Bija Rose Photography

Sunny Summer Family Memories

2011-09-01T22:23:00.000-07:00

Recently I had the pleasure of photographing the Young Family (no relation as I am a Young too!). It took me a little longer than usual to get these images up because well, I've been run down. No matter... the images are up in all their sunny, sparkly glory for you to enjoy!

We met up at Glen Hall Park and got to experience some truly magical sunlight. Everyone was such great sports! Beautiful girls and handsome dudes...what more could a photographer ask for?

How about a mom and dad who are super into each other? You can practically feel the love these two have for one another!

Gotta get some great head shots! So much nicer than those school portraits, don't you think? ;) I also do school photography for the littlest crowd and had to plug that in here because I think these turned out so great!

Brothers & Sisters are so awesome!

Thanks Young Family for letting me capture the love you share. Enjoy the last days of summer!

I Heart Faces Weekly Challenge: White

2011-08-28T21:59:00.000-07:00

This week's challenge was a theme I couldn't resist! I thought about posting a wedding image but decided to really push myself instead. I met up with the delightful and sparkly Miss Halle and her mom for a little fun in the evening sun. Unfortunately the wind did not share our idea of fun and we had a bit of trouble getting the balloons to cooperate! But Halle was a delight as she skipped and hopped and posed. So without further ado here's is my entry in this week's challenge.

Concrete Jungle Safari

2011-08-23T22:44:00.000-07:00

Sunday evening I met up with the delightful Modars. Sure our kids had been in the same class last year but time has a way of rushing past and you don't always get to meet everyone at the bake sales. So, we were practically strangers. I asked them if they would be willing to stroll the alleyway of Midtown and lo they agreed! +1 for the Ms!

We met at the Sac Co-op. I recognized them instantly because of their snappy attire and awesome family vibe. We said our hellos and were off. It was to be a whirlwind of fun, dirty corners and freakin awesome photographs.

I made these guys work for it! They were up and down, jumping, holding hands and being great sports.

I think my favorite part was their absolute willingness to try anything. Even as we walked past some pretty nasty corners and dodged a bit of traffic they were willing subjects.

Roy and Denise you have a very lovely family! Your children were warm and engaging and the bond you guys have is so self evident it was a joy to photograph you!

I Heart Faces Weekly Challenge: Pets!

2011-08-22T06:28:00.000-07:00

It's a pet themed photo challenge! And well Pip has been my subject since Day 1 of his arrival into our home. I have a dream that someday I will put together a calendar of Pippy in costume because it cracks me up. But this is the photo I have decided to enter into the challenge. It's Pip & Ze about 4 years ago, it's still one of my favorites.

I Heart Faces

ORGANIC IMAGES: Natural & Un-posed Children's Photography

2011-08-21T15:52:00.000-07:00

I am SO excited with BRP's new offering. ORGANIC IMAGES: Natural & Un-posed Children's Photography, to preschools, nursery schools and kindergartens.

I have a background in school photography and I am aware of how unhappy a lot of parents can be with the forced and un-natural smiles that come from these types of sessions. I also know that many traditional photography companies do not offer their services to smaller schools. I saw a void and decided to offer a creative solution to fill it.

If you are a care provider or parent and are interested in this service for your school shoot me an email!

Girl Power!

2011-08-20T12:00:00.000-07:00

I'll be honest when I agreed to shoot Andrea's family I was a little intimidated. There's six of them, mom and five girls. I arrived in Old Sac a little early and sat, nervously, waiting and running through various pose possibilities with such a big group. But when I saw them walk up in their casual attire and big smiles I knew this was going to be fun! Earlier ideas went out the window a I got to know this gang. We started with some simple head shots to get everyone warmed up and in the mood.

I mean look at this group each and everyone of them amazingly beautiful!

We strolled along the boardwalk.

Running, jumping and posing.

Pretty soon everyone had ideas for poses!

The light in Old Town was wonderful! These sisters loved one another and it was evident. Lots of laughs and jokes and hugs. Oh and mom? Totally stunning!

We ran down the hill over to the big red door and got some great girl power shots. Look at those guns!

Andrea, I had such a fun time with you guys last night! Thanks for the opportunity to photograph such a stunning & beautiful group of women!

I Heart Faces Weekly Challenge: Eyes

2011-08-14T21:51:00.000-07:00

This week's challenge is eyes. And while I think my son Isaiah has the most stunning eyes I just had to enter the beautiful eyes of Miss Koyah. This image was taken years ago when she was just a baby of 4 months. I swear she looked right through my camera and into me.

http://www.iheartfaces.com/2011/08/photo-challenge-beautiful-eyes/

Adventure in the Park!

2011-08-14T21:11:00.000-07:00

On Friday morning I met up with the adorable Ruthie and her mom Nellie.

We thought a park would be the best place for a photo shoot. But when we arrived at the playground it was overrun with big kids! Thank goodness Davis has the most amazing park system, there were paths to explore and other neat spots all within walking distance.

We started on the lawn. I pulled out my camera and Ruthie wasn't sure what to make of it.

