I just realized that I have not posted here that we have a new BLOG (Actually, we've been moved over for a few months. . .sorry. So if you have been wondering why there are no updates. . .well, you have some viewing to catch up on over at the new blog.

http://www.annamayer.com/news

Goodness, we have been so busy lately, it is simply crazy. so I think I will just do a little "updatepalooza" for the sheer joy of it. So...recently:
Some happy giggles after an hour and a half of just staring at me as if to say "WHAT are you doing, lady??" :-)

Well, this image just speaks for itself...

Just one year old...

A little guy I have photographed twice before. I LOVE seeing them grow up!

Check out those baby-blues!

Twins who never disappoint me with their L-I-F-E. What fun they always are!

A little girl's first "ride" on a Vulcan Motorcycle; she was hooked.

A little girl and her fantasy world:

A delightful little family:

Pop-pop-pop! This was the coolest toy!

Okay, can you get any cuter?

Gotta' love those moments when they snuggle without tears:

This guy is just so photogenic AND *I* get to photograph him every year!

and who can resist some sweet feet?

Adorable brothers:

a new nephew for us :-)

Playing at home:

Okay, these little honeys are the latest edition in a favorite family of mine :-) I have been photographing big brother Marco since he was 5 days old and now it is time for some sweet little twins!! It helps that Momma has a fantastic sense of style. Welcome to the world little ones! -Anna

This time of year is just craziness in the photography business. Some days I feel like I am working from sun-up till sun-up agian! I don't really mind...but I DO miss my kids! I took an hour today to just hang with my girls, Lydia and Alayna. Lydia has been having a ball with this furniture box. Isn't she just adorable??

This is the amazing guitar Brian was given.

Have you ever been to a funeral, read the program and thought "It is just sad that she doesn't get to hear about how her life touched others"? Occasionally it happens that we get a little taste of those accolades while we are still alive. Today was one of those days for my sweet husband.

But let me back up just a bit. Brian is a musician and a man after God's own heart. He loves God and wants to serve him with every breath he takes. Seven years ago, as young 25 year olds, Brian and I trekked across the country from Minnesota to California to take his first post as Pastor of Worship in Willow Glen. We had two young boys at the time and our first daughter, Alayna, was just months away from arriving. It was an enormous step of faith for us but one we took head on. It has been a roller coaster season. Over the years, Willow Glen has meant many things to us. Many people there are like family to us; our "California Family", as I like to call them. Brian's gifts and talents have grown, developed and been revealed over the years at Willow Glen. He is more than just a musician, he is a leader, teacher and friend. His ministry there has been a blessing to many, not the least of them, his own family. California has grown on us, too. We have come to see the Bay Area as our home.

Recently, through a variety of circumstances, Brian's ministry at Willow Glen has had to come to an end. It has been an exciting, emotional time for us as we look to the future. We will miss so many there, and we will miss doing ministry with the wonderful people we have grown to love. The future, though not entirely clear, is secure in our Lord and his plan. We are not afraid!! For the next year or possibly longer, Brian will be joining me at Images by Anna to help lighten my load and allow me to expand what I can offer and the number of customers I can take. We are excited to see what will come of it! In addition to taking on more "daddy duties", he will be getting more involved in the neighborhood, the schools and the community. It is our hearts desire to share life and God's love with the people we know, meet and encounter. We are so excited to roll up our sleeves and get started!

So today was Brian's last Sunday as worship pastor at Willow Glen and it was an awesome celebration!! The people we love and who love us came out to show support and to join in saying a loving farewell to Brian; although we know that many of them will continue to share life with us. Many of his former band members who have moved away or moved on came to stand and worship with him on stage one last time. One very special friend and former band member flew up for an 8 hour visit to be there to show Brian his love and appreciation; not to mention share his amazing talent on the drum kit. What an amazing statement that was! Another team member is a "luthier" (a person who builds guitars). He lovingly hand built and presented, along with every member of the worship team, an absolutely magnificent electric guitar as a symbol of their gratitude and love. Between the overwhelming applause, the efforts of those who came to be there and this amazing gift, I know that Brian has experienced a taste of what I so wish people could know is expressed by those who love them when they are gone.

I love you Brian, more than you could know. Today my heart is filled to bursting with gratitude that while I felt I was standing alone in your cheering section, I turned around and saw a crowd. You really are the best!!

Do you all remember baby Audrey??


