Tonya Joy Photography » Uncategorized

bates family photos…

Tonya — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 15:53:07 +0000

this weekend I was so lucky to head out on a gorgeous afternoon to shoot an adorable family session…the light was perfect, all the kiddos were so cute and happy, and mom and dad were looking gorg! Sheri and her family modeled for one of my workshops and I was excited to get them in front of my camera again. I seriously love her hair…I tell her like everytime I see her how gorgeous it is…sorry sheri, but really you are so beautiful!

We headed to one of my favorite locations kinda tucked away in the hills of corona…and it was just beautiful…

enjoy…

their oldest little beauty…Avery

sweet sweet bristol…

and the gorgeous little bentley…

mom brought along a few fun props! I love it when people think of ways to customize their shoot!

thanks for sharing your gorgeous family with me again!

enjoy a sweet slideshow below…

tonya joy one on one mentoring…

Tonya — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 17:44:27 +0000

last saturday I was so lucky to meet up with an up and coming photographer to hold a tonya joy one on one mentoring session. We spent 6 hours together and covered so much good stuff. I really do love sharing what I know with other photographers who are as excited about photography as I am. Such a treat…thank you so much Jacqueline!
She requested a family shoot, so I asked one of my friends, Ashley, if she would volunteer her adorable family for our session. The mentoring session that was booked, was a stylized session, so I had so much fun putting together wardrobe and a few fun props to fit the season. Such a treat for me…I dressed up Ashley and her Family, and sent her to Kitsch by Katrina Kirk for Hair and Makeup and was just so happy how it all came together!!!
Hope you enjoy!!!

um…ashley is so stinking beautiful!!

meet her little man Dillon

he wasnt so sure about waking up from a nap and being in front of the camera…

sweet lil miss Brynn

and her doll of a sister Avery…

such awesome kiddos!!!

they sure love their handsome daddy Rob…

Jacqueline had specifically requested to work on backlighting together…so we headed out to a nearby field in hopes the clouds would open to let a little light in…LOVED this part of the shoot!!!

it was the first project I got to take on after getting over all that horrible morning sickness!!!

Thought a sweet valentine styled shoot was a must with valentines day just around the corner…

a little fun fact about ashley’s skirt…it is actually 2 skirts I found on clearance for 10 bucks at forever 21…they were sooooo short…so I sewed them together to make this adorable tea length skirt! love me a good deal!

you guys are so so so beautiful!

rawr!

thank you so much to Jacqueline, Katrina, and Ashley and Fam for making this day so much fun!!!

scroll down for a sweet little slideshow of more images!!!

xoxo

Tonya

the dream…

Tonya — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 03:58:22 +0000

i love the way that a camera can help me to tell a story…the way I can create images to materialize pieces of my heart…bring a feeling into a tangible and visual thing I can share…
i don’t sing…it is a talent I admire so greatly in others who have been gifted beautiful voices…but if I could, I can imagine that the way I feel when I get to shoot something special and beautiful is probably much like how it must feel to express yourself in song…
this shoot…my heart was singing…
so I share with you…the dream…(or the “dreem” as my sweet scribe ella put it).

once upon a time…there were 3 beautiful little girls…their momma was feeling a tugging on her heart because life seemed to be a little tough at the moment…

so she took her sleeping beauties out for a special shoot to remind them all of how very blessed they all were…to do fun and girly things…

they put on beautiful dresses, painted their eyes with delicate gold makeup, and giggled together…and then they feel into a beautiful dream…

they found themselves in a beautiful wilderness…

they looked around to see the beauty that was everywhere around them…

they danced…

laughed and played in the warm sunlight…

their momma told each and every one of them how beautiful and special they were…

they wondered what was in this beautiful place…

so they explored…

they enjoyed being in such a beautiful place…they sat and warmed in the sun…talked…and played a little….

but then they remembered the secrets they had giggled about the other day…

so momma asked them about their secrets.. what they dream about?

mia must dream about all the fun letters and words she is learning to write in preschool…

ava is catching on to technology…

girl you better marry a stock broker

and ella is dreaming of…what??? BOYS!

oh no…we have to have a talk girl!

so i thought it was only fair to share something I have been dreaming about lately!!!

