MATERNITY: California Sunset

I love shooting at the beach with the setting sun, but lately this hasn't been as easy to accomplish because of the rains we have been having. We had to reschedule twice but finally the Gods smiled on us and we were able to catch some rays for this gorgeous maternity shoot.

This maternity shoot was a baby shower gift certificate, which also includes a newborn shoot and announcement cards. It's a great gift to give and to receive because you are giving the gift of memories. In the case of this lovely couple, they only intend on having one child so capturing the magic of expectant motherhood was even more important.

We took it easy, but still managed capture their spirit and sense of fun, and because we did this beach shoot on a weekday, it felt like the beach was all ours.

Look at them glow!

What to Buy: Polaroid

While I fully embrace the digital age and my DSLRs, I have been feeling rather nostalgic for the old Polaroid. I've had images running through my head of pictures taken with our old Polaroid and remembering my childhood anticipation and awe as I awaited for the image to magically appear.

Unfortunately Polaroid is no longer, R.I.P. However, Fuji has risen to the challenge with the Fuji Instax Camera, with styling friendly to the iPod generation, the kids these days will think this is something their generation invented.


I went on a search for all things Polaroid. Check out these cool finds that also make great gifts for the holidays.

Retro Polaroid Paperweight:


2010 Polaroid Calendar:


Polaroid Photo Frames:


I wish you Happy Shopping now that I've shared my current obsession!

WEBSITE: New Design and Functionality

HURRAY! THOMPSON and SPRING Photography's new website is up. It features a streamlined design, a tweaked logo/identity, but most importantly the the new website has two important new elements:

1) It has a Shopping Cart which allows you to pick and choose the photos you want, the dimensions, etc. It even allows you to pick from our great print packages which provides substantial savings. With the shopping cart you can pay via credit card using paypal, or send the order for payment to be sent offline. It isn't the most sophisticate online shopping cart you will find, but at least it's a shopping cart... meaning no more faxing or mailing of order forms.


2) It's completely HTML, which may be seen as both a good or not so good thing. The not so good, is that it doesn't have the fancy flash element that allowed you to have a slide show experience. With HTML you have to click on each image to view it, there's no pause/play button. On the positive side, an HTML site makes it more internet friendly. Easier to load and easier to search. So, if you are looking for a Los Angeles photographer, or a Los Angeles Maternity Photographer, or a Los Angeles Family Photographer, or are looking to purchase a photo session as a gift certificate for a friend's baby shower you are more likely to find THOMPSON and SPRING Photography.

In addition, the new design also features custom background colors. Not an important feature in my book, but it does make the site more vibrant.

Oh, and you may also have noticed that to keep the identity consistent this blog has a new header. I'd love to know what you think, so leave us your comments.

PRODUCT: ANNOUNCEMENT CARDS

You may have noticed I haven't been blogging as frequently lately. I've been working on the back office stuff and while not as fun as the creative aspect is still a must to take care of. Just a warning my blog posts will continue to be irregular as I'm also working on a redesigned website. Everyone loves the look of the current website, but I want to make it more functional for clients by adding a shopping cart to the proofing gallery.

I've also been looking into different products that people have expressed an interest in and am starting by offering birth announcement cards that are stylish and modern. So for now here's a sampling of designs I am offering.

Would love to know what you think of the designs.

DAD'S DAY

Photos make great gifts on any occasion. Have them nicely framed and they are sure to be proudly displayed. Here are a few of my favorite photos that celebrate fatherhood.


However, besides photos there are other great ways to show dads some love. Here are a few of my favorite gift ideas for Father's Day.

Custom Art Book from Scribble Press. Bring your kid's scribbles and collages in, and they will transform it into a keepsake work of art.


Sketch Portraits from Kiki & Polly. Send them a snapshot and they will turn it into a timeless sketch drawing.


Create your own Memo Block. Whether your kid can draw or only scribble, customizing a memo block is within every kids reach. By a plain white one at your local office supply store and have them go crazy.


Gift Certificate for a photo session with THOMPSON and SPRING Photography, to capture this special time.

DELICIOUS BOOKS FOR KIDS

Today many families have a mixed cultural heritage, ours is no exception. In fact, our family is a melting pot of different cultures and as a result the foods we eat are varied.

On a recent trip to London, our 19 month old son went with us to every restaurant, whether high brow or low brow and he ate what we ate. We ate Italian, but also had Lebanese, Chinese, Thai and Indian. I've always believed that food is a gateway to a new culture, and if you can open up your palate, you can open up your mind.

So far my son has demonstrate a real curiosity for different types of foods and I want to further encourage this. To my delight I discovered a series of children's books by Amy Wilson Sanger that takes children on fun culinary explorations, so I had to share. These are a few of the books I picked up today at the fabulous Children's World Books. Unfortunately, they don't sell online, but you can find these books at Amazon, by clicking on the links below the book covers.

Yum Yum Dim Sum (World Snacks)

Chaat and SweetsMangia! Mangia! (World Snacks)