grace and joy photography

hudson {one} | preview

2012-02-04T21:26:00.001-08:00

One of the best (and worst) parts of what I do is seeing my little clients grow! I met hudson nearly a year ago . . . sweet little newborn . . . and now . . . well, he’s almost ONE!!! So fun to see these little ones grow year after year. With his session coming up I was so excited to try something I had seen . . . well, where else, but PINTEREST!! Sidenote: if you haven’t caught the pinterest wave . . . well, you don’t know what you are missing. Ok, back to Hudson . . . he was, yet again, a GREAT model . . . although he wasn’t too happy when he had to share the lens with mom and dad . . . he was a camera hog . . . and that was perfectly fine with me!!!
Here are a few from our time this morning!
I really love the negative space on this one . . . he’s just so cute!!! I mean . . . those eyes! And he was so good about keeping his hat on! What a trooper!

Lifestyle Photographer, Michelle Castro is a children and family photographer who specializes in capturing moments in time.

grace & joy photography | santa clarita, california | michelle@graceandjoyphoto.com

colleen & andrew . . . {she said YES!}

2012-01-14T23:20:00.001-08:00

Today I had the privilege of meeting Colleen and Andrew for their engagement session. We had a great time! They were so much fun and I loved getting to know them and hearing a bit about their story. They met online and come to find out . . .

Andrew lives on the same street as Colleen’s brother . . . makes me think of a song . . . “it’s a small, small world” . . . do you have it stuck in your head yet? I will! Oh great! Anyways . .. they were great and I can’t wait for their wedding in a couple of months!!!

Lifestyle Photographer, Michelle Castro is a children and family photographer who specializes in capturing moments in time.

grace & joy photography | santa clarita, california | michelle@graceandjoyphoto.com

busy, busy, busy . . . {peeks}

2011-11-28T23:19:00.001-08:00

Oh my! Every year the Christmas Season gets busier and busier for me . . . I’m BEYOND grateful and I really LOVE the business of it all! I love seeing families again and seeing how the little ones are getting bigger and bigger. Such a joy for me! I love meeting new families! I love helping families get that perfect picture for their card . . . I love it all!!

The downside . . . I get busy and forget to update . . . so here is a snapshot of what’s been going on over here at grace & joy photography!!!

Well . . . there’s a peek as to what’s been going on!

Lifestyle Photographer, Michelle Castro is a children and family photographer who specializes in capturing moments in time.

grace & joy photography | santa clarita, california | michelle@graceandjoyphoto.com

honoring jackson

2011-10-10T12:43:00.001-07:00

It’s been three years . . . three years since we heard the news . . . three years of remembering how blessed we are by Our Great God . . . three years of cherishing the sweet moments . . . THREE YEARS! It doesn’t seem possible, but three years ago on October 10th, 2011 we met our son . . . our Jackson Christopher . . . the smallest little guy I’ve ever laid eyes on. He was perfect in every way . . . at least to his parents and to those loved ones with us.

This year I’d like to remember my son by giving back . . . I know that there are many families who have walked in our shoes, who have suffered a loss, who are deserving of something sweet in their lives . . . now is the time to offer that to them.

Here’s what you have to do . . .

send me an email . . . tell me about this family who is deserving. It can be about you or someone else you know and love!
Put “honoring jackson” as your subject line and tell me why you think they deserve this blessing.
All emails need to be in by midnight on Friday, October 21st. The winner will be chosen by me and my family within two weeks. The winner would need to be able to come to the Santa Clarita Valley for their session.

The gift . . . a full-session with me and ten digital images.

Those sweet little feet!!

waiting for baby {sullivan} | preview

2011-10-09T22:16:00.001-07:00

Today I had the pleasure of meeting Kelly and her beautiful family!! I knew I liked her right away from our emails, but she is special! We have traveled a similar path and this anticipated baby is so incredibly special . . . I understand this journey they are on and I'm so thrilled for them! I cannot wait to meet this little girl!! We had a quick little maternity session before baby girl sullivan arrives on Wednesday!!! Such a joy and a true little miracle!!!

the anticipation . . . who will this little one be?

Lifestyle Photographer, Michelle Castro is a children and family photographer who specializes in capturing moments in time.

grace & joy photography | santa clarita, california | michelle@graceandjoyphoto.com

anderson | 4 days | preview

2011-10-08T21:55:00.001-07:00

Every photographer has their love . . . mine happens to be {newborns}! There is nothing like a precious little {newborn}! For 40 weeks (or so) a mom and dad have anxiously anticipated this little life . . . who would he or she look like? How would it feel to hold that precious one in your arms? What would those first moments be like? As a mom I can tell you that those moments are like NOTHING you can ever imagine . . . and I think I enjoy {newborns} because it allows me, for a few short hours, remember my growing babies at that sweet, tender time! Those little lips, the chubby cheeks, scrawny little legs, precious sounds, those sweet feet, the umbilical stump, and so many other parts that are so indicative of a precious new gift! *sniff*sniff* All that to say, it is a joy to capture those sweet moments for a family . . . enjoy them, they are fleeting!

Sweet little Anderson “Andy” made his debut very early on Wednesday morning and was no little thing, weighing over 9 pounds! But oh so precious!!!

Here’s a preview from my day today!!

I think this might be my favorite!! Doesn’t mom look BEAUTIFUL!!!
Congratulations Emily and Adam!!! He is precious!!!