Heaven help me! We are expecting a baby!!!

I will admit…I have been a bit blue…

I have been so sick, been having such a rough time getting through this hard first trimester…

but I am almost through it and I know that the thing that pulls me through is to focus on the little person who will change all our lives in about 6 months!

how could I not be filled with such joy…

look at these angels that bless my life…

you kids all inspire me to find the magic in everyday…

…we are excited and I know I will be feeling better soon!

We are keeping this one a mystery and will find out whether we are having a girl or a boy join our family on its birthday!

Baby is coming in July!

thanks for letting me share my little dream with you…click on the slideshow to see a few more of our little shoot!!!

happy dreaming!

an afternoon dream…the introduction…

Tonya — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 03:04:24 +0000

often when I am styling a shoot, I take one or all the girls along with me. They ooh and ahh over the glam that ends up in my shopping bag and they always ask, “momma…when you are done with your shoot, can I have that?” I always tell them they are free to have anything I get after I am done with it. I love purchasing knowing that the goodies I end up with will be fun for all of us to use. I have been meaning to get them all dolled up for weeks and go out and play together…things have been busy, or someone was sick, or the weather was not right…but today…i decided we would make it happen. Even though I was exhausted, ella had a chapped face from fighting a cold, and the girls would most likely surely make me crazy shooting all 3 of them by myself, I seized the opportunity to put a little shoot on. I had picked up some individual false lashes at target and decided I would try them out on my little beauties…ella first, then ava, followed by mia whose lashes did not need a single falsie…so she opted out of them. How they giggled and stared in the mirror after sitting in momma’s make shift makeup chair. Jason came home and Ava ran through the house laughing and telling him she had fake eye lashes on. He all but rolled his eyes with a smile knowing what he had ahead of him with these little beauties!

I decided after dolling them up…that my little girls reminded me again…of the reality of the women that lived with in them that they would all too soon be…

mia reminds me of a sweet little hollywood starlet here…

this pic of ella is exactly what I mean…she is only 7…yet looks so sophisticated and mature here…

oh where do our babes go?
a little behind the scenes of our getting ready fun…

the girls were all ready, but we didn’t dare invite a boy on this outing…so while we waited for his babysitter (and best buddy daddy), we allowed adam into a couple shots

he stayed for about 4 shots and then was outta here…way too much sequin and tulle for one little guy to face alone!!!

“where are we going?” they ask…

I tell them “it is a secret…

we are off to shoot a dream.”

there are just times in life that you have to put the dreamy, most wonderful, beautiful things front and center…to see them…take notice…breath lighter and know the world is a pretty darn amazing place…and today we were gonna do that…

they giggle and start secrets of their own…things that little girls seem best at …

and this is ava’s “no really! this is a SECRET..face”

remember the gold sequin mini my last model wore?…it has been happily up-cycled into a ball-gown and a halter top for my little ladies!

up next…what my little girls dream of…

until then…sweet dreams…

xoxo

Tonya

the websters…a family shoot at the arboretum

Tonya — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 19:28:33 +0000

this week, I ventured off to a new location to meet up with a beautiful little family. The Arboretum is a family favorite spot for the Websters, and while I am sure I visited it when I was a child, it certainly was a treat to be re-introduced to such an incredibly beautiful location. There could not have been a more perfect spot to shoot this family than in acres and acres of greenery and charm…

we started out at the cute little railroad station…

these boys just shine…such little loves…

there oldest little guy…joey…

and his little bro, Elliott…

i could seriously just walk around here everyday…so beautiful…

love these done in the Shakespeare gardens…

and when the light was just buttery and right…we found this really pretty little open grassy area…

mom was super smart and brought a change of clothes for little Elliott…just moments before this…he tumbled into a little stream and was soaking wet…can’t tell from these smiles…

a few of mom and dad looking beautiful in the gorgeous light…

and this tree…only to be upstaged by Melissa..such a timeless beauty…something so incredible about your smile girl….

