Trisha's Sneak Peek {Cigar Smoke Shots}

After I took Josh's cigar smoke shots last month, Trisha contacted me and said that she wanted to have some cigar shots for herself.  I was super excited to have the opportunity to take more of these fun photos, and to apply some of the things I learned from experimenting last month.  I won't bore you with the details, but I did a few things differently with the set up for Trisha's photos and I couldn't be more thrilled with how they turned out.  I also went with a different edit on them that I feel fits perfectly for these images.

When she contacted me I just assumed that Trisha was an experienced cigar smoker, but come to find out this was her first experience with them.  After a quick lesson (from Josh, not me!) she was off and smoking like a total Rockstar.  I never could have posed for these photos, and I gained so much respect for Trisha during her session!

I have so many favorite images, and it was next to impossible to narrow it down to these to share.  This first one definitely ranks very near the top of the fav list. Trisha is an absolute sweetheart, who normally has the most gorgeous smile on her face, but underneath it all I know she has a bit of a "don't mess with me" side that this photo shows perfectly!...

This is another absolute favorite! I feel like it belongs on a movie poster for an old black and white film. I look at this image and the character Brigid O'Shaughnessy from The Maltese Falcon immediately comes to mind...

This is another fav!  I am in love with something about the smoke in this one, along with the shadows on her face...

While these aren't cigar smoke shots, I am head over heels for these last two photos.  They are almost exactly the same but I still couldn't decide which I liked better and opted to post them both...

I cannot tell you how much fun it is to take these photos!  I might have to start marketing these photos for Bachelor and Bachelorette parties - sort of a grown up version of the photo booth at a kid's birthday party.  :)  I would love to have a reason to take these on a regular basis!

P.S.  If Trisha (and Josh) look familiar to you, it is because their session was on the blog earlier this year.

Michele Whitacre is a portrait photographer serving Phoenix, Arizona and the surrounding area.
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© 2013 Michele Whitacre Photography LLC

All Dressed Up with Somewhere to Go, Again!

I hope you will indulge me as I share a few personal photos of Kevin and I all dressed up for the annual black tie ball at his law school.  I didn't bring my camera with me to the event, but we did snap a few photos of us looking all fancy before we left for the festivities.

We clean up pretty well, even if I do say so myself!...

This one is my favorite...

(Photos from last year can be seen here.)

Michele Whitacre is a portrait photographer serving Phoenix, Arizona and the surrounding area.
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© 2013 Michele Whitacre Photography LLC

Self-Portrait | April 2013

Last night was the ball at my husband's law school, and most of my month was spent trying to look my best for the festivities!  I went shopping a few weeks ago with my mom to pick out a new dress.  I went with Kevin to pick out his tux earlier this week.  I kicked up my weight loss efforts this month, and managed to lose about 5 more pounds before the big night.  And, of course, I got my nails, hair, and make-up done the day of the event.  So, it seemed only fitting that I would choose a photo of myself all dolled up for April's self portrait!

I have to admit I probably could have found a better location for my photo instead of standing by our front door!  Summer is in full swing here in Phoenix and it was just plain hot out yesterday.  So instead of wandering around melting while looking for a great background, I just opted for the first place I came to that had decent lighting.  That being said, please excuse the big sun flare across the photo!  I didn't have my lens hood on (shame on me!) and I didn't notice it in the photo until I uploaded the images to my computer.

Did you miss some of my past self-portraits?  Clicking here will take you to all of my self-portrait blog posts. Clicking here will take you to my self-portrait Facebook album.

Michele Whitacre is a portrait photographer serving Phoenix, Arizona and the surrounding area.
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© 2013 Michele Whitacre Photography LLC

Cupcake's Sneak Peek

A few weeks ago I got to photograph Cupcake!  I had so much fun playing with her and taking her photos.

We took her photos in an open area near her owners' house and I was so impressed with how good she was the entire time!  Every time someone went by Cupcake just hung out and watched them, without making a sound.  My dogs would have been going crazy, barking up a storm, chasing after everyone the entire time.

Cupcake was running around and playing during most of her photos, but we finally managed to tucker her out and get a few of her laying down, relaxing...

Just look at that adorable face!...

I love this one, especially in black and white...

Definitely a fav!...

I got a good giggle out of both of these and just had to include them! :) ...

Yum, Treats!...

Cupcake was such a sweetheart during her session, and even made sure to thank me with lots of puppy kisses before we were done.

Michele Whitacre is a portrait photographer serving Phoenix, Arizona and the surrounding area.
Visit Michele's Website | Like Michele on Facebook | Follow Michele on Instagram | Follow Michele on Twitter © 2013 Michele Whitacre Photography LLC

Caleb + Addison's Sneak Peek {Wedding Ceremony}

Last weekend, Caleb and Addison joined their lives as one in a private wedding ceremony, and I am so honored that they allowed me to witness their beautiful ceremony and capture these memories for them.

Their ceremony started with the groom, followed by the bride and her father, crossing over to the tiny private island that they picked for their location.  They couldn't have picked a more perfect and romantic spot!...

The entire day was filled with such love and sweetness between Addison and Caleb.  It was so obvious how much they adore each other...

Addison's mom performed the ceremony, while Addison's dad stood by her side.  Together they read a poem for their daughter and new son.  So much love went into making this moment special for Addison and Caleb...

It was hard not to shed a few tears behind my camera, especially witnessing such moments of love and sweetness as Addison and Caleb exchanged their vows...

Hello gorgeous ring!...

You may now kiss your bride...

A few signatures, and it's official!...

I now present the Mr. and Mrs...

This is definitely a fav!...

Love!...

Is she not the most beautiful and radiant bride you've ever seen?!...

This photo is another of my absolute favorites!...

A peek at their little island behind them....

Caleb and Addison, Congratulations on your marriage!  I couldn't be happier for you two as you begin your new adventure together.  I hope every day is filled with the same love and tenderness that surrounded you on your wedding day.  Thank you for allowing me to be a part of your special day.

Michele Whitacre is a portrait photographer serving Phoenix, Arizona and the surrounding area.
Visit Michele's Website | Like Michele on Facebook | Follow Michele on Instagram | Follow Michele on Twitter © 2013 Michele Whitacre Photography LLC

Tabitha + Nick's Sneak Peek

I am so excited to finally share Tabitha and Nick's sneak peek! Their session was in honor of 10 years together, and it was supposed to take place back in January on the evening of their actual anniversary. Unfortunately, we got rained out and had to reschedule.

Nick and Tabitha picked a park near their house for their photos, and asked to include their dog, Marty, in some of their images.  Marty is so adorable!  He definitely stole the show, but we made sure to get a few of the couple without him so they could shine, too.

I couldn't be more in love with how their session came together!  Theirs is definitely one of my all time favorites.  Nick and Tabitha were both so carefree and easy going in front of the camera, and I really like the fun, laid back feel of their photos. These photos tell their story perfectly, and really don't need any commentary, so I'm just going to hush up and let the photos speak for themselves.

Meet Nick, Tabitha, and Marty...

Tabitha and Nick, Thank you so much for allowing me to take these photos for you! It was a pleasure meeting Marty and spending my Saturday evening getting to know you both better. Congrats on the new house! Good luck to Tabitha, as she finishes school. I wish you both all the best for your future together.

Michele Whitacre is a portrait photographer serving Phoenix, Arizona and the surrounding area.
Visit Michele's Website | Like Michele on Facebook | Follow Michele on Instagram | Follow Michele on Twitter © 2013 Michele Whitacre Photography LLC