.

The New Blog is Ready

2008-02-05T20:25:00.000-08:00

Here is the link to the new blog
*link has been corrected*
http://leahsimmersphotography.com/blog/

make sure you bookmark it!
I hope you enjoy the new blog, I'm loving it. Still adding to it but I figured what the hey, I'll put it out there for you and just keep making it better in the meantime.
Leave a comment on the new blog and let me know what you think and what other items you might want to see on the blog and topics you might like to see discussed on the new blog

New Blog On Its Way!

2008-02-05T09:39:00.000-08:00

I'm working with the amazing Theresa Stanton of Design Focus Studios on a new blog, I should have it up and ready in a day or two and when I do I will get you all the new web address for it or you will be able to get to it from my web page.
I'm excited, it's more colorful, bigger images, and more me!

If you're looking to get a new blog, check out what Theresa can offer you, she is amazing to work with, tell her I sent you.

sneak peak into the new improved blog:

A Thought

2008-02-04T09:18:00.001-08:00

Here is a bit on Ava's Rule:
(click image to view larger)

I was on a fellow photogs blog today Sheye Rosemyer Photo blog and wanted to share this that she put together after her beautiful daughter Ava passed. You can read Ava's story here

Mary Hanson of Mary Hanson Photography said it best when she said:

What has become clear to me though is that you can plan and hope all you want, you can imagine and presume and expect life to go a certain way but really, there is no watertight guarantee. All the days are "normal". The happy ones, the sick ones, the bored ones, the tragic ones. I am no expert, I have less clarity than the average person but what I have found, because of One Normal Day, is this:
Live each day, every single day, with the understanding that one does not necessarily lead into the other. Hug your family. Tight. Put aside What Does Not Matter. Tomorrow could be a completely new kind of normal."

Today's My Day!!

2008-02-02T23:52:00.000-08:00

Today's My Birthday! Woo Hoo! If only the Chargers were playing today

Images taken by the lovely Melissa

*Ok for some reason it is showing Feb 2nd still but it should say the 3rd, heck that's my birthday and it's 1:06am here anyways!

The Secret! I'm In!

2008-02-02T10:50:00.000-08:00

I'm so excited I can't contain myself. I just signed up for The Secret Workshop . I have been wanting to attend for awhile now to better my business and most importantly my images I offer you. The images these ladies do have such "pop" and they are so beautiful. I set my alarm yesterday for 7am since that is when registration was opening (of course I didn't get up until 7:10) By the time I got to the computer at 7:10 there were only 14 spots left. The workshop sold out before noon. I'm so glad I will be a part of it and be able to offer you all so much more. I will be attending in April in Phoenix and can't wait to bring back so much knowledge and amazing images for you all!

Do you see who I see? Can it be?

2008-01-30T15:54:00.001-08:00

Yep it sure is......it's Jerry OConnell! Remember him from Jerry Maguire, Kangaroo Jack and the tv series Sliders, and also now starring in the new television comedy series, "Carpoolers"
Went to Phoenix/Tempe yesterday to meet up with a couple photog friends. We met up at a certain resort to take photos and with the Superbowl in town the stars are too. As we were leaving up came limos and vehicles. We're pretty darn sure one of the teams was staying there too, we believe we saw many players but being that 2 of us are major Chargers fans we wouldn't be able to figure out players on the other two teams, all we know is that our Chargers missed out after their game 2 weeks ago, boo hoo! Anyhow we did recognize Mr. Jerry OConnell who was really nice, let us take his picture, saying we didn't look like paparazzi (being a good thinking I assume the way it was said)

*Have found out now it was the Giants staying there. Turns out the NFL booked the whole resort, now how we got in and no one said anything I don't know since we were wandering around with our cameras but hey, it's cool.
Although now knowing they booked the whole place I have to wonder, why the heck did they have super bowl l stuff all over the place to buy? Wouldn't you think the teams in the super bowl could just get what they wanted?!

Had a blast

2008-01-30T15:38:00.000-08:00

A bit of fun in Phoenix yesterday. I met up with fellow photographers Melissa and Ruby I had a GREAT time with you ladies, can't wait to do it again. Maybe in Costa Rica!?!!

And We Are........LIVE!!

2008-01-27T13:17:00.000-08:00

The new website for Leah Simmers Photography is up and running. A new high school senior site will be added soon too. I'm looking for some high school seniors, juniors and sophomore's to model for me for the site though so if you know of one, send them my way.
This site is a bit simpler than the last but I love how big the images are and like my husband says, with this site, "it's all about the images" and when it comes to photography it sure is.

Can't forget the other two boys

2008-01-22T08:43:00.000-08:00

12 weeks old today!

2008-01-21T15:36:00.000-08:00

Sneak Peak

2008-01-20T12:44:00.000-08:00

Here's sneak peaks of a fun spunky lil' girl I had the pleasure to photograph yesterday, boy did she ever give me a work out though. It's a good thing she did not have sneakers on or we would never be able to keep up with her.

Valentines Day Cards

2008-01-18T14:07:00.000-08:00

Here's a sample of some fun Valentines Day Cards.

Hot Diggity!

