Being Social- Personal Focus

(us trying to find someone to facetime with midday yesterday but no one answered!)

During my separation and following an annulment from my first husband, I liked to spend a lot of time alone.

I have always been a fairly social being...outgoing, talkative, I like people...but after the storm I had gone through, quiet is what I craved. I needed a lot of time to think and heal and ignore and just be however I needed to be. I couldn't "act" like I was feeling something I wasn't...and frankly I didn't want to. I was fine being alone. It felt good.

I think this worried some people. They wondered if I was OK, or really struggling...I was living alone too which was great for me but so many friends and family that loved me wanted to help take care of me in closer proximity...but honestly I just didn't feel like I needed it.

Then one day something changed.

I was having a phone conversation with one of my dearest friends, Nick. He must have been asking why I was so holed up and I am sure I explained how great it felt to just be on my own with calm and peace in my home. I didn't really think I needed to be with anyone. His response was imprinted on my brain:

"Rachel, you may not think you need other people right now, but other people need you".

What?! Could it be? What in the world could I give anyone in the state I was in? I was an 80yr old trapped in a 24yr old body. I was grieving, I was sad, I was a wreck. I had permanant bags under my eyes that held a store of tears. Someone needed me? I thought on that long and hard.

Slowly but surely I felt strong enough to show myself more and more and actually GIVE of myself again. I guess I felt like so much had been taken from me that maybe I was a just a shell....I was wrong.

Here I am, 11yrs later, living in a drastically different scenerio but truthfully sometimes it is still hard to find the balance between alone time and social time. Now the issue isn't about whether I WANT to socialize but how to find time...and how to prioritize between family, work, new friends and old friends.

I am sure other self employed/working from home people can relate. I have no co-workers. My husband doesn't either. I have moved about once a year for the past 10yrs. My work schedule involves a lot of travel and weekends away....and to top it off I am a new mom. I have a toddler and newborn on the way.

So I find myself at the ripe ole age of 34 trying to find my happy medium with making new friends and keeping up with the ones I have. I need to find my village to help raise my family and so many of my village members seems to live far far away from me. Sometimes this stinks and sometimes I am too busy to even think about it.

So I don't have anything groundbreaking to impart...I just wanted to say out loud that this issue has been on my mind in hopes that others can relate.

In an effort to help in this one area we are trying to reach out more to friends even if it means keeping plans simple. Meeting at the park, ordering take-out instead of cooking an elaborate meal.

We are also trying to priortize going out a couple times a month with friends on our own..going to a movie with girlfriends or Grant sufing it up with some pals.

I find that making plans with friends at least once a week fills the void and if it happens more than that (without making me feel like i'm being pulled too thin) even better.

Any of you have any advice or suggestions on the best way you have balanced your personal life and social life? I know this is so subjective but I would love to hear how you all feel about making new friends as a young family. How much time with others is enough time? Do you let it happen organically or do you have to really try?

And before you all think I have NO social life (although at times it can feel like it) I have AMAZING top of the tier friends. Lots of them live far away...which is what happens as you grow older and your world expands. I also feel like I have amazing support with online friends. Sounds kind of weird but instagram and all the other social newtworking sites really do help me feel more connected at times. Maybe I have been alone all day with a baby and just need to say it outloud/online. I post a photo and someone else says "me too". Feels good.

I guess what I am trying to say is thank you to friends who are navigating this phase of life with me...and new ones that might get roped along for the journey.

Gina + Kenny's Wedding - Los Angeles, CA

Another beautiful afternoon (1.5hrs to be exact) shooting at the Los Angeles LDS Temple. Yes, I have been sharing a lot of weddings at this location lately and that makes me happy. I love shooting weddings here. It has some pretty great architecture and LA weddings just attract top notch couples.

It was a beautiful overcast, quiet day and Gina and Kenny worked their good looks for my camera. Pretty much after every wedding I shoot I leave feeling like I've just hung out with two close friends. It makes me so happy to meet two people and then only hours later feel like we've created something great together. I can barely take any credit though....I am just there photographing what already is.

A big happy congratulations to Gina and Kenny!!

If you are interested in booking me for a wedding...whether it be a full day or just a few hours, email me at rachel@rachelthurston.com.

