Feuza Reis Photoblog

He went to get her

2009-04-13T14:34:00.000-07:00

Last minute photo shoots make me a little nervous and when it is a wedding last minute photo shoots, I hear a great scream in my head "YIKESSSSSS". My good friend Christiane Rincon calls me to say that her brother in law Jesus was getting married in two days and if I could photograph their special moment as well as an E session for an album. We reviewed differant options and it was booked. Rain was expected and we would do a day after or shall I say two days after E session style photo shoot. As I parked my car in front of their house on a very windy sunny Sunday morning, there they came, Jesus and Maria Giovanna, a young amazingly beautiful Venezuelan couple. As we drove away for our destination by the sea, I was able to find out a little more about the couple. They had met in the USA 5 years ago but they were just acquaintances, Jesus was friends with MG's cousins and they had hung out in groups but never thought anything about it, just a girl, just a girl living in two different countries but both born in Venezuela. Jesus told me it was only a year ago that they clicked but she still lived in Venezuela, some trips back and forth and they knew they were made for each other. Giovanna would shyly add some details or two in her broken English and I asked questions in my awful PortoEspanhol! but was amazed that he went for her. He went to ask for her hand in marriage and met the in laws then, a couple of months before their wedding date. They plan a destination wedding at the end of the year where both families can all come together. Here are some shots from the Day After Happily Ever Session.

Welcome to the Jungle

2009-04-08T13:32:00.001-07:00

I was tad bit late arriving, I actually arrived with the birthday boy. As I walked in, flares of colors and Safari prints danced across the room. I saw it from far. Daniel's big name made of many many balloons, the art work of Brazilian Balloon artist Solange from Ipanema Decorations ( http://www.ipanemadecorations.com/) and boy was it beautiful. There were animal figurines the children can hop on and pose as well as the famous Brazilian Candy table. A photographers dream, the colors, the people and than the fabulous entertainment from Bibi Beaty- (http://www.bibibeauty.biz). She rocked in entertaining the kids and had wonderful prices and my sister was nice enough to take the boys and they had a blast! It was also the first time my videography crew was placed into action and I hope this is the start for much great things to come. I am very thankful to Daniel's parents Kerly and Luis who have been taking pictures with me since last summer and allowed me to capture this precious moments. Here are some very Brazilian shots,

Lion Daniel

2009-04-01T05:57:00.000-07:00

So I met Daniel's mom for a photo shoot for her civil wedding back in August and we went to a nearby park lake area for some shots and I took a family shot that has been one of my favorite shots ever and from there we started a friendship, a link and Daniel's mom Kerly said she wanted pictures of little Daniel every month and since I had just started I was so excited and than thought of how every month we would need to spice it up and change it around. Well Daniel finally turned 1 and his mom held a big safari party Brazilian style! and I had the honor doing their favors, poster montage as well as DVD montage since the couple dated up to little Daniel's 1 year.Daniel's last name in Portuguese is Leao which means Lion in English and his mom loves the Lion King adn has two older sons in Brazil which she is incredibly in love with and misses dearly so when little Daniel came, it helped fill the void a bit.Here are few shots of the before sessions and montages.

Danagoa

2009-03-18T12:41:00.000-07:00

I was an only child for a while and then 5 siblings came along and my son's have all these aunts and uncles now. But the first baby after me that lighted up our house and family was baby Yamila, my cousin who is more like my aunt's daughter. She had the biggest brown eyes, beautiful smile and gorgeous thick black hair. What can you expect from a mix of Puerto Rican and Brazilian? She is too cute! and now 20 years later, that baby who a friend of the family nickname danagua ( something to do with water but a made up word) is expecting a baby of her own. I was very nervous for the shoot, mixed with personal issues and still amazed that this little cousin will be a mommy, overwhelming I guess. One thing is for sure, time passed you by so I like this quote I saw today on twitter. Tomorrow is mystery, yesterday is history and today is something we call a present. Something like that. Here are a few shots from the outside shoot.

