Friday is not my favorite day to {blog}…

but seeing as how I have been MIA for t.h.i.r.t.e.e.n blogging days…and I’m starting to get hate love letters…I figured that I better pull myself out from under my bloggin’ rock and post something! So…here you are…a hint at a little something fun & exciting that’s in the works as I type…coming to you courtesy of the crazy beautiful Miss B.

Sorry for my absenteeism. I have been very busy the past couple of weeks with shooting, editing, and designing albums…so the blog has taken a bit of a backseat. I’ve been working in several sessions the past couple of weeks since I’ll be taking July and the first half of August off (with the exception of newborn & maternity sessions…which I always make time for)…so my schedule has been a little crazy lately.

Hope you’re all having a wonderful, lazy, fun-filled summer!

‘Til Next Time!
S

 

| Phoenix Senior Photographer | Scottsdale Senior Photographer | Gilbert Senior Photographer | 

9 comments. Click here to add yours.
  1. Patrice wrote: Oh Sandi, you have done it again! These are awesomely fantabulous!!! :) (06/19/09, 9:24 pm)

  2. Tira J wrote: These are great Sandi! Oh, and your advice totally worked! Check out Benton's pictures on my blog! Glad you blogged for us today! Have a wonderful weekend. (06/19/09, 11:18 pm)

  3. Johanna wrote: Beautiful. Girl, setting, composition, color...everything. You've done it again Sandi. Enjoy your time off...you've certainly earned it. (06/19/09, 11:49 pm)

  4. Jaxon Bradshaw wrote: Great Mom. I love them especially the one where she's making the peace signs, it's so fun. Love you, Jaxon (06/20/09, 1:07 pm)

  5. michelle sidles wrote: Ha! I recognize one of those pics from the MCP actions blog! ;) (06/22/09, 2:36 pm)

  6. Retha wrote: Love these Sandi! Awesome! (06/22/09, 10:11 pm)

  7. Jennifer Chaney wrote: I think this is my favorite senior session of yours... That first one is awesome and the third is just beautiful. Such different locations, too. Beautiful job lady! Keep it up!! (06/26/09, 10:30 pm)

  8. ~SarahInParis~ wrote: WOW she's gorgeous Sandi and your images are just stunning. I'll have to ship my daughter off to the USA in about 14 years so you can do her senior photos!! (06/27/09, 9:19 am)

  9. Nicole Benitez wrote: These are gorgeous! I can't wait to see what else you are working on! (06/28/09, 1:48 am)

I {promised} more of this little newborn … | Phoenix Newborn Photographer |

It’s been a couple of weeks…but, I have not forgotten my promise to blog a few more of this precious little newborn girl. OH.MY.GOODNESS…so hard to narrow these down for the blog! I just loved everything about this baby girl…have I mentioned how much I love photographing newborns?!?! She was so good for me…super peaceful, slept like an angel, and I think she only cried once while I was there…just a little dream! So here you are…the über gorgeous Miss Z…and her stunning parents.

Scottsdale Newborn Photographer

*FOCUS 2009 PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP NEWS*

There are 2 spots left for the August workshop. I have also been asked to possibly do a CA workshop…and so I am considering that option as well. If you would be interested in a CA workshop - September 5th & 6th - in San Luis Obispo…please EMAIL ME to be put on the pre-registration/interest list.

‘Til Next Time!

| Phoenix Newborn Photographer | Scottsdale Newborn Photographer | Gilbert Newborn Photographer |
| Phoenix Baby Photographer | Scottsdale Baby Photographer | Gilbert Baby Photographer | 

21 comments. Click here to add yours.
  1. Johanna wrote: Oh my gosh, love the face in that basket image! What a beautiful baby and mama too! Hard to tell but I bet daddy's not half bad either! :) The one of mama in the pink and then the one of daddy kissing baby...I would do giant wall portraits of those! Great shots as always Sandi. (06/06/09, 5:41 pm)

  2. alisha hammond wrote: these are absolutely beautiful! what a beautiful little baby and family! great job! (06/07/09, 5:10 pm)

