Where are my bright fall colors!?!? ---Erin Colleen Photography Newport News Holiday Photogarpher

Where oh where are my gorgeous fall colors? We are into our first week of October and I am barely noticing a change in the foliage at all!!! I am so sad by this. The weather has already changed from humid and warm to crisp and cool. My family and I have already visited the pumpkin patch and found our carvers! My son is gearing himself up for sweets and tricks. He is even learning the familiar adage "Trick or Treat, Smell my feet, Give me something good to eat!" I'm planning on cutting him some slack, he is only 3 after all!!!

But I digress, I want my kaleidoscope of colors! Crimson, magenta, yellow and orange--the colors that let me know that Turkey is near and Christmas is nearer! When oh when are you planning on arriving?

Because of the delay in our color scheme, holiday mini sessions are going to be pushed back to the beginning of November. I will be offering the same specials, but the dates will be changing to November 7th and 8th between 4:00pm and 6:00pm. Remember each session lasts for 30 minutes where you will have the opportunity to have family portraits as well as individual portraits taken. You will then be given a secure online gallery of 3-5 images to choose from for your package.

If you would like to book your holiday mini session, the cost is $35 to secure your date and time. Your final payment will be due at the time of ordering. Don't delay, because once the leaves start changing, the holidays will be too quick to join them.

Please contact me today to secure your spot for gorgeous holiday portraits!!

Holiday Session Dates, Yorktown Family Photographer

Erin Colleen is pleased to announce her 2009 Holiday Mini Session details! Many of you have been asking when I will be offering holiday minis to help prepare you for a busy holiday season. Having your holiday images done sooner rather than later ensures you will have your images and holiday items back on time and ready to go into the mail before the rush! Spaces are limited so please book early. In the case of multiple requests, a waiting list will be created in case of cancellations. If needed, additional dates will be added.

Rain! Rain! GO AWAY!!!

Thats what the Patel family was saying as we approached our session this afternoon!! As we parked the cars and got out, we had our umbrellas in hand and looked at each other questioning whether we thought it was a good idea to do it. After much deliberation the younger men (Ghavin and Ghaelin) decided they didn't care and they wanted to go ahead today and get-r-done! Sasha on the other hand.....not so much! Well 2 against 1 always wins so off we went!

I think the eldest Patel male had some initial hesitation to having a photo shoot, but he was soon chuckling at my jokes and seemed to be having a good time! It was so great of them to brave the rain, bugs, humidity, and jellyfish on the beach to have our session.

We did end up cutting it a bit short but will be heading out again to finish up our session once the rainy weather settles down. For now though, I had a great time photographing an amazingly gorgeous family. I can't wait to take them out again!

The Noble Family, Newport News Family Photographer

Yesterday I got to meet two of the most handsome men under 4 feet tall I have ever met---Jordan and Ryan! Joanna contacted me about family pictures earlier this summer and despite the ever present heat, we managed a great session! Thing One and Thing Two as they are nicknamed did not disappoint me either! Not only did they show off some of their best smiles, they showed some of their funniest faces as well! I got muscles, crossed eyes, tongues out, you name it! This family was so easy going, I can see why mom loves them so much! We popped over to a couple of different locations, all of which provided gorgeous back drops and generous landscapes for our shots. I am very happy I was given the opportunity to work with them! Now my biggest problem is going to be deciding between color or black and white because these kids look great in both!

Meet the Swann Family!

While on vacation in Jacksonville Beach, Fl, I was able to work with a fabulous family--The Swanns. This family has three gorgeous little girls who are all full of life. We trooped down to the beach for a quick mini-session for some more traditional family shots---and then some not so traditional shots playing in the water and just enjoying themselves. It was a great time and I can't wait to see them again next time we are all in town.

Jahn-Javine Wedding--Newport News, VA Wedding Photographer

June 13, 2009 was the day that Starla and Scott said "I do" in front of their closest friends and family, and I am so proud to have been asked to document such important time in their lives. Despite hardships before the wedding including illness and broken bones, the day went off without too many hitches. The bride was goregous and despite a bulky cast and painful broken ankle, the groom was in high spirits! I couldn't have asked for a more fun group to photograph even though the groomsmen kept making me laugh throughout the service and of course on the dancefloor during the reception! The day was gorgeous and the reception was a blast! Thank you Scott and Starla for inviting me to be a part of one of the most important days of your life!