Francine

2009-03-12T22:12:00.001-07:00

This was my very first mother daughter maternity shoot and I was excited and also worried on new poses I wanted to try, in the end it was not such a huge hurdle because what is maternity all about? motherhood! and why not take pictures with the woman who had that big belly for 9 months or so and gave you life.Now you can share those experiences and capture them to show your kids and their kids. Francine, was great to shoot, big smile and had a girly look to her, that look perhaps we all women had before giving birth. Tania Francine's mom is an upbeat, high strung woman who I look up to. She wakes up 5:30 am to take a bus to go and clean houses for a living and she is happy as a kid expecting her soon to be born grandson Felipe David. Francine just had her baby shower, has lots of diapers to use up in the near future and is due March 30th. Here are some of our shots for the day!

The Bumps

2009-03-09T00:14:00.000-07:00

Lots of editing still to come and more pictures to post of the awesome two maternity shoots I had this weekend of mommy Francine and mommy Rita. I love preggies! and when I shoot a maternity session, I really try to get differant angles and do crazy stuff to get a glimpse of the essence of the woman, the mom, the girl or the parents that is behind that bump, I luv pictures that speaks to me, that you can almost taste or smell so I aim for that. As I said before, every picture tells a story and I want to capture yours so here is an ad for all you pregnant Jersey and Philly moms to start calling moi!

Grandma's Bread Pudding

2009-03-05T07:49:00.001-08:00

My late grandma Feuza, would always make this type of Brazilian Bread Pudding with fresh grated coconut and yuca, (hard to explain) for my father every time he visited Brazil. And for me she always made this cus cus dessert even harder to explain, but involved fresh grated coconut and sweet condensed milk, yummyyyy. The most beautiful thing about it was that it was guaranteed, she would always make it because she wanted to please us, she wanted to express her love and appreciation and how much she had missed us since we have lived here in the US. Yesterday's maternity photo shoot reminded me of her Bread Pudding because the word pleasing just kept coming into my mind. I have never seen a husband compliment his wife so much as I did see Rodrigo. He went upstairs to get her outfits and made sure his shirts matched hers. He told her how beautiful her makeup was and how gorgeous she looks at 8 months pregnant and then during the shoot he told her she looked like a model and so forth. And Rita just smiled and smiled and her smile was shining brighter than yesterday's winter sun. The shoot was so unique, winter, snow,sun, beach but most of all it had two very loving people who always aim to please each other and out of this union they are expecting Hannah. Here are some shots but there are many more to come.

One Happy meal not Two

2009-02-27T12:32:00.000-08:00

So we are hitting very tough economic times and with kids, we as parents need to really educate them on spending and saving. My boys are 4 and 2 and they already understand the power of money and how money gets you things. I am also trying to teach them how Daddy works to get us some of that money and now little Josh even places his candy on counter to pay. But cashier must give it back ASAP, if he or she places in the bag, you will hear a loud scream. All in all they understand that that piece of paper or coin gives them power, power to obtain things like CANDY. I am surprised that Lucas the other day comprehended that I bought 1 Happy Meal and plain nuggets to eat, I explained we needed to save and that we would give the toy to Josh. I was not sure how that was going to work out but he was very mature and ate all the chicken nuggets, even Josh's- lol. But Josh was sleeping and was happy to get the toy. There are many things parents can do to still have a good time like actually go to birthday parties you are invited to, because the gift will be cheaper than going out. You can find cheaper than Chuckee Cheese places like the Party Gym on route 9 in NJ, fast food joints with a slide, ( they are happy with any size slide) free community events and more. One thing is for sure, I do not want to save on the smiles and good times these little ones give me. I mean I stopped by the mall and when Josh saw the tiny carousel, he said WEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE as if he arrived in Disney or something. The point is, the kids need to get out of the house once in a while and one can still do that on a budget. Here are some pictures of our Little lunch outing yesterday with bff Ana Clara.

