Santa Cruz, CA Newborn and Child Photographer-Renee Whiting Photography » Personal

My Niece, the Bride!

Renee Whiting — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 22:17:30 +0000

I am so thankful that I was asked to take a few “getting ready” photos for my niece on her wedding day. SO THANKFUL, because, I ended up sick and sadly missed the entire wedding. I never saw her in her wedding gown

I love their LOVE STORY! You see, I’ve known the groom since he was in elementary school. In fact to go back further, I went to school with his Aunt. SC really is a small town, except for when it came to these two meeting each other. It wasn’t until recently that they met, fell in love and tied the knot! Ryan, welcome to the family!

Me getting sick is the absolute perfect reason as to why you should never hire a wedding photographer that does not have a second or even third shooter with them! I felt fine in the morning, but by the beginning of the ceremony, well, I won’t go into details…… It is also the absolute perfect reason that I do not shoot weddings, too much pressure!

Anyways, I loved taking a few “getting ready” shots at the house before the left to the venue and met up with the “hired” photographer. You can see some of her photos here: whatshannisaw

Here’s a few of Ally getting ready:

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I ♥ Flowers!

Renee Whiting — Sat, 26 Jun 2010 00:01:47 +0000

Just for fun, I got out my macro and headed to my yard. It is gorgeous here today!

I am proud to say that each and everyone of these is planted in my yard!

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…..And She Twirled!~Santa Cruz Portrait Photographer

Renee Whiting — Sat, 08 May 2010 23:24:55 +0000

I just love my nieces so much! And I think I love them even more when they want me to be a part of their special events, such as prom! Proms are such a special time in your high school life, especially for girls! I seriously think they spend as much time getting ready and planning for prom as they do their wedding day. They shop till they drop to find the perfect dress, the perfect matching shoes, the perfect accessories. Then they get their pedicures & manicures, their hair done and their makeup done! The end result being ABSOLUTELY STUNNING!!

This years SCHS Prom did not include the dinner as part of the event, so instead of going out, my sister-in-law hosted a pre-prom dinner at their home for her daughter and 30 of her closest friends. And, let me tell you, my sister-in-law knows how to throw a party!! She puts as much into the planning as the girls do into “what to wear to prom.” Not a detail is missed and again, the result was SIMPLY STUNNING!

Makenzie, thank you so very much for allowing me to spend just a bit of your very special evening with you! You looked amazingly beautiful and I hope you had a wonderful prom!

(Please be patient while slideshow loads)

Every once in a while a girl just has to twirl! Just because….no reason….no matter your age…..girls just like to twirl. Especially, when they have the cutest little pink fluffy twirly prom dress!

And, so, ………….she twirled!!

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Welcome Sunshine!

Renee Whiting — Sat, 17 Apr 2010 22:27:21 +0000

I LOVE the sunshine and everything it brings! I love the warmth of being in the sun. I love that our business, Whiting\’s Foods at the Santa Cruz Boardwalk is busy (that makes my husband happy!). I love BBQ’s. I love the beach. I love not turning on the heater. I love wearing capris and flip flops. I love being tan. I love the mood it puts everyone in. I love outdoor photo sessions, which is what inspired these photos. I’ve been scouting our town for some colorful park locations. Don’t get me wrong, I love the beach (I grew up spending many many hours at the beach), but when it comes to photos, I love parks. I love the color of the green grass and flowers!

Here’s a little of what I loved today, while stopping by Harvey West Park.

I even think the sunshine makes the weeds look good! Unless of course, they’re growing in my yard!

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Happy Easter!!

Renee Whiting — Sat, 03 Apr 2010 03:48:18 +0000

Most of my holiday posts include my little grandson, but not this time! These two came to see me this week and of course since it was so close to Easter, I had to have a little fun! So, Happy Easter from me (and my two little friends) to you!

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Lots to Celebrate!

Renee Whiting — Wed, 24 Mar 2010 01:31:01 +0000

March 21st has always been a day of celebration for us!

First go back to 1981, this is the day I married my best friend! And after all these years, 29 to be exact, I can still say we’re best friends!

Next, 1987, our 6th wedding anniversary! The best present ever, our third daughter was born! Happy Anniversary to us!

Now, here it is 2010, our 29th anniversary and Jenny’s 23rd birthday and the three of us are in LA and Jenny & Ken are running the LA Marathon (not the first marathon for either of them). Me, I sleep in, enjoy a nice latte (or two) and wait and wait and wait until they finish the race. For those of you that aren’t aware, the LA Marathon is huge. Approximately 25,000 runners! It starts at Dodger Stadium and ends at the Santa Monica Pier. I cannot fathom why in the world anyone would ever want to run 26 miles, but this is exactly what they wanted to do on our day of celebration!

Here are a few snapshots of my two marathon runners!

