Zuchinni anyone? ~ Riverside CA Photographer ~ Rachel Clare
June 30, 2009 | Filed Under Just Because, Mine | 4 Comments
JT took a bag of just-picked tomatoes from our garden to some friends. In return, they gave him a GINORMOUS zuchinni. “We usually like to pick them smaller than this, but this one got away from us…”
I suppose it did. Side dish anyone?
Twitter and Facebook
June 29, 2009 | Filed Under Announcements | Leave a Comment
I’ve SO joined the modern world. Hello Twitter. And check out our Facebook page! Follow us (Twitter) and become a fan (Facebook) at the following links….
www.twitter.com/rcphotographer
www.facebook.com/rachelclarephotography
Maria & Family ~ Inland Empire Family Photographer ~ Rachel Clare
June 28, 2009 | Filed Under Children, Family | 19 Comments
We went to high school together. We had classes together and a few mutual friends. I always liked Maria a lot, we just had different groups of friends. Therefore, we didn’t keep in touch after high school. Fast forward 11 years. We meet up at a photography workshop in Phoenix last year. “Maria?!” “Rachel?!” And now, we’re great friends!
Maria 2nd shot for me in Kansas City last week at Micheal & Kari’s wedding. By wild chance, she ended up in Lawrence Kansas (where we lived for 4 years during grad. school) with her cute little family and I’m so grateful they did! Gives me one more friend to get to visit when we go back.
While I was in town, we got together for a quick family shoot for them. Their children are adorable (yes, same parents for all 3 kids- they just got lucky with a beautiful blonde!) and were so happy and fun. We cruised the farmer’s market, walked Massachusetts St., had hot dogs and cotton candy and watched it melt (did you know that cotton candy will melt??) in the humidity. It was so fun to spend some time with their family, and I’ve got to say- these hot dog pictures are some of my favorites!! I hope she turns all three into canvases.
Micheal & Kari ~ Inland Empire Wedding Photographer ~ Rachel Clare
June 22, 2009 | Filed Under Couples, Weddings | 25 Comments
No, I didn’t spell his name wrong.
JT and I spent the past 4 days in Kansas City and Lawrence where we got to see friends and visit our old turf, but mostly for the wedding of Micheal and Kari. JT was the best man. I was the photographer. Besides the bride and groom, I’d say we were pretty “up there” on the importance list. 
We worried about rain. We worried about humidity. We had no rain, and bearable humidity. A lovely day, these two were married in the Loose Park Rose Garden in Kansas City with full sun and a slight breeze. The location was gorgeous, the energy was high, and everything went off without a hitch (except for one sweet little flower girl who absolutely REFUSED….).
After the ceremony and reception, Micheal & Kari were laid back and willing to go with the flow while we dragged them into alleyways and into tattoo parlors (truth: it was Micheal’s idea). The wonderful Maria Hays was my 2nd shooter, and I’m so grateful that they’re in that area now! It was wonderful to see her (an old friend) and be able to shoot with her for the day.
This couple is just about as perfect for one another as any couple could be. They compliment each other so well, and I wish them all the best in this new journey together.
Here’s a BIG ol’ sneak peek, because I simply couldn’t cut it down. Feel free to leave Micheal and Kari some love in the comment box above!
Father’s Day
June 22, 2009 | Filed Under Just Because | 1 Comment
I wanted to post just a little love note to my Dad on this Father’s Day. I’m so grateful for the man who helped raise me. Who has given me such an example to look to in my life. He’s so kind. He’s generous and thoughtful and selfless and giving- to everyone he knows, he’s giving. He’s humble and gentle and I love him with all of my heart. He is a wonderful companion to my Mother and I couldn’t have had a more safe or loving atmosphere to grow up in.
Thank you, Dad, for being one of the most wonderful people I’ve ever known in my life. I’m so lucky to have been sent to you. I love you. Happy Father’s Day.
In Kansas
June 20, 2009 | Filed Under Announcements | 1 Comment
Quick note: we arrived in Kansas yesterday afternoon and are enjoying being back on our old turf. Shooting a wedding in Kansas City this weekend. Will post a bazillion pictures when I get back!
I do have occasional access to my email, so I’ll try to respond to messages as I get them!
The O. Kids ~ Riverside CA Child Photographer ~ Rachel Clare
June 17, 2009 | Filed Under Children | 2 Comments
I was able to have a little session with this darling little boy on Saturday. What a gem! He’s such a cutie and was so happy for me. Just a little sneak peek… And one of big sister E. (Remember her from last fall?)
