Shelley Dee Photography: 2013

Monday, December 30, 2013

Best of 2013 Photography {Weddings.Seniors.Families} Marin, Napa, Sonoma County Portrait & Wedding Photographer...Shelley Hohe

As 2013 comes to a close I want to thank each and everyone of my clients who stepped in front of my camera this past year. I had the opportunity to meet and get to know so many wonderful people through my business. This is why I love what I do! Not only do I get to do something I love which is taking pictures, but I get to meet new people in the process.

This past year I have traveled throughout Marin, Sonoma and Napa county finding so many wonderful new locations for my photography sessions. From vineyards in the wine country, park like settings, bed and breakfasts to downtown, I love being able to offer my clients a variety of locations to chose from.

Here are some of my favorite photos I captured with my camera in 2013. I look forward to meeting and working with even more clients in 2014!!!

Best of 2013 ~ Seniors

Best of 2013 ~ Engagements, Families and Children

Best of 2013 ~ Weddings

Lifestyle, Portrait and Wedding Photographer serving Marin, Napa, Sonoma and Beyond!

415.827.9646

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Tuesday, December 24, 2013

Merry Christmas from our family to yours! {Christmas Decorations and more}

Wow! Can you believe it's already Christmas Eve, where has the year gone?

For our family it has been quite a roller coaster of highs and lows this past year. Between my husband and I celebrating our 15 year wedding anniversary (which you can see here) and our twins (son and daughter) celebrating their 13th birthday, the beginning of 2013 was filled with so much joy! Then in September less than a week before going to Disneyland with our dear friends from Oregon, my husband went into renal failure due to food poisoning. He spent 8 days in the hospital and right before being discharged he started complaining of pain in which he developed a blood clot. This meant 3 months of blood thinners for him....no fun! Then this past month I came down with a terrible infection in which I had to go in for oral surgery, which was just last week. Oh and now my daughter is sick in bed! You would think we have a right to not want to celebrate Christmas this year, but to be honest the more we go through trials, the more we cling to Jesus...the reason for this beautiful season. So yes we might postpone opening the few gifts we purchased and having a nice Christmas dinner, but we won't lose the joy and peace that God has for us. So this Christmas as I am recovering and my daughter is sick, we can sit back and enjoy our Christmas decor as we thank God for bringing us through these hard times! I am thankful that my husband is recovered, that I made it thought my oral surgery and that my daughter just has a cold. It could be so much worse! We have so much, we have God who loves us so much that He gave us Jesus our Lord and Savior!!!

Merry Christmas from our family to yours...may you experience the love, peace and joy that God has for each and everyone of us.

Besides my love of photography, I absolutely love to decorate and since we are not dressed up for family photos I thought I would share a look into our home....

Table Decor.... quilted place mats-Bed Bath and Beyond, candle holders-World Market and Mikasa, trees/floral/tray...Pier 1 Imports

This tree was practically given to us and every time I look at it I am reminded what a blessing it is.

To make a long story short...a few years ago the day after Thanksgiving I was in the hunt for a taller Christmas tree since we have taller ceilings in our new place. I went to Lowes because I saw an ad for a 7ft tree on sale. Upon arriving there at 6 in the morning I couldn't find the tree in the ad so I asked a salesman who just happened to be the store manager. He pointed to one that was similar but it wasn't what I expected...not as nice as what the ad showed. He could tell I was not excited about it. He then asked me what tree I wanted and I showed him this gorgeous 8ft pre lit tree that caught my attention when I first walked through the doors. He then asked me if I wanted to purchase it...yes if I wanted to spend almost $300. He said will do you want it...I said yes, he then said well then it is yours for the ad price of $49.99. He then said MERRY CHRISTMAS!!! Now every year I look at this tree I am reminded of this nice manager and how blessing others brings so much joy!!!

Candle Holder and Vase-HomeGoods
Ornaments-Pottery Barn, Macy's and Michaels...after Christmas clearance

I scored on this hand painted crystal Christmas tree set from Costco...clearance for $5.95.

