The Windy City...of Temecula

When I arrived at Harveston Park in Temecula to shoot the Kelley family, it was WINDY and COLD. Not that romantic type of wind that makes your hair whispy and beautiful. Or that chilly type of cold that is bearable and gives you a desire for soup. No, it was an angry wind that knipped at you with it's ice cold fangs.

But through it all, the Kelley family were TROPPERS! I mean, one of kind, real life troppers. They didn't complain or rush or reschedule. All things I would have entertained if I were there them. Instead, they made the best of the sitution and wrapped up the baby in between shots with cozy blankets and in the end it was totally worth enduring the weather. We had such a great time that even though I made the mistake of wearing sandals, I didn't remember that my toes were numb until I got back into my car to go home.

I have to say, this family is the most loving, kind and gentle people that I have had the pleasure of getting to know. Every time I see them I love hearing their son tell me about his hockey team and I have got watch their little girl grow in what seems like overnight. I got to watch their playful banter and hear their bells of laughter. I got to see them coo over their daughter and loving embrace their son. That afternoon, I got to be there and perserve each of those little moments for them and it was awesome.














Thank you guys for a great time at Harveston!

ten tiny fingers, ten tiny toes...

Last week or maybe it was a couple of weeks ago??...I had the pleasure of taking some almost newborn (I say almost because he is almost 3 months old) portraits of my newest baby nephew out in Huntington Beach. Now, I may be partial but I think my nephew is one of the most handsome babies on the planet. He has such an old soul. His eyes are serious and wise...and I could just gobble him up.


I almost missed that smile. Every time I would put my camera down to re-adjust him or move the blanket he would give his mom the biggest grin. Thank goodness for my cat-like-reflexes (LOL) because that shot almost didn't happen.









Aren't those bubbles cute!!



My nephew wasn't feeling the shoot for too long but when he fell asleep he let me move his hand to under his cheek. It totally brought me back to my Picture People days.

Yes, I did get my start at Picture People. But it was back when they were shooting all film.

Well, Erika thanks for having me shoot your portraits for the baby. He is sweet as pie...and Auntie will be gobbling him up every time I get a chance!!

Family Portraits

These are literally F.A.M.I.L.Y portraits. I made some really cool gifts this christmas using my friend Sonja's website. For example, I made a few brag books, a deck of playing cards, a birthday calendar and a traditional calendar. Sonja is a consultant for Heritage Makers and I am loving their products. So, what I did was have a mini portrait session on my in-laws patio and these are some of my favorites of they day...

SMILEstones...

This photo session was SO special to me. After we got done shooting portraits, the family here expressed to me how they do not have not ONE picture of their youngest son smiling. Not ONE! I couldn't believe it. He is the happiest little boy in person but for some reason he isn't into having his portrait taken.

So when I started sorting through their session and I saw this....

And this...


And this...

I just couldn't contain myself. I couldn't wait to get these portraits back to this family and shout, "WE did it!!" We hit a SMILEstone! You see, to me being a photographer is SO much more than f/stops and shutter speeds. It's an opportuinty to touch someone's heart with this talent that the LORD has blessed me with. To make a small difference in someone's life.

Thank you for allowing me to be a part of this moment with you! Words cannot express how this session has forever touched my heart!!

Not just a SNEAK peek...

As promised, the Petrowsky Preview is no longer in "sneak peak" mode...it is a full on Premier!! I finally got all of the portraits edited and am ready to share them with the world!

Here is the picture of the first post that I did but this time in color. I am so thrilled that even the baby has a smile on her face!

There were tons of laughs on this shoot which made the day that much more fun. Which brings me to the next set of pictures of the boys with their Dad...

Matt came up with that last pose all by himself! I was impressed by his spontaneity and I must say that this happens to be one of my favorite portraits of their session. But as much as I like that portrait my heart and soul belong to this one...


I love the colors in this picture (I know...I have been obsessed with this finish lately) but the green, reds and distressed wood really bring this picture all together. I am a total sucker for the tight crop, adoring mommy eyes and a beautiful, sleeping, peaceful, perfect, precious, baby Jillian. Thank YOU so much Petrowsky family for the AWESOME session, silly giggles, big imaginations and the new pose idea!