6 month Old O | Fullerton Infant Photographer

This little porcelain doll came to me for some 6 month pictures.  Seriously, doesn't her skin look porcelain???  See mom's skin in the last picture... apple doesn't fall far!  Not only did she look like a doll, she is just like a doll.  Quiet and a perfect little lady.

Amazing Family | Irvine Family Portraits

I know the W family from church.  I adore them more than words can say!  I think they know it!  They are the volunteers in the 4 year old room for Sunday School.  Both my daughter's were in their class, and Emily was in their class for 2 years since she started Kinder late because of her late birthday.  Well if you know my Emily, she is a hard nut to crack!  But R was her favorite!  She loved him so much... and still does.  I would find them on the playground walking hand in hand ~~melt~~  She came along for the session and even though she was shy I asked her afterwards if she remembered how much she use to love him and her response was "I still do!"  The W's are special, they are important and they are part of what makes my church so special to me... they are a blessing!  I love them because they loved my children!  Thank you W family for being amazing!  I hope you enjoy your sneak peek!

Siblings | Irvine Child Portraiture

I can hardly believe it myself that I have pictures of them all smiling together!  Yahoo!

HUGE give-away | Help Jen Fight Ovarian Cancer

Meet Jen. And Cooper. And Cohen.

When I first started my journey into the world of photography, I was introduced to this mama’s amazing talent.  Her giving heart.  Her clear wantingness to elevate this industry.  I was in awe – she’s as amazing as she seems and more.

And now, she needs our help.  Your help.  Your friends’ help.  Your mom, Your sister, Your old college roommate.  she needs them all to help.

Nine months ago Jen was diagnosed with aggressive ovarian cancer.  She had a radical hysterectomy. She endured rounds of chemo…but due to complications from that chemo her numbers are climbing again.

What exactly does that mean?  It means that doctors have said she’s got 12 to 18 months.  That time, hugs, moments, memories, kisses, smiles…everything with her two sweet boys is now on some crazy time table.  BUT, there is this amazing clinical trial with the Mayo Clinic and Jen’s in…well, if she can raise the some $63,000 it will take to pay for the trial and the flights back and forth from Oregon.

That money amount sounds HUGE, I know, but really would you put a price tag on extra hugs with your kids? A chance to see them grow into the amazing men you know they’ll be?

So, now that you know about my friend Jen,  about why she needs each of you, I know you want to know how to help.  It’s a couple quick clicks to donate on her blog (where you can also read about her journey).  You can give $5, the cost of a Starbucks coffee.  Or $20, the cost of a lunch out.  Or…if you have $50 you can get your name in the pot to win something AMAZING from Jenny McMasters Photography.

Here’s what you can win, friends.

Grand Prize:  a portrait session including a 16x20 gallery wrapped canvas print and ALL the digital files.  A $1450 value!

First Place:  a 30-minute mini portrait session including an 11x14 print. A $235 value!

Second Place:  a $150 gift certificate with Jenny McMasters Photography. A $150 value!

Third Place: everyone who enters is a winner!  You will feel good that you helped Jen fight this nasty beast of an illness! The value is priceless!

How to enter: donate $50 to jen’s fund  DONATE HERE then forward me the PayPal receipt saying you donated (jenny.mcmasters@gmail.com).  That’s it, you’re entered to win!

Bonus entries:  For every additional $50 donated you’ll receive ONE additional entry.  But here’s the amazing one…share this post, and let your friends know when they enter to tell me in their email who sent them – if they mention you, you get ANOTHER entry.  The more entries the better your chance to nab this prize.  Awesome, right?

Now go help Jen.

She deserves every chance to kick cancer’s butt.  To have more moments with Cooper & Cohen.  To live.

 all images copyright Benjamin Edwards Photography used with permission from Jen Thompson

The fine print: this giveaway is in NO way affiliated with Facebook. Grand prize session will be booked at an Orange County location of your choice.  First place prize will be at a location of the photographer's choice.  All prize has no cash value and is nonrefundable and nontransferable.  winner will be chosen Wednesday, June 6th and announced Thursday, June 7th.  please play fair…this is about something SO much BIGGER than a portrait session.

Baby Claire is on her way! | Orange County Beach Maternity Photography

This momma is glowing with that mom-to-be glow!  She and daddy seem so happy to be inviting Claire into the world this June!  It is an exciting time I get to share with them now and again when Claire arrives!

Celebrating First Holy Communion | Tustin Communion Photographer

M will be celebrating her first communion later this month so they came in for some formal portraits.  I can tell she recognizes this as a special time in her life.  She was very respectful of the process and I could see her taking great consideration when handling her rosary and prayer book.  There is something extra special about her prayer book... it was her mother's when she took her first communion.  I love the sentiment!  I am so lucky to be a part of special milestones in peoples lives!

Precious H | Irvine Newborn Photographer

H came to me when he was nearly 6 weeks old.  Both mom and I were worried we might have some trouble getting pictures of him being that he was so much older than I recommend for a newborn session.  He was definitely much more alert than I am use to, but we got some fantastic images with some wonderful eye contact!  I am so please with this sweet boy's pictures!  Thank you Momma and Grandma for bringing H to me.