we finished the session off with this cute little gazebo…

and yes…these shoes from anthro deserved one front and center…LOVE them!!!

it was so nice to see you again…thank you for sharing your little family with me again…

wishing you a beautiful holiday season, much health and happiness, and just more of that goodness that comes from those little ones that really are the best parts of our lives!

xoxo

tonya joy

A Destination Workshop…come away with me…

Tonya — Sat, 05 Nov 2011 22:40:07 +0000

****UPDATE*****

THIS WORKSHOP HAS BEEN CANCELED. NEW WORKSHOPS WILL BE ANNOUNCED VIA FACEBOOK AND BLOG.

2012 has some pretty amazing things in the works..

i dream of seeing and making some beautiful things…

and I hope that some of you can join me…

i will be packing my bags a few times this coming year…

will be taking a few girlfriends along…and plan on just making the most out of this craft of photography…and how it can really enrich our lives on so many levels…

I am looking forward to all that lies ahead this year…

incredible beauty…

new places…

and hopefully some timeless memories to be made along the way…

i never take for granted the blessing that photography has been in my life…how I can give motherhood all my heart, and plan a few special things that provide me a little escape here and there…(thank you so much jason for all your loving support)

THE FIRST of my DESTINATION WORKSHOP….mark your calendars for Jan 21st 2012…

incredible charm and beauty will take us back in time a little bit…

(on a whim I decided to hold this sweet little shoot…a launch shoot…a bit of inspiration to give a peek into my head and what I am planning for January…so thankful for Jessica and Jess for being willing to come play dress up with me, and FOR Allison Rivera of Allison Rivera hair and Makeup for taking time out of her busy schedule to doll up my beauties! Thank you Allison…they turned out exactly like the inspiration I gave you! LOVED working with you!!)

we are going somewhere really beautiful…

and will be doing it in great gatsby fashion…

I so SO excited to LAUNCH my NEXT WORKSHOP…A SAN DIEGO CALIFORNIA DESTINATION WORKSHOP

****UPDATE*****

THIS WORKSHOP HAS BEEN CANCELED. NEW WORKSHOPS WILL BE ANNOUNCED VIA FACEBOOK AND BLOG.

The Great Gatsby at Balboa Park San Diego!!!

DATE: JAN 21st 2012 (it’s a saturday)

TIME: 10 am to 6 pm

LOCATION: Classroom presentation and shoots will take place at the Historic Balboa Park, San Diego California

full workshop details as you follow this post…but we will be shooting a family in sweet vintage 20s styling…and a couple styled in some roaring 20s glitz and glam!!!

attendees are invited to participate in a “pre-workshop questionarre” so that I can do my very best to cover the workshop topics in addittion to providing as much help individually as possible!

it is gonna be GOOD!

WHAT:

****UPDATE*****

THIS WORKSHOP HAS BEEN CANCELED. NEW WORKSHOPS WILL BE ANNOUNCED VIA FACEBOOK AND BLOG.

(10 am to 6 pm): A full day of learning, instruction, TWO amazing STYLED shoots (first one to focus on family, shooting in full sun (weather permitting), and less optimal lighting) AND (one to focus on couple work and backlighting (weather permitting…it is always lushly romantic and just plain beautiful!!!), complete demonstration of photoshop/post-processing, workflow, and a discussion on business aspects of marketing/pricing/etc. (you may ask all you want about this in the q/a as well), and a candid and open Q/A session. Lunch will be served as well as loads of snacks and goodies. Dinner is not being provided, but we will probably all head out somewhere local to unwind and anyone is welcome to join and continue any discussion. All note taking materials are provided. Just come with your camera and any lenses you want to shoot with. Basically, I open my heart, and business to you with a sincere goal to have everyone walk away with new skills, friendships, and a greater love and appreciation for what they are doing as photographers!

