Je souhaite que j'étais en vacances

I have been listening almost obsessively to Carla Bruni and was inspired to go back to the ongoing overwhelming project I have had of organizing and editing the photos from our trip to Europe.

Here are some of the memories I found.

In love..with Fuji Instax

I have always loved instant photography. Instant gratification has always held an allure for me. My dad also loved photography so every time I go to Florida & Georgia I peruse his stacks of photos that have been stashed away in boxes, looking to collect some that he shot. I got my own Polaroid camera when I was about 10. Since Polaroid discontinued their instant film its become increasingly expensive and hard to find so when Fuji released their Instax I was sooo happy. I ordered a bunch of film and have been shooting like its 1974.

Carina helping me scout locations for upcoming shoots.

Jaime and me at her YUMMY Christmas brunch!

Dorian's commemorative first beer after THE accident.

Dorian, Artie and me taking the Vanagon out for its second camping excursion to

San Clemente!

Off camera Dorian entertaining the Christmas Crew with his usual witty banter.

Dorian and Ben jamming in the backyard!

Art Wall

Dorian and I have slowly been turning some of our favorite photos of family, friends, and trips into canvases. The idea is to have the canvases span the entire wall creating one large art installation. We are almost halfway there!

I like the idea for two reasons

1. its awesome

2. it features some of the people and memories

that mean the most to me:

Bailey The Wonder Pom- Pet Photography

My love for Pomeranians grew when my mom brought home a fluffy ball named Brandy. Brandy used to let my five year old niece push her around the neighborhood in a baby carriage while she lazily lay on her back. My niece screamed to the neighbors with delight that it was her baby. I will always remember my mom in the driveway clutching Bailey, tears streaming down her face as I left on my 3000 mile cross country trip to my new home.

When I first saw the puffy golden dream that is Bailey running across my studio I was immediately transported back. Bailey is seriously cute and happens to belong to one of my besties, Maggie. She has the sweetest face. Maggie and I swear she smiles when she poses for pictures. These are some of the shots that I took for the family Calendar 2010.

Bojador - 50th Wedding Anniversary

This blog has a new home. Check out my latest work at: www.capturedbyaimee.com/blog

There is something so regal and graceful about two people who have been committed to one another for 50 years. I was so moved by the love these two shared for one another and their family during their vow renewal ceremony and reception. I share the hope that many of their guests expressed; to have such love so long in my own life!

Here are a few of my favorites from the day!

Estella, Quinn & Lucinda - Balboa Park - Children Portraits

This blog has a new home. Check out my latest work at: www.capturedbyaimee.com/blog

We have had such a busy holiday with many visits from family and friends. Its been great to see everyone and for them to see how amazing Dorian's recovery is going. We had a yummy lunch with Dorian's uncle and cute cousins in Balboa Park and did a quick impromptu photo shoot behind the Prado. Here are a few of my favorites!

Baby Lincoln - San Diego

This blog has a new home. Check out my latest work at: www.capturedbyaimee.com/blog

We moved to San Diego about 5 years ago and were pleasantly surprised to find some old friends from Florida had made their way out West too. Since then many of them have headed back East. One of those people was Mike St. Jean who my husband Dorian, (the other half of captured)has known for over 20 years. He and his wife Sara recently married and now live back in Pensacola, Florida. Nearly 5 months ago they became the proud parents of Lincoln. This handsome guy has cheeks that were made for pinching and eyes that look like clouds. We got the opportunity to photograph and catch up with the St. Jean's on their recent visit.

It was so awesome seeing you guys enjoy the pics!

"My moms a vet and dads a helicopter pilot, how can I not be cool?"

I told you cheeks...seriously

Lincoln is so Rock N Roll look at this tuff guy expression!

Baby Neves...again

This blog has a new home. Check out my latest work at: www.capturedbyaimee.com/blog

I had the privilege of shooting baby Joey at nine days old so when the Neves' invited us over to see their amazing beautiful new deck (that my brother-in-law built) I brought my camera knowing that I could not resist shooting him again. Even though he had been up most of the night this sweet guy woke up smiling.

Thanks Joey I really appreciate it and thanks to Grandma Neves for the great lunch and conversation.

My Man: Dorian Hargrove

I am so proud and amazed at my husband's strength and progress following the Traumatic Brain Injury he suffered two months ago. He has been asked by the organization, Think First, to speak to children and teens about his story.

I started documenting his experience when he was a patient in the Intensive Care Unit. Even then, in the back of my mind I envisioned one day his writing and my photography could be used to help raise helmet awareness, I didn't think the opportunity would come so soon. Dorian has been amazing in many ways throughout this experience. He has allowed me unfettered access to his journey, even though he says he has not had much of a choice. His openness and strength in sharing his vulnerability is poetic, artistic, and inspiring. Now, more than ever, I am so proud to be his wife and best friend. Yesterday, I staged an impromptu photo session of my man, here are some of my favorites.

A full photo story is in the works!

Family Portrait - Christmas Cards

Its hard to believe that Christmas is almost here. We love taking creative Christmas family photos and turning them into cards. We found the cutest fairy inspired Christmas cloths for the Hamel clan on my favorite site etsy.com and had a magical afternoon at the park. Here are few of my favorites.