I will laugh harder

2009-02-23T19:55:00.000-08:00

So in this new path as a photographer, I am presented with many challenges, frustrations, ups and downs. One of my main challenges is trying to develop a workflow at home. Why is that a challenge? How does one work on her business while being at home with a 4 and 2 year old? I have been struggling, at times I cry, other times I laugh, other times I scream and most of the time I do all of the above. And when I do not shoot for a while, I get that feeling deep inside telling me that perhaps this is not it or this is going to take so much longer than I think and will I ever make it? I know where I want to go, to be at, but the inbetweens and internal battles make it look so far away at times and then there are little victories here and there and I like Third day's song that says Give me Revelation, Show me what to do. Cause I have been trying to find my way. I have not gotten a clue. It is not that I don't know what I want, I do, it is that I lack the resources , I wish I could go to WPPI or attenda the Kubata boot camp and do other great photographer stuff. and I know I should not focus on the lack or the need but focus on being committed, being committed to being a professional fabulous photographer and that everything else will fall into place. No picture for this post but a video showing a glimpse of my day. and a few years from now this will be so much funnier, I will laugh harder.

Highs and Lows

2009-02-18T12:11:00.000-08:00

Looking at some pictures of Wanessa's photo shoot, I found some more that I really love and what I love the most are the contrasts not of the colors but of Wanessa. She is mysterious yet transparent, shy and yet extrovert, quiet yet loud, a girl and a woman. The wind and shadows on her face make it a perfect feel I have of her and also reminds me of the highs and lows of life, my personal and professional life that sometimes just combines a big mess of feelings, realities victories and failures. And what about living the good life? Well living the good life right now would consist something like a bathroom with a bathtub and not just shower like I have, a linen closet and a big hamper where the clothes would not be on the floor. Still pursuing, still believing and hoping there would be more highs than lows.

The Best Gift

2009-02-14T15:35:00.000-08:00

People are running around trying to get last minute gifts in the super market, all the single roses are almost gone and still chocolate boxes left. I look around today and those things are all great but I love the simple gifts, the ones who cherish for a long time, or the little ones you get daily, a laugh, a hug, a note or a phone call. It is about small caring gestures and not big gifts. My husband and I had gone away and that was our little pre- Valentine's celebration already and tonight keeping it simple with beef stew dinner and a watching the movie Fireproof. The best gift this Valentine's came on Thursday when my 4 year old bout me a card the teacher helped him make at his play school. Inside the card was a picture he drew all by himself and when I asked him who that was, he said was it was me. My heart just melteddddddd. I thought the little bald man was the cutest version of me EVER. Just the fact that my son could draw two eyes, arms and legs was so great! I will cherish this card as long as I can. To all my fellow bloggers, love more, laugh more, work less and enjoy this special day.

Wanessa ( pronounced Vanessa)

2009-02-11T07:48:00.000-08:00

Piercing curious eyes were all over the place when I first met Wanessa. She is a sister in law of a good friend of mine Carol ( see expecting Yamins photo shoot) who is here from Brazil. Wanessa came to help her sister in law with her labor and post partum and our first introduction was quick, the girls were going to stay over my house so hubbie and I could go away for a romantic weekend. So complete stranger who was going to stay at my house, thus the reason for the curious eyes. Wanessa is sweet, extremely organized ( you should see what she did to my kitchen cabinets), smart yet shy, and holds back. As if she has something so special inside of her that she fears it. And her amazing eyes, I am able to see so much she has to offer and I loved doing this windy day photo shoot. Here are some of my favs.

I might not have Tye and his Crew but I have J & M

2009-02-06T22:36:00.000-08:00

Last Wednesday I had the pleasure to attend Justin and Mary Marantz Spread the Love Workshop ( http://www.justinmarantz.com/) in Hartford, CT. and it was a truly honorable moment. It is meetings like these that I feel I am on the right path, that I am moving forward, and that there is momentum when engaging with such catalyst as Justin and Mary as well as other fellow photographers. Thank you Amanda from http://www.orchardcovephotography.com/ for a free lesson on how to use your camera manually. You were so patient and generous and I was in shock of how much you said in little time. To my fellow twitters, so nice meeting you and hope to chat much more. To Justin and Mary, I almost felt like there was a crew of 100 volunteers and people cheering MOVE THAT BUS and welcome to a new you, to a new and improved life where mind body and soul are all in perfect harmony. We can start in a clean slate and ever since I found photography I only look forward, no looking back cause I want everything that is behind that big bus. Thanks so much for paying it forward with this life changing workshop.