1) Their race bibs 2)Breakfast of champions 3) A very tired Ken at the finish line 4) Proud of their completion medals 5) Jenny looks great after just running 26 miles 6) The Santa Monica Pier 7) Tired feet walking back to the hotel

I’m so proud of my two runners! Congrats Jenny on your great time (just over 4 hours) and Ken on finishing (without much training), maybe next one you’ll beat her!

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Happy St. Patty’s Day~Santa Cruz Baby Photographer

Renee Whiting — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 17:04:18 +0000

What are your traditions today? I remember when my girls were little like it was yesterday! The morning would start off with green pancakes and green milk, then the girls would rush off to school (decked out in green of course), because school is always fun on a party day! I even remember one year when I died my daughter’s (and her BFF) hair green the night before with jello! Oh what a mess that was, but they were excited to sport their green hair and shamrock glittered hat to school the following day! I was always the room parent (often in more than one class at a time) and had so much fun theming their parties! I really miss those days. Dinner of course, was always corned beef and cabbage and a big cold glass of green milk!! And of course, dessert was probably green frosted shamrock cookies and lime sherbet! I wonder if my girls had green pancakes this morning????? I hope when their babies get old enough that they’ll continue on some of our traditions and making some new ones of their own!

Now as I sit here all lost in memories and reminiscent of days past, I’m just drinking my coffee (nope not even the 1/2 & 1/2 is green) and wondering if I should wear green today! Yeah, I think I will………after all, I don’t want anyone to pinch me

Here’s a little St. Patty’s Day wish from our little Irish McBaby to you!

Whatever your traditions are today……….Have fun and Be Safe!

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The Boy Had a One Track Mind….~Santa Cruz Baby Photographer

Renee Whiting — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 00:45:49 +0000

….and it was all about eating the leaves! It didn’t matter how many times we moved him (or the leaves), he’d hurry into his little “army crawl” (because it’s much faster than actually crawling) and find the nearest leaf. And of course, the next thing to do is to attempt to eat it! He’s already such a boy! Loves to eat, sleep and get dirty!

Since I did’t have a recent session to post, and needed to get my blog fix, I thought I’d share a little Beckett park time with you all. It was really more about playing than picture taking, so please forgive the harsh sun and quickie edits.

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I LOVE Newborns and Tots!~Santa Cruz Newborn & Child Photographer

Renee Whiting — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 04:52:43 +0000

I just do! I can’t help myself, I always have and always will! I could hold a newborn all day long and would much rather be playing with a tot than socializing with adults! I’m not sure what that says about me, but I just love me some little ones! This isn’t a new realization, but it is for me in photography! I love big kids, and teens and families too, but I LOVE photographing little ones, especially newborns!!

What is this post about anyways?? Really it’s to announce a couple of new “Newborn Blessings” packages, but instead I’d rather talk write about newborns. Seriously, I get all gushy inside!! I just want to smooch on them (don’t worry, unless you’re family, I won’t, unless I have your permission).

Ok, down to business……

I’m excited to say that with the exception of a small increase in my “session fee,” I won’t be raising any prices in 2010. I will be making a few pricing structure changes however, to include the addition of two new packages for the “little ones.” I will also be offering a regular portrait package that includes the DVD of images (because I know you want them). All these changes will be effective February 1st. Check back in the next few days and I’ll have them posted for you!

And because I can’t post without a photo, I quickly grabbed a few of my favorite images and made a slideshow. As you’ll be able to tell by watching, this is seriously random, but hopefully it gives you an idea of why I love doing what I do!

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Off to Nashville~Santa Cruz Portrait Photographer

Renee Whiting — Sat, 09 Jan 2010 06:48:30 +0000

I am so excited! For a couple of years now I’ve been wanting to attend a photography convention and trade show! I always travel with my husband to his conventions and trade shows and while they’re fun, I always find myself saying, “I’d love to go to photography trade show!”

Well, tomorrow morning at 4:00 a.m. my alarm is going off and I’m heading to the airport! Nashville here I come! I’ll be attending Imaging 2010 Sunday-Tuesday and couldn’t be any more excited! I’ll be staying at the Gaylord Opryland Hotel which is absolutely beautiful! Honestly I’m not sure what I’m most excited about; the trade show (where I’ll get to meet with lots and lots of vendors and touch and feel lots of products), the classes (I’ll be attending up to 6 per day), networking with other photographers or meeting up with my photography friends (from all over the U.S.). I’m sure it sounds silly, but this trip really is a dream come true!

I’m also excited to get back home and back to business! I’ve taken the last few weeks off to enjoy the holidays with family but I’m ready to get back to it.

I’m excited for 2010!

And since a blog post isn’t too fun without a photo, here’s one from New Year’s weekend. We spent New Years up in Tahoe with about 20 family members and Beckett played in the snow for his first time!

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