2008-01-14T14:25:00.001-08:00

Yesterdays Fun

2008-01-14T14:17:00.000-08:00

CANVAS SPECIAL

2008-01-09T22:49:00.001-08:00

When: Now until January 25th

What: Place an order for a gallery wrap canvas and get 20% off

This is a great deal and doesn't happen often.

Gallery Wrap Canvas' look AMAZING on your wall, a piece of art in your home.

All canvas' come with hardware ready to put up on your wall

The New Do

2008-01-09T22:45:00.001-08:00

So my little man wanted to get his haircut the other day so we let him......and now we want his floppy long hair back.
He loves his new hair style though, he thinks he can spike people with it.

How about this cutie...Sneak Peak

2008-01-01T19:44:00.000-08:00

What a cute little man you both have, I'm so happy I got to meet him! Luckily we found the vibrating bouncy seat to make him happy, I love this color image of him when he had his bouncy seat hidden under him. His big yawn in the second image I love too.

Sneak Peaks!

2007-12-29T22:51:00.000-08:00

Here are your sneak peaks. I enjoyed photographing you all the other day, you truly make a beautiful family!

Introducing...Your Images Defined

2007-12-27T20:41:00.000-08:00

I'm excited to be offering a line of Defined Storyboards and Collages. These are fun to have up in your kids rooms and living rooms. There are many words to choose from, just ask. Here are some samples I just did from a recent session.
A fun idea to do with these would be to put all 10x20's one under another on a wall with about an inch in between and then make the square one a 20x20 and put it under them or in between to make a big storyboard collage of 60x20 on your wall (using a 20x20 and 4 -10x20's) or make a wall of 30x20 using one 10x20 storyboard and a 20x20.

** click on storyboard to read text

2 months old

2007-12-24T20:12:00.000-08:00

Another, I can't believe it moment:
can't believe how much he has grown
can't believe how much he has changed
can't believe how happy he makes me
can't believe how quickly time passes

Sneak Peaks!

2007-12-23T23:48:00.000-08:00

I had a great time today capturing the three of you! I'm so glad you decided on this location, I think the colors are so fun. Your little miss was such a doll and the camera loves her!

Sneak Peaks!

2007-12-22T23:03:00.000-08:00

I really enjoyed meeting you all today. You filled me with lots of laughs, you're such a fun bunch!

Sneak Peaks!

2007-12-19T13:38:00.001-08:00

It was so great seeing you all again. I"m so happy you came to see me while in town. It was so fun catching up and laughing with you all, you really are a fun bunch to be around, thanks for ending my day on an up note.

Yah, we found snow!

2007-12-19T09:14:00.001-08:00

So anytime it snows up on Mt Lemmon we have to get up there and enjoy it while we can if even for just a bit. I've never lived in the east coast so I have never been sick of the stuff, I truly love being in the snow when I can and find it so beautiful. You know we don't live anywhere cold though when my son tells me his hands are cold and I tell him that next time I will bring gloves, he responds, "what are gloves?"

I get too excited getting to the snow I always forget the gloves every year and any type of thing for sledding. Maybe next year.

sweet thing

2007-12-13T22:35:00.000-08:00

Already almost 7 weeks, it seems like yesterday he was born.
He finally laid still and stopped crying for 10 minutes today so I could take these

And then there were three

2007-12-03T21:16:00.001-08:00

Finally had a chance to capture the three brothers together for the first time since little Ollie was born

Sneak Peak

2007-12-02T21:36:00.001-08:00

What a blast I had today photographing this little man, I must say he seemed to be in his element. Thanks for meeting up with me today I really enjoyed all the silly faces and great smiles your little guy gave me, he's such a character and you are such a sweet heart. I wish I could photograph him more in the future, he was so fun but since you're moving you'll have to come see me when you come back in the states so I can photograph this little guy at age four.

Sneak Peak

2007-11-30T22:09:00.000-08:00

Thanks for having me over to capture this amazing time in your life. To think you are due any day, you look great and pregnant woman would love to look how you do at 9 months. I wish you the best on your upcoming arrival.

Already a month old

2007-11-29T21:08:00.000-08:00

I can't believe he is already a month old. It seems like yesterday that I was pregnant and waiting for this lil guys arrival. I already feel he is growing up too quick, yikes!

What a beauty

2007-11-13T21:09:00.000-08:00

I had the pleasure of photographing this little beauty the other day. She has to have the most beautiful lips I have ever seen.
THanks for having me over to photograph your little angel it was a pleasure.

Oh how time passes quickly

2007-11-11T14:33:00.000-08:00

So it has only been 2 weeks but my goodness it feels like my little one is growing so quickly.

He Has Arrived!

2007-11-01T11:25:00.000-07:00

I'm excited to say our little one has arrived. After a nice and quick delivery we had our little Oliver "Ollie" arrive Monday. We know have him home with us and we are enjoying every minute of him. Anyhow, here are lots of pictures of our new little one.

From the otherside of the camera

2007-10-22T22:41:00.000-07:00

Hubby got ahold of the camera today for some last minute images before the baby arrives. Turns out if the baby doesn't arrive by Friday I will be induced that day, so before we know it our new bundle of joy will arrive.