Mandy + Matthew- San Francisco, CA

Did you know you can take photos for any ole reason? Doesn't have to be ONLY when you are getting married or sending out Christmas cards. Like these two...they just kind of like each other and thought "even old married couples deserve updated portraits" (Obviously they don't look old at all!..did they get married when they were 14?? Spring chickens).

It was such a nice day trip up to San Francisco for the shoot. We had sunshine and clouds...AND I ate an amazing lobster roll while I was there from http://woodhousefish.com/. Matthew and I even had a nice bonding moment discussing our love for lobster rolls.

Thanks so much for having me you two. And if anyone else in SF ever needs photos I am only a hop skip and a jump away. Love shooting (eating) there so much.

23 Months

I keep feeling like I only have 1 more month with you as my baby.

I know I am probably being ridiculous. Ridiculous because everything has it's transition time. You won't change overnight (that much) or even in a month....but I am here to tell you it feels like it.

You are part baby and part little lady.

You love to play pretend baby...crawling on the floor, fake crying or saying goo goo ga ga (which we taught you to save our ears from your amazingly high pitched fake cry).

You ask to be picked up and rocked in my arms as I sooth you with coos and kisses.

You never cared for binky's as newborn but now they are your favorite pretend babyland play toy. Numerous times in the day you will insist that you, dad and I all have them in our mouths.

Talking TALKING!

"Good norning!" "tank you mommy" "pease" and the list goes on and on. You can repeat whole sentences we say. I know this should make me happy but I it actually makes me a little sad. Too old. Too old.

It is nice to have you be able to give your opinion on any matter AND to be able to recount stories to us.

Your favorite time of the day might be right before bed when we talk about everything we did that day. Your eyes wide and interested...filling in the blanks we miss.

Today we went to Disneyland and bought you a mint chip ice cream cone. You met both Mickey and Minnie and all on your own decided that you wanted to kiss both of them on the nose.

You are too much.

I will save some of the words I want to share for the ginormous post I am sure to make when you turn 2...until then my sweet baby...stay that way just a little bit longer.

(Photos taken on the end of a roll of film I needed to send to the lab. Unscripted, off the cuff. Dirty room, light meter, piggies and you...my sweetest lil pickle.)

Managing Time- Photo Focus

(Love this old photo of Nova and I when she was 6 days old)

Time is the one thing I always wish I had more of.

Maybe in the moment I don't realize it so much...but looking back I almost always wish I could have had a little bit more time. More time to look at something pretty. More time to spend with someone. More time to finish projects.

Now that I am a parent and a business owner time has taken on a whole new meaning.

I use to pride myself on being spontaneous. Waking up and working on or doing whatever felt right. Unless I had an appointment or a shoot I was generally "free" to do as I saw fit. Eat when I want, spend a whole day on the computer...or even sleep in!

Not so much anymore. And truthfully I need the consistency and order just as much as my daughter or husband does...maybe even more.

With photography screaming for my attention and my husband and daughter making puppy dog eyes at me from the office door...I knew some predictability and order was what we needed and fast.

Grant and I have discussed all of our time management issues in depth, I am sure numerous times. All of you who are self-employed know your business is a family business. It would not work for me to do what I do if I didn't have the support of my husband or kid(s). It just wouldn't. I don't have set hours. I might stop working but thoughts of work are harder to let go of. My brain is constantly on, thinking of ideas, things I need to do..it doesn't turn off at 5pm.

So the question was, what now?

First things first we needed to set some basic hours for work and our personal lives. This will really be different for everyone. Our situation is unique because we both work from home...we also both have busier and slower times of the year for work, so we have to really be adaptible based on the current tide.