She was a pleasure to photograph though, she just hung out in one spot and let the cute shine!

She was enjoying all the different textures and backgrounds we were putting her down in. Sticks, grass and rocks...oh my!

After awhile she warmed up to the camera and then her sweet smile came out.

We got mom in on some of the shots too!

So happy together!

I left the shoot with grass stains on my knees and a smile on my face. It was a lot of fun just rolling around trying to get Ruthie to crinkle her nose and show us a toothy grin.

Thanks for the sweet little morning adventure away from the office Nellie & Ruth!

The Secret Garden

2011-08-12T20:29:00.000-07:00

Thursday evening I had the pleasure of hanging out with Kim & Ernie and their two beautifully delightful daughters. I met Kim way back when at the Sacramento Co-op when we both worked there. We lost touch over the years but as is the way of the world of co-ops I ended up working with Ernie at the Davis Co-op. And now, our kids will be going to the same small school in the fall!

I had tried to set up a photo session with these guys for a while but life had a way of getting in the way. Then on Thursday the stars aligned! I dashed over to their friendly little home in East Sac.

It was late in the evening and the golden glorious light was starting to dip behind the tree line but when I stepped into their secret garden of a backyard all was right with the world.

This yard was a glorious little jungle with sky high sunflowers, tangles of tomatoes, garden paths, bee hives and a totally rad swing set!

The girls were somewhat shy and nervous at first but with a little action they were naturals! They loved to run and jump and climb and swing, pointing out squash and showing me flowers. They darted around the garden like little humming birds.

Kim & Ernie I love the organic back yard magical play land you've created for your beautiful family. Thanks for sharing your home and showing me the love you all have for one another! You are good people.

Boys of Summer

2011-08-09T11:57:00.000-07:00

Summertime and my kids are growing like weeds. My oldest, Ze, has stretched a whopping 3inches since school let out in early June! He'll be entering 7th grade in the fall and I'm pretty sure he'll be taller than his teacher.

This summer I managed to get a photo shoot of the other two, Lil Miss S and the J-man, done in July but with Ze, July just flew by too quickly. So, we opted for August. This Sunday when the light was all honey-gold and the family was puttering around the yard I made Ze play model.

Don't let the pouty emo-facade fool you.

He's really a warm big-hearted kid with a happy smile for his ma and her camera.

He was a great sport, hamming it up and goofing around (I swear there were at least 50 shots of silly faces or poses for every good shot he gave me).

Even when he was fed up, he played along.

J-man got in on some of the photo action as well. What big brother does litlle brother must try! These two boys sure have my heart!

I tried to capture J as he trotted by but he was too quick- the image came out a little blurry but to me it's J-man...always in motion with a big smile.

Watching Ze grow from the sweetest of babies into this handsom young man has sure been an interesting, magical, wonderful, honest, challenging, amazing journey. I was only 21 when he came into this world. He made me into the mama I am today, he gave me a family when I was lost and he gave me roots so that I could give him wings. Ze, you truly are a rock star!

I Heart Faces Weekly Challenge

2011-08-08T06:08:00.000-07:00

I participate in a number of photography forums, one of my faves is I Heart Faces. They always have interesting challenges to help me grow as a photographer. They have articles and advice on everything from the technical side to the artist side. Each week (more or less) they have a Weekly Challenge. This week's theme is Friendship. Instantly I thought of the recent shoot at Putah Creek. The image of Adelia & Mahalia wrapped in a towel, so natural and comfortable together.

A Birthday Toast

2011-08-07T12:02:00.000-07:00

This weekend our home was host to a birthday party. My son's-dad's-mom's, 60th birthday! Since our home was the site and I was a guest I was a little, ahem...relaxed with my shooting. It's hard to be a guest and a photographer. I didn't end up with as any images as I would have liked but there was splashing, and playing, and I was grilling up some corn, asparagus and peaches!

Angela, Isaiah's aunty, was the hostess with the mostest. She brought the dishes and the decorations. The whole shebang was due to her careful and detailed planning. (I'm looking forward to working with her in the future on some really great stuff!).

The birthday girl was celebrated with a toast, that even the youngest guests got to participate in.

I love that my family has grown to be so varied and inclusive over the years.

All because of this guy in the tiara. Many years ago his dad and I made the choice to give this guy the best family we could, even if we weren't a couple. I think we've managed to do a pretty good job of it!

Isaiah's dad and his partner were there.

My sister and her husband joined us from Oakland.

My (super handsome) husband and xxxxxx were there.

Isaiah's cousin came from Oregon and Karen's sister and husband attended too, unfortunately I didn't get any shots of them :(

Thanks for the wonderful day and many happy returns, Karen!

Down to the river to play!

2011-08-03T17:08:00.000-07:00

The Lanfranco-Gentles Family is a group of awesome people, so bright and fun! They scouted out a super amazing location near the Raptor Center on the UCD campus. I pulled into the little gravel parking lot and instantly knew it was going to be a great shoot. To start things off they showed me the horses. The girls fed carrots to the incredibly tall equines and giggled a whole bunch in the process.

