Vita Bella Photography

NEW BLOG!

2009-09-23T19:16:00.001-07:00

Vita Bella Photography has a new Blog, visit Heidi Kruger and her photographic art at www.vitabellaphoto.com/blog

See you there!

Holiday Templates For Photographers!

2009-05-01T16:02:00.001-07:00

HK Creations is having a sneak peak of the NEW HK Holiday templates that will be released in June!! This is so exciting! There are going to be a few packages but check out all the fabulous NEW templates we created!

I am SO excited and want to give all my blog friends a discount code (yep, a discount).

When ordering these templates in June OR pre-release, send an e-mail or note at purchase with code, VBPdiscH and get $10 off your purchase!! That's awesome!

Head on over to www.heidikrugercreations.com and visit the blog TODAY!!

Yearly Grandkid Portraits

2009-03-31T09:14:00.000-07:00

These are the Kruger Grandkids! The two blond boys are mine (proudly) and the younger boy and adorable little girl are my niece and nephew (aren't they adorable!).

Every year the photo grows, last year was three kids, next year there will be 3 MORE!! Yes, my sister-in-law is having triplets! That will be an interesting shoot, 7 little kids.... sounds crazy!!

Enjoy and have a happy day!

-Heidi

Happy St. Patty Day!

2009-03-17T13:25:00.000-07:00

St. Patrick's Day Toast

Here's to a long life and a merry one.

A quick death and an easy one

A pretty girl and an honest one

A cold beer - and another one!

Fun Family of 5

2009-02-23T16:48:00.000-08:00

Sneak Peak!!

What a fun family!! The last time I did their photographs was 2 years ago! Time sure does fly by! It was a fun time and I enjoyed seeing all of you again.

See you in 5 years?!

Welcome Mason!

2009-02-21T17:30:00.001-08:00

This is Baby Mason and what a handsome little guy he is!

Welcome to the world Mason... here are a few of my favorites from his session.

:) Enjoy and Congrats to his mom and dad, JOB WELL DONE!

2009-01-30T15:03:00.000-08:00

Fun at the park!

This mom and son duo are regulars behind the camera, can't you tell?

this was a fun shoot!

Enjoy the sneak peak...

Shot these on my trusty ole' 20D with natural light near dusk. 24-70mm at f/2.8, 400, 125

Last image here I ran the Lily Blue action "honey"

cheers!

Newborn Session!

2009-01-26T13:32:00.000-08:00

I love photographing newborn's! Here is a sneak peak of Baby James' photo shoot.

James was 8 days old and slept like a charm! What a sweet baby boy.

these images are all natural light at the clients home.

Canon 20D, 24-70 at f/2.8 ISO varied from 100-200

My Pride & Joy!

2009-01-20T21:01:00.001-08:00

YES! These are MY boys, they are my E V E R Y T H I N G!!!!! From models for my photography business to cuddling in bed in the mornings, my life would be OH SO BORING without them!

My first is already 4 and will be 5 in May. I just can't believe he's almost 5 and you know what that means?! KINDERGARDEN!! Already, my baby is going to start school next fall. YIKES!

And that is my littlest munchkin on the right, he's turning 2 in February and I am holding on to every moment with him... he's still my little one year old and likely my last child so I savor everything with him. It's all gone WAYYY to fast!

Here's to my boys, I LOVE YOU!

These photo's were taken in our front yard right before dusk. Canon 20D, 24-70 ISO set to 200, f/2.8 (all the way open) speed was 125 (I think). I used a vintage action for the saturated color and then overlaid the photo, in Photoshop, with a texture. Too many steps honestly but thought it was fun for these two pictures.

-Heidi

Photography 101 - Come & Learn

2009-01-16T20:24:00.000-08:00

Great environment, friendly people and loads of knowledge!

Join me at Ever After Scrapbooks in Vista on January 27th fro 6:30 to 8:30 for a hands on course on photography and how to get better pictures from your camera.

Ever After Scrapbooks is a great place to get crafty and everyone there is super friendly and helpful.

Bring your camera and get ready to conquer it! You are your cameras master and I will help you achieve your goals!

Good times for sure!

HINT: Here's a topic sure to peak your interest.... Using Props! One of my favorite props when taking pictures of children is bubbles and bath tubs! That's just a taste of all the yummy things you're going to learn on Tuesday the 27th!

Happy New Year!

2009-01-05T23:19:00.001-08:00

I love ringing in a new year! It's so refreshing and feels great! It's a time to start over and look forward.

I wish you all a wonderful year; filled with love, happiness, good friends and peace.

Holiday Photo's... it's that time of year!

2008-11-02T13:39:00.000-08:00

It's that time of year! Time for Holiday portraits!

Here is the Colandro Family at Lake Poway.

What a beautiful backdrop for a beautiful family!!!!!

3 Beautiful Girls!

2008-10-28T12:26:00.001-07:00

Fun at the beach!

3 sisters, water, sand and lollipops!! Could life get any better?

Fairy tales and Fantasy

2008-10-20T12:02:00.000-07:00

Luke and McKenna are only one day apart! This year, on their 4th Birthdays, they celebrated in a grand style as Fairy McKenna and Prince Luke.

Here are photo's from their fun shoot at the beautiful Felicita Park.

Happy Birthday!

She's 6 months old!

2008-10-11T13:15:00.001-07:00

Layla!

Wow how you've grown! She's a 6 month old beautiful baby girl!

good times & memories

2008-10-05T23:14:00.001-07:00

Aren't boys great? I sure do love my boys! Here are a few recent shots with their cousin, hanging out at our house having waaaaay too much fun.

Generation Beauties

2008-08-26T21:06:00.001-07:00

This is my family...

My sister-in-law had a beautiful baby girl in April (the first girl of 4 grand children for my mother-in-law).

Here are a few generation photo's of the ladies... 4 generations here!

These are some HOT MAMMA'S!

Only Child?...

2008-07-26T21:57:00.001-07:00

Our "only child" this week... big brother is with his Nana at Lake Powell for a week (lucky bugger) and then another week with Nana in Flagstaff!! Geeze!! SO FUN.

Meanwhile, back on the ranch (well only 1.5 acres) Noah is getting all the love!

Brace yourself.... there are a lot of photo's here, but how could I possibly narrow it down any more than I'd already done? He's so darn camera friendly! Cute little pumpkin!

Enjoy!

Wants to be a Model!!!!

2008-06-26T17:54:00.001-07:00

This is my niece.... she is a doll and she's only 10!!!

I adore her and hope that all her dreams come true! Isn't she the most beautiful girl in the whole world? I think so!!

I've Been Naughty....

2008-06-11T09:53:00.000-07:00

...at keeping up on my Blog!

I'm making up for it... :)

So I took my boys out into the vacant lot next to our property, I've never even been over there but it's the perfect backdrop. I felt like I was out in the country, it was so nice and my boys were having so much fun (when I wasn't taking their photos because they are sick of mom and her camera). We had a pretend adventure and went down to the little creek (or creep as my 4 year old calls it), hiked through the weeds and trees and played with the dogs.

A daily thing here at the Kruger household is hair pulling. My 15 month old is obsessed with his brothers hair. Noah wants to do everything like Collin but if he can't then he goes right for the hair, OUCH! Kids!

Here is a classic action shot of Noah pulling Collin's hair (all in love of course).

Noah is really just a sweetie but he has an older brother so he's growing up tough (to say the least).

Just look at him! Could you get mad at this.....?

Here is a more "normal" pose of Noah. See that "rrrr" that he's doing? yes, he's just looking around trying to figure out what he's going to climb on or break next!

My boys are my life. As most of you know, I am a stay-at-home-mom (SAHM) and so proud of my family for putting the needs of our children first and for most.

I have to admit that being a SAHM has been one of the most challenging things and continues to challenge me but I know it's for the good and I am hanging in there. :)

Look at this, I mean this is what I do it for.... they love each other, and they are great kids! I am truly so proud of my boys and look forward to all the memories we will make together!

BIG NEWS!!

In light of the craziness and trying to be the best mom I can be,... I have decided to take on a lighter load.

I am overwhelmed (to say the least) and giving up my weekends and staying up every night until 12-1 a.m. is really wearing me out. I love photography and it is my passion but I also need to find time and love for myself. Thus I have decided to take a break.

I am cutting back (90%), only taking 1 shoot a month. I will pick up to 3-4 shoots during the holiday season. That means you need to reserve your spot at least one month in advance. :)

Please keep your eye out for the newsletters for updates.

I appreciate your understanding and support!

Happy Summer!

Heidi

Go Green!!