Lifestyle Photographer, Michelle Castro is a children and family photographer who specializes in capturing moments in time.

grace & joy photography | santa clarita, california | michelle@graceandjoyphoto.com

sweet little koah {4 days}

2011-10-02T23:29:00.001-07:00

Koah is about the tiniest thing I have seen in a long time . . . he was 5 pounds 9 ounces on Thursday morning when he, FINALLY, made his debut . . . so, 4 days later he’s not tipping the scales too much. We had a fun day and before I head off to bed here are a few from our time together!

Lifestyle Photographer, Michelle Castro is a children and family photographer who specializes in capturing moments in time.

grace & joy photography | santa clarita, california | michelle@graceandjoyphoto.com

blue eyed boy

2011-10-02T23:25:00.001-07:00

Today I came across this picture . . . sweet little Ian! There really is so little I need to say!!! Is he not ADORABLE!!! Those are HIS eyes . . . I did not do a single thing to them!!! I live in a brown world . . . we have brown hair, brown eyes, and a variety of shades of brown for skin tones . . . don’t get me wrong . . . I LOVE my brownies, but . . . I DIE for blue and this little one . . . AMAZING!!! Ok . . . enough gushing . . . here he is!

Lifestyle Photographer, Michelle Castro is a children and family photographer who specializes in capturing moments in time.

grace & joy photography | santa clarita, california | michelle@graceandjoyphoto.com

IT’S MINI-SESSION TIME!!!

2011-09-15T12:58:00.001-07:00

All year long I am asked about my

mini-sessions . . . well the TIME HAS COME!!!!

It’s mini session time!!!

What is a mini-session, you ask . . . well, it’s a 25 minute session . . . it’s perfect for that family Christmas card picture . . . a few shots of each kiddo, mom & dad, just a very miniaturized photo session! (Husbands love it!! . . . short and sweet!!)

Details . . .

each session is booked for 30 minutes
includes up to 5 people (additional people are extra)
includes one digital image

includes one custom Christmas/Holiday card design printable at Costco . . . unique design at Costco prices!! (instructions are included when you receive your design)

SEE BELOW
includes up to 15% off your print* purchase

your images will be in a password protected gallery where you are able to purchase your prints from the comfort of your own home!!

when and where???

saturday, september 24th @ placerita canyon nature center – 4p-6p
saturday, october 15th @ placerita canyon nature center – 2p-5p
saturday, november 5th @ central park – 1:30p-4:30p
friday, november 25th @ mentryville – 1p-4p (there is a $5/car charge for parking)

all sessions are booked by appointment

HOW MUCH????

$100

how to book:
email me at michelle@graceandjoyphoto.com . .. once we have a confirmed time and date I will email you the photography agreement. Session must be paid in full prior to the date you have selected.

Here are some samples from last year’s mini-sessions!!

I just love this time of year!!!

Space is LIMITED . . . so, reserve now!
*15% off print orders placed within 10 days of receiving your gallery,
otherwise 10% off. Does not include digital images or canvas wraps.

the first four were shot at placerita canyon

the next three are from placerita canyon

the two below are from placerita canyonbelow is mentryville

the one below is from Mentryville

Lifestyle Photographer, Michelle Castro is a children and family photographer who specializes in capturing moments in time.

grace & joy photography | santa clarita, california | michelle@graceandjoyphoto.com

pigs . . .

2011-09-13T21:10:00.001-07:00

Today, I thought it would be cute to put little miss m’s hair in pigs . . .

goodness I love that little girl!!

That’s all the catching up for today!!

Lifestyle Photographer, Michelle Castro is a children and family photographer who specializes in capturing moments in time.

grace & joy photography | santa clarita, california | michelle@graceandjoyphoto.com

The “School” Picture Event

2011-09-13T20:32:00.001-07:00

This year I am offering an opportunity to get CUTE school pictures . . . no, it’s not an oxymoron . . . it’s actually possible!!! HOW? you ask . . . well, first we do away with the dorky back drops! Second, we GO OUTSIDE!!! Yes, the beautiful outside that we have available to us . . .

Ok . . . details

WHEN?

THIS SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 17TH from 3-6pm

or MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 19TH from 3:30-6pm
appointments are scheduled every 3 minutes . . . I know . . . strange, but this is short and sweet.

AND . . . I’LL EVEN SNAP A FEW PICTURES OF SIBLINGS!!!

WHERE?
The northwest corner of Fairview and McBean . . . for those who don’t like north, south, east, and west . . . the CPK side of the street. Fairview is the first light north of Newhall Ranch Road.

HOW MUCH?
Ready for this . . . FREE!!!!!
Prints will be available for purchase through the smugmug gallery.

WHO?
Pre-school, elementary, junior high, high school, etc.
Do you have a child? Bring them!!

WHAT THIS ISN’T
This isn’t a senior portrait session or a good time for {newborn} pictures. This is designed to be a quick couple of pictures to mark the time . . . just like they offer at your school . . . except CUTE!! :)

MAKE SURE YOUR CHILD TAKES A PICTURE AT THEIR SCHOOL SO HE/SHE IS IN THE YEARBOOK!!!

Today was picture day for my girls . . . so before school we ran over to the location where we will be shooting for this event . . . here are a few . . .

Yep . . . those are my girls!!! Just missing the little one . . . another day for that.

Lifestyle Photographer, Michelle Castro is a children and family photographer who specializes in capturing moments in time.

grace & joy photography | santa clarita, california | michelle@graceandjoyphoto.com

Where has the time gone????

