Maternity Mayhem

Product of Britt Productions & Kalter Photography

We walked into the studio ready to capture some great photos of Madea and her two little girls. As the girls took to their new environment us ladies set up our equipment and tested lighting. Luckily, I wasn't alone on this shoot. I had my mom right by my side. Actually I was more on her side but you get the picture. My mom, Charmagne, has been a professional photographer for years and I was so lucky to assist her. She is an amazingly fabulous photographer and an even more amazing best friend. I love her and I honestly can say I wouldn't know what to do without her. "It's about that time to Cue the tears ladies."

When we finally finished getting everything in place and were prepared with our cameras in hand, the game began. When I say "the game," I speak of getting 2 adorable little girls to cooperate! Trust me, if you play this game you most likely will lose! Ok, ok. Maybe you wouldn't lose, but I sure wasn't very successful.

I would run up to the girls, fix their hair, pose their cute little hands just right, tilt their chins, and then run back to where the camera was placed. Yes, this is what occurs when 2 little girls are involved. I proceeded to repeat this act about fifty times.

Run, fix, pose, tilt, shoot.
Run, fix, pose, tilt, shoot.

Phew! Before I catch my breath, let me give a shout out to all you Children Photographers. You sure are talented.

No matter how much I ran, fixed, posed, and tilted, it turned out to be a fun afternoon by my moms side. We came out with an adorable picture, and our Pink Bow idea came out fabulous!

Jenn and Anthony - A Love Story

Photo Above taken by www.pameeandashlee.com

A few months back I had the opportunity to shoot Jenn and Anthony's engagement video. Let me tell you, it was an extremely fun day with such fabulous people. Jenn's Maid of Honor, Kristin, arranged for us to get together to capture their footage. Keep in mind that we were keeping the "Final Product" a secret from both the bride and groom thee entire time! Of course they knew we were shooting a video (I mean, come on. I did have a video camera attached to my hand from the get go) but they had no idea what it was for, what the final product would look like, if it was edited to a song, etc. They knew absolutely nothing. Go 'Team Britt and Kristin' right?

I was so pumped up and excited because, well, I just LOVE surprises. I love the little things that create amazing memories. Once I heard the word 'surprise' come out of Kristin's mouth it was game on for me! And I literally mean, GAME ON!

Their "Love Story" will be premiered at Jenn's bridal shower today, March 15th. I'm so excited to see her reaction. It's going to be one great day filled with "Oooh's and Awwww's."

Check Out the Premiere 'engagement' Video ft. Jenn & Anthony below.

High School SweetHearts

This past weekend I was looking over some sample cards, programs, wedding invitations ... You know, all that fun creative stuff we girls love to love.

As I was busily scrummaging through my pile of paper I came across mine and Nestor's wedding program. Let me tell you, I am impressed with myself. These programs are insanely detailed. I believe I should be officially named the Detail Diva perhaps? I'm sitting here wondering what in the world I was thinking when it came to these programs? Oh yes. I remember. I was thinking that I was determined to have my "wow" dream wedding. And to tell you the truth, I had the most magical, beautiful, insanely fabulous, "wow" wedding I have ever seen. Yes, I may be a little biased but still! It was one of thee best days of my life so far. 

While reminiscing on that romantic dreamy day of September 8, 2006, I think about how I got to that point. The point where I was standing on that Alter with the man of dreams looking back at me with his adorable face. He loves me more then I could ever ask for. Sometimes I'm in awe at how my life is turning out. I have to sit back and remind myself that I am blessed beyond my wildest dreams.  And I mean my wildest dreams!

The Day I First Met Nestor: 

I was about to sit down at church on Thursday night when out of the blue this boy a few rows back blurted out "I was going to ask you to Homecoming." I turned and looked over my shoulder to see who had said that when I saw Nestor and his friend sitting in the seat behind me. I have to admit, I was feeling that "little girl crush" kind of feeling that you get when an older Junior boy likes you.... oh wait, I was a little girl. I was just fourteen years old! Sorry mom. 