  3. Retha wrote: Beautiful photos Sandy! Baby Z is gorgeous as are her parents! Love all of these. (06/07/09, 5:39 pm)

  4. Susan wrote: OMGoodness!! Sandi, your photographs of this little angel take my breath away! And I wish I had looked even half as beautiful as this lovely mom after I gave birth to each of my babies!! Well done :-). (06/07/09, 9:09 pm)

  5. cassie s wrote: I can't begin to tell you how wonderful these are! The baby is adorable,great job and they will be pleased! (06/07/09, 9:57 pm)

  6. misty wrote: Just precious! Love them!! (06/07/09, 11:11 pm)

  7. natasha g wrote: Absolutely stunnning... gorgeous baby and family! Just beautiful... (06/07/09, 11:40 pm)

  8. Jennifer N wrote: What a gorgeous family. You have such talent. You've captured the love and bond. Just beautiful! This family is going to cherish these pics. I would have a hard time narrowing down too. I'd want them all! (06/08/09, 1:08 am)

  9. Laurie K. wrote: AMAZING images and such a gorgeous couple!!! That little sweetheart makes me want to have another! (06/08/09, 8:41 am)

  10. Patrice wrote: oh Sandi - these are simply beautiful, love them all! #2 would make a great canvas! (06/08/09, 12:49 pm)

  11. Jane Cosner wrote: What a gorgeous family, and you captured the connections so beautifully. They really will treasure these. Baby Z your a little beauty. Jacey (06/08/09, 1:02 pm)

  12. Andrea Roberts wrote: Oh my goodness! What a gorgeous little girl. Not hard to see where she gets it from though- Mom is stunning. Beautiful work, Sandi! (06/08/09, 5:10 pm)

  13. ~SarahInParis~ wrote: Sandy these images are AMAZING! They are all just so incredibly beautiful. What beautiful images of a gorgeous family. Wow! (06/08/09, 5:45 pm)

  14. Allison wrote: This baby is a doll! Her mom & dad are gorgeous! And you are awesome sandi!! (06/08/09, 7:04 pm)

  15. Shuva Rahim wrote: Sandi, such lovely photos of an adorable cutie... not enough adjectives to describe this little one... wonderful job! (06/12/09, 11:12 am)

  16. Ginger Boles wrote: Beautiful pics...my lil cousin Baby Z is soooooo beautiful! (06/14/09, 11:00 am)

  17. Sarah Wheeler wrote: These are beautiful, and what a pretty baby! (06/14/09, 11:28 pm)

  18. kathy wrote: Sandi - OH MY!!! You are AMAZING! These couldn't be more perfect!! I Love every one of them. Especially the little feet in the face. Beautiful couple and precious squishy babe! (06/14/09, 11:53 pm)

  19. Philana wrote: Absolutely breathtaking pictures of a beautiful baby and beautiful family. Wow. (06/15/09, 3:39 pm)

  20. Jennie Slade wrote: wow. what a beautiful baby!!! by looking at the mom and dad you can see why! (06/18/09, 6:37 pm)

  21. Amy wrote: Precious as always, but Sandi, you are waaaaay behind on your blog. June 6th?? ahem...I'm just sayin'!! (06/19/09, 4:05 pm)

splish {splash}… | Scottsdale Baby Photographer | Sandi Bradshaw |

I’ve had the pleasure of photographing this sweet little missy three times in the past year. The first time she was here visiting from CA when she was 6 months old and her mom felt like it was important to find a photographer that could get to know her daughter and work with her for years. I was so happy that she chose me…but even more so I was so happy to have another client that saw the benefit of having a long term relationship with their photographer…because I feel like that’s one of the most important parts of my business. I consider my clients to be friends…and I wouldn’t have it any other way! It’s been so much fun to get to watch little miss E grow over the past year or so. Her hair has grown so much over the past 6 months…sooo cute! And…my goodness…is she ever full of personality these days!

*LOVIN’* her little pouty face in that last one!
 

*SUMMER AVAILABILITY*

I also wanted to update my availability for the rest of the summer. I am scheduling newborn and indoor sessions in the Phoenix area for July and August. I am also accepting a limited amount of northern AZ sessions for July and August.

