Newborn Model Call

I've realized lately that its been way too long since I've photographed a newborn, so its time to list my first blog special.

Free Session for Newborn Models under 4 weeks of age. That's right, no session fee (regular $150) to have your little one's first professional pictures taken.

Parents will have access to a password-protected online gallery of images where they will have the opportunity to order prints at VIP pricing.

Please contact me (stefanie@stefaniecarlson.com or 714 423-0662) if your baby fulfills the requirements and you are interested in having your newborn model.

Offer expires June 30, 2008.

The Newlyweds Return

My brother Kenny was married May 3rd, and has been on his honeymoon ever since... but he and his new wife Selah return tonight; their plane touches down in 15 minutes so I figure its safe now to post about them without the secret presents left on their dining room table being discovered here.

I have been planning this surprise since... well, its been months, and I assembled everything except the photos ahead of time. The photos though were the tough part for me - I wasn't shooting this wedding, I was in it, so I had no idea if the particular images that I needed for the gifts were going to be photographed or not. Luckily for me, I had my husband there during the formal pictures, and he was shooting with my camera. So between his work, a few I snapped off in between events, and an image sent to me by the official photographer, Preston Aldous, I had everything I needed.

This image is the "gift wrap" - Satin boxes filled with matching sage rose petals and an organza bag (also sage, her wedding color) that holds the presents.

Here's what is in each of the boxes:


Selah will receive a custom designed necklace; while similar in style to the "Single Drop Heart Necklace" in my store, this one differs in the dangling charm - a pale sage lattice heart.

(Image by Christoper Carlson)

Kenny's gift is a keychain - it holds two small pictures inside the black leather folio the snaps closed. I added a small "made with love" charm to the chain.

(Left image by Preston Aldous, Right image by Christoper Carlson)

I wanted to make sure that each of them had a small portable token of each other from the wedding so that when they were forced to part and go back to work and normal life, they would be able to carry a memento of their special day.

So to Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Short, congratulations and welcome home!

Tea Time!

Stuffed Bears. Plastic Tea cups. A shady spot on the grass. All it takes is a little bit of imagination and you've got a tea party better than the one that shows up in the garden of The Marsh Hare in Alice in Wonderland. Because when you're almost five, and one of the most imaginative little girls out there, everything is possible.

Taylor will be five this month, and is celebrating her birthday with a tea party at Olivia's Dollhouse in Tustin. So of course we had to have a tea party for her pre-birthday portraits!

Thanks Taylor for being so amazing by just being yourself!

Happy Mother's Day

I wanted to wish all the Mommies out there a Happy Mother's Day!

My husband and I spent our day visiting my mom and his mother before returning home to our four kitties. I'm now working through proofs from a shoot earlier this week, and relaxing after working hard to get all the mother's day jewelry gifts finished in time.

I had the opportunity earlier this week to photograph Cecilia and her 7 month old sister Daniella - both girls are wonderfully photogenic, with amazing smiles. They were fun to work with, and we got some beautiful images. CeeCee is a great big sister - I can tell she really loves her baby.
I'm looking forward to seeing Daniella again once she's standing. I know we'll get some fun stuff.

Here's a few favorites from the shoot:

Weisenberger - Short Wedding is Coming

My brother Kenny's wedding is coming up the first Saturday in May, and now that its April, May is scary-close around the corner. While I'm not photographing the wedding, I am in the wedding party, and this Sunday my mom and I are hosting a shower for Selah. As preparations for the shower are in full swing, it brings to mind memories of my own wedding preparations just a year ago. I'm so excited for them both.

Here are a few pictures from their engagement session. I can't believe these were taken last October! It feels like just last week when we were at the beach...

Carlson Creations

I'm thrilled to announce the start of my own photo jewelry line - Carlson Creations!

All the jewelry is handmade by me and each image is sealed into the frame making them protected against accidental exposure to water.


This is my first piece, and what I wear every day: Its a photo of my husband and me on our wedding day right after we shared our first kiss.


The Double Drop Hearts necklace was a lot of fun to make - I especially love the way everything about the piece showcases love.


You can see more pieces as they're released at the Carlson Photography Store

Giana Turns One!

My unofficial godbaby Giana Brooklyn Palermo turned one on February 25. We shot her official one year pictures on March 2: here are a few favorites: