Join us this weekend for the Grand Opening of Belle Bottom Baby located in Tarzana (click for map) when we will reveal the images for the winner of the Belle Bottom Baby model search.  The new images will be on display in the store this Friday and Saturday December 4th and 5th.  Many things will be on sale 40-50% off.  There will be refreshments and activities for the kiddies while you shop and share a visit.  Visitors to the store will also receive a gift certificate for your next portrait session valued at over $280.

I am once again sharing in the International Charity Model Search benefiting the charity Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep. This year we are photographing Families so start thinking about updating your family portraits.  The winning family receives a new car! This is a great time of year for getting the whole family together and making some memories so make your appointment for your family portrait today!  For more information on the charity and the portrait event just see this link. http://imagesbydesiree.com/blog/?p=664

I’ve come across some good online resources for moms lately.  Here’s where I’ve been visiting.  Mamasource.com It’s free to join and you connect to local moms with the same questions you have.  I love that it’s local so if you’ve got questions on local schools, doctors, activities… it’s nice.  I have it email me updates and I can scan the latest discussions.  I’ve also been turned onto Jen’s List. It’s a free newsletter.  This girl is so smart.  She has become the center of what’s up around town.  She sends an email everyday with local info useful to moms in and around the Los Angeles Area.  Recommendations for babysitters and nannies… handymen.. activities and for kids and special offers.  Worth a few minutes of your time.

Colton is taking care of his little girl friend tying her shoe at their favorite playdate place… Starbucks…

Once again I am very happy to be taking part in the (Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep) NILMDTS now “International” Model Search. I had a great time doing this last year. I had the privilege of one of my boys be the top model for my city. Here’s a little about last years contest.

This year we are looking the the cutest FAMILY to represent for Los Angeles and North America.

Are your loved ones North America’s Cutest Family? We’ll give you the opportunity to prove it! Many exciting prizes will be awarded, and the grand prize winner receives a new car!

Model Search Special:

$45 entrance fee includes a 90-minute model session and one image submitted to the national gallery.

Finalists will be determined by online votes. Each vote is $1 (no limit on the amount of votes you can cast), and all proceeds from votes benefit Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep (NILMDTS.org).

Grand prize international winner will be determined from the 52 city finalists. The winners will be selected from the finalist gallery by photography and modeling industry experts.  The winning family also receives a session with the renowned portrait artist Sandy Puc’ and international recognition.

Call 818-585-1621 now to enter your family in this exciting contest.

*Contest open to residents of the US and Canada. For more information, visit http://sandypucmodels.com/.

So all you families out there thinking it’s about time to update your family portrait it’s time to Seize the Day and take advantage of this perfect opportunity.

It NEVER rains in California! Okay, pretty much never.  So when Stuart Maine called me from Ohio to plan a family portrait session during the holidays I thought   ”Great! Cool! the rocks around Chatsworth are awsome I love that for portraits… you have a family of … 15? …. … … … Great! Cool! The rocks around Chatsworth would be awsome!…. I could set you guys up on different levels on the rocks and create geometric patterns with the different family groups it will look awsome… … … its supposed to rain?… Great! We just need to find a place that will hold a group of 15 that has some cover!… Great!”

Well we came up with a great place in Simi Valley.  The Ronald Regan Library!  They were very kind to us to allow us to use their courtyard. Especially since being Christmas Eve they were about to close early and they generously gave us some extra time to finish up before they closed the gates.  So while I would have liked at least two hours with this wonderful family I managed to capture some great group shots in the short time we had.

 To the Maine Family – Thank you for trusting me with your family photos.  It’s so special to be able to get the whole family together and even more special to record it in print.  I hope you will enjoy your pictures for years to come.

The Cousins

The Grandparents.

A little embarased to be in front of the camera but so sweet!

Show me your silly face!

Give Grandma and Grandpa a hug!