I just received a fantastic email from little baby Audrey's mom and dad. Her heart surgery, a very dangerous one (apparently on a scale of 1-10, 10 being the most dangerous, her cardiologist called this a 10+), was a success! She is in recovery and her relieved parents shared the good news with everyone today. Here is an excerpt:

Prognosis:

In total contrast to what we have been told by all our other doctors, and this is a true blessing, Audrey will live a true, complete life. We were previously told that she would never be able to run, play sports, etc. of course, her two athletic parents were quite depressed about that!

Dr Hanley corrected this misinformation by assuring us that she will be able to do anything that we can, including tossing Cabers!!!!!!!!!!!!

Her blindness seems like such a minor impediment now that she has survived this devastating surgery. The day after her operation she is living up to her reputation as being a wild little tough scrapper. She is shaking off the anesthsia that is meant to keep her imobile for 3 days until her heart tissues begin to heal. heather had to jump to the rescue as baby Audrey flailed about ripping at cords, doing her hoppity-hooper dance, and rolling and thrashing about. Attendants were at a loss as to how to survive our wild banshee baby!

On behalf of Audrey, thank you all, for everything.

With kind Regards,

baby Audrey, Jim & Heather Walker

Okay...so I am a "little kid" photographer. I don't do much with the older set, therefore I rarely publicly share my oldest son, Tyler, who turns 14 in about a week. But yesterday I pulled out my camera when my kids were playing outside and the light was just so sweet as it streamed in on them. When I looked through the lens and my eldest, Tyler, I almost gasped out loud; he has changed almost overnight! He is a true teenager. *sniff-sniff* And, of course, my baby is headed into toddlerhood... wow, it just doesn't take long at all.

Forgive my terrible photography skills of 13 years ago...



and my sweet baby girl...

Man these twin sisters have to top my favorite little client list. They are just too much fun. I first photographed them two years ago when they were just sweet little babies, then again last year...those session images are still on my site (see girls with an apple). This session was fun from beginning to crazy-busy end. Thanks for sharing your life with me!!

This little man was quite a surprise to mom and dad who were expecting to welcome a little girl! But they are all adjusting and can't imagine life any other way.

Santana Row Mini Session Information:

The buildings and style of Santana Row create the perfect setting for fun, unique holiday photos. We will utilize the fun colors and shapes as well as the beautiful “streets” to bring creativity and fun to your family’s images. All images will be taken outside as it is not allowed by Santana Row security. Try to dress in fun, fresh colors that don’t necessarily match, but coordinate. White tops and khakis and jeans are probably not the best option to compliment the style of the location. Think Gap ads . Please make sure that you children are fed and happy and ready to go as our time will be limited. Small bribes can work wonders but don’t get them out until it seems necessary.  Please arrive 5-10 minutes before your scheduled start time to ensure we get started on time. I am really looking forward to meeting some of you and seeing a lot of my loyal customers again. This is going to be fun! I will meet you in front of Borders at your session time.

After the session:

-Each family will receive their link to view the session slideshow by November 17th.
-You will receive 10% off all additional prints if your order is placed within 72 hours of receiving your link. (This applies to prints only)
-All links will expire 1 week after they are posted.
-A $50 reposting fee will be applied if you do not order within that time frame.
-Once you have chosen your greeting card you may make up to 2 edits. Each edit after that will be $25.
-All orders must be placed by November 26th to receive them by Christmas.
-Packages are as is with one exception. You can choose to have more greeting cards or more prints. One up to 11x14 = one set of 25 greeting cards and the reverse is also true.
-Holiday delivery = December 19th.
-As soon as your order is ready, you will be emailed to set up a time to pick-up at the studio.
-Don’t forget to relax and have fun!

Anna

The times in bold are available:
Friday, October 26th
8:00, 8:35, 9:10, 9:45, 10:20
Friday, November 2nd
8:00, 8:35, 9:10,9:45, 10:20

Contact Rachel to book your family's session: rachel@annamayer.com or 408-221-4570
A $100 non-refundable deposit is due at time of booking, balance due at time of session.
Can't wait to see so many of you again!

Also of note:
***Sorry, this one's been snapped up!***One of our clients on the calendar this fall had to move her session out to February due to a family emergency so one full session has opened up for the fall. Contact Rachel RIGHT AWAY to snap it up! :-)

Also, we have opened up a few spaces in December as well, so if you were hoping to get in sooner, rather than later, nows your chance.