*MICHIGAN PHOTO SESSION OPENING*

I will be in the Detroit area the beginning of July and I will be making time for 2 sessions while I am there. If you (or someone you know in the area) are interested in booking a Michigan photo session, please email me for availability.

‘Til Next Time!

6 comments. Click here to add yours.
  1. gina wrote: LOVE the rose shot... they're all beautiful, as always!! (06/04/09, 3:22 pm)

  2. Michell K wrote: WOW! Where is this...roses like that in Phoenix in the Summer?! Beautiful! (06/04/09, 4:18 pm)

  3. Johanna wrote: what a cutie and you captured her spirit so beautifully! I too love the poutie face! nice work, as always! (06/04/09, 4:18 pm)

  4. Amy wrote: She reminds me a bit of Shiloh Jolie-Pitt...such a beauty!! (06/06/09, 12:46 pm)

  5. ~SarahInParis~ wrote: I LOVE this session Sandi. What a gorgeous little girl. Just divine. Colours are amzing too! (06/08/09, 5:47 pm)

  6. Julie Harkins wrote: OHHHH these are so fun! That first series of her playing and laughing in the water are just wonderful! But, I think my favorite is the last one with her adorable expression. Beautiful work as always. (06/08/09, 11:04 pm)

{dear} sarah… | Phoenix Child Photographer | Sandi Bradshaw |

Today is your birthday…and I have been thinking of you almost constantly since last night. Although we’ve never met, your life has significantly impacted my own. Today…your birthday…I watched your son swim with his children…your grandchildren. I watched him laugh with them…play with them…love them. And I asked myself lots of questions…questions that I may never know the answers to. I don’t pretend to understand the decision you made 27 years ago…if I try I get angry…so instead I just tell myself that you did it because you had to…but, I know that’s not really the truth…I’m not even sure the truth matters…27 years later.

I sat at my computer last night finishing up editing a beautiful wedding…the house was silent except for the music…and as my playlist ran on and on…I grew more and more reflective about what matters in life. Sacrifices we make…sacrifices of ourselves…sacrifices for ourselves…life is full of all kinds of sacrifices. I thought of my children and the sacrifices that I’ve made for them…as well as the ways that I’ve sacrificed for myself…and I visited my regrets…and I do have them. I wish I didn’t.

The playlist ran on and on…“I’ve got a good mother, and her voice is what keeps me here…feet on ground, heart in hand, facing forward…be yourself…I’ve never wanted anything…I’ve got a good father…and his strength is what makes me cry…feet on ground, heart in hand, facing forward…be yourself…I’ve never wanted anything…” I wish that T had the same kind of childhood that I had…stable, secure, sacrificed for…I don’t pretend to understand. But, I do know that he is a man who is uniquely aware of what matters in life. I wish you had known what mattered. For his sake. For C & S’s sakes. Maybe you did know…maybe sacrificing of yourself was just too complicated…I don’t pretend to understand.

And, the playlist ran on and on…“Give me these moments…back. Give them back…to me. All the things we should have said, that we never said. All the things we should have done that we never did. All the things that you needed from me. All the things that you wanted for me…make it go away…just make it go away.” Surely your life has been filled to overflowing with the crushing weight of regret. Surely? I don’t pretend to understand. But, I do know that it won’t ever go away. I wonder if the things that we regret sacrificing for ourselves ever really do.

You have 14 grandchildren…I wish you knew them. But, when you left your children’s bags on the doorstep of your home, and sent their step-father to say goodbye on your behalf, you sacrificed the very thing that matters most in life. Yet…I’m ever so thankful that T learned it along the way in spite of what wasn’t sacrificed for him. Somehow, he got it right anyway. And the playlist ran on and on…”Sing Alleluia, sing alleluia, praise the Father above…sing alleluia…sing alleluia…for His infinite love…sing alleluia…”

Happy Birthday Sarah. We celebrated today.