2011-09-13T12:06:00.001-07:00

I know, I know . . . I’ve been REALLY bad about updating here!!! Aughh!!! I’m going to try and get up to date . . . the summer has come and gone, kids are in school, baby is supposed to be napping, so I should be able to stay current . . . here’s an attempt. I have been good with facebook, so if you haven’t liked my page please do so now and keep up with all the goings on of grace and joy photography.

Here’s sweet baby ray #4 . . . little reese gwendolyn has rounded out the ray family . . . FOUR GIRLS!!!

Don’t you just love those precious moments between daddy and baby! So sweet!

Seriously precious girls!!!

So, in mom’s FREE time after reese was born she whipped up the adorable flower headbands that the girls are wearing!

Much more to come!!! Thanks for the patience!!!

Lifestyle Photographer, Michelle Castro is a children and family photographer who specializes in capturing moments in time.

grace & joy photography | santa clarita, california | michelle@graceandjoyphoto.com

two babies in two days!!! {newborns}

2011-06-24T10:16:00.001-07:00

Yesterday was a THRILL to say the least!!! First, I was able to visit my friend and client who just gave birth to her SIXTH baby!!! Four boys and now two girls!!! Little Jocelyn Faith arrived on Wednesday!

Then . . . I got the call I had been waiting for . . . Shelley was in labor!! Shelley contacted me a couple of months ago and wanted to know if I’d be willing to capture her baby boy seconds after birth . . . that was a no-brainer . . . um YESSSSS!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I LOVE birth . . . there is nothing more amazing than a new little life . . . hearing those first cries . . . oh my goodness!!! Totally melts my heart!! And if I weren’t so tired right now, I’d probably start crying! At 7pm June 23rd little Griffin William joined his two older brothers and two older sisters!! It was really neat to see how genuinely excited they each were for this little life! (good job mom and dad!) He is beautiful!!!

I mean really . . . isn’t he PRECIOUS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

What a day!!!! I could do that all day long!!! I have to send a shout out to Renee the Midwife!!! She is amazing!! Her center is in Newhall (Santa Clarita, California) . . . I would HIGHLY recommend her if you are interested in using a midwife!!!

Lifestyle Photographer, Michelle Castro is a children and family photographer who specializes in capturing moments in time.

grace & joy photography | po box 800165, santa clarita, california 91380 | michelle@graceandjoyphoto.com

WORKSHOP!!!!!!!!!!

2011-06-01T23:36:00.001-07:00

Well . . . here it is!!!! It’s actually two announcements . . . the first is the WORKSHOP! It will be a great time and if you’ve been wondering what those knobs and buttons do on your camera or how to get a good picture, this is the workshop to come to!!! Second, I’m introducing {outside} the green box mentoring!!! You know that green box on your dslr camera? Well . . . step one to better pictures . . . get off the green box!!! I promise you will have fun and you WILL get some great shots AND you’ll go home wanting more!!! :)

The workshop is only open to the first SIX people . . . I want to be able to give one on one support, feedback, and instruction and can only do so with a small group! If you are interested all you need to do is email me and pay for your spot!!! That’s it!!!

I’m excited and can’t wait to see you there!!!

chloe & sophie {lifestyle} preview

2011-05-21T13:02:00.001-07:00

Yesterday, I met the cutest little rocker chick, little miss Chloe! Her daddy, apparently, LOVES the drums and thought that the perfect gift for his little girl, on her first birthday, would be a drum set!!! Well, she is know nearly four and, boy does she know how to play those drums!!! Chloe’s little sis, Sophie is 13 months and walking all over the place . . . certainly a fun age and definitely gave me my work-out for the day! I really do love running after kiddos trying to capture them at play . . . SO MUCH FUN!!!

Mom wanted to do some fun pics for father’s day and her parents’ 50th wedding anniversary . . . I hope they love them!!!

Lifestyle Photographer, Michelle Castro is a children and family photographer who specializes in capturing moments in time.

grace & joy photography | po box 800165, santa clarita, california 91380 | michelle@graceandjoyphoto.com

Want a $50 print credit???

2011-05-18T23:59:00.001-07:00

So . . .who isn’t a fan of FREE or at least a FREE $50????? I’m pretty sure no one is out there saying, “ME, ME!!!” Well, for those of you, like me, who love a little something extra . . . I’m here to do my part!!!

Here’s how it works . . .
1) be one of the first FIVE people to contact me by midnight on Sunday, May 22nd . . . that’s this Sunday!
2) schedule a photo session, get in on my calendar (in other words) for some time between now and the end of July 2011
3) return your photography agreement and booking fee to me by Friday, May 27th

and VOILA!!! You have a $50 print credit*!!!

Totally easy . . . right!!!
I can’t wait to give you $50!!!!

Lifestyle Photographer, Michelle Castro is a children and family photographer who specializes in capturing moments in time.

grace & joy photography | po box 800165, santa clarita, california 91380 | michelle@graceandjoyphoto.com

sweet little evan {newborn} preview

2011-05-16T16:42:00.001-07:00

Today I had the privilege of meeting the sweetest little guy . . . little Evan! He has the most adorable little cheeks and was as sweet as can be! He has had a rough little start – NICU for the first week, but now he’s home and ready to get his mommy and daddy on his schedule! What a precious little guy he is! Enjoy the preview . . . many more to come!!!