Here is your sneak peak---to help you relive those moments of such a wonderful event!

FORE!!!!! Newport News Sports Photographer

Nothin says lovin like heading out for a round of golf! I had the pleasure in playing in a foursome today with newlyweds Brad and Jessica! It was my first time officially out on a course and Jessica's too I believe. The guys were VERY understanding and willing to lend a hand to show us how it was done. All in all it was a great day spent with great people! I didn't do great, but I had NO water hazards and finished only losing 2 balls!!! All in all it was a wonderful way to spend a Sunday morning!

Expecting A Miracle--Newport News Maternity Photographer

Jesse, Zac, and Izzy can't wait to meet their newest family member, Dorian! He is expected to make his way into the world in late July so now was the perfect time to show off the bump and take some fun and gorgeous maternity photographs. Jesse was absolutely glowing this morning while I took her shots. Izzy on the other hand wanted to play----and nothing to do with having his picture taken. All in all it was a good morning, so now its just a waiting game for Dorian to make his way into the world!

Hadley Family--Newport News family photographer

I had the honor of photographing the Hadley family this past weekend now that Chase is coming up on his first birthday. It was so heartwarming to see and capture the love that these two parents have for their son. It was easy for me to see, because I can only imagine that some of their glances toward Chase are ones that I have given my own son time and time again. I was even privy to special moments between mom and dad as they watched their son experiencing new textures, smells, and sights. Little moments passed between them that you could almost see their hearts swelling with pride and love. These are the moments that make my work so amazing and worthwhile. Time flies too quickly as I have learned, so please take these moments and cherish them. To the Hadley family, you are beautiful and wonderful! Thank you so much for allowing me to experience these moments with you.

Here Comes the Bride.....Erin Colleen Photography, Newport News engagement photographer

Meet Starla and Scott....
Happy, wonderful, and super FUN couple. They are scheduled to say their vowes June 13th so to get prepared we had a Fab-O engagement session. We took a hike over to Yorktown and between several different niches, found some great spots to shoot. I have to say, I was so proud of Scott because he was in long sleeves and long pants! I KNOW he had to be burning up. We had record highs again today (around 91 degrees) and even though it had cooled off consideraby, it was still in the mid 80s when we went out. Not a complaint was heard from him at all! You ROCK Scott!!

All in all these two were up for anything and did it with a smile on their faces. They are my kind of clients! Climb some rocks? Sure! Roll around in the grass? Why not!? Jump off a dock into the water? ---Say what?! Okay so I couldnt convince them to do the last one but we still had a great time.

Congratulations Starla and Scott!!!

Happy Birthday To You!!!! Erin Colleen Photography, Event Photographer Newport News, VA

on April 23, 2006 Jacob Lucas was born into this world. Now, 3 years later we were celebrating his birthday again! It was a fabulous day (actually celebrated two days later) with a bounce house from Jump Start Your Fun, lots of yummy food, and the best friends ever!

Jake will surely remember this birthday not only because of the fun he had but because he received a special present from his "Uncle" Matt. Yesterday he received his very first pet. Jake is now the owner of "Fishy" the Beta Fish. All morning he has been sitting near the table talking to Fishy and telling him things!

I still cant believe my little man is 3 years old. He's so smart and handsome! I know that all parents believe this about their children and thats okay. I am just so proud of him and thankful to have him. Happy Birthday my little man! I love you.

Mikey and Cecilia by Erin Colleen Photography, Newport News VA child photographer

Mikey and Cecilia LOVE to pose for pictures, however they dont really do well when you put them together! Katie (mom) definately has her hands full in the future when these two start dating! I was so happy to finally get out for a chance to properly photograph them! Even though naps were needed all around and our session was cut short, we still ended up with some gorgeous shots!

Rockin Weight Loss Post

So as some of you know I recently under went bariatric banding surgery. I have decided to create another blog to help keep people updated with my progress as well as provide a way for others considering the surgery themselves to see what its been like for me. Anyway, here's a not so quick update from my end to let all of you know whats been happening with me this week! Please make sure to check out my Rockin' Weight Loss Blog for more updates!

I had the surgery on Wed. April 8th. I went in at 5:15am and my surgery took place around 7:30. EVERYONE I encountered at Careplex Hospital was amazing. They were so nice and helpful. The hospital itself was easy to get around in, organized, and clean. I was VERY impressed with my care there and would have no problems going back again for another procedure.