The Boys I Love!!

2007-10-14T20:32:00.000-07:00

So today I pulled out all the stuff to get some images of my boys together (to think that these are probably the last images of them together as just two, before #3 arrives)
So we did get some great images that I would love to share but think I might use in holiday cards so for now I'm holding off on sharing them but had to share the fun they had after they "behaved"
Here's the nuts, who I also call the love of my life..

Look who's 3 today!

2007-10-13T17:21:00.000-07:00

Ok I know it seems I have been slacking posting on here and sure I have. I've been sitting here waiting and waiting for our new bundle of joy to arrive and he seems to like being stubborn. So while I haven't been doing sessions in October, due to the arrival of the little one soon, I also have been lacking in posts, sorry!
Here are some of my little man today who turned 3! He was so excited to get a cake with characters on it. All he really wanted to do though was dip the characters in the icing, lick icing off, and repeat.

All right miss thing..

2007-10-01T16:14:00.000-07:00

Ok this little miss I hear had her mom checking my blog this morning to see if I had put up images from the birthday party yesterday. I kept most kids other than my own out of the images not knowing if it was fine with their parents yet but here you go miss thing, one of you and one of my little man eyeing you, you're such a sweetheart to him.

A Little Birthday Fun

2007-09-30T21:04:00.000-07:00

Ok, so I'm not sure exactly what I was thinking but we made it through. Sure I'm 36 1/2 weeks pregnant but I didn't want my kiddos missing out on their birthday party, so we had a great little time today with over 25 kids, yikes!
Anyhow, we made it and I still sit here this evening to write about it so I guess I didnt go into labor from it. I'll tell you I am ready!!

Playing around today

2007-09-25T21:54:00.000-07:00

Trying some new things and playing around today

I've been tagged

2007-09-22T20:59:00.000-07:00

Alrighty i have been tagged. What, you say? Well it's a little blog game going on in photography world. A fellow photographer tags you ad you must list 8 things about yourself others might not know and then tag back.

Yikes now to think of 8 things:

1. While most love chocolate I really don't care for it, usually you will only catch me eating chocolate when I;m pregnant and then it's usually just chocolate cake, never a hershey bar or chocolate ice cream - yuck!

2. While I don't love chocolate I do LOVE cheese! Yep that's right, chedder, jack, colby, mozzarella, I can stand at a plate with cheese cubes at a party and never leave.

3. Milk...gross, don't like it. Occassionally I will put it in cereal but you will never catch me drinking a glass of it.

4. i hate the dark..yep I said it, can't stand it.

5. i have a black belt in Taekwondo. When living in San Diego I studied at the best studio (Family Karate in Rancho Penasquitos)
i loved nothing more than being there every chance I could get (often times it was 6hrs a day 6 days a week) I was there so much it counted for my P.E. in middle school and high school. I love going to tournaments and competing in forms/kata and sparring and I will say I miss it so much! There was nothing like that studio though and have yet to find another one I love as much, wish I could pick it up and move it here.

6. I wasn't always into photography. Well I loved playing with the camera at an early age (probably helped my dad was into it too), then decided to take a class in high school. Well the whole idea of the lenses freaked me out and confused me so I switched classes. I laugh now realizing they are nothing to fear and quite easy to work with but at that time I was at a loss.
In the end after having kids I couldn't help but fall in love with photography, you suddenly view life and everything around you differently and want to capture it all.

7. I wasn't always girly. I was pretty much a tomboy growing up (of course I was forced into dresses) I liked hanging with the boys though and hated the color pink. I looked really goofy, I had coke bottle eyeglasses (they were purple plastic ones, yikes) and my hair, well that's another story, all through elementary school my curly hair would often get brushed out and I was called "bushhead". Oh well I think I have come around and I love all things girly now.

8. I believe things happen for a reason. We might not know the reason why today tomorrow or even the next but I just think they do

Now tag you're it to my fellow photogs: (check out their awesome work, click on their name)

Contest Time Again..

2007-09-14T20:50:00.000-07:00

Ok I'm sitting here a tad bored at the moment, I have all my work proofed and want to have a little fun.

So how about it...help me out having some fun here.

It's an easy one.

I am giving away your choice of a 5x7 print or a $15 gift card to starbucks or coldstone creamery.
This is open to anyone, past clients, future clients, friends, etc.

It's as easy as this:
Take a picture of yourself or have someone take a picture of you holding a sign that that says Leah Simmers Photography Rocks or I heart Leah Simmers Photography. Have fun with it, get creative.
Send your entries to info@leahsimmersphotography.com in the subject type Leah Simmers photography rocks, or I heart Leah Simmers Photography.

I will run this contest until 11:59pm Sept 30th, then I will upload my favorites to share with you all. I will announce the winner by October 5th.

You may enter upto 2 images per person so lets get on it, I can't wait to see what you all come up with.

Some from today

2007-09-14T20:43:00.000-07:00

Heads Up..