Of course I tried to act like I didn't care but I just couldn't hide my excitement. He was just so cute and smooth. However smooth a sixteen year old boy can be I have no idea, but to me he was. He was so charming. 

The next day at school us cheerleaders had to sell root-beer floats for a fundraiser. I was at our cheer table when I saw Nestor walking in my direction. Oh no, what do I do? Do I look cute? Act cool Brit. As Nestor approached, he smiled and waved. Ah, that smile. We started talking while I served other students their floats and we laughed the entire time. I remember him acting all "smooth" trying to flirt with me and of course, I got that "little girl crush" feeling again! The day I fell in love with Nestor was that bright beautiful day outside on the hill serving floats with him by my side. 

The Day I First Met Brittany:

The first day that i saw Brittany I was in my workout gear during P.E. at Western Christian High School. I was turning the corner out of the Locker Room area when I saw this beautiful, blonde haired, blue eyed ... eighth grader walking towards the baseball fields with her"attached to the hip" mother. I immediately proceeded to walk by her and flex my muscles as we crossed paths, but unfortunately went unnoticed by her until the following year. From the moment I first saw Brit, I had a feeling that she was different from everyone else, a difference that captivated my enough to go through anything a Junior in high school could go through with the parents of a Freshman cheerleader. Not to mention the sister of a fellow classmate who disliked me (her brother). Nonetheless, every moment was worth the fight, because in the end, I found my match, my best friend, and my wife. 

Krystle and Ryan: Save The Date

A few days ago Krystle met me at the Gallery to work on her and Ryan's Save The Date cards. Below is the final product. Krystle loved the shoe picture so we just had to fit it in! I have to admit, I think we captured their style and personalities. It fits them to a "T." :) 

Their Save The Dates will be printed on 5X7 glossy double-sided postcards. 

(Front of the Postcard)

(Back of the Postcard)

Rock It.

For the past couple of months I have found myself stomping around my office and pouting to myself (yes, I pout to myself sometimes) about why I just don't have the luxury of hiring a professional design company to snazz up my company's image. I want to be branded.To the oh-so incredibly fabulous graphic designer: BRAND ME!   I've come to realize that my pouting and the batting of my eyelashes is not going to get me anywhere. And trust me, I've tried these techniques with my husband plenty of times. I'll bat my eyelashes and even when I'm desperate, resort to my "baby" voice to get my way. However, in the realm of business I don't think pulling the "cute baby pout" thing works as effectively. Therefore, I took it upon myself to brand myself. I mean who better to brand my company then me right? Oh yes, branding is becoming one of my many forte's everyone. 

Little by little I'll be snazzin' everything up. Including my videos. I know, how can I NOT have my videos up still? I'm working on it! Hope you like the new and improved look!  ROCK MY BLOG by checking what I'm up to.

Ryan and Krystle

This past Saturday I had the opportunity of shooting Krystle and Ryan's engagement photos. When we first arrived at the park I was a bit nervous. I mean come on! I just stated in a previous blog that I am not a photographer. I'm a videographer! However, it seems that lately I've been getting the opportunity to grab my Canon EOS 5D and have a little fun. SO! With "fun" on the edge of my brain we headed out to capture some pictures. Upon arrival to our destination I hopped out of the car and headed towards the docks. While walking towards the lake a sudden realization and fear crept inside of me. Where's the sun? OH NO! How am I suppose to pull off that "fancy lens flare" thing that all the photographers are doing these days without the sun!? PANIC ALERT! And why is the lake water looking mucky brown instead of blue? This is not good. Hello Brit! Without the sun everything looks more .... well, BLAH. Ok, ok. I shook the panic and pretended to act like I was a pro. What's that motto again?... "Fake it till you make it?" Yes. That was exactly the motto I was clinging to. As the session progressed we all relaxed and had some fun roaming the park snapping shots. Krystle and Ryan were such good sports and I think we accomplished our goal. "All we need is 3 good pictures!"

