Rebecca Helpling Photography

NEW HOME FOR THE BLOG

2009-01-09T16:17:00.000-08:00

Please make a note that the Rebecca Helpling Photography Blog has moved, the new blog is located at www.rebeccahelpling.com/blog
please update your bookmarks and visit the new blog often!

Model Cuteness! san diego children's photographerrebecca helpling

2009-01-07T12:35:00.000-08:00

Meet little Miss I, she was so much fun and up for anything. She was silly and loved the petti's so much, I wasn't sure I was going to be able to talk her into letting them come home with me! She is wanting to get into modeling and has the personality and beautiful smile for it! I had a blast working with her and wish her all the best in her venture!!
Miss A here is the sneak peek of your little firecracker! It was so hard to choose just a few for the blog.

2008 Favorites san diego photographer rebecca helpling

2009-01-04T11:15:00.000-08:00

I cannot believe that 2009 is here already, 2008 flew by in a whirlwind of activity.
I was blessed with some of the most wonderful clients both new and repeat and it was truly a joy to photograph all of them. This post is just a few of my favorites from the past year as I gear up get back to work after a few weeks off with my family.
I am looking forward to meeting many new families and individuals this year with a lot more fun new locations! With your help it is going to be a great one!!

Happy New Year!!

The Winner of the Giving is Awesome giveaway is the C family and they were nominated by Miss A and I am looking forward to meeting them and capturing both of their families memories!!

A beautiful day with my family

2008-12-31T13:34:00.000-08:00

I have been enjoying the holiday with my family and just having fun with the kids and D and trying to stay away from work things until 2009, but my poor blog is sad and lonely so I am sharing some photos from a hike we took this past weekend up into the hills around our house, pretty sad that we have lived here for more then 4 years and just started hiking the hills that are our backyard!
Gorgeous views and a beautiful day with cool breezes and the clearest sky fresh from a good rain made the hike perfect.
It was also a fun way to break in my fun new fish eye lens that will be making its way into use in upcoming sessions!
Have a safe and Happy New Years and don't forget that tomorrow I will announce the big winner in the Giving is Awesome blog contest!!

Giving is Awesome!!

2008-12-19T09:48:00.000-08:00

The incredible people at Essential Imagery came up with the amazing idea that I had to jump on board with! How could I not? What an awesome opportunity to give back!

Here's the deal!

You know someone. You know someone who's experienced a tragedy, is struggling to stay afloat, is raising kids while holding down more than one job, or is volunteering selflessly despite extenuating personal circumstances. You know someone who can't afford custom photography, but who would cherish it this holiday season. You know someone who deserves a year-round reminder of their family's spirit, love, and beauty.

You know someone. I guarantee it.

I want to know who they are, and I want to give them the chance to experience complimentary custom photography -- $1000 worth, to be exact. It's in your power to give them the artwork they deserve this holiday season.

Oh, and the best part? The person who nominates the winner receives a free session as well($175 value) . What better reason to show some love could there possibly be, people?

The rules:

* You cannot nominate yourself, and the person nominated must sincerely be incapable of purchasing my services. (Being unable to make mortgage payments for a two-million-dollar-vacation-home in Paris does not qualify as sincere financial need.)

* The nominee must reside in San Diego County. Tell me who you know, what they're experiencing, and why they deserve my artwork. Please include a way to contact both your nominee and yourself as well.

* You must e-mail me the full story :info@rebeccahelpling.com

The winner will be announced on New Years Day -- get nominating! I can't wait to read all of your entries!

Open your heart to someone this holiday season -- and thanks for giving me the opportunity to open mine.

With love,

Rebecca Helpling

PS So far over 350 Photographers world wide have donated over $383,000 what an incredible show of kindness and generosity from all those involved! I am proud to be a part of this!!

Have A Very Merry Christmas!

update as of this afternoon it is up to 444 photographers and $478,310

Published! Operation Love ReUnited san diego photographer Rebecca Helpling

2008-12-16T16:20:00.000-08:00

Many of you are familiar with the wonderful group Operation Love ReUnited. A group of amazing and generous photographers donate their time and talent to the men and women who so bravely serve our county, I am humbled to be a part of this organization and have met some wonderful families this past year who have been photographed as part of this program.
This year the first annual album is being published with some of the wonderful photographs taken by various photographers who participate and one of mine was chosen!
Jaime and Bryan who were photographed not long ago will be appearing in this album!
If you go here and scroll down about halfway you can see the entire layout. My photo is on page 19/20 in the upper right corner.
I am very excited about this and will be gifting them a print of the chosen image :)

Also stay tuned because in the next 2 days I will be announcing a huge Christmas give away that I am really really excited about! I am just finalizing the details before the announcement is made!!

and because you can't have a blog post without a photo I am sharing one of the photos taken of my family by a good friend and fellow photographer for the holidays :)

Happy Holidays san diego children's photographer rebecca helpling

2008-12-09T10:49:00.000-08:00

The Holiday Rush is slowly dying down and soon I will be able to spend more time with my kids during this season of celebrating.
Please remember that if you haven't placed your order it needs to be in ASAP in order to have it in time for Christmas. Orders placed after the 12th with be subject to rush fees.

And now a little bit of fun, my sweet son wants to cut off his beautiful hair so I took him out for a pre-cut photoshoot. So far he hasn't had it cut off but I fear the inevitable and it looks like we will be going in this afternoon, I'll be sure to post some after shots.