2007-09-12T16:26:00.001-07:00

Just wanted to make everyone aware how close the holidays are. ( I know you don't really want to think about it )

At the time there are only 5 sessions open between now and thanksgiving. (All holiday card and print orders need to be made by Nov. 23rd)

Due to the arrival of our third child in October, I will not be booking sessions in October.

Ok I promised

2007-09-10T17:50:00.000-07:00

Here's some, still working on more but I know I promised I'd get some up today. I had a blast with you girls yesterday, thanks so much for letting me play, you were great!

Sneak Peak

2007-09-09T00:41:00.001-07:00

Here is your sneak peak from today. Here's a couple where we could get the little man to stay still for a second :)

Loving This New Location!!

2007-09-06T20:28:00.000-07:00

So who's ready to book their session here for some fun images!?

We Have A Winner!!

2007-09-03T21:51:00.000-07:00

Congrats to Melissa, you are the winner of last months location contest. You have won a free session, $50 print credit, and I will add a wallet album onto your session for you. I can't thank you enough for pointing out this amazing spot. I will be seeing you this weekend and you can use your winnings on this session or a future one.

I went out the other day to take pictures of the surroundings and just fell in love with the color (color is so hard to find out here) and there was great shade around too, making it easier to do sessions at earlier times in the day.

Here are some, images from this great location.

Sneak Peaks!

2007-09-02T22:49:00.001-07:00

Ok I couldn't help but put up a few more than normal. This little girl was such a doll, I had a great time photographing her.
You all make such a beautiful family, thanks for letting me into your home to capture the love between you all.
I don't get ahold of enough little ones so I had a blast capturing this little cutie! Enjoy!
(I was having so much time proofing these I couldn't stop, so I'll probably have the rest of your images up for you to view in your gallery within a day or two)

LOCATION CONTEST - ONE DAY LEFT To enter

2007-08-30T16:17:00.000-07:00

Don't forget to get those entries in for the location contest, you could be the winner!
Here is the info again:

I'm always looking for new spots to photograph in and now I want your help. I've only lived here a few years and I know some of you have lived here your whole life. Some of you know those secret spots or not so secret spots I have not yet discovered so bring them on! Here's your chance to help me out and maybe win something too!

The contest will run from now August 1st until the 31st of August. This gives you 4 weeks to keep an eye out for "the" spot.
When you find it, email me the details at info@leahsimmersphotography.com, in the subject line put location contest so I don't miss it.
i will visit the locations, pick my favorite and decide on a winner. The winner will receive a free session and a $50 gift certificate (expiring June 2008) which may be spent on a past session or a future session. I wil also be throwing in a cute little leather wallet album we have just started carrying and these are gorgeous!

Rules:
-Location must be in Tucson
-Location must be a spot I do not already currently use (feel free to contact me for a list of places I use now, otherwise I will let you know if you choose a place I already use so you can re-submit a location)
-Location must be safe for children and ok for the public to use (someones backyard won't do unless I'm able to go do sessions there as I please)
-Please give an address of the location, simply stating, a beautiful tree in the middle of the forest" just won't do
-If two people submit the same location I will accept it from the first person and I will email the second person so you can re-submit an entry
-Deadline for submissions is August 31, 2007 at 11:59pm pacific time.
- 1 entry per household
-Submit entry via email to info@leahsimmersphotography.com with "Location contest" as the subject line. Include name of location if it has one, general area of town/cross streets, and if there is a website or if you can even take a picture of it please include that too. I have to be able to find the location.

The winner will be announced in September after I take a look at the locations. The contest is open to current clients and new clients so spread the word.

To give you some ideas on some things I love in a location:
Shade
Color
Old doors
Old cars
multiple settings
bridges
fountains
interesting walls
porches
old barns

Have fun with this and I look forward to seeing what you all come up with!

Sneak Peaks!

2007-08-26T17:14:00.001-07:00

Despite the muggy hot weather and mosquitos we made it!

Yikes

2007-08-26T17:06:00.000-07:00

Oh no it has been too long, sorry for slacking on here lately, been going nuts lately keeping up with sessions and, getting my boys ready for school. Yesterday my great friend threw me a wonderful baby shower too which was a blast, then I spent the afternoon with my awesome photog friend Ruby taking maternity pictures around town, you can see some on her blog at:

www.dazzimages.com

Don't forget to book those sesssions early, I'm trying to get in as many as I can before the baby arrives and then I will take off two weeks and then get you all back in to do more sessions. Slots are quickly filling up though so don't wait too long. Any images and cards wanted in time for the holidays are going to need to be in by Thanksgiving, after Thanksgiving there will be a $50 rush fee added to get them in time.

2007-08-17T13:24:00.000-07:00

REMEMBER.... Just two weeks left to get your ideas in for the location contest so send them in!

curious....

2007-08-12T23:20:00.001-07:00

Loving This Spot

2007-08-12T23:18:00.000-07:00

A little road trip today to discover this...

A little San Diego fun

2007-08-11T21:49:00.000-07:00

I took my boys to San Diego this week, just for a day and a half but what a blast they had. We went so they could meet up with their cousins and get one last trip for them before the baby arrives.
My youngest truly could not get enough of the sand, he as throwing it and wiping it all over himself but really loved it!

Location, Location, Location Contest!!!

2007-08-05T21:28:00.001-07:00

Alright here it is, the first contest. I'm going to try and run some sort of contest at the start of each month so keep your eyes posted for them.

I'm always looking for new spots to photograph in and now I want your help. I've only lived here a few years and I know some of you have lived here your whole life. Some of you know those secret spots or not so secret spots I have not yet discovered so bring them on! Here's your chance to help me out and maybe win something too!

The contest will run from now August 1st until the 31st of August. This gives you 4 weeks to keep an eye out for "the" spot.
When you find it, email me the details at info@leahsimmersphotography.com, in the subject line put location contest so I don't miss it.
i will visit the locations, pick my favorite and decide on a winner. The winner will recieve a free session and a $50 gift certificate (expiring June 2008) which may be spent on a past session or a future session. I wil also be throwing in a cute little leather wallet album we have just started carrying and these are gorgeous!

Rules:
-Location must be in Tucson
-Location must be a spot I do not already currently use (fell free to contact me for a list of places I use now, otherwise I will let you know if you choose a place I already use so you can re-submit a location)
-Location must be safe for children and ok for the public to use (someones backyard won't do unless I'm able to go do sessions there as I please)
-Please give an address of the location, simply stating, a beautiful tree in the middle of the forest" just won't do
-If two people submit the same location I will accept it from the first person and I will email the second person so you can re-submit an entry
-Deadline for submissions is August 31, 2007 at 11:59pm pacific time.
- 1 entry per household
-Submit entry via email to info@leahsimmersphotography.com with "Location contest" as teh subject line. Include name of location if it has one, general area of town/cross streets, and if there is a website or if you can even take a picture of it please include that too. I have to be able to find the location.

The winner will be announced in September after I take a look at the locations. The contest is open to current clients and new clients so spread the word.

To give you some ideas on some things I love in a location:
Shade
Color
Old doors
Old cars
multiple settings
bridges
fountains
interesting walls
porches
old barns

Have fun with this and I look forward to seeing what you all come up with!

This one of the I had to post on its own...

2007-08-05T15:15:00.000-07:00

So I'm having a blast photographing this little one and loving her curls. I keep wondering why I'm so drawn, then I realize it when I get home...... I swear if my son had a twin she would be it! Difference being she was easier to photograph!
Even my husband got a chuckle out of it, I had him look at the pictures on my desk of our youngest, then I said, "now look at this" and showed him this image of this beauty. anyhow just had to share one I captured of this beautiful girl yesterday (it has to be my favorite!) and one of my youngest. They are only less than a month apart age wise too which is funny.

Sneak Peak

2007-08-05T14:52:00.000-07:00

I have to say it was such a joy spending time with you all yesterday. Thanks for inviting me into your home to capture your family. I loved listening to you sing songs to your kids and watching them so happily respond to the songs made just for them. If you ever come out with a cd, even if it is of your songs for your kids, I want to buy it! So upbeat, so fun! I left with such a smile on my face and wishing I could hear the music more.

Wish You Wells Design Example

2007-08-01T18:27:00.000-07:00

Just got a new Wish You Wells Design done and had to share here, I love it.The boys were more than excited to see themselves as superheros.

New Holiday Cards and Jewelry are up for Viewing

2007-08-01T16:14:00.000-07:00

Make sure to check out the boutique section on my website, i have included lots of new holiday cards and jewelry this week!
Can you believe it really is that time to start thinking of the holidays? It is!

Keep in mind some items take weeks to get back.
Here's an esimated time table for you on the different items offered:

*Holiday cards- about 2 weeks
*Jewelry- 2-3 weeks
*Handbags- 4-6 weeks
*Photoboxes- 4-6 weeks
*Canvas'- 3 weeks
*Wish You Wells Designs- 2-4 weeks depending on the time ordered
*Albums- 2 weeks

There will be deadlines on ordering some of these items as the holidays approach.

*Click images for viewing larger

Many more cards for viewing on my website.

Keep in mind many of these cards can be made as photo cards, our flat linen cards, or even better they can be made into folded linen cards. If you would like a folded card many can have your name off the front and a greeting added to the inside with your names and even an added image or two!

It's a Mud Bath!!

2007-07-27T00:36:00.000-07:00

Had a blast taking the kids out back today. It finally rained minus the lightening so we went out back, started all bundled up and ended up down to boxer briefs, i talked them into getting dirty and wrestling around a little in the mud for the sake of pictures.

What happens at my house when my son goes outside after a long day and asks why mommy has not cleaned up the dog poop yet today...

A little monsoon fun!

2007-07-24T00:32:00.000-07:00

Woo Hoo We Beat the Monsoons...barely

2007-07-21T00:15:00.001-07:00

Ok after rescheduling due to the rain at our first session of course we manage to reschedule on the worst down pour of the week. Luckily we were able to get the session in, get in our cars and have a minute to spare before it hit hard.

I had such a great time photographing your family, you are really a fun bunch to be around, hope to get to know you all more in the future.

Here are your sneak peaks, enjoy!
I should have the rest of your session op for you to view in your gallery tomorrow or the next day, I've had a great time looking at all the images we took

.

Soon to come.....

2007-07-14T22:19:00.000-07:00

Soon to come I will be adding more to this blog. For products I have discovered to share with you, random quotes and the most important....tips for you on getting great snapshots of your kids and capturing them in the moment in day to day life. These day to day images are so important to capture, tehy tell a story, you get to look back and remember and later tell stories to future generations who can then continue to tell the stories.

Below a quote I loved from a movie i wanted to share:

"I'm sure my customers never think about it,
but these snapshots are their little stand against the flow of time
The shutter clicked, flash goes off, and they stop time.
Just for a blink of an eye, and

If these pictures have anything important to say to future generations,
it's this:
I was young, I was happy, and someone cared enough about me in this world to take my picture."

-Sy Parrish (Sy the Photo Guy)

My lucky week!

2007-07-09T14:53:00.000-07:00

Today I woke up to go to BluDomains website again to see how the results were soming along on their other contests they ran over the weekend. Turns out I won the poloroid contest out of just under 1000 people. The assignment was to take a picture of yourself, turn it into a poloroid style and put on the poloroid a favorite blog of yours. I'm super excited. What did I win? I won apple tv! Ok just had to share my happiness.

I've been asked so here they are

2007-07-06T17:38:00.001-07:00

Ok I've been asked about my belly and if it is finally growing so here's a few for those who have been asking.

I Won! I Won!!!

2007-07-06T15:11:00.000-07:00

Ok what a great middle to my day.

Bludomain

has been runing lots of contests today for their 4th birthday. With my craving of a little ice cream and quick family we went running out the door to take on Blu's scavenger hunt! For their second scavenger hunt of the day you had to be one of the first 4 to get images of the following: 1.Prices of gas in your town 2.you getting an ice cream cone and at the register 3. you taking a picture of yourself blowing a bubble with gum 4. Had to write on a paper your best feature and put the paper down by a favorite pair of shoes 5 and last had to call an unknown number they gave us and leave a message they gave to us.
I'm so excited because so many people enter these things and I finally made it!
What did I win? I won a $100 gift certificate to Nordstrom and a brand new website template. Still on the fence if I want to really change my website or maybe have another website devoted to seniors in the future or fine art. I
I'm so excited. You can check out the silly pictures on Blu's Blog

here

Summer 7-7-7 Canvas Sale

2007-07-02T16:41:00.000-07:00

Act quickly!

In celebration of July 07, 2007 (07-07-07), we are having a huge summer sale.

Buy one canvas and receive a 20% discount, buy any 2 canvas
(different sizes and images are ok) and receive 30% off!
Orders must be placed and payed for no later than July 6th to get in on this super deal.

If you have an image from a past session you would love to put on canvas, give me a call and we'll get it done.

So is all the hype really worth it.....

2007-07-01T15:56:00.001-07:00

Um...YAH!
This little gadget rocks!
If you're on the fence, jump off to the "get it" side.
I started to get cold feet before getting it. Maybe I should wait, what if the 1st gen is no good. Will the internet be good enough. This little thinkg is all it said it would be and more. The internet is super fast. I had a treo prior to this and this little thing blows it out of the water.

Anyhow just had to share. Thrilled to have it and thrilled to have a rockin hubby that waited in line for me to get it.

A little road trip

2007-06-30T23:38:00.000-07:00

Today I had a great time with some fellow photographers from the Phoenix area. Five of us headed out to Jerome, AZ with our kiddos. We had a great afternoon capturing each others kids while out there with the beautiful textures surrounding us.
Here are some of the images from the day:

Just the boys

2007-06-29T09:05:00.000-07:00

A few of the boys being silly the other day.

Sabino Canyon

2007-06-25T23:17:00.000-07:00

Ok so I have now lived here for almost 6 years and still had not been to Sabino Canyon. Well we finally went for just a little bit yesterday. I love it! The place is beautiful and relaxing. We really did not see much but from what I saw, I'm excited. I can't wait to go back and take the tram rides. Here are just a couple images I captured while out there.

Sneak Peak

2007-06-18T17:19:00.000-07:00

Heres some from our session Saturday, enjoy! I should have the rest up within 2 days for you to view in your gallery.

Fun With Friends Today

2007-06-06T23:38:00.000-07:00

A few from the park today while we were out with friends. Found out yesterday there is another little boy in my belly (#3) so now when I can get my hands on photographing a little girl I take the chance.

Sneak Peaks

2007-06-04T23:57:00.000-07:00

Here's a few sneak peaks to hold you over until I get the rest up, enjoy!
Thanks again for coming so far out to let me work with you all.

I love this image

2007-06-02T13:41:00.000-07:00

I can't help but love hats on the kiddos even if it is 100 degrees out

testing out some stuff

2007-06-02T13:21:00.000-07:00

Testing out some lights, reflector and paper backdrop yesterday, i was able to con my children into getting some images of them and the ones I'm in my hubby who is getting darn good took.

Bits and Pieces

2007-05-30T19:01:00.000-07:00

Just had a bit of fun the other day capturing things.