The Nativity candle holder has been in our family for years!

I got a little crafty here by adding some pine cones to a vase and some artificial candy canes to a mason jar. The ornament is my very first Christmas gift from my kids....13 years ago.

and the Stockings.....my stepmom surprised us this year by sending us our own

personalized stockings she worked so hard at making. Aren't they just the best!!!!

Lifestyle, Portrait and Wedding Photographer serving Marin, Napa, Sonoma and Beyond!

415.827.9646

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Friday, December 6, 2013

Sonoma Family Session {A Farmhouse, Gardens and Vineyards}Marin, Napa, Sonoma County Portrait & Wedding Photographer...Shelley Hohe

I recently met this sweet family at church and have been getting to know Lisa even more through the women's group we are in at our church. After getting to know Lisa more, I just knew I wanted her family to be a part of my portfolio, so I am excited I was given the opportunity to photograph this precious family...they really are adorable!!

Location is a very important part of every session, it is the backdrop for every session I photograph. When Lisa and I first started talking about the specifics of her family's session she asked me if it could take place on her mom's property and I am so glad we did because it was the perfect backdrop for every photo. From her mom's beautiful farmhouse with a wrap around covered porch, a beautiful garden, a nearby vineyard and the gorgeous sunlight it was just the perfect location!!

The first part of the session I took family photos with Lisa, her husband Kirk and their precious daughter. Once their daughter started getting tired we decided to take some "engagement styled photos" of just Lisa and Kirk. I must say they are such a cute couple together and I have a feeling they have had their photos taken before, because they were so natural in front of my camera.

I had such a great time taking this family's photos and it was such a blessing getting to know them even better after our time together!!!

Enjoy viewing their photos...

Lifestyle, Portrait and Wedding Photographer serving Marin, Napa, Sonoma and Beyond!

415.827.9646

To view more photos and stay updated on special offers

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Friday, October 11, 2013

Your Wedding Photographer's Role {Capturing Your Special Day} Marin, Napa, Sonoma County Portrait & Wedding Photographer...Shelley Hohe

When planning and preparing for your special day it's so important to find a photographer you can connect with. The best way to connect with your photographer is to find out more about them by going to their website, blog and Facebook page. Once you choose your photographer ask to meet up with them over coffee. This will be a time for you and photographer to get to know one another and your photographer will ask you details about your special day. If you haven't had your engagement photos taken this would be a perfect time to schedule a session with your photographer. I think an engagement session is a great way for you to get more comfortable with posing in front of them, sort of like a dress rehearsal for your big day. As a matter of fact, all my wedding packages come with a complimentary engagement session because of this very reason. I love getting to know my couples more intimately before their special day.

The main reason I am posting this is so you know the importance of having a connection with your photographer, that way when your special day arrives you and your photographer will have good communication. Your photographer will know what your photography needs and wants are. During a couples big day things can get rushed...I can definitely say the most important thing not to rush is getting good photos on your wedding day. A couple might want to bypass formal photos to rush to the reception as they can get lost in the in all the excitement of their day. As your photographer it's my job to remind each couple to take the time so they can get special photos of their wedding day. Reminding a couple that this is their day, that everything and everyone else can wait is very important. I feel this is where my role as a wedding photographer comes to play.

As a wedding photographer I almost feel as though I am also a time coordinator making sure every moment is being captured with my camera. Below are some of my favorite photos of some past weddings I photographed and I could not get these if I did not let my couples know the importance of taking this special time out before heading to their receptions. Another idea if a couple is up to it, is to do first look photos. I know this isn't for every couple and I completely understand, but doing this can free up a little more time for after the ceremony. Either way, just remember to trust your photographer! I know for myself every wedding I photograph, is just as important as if it were my very own wedding which is why it is so important for me to share this information with you. After each wedding the only thing left are your photos and/or video to remember your special day that your worked so hard to plan and prepare!!! I look forward to capturing more weddings as I get to create memories with my camera for couples to look back on and share for years to come!!