another absolutely beautiful evening on the central coast tonight...72 degrees in january, go figure...

TAGS: Beach Kids Photography, Santa Barbara Children's Portrait Photographer, Color sunset kids photos

life is good!

TAGS: santa barbara kids photography, kids portraiture, journalistic children's photographer, santa barbara family photographer, kids beach photos, fine art b&w kids portraiture, b&w kids photography

These days more and more brides want to get their hands on the DVD of digital photos and forego the prints or albums and although I appreciate that they're doing what they can to afford quality imagery by hiring me and stripping down the package I have to admit I really LOVE printing "real prints" for my brides. It just completes the package so nicely and there's something so nice about holding the prints in your hands. I include 200 4x6 white bordered prints with my Basic Package and it consists of the "highlights" of the day. A little getting ready, details, ceremony, family photos, bride & groom, cocktail hour and reception. Usually I end up with a solid 1,000 images or more from the average full wedding day and of course those don't ALL need to be printed but about 200 in print is really nice to have. Frame them, pass them out to family, include one in a thank you card, or even throw a few on your fridge! Just enjoy them and have them out where all can see and enjoy these wonderful memories of your day! For those brides that can't afford prints or albums in their packages I'm not giving you a hard time, just promise me to PRINT THEM and don't let them sit lonely on a harddrive! :) :) :)

This is an example of a final package I prepared for a beautiful couple we photographed in San Luis Obispo this past year. The antique frame is just a little something I threw in for fun because I found it at a flea market and I thought it fit well with the style of the bride and the wedding.

Also a lot of inquiring brides ask, WHAT ARE CONTACT SHEETS?? These are contact sheets...they are just a way to reference the very large amount of photos you end up with without you having to open up your DVD or sift through your whole online gallery. They can be used as a great tool to help you pick out your album choices or share with Mom & Dad over the holidays if there is a photo they would like enlarged to frame. All final edited photos are included as small thumbnails along with the reference image number.

TAGS: San Luis Obispo Wedding Photographer, Antique Wedding Frame, Beautiful Los Osos Wedding Photos

my little sweetie...Rider at 15 weeks old. 

TAGS: San Luis Obispo Newborn and Baby Photographer, Newborn and Baby Photos, Children's Photographer, San Luis Obispo Baby Photographer, beautiful babies

This is a fun recent family session from Bacara Beach in Santa Barbara. Aren't these boys cute?! They almost make up their own football team! 

TAGS: santa barbara kids photography, kids portraiture, journalistic children's photographer, santa barbara family photographer, kids beach photos

It's that time of year again when I start rockin' and rollin' on my album orders...January to March is usually very slow for photo sessions so it's a great time to get caught up on album designs. 

This is one of my favorite albums that I like to offer to my brides. It's a Leather Craftsmen 3500 series Flushmount Coffee Table style album. With same size prints expertly hand mounted flush to the page, this contemporary album is bound in Genuine Leather and can include over 100 photos depending on the size and design.

One of my very best Santa Barbara family clients who has hired me for over 8 years now ordered over 100 of these photo ornaments to fill her Christmas tree this year. I caught a few quick snaps of it on my way through town the other day. What a beautiful documentation of family memories! I am beyond grateful for the opportunity to continue to work for families like this one!

TAGS: santa barbara kids photography, fine art b&w kids portraiture, journalistic children's photographer, santa barbara family photographer, christmas tree photo ornaments, metal photo ornaments, b&w kids photography

The absolute hardest part about the "family portrait holiday photo season" is not the amount of crazy work, not the endless hours of editing, not the sleep deprivation, not the missed holiday parties....no, it's the horrible fact that I can't get enough time to squeeze in blogging all the fun photos! ...and of course I miss the time with my kids but they get a lot of my attention in the slow spring season.

If you're interested in following more of most current photo sessions please "like" my facebook page here:   http://www.facebook.com/MichelleWarrenPhotography

Happiness is...Karly and Mike at Still Waters Vineyards...

TAGS: Still Waters Vineyards Wedding, Paso Robles Wedding Photographer, Paso Robles Wedding Photos, Still Waters Wedding Photos

Project Wedding published this adorable intimate Santa Barbara private estate wedding on their blog yesterday. Tessa & John were quite possibly the sweetest people I have ever worked for...but then again I get so many sweet couples lately so it's sort of hard to tell who's the sweetest! :) :) :)

Vendor Credits: Bridal Gown: ‘Thank You’ by Reem Acra, Bridesmaid’s Dresses by Calvin Klein via 6pm.com, Event Coordination by Jackie Blackwell, Cake by Montecito Confections

TAGS: Santa Barbara Intimate Wedding, Santa Barbara Wedding Photographer, SB Real Wedding Photos, Private Estate Wedding, Rustic DIY Wedding Photos

Cash's new favorite thing to do when I'm attending to the baby is climb up the island and hang out...usually throwing things off it too... I just had to grab a few shots of my little monster this morning just being his awesome self.

TAGS: san luis obispo childrens photography, kids journalistic portraiture, san luis obispo family photographer, candid kids photos

Just one quick one from my Contax b&w film.

There is absolutely nothing that is more rewarding to me in my business then photographing a beautiful couple like Erin & Mark from engagement session to wedding to maternity photos to newborn, baby... and growing family! I am so excited to document this next year for them and many years to come! And their adorable boston terrier Ozzie?@! Are you kidding me?! What a face!

TAGS: san luis obispo maternity photography, fine art b&w maternity portraiture, san luis obispo family photographer, central coast pretty maternity photos, prego pics, boston terrier, pet photographer

Our little Rider Ray DeBilzan at 3 weeks old...

TAGS: San Luis Obispo Newborn and Baby Photographer, Newborn Photos, Children's Photographer, San Luis Obispo Baby Photographer

Our precious little Rider Ray DeBilzan was born on Saturday September 17th at 11:46 pm. 8lbs 11oz, 21 inches. He stole our hearts immediately. Big brother Cash loves him already and wants to kiss and hold him all throughout the day. Our little family is now complete. :)