Sneak Peaks

2007-05-27T23:59:00.000-07:00

Ok so there are quite a few more here than I normally show but it was hard picking. I had a great time working with your family. Your boys were a blast, willing to jump up anywhere (the joys of boys) and your daughter is a perfect model. I had such a great time taking portraits of you all.
I can't thank you enough for bringing this location to my attention too. What an amazing place to work with.
Enjoy your sneak peaks and I will have the rest up for you to view soon.

For my little man

2007-05-22T23:30:00.000-07:00

Inspired by another photograher I saw recently who photographed a guitar, I knew I had to do these.
Lately I think nothing means more than his guitar to my youngest. He truly has been in love with the guitar for over a year. He has many he takes around and plays ALL day long! (yes we wake up to hearing him playing and singing) Why we ever gave him a pick I don't know, he is now even louder. :)
To see the joy in his face when he plays though is so sweet and worth all the days we wake early to him playing and all the shows we miss because we can't hear them.
So when I saw images the other day by another photographer of a guitar he was looking right over my shoulder shouting, "guitar, guitar". I knew then, I needed to take some for him to have of his guitars. I have not quite decided how to display them for him but I can't wait to get it all together and surprise my little man.

truly them

2007-05-22T23:24:00.000-07:00

Just a little fun from yesterday. I went out back to where my boys were playing in the yard. I decided to just try and capture them as they are. Not forcing them to stop and smile, not getting frustrated with them to try and get the "perfect" image but to simply capture them being themselves. I must say I'm really pleased with how these images came out, they truly are images of "my boys"
Oh how they love when daddy gives them their "boat rides" too and then dumps them out onto the grass after the ride is over.

Sneak Peak

2007-05-15T21:22:00.000-07:00

Alrighty we made it through the 105 degree weather! Here are some sneak peaks, enjoy!

My Biggest Challenge In Photography....

2007-05-10T22:01:00.000-07:00

My Boys!!
It's like pulling teeth trying to get an image I want of them. Anyhow, we went to the park the other day in yet another attempt to capture my little ones. Here's a few:

Let them (him) eat cake

2007-05-07T20:47:00.000-07:00

Oh it's fun seeing how a little one acts when a cake is placed in front of him to do what he wants with...

HAPPY FIRST BIRTHDAY KIDDO!

2007 Pricing

2007-05-01T21:52:00.001-07:00

Here is the new 2007 pricing. Old prices are still listed on my site in order for clients with orders out now or already booked sessions to review. Those that have already booked a session prior to this post may go by the old pricing.
Gallery albums, storyboards, collages and gallery wraps remain the same price.
The way I have set up the new gallery pricing is so you can set your images up in a way that will make a beautiful display in your home.
New jewelry will also be announced soon.

Sneak Peaks

2007-04-29T01:22:00.000-07:00

Here's some images from today. Thanks to both families for being so much fun to work with. You both were open to everything and it made for a great session, I had a blast, Enjoy!

WE HAVE ARRIVED!!!!

2007-04-26T15:48:00.000-07:00

Ok so I'm a tad bit excited, we now have the famous In-N-Out here in Tucson. What more could you ask for?
(Ok so I would still like Pat & Oscars Restaurant and FILIPPIS Pizza)
I'm from San Diego so eating at In-N Out is just like having a piece of where I grew up back with me.

My boys and I waited in the drive through line for while today but it was so worth it. What great kiddos I have too. I'm so thankful for technology so my boys could watch a movie on the dvd player while we waited.

In-N-Out had there stuff together I must say too. Considering the line they were still moving and working as fast as can be. We even were offered water and lemonade a couple tiimes while waiting in our car.

So now I site here stuffed not knowing what to do with myself.
Sure felt good though ordering that yummy double double, fries, chocolate shake and root beer.
The kiddos had a burger, fries and shakes too, mmm mmm good!
I must say, there is something about their root beer too. Not sure if it's a combo of the type and machine it comes out of but it is my favorite. It has to be from In-N-Out though so it can't just be the type if it's A&W or Barques. If you haven't had it....do!
Anyhow, this made for a nice day. Who cares if I'm pregnant so certain foods sound super good to me. The food is just darn good!

Sneak Peaks

2007-04-21T23:59:00.000-07:00

Had a blast with you guys today thanks for following us all around the park to get these images. Enjoy! I'l have the rest up on the website in a few days and I'll let you know when they are up. For now here is more than a few sneak peaks. :)

.

2007-04-09T22:39:00.001-07:00

Your Sneak Peak

2007-04-09T16:44:00.000-07:00

I had a blast taking these yesterday, the different surroundings in your house made it so fun and beautiful.

What a blast

2007-04-05T22:26:00.000-07:00

I had such a fun time with this group. Plus you know when you have a handful of boys, there's bound to be a fun time involved. Here are more than a few sneak peaks for you all. Enjoy!

2007 Pricing

2007-04-02T01:11:00.000-07:00

Mother's Day Is Around The Corner....

2007-03-30T22:13:00.000-07:00

Don't forget about that special woman in your life.

