New Year- New Beginnings

I started out on this adventure capturing moments, first of my little ones and then those of my friends. When I started I didn't know where this was going to take me but I always knew I loved taking photos of beautiful things and people. Whenever we would go somewhere you would hear from me "just one more minute" as I was snapping away.




sunset on the westside of Maui


Years ago, before even I recognized this passion my mom bought me a Nikon... I carried that thing everywhere! As time passed and my path took me in the direction of teaching and marriage I packed away that camera but still had the memories it had captured for me. As another dear friend says "if there is a picture of it- then it really did happen".

A couple of point and shoots later, the birth of my son, and our five year anniversary brought the first DSLR camera (Nikon D40x) into my life. After several months on bed-rest (6 to be exact) we were so excited to welcome our son into our lives and of course needed to capture every minute. Well, after developing our pictures and getting blurry images of my husband cutting the cord I nearly broke down in tears (I blame the hormones).

So on the eve our 5 year wedding anniversary as we were preparing to take a trip to our favorite getaway (San Diego, CA) with our newborn I heard a a sniffle from him. The panicky mommy that I was, would not leave until we saw the doctor the next morning. We had his blessing to take him on the trip (which was less than a 2hour drive away) but I just couldn't go. As we were canceling the reservations we were heading to the store to buy the D40x. How there is a correlation between the two, beats me; but this action alone set me on the path I am on today.

Three years later, an active preschooler and a new addition to the family (our daughter) had us heading to the store for another DSLR (Nikon 90). My daughter who was already one and spirited (a kind way of saying a pistol) and my son who is a baseball loving little boy were growing so quickly and moving at such a fast pace I didn't want to miss anymore moments. So my husband bought our next camera which would gave us more speed (I didn't want to miss those pitches or hits). He also gave me my Christmas present early (the 70-300mm lens).

This time around I decided to learn everything there was about the camera. What did that mean? No more shooting in automatic or presets! Day after day I read, practiced and learned how to shoot in manual in different conditions at various locations. As I started posting pictures on Facebook and getting feedback I started to realize maybe this could be just more than a hobby?

Well here I am a little older and a little wiser and the lesson I want to teach my children is to listen to their hearts and to follow their dreams. My dream is to capture those special moments for others. To see the happiness of moms, dads, families once they see their memories gives me happiness and peace. I can't wait to see that same happiness from brides and grooms but that is another adventure and post for a later date. We lead by example so here I am taking my dream to the next level- LeilaPie Photography.

here is my other inspiration...

thank you for visiting and taking the time to read about me. i hope i get to meet you and capture those special moments for you!

XOXO
lisa