Before we could figure out what was a good schedule for us, some of my basic questions had to be answered:

• Making a plan but knowing when to be flexible- this I have to be OK taking as it comes. If my baby is sick I change a work day around etc..
• How much time is "enough" time for Nova or Grant or work?- Quality matters but so does quantity. I know I want to spend as much time as I can with my kids and my husband and NOT feel guilty about not working. I am still working on figuring this one out...
• What about ME time?- Must be a priority. Doesn't have to be much. Sometimes a shower does the trick, but one alone activity out of the house a week is a must.
• What is most important to work on if my time is limited?- prioritize deadlines once a week so I actually know...and always make customer service #1. Getting back to clients, answering emails...
• Am I a bad mom beccuase I want to spend time working?- Somedays it might feel like it but NO! That's like asking if I am am a bad mom for being me? NO. If I try to be something I am not I will only hurt my family and myself. Working and neglecting my responsibilities as a parents are two different things. I work FOR my family. But I am learning how much I want and need to work. It's a gut feeling I am learning to listen to and not ignore.
• What do I need to feel content?- Is a creative person ever content? I can be happy and positive but I have come to accept there will always be more that I want and need. It keeps me moving forward.
• How much time away is too much time away from my family?- I have done and can do two nights away for work. This feels like a good number to me right now. Anything more than that and I would rather have them with me...luckily they are able to come with me most of the time!!!
• Is it worth the money?- Some things are and some things are not. I really think most people understand the need to make family a priority. My time away from them is worth a lot! This is a balance of figuring out cost, desire, and sacrifice. Every work opportunity does offer different benefits. Some are purely creative, which matter! Some are purely money makers, which matter! I wish I had an easy answer for this but it takes years of working and a new baby in your arms to help you sort it out.
• Will I ever get caught up?- No. Sad but true. Unless my ideas and the photography market stop changing (never will). It's OK. Some things need time to cook.
• Everybody else has way more time than me and is way more productive.- How can I ever know? Everyone has different skill sets. This is where I need to ignore appearances and concentrate on my own situation. Maybe some people are better at filing paperwork, maybe I am better at hiding in closets with Nova to scare Grant. How can you compare those two?
• It is distracting to have work days at home!- It sure is. Would be amazing to have a detached office again, but until that is a possibility, I need to shut the door, Grant and Nova need to plan activities and stay busy. A few hours alone working in the house every week is really amazing.
• I am pregnant and tired...it's hard to work at nights.- Then I don't have to! Really I am way more productive during the morning daylight hours. Factor this in.
• What do I really want or expect from my business- I want to feel like I am creating and improving. I want to make money, yes...but way more than that I want to feel like I am making a difference. I want my time spent working to be meaningful.
• When I die what will I wish I spent my time doing?- EASY. I'll wish I spent more time with the people I love. Canned answer but true!!!! My family comes first and then work. I think my clients value this and it makes me a better photographer.

I know this is a super long post...stay with me.

So after all of the thinking and analyzing some scheduling musts for us are:

• I work 2, sometimes 3days a week in the AM (from home..unless I have a shoot)
• Weekends are for shooting and traveling OR family time if I am not working.
• My off days I am wholly focused on Nova and Grant. We plan outings and I get to cook! Separation of work days and family days are key for me. I don't do well splitting my attention everyday for an hour there, an hour here...
• Outsourcing. I am allowed. Any part of my business I can have others help with, I do (or should).
• When Nova is napping or sleeping, I am allowed to as well (this might just be a pregnancy must).
• At least one out of the house activity a week alone, that isn't work related.
• Grant and I go on a date each week!!!!!! (another focus post coming on this).

I had a mother of one of my dear friends tell us once that she tried to always light up when she saw one of her kids, no matter what she was doing. I really really love that. I may not be able to always stop working when I want because life is full of deadlines BUT I can light up every time I see my sweet Nova or Grant. I try really hard to always be mindful of this. I will be sitting at my desk and she will come back from an errand with Dad and open the front door yelling "HOME!" and then I hear her little feet running down the hallway towards me. I greet her with a huge smile, like it's been years since I've seen her, wrap my arms around her and tell her how much I missed her and love her. Then we talk about all the adventures she had while she was gone. When I can do this I feel so much better about the time away, and I know she does too.

I am glad she will get to grow up seeing her parents work hard for the family. I am grateful we are trying to find balance and order so her and her siblings can learn how to do the same.

And now I must must know, what are some of your secret tools for keeping and making schedules? What is the single most important thing that helps you feel order in your life?

Once I press publish on this blog post you all know the world will do a backflip and Grant and I will have to have another long talk...and figure this all out all over again. Not sure if the thought makes me want to laugh or cry.

Charlie's Birth

 

My sister Kate gave birth to her Charlie and invited me to photograph his arrival. I said YES.

