“Hold onto me like you’re holding onto greatness,” said Greg to Tina as I posed him against one of the rocks at Papago Park.  It was one of many laughs I shared with them during this maternity session in the desert. They are expecting their first child, a little girl whose name is still to be determined.  Thankfully, they still have two months to decide.

Armed with goodies from Tina’s multiple showers, we brought them on the shoot and posed with all the treasures that would be decorating the baby girl’s room.  Congratulations Tina and Greg, you are both going to be amazing parents and I had so much fun with you!  I can’t wait to hear what her name will be!

To view the session slideshow CLICK HERE!

Diana Elizabeth shot in the actual desert for the first time.  This was the session!  Look ma, no fields! :)

Portraits

Thrilled that this pretty gluten free bridal shower designed by Angela Saban Design was featured on Style Unveiled.  If you haven’t seen all of its prettiness, please visit the post on Style Unveiled and read Angela’s interview!

Diana Elizabeth is officially sweating while talking on her cell phone outside.  You know, the elbow sweat because it’s 100+ out in Phoenix.  Ew.

Photography, Weddings

It was the sweetest email from Cynthia Bee of PhotogsUnited.com that asked if I’d do a recorded phone interview.  Recorded?  The last time I was recorded was for my online workshop where I told my students I peed four times before the first course.  So, I had to really check myself before I wrecked myself (again).

But the interview was fun.  So fun, my cheeks sort of hurt from laughing and smiling.  Thank you Cynthia for being one of the best interviewers ever.  Your questions were fun, you made it so easy, and most of all, I truly felt like myself and am happy to share this interview :)  Cynthia, you should be on the other side of the camera as a professional interviewer!

Read Cynthia’s blog post here.

Here me discuss:

• Where I see myself in 3 years
• Going back to corporate (if I ever had to)
• My inspiration
• How I find locations to shoot in
• My allergies to nature
• When I knew it was time to go on my own
• Why I always wear boots during shoots

Immediately listen to this interview now (Yes, I said, “I love, love” and then I wanted to throw up and shoot myself for saying it during the interview.)

Phone Call: Cynthia Bee w/ Diana Elizabeth: On Taking The Leap & Staying Inspired by Cynthia Bee

Diana Elizabeth loves to talk.  A lot.  Clearly.

Personal, Photography

The only way to describe Joanna and Jacob’s wedding at the Monorchid in Downtown Phoenix is W-O-W.  Creative, unique, modern, with loads of personality minus the typical wedding tradition was exactly what this wedding was.  My kind of couple!  I loved everything about this wedding!

Yes, French Bulldog Hank made his cameo appearance at the wedding, after all, it was a year to the day that Joanna and Jacob met at a pool party.  This wedding was W-O-W just like Joanna and Jacob and their amazing love.  Thank you to the Monorchid staff for being incredibly amazing to work with.  Congratulations Mr. and Mrs. Hale, I adore you both.  And I’m pretty sure you already knew this.  xx

To see the entire wedding in slideshow (you don’t want to miss this) CLICK HERE TO SEE THE SLIDESHOW!

Venue: MonOrchid / Makeup: Noelle Chacon / Hair: Vonn Wynn / Second Shooter: Amy Gallagher / Wedding dress: White by Vera Wang / Bride’s shoes: Betsey Johnson / Earrings: BHLDN / Groom’s suit, shirt, belt: Hugo Boss / Groom’s shoes: Dolce and Gabbana / Groom’s tie: Band of Outsiders / Groom’s pocket square: Paul Smith / Florals & Rentals: Flowers by Ellen / DJ: Curtis Whipple / Vintage decor: BHLDN / Desserts: Cakes by Nadine / Cupcake toppers & All You Need Is Love Banner: Purple Peony Couture / Food: Magic Touch Catering / Photobooth: Mr. Fun Booth

Diana Elizabeth loves her creative, edgy brides.  Just loves them!

Weddings

When I was in So Cal to shoot Ashley and Bobby’s wedding, I had an incredible time catching up with my really good friends who live in LA.  Angel Swanson, Melayne Wootan, Katy Davis & my bestfriendforeverandever Jackie Brans! (Yes, the girl I went on the awesome road trip through the South with!)

Jackie and I have been inseparable since sophomore year of college at U of A.  She is like my sister and she’s the best friend who has gone through thick and thin with me.  She knows my fears, my dreams and all of my sensitivities.  We laugh, play and make the most fun memories together.  In fact, how many best friends would read an entire self help book, highlight the sentences that would only pertain to you so you have your own Cliff Notes?  Jackie.  That’s my bestfriendforeverandever who captured me as she sees me in Crystal Cove.  Love you Jacks. I’m ready for our next adventure. xx

Yes, that is my natural hair color. I don’t know what happened but I swear I’m 100% Chinese.