Do you know know where you are going in life?

2009-02-01T21:30:00.001-08:00

It is so nice to plan something, a goal, a trip, an idea and have it come to life. That is why it is important to know where you want to go in Life. It is the road, and you have the map, the questions is, where are you going? If you do not know where you want to go, or who you want to be, it will not likely happen. So get your pen and paper and write away, write out your goals, your dreams, short term, long term just write, pin it on the wall, or in your car, look at it daily. Visualize your self in the best situations possible and they will occur. It might be small thing but I was longing for this romantic weekend get way with my husband and as it occurred I felt so content and at the same time dissatisfied with me as a mom and photograph but hopeful of how I could improve these areas. It was cold, romantic, and beautiful. And when you step away from your daily routine, you really stop and think about life, dreams, goals, and where do you want to go. At least I do, I reflect. In life's road, I know where I want to go, I know who I want to be, how about you?

Alice In Wonderland

2009-01-27T21:19:00.000-08:00

So I was called to photo shoot a birthday party of a Brazilian Decorator's grand daughter in Newark, NJ. I did not get a chance to meet anyone before hand but arrived early to get situated. As I crossed under a tunnel of balloons soon the magical world of Alice in her wonderland came alive. The Tables dressed in blue and white had big playing cards spread out and also on back of the chairs. The main table had all the characters and the beauty of the cake just stunned me. For a minute I felt like I was inside Alice's wonderland going through the motions of excitement and amazement, not really amazed at the beautiful decoration but amazed to discover that several different party decorators ( which children's party is a big thing in Brazilian communities) worked collectively since 6 am to make this party absolutely fabulous for little precious Amanda. In a world where I here of so much competitiveness and foul play, here are a group of people that came together despite it all to work as one and to make something beautiful. It was an honor meeting this kind and warm hearted family and congrats to everyone who helped decorate it.

The Oscars? Sure felt like it.

2009-01-24T06:23:00.000-08:00

I had the pleasure of not only being invited to the first Divine Premiere of the company Divine Decor ( http://www.divinedecor.net/). but also was honored with an Award from my very contribution to their company last year. I have always loved events and I began first just with invitations and one fine day, I got a call from a Brazilian guy name Flavio Murillo and he invited me to attend a Brazilian Bridal Expo he was hosting. And we began to talk and talk and talk and I felt like I knew him for a very long time. Our thoughts on business were intact and I saw that I had found a visionary. This generous soul then invited me to represent and be part of his Divine Decor team in my local town in South River, NJ. So I had the opportunity to work on two events, making flower arrangements, something I never did and also to participate in the Fall Bridal Expo last year. Flavio who allows us to hitch hike on his vision and on his dream is a genuine person with an immense heart and a faith in God because we know without God his company would not be where it is at. Flavio my friend,my brother in Christ, thank you so much for allowing me to be a small part of all of this and last night was absolutely DIVINE.

Baby Week

2009-01-19T12:05:00.000-08:00

So last I got a chance to shoot three newborns, one a cute 4 day boy name Andrew who with his 10 lbs and head full of hair was so graceful to photograph. I loved how firm he was to hold, not like typical newborns. The other babies were Julia Hadassa and Julia ( over a month old) who do not only have the same names but also live in the same building. They look like they will BFF's but one prefers pink and the other lilac. Photographing newborns is challenging because hum they sleep all the time and really do not change poses or even facial expressions that much and they don't stand up or sit up for that matter! lol but it is still such a wonderful experience, makes you all warm and fuzzy and no it does not make me wanna have more babies, only perhaps a girl- just kidding, too late for that, I closed up shop two years ago and now I just enjoy other peoples babies. And what is even more fulfilling is that I photographed all moms for their maternity shots and then to see the actual babies makes me feel very close to God. Here are the best shots.