Okay moving on. Everything went like clockwork until it was time for me to have my upper GI before discharge. They were a bit backed up so it prolonged my stay by about an hour. Honestly though, I didnt mind. I kept falling back to sleep so it wasnt a huge deal to me :D :D :D
The wheeled me down where a valet driver brought our car around for us and helped me in. I came home and stayed awake for an hour or so then layed down and slept it off most of that day. I was up around 7pm until about 11pm. I wasnt in a lot of pain, although movement was very slow. I had a hard time taking in any liquids also. They gave me 4 medicine cups (2 tbs each) and said to try and drink one every 15 minutes. That didnt happen! I think I got 2 or 3 cups over about 2-3 hours.

The next day I felt considerably better. I was able to drink a whole lot more than I could the night before. I was able to go to Walmart and walk around for about an hour and only took 1 pain pill. I was pretty happy. Toward the evening though is when I started to really get hungry. Liquids can only fill you up so much---which isnt very much at all to be honest. No matter how much protein shake I drank, jello I ate, or flavored water I was still hungry. It wa strange though. I can tell where the band is because when I drink something it feels full. I mean I can tell where the "constriction area" is even though the band is empty right now. So part of me feels full while the bottom part of my tummy is growling in extreme hunger. Its not a very good feeling :(
2nd day post op I decided to go to Busch Gardens for the day. I didn't get to ride anything and I certainly wasnt in a position to walk. I rented one of the motorized wheel chairs and motored around while Greg and my friend went on all the rides. Thankfully I took a book with me :) I was able to drink my shakes and pudding while there so that was good.

When we went by the Smokehouse though I thought I was going to DIE! My stomach started growling and rumbling like mad. The smell was enough to completely overwhelm me. Of course thats where everyone decided they wanted to eat so I had to sit there and smell it for about 45 minutes. It was enough to make me regret the surgery for about a split second. I mean how could I have done this when I would have to give up eating such yummy smelling foods??? Then I thought about the fact that this is only temporary and eventually I WILL be able to eat them again although not HUGE mammoth sized portions. It was sucky and hard, but I just sat there keeping that little nugget of information in my head and the pain/hunger did pass.

Last night was no different. My friend made yummy stir fry and it was enough to send my sensors into overdrive again. Anyone that says your sense or smell has nothing to do with appetite or eating is a moron! I could have killed to actually chew something and feel it settled in my stomach. I'll admit I broke down and took a bite of their dinner and chewed it into oblivion before spitting it out into a napkin. I couldnt bring myself to swallow it because I knew there was a chance it would cause the band to slip, or make me sick, or even cause worse damage inside me. It just wasnt worth it to swallow it, but it was TOTALLY worth it to chew it!

My body has been progressively getting better. I can sleep on my side again which was a major thing for me. I can sit up now without assistance and its getting easier and easier to stand up from a chair or couch. I took my dressings off yesterday and actually took a shower today by myself. I could have taken them off Friday but didnt want to push it while otu and about and worry about them starting to bleed again on my clothes. Thankfully that hasnt happened at all.

I think so far the only thing causing any major trouble for me aside from the hunger have been the gas/air pains. This was something that wasn't mentioned and will be brought up to the surgeon at my post op appointment. I didnt realize with this surgery they have to inflate your abdomen with air/gas so they can do their stuff. After the surgery is over its up to you to expel the excess air from your body. I have been burping and pooting up a storm which is very embarassing let me tell you! It is also causing quite a bit of pain in my neck and shoulder area, which I have been told now from other people who have had the surgery is to be expected.
All in all I am heeling quickly and am happy with the progress so far. I refuse to get on a scale until my post op appointment but Im hoping for about 10lbs lost by then. Keep your fingers crossed for me :)

No, I didn't get to meet President Obama, but....

I did get to see his house!!! Heather and I spent an amazing 9 hours in our nation's capital yesterday playing tourist. Well, not really playing, but you get my drift. Not only did we master using the Metro, we must have walked close to 20 miles seeing everything and making sure to keep a running list of things we wanted to get to see again next time we visited. Between the sudden DROP in temperature and the spotty rain showers all day, it made for an interesting visit. Thankfully I had an umbrella hidden in the depths of my car, but that didn't take into account my shorts and t-shirt I was wearing with no jacket. I think I may have bypassed pneumonia, but I did develop a scratchy throat!

