Introducing: Lukas Gilliland, The Newest Addition to the Gilliland Family...red bluff, ca. newborn, lifestyle and family portrait photographer

For those of you that don't already know me, I am from a little desert town, in So Cal, called Victorville. Anyone ever heard of it? When I was younger NO ONE ever knew where it was, unless I said, "it's that city you drive through when your on your way to Vegas" or "you know the band Sublime? They once mentioned Victorville in a song." LOL. Then everyone would go...ohhh yeah, LOL.

Anyway, my husband and I moved from there a few years ago and left some very close friends of ours there. Because of that, we travel there at least two times a year for vacations or special events. This time I was fortunate enough to be able to head down solo, with just my camera, to document the birth of my best friend son Dean (check out the sneak peek for that: here). Because I was going to be there for a whole week, I set-up some sessions while I was there. 

This lovely family had just had their third child, Lukas. They were given a gift certificate for a newborn session as a gift at their baby shower, so we planned this session during the time I was going to be in town. It was supposed to be a lovely outdoor session shot at sunset with the desert as the background. Buuuut, when it came time for the session, the desert was blowing with, what seemed like, hurricane force winds. So we had to switch up the plan. We decided to do a lifestyle newborn session and just use the family's lovely home as the back drop. Even though the pictures weren't what we planned for, I think they came out lovely. Here's more from this session:


This is Lukas's big brother, Jeremiah, and his big sister, Savannah. Aren't they adorable!

Both mom and dad had some really cool tattoos!

 

 

 

This shot just melts my heart!

 

 

Even though this little guy was close to being a month old, we were able to get some awesome newborn posed shots. He was the perfect little model.

I was so lucky and fortunate to have this family in front of my camera for the day. Congrats on your new little bundle of joy! ~Jen

Adventures in Headshots... red bluff, ca. contemporary corporate headshot photographer

My first attempt at corporate headshots went amazingly. They turned out even better then I had hoped for. I really loved doing them. Luckily, I had a gorgeous model in front of my camera. Which made my job even easier! I loved the location! We did them in a little shopping center here in Red Bluff. I had been storing this spot in the back of my mind for some time and when Julie approached me to do the headshots I knew it would be the perfect location. It has so many unique buildings and textured walls that it's like a hidden gem of a location. Can any of you red bluffians guess where? LOL! Here are a few more from the day...

Thanks so much Julie for asking me to be your photographer. And much luck with all the new things happening for you! Your going to rock it!

Baby Dean's Birth Story Sneak Peek... red bluff, ca. newborn birth photographer

What can I say about this birth story? It was a challenge. There were lots of twists and turns. But, then again, what birth isn't that way? This had to be one of the most strict hospitals I have ever attempted to work with. However, when all was said and done...I GOT MY SHOTS ANYWAY, LOL! There's no stopping this lady!

Luckily I had very helpful clients who had very helpful family members who advocated, insisted and literally took on my camera when I wasn't allowed in. After shooting at this hospital, I think I could work anywhere. It was a great learning experience, professionally! I just wanted to take a minute to thank my clients and friends Katie (mommy) & Ryan (daddy) for having me and advocating so hard to have me present. I would also like to say thanks to Ryan, Stacy and Sarah (Katie's sisters) for grabbing the camera when I needed you too. I appreciate the team effort, LOL!

For those of you that don't know me, Katie is my best friend of 10 years. We met way back in our twenties when we worked at a restaurant as waitresses. Oddly enough, we had gone to high school together and had even hung out with the same people, but had never met. We often joke that it was probably better we didn't know each other in high school. Otherwise, we would have gotten in A LOT of trouble together.

She has been present at every single one of my births and now I have been to, and documented, both of hers. As a matter of fact, one of the very first jobs I ever used my camera for was to document the birth of her first son, Ryker. Here are some of my favorite shots from the birth that I took that day.

My work since then has greatly improved (phew, lol). I was using auto, a kit lens and a basic editing software here. But when all is said and done, I cherish this work. I made what I had work and I love these pictures. I suppose one of these days I may post this birth story on the blog.

Anyway, enough about that! Lets get back to why we are here...Baby Dean's birth story sneak peak!!

What else can I can say about this family? I love them tremendously. Thank you so much for choosing me to not only document your lives but for being the best friends in the world!

XOXO,
Jen