Some of the details are a bit hazy...but by the time she actually made her way to the hospital she had been dilated to a 5 for the better part of a week...(is that right Kate?). Needless to say my mom and I spent many moments a day exchanging excited glances knowing that at any moment a new perfect baby would join our family.

Of course Kate and Jake were calm as clams...which they were smart to be. Babies usually come once they are ready but with that number 5 flashing in lights above their heads, it was hard to concentrate.

Once they arrived at the hospital they called to say it would probably still be awhile but they would call once we should come. Well....we decided to come anyway and just sit (not so) patiently in the waiting room. I am so glad we did! From the time they arrived at the hospital I think Charlie was there only 2ish hours later!

No time to photograph the long wait. There was none (unless you count 10 months). He was ready and he was coming.

The sun was still out and my mom and I held our breath as we watched our sweet Kate perform her miracle. She didn't use any medication and everything she was doing she felt. I had photographed births before having my own babe, but after joining the club, watching birthing moms really takes on a whole new light. You start to remember.

Jake was kind of like superman. Calm and confident. Talking her through every contraction. His eyes were focused and serious. Kate, Jake and Charlie were all working SO hard. It was amazing to watch.

Then he was here! And we all cried. How is it possible to love someone so much before they even take a breath of air? But we did.

I have to confess after the many many many hours I spent in labor I did feel a little shell shocked that my sister had such a drastically different experience. The mystery of birth still eludes me. I think it always will.

Thanks to Jake or whoever for snapping some of the shots I was in. I love the one with all my sisters...and the one with sweet Anna being drugged by newborn baby.

Kate, you know it's hard for me to not see you as my baby sister. With that sweet little voice you had as a three year old....and now to see you as a wife and mother is just amazing. You are a natural with your baby like I knew you would be. He is so blessed to have you as his mother.

Charlie welcome to the clan!!!!! We love you to the moon and back!

Undivided - Family Focus

(Photo by the sweet, beautiful, talented Yan Photography)

This is the first post of a series I have made it a goal to post weekly through this year.

The purpose is to really help me focus on personal and work related subjects that I feel need to be talked about...and well..focused on.

Of course I want this series of blog posts to be for anyone and everyone but since I am a woman and a mom AND a business owner, I will be taking those spins when touching on different issues. It's what I know! This is not to say that if you are a full-time dad or a woman who spends 12hrs a day at an office that you won't be able to relate. I think we can all come together when trying to find balance and direction in our own lives.

More than anything I want to give the things and people that matter most to me the attention and focus they deserve. This is a must if I want to successfully navigate all these different roles I have.

On to the first topic I have been thinking a lot about: undivided attention.

Years ago, before we were married, Grant was passing time in a bookshop while I was shooting a wedding (Stephens and Jenn's!). He came across advice in one of the books he was browsing that stated something close to:

"People need at least 15mins of undivided attention a day from significant others in order to feel close and for the relationship to be strengthened.....for self esteem to blossom...." (was this the gist Grant?)

Grant and I discussed the idea and it really did make perfect sense. 15mins a day of giving the other person your complete undivided attention. Eye contact, active listening, NOT making it about yourself, responding and validating what they were saying...for just 15mins. We we tried it out. It was kind of like magic.

At times it seemed so extreme because we aren't all that use to having someone listen so completely. I would probably blush and look away but not surprisingly the words to share were not hard to come by. I did the same for Grant. Looking, listening, asking interested questions. It didn't even matter what the subject was. I could talk about my last shoot, what I was making for dinner, the sore on my foot, random thoughts I had during my drive......the point is not always what is being said, just that whatever you say matters.

Undivided has become something of a family motto for us. He even had it engraved on the inside of my wedding band.

We have not been perfect at it. Not even close...and I want to make an effort to come back to it and to focus on making it a priority.

I have Grant and Nova and my unborn baby boy who are all deserving of 15mins of undivided attention from me a day. My day is comprised of 24hrs. This would only take 45mins of my entire day. Of course as a parent it might feel on certain days that you are giving this level of attention for hours on end...and you might be! But I do find a difference between laying on the floor with Nova, letting my mind wander and laying on the floor with Nova focusing on her and nothing else. She notices too. When I do this for just a mere 15mins I feel like a way better Mother..and that Mom-guilt is greatly diminished. When Grant and I do this for each other it is amazing how much closer we feel.