Gorgeous B Family san diego children's photographer Rebecca Helpling

2008-12-03T15:14:00.000-08:00

A big Thank You! to the B family who were the winners of the auction to support our kids elementary school at this years fundraiser!
They are beautiful and fun kids who were real troopers fighting for spots with me at a very busy park this last weekend. Last minute crunch for local photographers and the half a dozen or so besides myself at this park was a hoot!
It took a little while for the littlest to warm up to me but I think we got some great shots once he did!
The 2 year olds really worked me this week but I would say its worth it! I love my job no matter how hard they make me work!
B family enjoy your sneak peek!

Little T San Diego Children's Photographer Rebecca Helpling

2008-11-30T14:48:00.000-08:00

It is hard to believe that the first time I met T he was just about a month old, he is now 2 and full of that 2 year old energy. If you have had a 2 year old or have one now, you know what I am talking about. They just keep going and going and going, its fun to watch and exhausting to keep up with and I don't think you can get a better workout :)
S family enjoy your sneak peek and your gallery will be available in the next few days.

Lovely san diego urban photographer rebecca helpling

2008-11-28T20:05:00.000-08:00

I love this girl! We have been friends for practically my whole life so I was so excited when she asked me to take some fun pics of her!
We headed downtown and had a blast just walking around taking photos and then we headed to Coronado and caught the tail end of an amazingly gorgeous sunset! I'm so glad to have these pics since she recently moved out of state and spends a lot of time traveling the world.
M, I miss you already! Enjoy the sneak peek :)

Rockstar Red San Diego Family Photographer Rebecca Helpling

2008-11-21T15:40:00.000-08:00

I am loving the feel of these images, the red makes them sparkle for me along with the beautiful family! I am sure you will recognize this family from previous sessions, I do believe they are my most photographed family! I love that! I have loved watching these kids grow, the twins from beautiful Miss K being pregnant with them to now almost 2.
We had fun running around and playing during this session which stresses out the parents but the kids and I have lots of fun :)
So remember that when you come for your own session, kids running around happy is a good thing, it doesn't stress me out in the least *unless they are headed for the street* and it shouldn't stress you out either. Our sessions should be fun and full of love and laughter, it really does make for the best images that have captured the true joy and meaning of being a family!

Holiday Sessions are in Full Swing san diego family photographer rebecca helpling

2008-11-16T20:10:00.001-08:00

This is such a fun and busy time of year for everyone and I love seeing everyone all dressed up ready to be on the front of a beautiful christmas card that will no doubt pale in comparison to the beautiful children or family in the photograph!
The H family is no exception!! Little Miss E was a newborn just a few short months ago and is just the cutest little baby you could imagine, she looks like a perfect little round doll and has the most easy going personality too, and she needs it with as much love as her big brother and sister have for her! I love when siblings actually want to be the one to hold the baby!
They were all troopers in their Christmas attire, even though someone forgot to tell San Diego that it is after all November and time to cool off a bit!
Enjoy the sneak peek H family, your gallery will be along soon.

Meet Austin san diego family photographer rebecca helpling

2008-11-05T15:56:00.000-08:00

This is Austin and his family, this was an amazing shoot for me with some pretty special people! Austin has leukemia, he was diagnosed in June of 2006, on this day he was feeling good and looked great. He is still undergoing treatment and will be for much of 2009. Please keep him in your prayers.
Austin and his three sisters and parents were so fun to be around and the love that comes through this family is something special. You can view Austins story by visiting his website that keeps family and friends updated on how he is doing,
Austin brought his saxophone and basketball to our session so we got some fun shots with those, but check out his page I saw a photo of him on stage with Kenny G. How awesome for him to be able to do that!
G family, it was truly my pleasure to photograph your beautiful family! Enjoy the sneak peek and I will have a full gallery for you soon! Austin will be in my thoughts and prayers!!

Boys will be Boys! san diego family photographer rebecca helpling

2008-11-02T16:54:00.000-08:00

I love little boys, so much energy and mischief! These three were no different and make my job lots of fun! I should say these 2 since baby T was sweet and smiley and sleepy and didn't do any of the running and playing :)
I had a great time with you all, thank you for a fun afternoon!

Lovable Baby Elephant san diego baby photographer rebecca helpling

2008-10-30T11:59:00.000-07:00

How cute is this little guy?!?! C has the yummiest cheeks, I could chew on them!
Happy Halloween :)

Jaime and Bryan San Diego Photographer Rebecca Helpling

2008-10-21T10:06:00.000-07:00

You guys are awesome!! Thanks for putting up with plane chasing and sitting in random bathtubs!
I hope you guys had as much fun as I did :)
Enjoy the sneak peek and Bryan be safe!!

my girls san diego children's photographer rebecca helpling

2008-10-16T11:18:00.000-07:00

Its not too often I share my babies! Sadly they usually run from me when they see the camera come out. This time I got a few minutes of cooperation before they ran :)
I wish my son was in these as well but I'll take what I can get!!

Trying to smack the camera away. I love how super happy she is in this one :)

Yumminess San Diego Newborn Photographer Rebecca Helpling

2008-10-07T07:04:00.000-07:00

Newborns melt me and baby K was no exception! I want to snuggle and love on them and sniff their tiny heads. They are perfect and amazing in every shape and size. A tiny little miracle all soft and warm.
Thank you B for allowing me to come and capture this fleeting moment.
I also threw in an out take, I just love the pure joy on G's face :)
Enjoy this sneak peek! More coming soon!!

