Thursday, March 19, 2009

Photo Session Preview for the "S" Family

Here is a session preview of a sweet family. Dad is away on deployment. So while he is away we "sanpped" up the moment to do a session and send him the results. This session turned out so beautifully. There was a lot of playtime and we couldn't have had such wonderful results without this lovely window light. So taking advantage, we did the whole session with natural lighting. I hope you enjoy the results! Please feel free to leave comments and follow along as more sessions are posted with the new "Followers widget."

















I just love the blonde little curls. Reminds me of my oldest when he was little! So adorable, and what a mischievously sweet smile! The Black and White image was done with a beautiful watercolor effect. Makes for a timeless look! Oh, but I can't ever get enough of little fingers and toes! Without ruining the surprise I had to post one more precious portrait!








We put together a small album that dad will be able to tuck away in a pocket or other safe place! I'm so excited- I just recieved it, so off to the post office!



Tuesday, March 3, 2009

Check out the new video/Slideshow

Finally put together a slide show of the specialized military sessions I specialize in. Pass it along for those who might be interested. It's on YouTube also! I welcome any comments about the video as well as those who have participated in the program. Thanks for checking it out!

Saturday, February 28, 2009

Mercedes and Steven




I can't believe I have not posted a blog about this family. Steven and Mercedes' little girl was so darn sweet and so fun. I think every one who knows me knows I get all excited around little, adorable, pink, girls. No, it's not because I some wierd girl stalker! It's just one of those things about having 4 boys and a husband that I feel a little need for pink once in a while. So when I get the chance for fluff and ruffles I have a blast.

With this family, it was no exception. I stopped by their home and set up for their session. Steven is in the military, so we incorporated some shots that centered around that spirit. Perfect images to enjoy when he's on deployment.

Thank you Steven and Mercedes.
I hope you all enjoy the preview.






This one really filled the pink, fluffy, lacey girly need. I love this one and want to get a big display of it.




The patriotic baby! Raising the flag for her Daddy!
The girl who can really melt the tough guy!


Both beautiful mother and daughter, Gorgeous Girls!

Monday, February 16, 2009

I ♥ Faces

I have been recieving blog updates from I ♥ Faces for a few weeks now and thought what a fun idea. They provide a photography sharing forum that focuses on the art of capturing faces and their various emotions. Each week, they have a new theme for photographers to enter face photos into.

I loved the idea of seeing the different entries but thought I would love even more to see my friends, clients, or anyone who wants to share in the fun and participate here on my site. I will show you my entry for the I ♥ faces and then would love to have you all post one photo that follows the theme of the week here at Cocoa Bean Photography's "Spill the Beans" Blog. At the end of the week on Friday night by 11:59pm I will pick the winning entry and post that on my blog the following day. The rules for entrants are below.

Rules for Cocoa Bean Photography's I ♥ Faces contest:


  1. Send a photo of a face that follows the theme of the week to Monica@cocoabeanphoto.com

  2. Add your name to the comment link

  3. Only one photo entry per week

  4. Images need to be your taken by you

  5. Images must be in good taste (No nudity, grafics or just poor taste)

  6. Add yourself as a follower to the site by signing up by email or the follower tab to keep updated on the contest.

  7. Faces can be of kids, adults or even animals

So the first week the theme for I ♥ Faces is: WONDER

My Personal Entry for this week is of an adorable Little Miss "A"

She has such a beautiful little cherub face full of wonder as she goes through the boxes. She wasn't sure about the little boa in her hands. At first feel she was about to throw it down but after a several seconds she started rubbing it on her face truely wondering if she liked it or not.


Join me in having fun with this! Send me your photos today!

Now you can follow on Facebook too!



Chatting it up with all your friends on facebook?? You can now follow "Spill the Cocoa Beans"
while your there! Aside from always looking for new faces to photograph I love to see new faces to blog or chat with.

Saturday, January 31, 2009

Freedom Rings for the Vinyard Family

This was a beautiful session I had a bit back of a sweet family who were truely missing thier daddy. It seems just a day in the life of any military family. Here are some of thier magical images that will be sent to warm thier father's heart. I know they did to mine.
Enjoy!


The little one is starting off a little bashful!


In the end she is flying around with no bother in sight and we have some amazing shots of her energy.






This I found, it was a beautiful poem so wonderfully spoken,


We had to look in the water to see if there were any fish.




Here is one of my favorites playing in the trees. It was a beautiful location.

We all had a great time! I adore when I can nab brothers and sisters hugging!

Friday, January 16, 2009

Refreshed, Renewed, and Rejuvenated!

Just got back this week from Imaging USA in Phoenix, AZ. It's an amazing photographers' confrence held yearly to help us keep up on the latest and greatest. As well as training and inspiration from the biggest and best names in the industry. I was so excited to go! My eyes glimmered over all the new technology, information and inspiration!

I met up with my cousin from Colorado who is also a photographer. Yes, the camera bug runs in the family! We were hit with the amazing talent from all over the U.S. and a few internationally. It may take me a few days still to process all of it. I do want to bring some of those tidbits of what I learned to my customers to enjoy. You may see in the coming months new products that I will offer. I've already recieved a new background as well as some fun new props to play with. But over all the message that hit home the most is "Continue to do what you love and love what you do!" Now, Flashy backgrounds and props are not really what I am about, it is a commitment to work hard for my customers and for my love of photography. Start with doing my best in the camera then let the rest follow suit!" Ultimately, give you, my customers, something emotional, that you are proud to hang on your wall and enjoy looking at every single time you enter the room.

I have to admit, I was seriously a teen at a rock concert when I was there! I confess when I met Anne Geddes, my inspiration, I was... I would love to insert intelligent or interesting, but No... more like: babbeling all over her!

My cousin Erin and I were waiting in line to have Anne Geddes sign our books at her book signing. Just before making a complete and utterly embarrassing fool of myself!!

It was like I had just drank 3 margaritas and went something like this as I walked up to her: "I love you! You are so great! I just love how creative you are. Really... I love you!" And I guarantee you I had that big cheesey, desperate smile that makes celebs think twice about running for the exit. I am totally serious I acted like a teenage groupy. No quiet, reserved, Monica. Then she said, "Are you coming to the show tonight, MONICA?" In my mind all I heard was her voice saying my name. And just like in the movie "Cars" where he knows the rusty old car's name. You know the part! Thinking how did she know my name, I'm weak in the knees! ...And I'm wearing a name badge, in addition to that the book she was signing had a sticky note with my name on it!! I Am A Dweeb! ...and unforetunately I know it but enjoy it! Zachary, my 15 yr old teenager was literally rolling on the floor when I told him! I mean really, what would you do when you meet your celebrity idol? She changed the face of childrens portraiture forever!

Ok! I'll stop! But do tell everyone about my blog, sign up for the newsletter and don't pass up the opportunity to get your portraits done this year! ;o)

Dweebiness and all I'm off to a happy new year and hope you are too!