Changing ~ Farmington NM Child Photographer ~ Rachel Clare
July 31, 2009 | Filed Under Children, Family | 2 Comments
Remember this little lamb?

Here she is one year later. The changes! I can hardly believe what happens to a child between 6 months and 18 months. It’s astonishing.
It was a joy to photograph this beautiful family again- I love it when a client becomes a friend. The lighting was lovely the morning we met, and little A. was as cute as can be. Watch out you guys- this girl is going to be a knockout and you’re going to have your hands full!





Nathan & Katie: Wedding (rewind) ~ Farmington, NM Wedding Photographer ~ Rachel Clare
July 29, 2009 | Filed Under Couples, Weddings | 8 Comments
They’ve known each other for 18 years. When they were 14, Katie and her girlfriends would make Nathan and his friends come to parties, even though there wasn’t a lot of mingling. They sat next to each other in 9th grade science class, and, according to Katie, “I just let him copy all of my papers”.
After high school they went their separate ways: Nathan moved to California for two years and Katie stayed at home for a while before living for a year and a half in Brazil. Both moved back home and were reacquainted. Both were dating other people when they met back up. Neither of those relationships lasted very long. They were soon talking marriage.
This was 5 years ago. Katie and Nathan now live in a beautiful spot with acreage and cows, a large garden, a really big tractor, and two beautiful little boys. They didn’t have a photographer at their wedding, so I had the privilege of doing a session with them so they’d have some images to frame. Don’t we all wish we looked this good after 5 years of marriage?! Oh yes.
You two: congratulations on 5 wonderful years. Here’s to many many more!!






Copyright Notice
July 27, 2009 | Filed Under Announcements | 3 Comments
YUCK- I hate doing this! But alas, it seems as though it needs to be done. It needs to be stated, once again, that it is unlawful and illegal and simply not nice to download any images from this blog. They are the sole property of Rachel Clare Photography and “violators will be prosecuted”. Sneak peeks are a fun way of getting people excited about their soon-to-be-posted gallery and a great way to be able to show family and friends some of the images we captured on the day of your session- it is not okay to download the images from sneak peeks! We do sell our digital files, and we’d be happy to hook anyone interested up with our pricing sheet.
Thank you for being honest and understanding. (PS. The bold type is for emphasis.)
BLEAH. Now I feel like I need to take a shower. I’ll leave off with a pretty picture… maybe that will make this post more pleasant.

At Their Home ~ Durango, CO Family Photographer ~ Rachel Clare
July 27, 2009 | Filed Under Children, Family | 6 Comments
This was a shot from their session last summer…

… Here they are now at their new home outside of Durango Colorado (*drool*). The session went smashingly well with one exception- little J. totally hates me. It’s cool. Next time I’ll bring sugar. We’ll see how he feels then.
You guys are FAB. It was great to see you and get to check out your new locale- it’s gorgeous! Thanks for spending the afternoon with me.








The Wedge ~ Newport Beach, CA Child Photographer ~ Rachel Clare
July 25, 2009 | Filed Under Children, Just Because, Mine | 9 Comments
We spent the day yesterday at The Wedge in Newport Beach with friends. It was the perfect beach day. NOTE: I didn’t say it was the perfect day for frolicking in the ocean. Really really not a good day for that. There were 20-foot swells (I know this. I read it online. And everything that comes from the internet is true.) unlike anything I’ve ever seen in California. Waikiki, maybe. But not here.
In fact, about an hour after we got there, a body surfer who had been riding the above mentioned (and below-photographed) waves was killed when one slammed him into the jetty. We weren’t close enough to know what was going on, but we definitely noticed the crowd and Lifeguard trucks. Really sad.
We did enjoy the waves safely from shore. Below is a picture of how WE enjoy the beach… by creating a little swimming pool for the kiddos out of plastic sheeting and ocean water. All it involves is a $3 plastic sheet from Home Depot, a shovel and a bucket. Right, JT? Isn’t that all it involves? Oh yes, and hauling water up the beach for an hour. Right- forgot about that part. Probably because I wasn’t the one hauling. Thanks babe, for the effort. The kids enjoyed their swimming pool immensely.







In The Hills ~ Farmington NM Family Photographer ~ Rachel Clare
July 24, 2009 | Filed Under Children, Family | 8 Comments
A year ago, I photographed handsome little E. (and a few shots of his Mama). He’s even more handsome and enjoyable than he was last year (could it be?). And now, there’s another little body to photograph! (Little H.’s eyes are something else!)
I asked them where they wanted to go for their photo shoot. I was so happy when they said they wanted to head out to the hills and sandstone and pinon trees where they’ve purchased land to build a home. The views were breathtaking, the sunset unreal. I love sandstone, and I miss it very much. There was no shortage where we shot, and I love the images we captured. Thanks for a lovely (if not very WARM) evening you guys! It was lovely getting to see you again!