Gratitude ~ Riverside CA photographer ~ Rachel Clare
June 15, 2009 | Filed Under Just Because, Mine | 29 Comments
Last week, I got in on a Twitter conversation between two wonderful photographers, Dana and Tara. They were discussing the fact that they wanted to have a little challenge over the weekend - a personal photo project rather than a client session. It was determined that there would be a challenge to capture 5 images expressing gratitude. All were invited to play. I took the challenge, grateful for the time to be introspective. Here’s what I came up with:
1. My pseudo-job. How great is it to have a job where I can stay at home with my beautiful children, meet wonderful people, photograph amazing children (and families and couples and newborns), and get PAID. I feel like I’ve found the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow and am so lucky to be associated with other outstanding photographers. Here’s an image from a session on Saturday. (more of this handsome hunk tomorrow…)
2. Our garden. Excuse me. I should say HIS garden. Because while I pull a few weeds here and there, water occasionally and enjoy mass amounts of fresh produce each day, I’ve done very little work. I’m so grateful for a husband who has put so much time and energy into our fantastic garden, and feel very blessed to have such a supply of good, healthy food. Thank you, JT, for all of your work. I love you and am grateful.
3. Picnics. Here in So. Cal, there’s this fantastic amazing month called June. And in June, it’s nice. Like, 70-degrees-all-month-nice. This period of time has oddly been named “June Gloom” which I don’t understand at all, because it makes me EXCEEDINGLY happy every single day. It’s lovely to be able to take my dear ones to the park, have a carefree picnic and watch them play. In nice, cool weather. (Really, I belong in Portland or Seattle, don’t I? I’m pretty sure I do.) Not only the lovely weather, but I’m grateful to have the resources to be able to stay home with my littles, where I can be the one to teach and guide them. This time in my life is precious and I’m grateful every day (even on the hard ones) that I’m a Mother and can enjoy this time in their lives. Which brings me to the next thing I’m grateful for…
4. I’m grateful for our growing family. Yep- I’m expecting, and so grateful. After two difficult miscarriages last year, we’re thrilled that this one looks like a “go”. My family means the world to me, and I can think of nothing greater than being able to add another little body and personality to the mix.
5. My faith. I had a hard time deciding what to photograph for this one… I settled on this, though I can’t tell you why. My faith grounds me. It’s what makes me who I am. It penetrates me to my core and without it I would be very much lost. It gives me such a clear and distinct understanding of who I am and why I’m here and where I’m going. Because it’s so personal to me, I won’t share much more. Just that this is the most important thing in my life and that which I’m most grateful for.
If you’re a photog who participated in this challenge, leave a comment with a link to your blog!
RAD winners ~ Riverside CA Teen Photographer ~ Rachel Clare
June 13, 2009 | Filed Under Children, Family, Teens | 1 Comment
Last fall I donated a session to a silent auction for RAD- Riverside Against Drugs. I’m proud of the organization, and I’m so happy that this lovely family won the auction. These children were absolutely delightful! I’ve been around very very few sets of siblings who get along so well. Put simply, they’re best friends. I can tell.
B is home from her first year of college in Virginia on a volleyball scholarship. She’s self-confident, happy, and loves having her picture taken (a photographer’s dream right?).
L is the nicest 13 year old boy I’ve ever met. In my entire life. Like, he voluntarily hugged his little sister. And laughed when his older sister jumped on his back. Not only that, but he’s one of the only 13 year old boys I’ve ever met who doesn’t hate me (because you know, most of them are like, “Woman! Get that camera OUTTA my face! I’m only here ’cause my Mom threatened to take away my iPod!” and L was so not like that).
And little A was just sweet and smiley and happy to be outside, having her picture taken. It was a lovely evening, and I was happy to spend it with a lovely family. Thanks for making my job EASY you guys! I hope you enjoy your sneak peek!
New Mexico Sessions
June 12, 2009 | Filed Under Announcements | 2 Comments
I can’t handle the lack of good Hatch green chile. I’ve got to go home. Si Senor is calling my name. “Rachel…. Rachel…. you need some good chiles rellenos… the gorditas are calling your name…. come to me… come to me….” I’m so missing family (parents, brothers, grandparents, aunts and uncles, cousins… they’re all there), and you know, my folks have finally finished their landscaping, and I’ve GOT to see that because I’ve been hearing about it for the past 6 months! Oh, and the cabin, how I’ve missed the mountains! And my sweet pup who still lives with my mom because I can’t stand to take her away from her sister not to mention she’d probably melt here…. Yes, it’s time to go home.
I’m heading back to the Land of Enchantment for the first 2 1/2 weeks of July. I originally though I’d set aside time for 5 or 6 sessions, but I’ve already had a couple of people book without even really announcing my trip, so I’ve decided to open it up for two or three extra sessions. If you’re interested, contact me soon so we can get you a spot!
Hasta luego!