Breast Cancer Awareness Month!

2008-10-05T15:23:00.001-07:00

This is the weekend I should have been in DC walking, it was so hard to not be there.

This post is to remind everyone that October is Breast Cancer Awareness month. Please please please remember to do your monthly self check and if something doesn't seem right please go to your doctor. The survival rate for Breast Cancer that is caught and treated in the early stages is 98%, this is huge and why it is so important to do your self checks. If you don't know what you are feeling for exactly (I didn't) go talk to your doctor, they have fake boobs that have lumps in them that you can feel.
Click on this link and complete the 5 question quiz and $1 will be donated to the Susan G. Koman Foundation. It only takes a moment :)

The M Family San Diego Family Photographer Rebecca Helpling

2008-09-24T12:23:00.000-07:00

This was such a great session. One of the reasons being is that Debbie was one of the first friends I made when my family moved to San Diego in 1986 :) of course there have been so many life changes during the last 20+ years but true friends remain even if you don't stay in as close of touch as you should!
I was honored to take their families photos and to spend time with them all!
Enjoy this sneak peek! xoxo

Holiday Mini Sessions San Diego Photographer Rebecca Helpling

2008-09-22T13:58:00.000-07:00

Sessions are very limited and $100 non-refundable deposit due at time of booking. Cannot be combined with any other offer. Prices are good only through the end of November. Cards are double sided linen paper.
Please email me at info@rebeccahelpling.com to book your session. No more than 5 people in the same immediate family per session, more the 5 will be booked at standard rates.

Beautiful Coronado Beach San Diego Family Photographer Rebecca Helpling

2008-09-16T14:04:00.000-07:00

It was my pleasure to photograph this family! What adorable kids, I think one of the reasons I love the beach is because you get to see the sheer pleasure of little kids when they put their feet in the water and get wet from head to toes :)

three year olds part 2. san diego children's photographer rebecca helpling

2008-09-15T13:34:00.000-07:00

Part 2 of these fabulous little ones! I wish I lived closer to downtown I would go there everyday :)
its so colorful and full of fabulous little spots that you have to look for and that is half the fun!
Enjoy...........

a bunch of three year olds downtown! san diego children's photographer Rebecca Helpling

2008-09-10T10:40:00.000-07:00

Oh what fun! Five 3 year olds downtown some awesome locations and a lot of fun!!
There are more coming but here is the first look at the fun that was had!

Breast Cancer 3 Day Update

2008-09-07T15:33:00.000-07:00

Its so hard for me to even write this, but after careful thought and a few tears it is time for me to end my journey to this years 3 day walk in Washington DC. Recently I have been having severe pain in my right foot and I finally forced myself to go see my doctor. The conclusion is that walking 60 miles will only worsen my pain and push up surgery and with three little kids at home being off my feet for 6 weeks from the surgery really isn't something I can force my family to deal with if it isn't necessary. So we decided that it would be best for me to pull out of this years walk.
To all who donated to my fundraising efforts THANK YOU!!! I think the hardest part of having to pull out is my fear of letting you all down. Just remember that your donations have gone to a wonderful cause and bring us closer to a cure for breast cancer with every dollar donated!
If you would still like to donate please find another walker in your area or consider donating to my good friend Nicole Peck who I was planning to walk with. She will still be walking and is super close to her fundraising goal and would love the support! Just click on her name and it will take you to her fundraising page.
Again thank you for all your support it really does mean so much to me!

xoxo
Becca

Hush Little Baby San Diego Newborn Photographer Rebecca Helpling

2008-09-05T16:38:00.000-07:00

Meet sweet baby E. Another so sweet and sleepy and perfect newborn. He was a pleasure to photograph and spend time with. I absolutely love my job and spending time with E and his mama remind me why!
S and T enjoy this sneak peek!

Happy September San Diego Children's Photographer Rebecca Helpling

2008-09-02T17:16:00.000-07:00

Its hard to believe summer is gone and everyone is back in school. Routines are starting up again and hopefully at some point it will start to cool off!!
I absolutely love photographing Mr. D, the first time he was just a couple of months old and a few times in between. It is hard to believe he will be 2 very soon. I love watching him grow and turn into a toddler, he is so funny and sweet and I adore him!!
Don't even try to tell me you can't see the mischief in his eyes :)

Jon Jenkins and David Helpling Live San Diego Event PhotographerRebecca Helpling

2008-08-26T12:47:00.000-07:00

This was a little different for me. I shoot events, weddings, birthday parties etc but this was my very own husband and his good friends Jon Jenkins who he recently collaborated on an album Treasure. they played live yesterday at UCSD along with their good friend Matthew Stewart an amazing drummer and songwriter.
David and I have been married for almost 14 years and it seems like almost that long since I have seen him on stage. Back then it was rock and loud smoky bars that 50% of the time I couldn't get into because of my underage status :) this time a whole different scene but still so awesome to watch!
They asked me to snap some photos of them while they were playing which was super fun for me!
Here are just a couple from the event. You guys rocked!!

Torrey Pines Beach Sunset San Diego Family Photographer Rebecca Helpling

2008-08-23T15:25:00.001-07:00

School started this week and the kids have all done really well adjusting to the new schedule so we decided to head down to the beach last night with some friends for some end of the first week of school fun! The kids and dads went boogie boarding and swimming, we played smashball and football, our crazy littlest child ate a lot of sand while the big kids eeewwwed over that making her eat more. We watched a beautiful sunset and then headed over to Roberto's for some carne asada burritos :)
oh and I grabbed a few shots of the fun!!