Lifestyle Photographer, Michelle Castro is a children and family photographer who specializes in capturing moments in time.

grace & joy photography | po box 800165, santa clarita, california 91380 | michelle@graceandjoyphoto.com

Happy Birthday Scout!!! {2 years}

2011-05-15T06:00:00.000-07:00

You wait and wait and wait to have a baby and then . . . you turn around and they are growing like WEEDS!! My children refuse to stop growing and it appears that it is an epidemic among all children! Such a bummer!!! Well, my niece, Scout, is no different! Two years ago today she joined our family!!! What a joy it has been to watch you grow! You brighten the room whenever you are there!!! I love you Scout Magnolia!!!

Lifestyle Photographer, Michelle Castro is a children and family photographer who specializes in capturing moments in time.

grace & joy photography | po box 800165, santa clarita, california 91380 | michelle@graceandjoyphoto.com

scout + disneyland = awesomeness

2011-05-14T22:08:00.001-07:00

Yes, I just said “awesomeness” and no, that isn’t a word . . . so far as I know! But how else do you describe my adorable niece, a day with cousins, lollipop the size of her head, ice cream, and Mickey Mouse???? So . . . awesomeness is it! I love it when I have the opportunity to photograph the same child or family multiple times . . . the downside is making each session new and fun . . . well, we were trying to decide what to do for Scout’s two-year shots . . . we bounced around a few ideas . . . and then, like magic, DISNEYLAND, came to mind! So, off we went . . . three adults, four children, camera, and plenty of memory cards!!!

Happy Birthday Sweet Scout!!! I love you!!!

Lifestyle Photographer, Michelle Castro is a children and family photographer who specializes in capturing moments in time.

grace & joy photography | po box 800165, santa clarita, california 91380 | michelle@graceandjoyphoto.com

sweet kaden {newborn} ~ 7 days

2011-04-14T16:15:00.001-07:00

Sweet little Kaden was just 7 days old when I was able to do his first photo shoot . . . but, he wanted nothing to do with it. I tell clients that between days 4 and 7 are really the BEST time for your {newborn} shots, but, well . . . he just wanted to be awake. He was such a beautiful little guy and as long as his mommy and daddy didn’t mind I kept shooting. Here are a few from our time together.

Copyright © 2011 by Michelle Castro and grace & joy photography http://www.graceandjoyphoto.com.

Lifestyle Photographer, Michelle Castro is a children and family photographer who specializes in capturing moments in time.

grace & joy photography | po box 800165, santa clarita, california 91380 | michelle@graceandjoyphoto.com

mother’s day {special}

2011-04-04T07:15:00.001-07:00

Lifestyle Photographer, Michelle Castro is a children and family photographer who specializes in capturing moments in time.

grace & joy photography | po box 800165, santa clarita, california 91380 | michelle@graceandjoyphoto.com

celebrating my girls! {birthdays}

2011-04-03T23:30:00.001-07:00

From February 28th to March 30th we celebrate THREE birthdays!!! Yes, totally CRAZY!!!! But, what a complete joy and privilege it is to celebrate my sweet girls!!! Yesterday was that third and FINAL birthday celebration for my babies AND I’M EXHAUSTED!!! I think celebrating Madelynn’s 1st birthday was so amazing . . . it was so sweet to see God’s tremendous blessing realized in my life! If you know anything about the past two years, you will understand more fully . . . if not . . . well . . . God is good and babies are a GIFT!!!

Off to the park we went . . . the older girls invited a few friends . . . and surrounded by those we love the most we celebrated another year!!! I cannot believe that my babies are 8, 5, and ONE!!!! Where has the time gone????? I truly enjoyed the party since I had a friend come and snap away for me, but, you know . . . I couldn’t leave my camera at home . . . so here are a few I took. Can’t wait to see what Savannah captured!

Madelynn was so funny . . . she didn’t really care about the AMAZING double chocolate pound cake that I made! I thought it would be so cute to have this huge cupcake for her to go after . . . she just looked at it. We gave her a small cupcake . . . and FINALLY, after a few minutes, she went for it. Isn’t she cute!!! (rhertorical question!) hee hee!!! Love that girl!!!

Lifestyle Photographer, Michelle Castro is a children and family photographer who specializes in capturing moments in time.

grace & joy photography | po box 800165, santa clarita, california 91380 | michelle@graceandjoyphoto.com

chase ~ 4 days {newborn}

2011-04-01T00:26:00.001-07:00

Oh my . . . this shoot was so much fun!!! Chase was so good . . . he slept the majority of the time and made my job super easy!!! Working on his 13 day old session . . . but for now, here’s a few from day 4!

Lifestyle Photographer, Michelle Castro is a children and family photographer who specializes in capturing moments in time.

grace & joy photography | po box 800165, santa clarita, california 91380 | michelle@graceandjoyphoto.com

God Bless America {rudy acosta}

2011-03-31T21:47:00.001-07:00

Today my girls and I joined many of our fellow citizens and lined the street of Santa Clarita in a show of support and respect for a young man, Rudy Acosta, who gave his life for our freedoms! It was a day I will not soon forget! He was a 19-year old boy who joined the army to support our country! I am forever grateful for the men and women who are so selfless to fight for our great nation!!! I cannot begin to fathom what this family is going through! It was absolutely amazing to see so many people out honoring this young man! Truly amazing! If you are serving or have served . . . THANK YOU FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART!!!!