Expecting Yasmin

2009-01-16T16:31:00.000-08:00

This photo shoot was very special to me, not only was it pretty much unplanned and very creative, it was of a good friend of mine who shall be the mother of Yasmin next month. Since she lives in Brazil, we wanted to get winter shots but we ended up leaving to shoot a bit late, at 4.pm and the sun was running away from us. So after the park visit, I literally drove after the sunset, up the hill to try and get some more natural light. I am absolutely pleased with the result and I love the photos of the baby shoes in the snow and tress. Carol, the mom to be is a beautiful young Brazilian who can not wait to see her little Yasmim next month.

Edna

2009-01-14T16:15:00.000-08:00

I have known Edna for a few years now but on a hi and bye basis, always shy and quiet she would accompany her cousin to my mom's salon. Once I started shooting professionally, I always heard hey say great things about me and my work and it has been such encouragement that has kept me going and wishing to strive more and more. I would like to say thank you Edna for encouraging me indirectly and for all of those that have been watching me trying to grown in this profession. I had the pleasure of doing her photoshoot for her 34th birthday. Here are some shots.

Maria Eduarda

2009-01-12T17:07:00.000-08:00

I have never met such a sincere child in my whole life such as Maria Eduarda or as I call her Duda. She is so smart and matures, it is scary because not like my boys, she speaks in clear correct sentences. The other day she asked for an orange, I cut it fast and she said you did not cut it right like my mother does! I was like wow, imagine this preschooler at school. Her honesty remind me of how children pay such attention to what we growns ups and how they expect us to know things and do things the right way! I had a blast in her fall photoshoot and in getting her pictures ready for her big tea party birthday.

Driving like the Flinstones?

2009-01-06T20:08:00.000-08:00

So I have or shall I say had a bad habit of letting my car run out of gas and drive it for miles and miles, like did 16 once after it was under the empty line and thought, it will never die on me! I was so wrong and today it finally did. I was late for an important appointment and had to drive 12 miles and I got there just fine but oh boy, I pulled out and drove two blocks and it was like SEE YA SISTER! Service Engine light and all, it died right in front of a traffic light right after a hill. Another 10 feet would have been the intersection. I was not that far from the highway but knew I could not leave the car there so no help nearby, I had to call the cops. Thank God, I got a police officer that was a gentlemen, he drove me to the nearby gas station and to top it off I get there and can not find my debit card. Guess what? It was back at the car so the officer convinced the Gas Station dude to let me go back and I would return. What a fiasco! I was so embarrassed and I felt like I let myself down. Hello? This is the gas age and you can not use your feel like the Flintstones to get where you want!!! So to end the day well, I am posting all these pictures of feet that I love. Something about feet that makes me warm and fuzzy, weird huh- Have a great week!

The boys

2009-01-04T20:31:00.000-08:00

In going through my folders, I found a few shots of the boys that I really love and I sure like Fall more than winter! Winter drags and it is depressing at times, less sunlight and harsh cold, Sadly enough will be in low twenties this month- arrrrrrrrgggggggg, hopefully old man winter will leave us soon enough. Here are the fall shots.

Me and my boys by Paula Leme

2009-01-02T17:32:00.000-08:00

What do you do when your favorite Brazilian Photographer is in town? You get your pictures done! Although it was such a short time I had the privilege of meeting a photographer I so admire Paula Leme. As a gift to myself, I gathered my boys, picked random clothes and borrowed some and drove down to Newark, NJ to get these fall shots in and they sure met my expectations. You can check out her work at http://www.paulaleme.com/.

Happy First Day

2009-01-01T08:18:00.000-08:00

My wishes to all my friends, family and clients is peace. Peace in your hearts during tough times, during fun times. In the Bible it is stated that the peace that Jesus gives is one that exceeds all knowledge, meaning that it is above all things, no problem too tough, no crisis too rough but trust in Him that can helps us do all things. Resolutions I have many but one thing I pray for is peace and also wisdom to face the new challenges and victories of this year to come.