‘Til Next Time,

12 comments. Click here to add yours.
  1. Heidi Welshans wrote: Sandi, These are the very best kinds of pictures to take and to spend time on. Clients are forgotten, but these precious moments never will be, now that you've taken the time to capture them in this way. Sacrifices... not always. Congratulations on a day of celebrating, for finding good in the bad. These are absolutely beautiful, some of my favorites of your work that I've seen. Heidi (05/30/09, 8:26 am)

  2. Laurie Lozano wrote: OMG Sandi, I just read this post and cried. It is so sad, and so touching, and so eloquently written. It breaks my heart. The images that go along with it are beautiful too. I just dont know what to say. In spite of what happened 27 years ago, it appears your husband overcame that huge challenge in his life and grew into a strong and loving man. You have a beautiful family and I know you cherish them all deeply. ....I'm still in tears over your post. :( (05/30/09, 8:40 am)

  3. Audra Buchanan wrote: Its amazing what you shared here. I could basically write the same thing for my husband. Life on earth can be very sad! Your husband must be an amazing person and I pray he only finds his worth in our heavenly father... She has missed out on 14 blessings and that is not even counting her own children and YOU! (05/30/09, 9:04 am)

  4. Heather Caudill wrote: Sandi- Your post so moved me. Although my scenario is a bit different, my father left me 24 years ago (I was 15) by suicide. The sentiments you wrote spoke to me. I think of what he has missed not knowing my husband or my children. My husband (who has a very present mother and father and has never suffered a great loss) can not relate, he tries to comfort me, but I know he feels helpless to ease the pain of my loss. Your phrase, "I don't pretend to understand" was so profound to me, because I am now 38 and my father was 37 when he passed. "I don't pretend to understand" how he could leave his family, how I could ever leave mine. Thank you for your honestly and for such a touching post. You have reached across the miles with your art, but also with your heart. Thank you! Heather-Charlotte, NC (05/30/09, 10:00 am)

  5. ally wrote: What a touching emotion filled post. I think we can all learn from each other through our mistakes and achievements. Thank you for sharing, it has brought me to see my family and myself (as a wife, mom, sister, daughter, aunt and friend) in a new light. (05/30/09, 10:03 am)

  6. Johanna wrote: Today (next day) is MY birthday and when I read this post I cried. (Thanks for that Sandi!) My kids greeted me with hugs, kisses and hand-drawn birthday cards. Being without them would be like being without air. Cannot imagine choosing to be without air. Nothing can change the past, but we can learn from it. Our history, however painful, makes us what we are today and, if for nothing else, for that you can be grateful that this person chose to do what she did. Your children and family are beautiful, your images lovely as always. Thank you for sharing Sandi. (05/30/09, 10:38 am)

  7. Moria Zuriel wrote: Oh my. I don't know you and only just started following your blog... The images are amazing, as always. Just looking at those make my heart smile. But your words.... Oh, my heart aches. Tears. I'm so thankful to our Heavenly Father that He stepped in and provided a way for your husband to escape what was put on him. What a legacy! I too grew up in a not so great household, though my parents didn't leave us (although sometimes I longed that they would). Now that I am a parent myself, I find myself pondering HOW.... HOW could they possibly have done us the way they did. The love in my heart... the indescribable emotion .... how I feel about those precious souls... what I would do for them.... what I don't do for them... Praise God the cycle stopped and your precious children will never know that pain. (05/30/09, 12:01 pm)

  8. Shuva Rahim wrote: Wow, Sandi! That is so beautifully written. I'm glad you are blessed with such a happy family, and you are able to mark sadness with such joyous moments. (05/31/09, 8:28 pm)

  9. jean smith wrote: i like what heidi wrote (i don't know her, just liked her comment). well said and i just had to say that i love how bright, fresh, and colorful your images are. awesome! (06/01/09, 4:07 am)

  10. tricia dunlap wrote: sandi, you have such a gift of expressing yourself in photos and words. i can't wait to meet you in august at the workshop! (06/04/09, 10:00 am)

  11. Sandi - Treasure the Time wrote: Ohhhh goodness! You are all so sweet to take the time to respond to my "personal" post. Thank you all for your sweet words and in several cases...your empathy. My husband has come out on the other side of what life dealt him as such a great dad with such a healthy outlook on life. It's amazing...and a good reminder to me that our pasts don't have to define us. Thanks again for all of your sweet sentiments! It means a lot to me to hear from my blog readers...so thanks for that! And...Heather and Moria...I'm sorry that you've experienced something similar. :o( I hope that it's made you stronger and better parents! :o) Blessings ya'll! (06/05/09, 3:55 pm)

