Bella Mena Photography

All things Summer

2011-07-31T17:58:00.000-07:00

2011-03-27T20:40:00.001-07:00

2011-03-27T20:35:00.001-07:00

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With great honor

2011-03-27T18:58:00.000-07:00

I was asked to take pictures of the Medical Squadron at Travis Airforce Base and it is with great honor that I present to you this picture! This was a great experience and I thank you all for the warm welcome!

Are ready for this HOTTNESS!!!!!!!

2011-02-20T14:08:00.000-08:00

I was priveledged enough to take these Bombshell pictures of this gorgeous woman. This was something new for me and I couldn't be happier with the results not to mention what a great time we had in the process! Thank you for such a great day and for introducing me to Pho...I'm hooked =)
You truly are so beautiful, inside and out Jess!
(I so wish I could show you all more but we are keeping the rest private =)) I love them all but these first two to me are UH-mazing! The lighting worked perfectly for us!

Precious Family

2011-02-14T21:07:00.000-08:00

This family is beyond gorgeous to me. I had a great time meeting them and taking their pictures. Every single one of these children were so well behaved! They were also all so sweet just like their parents! Enjoy the I family =) I can't pronounce their last name so for now....it's the I family :)

What's my fave, you ask???? =)

Ode to the Mama's

2011-02-14T20:30:00.000-08:00

Happy Valentine's Day! I took most of the day to spend some time with my loved ones and I have some time to catch up on my site. I hope all of you had a special day although I truly believe there are 365 days to show your love =) As promised, here are only SOME of the gorgeous mom's I have been lucky enough to photograph this year. This is only 2010 so if you're not in here, it is only because my 2009 files are archived and/or I didn't take individual mom pictures of you but it is something I started doing with all my sessions in the latter part of 2010 and I'm loving it! I think all moms should celebrate their beauty in timeless photographs!

Upcoming Mama post

2011-01-02T13:45:00.000-08:00

Are you ready to see some stunning mamas! In editing pictures this year, I realized something. Not only are most of my clients (if not all my clients) moms, they are really, really good looking moms! I am gathering all the pictures I want to share with you soon. I didn't post some of them in my Holiday slideshow purposely so I can add them to my next post. Stay tuned....

My Beautiful Holiday Madness

2011-01-02T13:22:00.000-08:00

I wish I had time to showcase every one of these sessions on there own but it would take me forever and I really want to share all of these with you! I had a very busy Holiday season making sure all my clients got their Christmas pictures back in time. I love you all and appreciate every one of you for making the end of my 2010 so gorgeous!

Our attempt at Holiday photos

2011-01-02T11:50:00.000-08:00

Our wonderful cousin/photographer was here for Thanksgiving but the weekend was so jam packed that we literally had 15 minutes to get this micro mini session together so with one great photographer, a greenbelt right down the street from our house and my quick editing...this is what we got...and I still didn't have time for Christmas cards. You will see why with my next post 'My Beautiful Holiday Madness' :)

Shae's turns 1

2010-10-27T22:15:00.001-07:00

I couldn't wait for this session! It was everything I hoped for and more. Thank you T for trusting me with Shae's pictures! This beauty was here visiting all the way from England! They make the most perfect babies in England!! Photographed below with Shae is a good friend of mine and Shae's Aunt.....you can see the apple doesn't fall far from the tree.

My dearest friend and her gorgeous family

2010-10-27T22:10:00.001-07:00

I can't even begin to explain how in love these two seemed during their session! Ahhhhhh...young love =)

2010-10-27T22:05:00.000-07:00

Senior Sweetness

2010-10-27T22:03:00.000-07:00

A little Pin Up fun

2010-10-27T22:00:00.000-07:00

Calistoga~Indian Springs

2010-09-21T22:20:00.001-07:00

I have always told myself I would take pictures while visiting Calistoga because it is breathtaking but I never do. I am usually in a hurry to get back home so I always say "next time". Well here is my next time. I was blessed enough to have a girls day with some amazing ladies and one crazy birthday girl....my sister. We spent the day at Indian Springs Spa and it was gorgeous. I highly recommend you treat yourself to a spa day there at least once in your life! I hope you enjoy some of the sites along my way home from Calistoga and some pretty ladies relaxing for the day....just don't mind the bed head hair and no make up :) We were thoroughly relaxed! Thank you ladies for all the laughs, great food and crazy stories....this song is for you and every other woman looking at my site, cuz you're amazing just the way you are.

