Michele Calderon Photography

I had an enjoyable session late last week with 2 very busy siblings. Allison was adorable, although she never stayed in one place for more than 5 seconds. Unless she was watching her brother. Who certainly gave her a lot of amusement - he basically wanted nothing to do with me unless I was throwing him a baseball.

I’ve learned I cannot take pictures and throw a baseball at the same time.

Even so, we got some fun images. That last one is pretty typical of how our evening went - Joseph on the move, and Allison watching him.

These guys were a riot. We had so much fun shooting their portraits - it was obvious they absolutely loved being together. They were always laughing and talking with each other. Rebecca was a total ham, and Zachary loosened up pretty quickly and totally forgot to give me his fake smile. We even found a tractor on the property - bonus for Zach.

I have so many great images it is hard to choose which ones to post. I narrowed it down to these, and I can’t wait to finish going through them. Thanks guys - your kids are wonderful. I had a blast.

We spent much of last week at Proctor’s Theater while my son attended Chess Camp. Behind the theater are some great places for shooting pictures, even during the middle of the day when the sun is at its harshest. A bit of a different type of setting for me, but I really liked it and hope to do more there!

Here are a few shots from our little session. Not so many of the boy - is it obvious he doesn’t really want to sit for a portrait?

Our friends Ken and Amy are following their dream (well, Amy’s dream, but Ken is being a good sport) and opening their own ice cream shop - Emack and Bolio’s on Delaware Ave in Albany, next to the fire station and across from Saint James Church.  The girls and I went there today with some friends to celebrate their grand opening with them. Mayor Jerry Jennings was there for the ribbon cutting ceremony, and to hop behind the counter to serve up a few cones. Check out the menu on their site - plenty to satisfy your sweet tooth, and smoothies too, with super healthy stuff like echinacea and protein powder.  Plus fresh-squeezed lemonade and Raspberry Lime Rickey’s.  (That’s a drink.  I didn’t know that until this afternoon.) AND music on Friday and Saturday nights in their comfy lounge with the leather sofas. Email Ken to book at ken@ebalbany.com.

Here are a couple of snapshots from today. Check out those Rice Crispy Treat and Fruity Pebble waffle cones!!  You can even get a scoop of ice cream on top of them.  Bring your insulin.

I’ve been changing gears lately and shooting some weddings (which I am not yet posting or officially advertising…) but I got to do a fun portrait session last week for this little 10 month old cutie. His family only wanted a few proofs (which makes me hyperventilate as I don’t know how to do that) and I couldn’t help firing off way too many of him.

His sister hopped in for a couple, and it is obvious she really adores her baby brother. I did her portrait when she was about the same age, and I love that she still has that wonderful curly hair.

Here’s your sneak preview - I’ll have your gallery up by the beginning of next week!

I had the pleasure of spending Monday morning photographing little Marin and her mom.  She was the most agreeable baby I have ever worked with - she never cried (not once!)  in 2 hours of photographing ~ not even through diaper changes, outfit changes, anything.  Although she did grunt, one time, when her mom was putting a sweater on her.  That was it.  She was competely happy with however she was positioned, and even fell asleep for a short while.  What a sweetie.  Here’s your little sneak preview.

My friend and fellow photographer Julie Williams was featured this week on Fox13 News in Utah for her work with a very special organization called Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep.  NILMDTS is comprised of thousands of photographers around the country who volunteer their time and talent to help families going through the most difficult challenge of all - the loss of a child.

Julie is truly a special person.  I have so much admiration for her.  She is fun, bubbly, and always finds time to give of herself, even when dealing with her own personal challenges.  She has an fantastic strength of faith, a humble and generous spirit, and is a blessing to many of us.  I am honored to know her.You can see the video by clicking here.  There are 2 parts. 

Jewels, you always inspire me.  XOXO

Meet Regan and Kiernan.  They are 5 months old, incredibly sweet and keep everyone in the house busy.  If one was happy, the other wasn’t. Then they would switch places.  Then one would sleep while her sister kicks her in the face.  But they really draw you in with their gentle smiles.  Plus, they have the most incredible blue eyes I have ever seen.  Usually I prefer black and white infant pictures but this time it is a toss-up with those blue eyes. Yummy.

I’ve had the privilege of photographing this little guy 3 times now, and I swear he gets cuter and cuter each time.  We fit him in last night for a last minute “emergency session” - his dad was taking him to the barber the next day.

Luckily I was able to get a lot of shots without having to run all over the place!  But still, he’s 20 months old and gets around.  His dad had the wonderful idea of giving him the garden hose, while yelling to me “I hope your camera’s insured!”  It is, but I really need it for a session in a few days.

So here’s your sneak peek.  I’m still dreamy from the cute little “Bye, Ichele” voice and the lovingly shared smooshed oyster crackers.

Sometimes I get so wrapped up in my work that I completely forget about the pictures I have taken of my own family.  Such was the case when my brother-in-law came to visit recently, and asked about the pictures I had taken (and promised to send him) from our big family football game on Thanksgiving.  Oops.  So, Team Calderon, I hope you like what I did with them.  I’ll try to be more prompt next time!