Diana Elizabeth loves those GAP gold loafers.  They are her favorite little shoes in the world.

Personal

“Do you want one of your Christmas presents early?” asked Nick from the kitchen as Haleigh sat on the couch.

He popped in a DVD in the player and up popped a photo slideshow starting with their journey five and a half years ago.  Images flashed across the screen, moments, laughter, and affection from when they were so very young to the years they grew together.  Words popped up about the time they were apart for over a year and did a long distance relationship, then words appeared about how much he loved Haleigh.  How he has been welcome into her family and vice versa, and that he couldn’t imagine life without her, asking if she would be his wife.

He was behind her as she sat on the couch and before she could read the rest of the text her eyes were filled with tears as she happily said yes.  Congratulations Nick and Haleigh!  It is my prayer that you continue to grow closer together as you have over the years and continue to have as much fun as you already do.  xoxo

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Hair and Makeup: Brenna Heater

Diana Elizabeth says being a photographer is what gets her out into nature more often.  For real.  She often finds herself taking lots of allergy medicine before shoots.  She can’t help it she’s just a delicate flower…with pollen allergies.

Engagements

Tawni is my hair stylist and I adore her!  She owns Altered Ego Salon in Tempe and her hubby Chad owns Solo Cafe next door! It’s the cutest thing, wouldn’t that be an absolute dream to work with your hubby every day?  I think so!  The salon is always buzzing with women getting beautified while next door at the cafe, it’s packed with ASU students on their Macs between classes enjoying the delicious coffee and baked goods.  You can pretty much say that both businesses are incredibly successful and run with lots of love.

Tawni and I have been talking about this family shoot for a while and I was happy to shoot it at one of my favorite places, The Farm at South Mountain in Phoenix.  The farm is in full bloom and was a lovely backdrop for this session.

To view the session CLICK HERE FOR THE SLIDESHOW!

Diana Elizabeth loved a lot of Nikota’s outfits.  She wanted them in her own size.  She did buy a pair of Steve Madden Tsumamii Rain Boots (yes it’s spelled with two i’s) in green that she found at Last Chance for $15.  Now she’s waiting for Monsoon season.

Portraits

Do you want to do any of these?

• Start a photography business (or at least start charging)
• Break into a certain market – weddings, babies, seniors?
• Get your work published on top wedding blogs
• Strengthen your brand
• Figure out your style
• Market your business
• Get published in magazines
• How to run a business
• And how to manage a personal life while running a business
• More….

Join me for 4 weeks starting Monday July 11 at 5 p.m. PST for a workshop on building your business for $199.  I’m also offering a $49 BizSpark pack which includes text for wedding contracts, print releases, model releases and text for clients on backing up their memories.  Sign up now! CLICK HERE!

Recorded and downloadable video playback is available for international students or if you have to miss a class on vacay or whatever reason! There will be a powerpoint presentation, live video and chat room.  Weekly assignments will be given so you can immediately work on your business!  More from me here…Hope to see you in class!  And um, holy cow I talk way too fast, so sorry!

Thank you UNDFIND for sponsoring the prize for this next workshop!  So happy to have you on board and thankful for all of your support!

Diana Elizabeth’s hair is supposed to be a messy fishtail braid.  Just in case you if you were wondering if she just rolled out of bed, no, she didn’t.  She was going for the Free People catalog look.

Photography, Video Blogs, Workshops

Young, beautiful and full of so much spirit, that is Kathryn Bulkley, Miss Arizona 2010 who recently placed Top 10 at this year’s Miss America. Katy attends the University of Arizona (clearly a smart girl) and will be returning this fall after she crowns her successor this June.

I decided that Boho Farm and Home would be the perfect place to shoot.  Katy you are beautiful and so fun!

Location: Boho Farm and Home

Diana Elizabeth remembers her pageant days!  She doesn’t want to list her titles she won but she definitely had her fun!

Portraits

I shot the June cover story for PHOENIX magazine and seven other assignments in this issue and have a little story about being a contributor!  This, is a goal that I can officially check off my list!

Let’s be real.  THIS is how I really feel:

Thanks to Rachelle for believing in me and Brian for being awesome.

Pick up the June issue if you see it anywhere but it should be on newsstands next Thursday :)  And read my little contributor bio on page 22!

Tonight, I celebrate with my best friends!  Cheers!

Diana Elizabeth is thrilled.  This one is going in a frame.

Personal, Photography, Portraits