  12. Stacy F wrote: Sandi, your blog posting was by far the most poignant "letter" I have read. As a therapist I have learned to not judge. It is impossible for any one of us to know what experiences an individual endures that leads them to make the choices they make. As a mother it is impossible to NOT feel the hurt and sadness these children must have experienced. The blessing in this is that our present life is not dictated by our history. Your husband has defined who he is as a father and it is clear in no way does it resemble his own childhood. Praises to him for rising above! (BTW, when I met him it was clear his love and devotion to you. What a true man!!) (06/08/09, 8:10 pm)

two {little} sweet peas… | Scottsdale Newborn Photographer | Sandi Bradshaw |

For the most patient parents on earth…who haven’t even so much as peeped about the fact that I have not put up a sneak peek of their precious newborn twins! This is LONG overdue! These babies were so sweet to work with…and so tiny! They just snuggled on up to each other so sweetly…hardly even a peep out of them the whole session. I’ve always wanted twins…my Grandpa was a twin…so I always kind of thought I might have twins, and I always thought it would be so much fun to have boy/girl twins…this is one extra blessed family…with two of the sweetest little peas in a pod that I’ve ever laid eyes on! A boy…and a girl!

 

Thank you “S” family, for inviting me into your home to photograph your newest additions! It was so nice to spend the afternoon with you all…your babies are just precious!

This has been a whirlwind week for me. I actually took a vacation! I haven’t taken a sincere vacation in over a year…you know the kind where you don’t work?!?! Every trip I’ve gone on, every weekend away, every. single. day. of the past year and a half, I’ve worked in some capacity or another. BUT…not this weekend! (Well…mostly…I did respond to a couple of emails and I answered my phone a couple of times…but for the most part…I took a break…and IT. WAS. GLORIOUS!) My mom took me to Palm Springs for my birthday this year and we did very little more than nothing…and it was WONDERFUL! I got to rest, spend lots of time with my mom, shop, eat, read, breathe in the beautiful 72 degree weather, and relax. It was much needed. Thank you Mom (I know you’re reading this!)! You blessed me this weekend in more ways than you know!

So…today I was officially back to work and I’ve been busy all day long. I know that I am behind on responding to emails, so if you’ve got an email in to me and I haven’t gotten back with you…just give me through tomorrow…I’m getting caught up!!!

‘Til Next Time!

 

11 comments. Click here to add yours.
  1. gina wrote: fabulous session, as usual. so lucky for this mom to have this moment captured. (05/27/09, 2:39 am)

  2. Melissa Cotton wrote: These are absolutely fabulous! I love the first one....can I ask where you found that? (05/27/09, 8:30 am)

  3. Nicki wrote: These are gorgeous! The first shot is so adorable. (05/27/09, 8:45 am)

  4. jean smith wrote: oh my goodness...dying over them all, but that first one? PRICELESS!!! love it! (05/27/09, 8:56 am)

  5. Amy Lyn wrote: Beautiful! I want to know too. Where did that pod come from? Too cute! :) (05/27/09, 12:57 pm)

  6. shannon wrote: these are wonderful...and the first shot is incredible!!! (05/27/09, 3:15 pm)

  7. Amy wrote: Oh I remember, I remember! I used to put my twins to sleep in the same crib and they always found each other and would snuggle up nose to nose. It is truly the most precious bond! Darling photos! (05/27/09, 7:34 pm)

  8. Lisa H. Chang wrote: These babies are SOO cute! And I love the first photo. Good job! (05/28/09, 10:30 pm)

  9. Jolie Anne wrote: Wow, what beautiful images! Great light and wonderful posing! Love the magic you performed with my Twin Pea in a Pod!! (05/29/09, 12:37 am)

  10. Heather wrote: ok, I've NEVER wanted twins, especially now that I have a house-full. But oh these pictures make me rethink that. What precious moments you have captured for this family! (05/29/09, 12:47 am)

  11. Amanda wrote: I love the pictures of my twins they are beautiful. Sorry it took me forever to comment I didn't have time when I did my sneak peek. I can't wait to see the rest of the pictures. (06/10/09, 9:59 pm)

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