2008-04-30T15:20:00.000-07:00

Not my usual post here but a great topic to discuss and share. In my life I want to be green, greener and raise green kids.

Little things help a lot, I hope you find these helpful!

What are you doing to go green? Feel free to comment and share with others here!
1. Recycle - check to see if your trash service also picks up recycling. If not, find a drop off location near you.
2. Sign up for online banking - skip the paper statements.
3. Shop online - save gas!
3. Adjust your thermostat - 68 degrees in the winter and 76 degrees in the summer.
4. Find new uses for old “stuff” before buying more.
5. Switch to natural cleaners.
6. Make sorting your recycling easy - buy containers that coordinate with your decor.
7. Use rechargeable batteries.
8. Go to catelogchoice.org and unsubscribe to printed catalog mailings.
9. Fill up a reusable water bottle.
10. Unplug electronics when not in use.
11. Fix broken things rather than throwing them out and buying new.
12. Wash clothes in cold water.
13. Use canvas shopping bags rather than paper or plastic - plastic won’t break down and paper uses more resources.
14. Use less paper.
15. Take shorter showers and keep the water off while you are brushing your teeth.
16. Walk, run or bike.
17. Earth Day is April 22nd - find events in your community to support.

Layla's Here!!

2008-04-29T15:14:00.001-07:00

Layla Faith arrived on April 3rd, beautiful as can be, precious as the stars above. My little niece is a dream and it was a pleasure to take her first professional photographs. I have a feeling she'll be photographed all her life.

Congrats to Kelley, Shane and Ayden!

Welcome to the world little one!

Boudoir Fun!

2008-04-22T10:52:00.001-07:00

Boudoir is a tasteful and fun way to surprise your significant other! These sessions are becoming wildly popular. Have a glass of wine, relax and enjoy being the center of attention. What a fabulous gift these photo's (made available to you in a "little black book") make.

Mr. Mark :)

2008-04-15T09:55:00.000-07:00

"Daughters are little girls that grow up to be your best friend."

Author: Unknown

Mark and MiKayla

Mr. Mark is our Tumbles teacher in Rancho Benardo. He is a FABULOUS teacher, both of my boys love him. He has great energy and makes class so much fun!

Here is a sneak peak at Mark and his daughter, MiKayla with their slobbery pup Diesel!

Great Father-Daughter photo's!

Yvonne and Luke

2008-03-26T22:41:00.000-07:00

"A Mother holds your hand for a while, but holds your heart forever."

Author: Unknown

Yvonne is an amazing mother to her 3 year old son Luke. Fortunately I have

had the opportunity to photography the two of them a few times and it

is always a great time. I admire Yvonne for how hard she works and how

dedicated she is to being a great mother!

Boudoir

2008-03-05T09:19:00.001-08:00

Beautiful Boudoir Sessions Now Available

An elegant gift for the love of your life; a fun, feel-good experience.

Enjoy a private boudoir session for an introductory price of $99

My Babies! I'm so proud!

2008-02-07T11:06:00.001-08:00

I just can't imagine my life without my boys!

Things have been a little slow around here (as far as photography goes) I guess you could say that I have been "mommy" focused lately. The holiday rush was a whirlwind this year and I (we, me and my kids) just needed a break and time together. They are growing up so fast and changing all the time. I just don't want to miss a thing. I have taken a step back and tried to focus on my children.

Here they are. These photo's were taken yesterday, my older son was actually being cooperative, love that pose! So darn cute!

Enjoy! BTW: these are vintage antiqued photo's, one of the many new looks I am doing this new year! Yipee!

Photography Fun, Happy B-Day Ben!

2008-01-26T15:09:00.001-08:00

Now this is photography!

For Ben's 2nd B-Day his parents wanted some great shots, moments of him on his special day. This was truly one of the best photography moments I have had. I feel like I am always learning and growing in my field. These were more journalistic photo's than posed. Of course a few were posed but most of them were "natural". I love the feel of the pictures and strive to have more photo sessions like this one.

Happy Day Ben, you are a handsome little guy! :)

Sweet Little Devon and his beautiful family!

2008-01-10T19:35:00.000-08:00

What a sweetheart this little guy was. Just weeks old and already so beautiful. I could just gobble this little guy up.

Congrats to his family and thank you for the pleasure of photographing your newest addition.

Here's a peak!

And this is his big brother Logan! What a cutie!!!

