Michelle Bellofatto Photography

Malachi's Birth | At Home

As I sit here and edit the images from Malachi's birth, I am weeping with joy.  What an amazing blessing it was to be present for such a monumental occasion.

My dear friend chose to deliver her 4th child in the comfort of her own home surrounded by her family. 

I think I may have been the most nervous person in the room.

Being a woman, I so admire the strength and determination of my friend.  She is truly an amazing woman in every way. 

For you photography enthusiasts, here is the technical side- Nikon D700 50mm 1.4 1/20th ISO 2000-3200.  The only available light came from the bathroom behind me.  I used the birthing pool or a wall to stabalized myself to prevent blur.

Here is Malachi's birth story in the form of images.

LOVE...Oldest son holding his hands to his mouth in awe, mom reaching out her hand to touch her newborn and dad holding her arm.

Now her youngest is a big brother!

Her boys made her eggs right after delivery!

2nd born getting ready to cut the cord.

Congratulations Faulkner Family!!  xo 

Mr. & Mrs. Lane | Poway, CA

What can I say, another day, another beautiful couple.

I mean really, how many people do you know with amazing green eyes, perfect teeth, and killer smiles?  Somehow, these two excessively good looking people found each other.  I'm already imagining what their offspring will look like.  Hmmm.... amazing green eyes, perfect teeth and killer smiles.

These Newlyweds wanted a few portraits so I happily met them at the family's property where we were surrounded by beauty and warm sunlight.  It was perfect.

Here's a sneak peek of a few that caught my eye from our Mini Shoot last weekend-

It was fun hanging out Jeff & Kerri!  xo

Tina | Maternity

Dylan :: 1 Month | At Home

As I was editing through these images I found myself smiling and enjoying Dylan's sweet face, tiny toes, and ever changing baby expressions.  I also noticed that he was staring at me quite a bit during our shoot.  What an observant little man he is and those brown eyes are just captivating.

Dylan's mom and dad invited me up to their home in Santa Monica on a Sunday afternoon.  It was a very pretty October day and the light in Dylan's room was just right for our baby shoot.  We spent quite a bit of time together because as we all know, babies are unpredictible. 

Here are a few of my favs. 

Derek and Eileen, it was an absolute pleasure capturing Baby Dylan on film in his first month of life.  I'll have your online proofs ready very soon.  :)

     

     

Tina | Maternity Teaser

The Gymnasts

Aside from being a photographer, I also coach gymnastics a few days a week at a local gymnastics academy.  One of my classes is a "High School" class and I'm not exaggerating when I say I L.O.V.E. working with these girls each week.  Not only do I feel like I've temporarily returned to "High School" for a few hours, but it's just fun hanging with such beautiful, talented and great girls.  A blessing indeed.

Because I so love spending time with the "HS" girls, I've had them over to my house a few times for food with no nutritional value (ie. junk food), nail painting and movies. 

A few months ago, we did a little photo shoot.  Not everyone was able to make it, but here is a sneak peek of the shots I got atop a mountain.

Side note, the weather got dark and cloudy right about the time we set out to take these pix.  It was a bit disappointing, but I still like how they turned out.  :-)

Smooch, smooch.  XX Love you ladies!

Zoey :: 1 Years Old

The last time I photographed this adorable one year old she was just 11 days old.  And wow, what a difference a year makes.  Now Zoey is full of life and smiles.  She even gets a little noisy at times when she wants something.  I found myself yelling along with her a few times.  Hehe.

Is anyone else jealous of Zoey's perfect toddler perm?  I mean really.  How many 1 year olds do you know with hair like hers.  Those curls look like they were perfected in the salon. 

This was my 4th photo shoot with the Harmon family.  I photographed them as newlywed's then came the maternity shoot then of course Zoey's newborn pix and now the celebration of Zoey's 1st birthday. 

Zoey's mom and dad love being parents so much that they are planning to have a BIG family.  It's easy to see they make beautiful babies!

Happy 1st birthday sweet Zoey!!  I will be coming to babysit you very soon.  I can't wait to pinch your chubby cheeks and thighs and give you lots of kisses.  xo

Zoey Then: 11 Days Old

 

Zoey Now

 

Holiday Offerings 2011

 
Call or email me to schedule your Holiday Photo Shoot.  Can't wait to hear from you!

858.663.9796/michelle@bellofatto-photography.com

Chris + Sarah :: Married!

It was obvious from the beginning they were right for each other.  Not everyone is so lucky to have this kind of "instant" insight when it comes to their future spouse.

Sarah was my neighbor and I remember two things about her, one, she was often seen running, riding or doing some kind of exercise.  Two, I remember how much she adored her new boyfriend.

Chris and Sarah spent the majority of their courtship in a long distance relationship commuting from Seattle to San Diego and San Diego to Seattle.  They are both sports buffs so most of their time together was and is spent riding bikes, running, hiking or swimming.  They are a very "fit" couple.  There's no question about it.

When Chris decided to pop the question, he waited for the perfect rainy, windy day and took Sarah for a trail run in the bluffs along the coast in her hometown of Bodega Bay.  As they reached the top of the trail, they were soaked.  Sarah huddled behind a rock to take shelter while Chris got down on one knee.  I love this story!  Straight out of a movie.

I didn't have the opportunity to see Chris and Sarah together often while we were neighbors, but I will say it was beautiful to witness the love and appreciation they had for each other on their wedding day. 

Thank you for waiting F-O-R-E-V-E-R to see your Wedding Day sneak peek.  It was a blessing to be there to capture your special day.  Thanks for having Jamie and me.  xo

And without further Ado... Mr. & Mrs. London.

 

ISO 3200 2.0 1/25

Congratulations Chris & Sarah

Senior Sesh | Lizzy :: Class of 2012

Meet Lizzy.  Love this girl. 

I met the gorgeous Lizzy about a year ago when I started coaching her High School gymnastics class.  And oh what fun we have.  Coaching gymnastics brings out my inner-teen.  Tee hee. 

I don't get a chance to do many senior sessions, but each time I do, I feel like doing a happy dance. 

On a side note.  About eight months ago Lizzy and her parents were en route to visit her brother in Utah for the holidays.  It was December and the roads were icy.  Along the way the car hit a patch of ice and Lizzy's mom was ejected landing 80 feet from the vehicle.  She was life flighted to the hospital arriving with 25 fractures, a broken hip, laserated liver, punctured lung and a pretty bad head injury.  Doctors were pretty certain she would not survive.  Her story gives me the chills because to see her today you realize what a miracle it is she is alive.  Cheers to you Michelle!  You beat the odds and fought your way back to renewed health.  It takes a strong woman to do that!

I'm so happy Lizzy has her mother here to see her graduate from high school and to experience all the blessings she will bring to you as your daughter. 

Lizzy.  You are beautiful!  I know your life will be a success.  You have a confidence that is almost unheard of at your age.  Stay grounded in who you are and remember you are one of a kind. 

Love, Michelle.  xo

*If you're looking to do a fun senior session please contact me here- michelle @bellofatto-photography.com | 858.663.9796.

Lizzy with her mom.