Lifestyle Photographer, Michelle Castro is a children and family photographer who specializes in capturing moments in time.

grace & joy photography | po box 800165, santa clarita, california 91380 | michelle@graceandjoyphoto.com

365 days . . . {happy birthday}

2011-03-31T00:41:00.001-07:00

When you say one year or 12 months or 365 days it seems like FOREVER . . . unless you are counting the days of your child and then it seems to FLY!!! Today, March 30th, 2011, is my baby girl’s very FIRST birthday! I’m serious . . . it was just yesterday that we were holding our precious little girl and today she is moving all over the place, laughing, smiling, kissing, waving, playing “pat-a-cake”, and filling our lives with even more joy than we ever thought possible! Last year at this time I was meeting my sweet girl . . . why does the time have to go by so quickly???? That sweet baby smell . . . those delicate little fingers, tiny toes, just so precious . . . every little piece of her was so tiny (even at 9lbs 7.5oz!). PRECIOUS! Although, I would not change one day . . . I really just wish that time would SLOW down!!!

Happy Birthday to my sweet girl! I love you Madelynn Hope!

Lifestyle Photographer, Michelle Castro is a children and family photographer who specializes in capturing moments in time.

grace & joy photography | po box 800165, santa clarita, california 91380 | michelle@graceandjoyphoto.com

chase {day 13}

2011-03-27T09:42:00.001-07:00

Chase came over on Thursday . . . with his parents, of course, for his second photo session! It is amazing to see the changes in a newborn over such a short amount of time. In his first session he was 4-days old and just a sleepy little guy, this next go around he was certainly more alert, but just as adorable!!! His daddy is a fireman so, we, naturally, had to get all of the gear together and capture some sweet moments!

Lifestyle Photographer, Michelle Castro is a children and family photographer who specializes in capturing moments in time.

grace & joy photography | po box 800165, santa clarita, california 91380 | michelle@graceandjoyphoto.com

senior portraits {preview}

2011-03-26T23:23:00.001-07:00

A couple weeks ago I put a **casting call** out on facebook, so today we did our session! I had a blast! This was a learning/practice time for me . . . I work so much with small children and families that it was fun to work with older clients. They were awesome and, although it was frigid . . . in Southern California speak . . . it was in the low 60’s, they were great and didn’t complain at all! Thanks girls for letting me try some things out! Here’s a quick preview . . . just had to take a peek! Enjoy!

{newborns}

2011-03-17T16:36:00.001-07:00

A {newborn} baby is just so special . . . I decided that they need their own page! So here it is!

Let me first define what I mean when I say {newborn} . . . I’m talking about the first days of your sweet baby’s life . . .those first two weeks (fourteen days) are the most optimal time to capture just how fresh and new and PRECIOUS your little one is! You have waited nine months (and maybe more . . . if your kiddos are stubborn, like mine!) to see that precious little face, kiss those little lips, gaze in to those beautiful eyes, smell that sweet baby smell, and wrap your arms around that precious little one . . . I need to stop or I’m going to start crying . . . my baby is growing too quickly! *sniff sniff*

If you are expecting . . . contact me now . . . don’t wait until baby has arrived! Let’s look at the calendar and schedule a tentative date . . . since baby’s have their own timeline and don’t always come when they are “supposed” to there is always flexibility with a newborn session! Once baby has arrived contact the family and friends . . . let them know the good news . . . and then give a quick email/text/call to me so we can nail down our day and time.

Ok, ok . . . so, what’s the deal with {newborns}?
My desire is to capture your wee one while sleeping . . . eyes closed and in full REM is the perfect way to capture these precious ones, but HOW??? Here’s what I recommend about 30 minutes before I am scheduled to arrive take everything off of your baby but the diaper, then wrap your sweet peanut in a blanket and feed or nurse. Make sure your little one is nice and warm . . . yes, even in the summer. Warm, full-bellied babies will sleep very nicely . . . and that is what we want! Make sure baby is sound asleep before putting him/her in their bed. That way, hopefully, your sweet pea will be well in to their sleep by the time I start shooting.

Contact me if you are interested in any of my bump to {newbie} and beyond packages!

the rappoport/watanabe families {preview}

2011-03-14T22:13:00.000-07:00

Last week I had the privilege of photographing the rappoport and watanabe families! They were a hoot! I love it when I get a chance to meet and work with a group of people who really love being together! That was this family! Jen and I spoke last year about doing the whole family and well . . . one thing led to another and stubborn braces got in the way . . . anyways . . . here we are! Yay!!!!

Enjoy the preview . . . many more to come!!

Lifestyle Photographer, Michelle Castro is a children and family photographer who specializes in capturing moments in time.

grace & joy photography | po box 800165, santa clarita, california 91380 | michelle@graceandjoyphoto.com

chase {4 days} . . . preview

2011-03-13T21:53:00.001-07:00

Our sweet neighbors, and friends, just had their first baby on Wednesday night! They have certainly waited and waited and waited for this little guy and he is FINALLY here . . . which means that I FINALLY get to take pictures of him . . . cause it’s really all about me! hahaha! Just kidding!!! Chase was an angel for his first, of many, photo sessions! He slept nearly the whole time and let me play and play! I just had to take a gander at the pictures . . . so here is a sneak peek from our time today! Many more to come!!!

Lifestyle Photographer, Michelle Castro is a children and family photographer who specializes in capturing moments in time.

grace & joy photography | po box 800165, santa clarita, california 91380 | michelle@graceandjoyphoto.com

sweet little hudson {preview}

2011-03-12T11:04:00.001-08:00

Have I ever mentioned how much I just love babies???? hahaha!! Probably only a million or so times right! Well, I had the privilege of photographing three week old Hudson this week! What a sweet little guy . . . he slept nearly the entire time and let me do whatever I wanted with him. His parents were awesome and went along with my ideas! Don’t you just love when someone else, namely the client, comes up with an idea that you had been trying to figure out how to ask!!! Well, I do!!! They have this neat canvas in their dining room with red cherries and distressed wood in the picture and from the moment I saw it I was trying to figure out if they’d be cool with taking it off the wall and using it . . . well, Erika, aka mom, asked before I could!!! yeah!!! So, off the wall it came!

