Twentynine Palms Photographer {Before and After}

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There is so much that happens behind the scenes for a photographer after the session is over.  The desired affect is to get the image s close to perfect within your camera but there are some magical things that are done right here on my computer.  Above is my nephew – who of course I feel is perfect in every way – as I think about his parents hanging these images on their wall I want there to be a simplicity in looking at his details at the tiny things that are so precious while he is this itty bitty.  Through editing I simply want to remove distractions and create a cohesive image.

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If you watched my work and the direction of it over the years I hope you have continued to see what truly matters, connection.  I want there to be a connection in every image I deliver so that is what I strive for.  When I bring the images home and look at them on my computer screen I want to feel the connection between the subjects or with me and the camera.  Once I have that I already have a beautiful image through editing I just hope to enhance what is already there.

Editing is as much of the art form as the time behind my camera.  It takes time and passion to create the final photograph that I deliver but I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Rasmussen Engagement with Memories by Tasha Photography – Twentynine Palms Photographer

Cuteness and love were in the air.  Couples sessions are always a fun adventure.  As a photographer I want to capture their relationship, their time uninterrupted but as a client they are so aware that a camera is there photographing them and their every move.  Taking the time to slow down and work together to achieve a natural session is so important.

Kathryn contacted me before the holidays to set up a sunset engagement session; her one request Joshua Trees!  I love out desert and I love to capture clients that are excited about it’s beauty so of course I was ready to oblige.  15 years I have been here and I still believe there is nothing like our sunrises and sunsets.

We met at a hot spot in Joshua Tree before traveling to a desert location so we took advantage of getting to know each other a little and of the great textures at the JT Saloon.  I was quickly aware I would have to remind these two to look at the camera every once in awhile because they were fairly smitten with one another.

Kathryn from the east coast and Jack from the west are here in Twentynine Palms courtesy of the Marine Corps but they are enjoying their time here, together awaiting the next adventure.  A fall wedding to plan on the other coast and possibly an upcoming move they are fully learning all about Marine Corps family life.

Playful, flirty and fun would be my best description of these two and their session.  I asked Jack a couple of questions, “Do you ever give her piggy back rides?”  His response, ” Depends on where we are going.”  It was stated with such confidence no one would have guessed the real answer NEVER.  So we tried it.  I also asked him, “Do you have a thing, you know a special sweet kiss or something?”  Well what followed was a silly rendition of kissing but oh so sweet.

I wish you many years of happiness and joy!  May life and the Marine Corps take you on many adventures together.  Congratulations Jack and Kathryn!2017-01-08_0001

WOW What a year 2016! – Memories by Tasha Photography

2017 has BIG things coming, I am beyond excited but before we move forward let’s take a moment to look back through this year of awesomeness!

Every year I am amazed at the collection of experiences I have through my lens.  The emotions, the connections, the relationships, reunions, new life and existing bonds, the moments captured; I am never quite prepared for all that it is.  The images before me never cease to inspire me to want to work harder for this business and for you my clients and friends.

Throughout the years, I have watched your families grow, change, send loved ones off to new adventures and reconnect again and again.  I have met so many new people, made new friends, hung out with those visiting our beautiful desert while on vacation, snuggled the newest of babies, so many of my own stories and experiences are because of all of you.  Capturing your love stories, your birth stories, your history and your hopes for tomorrow is always my honor and my goal. 

In this year, I have shared with you 39 families. 4 weddings, 1 vow renewal, 2 military retirements, 7 life events, 1 birth, 8 mommas & daddies to be, 11 newborns, 6 seniors, 3 military families reunited, 6 cakes smashes, 1 tea party birthday celebration, 1 sunset father/daughter dance session and 8 sessions celebrating childhood milestones.  I look at these collages and I am astonished at this year and the beauty that it has held. 

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Thank you for choosing Memories by Tasha Photography.  Can’t wait to see you in 2017!

Twentynine Palms Event Photographer {Yohe 50th Anniversary}

This family became my family a bit over 20 years ago and they have been stuck with me since.  When asked would I help to capture this moment in time I was honored.  50 years of marriage, years of love and life together!  Through marrying, military life, children, and retirement these two have remained ever faithful and have something so worthy of celebration!  I am glad I could share in this day with you and the family; I hope you enjoy the captures of the day!

Family came from all around to celebrate.  We took a family pictures that were long overdue.  We ate and conversed.  All around a perfect afternoon celebrating love; imperfections and perfections!

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Wyatt’s Cake Smash {Twentynine Palms Children’s Photography}

It’s kind of fun that I am writing this post about celebrating birthdays when today happens to be my daughter’s 19th birthday!  Capturing these milestones, the 1st birthday and cake smash, are always fun and exciting; for parents and the photographer at least.   I have yet to have a one year old just dive in and enjoy the moment of cake without the “no”!

Wyatt’s mom came to me with a great theme and idea for his one year session.  I love when parents are excited and have these fun ideas; so superhero it was.  She not only prepared Wyatt for some great photographs but also the siblings.  Making a great dynamic trio they were ready to fight crime or maybe play at the park and eat cake.  Wyatt wasn’t so sure about the cake or the grass but once his brother and sister joined him he seemed to settle right in.  This session eventually ended with a family cake picnic.  Awesomeness!

