The Gift of Photography

“Photography is the beauty of life captured.”

-Tara Chisholm

Isn’t it though? I have always loved pictures and photography. Especially now being a mom I love being able to look back at pictures and be amazed how the kids have changed and grown, how fast time really does fly. I always say “the days are long, but the years are short” and when I look at photographs it couldn’t be more true. Which is why I have been so blessed to have people in my life to capture such sweet moments for me and my family.  The gift of photography is being given a moment forever captured in time.

This week I am doing something a little different. If you are a regular on my blog you know I typically write of my tales of being a mom and wife, sometimes I share heartfelt stories, some funny, some more gut wrenching. Other times I like to share fun things to do with the kiddos or an interesting date night with the hubby. Occasionally I even share a great party theme. Well, this week I have teamed up with another retired princess who is now a mama of two and starting her photography business. When I saw her images I was extremely excited, because lets face it, she not only has a great eye, but she knows what it is like to try to capture a moving toddler.

Here is a little something about Erika and how she got started in the business…

Hello, I’m Erika Rodriguez a wife, mommy, and Wedding Photographer. Before I was a photographer I worked as a School Counselor. Life was good. I loved my job! As the school prepared for a distinguished school award, I was assigned to photograph the students. I was given a camera and began shooting away. It was so much fun! Everyone was impressed with my natural ability to capture a moment with a camera. My interest and love for photography only grew stronger. I found myself daydreaming at my desk hoping to get another photography assignment. Then life happened. My husband and I were expecting our first baby girl. I made my decision that once my daughter arrived I would not go back to work as a counselor and begin to pursue photography. Motherhood was an entire new ball game for me. I was overjoyed and overwhelmed. My new career change of becoming a photographer was put on hold for the moment. Once I felt confident as a new mom, I got pregnant again. During my second pregnancy I purchased my camera and some lenses. As my new little bundle arrived, I already had established my goals. My children are my muses and my inspiration. I started off practicing with them and getting to know my new camera. Shortly after that, family and friends began to ask for their portrait. Getting paid for something I loved to do… what a concept! Now I feel so proud to have my very own little business as a mother of 2 precious babies. I love photography. This is my new motto ”Love what you do and do what you love, that way you never have to work a day in your life.”

Now on to the best & most exciting part…We are giving away a photo shoot to one lucky winner. You can enter the giveaway two different ways (or you can double your chances by doing both)! You can either go to instagram and follow both princessturnedmom and erikarodriguezphoto, repost the giveaway picture with the hashtag #erodphotogiveaway and tag a friend. AND/OR go to Facebook follow Princess Turned Mom, repost the giveaway picture, which you can find on my page, then tag me in the image. That’s it! Super easy!

Don’t miss this chance to win an incredible gift of memories that could last you a lifetime, you won’t regret it!

“A picture is a poem without words.”

*Winner must be able to travel to Orange County, Ca for the photoshoot.

**All Photos were taken by the amazing Erika Rodriguez