Expecting Julia

2008-12-30T12:44:00.000-08:00

It was a fall Saturday morning when Ana Paula came back to do more photos now this time with a very shy husband Diego. He was a challenge, serious and bashful but we managed to get some giggles out of him. As he kept saying, if my friends saw me now, what would they say of me holding this pink doggie or doll? and believe me there was lots of pink all over. Here are some of my favorite shots of the both of them.

Double Trouble

2008-12-29T17:41:00.000-08:00

During the past month I had the pleasure of photographing twins. Now not an easy task because it is hard enough to get one child to smile and look somewhat towards you- lol so now to get two, double work. But I must say these twins give their parents double the love, double the inspiration and double happiness. They are adorable and here are a few of my favorite pixs.

I cheated in Photography Class

2008-12-23T22:19:00.000-08:00

So we hit 14 degree F this week and the snow is hard as ice outside and I can not help remember my sophomore year in high school back in 1994 when I cheated on a photography assignment. My teacher was Mr. Murphy and it was freezing cold weather and I had taken a picture of a residential parking lot filled with the same kind of frozen snow I see now. There was nothing grandiose about that picture, kind of sad actually, a few cars parked, bad winter afternoon lighting and a lonesome dog in the back, but I remember it was a good shot and Mr. Murphy thought so as well. For our final assignment, I do not recall what we had to shoot but I do recall how I was too busy or too lazy to do the work and I picked up someones film roll in the dark room and I developed it! Shame on me! Mr. Murphy of course found out because someone else had turned in the same assignment and he pulled me over to chat. He was such a gentlemen, slick and soft spoken and he did not have to say much, I just wanted to melt like that snow eventually would and disappear. I apologized and knew I had learned a great lesson in those few moments. As I see this cold weather and feel it, it still bugs me that I did not take the class seriously til the end but that I gave up, I gave in to my lazy ass self. Here are a few shots of my boys in the snow as a tribute to Mr. Murphy wherever he may be.

The Tourist

2008-12-17T13:55:00.000-08:00

A few months ago, an acquaintance of mine from my hometown in Brazil said she would be visiting the East Coast before she would venture out to her work exchange in a Ski Resort in Lake Tahoe. I offered her to stay with us if needed and at first it was planned for two days but things did not work out that way. Her friends would not be in the city on the dates she would so she ended up staying a full week. I had the pleasure of being a host but the ironic thing was she knew more than I did. She was so excited and vibrant to plan her daily trips to NYC and I stopped to think how I have been here 22 years and do not know half those places she listed let alone visited them. So my new year's resolution is definitely to go out more, to visit more, to sit around and talk and laugh more and next time someone wants to come over I will be wearing my tour guide hat with map in hand! lol. Here are some of our trip shots.

Keeping it Personal

2008-12-03T13:27:00.000-08:00

So this blog is supposed to be about my work as a photographer but as a photographer, you can not help your self but to document things in your life, big and small and I just have to share because photography is all about capturing that moment in time and make it last for a pretty good while. Here are a few personal pictures of some current events in my life. Enjoy.

My 30th Birthday

Beautiful cake made by Veronica's Brazilian Cake

My son's Lucas with his Thanksgiving Craft

Delish!

2008-11-26T20:37:00.000-08:00

So tomorrow is Thanksgiving and although there are five tents already stationed at Best Buy today for Black Friday, I really do not feel like tomorrow is Thanksgiving. I have been working hard finishing the Christmas shots that I have not had time to even think of what will be for dinner tomorrow. My husband is the cook so he went out and bought a turkey, he was so bummed out he did not receive one from work! too funny but I am just reminiscing about what is really important in my life, my God, my boys, my husband, and laughter. In looking at this babies shots I am reminded of all the fuzzy good feelings inside and I am so thankful for them....

Happy Thanksgiving to all.

Christmas Shopping with BV

2008-11-19T20:48:00.000-08:00

So it is that time of year again for hot cocoa, shopping, cold weather and nostalgia. My idea for this photo shoot was to grab my family in the midst of all of those emotions and I am very pleased that photographer Bianca Valentim ( http://www.biancavalentim/) agreed to face the freezing wind and cold plus a commute to do these pictures of my crazy ideas. They are stunning, thoughtful and plain Cool! I am so glad I convinced my hubbie to do this and I know that this photographer has lots of great things coming her way and so blessed I met her.I told her I will bug her until she allows me to follow her around in a photo shoot to pick her brain, she still needs more convincing but I think she will change her mind soon I hope. And on a another note why is it that all these men do not like to be in pictures but they all look better than we do?
Here are some shots of the shoot!