Anyways . . . here are a few from our session this week! Many more to come!!!

Lifestyle Photographer, Michelle Castro is a children and family photographer who specializes in capturing moments in time.

grace & joy photography | po box 800165, santa clarita, california 91380 | michelle@graceandjoyphoto.com

park day 2011 {free event}

2011-02-15T23:13:00.001-08:00

Saturday was yet another beautiful day in Southern California . . . although there were only a few families who showed up it was still a blast. My girls were thrilled that they got to play!

Here are a few of my favorites!

Lifestyle Photographer, Michelle Castro is a children and family photographer who specializes in capturing moments in time.

grace & joy photography | po box 800165, santa clarita, california 91380 | michelle@graceandjoyphoto.com

park day {FREE event}

2011-02-09T23:45:00.001-08:00

Come on out this Saturday, February 12th for a morning of pictures!!!

I will be at Heritage Park in Valencia from 10am – noon . . . grab your kiddos, throw on something, fun, colorful, and maybe just a little bit funky, and come on over!

This is a FREE event!! There is no obligation to purchase prints . . . although you just may!

What to do?

Show up with smiles, some snacks and drinks, and let you kiddos play.

While this is a casual setting I am certainly up for doing short (5 minutes or so) mini-sessions with you and your kiddos or your kids and their friends . . . whatever you would like!

Pass this along to your friends and family . . . the more the merrier!!

This is a great opportunity to capture your kids being . . . well, KIDS! To capture them with their siblings, cousins, friends, whomever!!

If you have any questions feel free to contact me @ michelle@graceandjoyphoto.com

See you Saturday!

Here are a few images from last year’s park day!

cervantes family {christmas}

2011-01-16T16:31:00.001-08:00

Christmas has come and gone and now I can FINALLY post some of these pictures I took!!! No more secrets people! You should have your cards by now . . . and if not, well, I just can’t hold out any longer!!! Phew . .. I’m glad I got that off my chest!!! hahahaha!

the bucknell family {preview}

2011-01-16T00:13:00.001-08:00

Cheeks, cheeks, and more cheeks!!! These precious girls have the most adorable CHEEKS!!! I really had to resist the urge to jut squeeze them! Oh my goodness!!! Sweet Elizabeth and Rachel were good sports and endured my snapping away . . . they have the most beautiful blue eyes! I’m a total sucker for blue eyes . . . probably because we don’t have any of those around the Castro house . . . don’t get me wrong, I LOVE my brown-eyed girls (oh great, now I’m going to have that song stuck in my head . . .oh well) . . . anyways, there is just something so magically amazing about blue eyes . . . and I LOVE them! I just had to put a quick preview together of this adorable family!!!

first {birthday} elaine

2011-01-14T12:39:00.001-08:00

I love capturing a moment . . . I mean, who wouldn’t! Don’t you love looking through your pictures and feeling that awww . . . over a moment that you captured! I love that I get the opportunity to capture moments all the time! It is such a thrill and challenge! I especially love when I am able to capture the “first” moments of a sweet little one and then, flash forward a year and capture a whole new set of moments! That’s what I got to do last weekend! Last year I met Sweet Baby Elaine and, before you can blink it was time for her first birthday! Why does that happen so quickly!!! She was busy, busy . . . movin’ all over the place and entertaining her guests! So much fun!

tori . . . {happy birthday} preview

2011-01-14T11:35:00.001-08:00

My first love is really children, but a VERY, VERY close second is adults who are not in need of bribes or phrases like, “take your finger out of your nose, hunny” or “I’ll give you some m&m’s if you take a couple more pictures!” . . . you know, things like that. Hahahhaha!

Tori was not in need of any direction whatsoever! It was her 17th Birthday and she wanted a photo session! I love that! Oh my goodness . .. so beautiful and the happiest girl in the world! I couldn’t get her to not smile! What a great problem!!! Here’s a preview of Tori’s session . . . more to come!!!

Happy Birthday Tori! I hope you had an AWESOME day!!!! Thanks for letting me be part of it!!!!

Looking for a FUN location???? {disneyland}

2011-01-08T16:26:00.001-08:00

I’m on a Disneyland kick right now . . . it happens to be one of my most FAVORITE picture spots . . . there is EVERYTHING imaginable . . . green, rustic, dirt, and so much more . . . plus what kid doesn’t LOVE Disneyland???? On Thursday, we checked out Pirate Island . . . great location!!! So . . . I thought . . . why not offer this as a location!!!!! Throw on something fun and colorful, give me an hour or so, and I will capture

away!!!

Choose either Disneyland or California Adventure

Weekday Sessions: $275

Weekend Sessions: $375

Call or email me for availability!

the HAPPIEST place on earth {disneyland}

2011-01-08T16:12:00.001-08:00

So, we, in my family, LOVE Disneyland . . . well, most of us do . . . my husband, not so much, but the girls and I are BIG fans!!! Our passes expired right before Madelynn was born, so we have been in some serious withdrawals . . . well, Thursday we put an end to the madness and headed down to Anaheim!!! We have passes again!!!! YEAH!!!! It was a great day . . . Madelynn was a trouper . . . the big girls got to play with their cousins . . . I got to snap pictures at one of my favorite photo spots of all time . . . so it was a GREAT day for everyone!!!