With major thigh rolls and big blue eyes we started our session at the Morongo Preserve to capture him with all his handsomeness.  We did some sitting, crawling and even some sort of standing/walking to memorialize this time in his life; I am lucky to help families capture these moments forever as they are so fleeting and easily forgotten.

Milestone sessions are so important to me as a mother and a photographer.  I love the natural flow of capturing these times for the families that I serve.  Sometimes it includes a fit, they are cute when they are not yours, but it captures your reality in these very moments as you experience them.  I can say that I wish I had more images like these of my own children; my poor grandkids, someday when they arrive, will grow to hide from the camera I am sure as the lesson has been learned.  While of course I will always advocate for my profession as I completely believe it is important to let someone else, a professional, capture these moments and memories for you I am often asked what the best camera is for a parent to carry and I will tell you every time; the one you are going to use!  Take it out and capture something amazing today, you, your family, something that will bring you right back to a moment in time and make you smile.

Thank you for allowing me to capture these moments in time for you, for the experience, and the cool opportunity to work with such sweet and cute superheroes. Twentynine Palms Children's  Photography - Yucca Valley Children's Photography - Twentynine Palms Cake Smash Sessions - Yucca Valley Cake Smash Sessions (Rader 1) Twentynine Palms Children's  Photography - Yucca Valley Children's Photography - Twentynine Palms Cake Smash Sessions - Yucca Valley Cake Smash Sessions (Rader 3) Twentynine Palms Children's  Photography - Yucca Valley Children's Photography - Twentynine Palms Cake Smash Sessions - Yucca Valley Cake Smash Sessions (Rader 2)

{ Gabby and Cat; BFFs } – Twentynine Palms Photographer

When I was contacted to photograph two BFFs for a birthday I was excited to discuss what we could do that would make this session different and special. We decided we would take some shots of them together and add a color session at the end. Unsure of what it was going to be like the girls showed up for a little adventure. We met at some abandoned structures in the desert to give us a little different feel and back drop. With the desire to chronicle this time and this friendship I just asked the girls to hang together and pretend that there wasn’t a camera on them 🙂 Our friendships throughout life become such a piece of who we are. Those that we grow with, share with, cry with, and just simply be with. Everyone should have a BFF photo shoot!

I still have no idea what was said during all the whispering but I know whatever it was they couldn’t keep from laughing and having a good time. There was a little hesitance when the color came out but quickly they found their silliness and began having fun. Both became decorated with beautiful colors! Success was made in capturing this time in each of their lives. Thank you again for letting me spend this time with you all!

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{Frankie turns ONE!} Twentynine Palms Photographer

So this big guy, Frank the Tank, and I have been hanging out for a while now.  I have had the pleasure of photographing his family for years and him since his newborn session!  If you look closely you will see he carries the nickname Frank the Tank but he is just a big love except when we feed him cake or try to take his picture.  Now in all fairness to him I think his dad conspires against us to get this guy to smile on picture day but that’s ok we always make it work and we always get the picture 🙂  I’m so glad I have been able to watch him grow and look forward to being there when it’s time for his Senior Pictures ❤Twentynine Palms Photographer, Yucca Valley Photographer, Twentynine Palms Cake Smash Sessions, Yucca Valley Cake Smash Sessions

{ Sloan Homecoming } Twentynine Palms Photographer

Homecomings, homecomings, and more homecomings this month for Memories by Tasha!  Great stuff  ❤ This family waited to be complete as this Marine became a daddy while he was deployed.  As we waited in the wee hours of the morning Lindsay was so excited to finally introduce the two most important men in her life.  The anticipation of homecomings can be felt in the air even as the photographer.  The buses finally arrived and Marines began pouring out.  Now Lindsay said she was staying put and letting him come to her so she wasn’t trying to run with the baby; yeah that went out the window at first glance 🙂  Every one of these images tells of their love, admiration, and devotion to each other and their new son.  Once again beyond blessed to have an opportunity to capture these moments – Thank you Sloan Family!

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{ Neuner Homecoming } Twentynine Palms Photographer

Homecomings are always amazing to me both personally and as a photographer.  This one was extra exciting as this was the second time I was to be with this family upon return.  Due to some personal things for me and scheduling conflicts it came with stress for the client; Jessica handled it all with grace and understanding for my family and I can’t say thank you to her enough.  Some images were taken by a friend and edited by me in order to take care of the scheduling conflict but I was able to get one homecoming photographed and switch my focus to the Neuner family.  Just tells us a lot about the people that they are and how lucky I am once again to meet such an amazing set of humans; restoration in faith once again.

Okay onto talking about this awesome family and their homecoming.  This little man was born not long ago while his daddy was deployed and once again Jessica held down the home front in wait for her man!  Often a bit scary for the youngins when their loved one comes back but these three fit right back together as if Nick had never left!  The emotion and happiness felt in these images is exactly why I love what I do.

Thank you once again for allowing me to help capture this amazing time in your life.

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{ Camp Homecoming } – Twentynine Palms Photographer

Homecomings, homecomings, and more homecomings!  What a great way to spend a portion of my April.  I love everything about homecomings, well maybe sometimes not the long waits, but since these two waited 7 long months for this kiss I don’t think I have too much to say about that.  Jessica contacted me before her hubby even left to make sure she captured her first homecoming as a military spouse.  As we waited the excitement grew and grew, as the buses came into view she did everything she could to hold back the happy tears but that was not going to happen.  As soon as she spotted her man she was off.  Welcome home Marine so glad you are together once again!

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