WHO IS IT FOR:

The bulk of the day is completely demonstrative of what I am doing behind my camera and in front of my computer. I focus on inspiration and techniques to creating beautiful images. This workshop is completely suited for photographers as well as any individual who wants to learn how to use their DSLR to create gorgeous images and who want to find out how I am enhancing my images in photoshop. The workshop is specifically designed for photographers… or ANYONE who wants to improve their current skills and learn to shoot like a pro…it is gonna be so amazing…I can’t wait!!! I am especially excited to incorporate some new improvements after having several of my past attendees provide me with some great constructive feedback from past workshops!

COST: $425.00

* if you would like to reserve your spot please send payment to tonyajoyphoto@yahoo.com via paypal. If you would like to pay another way, please contact me and we can find an option that works best for you!

****UPDATE*****

THIS WORKSHOP HAS BEEN CANCELED. NEW WORKSHOPS WILL BE ANNOUNCED VIA FACEBOOK AND BLOG.

DATE: JAN 21st 2012 (it’s a saturday)

TIME: 10 am to 6 pm

LOCATION: Classroom presentation and shoots will take place at the Historic Balboa Park, San Diego California

WHAT:

WHO IS IT FOR:

COST: $425.00

I look forward to seeing you in January! Please email me with any questions! Let’s pack our bags and getaway!!!

xoxo

Tonya Joy

we are super!

Tonya — Sun, 30 Oct 2011 16:01:35 +0000

there are few holidays that top halloween when you have a home full of little ones! This last friday, we had a get together at church called “trunk or treat”…it is pure craziness, but a shame to miss. A beautiful church building brimming with cute kiddos all costumed up, yummy chili and cornbread to share, and a parking lot full of cars dressed up for halloween with candy being handed out just steps from each other. My kids love it! So this year, we went with a family of supers…i am still kicking myself for not getting Jason the Captain America suit and me wonder woman, but the costume budget didn’t quite allow for mom and dad to dress up this year (or at least that is my excuse *wink*). Nonetheless, the evening was, well, super… and I am so glad I pulled my camera out for a quick photoshoot before we headed out!

So i share with you this halloween season…my supers!

(this is mia’s supergirl face)

she keeps asking to cut it…oh but it is soooo beautiful…

i about died when we put this costume on him…such a little stud…

he wanted to do. his. own. thing. whenever anyone tried to slow this kid down he was not having it! so glad I caught of few of him…

serious cute below…

such a blessing you kiddos are! I love you and HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!

wishing everyone a safe and happy holiday…enjoy your little ones!

xoxo
Tonya

heart skipped a beat…mallory and cody…married.

Tonya — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 00:57:28 +0000

for those of you who follow my blog, you are not strangers to many of the wonderful couples I have been blessed to meet and share their special events with…

without a doubt, I feel very lucky…and I don’t take these times lightly…it is truly always an honor to be a part of them…

serendipity stepped in a few years ago when I had this amazing couple model for one of my workshops…little did I know how much I was going to fall in love with them…and how much they would inspire love for others…

and then the twist of fate was even sweeter, when cody contacted me to put together a surprise engagement for his beautiful mallory…in case you missed it, you wanna head on over now before scrolling this post…

so needless to say, when this day came around, my heart was full and I was very excited for this couple…

This day…seemed like one that could only be invented in a beautiful script…there was truly such a calmness between these two…and my heart skipped a beat realizing that this is the sweet reality of these two people’s life and love story…

so i share with you, a glimpse into Mallory and Cody’s Wedding Day

Date: october 15, 2011

a peek into the getting ready…location: simi valley california

mallory’s gorgeous dress…

i am not exaggerating when I tell you the moment I walked into Cody’s hotel room and found him writing a letter to his bride Mallory…I felt a little choked up…this is the beginning of something so incredible for these two…

i have never seen such a strong bond of love between two people…

after hair and makeup at the hotel we headed to The Ceremony/Reception Venue: The Walnut Grove at Tierra Rejada Ranch in Moorpark, California…

here Mallory was tucked away in the bride’s cottage to don her dress and be out of the eye of all her guests…

she had so many special women with her…

including her beautiful momma!