I do think it takes practice and we still need a lot more of it, but I'm hopeful it will get easier and easier.

Another perk of giving undivided attention is it frees you up to give attention to other things as well. I know if I am showing Grant and Nova how much they mean to be through active listening, then I am helping to cement how important they are to me in their minds. Then the separation isn't as painful or confusing while I am working or away from them.  We are securing each other up. This makes a huge difference on me mentally as I try to be a good wife, mother AND photographer. 

I have found good times to give Nova undivided attention are during mealtimes (especially during busy days). We can eat together and chat. I can ask questions and she can tell me about what's on her mind. Another time that works well for us is the late afternoon after she wakes up from her nap and is sometimes needier. We can snuggle together on the couch and I can stroke her hair as she tells me about her naptime dreams and toddler concerns.

A good time for Grant and I to give undivided attention is definitely after she has gone to bed, whether during her nap or in the evening. Sometimes even a quick check-in while we pass each other in the kitchen can do wonders. Like a spontaneous hug with awkward eye contact and a "how is your day going so far?" While we are driving is another good time. I also really like going on family walks and being able to share and listen while she is content in a stroller.

I know this isn't new concept and you are probably all doing a much better job at this than I am...but what are your thoughts? Do you think undivided attention makes a difference? Do you pick certain times of the day to do it, or just whenever the time feels right?

So there you have it. Undivided. Try it out and tell me what you think.

AND if you need some and aren't getting it, let me know. I have 15mins for anyone.

Amy + Kenny's Wedding- Los Angeles, CA

Another great time at a great wedding. It was rainy and wet and everyone was such good sports about it. No complaints...and some really beautiful soft light for me.

I loved all the twinkly lights at the reception. Lets be honest I kind of live for twinkly lights. Those last bouquet/garter throwing shots are some of my very favorite.

Big congratulations to Amy and Kenny. Your creative, artistic minded souls will make for a fantastic life together..full of many surprises I am sure. xxoo.

Some Favorites from 2012

Here are a few of my favorite portraits from this last year...shots that made me linger a little longer..

Not going to lie, 2012 has been a transitional year. It has been full of really really great moments and some challenging ones. I guess that is bound to happen when it's a year you move.

This year some of my photographic goals include shooting WAY MORE personal work. I really slacked in this area in 2012. I am going to put down my phone and pick up my film cameras and shoot my own life. I think it's deserving.

I also am excited to announce some changes to my pricing which will include some new Southern California only rates for my wedding clients. I will still be available for travel (and y'all know I LOVE to travel) but clients having me shoot close to home are worthy of some perks. So if you have inquired about having me shoot your wedding in 2013 and want to take a look at some of my new options, feel free to email me (info@rachelthurston.com).

I really really want to thank all of my amazing and loyal clients AND friends and family for supporting me as a photographer and mother. It is a constant evolution of adjusting and changing to meet the needs of my family and my desires as a creative. I am going to be starting some new blog posts dedicated to being a working mother. I have so many thoughts running through my mind and sharing I know would help me and hopefully some of you dealing with similar life challenges.

I just feel blessed. Really really blessed.

Happy New Year everyone!

Becca + JR on Super 8

[vimeo 56128466 w=800 h=600] Becca + JR's Wedding from Rachel Thurston on Vimeo.

This handsome duo was married last June...remember? Grant shot super 8 video of the celebration and I spliced and diced it. Thought it would be a fun, lil happy video to share around the holiday. (ps. shooting my last wedding of the year today!!)

If you are interested in having us shoot super 8 video on your wedding day or adding it on to wedding coverage you have already booked with us, contact us at info@rachelthurston.com

Hope everyone has a great weekend.

Franklin's Birth

If you are a reader of my blog you know how often I express sentiment for photography and why I choose to be a photographer. I guess when it boils down I just want what I spend time doing to mean something. To make something better than it was before. Sometimes it's hard to do when this is how I earn a living and just like any other adult I feel the pressure of taking care of my family. Sometimes the "meaning" gets lost in wanting (sounds like a typical Christmas time theme). Sometimes the meaning gets lost in my own pride or insecurities. Sometimes it is just hard to focus.