Sweet Baby Girl San Diego Newborn Photographer Rebecca Helpling

2008-08-14T17:25:00.000-07:00

This is baby E and she was an absolute angel the whole session. She didn't fuss at all and just curled up and let me snap away! She is so tiny and precious, even giving us sweet baby smiles!
Enjoy your sneak peek K and J!

Starfish!! San Diego Family Photographer Rebecca Helpling

2008-08-06T16:33:00.001-07:00

We are back for the second part of the "D" families photos, this time heading out to the beach for some fun in the sand and water, complete with seashells and starfish :)
I had so much fun getting to play at the beach too! Here are a few of my faves!

Portrait Party {sneak peek, part 2} San Diego Children's Photographer Rebecca Helpling

2008-08-04T19:14:00.001-07:00

Here are some more from last weeks portrait party! Again thank you all for coming out and braving the heat and just having fun! I truly enjoyed each and every session! Enjoy the sneak peeks and your galleries will be emailed to you soon!

Portrait Party {sneak peek, part 1} San Diego Children's Photographer Rebecca Helpling

2008-08-02T18:09:00.001-07:00

A huge thank you to all the families who turned out for the fundraising portrait party this week!! We met at a fabulous park in Poway and stayed for 5 hours. It was great meeting all of you and what a beautiful group of kids!
Here are the first of the sneak peeks! Stay tuned there will be more soon!!

Happy 10 Years J & S San Diego Family Photographer Rebecca Helpling

2008-07-30T16:17:00.000-07:00

Wow July just took off at a pace I wasn't ready for and I am doing my best to keep up with the flow of things and still be a good mom to my babies! So I am a little behind on this sneak peek, but this is the R family and they renewed their vows this past weekend at a small, intimate ceremony with their close family and friends. We had fun getting a few family portraits before the ceremony and some special shots during the ceremony!
Congratulations on a wonderful milestone in your marriage! I wish you many more tens!!

Portrait Party San Diego Children's Photographer Rebecca Helpling

2008-07-24T17:14:00.000-07:00

Thank you so much for the overwhelming response! All of the spots are full! For those that were unable to get a spot a wait list has been started and you will be given first choice for the next party!! If you would still like to be added to the wait list just shoot me an email.

As many of you know two years ago I was able to participate in the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer 3 Day. This year I am doing it again!!
I will be walking in DC in October. One of the requirements is that I raise $2200 in order to even participate, I am about a 1/4 of the way there.
So my good friend Shelby offered to host a "Portrait Party" as a fundraiser and it is taking place Thursday July 31st starting at 9am.
For a minimal donation I will be photographing children only in 20 minute time slots. There are only a couple of spots remaining that I am hoping we can get filled! We can book up to 3 children in the same family in a spot.

Please contact me at info@rebeccahelpling.com for more details and to book your session.

If you are interested in hosting your own fundraising party please contact me asap so we can schedule a date that works for us both :)

Kim and Bobby San Diego Wedding Photographer Rebecca Helpling

2008-07-23T13:15:00.001-07:00

Kim made an absolutely glowing bride and the love between her and Bobby was so apparent even I was tearing up during the ceremony!
It was hot in Arizona over the weekend so I have to give props to the whole wedding party who put up with what probably seemed like endless photographs, with very minimal complaining :)
they were all super cool and fun to hang with!

Thank you for allowing me to be a part of such a special day!

Fun, Family and Lots of Love! San Diego Family Photographer Rebecca Helpling

2008-07-21T20:07:00.001-07:00

I had a great time with the D family! The little cousins were so cute together and there is so much love between the families! It was a joy to spend time with your families!!
Enjoy your sneak peek!

Giggles and Water and Climbing on walls! San Diego Family Photographer Rebecca Helpling

2008-07-14T18:28:00.001-07:00

That's what fun sessions are made of!! I had such a great time shooting the C family, we had so much fun and the kids {and parents of course} put up with all my crazy ideas and I think their patience paid off! I have so many favorites from this session it was hard to narrow it down to just a few for a sneak peek!!
Enjoy you guys!! I can't wait for you to see the rest!!

Beautiful Girls!! San Diego Maternity Photographer Rebecca Helpling

2008-07-09T11:41:00.000-07:00

Meet B and her adorable little girl! I had so much fun spending a little bit of time with them! Little Miss G took a few minutes to warm up and then she was off and running and had me laughing!! I love when my job is this much fun!!
I think we got some great shots for your daddy Miss G!!!

Thank you to all the men and women who serve this great country! San Diego Family Photographer Rebecca Helpling

2008-07-07T12:05:00.001-07:00

This is a very special family. N and her boys wait here at home for their daddy to return. He is in the military protecting this great country!
I am proud to be a member of Operation Love Reunited and am happy to be able to give back a little to someone who gives so much!!

N here is your sneak peek!

Fun at the Beach!! San Diego Children's photographer Rebecca Helpling

2008-07-05T11:20:00.000-07:00

Little C loves the water and we had so much fun running around in the waves and getting wet and sand in our pants. I wish I had gotten a shot of me at the end, I was a mess!! It was a blast though and C was so fun to photograph and talk to. He has an amazing vocabulary and is so smart at just 2.5! He is also quite the little flirt :)
I could not stop smiling while I was proofing the sneak peeks, you can see the love with momma and C and it is so sweet!

Miss B here is your sneak peek!!