2010-07-22T21:11:00.000-07:00

These latest sessions are on slide shows, if they don't come up right away I suggest logging out and then logging back on to my site.....I just love the presentation of these slide shows so please be patient. Enjoy!

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2010-07-22T21:10:00.001-07:00

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2010-07-22T21:06:00.000-07:00

2010-02-20T12:51:00.001-08:00

Hey, did ya miss me???

2010-02-20T12:35:00.000-08:00

Well I'm back with more fabulous sessions!! Fabulous because my clients rock! I hope you like the new pictures! Don't hate me for changing up the boring music, I started it off with some Rascal Flatts (my fave) so you're not shocked as soon as the music starts but then get ready for some fun tunes...life's too short to do what every other photography site is doing so here's some fun for you eyes but for your ears too! Enjoy!

Finally!

2010-02-20T12:21:00.000-08:00

I have been dying to post this session! One of my favorites, although you all know I love ALL my sessions and all my families! This little girl was so absolutely adorable to me! Her mom brought a beautiful red and white Portuguese outfit that she wore towards the end of the session. By then she just wanted to see the ducks so she definitely was done with me taking her pictures but still priceless (thank you mom for letting me post all the pictures I wanted to!!) I think my new found love are one year old sessions! I'm editing one I just did last weekend too, another fave....so stay tuned for that one as well!

You remember these gorgeous kids!

2010-02-20T12:01:00.000-08:00

They are getting so big! And in case you don't remember, they are one of my best friends kids! Mama is JUST as gorgeous! I told my husband the other day that she is more beautiful than Halle Berry! Maybe I can convince her to let me take HER pictures one day so I can show you all my gorgeous friend!

New Born Mania

2010-02-20T11:53:00.000-08:00

Loved these twins!!

Baby Avery

Precious Brie

One of our beautiful nieces!

2010-02-20T11:49:00.000-08:00

We don't get to see her much but I snapped a few shots while in Utah on vacation over the holidays!

San Francisco CD cover session

2010-02-20T11:46:00.000-08:00

...this was a very cool session for me!

Christmas Sessions 2009

2010-02-20T11:28:00.000-08:00

One of the most unique sessions....

2010-02-20T11:24:00.000-08:00

I have fallen fast for this family!

2009-11-03T01:05:00.000-08:00

Need I say? Yes, my favorite!

Thank you for making Back to School Picture Day a success!

2009-11-03T00:57:00.000-08:00

O Family

2009-11-03T00:52:00.000-08:00

M Family

2009-11-03T00:47:00.000-08:00

S Family

2009-11-03T00:36:00.000-08:00

She wanted simple but they are anything but!

2009-11-03T00:29:00.000-08:00

Another great Lodi session!

2009-11-03T00:26:00.000-08:00

Some pretty faces!

2009-11-03T00:22:00.000-08:00

I was asked to take some shots of this GORGEOUS family at the 80th Birthday Party I posted below....I didn't hesitate! There must be something in the SoCal water ;) From parents to youngest daughter...woaw! Thank you R family!

Don't just count your years, make your years count.

2009-11-03T00:15:00.000-08:00

Misty and her Boys and the evolution of Grayden

2009-09-05T10:49:00.000-07:00

BACK TO SCHOOL SPECIAL!!

2009-08-25T14:38:00.003-07:00

****** COMPLETELY BOOKED! ******

*********CHANGE OF DATE************

(I changed the date due to The Harvest Festival)

Are you tired of the same old school pictures with a fake tree in the background? How about a REAL tree!???

I am excited to offer an affordable alternative to school pictures!

I am offering a day for school pictures at Elk Grove Park on Sunday October 18th. These mini session will be booked in 15 minute increments. The cost is $35.00 for up to two siblings and $25.00 for one child. You will recieve a CD with the best of 5 EDITED pictures for you to choose from. Once you have your CD, you can

print your prictures any where you choose. (I believe Wal-Mart and Costco both print wallets at a very affordable price).