Then Aubrey asks me to photograph Franklin's birth. And I am left wanting.. nothing. What means more than the birth of a baby?

By a show of hands who's life has turned out exactly as they thought it would? Yep. Not mine. Probably not Aubrey's either but despite a couple unexpected turns this single mom wowed me with her strength, courage and love for her unborn child. In Aubrey's words "Eric (Franklin's dad) is an incredible father", and I guess you can imagine how incredible Aubrey is as well.

Childbirth and labor are extremely private and vulnerable moments and I would like to thank Aubrey for allowing me to share. I think it's important and so does she.

I had only met her once before his birthday and then on the day of the first snowfall of the season I was told he was coming. I drove in a flurry of white to the hushed room where I stood as a silent support and observer. Aubrey and Franklin did all of the work together. She, choosing to deliver naturally, brought back strong memories of my own labor. My heart beat fast and the snow fell gently. The room smelled of oils that her doula lovingly used to comfort and massage. I knew I was watching a transformation. I knew in the moment she gave all control away she would find everything.

My eyes and fingers where on auto pilot. Dialing in exposures, looking for light, watching expressions...giving up control  of my own. I am there to help keep what already exists..but I have to find it first. Maybe Aubrey felt the same way.

The sun set and Franklin came, not wanting to spend another night without her arms.

You guys..shooting a birth is SO AWESOME. I don't care what kind of hotshot photographer you think you are. Shoot a life beginning or ending and tell me your ego matters.

So humbled and so grateful, I drove back home to my own baby. Priorities in check, sending a little prayer to the universe for letting my eyes see what they have seen.

(If you are interested in having me shoot a birth please email me at info@rachelthurston.com for more information)

Nelson Family- Menlo Park, CA

I can't emphasize enough how much I enjoy shooting in peoples homes. If you haven't tried it already for your own family photo shoot, please do. It adds intimacy and a genuine quality that is hard to replicate outside of your home. Don't worry about the size or style of your room...none of that matters. Creating a true documentation of your family life is what you will care for most in years to pass. Trust me.

This blonde family was so sweet with eachother. I especially liked watching the older sister act with such patience and sweetness towards her younger siblings. I couldn't help having my mind wander to Nova and watching her "mother" siblings of her own someday. I often transplant my own family into the faces I am shooting...now that I know what that family unit is starting to feel like I can't help feeling really REALLY grateful I am helping to create this for us. Nothing matters more than the connections you make with other people. Nothing matters more than the connections I am trying to make with Grant, Nova and the sweet baby boy growing inside me.

Thanks to the Nelson Family and everyone who lets me try and photograph your own connections. I don't take it lightly. I am not sure anything matters more.

Annison Family- Menlo Park, CA

Tis the season for shooting lots of families.

This sweet family was a ball of energy thanks to those three adorable boys. That last shot pretty sums up the general idea. I think they should do a whole wall of images comprised of only wrestling shots.

Thanks for having me Annison Family!

Bender Family

I felt super emotional working on these images today. Sure I am pregnant and get weepy looking at a carrot...but this sweet Dad and our good friend is shipping off to Afghanistan in a couple months for a whole year!!! I look at the four of them and the effort they make to care for each other and I wonder how someone can go missing? I also will have a similar foursome in a short few months and honestly can't wrap my brain around Julia being a single parent with two kids. What a sacrifice. I am seriously humbled.

Not only is Julia a friend but she is a talented creative...photographing and designing and crafting anything under the sun. I am so honored she has chosen me to document her family so many times. It seems like two second ago that they were only two. Families are such wonders.

Jan we will miss you! Be safe and know we are all going to watch over your sweet three.

(PS. I am going to be back in San Francisco for shoots this Saturday if anyone needs last minute photos email me rachel@rachelthurston.com)

Courtney + Mike's Wedding- Big Sur, CA

I enjoy all the weddings I shoot. My clients are all great people and all weddings prove to be really fun parties....but...not all weddings are created equal. When you are fortunate enough to be married in Big Sur it just adds a couple extra notches to the amazing factor.