I was on tv!! San Diego Special Event Photographer Rebecca Helpling

2008-07-03T21:53:00.000-07:00

Well my head and half of my face :) the rest was covered by my camera!!
I was part of a great event today that was arranged by another local photographer for Operation Love Reunited. It was pretty awesome that the news showed up to cover this event and interview one of the families of a deployed soldier.
I will post more about it in the next few days and have some sneak peeks from the awesome families I worked with today!!

Oprah's Big Give San Diego San Diego Special Event Photographer Rebecca Helpling

2008-07-01T12:12:00.000-07:00

This isn't directly related to photography or really related at all but I am still sharing because it is such a wonderful thing.
My little sister is developmentaly disabled and has found a wonderful community and learning center at St. Madeleine Sophie's Center here in San Diego. Recently 1o News teamed up with Oprah's Big Give to award a $10,000 matching donation to one of five San Diego non-profit organizations.
After picking 5 non-profits from all that applied and the community voting, St. Madeleine's won the donation! My little sister appears a few times in the video that aired on 10 news recently, you can see her packing lunches and again digging in the worm farm!
She is enjoying her newfound celebrity status :)

{A fun week} San Diego Children's photographer Rebecca Helpling

2008-06-29T15:10:00.000-07:00

Lots of beautiful kids around this week! It was a blast spending time with each of them! They have pretty cool moms as well :)

Stay tuned I will be announcing the date for the first annual family portrait event!! It will be booked on a first come basis so as soon as the date is available be sure to contact me for your spot. Space is limited!!

They grow up too fast! Huntington Beach Special Event Photographer Rebecca Helpling

2008-06-26T20:33:00.000-07:00

Don't they know that its not okay to be 2 one day and 18 and graduating the next?? This one makes me feel so old, I was a young teen when he was born and so much has happened in all our lives in the last 18 years it is overwhelming to think about it!!
Even so {C} I am so so proud of you and the amazing young man you have grown up to be and I can't wait to see what the next 18 hold for you!! Sis/Bro you done good!!

Little Man {the cast comes off tomorrow} San Diego Children's Photographer Rebecca Helpling

2008-06-22T10:23:00.000-07:00

He's not so little any more but he's still my baby boy! His cast is finally coming off tomorrow night so I took him out for some photos of how he has been for the past 5 weeks. I can't believe it has only been on for 5 weeks, it seems like a lifetime of "shower baths" and "don't get your cast wet" plus its been so hot and we can't go to the beach for fear of getting sand in there or to the pool or to the water park. We are running out of activities where staying cool is possible :)
Here are some of my little E and his very large personality!!

DSD Alpine {recital}

2008-06-19T20:45:00.000-07:00

What fun to have so many talented dancers together in one room! This recital was held at the El Cajon Performing Arts Center. I had so much fun shooting along side another local photographer and getting some great shots! Here are a few I am able to show you :)

The Littlest Heros Project

2008-06-18T16:23:00.000-07:00

I am sorry to have been mia for longer than usual. These past couple of weeks have been so busy with shoots and all the end of year school stuff that comes right before summer and D and I were able to sneak away after the craziness for a few night of peaceful sleep!!

I will be back in the next couple of days with sneak peeks but I wanted to share with you this amazing organization that I was recently accepted to as a local photographer. So many children suffer from childhood cancers and this project called The Littlest Heros Project is just a small way to give back. We offer sessions free of charge to anyone who is in this horrible situation and dealing with so much and something that a parent and child should never have to go through!!
As a parent and as a human being my heart hurts at the thought of any child suffering.
I am exciting to be a part of something that could bring joy to a family that could use a little. Take a minute to check out this project at The Littlest Hero
If you or someone you know is suffering from a childhood illness please contact this organization and they will put you in touch with a local participating photographer!

Happy Birthday Miss T

2008-06-09T13:58:00.000-07:00

I had the pleasure of being invited back for the second year to photograph a birthday party for this family. This time it was T's sweet 16. This was an amazing party!!! I would say it rivaled a MTV "My super sweet 16" but I think T is too sweet to even compare to some of the girls I have seen on there!
The guests were all dressed in black and white and the lovely birthday girl was stunning in her red dress.
This is a wonderful family, so full of life and love and happiness that they are contagious to be around! Enjoy these sneak peeks of some of the amazing details that were put into this party!

Life's just a fairytale

2008-06-06T17:08:00.000-07:00

Well it is for a day when you are 8! I had so much fun with all these 8 year olds (100+) on their special fairytale day at school. So many awesome costumes and silly kids, they kept me laughing in the heat. The school was able to get this fun Cinderella Carriage from a local theater and the kids had a blast in it!
Here are just a few and check out the 2 little red riding hoods, are you sure thats 2 girls?!!?