Baby Kegan

2008-01-07T20:00:00.001-08:00

What better gift than that of a healthy, baby boy? I had the pleasure of taking Kegan's 1st professional photographs and helping his family make a beautiful birth announcement. Congratulations! What a handsome little guy!

Baby Girl Lila

2008-01-05T20:11:00.000-08:00

Here is Lila at 5 months old! What a sweetheart she was. It was a gift to take her photographs.

And of course we can't forget her two older brothers (on the left and in the center, that's my little guy on the right). Watch out ladies!!!! :)

It's been a great year!

2007-12-14T20:53:00.000-08:00

I am official done! Well I guess not done but no more orders! :) Yipee! I am exhausted. Between photography, graphic design, holiday shopping, being a mom.... I am officially overwhelmed! :) I am looking forward to some time off with my beautiful family!

Thank you all for a great year! It was a success:

some highlights...

Baby Boy Noah arrived in Feb (the best gift ever)

Collin turned 3 in May (where does time go?)

Busy photo summer

Launch my new business HK Creations, Logo and template design - July (Congrats to me)

My nephew, Boston, arrived in September.

Evacuated for the fires, our home was saved!

Super busy November and December, thank you all for your support!

Have a wonderful Holiday-

Heidi :)

Picture Perfect In Point Loma!

2007-12-01T09:38:00.001-08:00

Loved these photo's and this family! Had to share a few...

Baby Leo

2007-12-01T09:33:00.000-08:00

A recent newborn photo shoot with baby Leo, too sweet!

What the heck?

2007-12-01T09:31:00.000-08:00

I'm back! No longer evacuated... and have been back for over a month, sorry for the late blog.

Life is Good, our home is safe and we are lucky to have little to no harm to our home. Thank you all for your e-mails and phone calls.

Evacuated!!!

2007-10-26T14:48:00.000-07:00

Many of you know that I live in San Diego County, more specifically, Del Dios, which is in the county of San Diego in Southwest area of Escondido. I live very close to Lake Hodges, if you saw the information about Lake Hodges, Rancho Santa Fe and Del Dios areas that were affected by the Witch Fire, that was me!!

My family and I were evacuated from our home on Monday morning very early... we were actually sleeping and had no idea that the fire was SO CLOSE!

My husband returned home on Thursday to see if and what the damage was. To our good fortune we still have a home and not much damage! We are so lucky! Besides a destroyed yard, hazardous air quality and being in another state we are doing well and hope to be back to our normal lives/routine by Monday.

I will be returning home with my children on Sunday. We did not feel comfortable being in our area with the bad air quality and two very young children who need to go outside and play. We are happily staying in Flagstaff Arizona until the weekend. Great air and good friends, what more could we ask for?

We are all safe, our dogs too! Our neighbors are in good shape too, thank goodness!

I will be in touch no later than Monday evening and I appreciate your patience and understanding during this past week.

Heidi Kruger
Vita Bella Photography
:) Life Is Good!

Haloween Fun!

2007-10-11T15:00:00.000-07:00

Couldn't resist posting this cute card! The Dynamic Duo!
I just love Halloween and I love it even more since I've been a mother. My 3 year old, aka Batman, makes it so much fun. He gets so excited about decorations, especially spiders and webs. I was never into decorating for Halloween but now I have boxes of stuff in my garage, I just can't resist that excitement my son gets when he see's all the October goodies that we have.
I am looking forward to a fun-filled Halloween this year as Catwoman! Yes, my husband is the Joker and I am Catwoman. I ccan't believe I am going to be seen in public wearing a skin tight, black garbage bag (well it's more like vinyl). The things I do for a good time! :)

Think Pink Photography

2007-10-09T13:36:00.001-07:00

Vita Bella Photography is a proud partner with Think Pink Photography, celebrating life, supporting the cause!

* Check out the site at www.thinkpinkphotography.org

Think Pink Photography is a non-profit organization supporting individuals and their families who have been touched by breast cancer.

My little guy is 7 months!!

2007-09-24T20:30:00.000-07:00

Where does time go? I can't believe he is already 7 months old! I feel like it's gone by way too fast!
And here is my big guy... he already 3... and what a whirlwind three has been so far!! :) lol~

Julie got Married!

2007-09-24T20:19:00.000-07:00

Julie Got Married!!!

What a fun wedding.... here are some silly and fun photo's of me (yes, there are actually photo's with me in them) and my best friends!