I blame this on the redwoods mainly. Those trees are just plain magic. You know what's kind of funny though? as much as I am obsessed with redwoods...the shots I took of the bride and groom with the magic trees...the trees fade into the background and I am left a prisoner to their faces. They have really good faces to look at.

The ceremony site was at Rancho Rico. The gracious owner had housemade goat cheese out as an appetizer. Yes please.

The reception was at the Big Sur Bakery....which we ate at 2 out of the three nights we were there. No regrets. That place is delicious.

Twig and Twine created the amazing floral arrangements and the bride herself was responsible for most of the other amazing details..the runners, the pinecones, the votives, the menus...including the invites which were printed on wood!  You can partake of the brides genius yourself at Pine & Parcel.

We ended up being neighbors with the bride and groom our last night there at Glen Oaks. You can rent little cabins nestled in redwoods next to a stream. Go there. Stay there..and then tell me all about it.

Courtney and Mike THANK YOU for letting me come document your beautiful wedding. I hate to say it, but the whole weekend felt more like a vacation and less like work. Truth be told.

I will be visiting Big Sur again (hopefully there will be more weddings to shoot there!! Fingers crossed!).

Brady Family- Santa Monica, CA

It's full on baby fever round these parts.

My sister gave birth to her son a couple days ago and I am waiting on another birth story I will need to rush to the hospital for any minute. Based on these situations I thought it appropriate to share with you these sweet photographs I made of the brand new Brady family.

This little guy was young when I shot these...10 days? Correct me if I'm wrong. What I am not wrong about is how yummy and delicious he was.

Like I said on instagram (follow me at _rachelthurston), the best days are the days babies are born.

Hansen Family- Pacific Palisades, CA

I am thankful families are a "thing".

Just a bunch of people taking care of each other, sacrificing for each other and being super in to each other.

There is something about being around the infectious spirit of a young family. Is it crazy?..YES...is it just as it should be?...YES. I could have stayed in the Hansen's home for at least 3more hours (or forever).

So many wobbly knees, so many kissable toes....and lets not forget to talk about Lil Miss. I couldn't stop myself from taking more and more photos of her. Where did she come from?!

I will end by saying my new goal is to be as smiley and positive as this Mom is. I don't think I have ever seen her not smiling. Love that.

Thanks for having me!! xxoo.

Waiting & Missing

We went to Kauai in June and I am missing it.

Most of you have figured out by now that we are super close to closing on a home in Anaheim, CA. Because of this we have been in kind of a spending lock. So naturally all I want to do is plan vacations, buy clothes and get eyelash extensions.

The last 4 months have been some of the roughest. I feel selfish and bad even admitting that. I mean, we are buying a home and I am pregnant with another perfect babe. I have Nova...I have Grant....but still....life has not been easy. I have not felt good for months. I am tired and emotional and stressed and overwhelmed by lots and lots. I am sick of being guests in others homes. All this just makes me want to lay on the beach near Hanalei and eat as many papayas as my troubled heart desires.

I know I haven't been blogging as much personal stuff as I have in the past. I want to again. I need the release. I am thinking of doing regular posts on being a business owning Mom/parent. I think talking about stuff outloud is really cathartic and good. I have been far too quiet. I am ready to say a bit more.

Buying a home is exciting and terrifying. I think the hardest part is all the compromises we feel like we need to make to get into a first home. Didn't think we would live in this exact area....and to be honest if it was just Grant and I, it wouldn't matter. Kidlins change everything. Will I find my "village"? What about play-dates? Other families we can trust? Will Nova be happy? Can I be a good Mom in Anaheim? Are we making all the right decisions?

So many questions and underneath it all, I am grateful. First homes aren't suppose to be perfect, right? Mom's aren't suppose to be perfect either....I am learning.

We will be super close to D Land! Because of that I keep joking that our new home will be nicknamed "the happiest place on earth". Maybe it won't be a joke. I hope. All I can do is hope.

Tuesday rant over. Life goes on.

Crosby Family

The last bits of Fall might be my favorite.

Love this family.

Bacher Family

 

Tis the season for family photos.

If you need one give me a holler (or an email at rachel@rachelthurston.com).

I will be shooting in Southern CA this next week, October 22-29th and then in Salt Lake October 30-November 9th.