***This offer is good for grades up to 8th grade***

***This offer does not include additional editing once CD is complete***

PLEASE EMAIL ME AT bellamenaphotography@yahoo.com TO BOOK YOUR MINI

SESSION! LIMITED TO 10 MINI SESSIONS.

Precious Natalie

2009-08-09T21:02:00.000-07:00

Well I THOROUGHLY enjoyed this session being that my daughter will NOT wear anything girly! I LOVED THIS SESSION! Natalie is a natural little model! She was telling me where she should sit and how she should pose! SO cute! This little angel belongs to another little angel I know who is one of the SWEETEST people!! She looked like a princess in this outfit! I want one in my size and I'm really not kidding! This session allowed me to be a little creative because mom agreed to this location that I can't get enough of. The contrast between the urban background and her outfit is something I've been wanting to do so I got creative during the editing as well. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did! Thank you Natalie for making my job easy and reminding me exactly why I love to do this.

The Real Thing just got more REAL people!

2009-08-09T20:58:00.001-07:00

Do you remember this beautiful family from some sessions back? I was flattered they hired me to do their Vow Renewal as well! I wish I could have photographed the words they exchanged on this day. I was so worried all the pictures would be blurry because I was fighting back the tears. The vows they exchanged were so real, so sincere that I can only hope that these pictures do this day justice. They looked amazing, everything turned out great and I have to thank everyone for being so extremely welcoming to me. Oh and I can't forget to say that those cupcakes were as yummy as they look! What a perfect day!

The G Clan

2009-08-09T20:49:00.000-07:00

Oh my oh my....yeah here it comes, I know I say it about all of my sessions but REALLY!? Look at their eyes, their skin, and their GORGEOUS smiles!

OF COURSE, MY FAVORITE!!

The Jax is Back

2009-08-09T20:13:00.000-07:00

You might remember a gogeous mama awaiting her second son? The breathtaking one with a gorgeous little boy and a bun in the oven?? Well now she has two gorgeous little boys! Jaxon was WIDE awake for most of this session and he was only 2 weeks old. I did manage to get a few while he was sleeping but I get the feeling he will be just as brilliant as his bog brother!

Iris and her boys....5 boys!!

2009-08-09T20:07:00.000-07:00

YES! 5 boys! When I booked this session I was thinking of all the ways I could keep the boys engaged and interested in some lady taking their pictures.....ummmm these were 5 of the BEST behaved boys I have EVER met! Every single one of them. They are not only good looking like Mom, they were FUNNY and polite, so well behaved and LOVED smiling for the camera! Look up 'exceptional mother' and you will see a picture of Iris! She is doing an exceptional job with her boys and they are so lucky to have her as their mom....and they know it! I loved all of you guys!

I HAD TO PUT THIS ONE IN HERE BECAUSE THIS IS WHAT HE DID WHEN HE KNEW I WAS TAKING A PICTURE OF HIM AND IT MELTED MY HEART EVERY TIME!

How lucky can one mother get!??

2009-08-09T19:54:00.000-07:00

Look at these beauties! Mother, grandson, daughters, son AND son in laws are all so good looking!! This, JUST like all my sessions, was a very meaningful session. Her youngest daughter who is in the military was on her way to Kuwait just days before this session. We are all praying for her safe return so she can meet her new baby nieces that are also in this session....kind of, sort of :)

Zac the Lego Maniac....

2009-08-09T19:48:00.000-07:00

Adorable Zac turned 4! He (and his parents) were troopers! I had them meet me in a location that I PROMISE was gorgeous for fall sessions I did there. We got there and everything was dry and hot but Zac made the best of it thus the cutest little facial expression. Take a look.....

Mother's Day Surprise~

2009-08-09T19:41:00.000-07:00

Yes we are in August and I am just now posting this but I promise the pictures weren't edited THAT long ago :) Did I mention I also have a day job.