Miss Peeps

2008-06-04T17:29:00.000-07:00

Its not often that I get to spend time photographing my own kids, let alone get any decent expressions out of them. We refer to this as "Photographer's Kid Syndrom" but my baby was sweet enough to let me capture some photos of her last week, and they are some new favorites so I have to share! I love when my kids are good to me this way because I get to play and try new things on them before sharing them with you :)

Blue Sky Reserve

2008-06-03T13:28:00.000-07:00

I had the opportunity to go with my daughters class last week on their field trip to Blue Sky Reserve. For those unfamiliar with the Poway area it is a large wild life preserve that was basically wiped out by the Witch Creek fire last October. There are still signs all around that a fire went through there but the amazing thing to me were that there were even more signs of life and regrowth. It was a beautiful day and there were tons of wild flowers blooming and the trees are all starting to regrow. If you have never been out there and like to hike there are some great trails, just be sure to watch out for the poison oak!!
If you are lucky enough to run into one of the wonderful Docent's that are sometimes around to answer questions or give tours be sure to ask them about the Trap Door spider that lives there. It was one of the most amazing insects I have ever seen and remember that because this is a reserve nothing is to be taken from the land :)

Showering a Bride to be

2008-06-02T20:37:00.000-07:00

On Sunday I got to spend the afternoon at Ms. K's bridal shower. It was so much fun to spend time with the bride and her sisters and I am really looking forward to shooting her wedding in July. The location sounds amazing! I will be heading out to Arizona for this wedding.
Thanks for having me yesterday and I can't wait to see you all in July!!

Beautiful works of art

2008-05-28T17:10:00.000-07:00

One of the fun things I got to do in this awesome thing I call a job was photograph the beautiful pieces of art that the children at a local elementary school were auctioning off as a fundraiser. I was blown away by the talent of these kids, with a little help from their teachers! The kids were in grades k-5 and here are some of my favorite pieces!! They were all beautiful I wish I could post them all!!

Surprise!!

2008-05-22T16:34:00.000-07:00

No I don't have a surprise :) but I was looking for something on-line today and came across this cool website called Surprise this site has gifts for everything. Chic baby, funny baby, always cold, loves to cook, hates to clean, traveling with kids, midlife crisis etc etc etc the list goes on and on! You can even have dinner delivered from Saks Fifth Avenue!!
So of course I had to share it with all of you! Here are a few of the fun things I found.

Every baby should have their own sushi set complete with chopsticks!

Who doesn't need a hot mom handbook!

A bucket of lollipops, yum!!

I miss having a collection of diaper bags, but have happily graduated to a collection of real handbags.

Meet Linda Sargent

2008-05-19T12:59:00.001-07:00

A very talented local recording artist! You can find her music here
Beauty and talent she has it all, we hope to see big things for her in the future!!

A crazy week

2008-05-17T08:10:00.000-07:00

Three kids, eight years and this was our first trip with any one of them to the ER so I think we are doing pretty good!
On Wednesday afternoon we let the kittens come out of the master bedroom where they have been living to adjust to us and our house and the chaos and to have a safe place from the chaos.
Anyway along with letting them out we also purchased them a 5+ foot high kitty condo to play on. They wanted nothing to do with the condo, but Ethan and Natalie thought it was awesome and were climbing all over it. Ethan got himself into a hanging crawl through that is about halfway up the condo and while I was putting Nati in a timeout for pulling his hair because she wanted a turn, Ethan tried to wiggle himself out head first rather than backing out the way he went in and the whole thing Ethan and all came tumbling down. We thought he was just scared and a little bruised but after further assessment decided that yes a trip to the ER was warranted. David took him in, where they spent 3 hours getting checked out, x-rays and a splint put on until the specialist could take a look at it the following day. He did make a new friend in the ER who was getting 6 stitches in his chin after a fall off his bike.
On thursday after another 3 hours at the hospital, more x-rays and lots of waiting Ethan was put in a hand to shoulder green cast! It was pretty scary for him and he did not like having the cast put on at all, but he was a trooper.
It was heartbreaking for me to have to watch my little guy go through this, I get teary just thinking about him laying on the table having to put his arm into a position that was so painful for him so that the cast could be put on. He had me up to 5 things from Target by the time we were out of there!
Last night was the first night since the kitties came home and the broken arm happened that anyone got a fairly decent nights sleep! So I am back to feeling a little more human today.

I have to apologize to my friends and clients who are waiting to hear from me, emails and calls are coming I promise!

Here is E right after getting home from getting his cast on. It took him a little while to figure out how to play trains with only his left hand, but he is a pro now :)

Meet Charlie and Lola

2008-05-13T08:50:00.000-07:00

We have a couple new additions to our family! Charlie and Lola are just 8 weeks old and the sweetest little kittens. The kids adore them and they are adjusting well to their new surroundings! Emerald on the other hand, our 12 year old 25 pound lazy cat, is not too happy to have a couple of babies around and so far won't get within 5 feet of them. Not sure how he is going to react when he realizes there is not just one but 2 playful energetic kittens now to mess up his nap schedule! oh and yes they are named after the show, as some of you know Ethan learned how to speak with an English accent after watching that show and Claire and Ethan like to pretend play that they are Charlie and Lola so it was only fitting that we name the kittens that, well that and the kids did not think Luke and Leah were good names :)
They just came home last night!

More Miss B, and a busy B

2008-05-09T17:22:00.000-07:00

Thing have been a little crazy around here and as we finish up May and come into June we have a lot of fun events coming up for Rebecca Helpling Photography, among them a wedding, a sweet 16 party, a fairytale event and even some portrait sessions!! I hope to be able to keep on top of the blog too but please be patient and check back often for updates and a fun contest coming in June!!
Here is one of the things I have been working on this week, a custom coffee table book for Miss B.
These are just 3 of the pages that will appear in her 20 page book, in the first one you can see how much she has grown this year, she first came for photos as a newborn, again at 4 months and now at a year.

Happy Birthday Miss B!!!

