Michelle Bellofatto Photography

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!

Jonathan + Lissa :: Married

I've been thinking about this for awhile now... what to say about Jonathan and Lissa.  I suppose it's best to start with Lissa.  We met when she was about 6 month's old in her mother's tummy.  I felt her kicks and got excited with her mom about her arrival.  I had plans to be one of the first to meet her when she made her big debut, but true to her personality, she arrived with great enthusiasm and rather quickly. 

I think of Lissa as the little sister I never had.  She is kind and sweet and has a killer sense of humor. 

On wedding day, I had the honor of driving her to the park for bridal and group shots.  We did this prior to the wedding and due to some unplanned circumstances, we were "fashionably late for the wedding.  HER wedding.  As we drove, semi-calmly to the church Lissa said, "it's ok if I"m late, I'm mean, who's most important today anyway, me, right?"  "I mean, what are the people going to do, leave?"  Hilarious.

Uh, Jonathan, we practically just met so all I can say is take good care of our Lissa.  It's obvious that you both adore each other. 

I can't wait another minute to share a few of my favorites.  Here goes!

Love you Lissa and Jonathan!!  Congratulations on becoming Mr. and Mrs. Elliott.  xo

The First Look.

Lissa designed her dress and had it made.  Her bouquet was made of antique rings.  Lovely and original.

Sometimes I let my 6 year-old choose which images I should blog.  He liked this one.  And... at one time he thought Lissa was to be his future wife.  Young love.  Priceless.

Are they cute or what?!

I love how Lissa is anticipating the ring exchange.

The Winspear 6

There's nothing like meeting a family of six in Balboa Park on one of the busiest days of the year.  Had I known we would face such challenges and obstacles, I might have decided to meet in an open field, void of holiday hustle and bustle.  It's possible that I was in sheer denial when I chose this location.  Very possible. 

Regardless of the hoiday madness, we managed to find a few good spots to photograph this gorgeous and mostly handsome family.  (Jennifer, I hope you are treated like the queen in your household). 

I love that the boys each have their own individuality and handsome good looks. How about the red hair?!  Amazing. 

This is what you get when you play hide and seek with a fiery red-headed boy. 

My new favorite jump shot.  I just love it!

Thanks guys!  It was great seeing you again.  Your proofs will be ready in a few days.  Hugs OOO

Her three sons | The West clan

Tina and I have sort of run around in the same circles in past years.  Both working in the property management field.  She's been hinting that she wanted to do pictures, but for some reason or another it hasn't worked out.  Until now.

We were minus "dad" this time around, but I'm still hoping to get a few snaps of him with the family in 2011. 

Tina has three handsome boys with three distinctly different personalities.  I worked really hard to get "one" of them to smile and after viewing the images I think I succeeded some of the time.  :) 

I have to say, I covet Tina's gorgeous blonde hair.  It's appears as though we might have had a stylist following us around because her hair looks amazing in every picture.  She really is a beautiful and successful woman all the way around. 

Thanks for hanging out with me on a gorgeous day in Balboa Park Tina!! 

Enjoy your peek.

You can see which brother is the most enthusiastic about jumping, right?

Stunning.

Funny Man

I think this guy may hold the record for most appearances on the blog. 

Never a dull moment when in the company of Mr. "P."  I've said it before and I'll say it again, I'm 99% sure he will be voted class clown in high school.  He's funny, quick witted, goofy, high energy, and you really never know what he might do. 

The dancing images where totally unexpected and they make me smile instantly when I remember how funny that was.  He said, "let's take some pictures on this blue thing."  And within about 5 seconds he broke out in this little dance. 

Michellene | A Rawr Session

She's a lovely woman with a healthy amount of confidence.  My fourth time shooting Michellene, but her first time as a solo model.  I'm calling it my first "Rawr" Session. 

Her one year wedding anniversary had just passed and she wanted to do an edgy sort of shoot to get the attention of her beloved husband.  The funny thing is, she got a lot of unsolicited attention during our shoot downtown.  One guy passing by said, "you look hot!"  A few others offered to get in the photo with her.  I don't blame them.  She did look amazing.

One of Michellene's friends called this "urban boudoir."  I kind of like that. 

I adore you Michellene.   You are strong, confident, kind, and generous and have become a loving friend to me.  xo

Enjoy your sneak peek!  You do look HOT.  RAWR!

 

 

 

 

 

Hovasse Family | Del Mar

This was not your typical meet at the beach photo session.  We had planned to meet at the beach in Del Mar, but when I arrived a little early the sun was shining extra bright and the beach looked, well, kind of boring. 

Feeling uninspired, I called my family (at the last minute) and moved the location down the road to Dog Beach.  They kindly obliged me. 

Although they were indeed dog-less, the kids brought their smiles and I was happy to have a little shade to work off the beach while the sun came down. 

Dad is a former pro basketball player and he's twice my height.  Well, almost.  He totally dwarfed me so I had to get creative with angles etc. 

Enough jabbering, you've just got to see this adorable family.  We have known the Hovasse family for many years now and are happy to have them as our friends. 

Little Miss M. was a natural in front of the camera and I loved her fun personality.  She is also a talented and dedicated ice skater. 

The young Mr. D is a handsome teen.  He delivered the cutest comment ever said by a three year old.  When he was just a wee small boy he looked up at me with his strong brown eyes and said, "I think you look like a beautiful."  So adorable.

Neuenswander Family | At Home

She and I grew up together.  We were childhood friends.  Many fond memories of our Brownie days, dancing around in school plays and I'll never forget the awesome haunted houses we created with the neighborhood kids.  Kathy is one of the kindest people I've ever known. 

It's only right that she went on to marry Troy.  A quiet, but equally kind man who actually was a bit of a football stud in high school. We all attended high school together. 

So I had to get the scoop on how they actually ended up together since they dated other people in high school and even double dated at a high school dance.  I'll skip the details and say after 17 years of marriage, I was pleasantly surprised to see their love for one another was still overflowing.  They actually looked at each other with sparks in their eyes.  I should know, I was there, and I saw it.  :)

And how about their amazing kids.  I'm not exaggerating, they are amazing!  Well-mannered, kind, respectful and F-U-N!!  The pre-teen and teenaged kids can be tough to photograph, but these kids were grounded and loving and they did whatever I asked.  Ha! 

Here a few of my favs from our shoot.  Big hugs to all of you.  xo

Vroom Girls

My friend Theresa, who by the way, is also a talented wedding planner, has two very talented girls. 

These young girls are dancers.  They'd like to add modeling and acting to their list of talents which would then make them a "triple" threat.  Better check to see if they sing, that would make a quadruple threat.

We did a little "model" shoot the other day and here are a few of my favorites.

 

Girls Rule

When I was on the East Coast last month, I took a little time to photograph a few important women in my life.

Mary | Playland Park in Rye, New York (beautiful Sister-in-Law, school teacher, tri-athlete)

Carol | Compo Beach in Westport, Connecticut (old friend who makes me laugh often, hard worker, free spirit)

Alli | Central Park in New York City (funny girl, entrepreneur, friend forever, )