This is just to confirm that I do actually exist!!! Many have wondered! hahaha!!

Yep, she got the memo . . . it is the HAPPIEST PLACE ON EARTH!!!

I love Reagan’s eyes in this one!
Well, 5 out of the 6 are looking!

Look what I found in my treasure chest!!!

Argh Matey! When on Pirate Island . . .

Awe!!!

Fuzzy picture, but I just love her face in this!

let it snow!!!! {SNOW}

2011-01-02T20:14:00.001-08:00

I was born and raised in Southern California and I can only remember one other time when it snowed like this . . . I think I was in 9th grade! Today it has snowed and snowed, so much that my girls made a snowman!!! For these Southern Californians this is a very RARE day indeed!!!!

sessions, sessions, and a few more sessions!!! {the holiday special}

2010-12-08T15:17:00.001-08:00

Well, well, well . . . no, I haven’t fallen off the face of the earth!! I’ve been out shooting, at my desk editing, creating Christmas and Holiday cards, or . . . oh yeah, running after those three precious munchkins of mine! But, I thought I’d take a moment to share what has been going on the past few weeks. This is my third Christmas as a professional photographer and it has been, by far, the busiest!!! I am not, in the least complaining, I am beyond, I mean BEYOND, thankful for this tremendous amount of business!!! I have had the awesome privilege of photographing some of the most amazing families!!!

Here are a few from the Steele Family . . . Shannon is one of the most amazing nurses!!! She was there for my last two deliveries!!! Go to Glendale Adventist . . . she’s so sweet!!! It was great to meet her adorable family – triplets, two boys and a girl, and then Cole, all on his own! :)

Small Business Saturday {special}

2010-11-27T07:51:00.001-08:00

Well . . . somewhere, someone decided that we needed to have a special day for Small Businesses . . . so, today it is!!! Since, I believe, I would qualify as a small business . . . I thought I’d jump on this and offer a special for 2011 . . . ya know . . . to help stimulate the economy and such! *smile*

So here is the first grace & joy photography special for 2011

Save $50 off your session price

AND

Save 25% off your print order

{details}

You must contact me today, Saturday, November 27, 2010,
to take advantage of this special.

Offer ends at midnight tonight!!

So . . . check your calendar, let your friends and family
know about this great special, and contact me!!!

Happy Small Business Saturday to you ya’ll!!!

~michelle
michelle@graceandjoyphoto.com

the audette family {family/kiddos}

2010-11-16T22:56:00.001-08:00

I love, love, love that I get the opportunity to meet new families and that I’m privileged to capture them . . . hopefully! This adorable family kept me on my toes, but boy were they fun!!! I happened to have my daughters’ fairy wings in the back of the car . . . it comes in handy that my car doesn’t get cleaned out as often as it should! . .. anyways, Grace and Annabelle were more than happy to put them on and flit and flutter around! Little Jaxon was an angel . . . even after a little face plant in the dirt he was ready to go! What a sweet family!

A little “behind the scenes” moment. . . Poor little guy!

alpert family {family & kiddo}

2010-11-07T15:23:00.000-08:00

This adorable family has the wonderful privilege of being neighbors to my sweet niece Scout . . . oh, yeah, and her parents! Bryan, Carrie, and Amber were so fun and easy to work with! To say that Amber LOVED the camera would be a gross understatement!!! She was GREAT! She is ready for her next photo session . . . great poses and a great sense of humor! I love them! I love capturing a family and the love that is between them! Such a gift!!!
Enjoy!

rayners family {preview}

2010-11-07T10:55:00.001-08:00

It's always fun to photograph families you have known for a long time! Kurt, Katie, and their kiddos were a blast! Full of energy and so much fun! It certainly helps that they are adorable and just love hangin' out with one another!

Here are a few . . . just a preview!

schultz family

2010-11-04T06:08:00.001-07:00

I have had the privilege of knowing Jim and Billie for a few years now . . . what an amazing couple they are! It is so neat to me to find a couple who, after 40+ years together, are still very much in love . . . I hope I was able to capture the love that they have for each other along with the love they hold for their sweet family! Their two little granddaughters . . . oh my! They are DARLING!!!!

hess family {preview}

2010-11-03T16:56:00.001-07:00

I love my computer . . . in fact, I probably have a rather unhealthy addiction to it . . . yes, I’m sure I’m not alone, but there it is! It is now out there! Ok . . . well, being that I am a photographer and I do everything DIGITALLY you can imagine the inconvenience when your computer DIES!!! Yes . . . my power supply went out and since it would cost just a little bit more to get a whole new computer instead of putting yet another band-aid on my old one . . . I decided to go for new! All that to say I was in the middle of editing pictures of the adorable Hess family!! They, along with a few other clients, have been EXTREMELY patient!!! I really do have the best clients in the world!!!

Well . . . without further adieu . . . here they are . . .

school pictures {gorman}

2010-10-06T19:59:00.001-07:00

I had the opportunity to be the school photographer for the Charter School my sweet Ellie goes to . . . well, here are just a few of the pics - there are about 100 students, so as much as I wanted to shoot away and get creative I had to stay focused and get some school photos taken!





These two lovely ladies are graduating seniors, so they got a little extra attention.

I had to include my sweet Lily! She wanted in on the fun too! :o)

the beautiful magness family {preview}

2010-10-06T16:38:00.001-07:00

I absolutely LOVE what I do and over the past three years I have had the opportunity to meet some truly remarkable people! Well, Stephanie Magness and her family are definitely in that category! Last year I was privileged to participate in her fourth annual Stephanie's Hope Boutique raising funds and awareness for Friedreich's Ataxia, something which Stephanie suffers from.