and I was not suprised one bit that Mallory was such a stunning bride…

once she was done…we arranged a moment alone for the couple to have their first look before the ceremony…

kudos to Kelsey Claire for the image below

such a tender moment…

While Guests were being shuttled in I had a few moments to capture the venue…I honestly can’t think of a more beautiful location…

and everything was simply gorgeous…

and then the moment they had been waiting for since they met and fell in love..

mallory walked down the aisle on the arm of her amazing father…

Cody’s little brother was so so so adorable! He was always smiling for me!

mallory…you are so so so incredibly gorgeous!!!!

another shout out to Kelsey for these two following images! You know I love you shooting with me girl!

after the ceremony we literally had about 10 mins max to shoot portraits…so we worked fast and got some really great shots in the corn field…

Mallory was worried about getting her dress muddy (it was freshly watered) and Cody seriously offered she stand on his coat…seriously…this guy is handsome, thoughtful, and sweet! You got a good one Mal!

love these groom shots…

and of course I couldn’t resist mallory in this beautiful buttery light!

i adore you two…

before the sun set we snuck in some quick bridal party shots…don’t you just love these dresses…swooning over them!!!

and the boys knew how to work the camera for sure!

you guys seriously had the nicest…most beautiful wedding party…such a pleasure to work with all of them!

I was so impressed by all the reception details…all done by mallory, cody, her mom, and I am sure some help from other family and freinds as well…

She and Cody went antiquing for months to gather together all these treasures for their reception decor…

so clever and so beautiful…

the venue was stunning and everything came together so well…

this table was my favorite…put together by sweet and saucy…everything was gorgeous!!!

such an unbelievable night…you were surrounded by so many that love and support you…I look forward to watching your beautiful future unfold…be good to each other!

PLEASE Head over to 618Studios blog to see their amazing wedding trailer…these guys are amazing and so great to work with!

Amazing Wedding Vendors

venue:: walnut grove

hair + makeup:: kimberly bosso

videographer: 618Studios

desserts:: my sweet and saucy

coordinator: Michelle of Mia Bella Weddings

to brigette and mike…with love

Tonya — Fri, 14 Oct 2011 18:01:17 +0000

A few weeks ago, I had the pleasure of traveling to Santa Ynez to photograph a special wedding…

It was truly beautiful and was such a fun day for me since I went to high school with the bride…oh…so many years ago!

the day was absolutely beautiful…

all the details were just lovely…

Brigette looked absolutely stunning….

love these three below caught by from my second shooter Gena Susan…

i absolutely adored this apple tree on the mission groups and love how this bouquet shot turned out!
mike was such a handsome groom!

these two were married at the gorgeous mission santa inez

i am sure this day was unforgettable for this pair…and I was so lucky to be there to document it…

Brig…you seriously were so beautiful on your wedding day!

love this last little series…

just a sneak for now…

hope you two are enjoyed married life!

xoxo

Tonya

grandma’s backyard…pence family 2011

Tonya — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 20:31:08 +0000

last week I kicked off family photo season with a sweet combined family session…Grandma & Grandpa live on the beautiful Lido Isle in Newport Beach and the family gathered for some photos close to home…
I must say they have some adorable grandkiddos!

mom brought along this great wagon…which not only added a fun pop of color, but is genius for keeping a bunch of youngsters all in one place!

and these two girl cousins are just too cute!

and who are the lucky grandparents of these dolls…the two smiling with all their hearts below!!!

i was contacted by Allison to hold the session and it was so fun to get my camera on their adorable family again and see how these kiddos have grown!

I really liked the wardrobe selection…simple and clean and just a few basic colors threaded together…works really well with combined family sessions…

Jeff brought along his surfboard for a fun prop (this patch of beach is basically grandma’s backyard…I would have been at grandma’s house all summer!)

after the kiddos were “done” (wink) smiling for posed groupings…I followed them down to the water to just catch them in their element at grandma’s house…just playing…

such beautiful summer light…

it was so fun to meet you all (and see you again)…

xoxo

Tonya