This was a Mother's Day gift from her son and daughter. It was super special for me to do this session because they told me it had been about 17 years since they took family pictures (I hope I am remembering that correclty). Anyway, a long time! I recieved an email from a few days later that stated that after the session they all had breakfast together and she told her kids that she wished that she could bottle up that day forever. You all should know by now how sensitive I am so needless to say I got teary eyed. I told her that she couldn't bottle it up but she will sure have the pictures to remember the day by forever.

HAVE YOU MISSED ME?

2009-06-11T01:10:00.000-07:00

I HAVE BEEN A BIT BACK LOGGED TO SAY THE LEAST. THANK YOU FOR YOUR PATIENCE! CAN I MAKE UP MY OWN SIX MONTH RESOLUTION? MY HALF YEAR'S RESOLUTION IS TO STAY ON TOP OF KEEPING MY SITE UPDATED! I WILL TRY MY HARDEST!

AND BEFORE YOU MOVE ON TO TAKE A LOOK AT ALL THESE GORGEOUS SESSIONS, I WANT TO WARN YOU THAT YOU WILL SEE A LOT OF SLIDESHOWS! I TRULY BELIEVE THAT IS THE BEST WAY TO SHARE THESE PICTURES WITH YOU. IF I ONLY POST A FEW THEN YOU WILL MISS OUT ON SOME OF THE REALLY FUN ONES SO HERE YOU GO....HOPE YOU ENJOY AS MUCH AS I HAD TAKING AND EDITING THESE!

A Day At The Vineyard

2009-06-11T00:39:00.000-07:00

How special was this beautiful location.....we got to go to a private Vineyard in Lodi for this session and the family was equally as gorgeous. Jake wasn't very happy with me because I made him FALL, I still feel bad about it! I just HAD to get him to stand on the chair for a picture! I keep saying I have the most beautiful clients! So true...you will conquer!

S Family Session

2009-06-11T00:37:00.001-07:00

Oh this family is so sweet. I can't thank you guys enough for giving me the opportunity to not only create these photo memories for you but for being so welcoming and loving. One of my favorite sessions, really! Even though I know I say that about all my families because you're all so special!

Could NOT have been more FUN

2009-06-11T00:29:00.000-07:00

You may remember these faces from my an older post. Well I was honored when they trusted me to do another family session....and what fun we had! Jumping gates, Kim trying to get the kids to dance for the pictures, trying to fake riding a beach cruiser and of course Rocco...GOOD TIMES! Oh and there aren't only fun funny pictures, they are beautiful AS WELL! Can someone give me synonyms for beautiful! I'm starting to sound like a broken record :) I love you guys so much!

I HEART THIS FAMILY!

2009-06-11T00:18:00.000-07:00

I think I'm in love with this family! This session was a Blast with a capital B! Ummmm how much more beautiful can they be?? Austin is my newest Spanish speaking buddy who reminds me of a young James Dean! Gorgeous! And sweet beautiful Carly is breathtaking! There parents did a perfect job. I mean perfect! These kids are SO sweet, well mannered and so fun! They were up for anything, even getting into the lake and crazy tractor poses! Thanks guys! And can you see where there perfect genes come from...yeah the parents are beautiful too! We almost got bit by about ohhhhh 3 rattle snakes but totally worth it! Austin saved the day! Getting ready for some eye candy...of all ages of course :)

Near and Dear

2009-06-11T00:05:00.000-07:00

This beautiful college graduate happens to be my niece!!!!! We could not be more proud of her!! She is the epideme of determination! Sarah is the first of the nieces to graduate from college which equates to 'I'M GETTING OLD'!!!!! I love you niecey!

Simply Gorgeous

2009-06-10T23:32:00.000-07:00

I honestly have never been to a wedding where the bride was happier! The bride and groom looked gorgeous. This was an honor! Thank you for trusting me with your wedding photos! It was raining on this day but the bride didn't let anything get to her! Simply gorgeous!!!!!!

What A Ham!!

2009-06-10T23:20:00.000-07:00

Ahhhh Jason! This handsome Senior was SUCH a good sport!!! It was early and he was hungry! You all know I love the funny pictures right! Well I love them even more when they are spontanious and that he was!!! My very favorite though is the black and white one where he is sitting and he has his hands his hand on his face and his eyes are closed! CLEARLY he was telling me "NO MORE PICTURES!!!" Enjoy!

