does.

Last nights menu (prepared entirely by Jenny):

Orzo w/grilled vegetables and feta

Rustic french bread w/lemon olive oil for dipping

Homemade strawberry lemonade

Homemade lemon merinque pie

It was all incredible!!

Tonight was my turn and I had to top that! I didn't really, but heck, why not!

Baby greens salad w/sliced peaches, avocado and candied pecans

Spinach ricotta raviolis w/browned butter sage sauce & sun dried tomatoe pesto

Cheesy garlic toast

Grilled peach halved w/carmelized brown sugar sauce served over vanilla bean ice cream

Again, incredible (if I may say so myself). I must admit that I owe credit for the ravioli idea to CaDario's in Santa Barbara. If you are ever in Santa Barbara and looking for a great restaurant, go to CaDarios!

Anyways, tomorrow's dinner is the responsibility of Ken! hmmm..........

Enjoy the rest of your long weekend! We're off to the movie.........

HAPPY VALENTINES DAY!

2008-02-14T18:48:00.000-08:00

No, photo, just a HAPPY VALENTINES DAY from me to you!!

Santa Cruz Lighthouse

2008-02-12T14:51:00.000-08:00

That's it, the title tells all!

Ella!

2008-02-06T23:19:00.000-08:00

Here's a preview of my niece, Ella! Isn't she a cutie pie! She was here on Tuesday for some Valentine's photos with my nephew Wyatt. They were both so cute! What a lucky aunt I am to have so much family so close to me!

Wyatt's Valentine

2008-02-05T22:12:00.000-08:00

I had a play day today with two of my nieces and got to take some photos of their little ones. I've also been learning how to make cards & templates. Here's a combination of the two. My nephew, Wyatt, and his Valentine Card! Hopefully tomorrow I will have my nieces done!

The NY Giants Won and So Did We!

2008-02-03T22:41:00.000-08:00

We spent the afternoon watching the Super Bowl with some friends and I have to admit that since it was two East Coast teams, I didn't really have a lot of interest in the game. Well, I soon became interested when I was reminded by my husband that he had bought into a Super Bowl pool. He bought two squares and we ended up with some decent numbers. Decent enough to WIN at the end of half AND at the end of the 3rd quarter for a total of $750.

Yeah for us and yeah for the Giants who won the game with less than a minute on the clock!

I Now Pronounce You, Husband & Wife!!

2008-02-02T09:17:00.000-08:00

This is my final post on the beautiful little wedding of Christina and Landon! THE CEREMONY!

The weather gave them a short break and they were able to have their ceremony outdoors in the gazebo in the garden. It was perfect! Everything about the day was perfect! Christina & Landon are absolutely in love and they were surrounded by those they love and care about the most!

Christina, I'm glad we found each other on ILP and thank you for allowing me to share in your special day! I hope I didn't let you down!

The Look!

2008-02-01T15:51:00.000-08:00

This is 'THE LOOK!"

If I had to choose a favorite, this would definately be in the top 10! Landon has this little thing he does, wrinkling his nose and eyes and when he's looking at Christina that look says LOVE!

Ok, I have to get back to my processing now before my husband gets home to take me out for dinner :)

The Hamre Family!!

2008-01-31T23:35:00.000-08:00

Mr. & Mrs. and their two children! Aren't they adorable?!?!?

Playing with Editing

2008-01-30T23:11:00.001-08:00

I have so many images from Christina & Landon's wedding, that I'm getting the chance to play with some different editing! Here are two totally different effects!

Getting Ready!

2008-01-29T22:42:00.000-08:00

Here are a few of Christina's getting ready shots! Her and Landon were married at a cute little B & B up in Calistoga!

The military man that he is, Landon must have spent 20 minutes "lint brushing" his dress uniform. It had to be perfect, and it was!!

Their Smile Tells All!

2008-01-28T23:44:00.000-08:00

I'ts late and I'm tired, but I had to post at least one photo of Christina and Landon. Look how happy they are!

More to come.....

Bear With Me, Christina!

2008-01-28T21:41:00.000-08:00

Today has not gone as expected! Please bear with me, as my computer and I are definately going at it today! Now it has decided that it's "scratch disk" is full and it's not letting me edit!! I'm going to continue to work on it for a while tonight, but no guarantees :(

I absolutely promise that I will have some photos up tomorrow!

A Little Nervous

2008-01-26T21:03:00.000-08:00

I hate to admit that, but I am. I am up in Napa tonight and tomorrow I am shooting a small wedding in Calistoga! I've taken lots of photos at weddings, but have never been the ONLY one taking the photos! Wish me luck, I just don't want to dissappoint Christina and her soon to be husband, Landon.

The Battle Begins!

2008-01-22T13:52:00.000-08:00

My oldest daughter, Kendyll, challenged me to a battle of the blogs! How could I not participate in that? So, with that said........let the battle begin!

Please feel free to check out her blog: gogirltennis