Congratulations Julie and Tim and thanks for the OPEN BAR! :) xoxo!

Bloggin???

2007-09-11T20:51:00.001-07:00

I admit it!!! I am a terrible blogger! When is there time???? Between kids, school, logos, photography, learning, forums, events ... the list goes on! I want to know how you do it (if you do it)! That sounded funny! :)

Sharing some of my favorites from recent sessions...

Loved this dog. Her name is Mercedes and she is sooooo... sweet. I love Cocker Spaniels, they are the sweetest dogs. She reminded me of my husbands family dog, Magic, who passed away a few years ago, she was a great dog too! Miss you Magic! xoxo...

Beautiful maternity session

2007-09-11T20:45:00.000-07:00

Danielle was a GREAT subject to work with! What a beautiful pregnant mother. I love pregnancy, I loved being pregnant. It gives me such joy to photograph maternity, I am honred that Danielle asked me to capture her pregnancy. Here is a very little sneak peak!

More Flagstaff Pictures!

2007-08-06T08:14:00.000-07:00

So many great photo's!

I just loved working with all of these families and their beautiful children. Eight photo sessions turned out to be A LOT of portraits but WOW, I am really pleased with these! Looks like I need to visit Flagstaff more often!

All of the families finally have their proof pages... I am looking forward to seeing which portraits everyone orders!

Here are a few more I wanted to share... there were sooooo... many, it was really hard to choose but I didn't want to download them all (that would be crazy).

Happy Day to Everyone!
Ciao!

Sneak Peak!

2007-07-30T13:06:00.001-07:00

Here are only a FEW snaps from my 8 photo sessions in Flagstaff. I am working away and hope to have everyone's proofs ready to share within the next day or so!

What a great shot! Lane and Sandie and their Harley! This bike has seen it all (well, almost). From Flagstaff to Laughlin to Stergis, Lane and Sandie just love to ride!

Here are a few snaps from some of the family photo's I did at the Meyer home. Cute kids!

Catalina Island

2007-07-10T10:39:00.001-07:00

A fun day trip to Catalina Island! What a beautiful place.

My little guy is already 4 months old!

2007-07-10T10:35:00.000-07:00

Where does the time go? I swear, I blink and it's gone! Noah is such a gift, he is the sweetest little guy and he is always so happy! I can't imagine my life without my two boys... they are my everything and I thank god for them everyday! I am a lucky mommy! Here is my 4 month old baby boy.

Fun In The Sun!

2007-07-05T07:48:00.000-07:00

What a bunch of sweeties these kids are! How lucky I am to have photographed these children!
They are so beautiful! And... they are having fun!

Visiting Flagstaff Arizona!

2007-06-26T15:56:00.000-07:00

Vita Bella Photography will be in Flagstaff, Arizona from July 15th to July 21st. If you are interested in booking a special session while we are there please contact us to set up your session. See the following link for more information. Click HERE

Grandparents are Wonderful!

2007-06-14T18:50:00.000-07:00

This past weekend I did a photo shoot for The Williams. Their son and daughter-in-law gave them the perfect gift (in my opinion), a gift certificate to have portraits with their grandkids. What a great idea! It was fun, enjoy the photo's!

NEW WEB SITE!

2007-06-04T23:38:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to us!!!!! Vita Bella's new web site is up and running! We are so excited about our new look and hope you are too!
Thanks for looking!
Vita Bella Team

New Web Site Coming Soon!!

2007-05-30T21:58:00.000-07:00

We are so excited to announce that our brand spankin' new site is nearly ready to launch!! Wow! We have really grown (personally and literally) and what better way to kick off our accomplishments with a new site?

Right now you can view the site at http://www.vitabellaphoto.com/blu35/

I'm grinning just thinking about it!

:) VBP & Heidi

Samantha Gets Married!

2007-05-28T09:59:00.001-07:00

I normally DO NOT do weddings but in some cases (when I am feeling very generous or the money talks) I do indeed become the photographer for a wedding. This past weekend my beautiful cousin, Sam, married her man Don at the cove in La Jolla. Congratulations Sam! Love you!

Baby Gavin

2007-05-24T15:05:00.001-07:00

My good friends Tim and Camille had a baby boy in April and luckily enough I was able to capture him in his first few weeks of life! What a handsome little guy Gavin is, I fell in love with him almost immediately!