2008-05-01T20:52:00.000-07:00

Today I had the pleasure of photographing little Miss B for the third time. I love spending time with her she is so sweet and watching her grow is so fun! She is celebrating her first birthday on sunday so when her mom contacted me to do this session I immediatly said we have to do some cake shots!! E and I thought that was a great idea, B not so much!! We had fun anyway and got some great shots!
P & E here is your sneak peek of your sweet baby girl! Happy Birthday B!! Can't wait to hear about your birthday party!!

New Props!!

2008-04-28T21:01:00.000-07:00

I was out running some errands this morning and decided to run into Home Goods, fun store if you haven't been there, lots of cool stuff for your house! Anyway, I was looking for a chair for some sessions I have coming up and found an adorable wicker set. I really just wanted the cute loveseat but it all came together. My friend Shelby also happened to be in Home Goods this morning and talked me into buying the whole set, and I am so glad she did. I love it!! I took my poor kids out side this afternoon to play and in between riding bikes and ladybug hunting they were sweet enough to hang out on the new furniture so I could take a few shots just to see how it photographed.
Two of my kids thought this was a great idea, the third not so much {can you guess which one didn't like this idea}
Enjoy a few snaps of my babies and take comfort in knowing that even photographers prefer that other people photograph all their children together, because no matter how great a photographer one happens to be you are still just mom to your own children and you will get the funny faces and rolling eyes :)

Beauty

2008-04-25T13:51:00.000-07:00

You don't love a woman because she is beautiful, she is beautiful because you love her. ~Author Unknown

This is stepping outside the box for me and definitely not for everyone! K worked really hard to get her figure back after the birth of twins, she is feeling beautiful and sexy and decided to do something a little different as a gift to her husband. We are working on something spectacular for him! K here is your sneak peek, your gallery will be ready soon!

Tiny Dancer

2008-04-21T15:32:00.000-07:00

WOW! This child amazes me, I am one proud momma for sure! This 8 year old of mine did such a fantastic job last night in her dance studio's production of Pinocchio! Along with her regular ballet, tap and jazz dances with her class she also auditioned for and got the role of the "wishing star" and asked to be a "mama dancer" as well being on stage for a younger class to help them remember their steps!
This was an awesome performance by all the dancers and the studio really outdid themselves making this the best production yet!!
Here are a few of my sweet girl!

Silent Auction

2008-04-17T10:40:00.000-07:00

I am so excited to have the opportunity to participate in my first silent auction! I donated a session along with some prints and the school allowed me to set up a little display. Up until this point I haven't really advertised myself because my amazing friends and clients have been wonderful word of mouth and have kept me busy. I decided it was time to branch out which is scary and exciting all at once. Its hard sometimes to step out of your comfort zone but at the same time when you actually do it it can be so exillerating!
I wanted to share with everyone the display that I put together for this silent auction! All the proceeds will go to benefit our local elementary school!

This little beauty was chosen for the largest image in the display!

Beautiful Belly

2008-04-14T09:07:00.000-07:00

Thank you again Miss V for allowing me to photograph your growing belly and to try out some fun fabrics :) It was lovely meeting you and your family and I can't wait to meet your new little one as well!
Enjoy your sneak peek..........

Baseball and M&M's

2008-04-11T07:37:00.000-07:00

Yes again with the m&m's, you may or may not know that you can go to the m&m's website and pick your own colors and sayings. I would be all over this if only it could be done with peanut :)
I was checking it out the other day and now they have baseball m&m's that you can order in your favorite team colors and logos! So if you know about my peanut m&m addiction you probably also know that I don't really follow sports, but do love going to a game now and then! So go add some fun team m&m's to your party spread!! GO PADRES!!!

Buying or Selling?

2008-04-07T08:44:00.000-07:00

This week I got to do something that was a little different for me. Meet Richard Teeter a local real estate agent who hired me to do new headshots. I was at a little bit of a loss since he stood still and listened to direction and didn't run away from me once :) I still adore the little ones but a change of pace is always fun!!
Here is a link to Rich's website if you are looking for homes! www.teeterhomes.com
This is a genuinely nice man and I enjoyed chatting with him as well as photographing him!
Here is your sneak peek, your gallery will be ready soon!

Canvas is the way to go!!

2008-04-04T13:02:00.000-07:00

I love portraits on canvas and if you have been to my house you have seen them all around, some hung some still waiting to be hung but present none the less. I only wish I had more wall space!! My husband on the other hand likes things simple and not so cluttered. They do say that opposites attract don't they?? Whoever "they" may be, well they are right!
Anyway I have an amazing canvas vendor and I am excited to announce that my new digital package will include not only your images on a disc ready for you to print but it will also include printed proofs so you will have reference for how your prints should look and the best part of all it will also include a 16x20 canvas portrait of your favorite image!!
This is another photo from WPPI with the most awesome canvas vendor around. If you happen to watch Oprah and saw the recent home make over show the huge canvas that was created for the family was created by Roxanne's company. If you are like me and want even bigger than 16x20 canvases please don't hesitate to ask, p2c can create whatever size your heart desires!!
You will notice the ducks in the photo I am sure, they are hard to miss :) Roxanne includes a duck with every order!!

Walking Again!!

2008-03-31T19:39:00.000-07:00

I am so excited to be able to post this! I just signed up to walk in the Breast Cancer 3 Day. I know a lot of you know that I did this in 2006 and it was amazing experience for me and my friends that I walked with. I have been wanting to do the walk again and this year I was presented with the opportunity to walk again only this time I won't be walking in our Beautiful city but in our Nations capital! I am so excited about this, I have never been to DC and what better way to see the whole city? I also get to spend 3 days with my good friend Nicole! I am sad to not have my whole team together to walk with again {life happens, people move on, things change}

I have some plans in the works for some photo related fundraisers. If you are interested in hosting a Portrait Party you can contact me for details!
If you feel like you just want to donate the link is the title of this post.