Below are a few photos from our session. Hope you enjoy. Like I always say, leave me a comment and let me know what you think! It makes my day... serisouly :)

Food Fit for a King

Picture above displays food from the "The Kitchen"

When planning an event the food is at the top of the list. It's the one item that everyone looks forward to when attending a party. As you know, most of us drive to a wedding and the following words always escape our lips: "What are they going to have to eat?" ... "I'm starving! I hope there's good food." ... You rarely hear anyone wondering what color the linens will be or if they will have candles as opposed to florals. I mean, come on. Food or flowers? FOOD! Do you think I am correct on this statement? I sure do. So with that said, it is essential to pick out a catering company that is not only professional but has food that tastes amazing. I have a top two favorite list for caterers in Southern California that I absolutely love.

1. First and foremost, there is the catering company known as "The Kitchen." They are a more high end catering company located out of Pasadena. Can I just say AMAZING? "The Kitchen" recently catered a wedding that I helped with and all of the guests were raving about it. Not only was their food delicious but their presentation was outstanding.

2. Second, there is a catering company known as "Gourmet Gourmet." I absolutely love this company. I've used them over and over simply because their food is delicious and fun! They are a little less expensive and their food is a bit more layed back so to speak. They have exceptional service and their presentation is amazing as well. Doesn't a Martini Mashed Potatoe Bar sound so fun? Well, they have one so check them out!

Both links are provided below. If you have ever heard of either one of these catering companies or know of any other amazing caterers, feel free to leave a comment on your thoughts.


The Kitchen's Website: http://www.thekitchen.net/

Gourmet Gourmet's Website: http://www.gggourmetgourmet.com/

No I'm not a Photographer...

I've been getting a few emails from you loyal blog readers and I have to make things a bit clear. I am unfortunately not a photographer and I do not claim to be one. I know, bummer right? Let's just say it's not my forte. However, I do believe that I can make anything my "forte" so maybe down the road I'll be one? ... YEAH! Get it Girl! ... So with that said, until that day comes, I have several ridiculously amazing photographers I can recommend to you. That's right! Ridiculously amazing!

I posted "My attempt to be a 'legit' photographer" simply because I thought it was a fun night that ended with even more fun results. Therefore, I thought I'd let you in on the fun too! :) Feel free to leave me a comment and let me know what you think. Good, bad, ugly, any advice or opinions... Bring it on. BRING IT ON!

All silliness aside, I believe that with the right mindset and determination you can do anything you want. You just have to believe in yourself. You have to make a goal and go for it. If we dont have a goal or know where we are going... well, we'll always be lost. Choose your path. So all of you out there that want to be photographers (or anything else for that matter) ... Make It Happen! You can do it! I've written down my goals for this year and I can't wait to see how far I get and where I'll be this time next year. Think about yours.

More Maternity...with a touch of Magic added

I call this "Retro Baby" 

Soft and Sweet

All in Color

My "attempt" at being a Legit photographer!

Last night I decided it would be fun to have "Girls Night" at my place with a few friends. Since our core girls group consists of 2 married, 1 pregnant, and 1 in a serious relationship we thought what would be more fun then putting together a "Professional" photo shoot? And even better then that, A MATERNITY PHOTO SHOOT! At the beginning of our fun night, I had the girls google a few pictures that we could use as samples. Mind you, in the back of my head I kept thinking to myself "I'm going to have a break out into FAME for how awesome these photos are going to come out. You got it Britt. You are going to go one step further in conquering the world... the Photography world!!!" (Yes, I really was thinking these thoughts). As I attempted the first few shots ... with Britney Spears on in the background, bad lighting, and NO experience... I was a little shocked at how aweful they were coming out! "Hmmm... these aren't looking like my googled pictures girls!" I couldn't let the outcome of a few "warm-up" shots affect me right? Therefore, I took a deep breath and proceeded on to attempting to conquer this photography thing! After about the one-hundreth picture or so I was getting the hint. I was learning fast that I was not about to make it BIG TIME in this realm of art. Photography is hard let me tell you! Thank goodness for photoshop though! Phew, I am saved! Below are a few of the photos I shot of Jenn. Not too shabby huh! Maybe, just maybe, with the help of photoshop I will indeed make my mark in the photography world! ... or not =) Hope you enjoy!