Love in Los Poblanos Historic Farm | R+E | Destination Wedding Photographer | Hey Ashley Shaw

These two sweet souls traveled from Portland, Oregon to Los Ranchos de Albuquerque, NM to get married at Los Poblanos Historic Inn and Farm. This venue is tucked right by the Rio Grande River in New Mexico. Surrounded by historic buildings, lavender fields, farm silos, to farm to table eating, this venue is the dream it sounds like. As a destination wedding photographer, this is what I love. Getting to experience all the different wedding venues all over the United States and all the unique things they offer.

Rachel took the risk and purchased her gorgeous dress from Etsy. I think you'll agree when you see the pictures, that the risk beyond payed off. The dress fit her perfectly and was so unique and beautiful.

Rachel and Erik kept their celebration intimate with their closest family and friends and you could feel all of the support and love surrounding them the entire day.

All. The. Details! Oh my! This wedding was my absolute dream. Rachel had the best little details throughout her entire day. Details that mixed the southwest of New Mexico with the funkiness of Portland, OR. From personalized shot glasses, to tribute cocktails and the best dress change, the entire day was so fun for me to capture. Rachel did the best job creating a day that was completely representative of her and Erik.

Let me know what you think!

Photography: Hey Ashley Shaw

Florals & Planning: A Beautiful Theme

Venue: Los Poblanos Historic Inn & Farm

Dress: Kuraje Wedding Dresses

Makeup: Something Ginger

Diamond Rings and Wildflowers | Engagement Photography | Scottsdale, AZ | Hey Ashley Shaw Photograph

Have any of you been to the Salt River in Arizona before? There is this winding single lane highway that takes you through a gorgeous mix of saguaro cactus and lakes and the Salt River and if you're lucky, some beautiful wildflowers.

We got so lucky for Patrick and Alyssa's engagement session and the wildflowers were dressed to empress.

The absolute joy and chemistry these two have warmed my heart. I had the best time with them and our session went too fast. It was love at first site for these two and they are going to be getting married in Utah Valley, Utah on their one year anniversary.

One of my favorite parts of an engagement session is having it as a trial run for your wedding day. You are able to get more comfortable in front of the camera, more comfortable with your photographer and see what sort of poses and posing prompts work and don't work for you.

Since I mostly specialize in destination weddings, sometimes my couples assume that we won't be able to meet for their engagement photoshoot but I make it to you!

Hope you enjoy these captures of Alyssa and Patrick. Drop a comment below and let me know which one was your favorite!

Five Tips for Photographing Children

We've all been there. You just want one good photo of your children together but it seems if one is behaving, the others aren't and then they keep switching. You pay a significant amount of money for a family photoshoot and then your kids are miserable.

After over 10 years photographing families and weddings, I have a few tried and true ways to guarantee at least a few winning photos of your children.

Tip #1: Bring Snacks

Okay this one seems obvious but you would be surprised by how seldom parents remember to bring snacks for their kids to their photoshoots. I get it, you're rushing and struggling to even make it to the family photo session in time, but if you're a parent, you know how a hangry child can be. Try not to bring anything super sticky or messy but something that the kids can snack on quickly.

Tip #2: Avoid stressing...it's contagious

Kids can sense stress. If you are panicking, which is so easy to do before, during and after your family photos, your kiddos are going to feel that stress and natural smiles are going to be much less likely. Instead, try to give yourself extra time. Get to your photoshoot location early and let the kids explore a bit. Book a long enough session so that you have time to take little breaks between photos.

Tip #3: Pick comfy and cute outfits

Cute outfits are always preferred for family pictures BUT make sure not to pick clothing that your kids are going to be miserable in. It's a battle that no one is going to win. Choose your outfits far ahead in time that your kids have an opportunity to wear them. See how they settle as they move around. Try to avoid tops that ride up constantly. Or things like suspenders that can be falling down. You want clothing that your kids can run around and be comfortable in.

Tip #4: Candids are King

Family photo sessions don't have to be "sit still and smile." Often, some of the best photos are the ones of your kids playing candidly. Those are when you get the real smiles, the real memories of how your kids interacted with each other at their age.

Tip #5: Make Jokes (fart jokes included)

Keeping conversation and jokes flowing is a great way to make a family photo session feel more like a fun outing and less like a burden. Fart jokes are forever a classic. Doing silly photos, playing peek a boo, etc. You know your child best. Most recently I asked one of the children that I was photographing if he knew any funny jokes. He asked me "why did the lizard cross the road?"...."to die." So keep that one in your arsenal for later. You're welcome.

Leave me your favorite ways to get some good smiles out of your kiddos in the comments below.