Thank you for reading about my excitement and being a part of it! Here are a few photos that I took during the closing ceremonies of the 2006 walk!

It feels like Spring

2008-03-30T16:24:00.000-07:00

Maybe because it is spring :)
Yesterday was D's birthday so we spent the day together doing fun things and driving C from rehearsal to rehearsal! Busy girl!!
We stopped to play for a bit at old poway park, E loves the trains they have on view on the weekends, I of course love to snap away and N just wants to perform! It really is true when they say "all the worlds a stage"
Happy Birthday Baby!!

Graduation Time

2008-03-26T10:27:00.000-07:00

Meet C he is a senior this year and such an amazing young man, I won't be one bit surprised if we all hear about the great things that C is doing in the future. I know that in a big or small way C will have an impact on this world. He is a son, nephew, grandson, cousin, friend, drummer, student and so much more and so good at everything he does. Enjoy this little sneak peek of someone who has great things on the horizen for his life!

Exciting changes happening at Rebecca Helpling Photography!!

2008-03-21T17:24:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone!
I am slowly recovering from the Vegas trip, I got so much information in such a short period of time that my brain is still trying to process it all! I am super excited with the changes that are coming your way and I know those of you who have wanted them in the past will be happy to know that digital files are now available for purchasing. If you have already had a session where they weren't available but would like them please contact me for information at info@rebeccahelpling.com

I am looking for 2-3 Maternity clients that I would like to extend a special offer to. If you are due in the next couple of months or know someone who is, please contact me or have them contact me at info@rebeccahelpling.com I am not taking the select few on a first come first serve basis I am looking for people who meet a few basic requirements, nothing scary just contact me for details!!

I am also looking for 1 or 2 playgroups who are interested in having their playgroup photographed, its lots of fun and makes for some great memories! Contact me for details!
info@rebeccahelpling.com

I will leave you with my favorite photo from my trip to Vegas :)

Vegas Lights {fun part 2}

2008-03-20T12:30:00.001-07:00

It wouldn't be a good Vegas showcase without some light photos right??
So here are a couple of the lights in Las Vegas and the water show in front of the Bellagio, and some beautiful Lillies growing inside the Bellagio as well!

Some fun stuff from Vegas!

2008-03-20T12:21:00.000-07:00

Yes that would be me rockin' the pink UGGS {it was cold}

2 Little Monkey's Jumping on the Bed {don't try this at home}

Yep me again {the girls were trying out my new lens}

Three girls, three cameras = lots of laughs and some fun shots!
Jeni, Heather and I rode to Vegas together for WPPI and took some fun shots on the way there and back :)

HELLO FROM LAS VEGAS AND WPPI!!!!

2008-03-18T22:55:00.000-07:00

I wanted to check in and say hi from Vegas and the WPPI convention. You are probably wondering what WPPI is, right?? Well its an amazing experience for the pro photographer and I have been taking some classes and catching up on all the latest and greatest for all of you!
I've been having a little fun too and meeting some other wonderful photographers who share this fun and exciting passion with me!

If you don't already know this about me, its not a very big secret, I love peanut M&M's and if you want to get to my heart hit me with a little yellow bag :) so its only natural that while in vegas I hit up the M&M store on one of my breaks and got my picture taken with Peanut!

Back to the photography now!!
Rebecca Helpling Photography is going to be offering some wonderful new things that I know you will be as excited about as I am!! Stay tuned because there will be some very big announcements coming soon!!

It doesn't get any better than this

2008-03-14T17:44:00.000-07:00

family really is what life is all about! I have had the pleasure of photographing this family 3 times now and it is a pleasure every time! This time it is a special session with Grandma and Miss L and Mister B, I had so much fun getting to know grandma and spending more time with this family. I love my job and this session is just one of the reasons why :)
here is a sneak peek at some of my favorites, the rest of your gallery will be ready in a few days!

How can this possibly be right?!?!?

2008-03-10T09:34:00.000-07:00

Two of my favorite Twinkies are celebrating a huge milestone this week, they are turning 1!! Now I know this happens in the lives of all babies but WOW not sure how this can be happening so soon. It has been my pleasure to capture these miracle babies every month this year but even more of a pleasure to be a godparent to Mr. R, sweet Miss A has her own set of godparents but I love her just the same! Their mom is one of my closest friends and I am honored to be a part of their lives!
Here is a little sneak peak at their birthday celebration!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY Mr. R and Miss A, I love you!!!

A chilly afternoon at the beach

2008-03-03T15:26:00.000-08:00

but R's family were good sports about the not so warm beach weather! What a great family, I can only hope my kids still like me an each other this much as teenagers!
Here is your sneak peek!

Just like riding a bike

2008-03-02T08:37:00.000-08:00

For as long as she can remember sweet C has been wanting to learn to ride her bike and she did learn how over the summer but between dance and singing and brownies and......... well you get the picture she is one busy girl, we haven't had much time to practice. So the other night we actually got some fun time in. You know the saying "just like riding a bike" well it really is true! She got on her bike and after a slight barely noticeable moment of hesitation took off like she had been riding her whole life! I took pictures, daddy rode his scooter, E rode his trike, N ran around and "rode" her bike. Fun for the whole family!