Please check out her website for details in how you can participate http://www.stephanieshope.com/

my sweet, sweet madelynn {6 wonderful months}

2010-09-29T23:21:00.001-07:00

I can remember, as a kid, my dad saying how quickly time went by and I just couldn’t understand that . . . from my vantage point time just seemed to stand still! It took FOREVER for my birthday to come or for that hour to pass before my friends would show up to play or for school to end or whatever it was . . . time couldn’t go slower! Well, now I’m on the other side and I just start a week and before I can blink we are at Monday all over again. The same has happened with my sweet little miss Madelynn! My pregnancy seemed to be the longest in the history of pregnancies (see time does stand still), but now time has FLOWN and my baby is growing! She is rolling and talking and playing and eating “real” food and, well, just getting big!!! I am not a fan of growth when it comes to my children . . . ok, that’s not entirely true . . . I do want them to remain my baby forever, but goodness knows I just love each new stage better than the last that was my absolute favorite!!! My Ellie girl is reading and becoming a young lady, my Lily bear is embarking upon this world of learning and quite independent, and then there is my little miss Madelynn, she is spoiled, for certain, sweet, happy, loving, and just all around one of the greatest loves of my life! I am grateful, so grateful, to God Almighty for my precious, precious gift in Madelynn Hope!!! What a blessing she is!!

This is not my girl on a good day . . . this is my girl every day!! Happy, happy, happy

Mentryville Holiday Special

2010-09-29T00:41:00.001-07:00

The first of the 2010 Holiday Special dates is done! I survived . . . well, still editing, but with a crazy week and many more sessions coming up I am trying to be on top of it all . . . well, the editing, that is . . . the laundry, cooking, and cleaning, that may just get put to the wayside! :o) Here are a few . . . more to come!

I had a great time yesterday! My trusty assistant, Ellie Grace, was by my side, so how could it be bad??? We had four wonderful families scheduled

ummm. . . yeah . . . love the feet!

gotta love little hands! :o)

SISTERS!!!

the frady family {preview}

2010-09-23T18:37:00.001-07:00

Senior Portraits {mentryville}

2010-09-13T16:50:00.001-07:00

I remember my Senior class portraits . . . in studio, very typical, and NOTHING like what seniors are getting today . . . wow!! I think I just made myself sound REALLY old!!! It wasn’t covered wagon time or anything, but things have certainly come a long way!!! And in my opinion . . . HALLELUIAH!!! There is a time and place for studio portraits . . . I’m just not the one doing them . . . right now, at least. I live in beautiful Southern California . . . who wants to be stuck in a studio when you can use the outdoors!!!??? Not me!!! Ok . . . anyways, I had to opportunity to shoot a few seniors . . . and well, here are a few of the images! They were so great to work with . . . so easy-going and willing to do just about anything!!! My kind of subject!!!

View Full Album

Christmas/Holiday 2010 Special

2010-08-31T23:18:00.001-07:00

It’s that time again . . . getting ready for those Christmas cards and that family picture!!! Ok . . . so maybe I am a tad early, but with each passing year my Christmas/Holiday Special is eagerly anticipated . . . so, I’ve been forced to get started even earlier this year . . . a wonderful problem to have, as far as I’m concerned!

Take a look at this year’s special . . . I’ve tweaked it a bit and I hope you like it!!! The dates are filling up, so if you are interested contact me ASAP and I will get you marked down!

love,
michelle
michelle@graceandjoyphoto.com

818.522.0291

announcing my sweet madelynn hope

2010-07-31T14:19:00.001-07:00

Ok . . . well, it isn’t really news, but I FINALLY got her announcements out!!! Yeah!!! I tried to pare down the list so I wasn’t spending a small fortune on announcements, so I thought I’d just post it here . . . in case you wanted to see my sweet girl (as if you haven’t seen her enough!!). I’m thrilled with how her announcement turned out . . . except for the part where I made a mistake about her weight . . . oh well . . . according to the announcement she weighed an ounce more than she really did! oops!! ;o)

sweet little miss lexi . . . 2 weeks old {preview}

2010-07-30T12:07:00.001-07:00

Well, I just couldn't wait!! I had to download the pictures and edit a few as soon as possible!!! How could I let this precious girl just sit when there was editing to do???? I know that I have said this before, but I LOVE newborns!!! Little miss Lexi Brynn was about the sweetest little thing. She was so good and let me do whatever I wanted. . . yeah me!!!

I had the privilege of photographing Lexi's mama and dad before she was born. . . it is always just so much fun to meet the little one who was so anxiously anticipated!!!

Enjoy and more to come!!!

My sweet Madelynn Hope . . . {3 months}

2010-07-28T23:04:00.001-07:00

While she is still technically 3 months old . . .on Friday she will be four months old . . . my how the time goes by so rapidly!! I am finding it more and more difficult to photograph my own little ones, so I called a mini shoot-out. We had a great time and I was finally able to snap some pictures of my sweet baby girl and her big sisters!!!

Here are a few of my favorites . . .

happy {independence} day

2010-07-04T14:33:00.001-07:00

What a day it is . . . a day to remember the blessed FREEDOMS that we are afforded!! Although, our freedom is not FREE I am so thankful for all of those who have given of their lives, time, comforts, and so much more so that I may be FREE!! God Bless America!!

And . . . well, it’s just another excuse to take pictures of my three favorite subjects!!!