Pink and Red| Jenn Hoffmann Photography, Child Photographer, Bay Area

Valentine's Day is one of those Holidays that you either love or hate.  But how can you not LOVE it when these kids are dressed up so cute in their pink and red?  The Valentine's Mini Sessions went off great!  The day was PERFECT- beautiful sunshine, just a hint of wind and warm enough to wear pretty dresses!  Who can resist a BIG heart lollipop and personalized cookies from Danville Bakery?!?!? Thanks to everyone who participated; it was great to meet the new faces and see past clients as well!
Here are a few of the participants:

The Big "4"| Jenn Hoffmann Photography

What does being four mean?  It means....
- a love of Monster Trucks
- dancing with wild moves and still somehow managing to keep the beat (and look good too!)
- staying patient with your baby sister even when she drives you CRAZY (well, at least trying to)!
- being enthusiastic about EVERYTHING!
- counting to 20, recognizing many letters and trying to rhyme
- spelling your name (backwards and forwards!)
- being sensitive
- riding your new bike (with training wheels) standing up!
- having a vivid imagination
- the ability to melt someone's heart instantly with your big blue eyes

This only begins to describe Derek.  In his four years of life, he has brought us much joy, laughter and happiness.  He is certainly one of a kind and we can't wait to see what the future has in store for him.

His big birthday party is next weekend.  Can you guess what theme it will be???  Monster Jam!  We expect a lot of friends and family to celebrate with us; I will post pictures of the main event!

Here is the birthday boy on his birthday.  We went to Chuck E. Cheese (his favorite place!) and then had birthday dinner with family.   He is SO proud and excited to be four- it's a whole new world for him!

Happy Birthday Sweet Boy!

Little Bug!| Jenn Hoffmann Photography

Baby girl is getting bigger by the day!  Ella now has enough hair (down the middle) to sport pig tails- too funny!  She looks like a little bug!
And today, she walked down the hallway in to the kid's bathroom.  I found her standing on the stool in front of the potty pulling on her diaper through her pants.  I asked her if she wanted to go potty and she said "yeah".  So I undressed her, sat her on the toilet and to my amazement- SHE POOPED!
She wants to do EVERY. SINGLE. THING. that her big brother does and has been very interested in the bathroom lately.  I don't know if she is ready for potty training (at 16 months!?!?!??!)- but I will follow her lead!

She is hysterical and keeps us on our toes every day!

And here, I asked her to take her "bibble" out and smile.  This is what I got...
(how early can you do braces?)

Love is in the Air!| Jenn Hoffmann Photography, Child Photographer, Bay Area

Mark your calendars... I am offering a limited number of Valentine's Day Mini Sessions! Only 6 available!

January 20th, 3-5 pm (Crow Canyon Gardens, San Ramon)

15 min Sessions, limited to 2 children per session
prepayment is required, cannot be combined with any other discount or offer

I will have Valentine props on hand (including BIG lollipops), as well as goody bags for the participants.

Packages:

"Sweetheart" $75

15 minute session

5-7 proofs in a password protected gallery

1 5x7 print

50 mini Valentine Day cards (perfect for passing out at school, daycare and playgroups!)

1 digital image of your choice

"Love at First Sight" $100

15 minute session

5-7 proofs in a password protected gallery

3 5x7 prints

25 5x7 single sided Valentine photo cards (with envelopes)

2 digital images of your choice

"Box of Chocolate" $125
15 minute session
5-7 proofs in a password protected gallery
All gallery images on disc (5-7)

*9.25% sales tax will be added to each package

Additional card sets available a la carte

Consider contacting Savvy Styled Sessions for help in styling your shoot. She has some great Valentine ideas!

Sessions Available:
3:00-3:15  Amy S.

3:20-3:35  Nicole

3:40-3:55  Jennifer W.

4:00-4:15  Sara M.

4:20-4:35  Megan F.

4:40- 4:55 Joanna V.

Email me to book your session today!  info@jennhoffmannphotography.com

Moving Right Along...| Jenn Hoffmann Photography, Family Photographer, Bay Area

I met up with this family today for some fun family portraits- and they have movers coming tomorrow to pack up their house as they are re-locating!  And as if they didn't have enough on their plate, look at how well Mom coordinated their outfits!  Perfect!

Not Enough Time...| Jenn Hoffmann Photography

It is with a heavy heart that I write this post tonight.... I can't believe I am writing this- but our "new" dog Mason (seen here) passed away this morning at home.  He just turned two the beginning of December and was quite a healthy, energetic dog.  We haven't even had him for 2 months and have only begun to love and bond with him.  The kids ABSOLUTELY adore him and he couldn't have had a better temperament as Ella pulled, tugged at him- and even tried to ride him!
I'll spare you the details but we already have the autopsy report back.  He had a mass in the back of his throat that somehow got agitated and blocked his airway (imagine a cork in a wine bottle).  The three vets that worked on him said they have never seen it before.
We just returned from a trip to Carmel last week, where Mason got to play and run on the beach with other dogs.  These are some of the last pictures we have of him:

I love how much fun it looks like he is having...

It was pretty stormy during a few of the days of our trip.  I caught this as we were having lunch one day at the wharf.  I see it fitting now, when I think of the poem "The Rainbow Bridge".  Rest in peace Mason.

It's Been a Great Year!| Jenn Hoffmann Photography, Portrait Photographer, Bay Area

2010 has been a great year!  I went from "portfoilio building" to full price (which is scary) and have accumulated many loyal, wonderful clients throughout it all.  Thank you for allowing me to capture all of the wonderful memories we have created- it is truly an honor.  I look forward to all that 2011 has in store for us!
Have a happy and safe new year, and enjoy this 2010 Highlight Slideshow!