The C twins and their gorgeous big Sis!

2009-05-06T00:12:00.001-07:00

I think nothing really needs to be said. These beauties belong to one of my nearest and dearest friends. There are no word that would describe what these kids mean to me!

D family session

2009-05-05T22:29:00.000-07:00

This was sooooooooo fun!! This session reminded me of why I love to do this. This family is loving, sweet as pie and sooo much fun!!! We laughed the entire time and I even got some yummy lumpia!!! Thank you D family, you guys already know how I feel about you all!!! Bebot, Bebot, Be-Bebot Bebot!!!! (Only you guys will understand why I wrote that, can you hear me singing?) Love you guys!

SO YOU ALL KNOW HOW I LOVE THE FUN FUNNY PICTURES!!?? THIS ONE IS MY FAVORITE!!

Sweet little D

2009-05-05T22:26:00.000-07:00

I am honored that I was asked to take these First Holy Communion pictures. She is a DOLL....I seriously think she needs to be a doll!! You'll agree.....

Look at this handsome Senior!

2009-05-05T22:20:00.000-07:00

......and his cute girlfriend....and his cute sisters! Thank you R family for being so great!!!

The Real Thing

2009-04-13T23:25:00.000-07:00

When I put my posts together I really think about what I want the title to be as well as the song that plays while you are looking at the pictures. Not only does she remind me of Gwen Stefani this song was the perfect song for this oh so real family. This family was so connected I probably can't even put it in to words, all I can hope is that I captured it so that you can tell when you are looking at the pictures. J and L have the cutest relationship...and how gorgeous are they!?? I know, I know. And these boys NEED to be models! Not only are they gorgeous they are SOOOO sweet. They were all so patient with my crazy ideas and little Shane said to me "I really like you" when I responded with "I like you too so much" he said right back "I like you all the way to heaven and back!" WHERE WAS MY TISSUE WHEN I NEEDED IT! I had to stop and give him a hug! Just take a look, I'll shut up now because I could REALLY go on forever about this family. I was so patiently waiting to post these!

I hate to be so redundant with my slideshows but I just had to show you more than just a few of these!

Breathtaking!

2009-04-13T23:07:00.000-07:00

I don't even really know what to say! I've known J for many years now and she has always been such a beautiful girl but when I walked in to her house for this maternity session I was taken aback. Her son and her husband are just as gorgeous! I can't wait to see what Baby J looks like!!!

THE SENSATIONAL SEVEN

2009-04-13T22:55:00.000-07:00

What a treat this was, the most well behaved children I have EVER met! They were all equally photogenic! This session was a referral from my sister in law (kind of -sort of) and it was such a pleasure to meet them! The second to the youngest boy brought soooo much fun to the session, I was literally giggling at how adorable he looks in these while I was editing. Thank you C family, you are ALL adorable!

How sweet are they......

2009-04-13T22:51:00.000-07:00

Stay tuned for their wedding in May....

The Beautiful Bride......

2009-04-13T22:41:00.000-07:00

SAY SEXY MAMA!

2009-03-26T00:14:00.000-07:00

Ok so that's an inside joke but I'm sure I will be using it for many of my sessions! This happens to be a Photographer (Simply Serenity Photography) from Utah that I had the pleasure of exchanging a much needed profile session with, who happens to be my cousin (by marriage), who happens to be gorgeous and who happens to be a natural in front of the camera. (...like my run on sentence?)We had so much fun and this was the best one on one training I could ever get because she is an amazing photographer!! Thank you little Miss!! My cheeks still hurt from laughing as much as we did! Can't wait for you to come back.

OH!!! WHO ARE THESE CUTE KIDS??

2009-03-26T00:09:00.001-07:00

I have always loved Lodi! This is why!

2009-03-25T23:23:00.000-07:00

Thank you Miss A for being such a good sport throughout this session! I think we managed to keep her dress in tact!!

Baby J

2009-03-15T21:08:00.000-07:00

I feel honored to have taken this precious angel's first pictures. The entire family was wonderful! Thanks K family!! Baby J was only 2 weeks old in these pictures! She was so alert when she was awake. Such a big, healthy beautiful baby girl!