Shaun & Bracy: Gettin’ Hitched ~ Farmington NM Engagement Photographer ~ Rachel Clare
July 22, 2009 | Filed Under Couples, Engagements | 9 Comments
They met on a date. They were with other people. They eventually started dating. She moved away to college. He did the same. But here they are, together and planning a Sept. 5th wedding!
These two are beautiful people (hello- Shaun has the greatest dimple EVER) and they make a most beautiful couple. Up for anything, we had a great time shooting around old down-town just before sunset.
Shaun and Bracy- I had a great time! Best wishes to the both of you and many congratulations!








Back Up: The Mountains ~ Inland Empire Child Photographer ~ Rachel Clare
July 20, 2009 | Filed Under Children, Just Because | 6 Comments
We’re back in California after a couple of great weeks in New Mexico. It’s astonishingly hard for me to leave that place… I definitely miss my family, but it’s more than that… I’ve yet to completely understand it.
JT reminds me occasionally about how difficult odd it is that we’re home for long periods of time, and then we I plan things back to back to back to back. To my credit, some things I don’t plan (like other peoples’ wedding dates), but admitedly, other times it is my doing…
We left for Kansas on June 18th. I went to Las Vegas with Jen on June 24th. I packed up the kids and headed home to NM on July 1st. We just got home on Saturday afternoon and already I’m off again… this time for the 7th reunion of Da Women. But after this little getaway, I’m here for a while- at least until November when this babe is born (after which point, I’ll probably be itching for more travel, but I can’t think that far ahead yet).
I don’t think I’ve mentioned Da Women on this blog before. I went to Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff (arguably one of the most beautiful little towns in this entire country). I loved every minute of my experience there (okay, most every minute). I was blessed with amazing roommates- starting with my first: Sara Presler. I mention her by name here because I’m proud to say that she is currently (at age 30) the first (and youngest) female mayor of Flagstaff. She was a hoot and if it wouldn’t be totally embarrassing to me, I’d tell you all some stories from my dorm room, Freshman year. I’ll save myself the humiliation.
After the above mentioned Freshman year, I lived with three wonderful girls: Tamara, Lindsey and Karlie. To say we laughed a lot would be a horrible understatement. I’ll admit, I actually wet my pants a few times. We had so much fun that I don’t remember much else from college. We’ve continued to stay close and for the past 6 (now 7) years, we’ve planned a weekend to get together. This year we’re spending time in Orange County since it’s “right here” for Lindsey and I. Unfortunately we’re missing Tamara who was hospitalized last week. T, we miss you and this get-together will NOT be the same without you here! (Read: Tamara is the funny one. As in, HILARIOUS funny.)
So, I’m signing off for a few days while we hit the spa, the Cheesecake Factory, the beach, the pool, South Coast Plaza, and Sprinkles Cupcakes in Newport.
I’ll be back Wednesday with a sneak peek from Shaun & Bracy’s engagement session!
For now, I’m leaving you with some shots of my little ones at our cabin in Vallecito, Colorado last week. We were all about the Oreos and Tootsie Rolls! Ciao Ciao!







Just One ~ Vallecito CO Photographer ~ Rachel Clare
July 14, 2009 | Filed Under Just Because | 2 Comments
The mountains were glorious. Well, besides the meltdowns from the two darling children… you know. And, I got my wish- it rained. Briefly, but it did. And I laid down on the couch, closed my eyes, and just listened. I love that sound. I love the smell, and I love the sound.
I’m just posting one picture because I dare not proof much on this laptop of mine. I was able to catch a few photos of my little ones and I’ll get them up here soon, but not until I can edit on the Mother Board back at home.
And get ready: I’ve got 8 sneak peeks to get up! No, make that 9. Woo hoo!

Hasta La Vista, Baby.
July 12, 2009 | Filed Under Uncategorized | 2 Comments
I’m signing off for some time at our cabin in the mountains. I’m in need of some R&R. Keeping my fingers crossed that it will rain and I can sit and close my eyes and listen to it hit like tiny bullets on the metal roof. And the SMELL there when it rains…. Oh I am so hopeful for a storm.
I’m taking a book. Oreos. Uno. My kids. The Mister. The camera will also be going. One thing I’m not taking: my MacBook. (No internet. Heck, there’s not even a phone line or a TV. *sigh* I LOVE that place.)
So, if you attempt to shoot me an email in the next day or two and you don’t get a reply immediately, know that I’ll get back to you.
And now for some housekeeping…
-For my New Mexico clients- thank you for being patient. I’ll get started on editing sessions once we get back to California next week. You’re all wonderful and I’m grateful to have been able to reconnect with so many of you.
-I’ve already officially announced my pregnancy, but I’m making an official announcement of my maternity leave. I will be taking off a few months starting November 1st. We’ll be swingin’ again starting mid-January (actual date depends on how fast baby X decides to sleep through the night!). Will keep you all posted.
-That said, I’m now opening up my schedule and booking portrait sessions as well as last minute weddings (yes, I do get those, and yes, I love elopements!) through October 15th. Read: All holiday sessions must be completed by the 15th of October, and my plan is to have all orders done and shipped back to clients by November first. With school starting up next month, our out-of-town ventures will not be as frequent, so I will be available for more sessions than as of late. Contact me to book your session soon!