Then it was down to the creek. I followed the girls as they skipped down dirt pathways and stopped to pick blackberries.

As we approached the water we ran into some friends of theirs. The stunning Adelia, her baby sister Esme and their dad.

We got to the water and the parents had this Oh Brother Where Art Thou type shoot in mind. Sweet! The girls donned white dresses and waded in. (Little Jemma wanted no part of the wading so it was just the older girls.) I rolled up my pants and followed. The bottom of this creek was covered in slimy, squishy mud and once or twice I almost slipped! And...there were leeches. Tiny little blood suckers that latched to my feet. Ew. Small price to pay for so much splashing and good times.

Oh, and did I mention the light on the water was gorgeous?

After the girls got out of the creek the fields around us were glowing gold and shimmery. We moved onto to warmer (and leech-free) settings. The girls grabbed a snack and we were off! They ran ahead and I followed.

We spent the next half hour or so happily snapping shots and chatting about oak trees and train whistles.

Melanie & Carlos your girls are beautiful and intelligent. I love their sense of adventure and the freedom you give them to be kids. Thank you so much for allowing me to spend time with your family in such a stunning setting!

my heart goin boom boom boom

2011-08-02T07:35:00.000-07:00

Yesterday evening I had the amazing pleasure of shooting a really fun family. These guys were up for just about anything. They had scouted an amazing location (now my new favorite- you'll be sure to see it in future shots!) and they came armed with ideas and open minds! We played in the water, ate some blackberries and walked in nature. I left soaking wet and with twigs in my hair. It was glorious! (The leeches on my toes, not so glorious.)

As I was navigating the one way streets trying to find this wonder-place, in my cracker-filled-bird poop spattered-engine light on-car that rattles a little in idle, after an 8 hour work day I had a moment of panic/self-doubt/fear. This moment of fear made my heart skip a beat. Can I do it? Am I good enough? Where will the money come from? What if...what if...what if...and then the light turned green. And I turned a corner both literally and metaphorically.

I LOVE photography. I absolutely adore capturing the shiny sides of people, the little moments and expressions where their guard is down and their true beauty shines. Everyone is capable of it and everyone looks beautiful when it happens. It gives me a thrill. I get filled up and energized. This is why I want to make my living as a photographer because it feeds my soul and wouldn't it be grand if what feeds my soul could also feed my family?

Getting Ready

2011-05-14T17:39:00.000-07:00

♠

One of my favorite times to shoot at a wedding is the "getting ready" part. Everything from the hair to to the shoes. I've shot brides brushing their teeth in 5 star hotels to brides having an obi tied on in an orchard by their Japanese grandmother. The time is always intimate and allows for some great story telling images. They are the simple moments, the natural human-ness of the brides and grooms before their big shining moment. In the hotel room, or orchard, away from the guests with close friends and family the brides and grooms are calm and relaxed (well, it may have something to do with the champagne too). They let their guard down and I can capture a little bit of who they are and the connections.

* All photos with watermarks were shot while working for Sarah Maren Photography.

It's been a long time!

2011-05-11T09:20:00.000-07:00

Ok, so this whole blogging thing is tough for me. I am a mom and I have a full time day job too. But photography is my passion and if I could do it full time I would. I am in the process of figuring out how to balance my love of family and photography. It's a lot harder than you would think!
I recently shot a farm tour at Capay Fruit & Vegetables and was able to bring my husband, Joe, and our son, Jasper along. A nice balance.

November 29, 2010

2010-11-29T16:40:00.000-08:00

The holidays are fast approaching and I'm busy working on my gift lists. If you're stumped on what to give that person who has everything think about photos! You can put them on everything from t-shirts to mouse pads. I'm putting together a collage of my step-daughter for her grand-parents. She's so into ballet these days and they don't get to see it because they live in another state.
Now through 12/18 I'm offering mini-shoots for only $75! Use the shoot to add great images to your family letter or holiday cards! More details on my site.

November 26, 2010

2010-11-26T11:17:00.000-08:00

I finished up a super sweet family shoot with six kids! Two sisters and their delightful offspring asked me to take photos for the grandparents for the holidays. How fun is that? Everyone was smiley and cooperative...even the baby.

And thus we begin...

2010-02-25T12:24:00.000-08:00

I'm taking the leap. A slow, feet firmly on the ground kinda leap from hobbyist to professional. I fell in love with photography in 2004 and have dreamed of making it my career ever since then. I got pretty close in 2007 but then the cold hard reality of being a single mom hit home; I needed a job with good money and benefits. Fast forward almost three years and my dream is stronger than ever, I'm no longer a single mom and things are shaping up for me to take the leap.

So, without further ado I'd like to introduce you to...

Bija Rose Photography
Weddings & Portraits

In honor of my newly begun endeavor I am offering all my services booked for January 2011 at 25% Off.

Ienjoy shooting in natural light and love to capture candid moments (with a few poses thrown in just for fun).

Head on over to my website and check things out!