Meet you on the 9th floor

2008-11-16T21:58:00.000-08:00

I called my husband up and told him how much I loved him and how he was the best hubbie in the world. I than went for it! I made my request for the Three point OH present. I wanted to get pictures done of us, me, the kids, the family.. He sighed, rolled over his eyes and said when? So I explained probably next Sunday, meanwhile I had it all planned in my head. Luckily two photographers I admire were having some great holiday sales and I went for it. On Wednesday, we shot with Paula Leme ( www.paulaleme.com), that is another story itself! but for my photo shoot today, I booked with NJ Brazilian Photographer Bianca Valentim ( www.biancavalentim.com). I had written Bianca an email explaining my crazy ideas of the photo shoot to be family doing Christmas Shopping, so we planned to meet up by Macy's in the city. Well turns out we hit one of the coldest days this year and I was scared I would not be able to get shots of the boys outside as I wanted to. So I woke up early ( had barely slept) to pack bags, get my hair ready and get ready for the photo shoot. I thought to myself, oh I should not take my camera because it is freezing cold and I do not even know how we are going to do this with these two boys plus I am too anxious to even think about that right now. So we are on the turnpike probably two exits down and my brother in law who Thank God came with us, said where is your camera? I said, I did not bring it! You had to pick my husband's jaw off the floor. He was like, out of all people you, no camera, not even the regular one!!! We are going to the city for crying out loud! and my brother in law just added on to the pressure. I begin to bite my lip and twirl my hair and I was so mad because they were absolutely right! Three Words came to my head. " I am a photographer" and I should have that camera with me at all times, attached to my hip, not missing out on any special moments or news wordy events. As Bianca who is by the way so sweet and adorable went up the escalator to reach the 9Th floor of Macy's where the Christmas Shop was, the three words just kept ringing in my year. I AM A PHOTOGRAPHER. I AM A PHOTOGRAPGER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!I will continue with my hip hugging practice now.

Silva Sisters

2008-11-14T22:21:00.001-08:00

Silva Sisters
Originally uploaded by feuzadr

While doing kids portraits, the parents are running around trying to make the kids laugh, to sit in a certain way, all proper, watching if strands of hair are out of place, than I hear, oh he does not smile oh there is no luck with that one, and the parent gets all frustrated, meanwhile I am shooting like 10 shots a second and praying for the more natural poses and a more natural interaction between and the subjects, and once they see IT afterwards there is a sigh of relief and that they do not know which ones to choose. I see how proud they are of their beautiful children, only 10 days for Christmas shots, than maybe I can start my shopping

a White Christmas

2008-11-12T23:08:00.001-08:00

jordan 131fusion
Originally uploaded by feuzadr

My phone rings and I pick up and it is one more person wanting to know about the Christmas shots. Some keep putting off thinking they will have time but last day I am doing Christmas prints is November 25th, others a rushing in to make their spot secure. This has been one of my favorite shots so far of little Jordon's White Christmas. My friend had bought these big flakes for me to use as Christmas props and I envisioned it in my mind finally tried it! Let it Snow, Let i Snow, Let it Snow!.

Coming Soon

2008-11-11T21:03:00.001-08:00

Coming Soon
Originally uploaded by feuzadr

So I was not sure if this was going to work, but I was shown some photos where the photographer wet the belly in the maternity session and they were stunning. I have to say I am pleased with the results of the wet look! and BTW the baby was jumping and moving all around when I sprayed mammas belly, very cute...
She must be thing, YO what you doing out there?
maybe not- hehehehe lolllllll

Parenting Lessons?