Sweetest Baby Contest!

2009-03-11T23:44:00.000-07:00

Ok it wasn't really a contest but Baby B wins!!! She IS the sweetest baby! She laughed and smiled the entire time. I wanted to take her home!

Ready For Some More Models??

2009-03-08T23:48:00.001-07:00

Who can get tired of seeing models? Here are some more for you from another one of Mark Behren's Workshops. This was a lot of fun and I learned so much. Thank you to all of these beautiful faces (and setting) for letting me create such a diverse portfolio !!!

The Anticipation Of Reese

2009-03-06T20:50:00.000-08:00

Model Mania

2009-02-25T21:03:00.000-08:00

Thank you Sacramento Aviation for allowing the opportunity to bring you different styles of my photography.
I couldn't have asked for a better setting! I had SO much fun at Mark Behren's Portrait Workshop at the Sacramento Executive Airport and look forward to many more! Take a look at these beautiful models! I hope you enjoy them as much as I enjoyed taking them!

She has arrived......

2009-02-16T14:44:00.000-08:00

Thank you Miz Zmith for giving me this extraordinary opportunity to do my first fashion/modeling session! You are not only gorgeous you made it easy because you rocked it! This was such a fun session!

ELLO - V - E

2009-02-02T22:59:00.001-08:00

This little girl is so special to me. Her arrival was long awaited and I can't believe she is already so big! She's such a doll!

Beautiful Beth

2009-02-02T22:43:00.000-08:00

How beautiful are her eyes! She is as sweet as these pictures portray! Thank you for being such a good girl!

..........and we're done.

First E-session of 2009

2009-01-07T19:58:00.000-08:00

This couple was so sweet and affectionate! Stay tuned for their spring wedding!

I absolutely love the way they look in this first picture! Ahhhh new love is the best!

Oh and did I mention how fun they are???

New Year, New Look!

2008-12-27T22:44:00.000-08:00

It's a new year and thanks to my brother in law Jeremy, I have a new look for 2009!!! My logo is new and my new business cards will match my blog logo with my next order. More changes to my blog are coming soon. I am hoping to bring you bigger pictures to view on my blog instead of the small pictures you are used to seeing. I am trying to keep my blog site instead of a website so I can keep my prices down for all of you so I hope you enjoy the new look!

Make up? CHECK. Attitude? CHECK. Sweetness? CHECK CHECK!

2008-12-15T22:43:00.000-08:00

The most loving mother and son relationship ever!

2008-12-15T22:32:00.000-08:00

Zzzzzzzzzzz Family-This had to be the smoothest session I have had!

2008-12-15T22:25:00.000-08:00

K and J oh and Jack too!

2008-12-15T22:10:00.000-08:00

Holiday Madness!!!!!!!!!

2008-12-15T09:21:00.001-08:00

I will be updating my blog this week. In the midst of the Holiday rush to get everyone's Chirstmas pictures done I haven't had time to post all my beautiful family sessions!

Also, I have had several emails not come through to me. If I don't respond, there is ONLY ONE reason, I didn't get your email and I'm sorry!!!!! If that happens please email me again or better yet you can feel free to call me at 916-470-7507. Here is an alternate email address as well sindymc2001@yahoo.com

Stay tuned for some gorgeous kids and families and thanks for your patience!!!

Homemade

2008-12-05T00:11:00.000-08:00

Elegance at the Pavilillions

2008-12-05T00:04:00.001-08:00

Such a cute family....

2008-12-04T23:56:00.001-08:00

BOYS BOYS BOYS!!!

2008-12-02T00:53:00.000-08:00

Elk Grove Park LOVES me!! F Family Session

2008-12-02T00:42:00.001-08:00

Stunning! That's all I have to say.

2008-11-30T15:39:00.001-08:00

S Family and their newest baby

2008-11-30T15:29:00.001-08:00

P Families

2008-11-30T15:04:00.000-08:00

C and C Engagement Session

2008-11-26T07:26:00.001-08:00

E's Family of 3

2008-11-26T07:02:00.001-08:00

Elk Grove Park Family Session

2008-11-24T21:40:00.001-08:00