It was amazing to see so many of our national monuments in person. They are so much larger and mesmerizing when you are standing there facing them. I was in awe while standing looking at the Lincoln Memorial, and completely breathless while standing in front of the World War II Wall Memorial. Recognizing the weight of decisions made on the steps of Capital Hill along with the importance of the support we provide to our Commander in Chief despite a difference of beliefs. It was enough to really make me stop and reflect on all of the obstacles our country has overcome, as well as the ones that we will face in the coming years. Words cannot explain what an immense feeling it was for me. I fully intend on visiting these landmarks again, sooner rather than later. I can only hope that others visiting these same monuments do so with the same reverence, amazement, and pride for their country that I felt yesterday.

Punk Rock Grunge--Hampton Roads Photographer

What happens when punk rock meets grunge meets princess? You have a fabulous mixture of color, texture and FUN! This mini session rocked my socks off for obvious reasons! Not only did I have a gorgeous model to work with, I was able to scout some great new locations and work a bit out of my element with funk cool colors and textures. Who says you have to live life in black and white? LIVE LIFE IN COLOR!!!!

Jacob Lucas---

Jacob Lucas and his gorgeous blue eyes. Thats all I can see when I look at these shots. For once, he was happy to stand and have his picture taken. Believe me, despite being a photographer's child he has few "great" pictures. Jacob hates the camera most days, preferring to keep his head down or simpy run away when he sees me reaching for it. Today though, was completely different, and it was today that I was able to really get my favorite pictures of my son. My son who I remember holding in the hospital not quite three years ago when he was born. My son who my mother swore up and down that I deserved as I complained to her about him coloring on the floor. My son who I look at each day and can never quite decide if he looks more like me or my husband. Today though, he I know exactly who he looks like. He looks like Jacob Lucas.

I am now known as "The Perfect Wife"

I have to say that I am the perfect wife. I know that sounds conceited, but my husband told me that I was--therefore it must be true! Okay, let me give some background. My husband is turning the big 3-0 in about a week so I knew that this year I had to do something outstanding for him. I didn't want to do the typical card, cake and balloons type deal so I really searched and searched. In the end my mom helped me to find the PERFECT gift!

Greg, as many of you know is a die hard Houston Astros fan. He lives for baseball and despite their track record loves this team without fail. For any fellow baseball fans out there, many of you know that a lot of teams go down to Orlando each spring for Spring Training at Disney's Wide World of Sports complex. This year was no different.

Looking at the schedule it was found that the Astros would be playing against the Braves over a 4 day period with the final game on a Sunday. I called my mom to get us tickets and the plan began to get into motion. In the span of just a couple of days I was able to secure airfare for us to Florida, a babysitter for Jake (thanks grandma and grandpa) and VIP Skybox seating for us for the game. Now for the tricky part---I had to call Greg's master chief and BEG him to give him a day off for this weekend of surprise. Of course being such a great guy, MC had no problem giving him the day and keeping the surprise up until the very end.

The day arrived and I called Greg to tell him that our water heater had exploded in the garage and all of our stuff was flooded/destroyed! MC of course I could hear laughing in the background because he knew it was a total farce and just an excuse to get Greg home! Greg, got home in record time to find bags packed and airplane tickets in hand. He was a bit confused but he rolled with the punches considering he was planning on how much a new water heater was going to cost and not about what a great weekend we were going to have!

All in all, the weekend was a blast. The Astros ended up losing to the braves in the bottom of the 8th 3-2, but that's okay. We got to see some of our favorite guys (Yay Berkman and Pence!) and got to see the talent of some newbies for this year. We got to spend time with family and friends for a day as well which was a great way to finish out a fabulous birthday weekend---therefore sealing my title as the Perfect Wife!

My funky hula girl!

Okay so thats the title of a song running through my head right now by a local band in Hawaii called Blue Canoe, but I thought it fit. Kora is a funky hula girl! With her dark soulful brown eyes and flowing brown locks, there is no denying her Samoan heritage! I was so excited to meet her and her mother this weekend, and despite the wind and harsh sun we had an excellent time! Kora is looking to break into the modeling scene, so if anyone is looking for some fresh talent, look no further! Hopefully when she's walking along the catwalk she'll remember her first photoshoot with Erin Colleen Photography and think so herself, "Ive come a long way!"