2008-11-07T00:11:00.000-08:00

I had the pleasure of doing a Christmas photo session this past Saturday for a family who came from NY just to do pictures with me. I was so honored and nervous during the shoot but very please to have met the Machado Family. What surprised me the most was how they interacted with 3 year old Amanda. Ana Angelica, Amanda's mom seemed like she was that perfect preschool teacher, speaking in this soft tone, singing songs, teaching and reminding Amanda of shapes and numbers. And miss Amanda was so engaged and smart and said things like 5 year old kids say. I watched in amazement and thought about my relationship with my young boys and how I do not stop and teach them things often and I really should. Surprisingly enough I had a birthday photo shoot last Monday and witnessed the same thing. Daddy Moses and Mommy Karla amazed me of how they were attentive and how little 1 year old David lifted his hands way up while his parents sang a praise song. So take a deep breathe Feuza, and really look at your parenting skills and what you learnt with these awesome parents and put it into practice. YES MAMA. ( aka talking to myself).

Realizados

2008-11-02T07:49:00.000-08:00

When shot the family Souza for Greicy's maternity pictures and family portraits, I was surprised to see this very young couple who has a son who struggles yet, I am not sure of the name but he is almost two years old and is not fully developed for his age so happy and content. Sometimes in life we complain so much, we lack everything including being thankful for the simple things, the people we love, the beauty around us, the faith God has given us and friendships we made along the way. They drove 40 minutes for this photo shoot and once they got here, Greicy realized she had forgotten her bag with her cute pregnant outfits, if that I was me, I would have started balling and that would be the end of my photo shoot, but not her, she was a bit bummed out but I assured her, it would be fine, gave her some ideas and it was all smiles from there, from her, her husband Junior and even little Joshua! Their happiness and sense of fulfillment and success is contagious and was a big eye opener for me since I have been thinking so much of this turning 30 this month. Thanks Souza family for teaching me, inspiring me and bringing me such joy to take pictures of your beautiful family.

a Belly Ol Day

2008-10-26T21:12:00.000-07:00

What do you get on a sunny Fall Sunday Afternoon?
You get maternity pictures done!!!! and I did two photo shoots of two beautiful pregnant women. The first Greicy, who is expecting her second child, now a girl with her baby boy Joshua and daddy Junior. The second, first time mommy Keila and daddy to be Gleidson who sure took advantage of the beautiful foliage on this fall day.
We Brazilians are really into maternity shots, so this was a special day! When doing these, I am always cautious of not being too repetitive with the poses but some traditional poses such as the heart shaped hand over belly, little shoes and daddy leaning on belly is hard not to do but I hope to learn more and challenge myself with these.

The Bridge

2008-10-22T04:43:00.000-07:00

Turning 30 this next November has me thinking about my life and all that I have done thus far.Although I am not where I thought I would be around this age, I am very happy that I found Photography and Montages. It is that feeling of being home, of finding one's self, of looking at something you did and saying,YUP, I nailed it! I have lots to learn as a starting photographer but I am no the right path, I have found the bridge which is leading me to where I want to be.

2008-10-19T06:59:00.000-07:00

Intensity of her eyes gave no trouble to photoshoot, gave me so many variations of looks, style and feel. Love it.

Princess in N.Y.C

2008-10-17T01:11:00.001-07:00

Princess in N.Y.C
Originally uploaded by feuzadr

Finding My Prince

2008-10-17T01:05:00.001-07:00

centralpark 127
Originally uploaded by feuzadr

Dream photo shoot of Flavia in the City.

2008-10-17T01:03:00.001-07:00

Central Park- a Fall Afternoon

2008-10-17T00:26:00.000-07:00

Last Sunday, I headed out for a photo shoot in Central Park on a Beautiful Warm Sunday Afternoon. It did not even feel like Fall. As we arrived, we ran into a Parade, stream of cars, and hard to find parking. The park was crowded with all sorts of people who all turned their heads as they saw Flavia in a pink tulle princess dress. This was a photo shoot for sweet sixteen and teen portraits for my portfolio. And who did I shoot? My beautiful sisters, Ana ( the youngest) Janay and Flavia. It was a challenge getting by, finding right spots and working with the shadows of the park but overall we had a good time!