To view some of the jewelry offered at Leah Simmers Photography you can go to www.vogelstudio.com
and our newest line we will be bringing to you, I am very excited about is www.happypeas.com

Handbags also make a great gift. Deadlines on getting bags in time are April 2nd for priority shipping and April 9th for rush delivery.

Running late on placing your order? We can make you a clever gift insert to let them know their special gift is on the way.

2007-03-30T22:02:00.000-07:00

Wow, what an amazing time I had at the convention in Waterloo. I have learned so much more to better my business and I can't wait to get started. I'm also excited about some new products I have discovered to bring to you all, so be on the look out soon.
Here are some images I took while out at the convention. In our free time a lot of the photographers would get together and take images of each other, it was a blast.

Hello from Waterloo

2007-03-23T17:54:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone! Sorry I have not posted much recently. Right now I am in Waterloo, Iowa attending a pProPhotogs Photography convention. I am having a great time meeting and learning from photographers from all over the United States and Canada. I'm looking forward to bringing back all I have learned to share with you all, to make our images even better, and your experience with Leah Simmers Photography, the best!

Up in the sky...

2007-03-18T22:31:00.000-07:00

Today our family headed out to the air show. WHAT A BLAST! This made for such a great family day. The kiddos had a blast getting in the helicopters and watching the show. I of course had a blast taking images. Here are some images I thought I would share from our day.

Heads Up

2007-03-10T20:24:00.000-08:00

Starting in April, rates will be going up. As of now my prices are too low for me to make a living. I love what I do and I love where it is taking me, I would love even more if this can be a job I can do not just for side cash but for me to make a living doing it, for me to add to provinding for my family, and for a future studio for my business.

There will be new collections offered too. In these collections I will have layouts to show you how you can use the collections to put them in your home (galleries for staircases, above couches, on ledges, vertical down a wall, etc). Some collections will also carry the popular gallery wrap canvas' and storyboards.

After returning from the photography convention at the end of this month I will soon after post the new rates.

If you have already booked a future session the rates posted now will still apply to you.

A few from a Dec. wedding

2007-03-08T18:10:00.000-08:00

Here's a few from a wedding I did in December for my brother in law and now sister in law. Ok, I don't do weddings but was asked so I put myself out there and did. Here are a few from that day, I'm saving my favorite though for a competition coming up.

Looking For That Unique Gift

2007-03-05T18:01:00.000-08:00

Here are some amazing hand crafted photo boxes from Sugar Boo Designs. These boxes are made entirely from real wood. THe boxes are 20" x 20" square y 2" deep and they hold a 4" x 4" photo in the center.
Below are just a few examples. There are many more quotes to choose from and a wide assortment of colors too. These are a true piece of art to hang in your home.
Plan ahead though, these items are hand done when ordered and turnaround times vary from 4-6 weeks at time. For an additional $25 they can be rushed to arrive within 3 weeks.

2007-03-03T23:27:00.000-08:00

So I was digging around on my computer and found these two images from February, thought I'd share.

Check out these cuties

2007-03-01T22:44:00.000-08:00

I was plaing with my little men in the backyard today. I am so excited I can get a "real" smile out of my oldest lately, instead of the big ol phoney one. I even was lucky enough to get my youngest to sit for two seconds. Honestly though he had just fallen over and thought it was funny and laughed where he landed ( I quickly snapped the image)

.

The New Blog is Ready

New Blog On Its Way!

A Thought

Today's My Day!!

The Secret! I'm In!

Do you see who I see? Can it be?

Had a blast

And We Are........LIVE!!

Can't forget the other two boys

12 weeks old today!

Sneak Peak

Valentines Day Cards

Hot Diggity!

Yesterdays Fun

***CANVAS SPECIAL***

The New Do

How about this cutie...Sneak Peak

Sneak Peaks!

Introducing...Your Images Defined

2 months old

Sneak Peaks!

Sneak Peaks!

Sneak Peaks!

Yah, we found snow!

sweet thing

And then there were three

Sneak Peak

Sneak Peak

Already a month old

What a beauty

Oh how time passes quickly

He Has Arrived!

From the otherside of the camera

The Boys I Love!!

Look who's 3 today!

All right miss thing..

A Little Birthday Fun

Playing around today

I've been tagged

Contest Time Again..

Some from today

Heads Up..

Ok I promised

Sneak Peak

Loving This New Location!!

We Have A Winner!!

Sneak Peaks!

LOCATION CONTEST - ONE DAY LEFT To enter

Sneak Peaks!

Yikes

curious....

Loving This Spot

A little San Diego fun

Location, Location, Location Contest!!!

This one of the I had to post on its own...

Sneak Peak

Wish You Wells Design Example

New Holiday Cards and Jewelry are up for Viewing

It's a Mud Bath!!

A little monsoon fun!

Woo Hoo We Beat the Monsoons...barely

Soon to come.....

My lucky week!

I've been asked so here they are

I Won! I Won!!!

Summer 7-7-7 Canvas Sale

So is all the hype really worth it.....

A little road trip

Just the boys

Sabino Canyon

Sneak Peak

Fun With Friends Today

Sneak Peaks

I love this image

testing out some stuff

Bits and Pieces

Sneak Peaks

For my little man

truly them

CANVAS SPECIAL