Happy New Year’s Eve!  This year has been so good to us and we couldn’t be more grateful for all of your support, love, and patronage!  This year we laughed with you, cried with you, we watched as you welcomed babies into your families, celebrated milestones, got a Facebook page (are you our friend?), received our first travel assignment (what an honor!), we photographed heroes, celebrities, athletes, champions, accomplishments, families, boudoir, love, baby bellies, heartbreak…. it’s been amazing!  Next year is shaping up to be equally as rewarding.  We’re slated to photograph our first triplets (can you imagine expecting 3 boys all at once?!), events, old friends, new life, we’re hosting more mini sessions (Valentine’s day in two weeks – you in?!), and we couldn’t be more excited!  Our resolution this year is to stay creative, see things in a new way, and BLOG!  Our blogging has taken a huge dive during this very busy holiday season.  We apologize.  We promise to get better!

Poet Carl Sandburg was quoted as saying “A baby is God’s opinion that the world should go on”.  I agree wholeheartedly so tonight I share our last session of 2011; done just this morning.  Meet sweet Brooke.  She’s a tiny little thing who arrived just before Christmas.  As always, we hope you enjoy these images as much as we enjoyed creating them!!

She’s such a peanut!  She fit into a lot of hats and props we’ve never been able to use.  I love a chubby baby as much as the next mom but I did love getting to use these!

She had the sweetest guard kitty you ever have seen!  Fellini kept his eye on us as much as he could!

She also has the most beautiful and sweetest big sister!  What a lucky little girl to have a big sister!  I have two, I know what I’m talking about!

She also lucked out in the parent department.  Mom and Dad are very laid back and easy going!  They also have a rockin’ playroom!

Sweet dreams, Miss Brooke!  I wish for you an amazing life of love and success but for now… I wish your parents a silent night.  Got that?!  ::wink, wink, nudge, nudge::

So Happy New Year to you all!  Thank you for allowing us into your worlds and trusting us with your images.  We wouldn’t be here without you!!!

~ Dawn and Walter

Do you remember the 1989 music video “Wicked Games” by Chris Isaak?  It’s a steamy, black and white video of a hot couple rolling around at the beach filmed back when MTV used to run videos.  It still surprises me how many people are too young to have ever experienced that!

At any rate, we were lucky enough to photograph this gorgeous woman who was inspired by the video.  She was incredible!!

She got a bit of attention for showing up looking so amazing with a photography trio!  Luckily the spectators got pulled away by their wives.

She was a total natural and such a good sport!  These rocks are a lot sharper than they look!

Once the fans dispersed we got to rolling around!  It looked like so much fun and she had such a good time!  I was so ready roll around in the sunset myself!

Thank you, Ms. D, for such a rockin’ shoot but also for allowing us to share your tame images!  Your hubby is one lucky guy, we really hope he enjoys the surprise!!

Happy Monday!  Here’s a little more eye candy to keep you smiling!  I really do have the best job!

This gorgeous and brilliant wife, mother and woman has a serious shoe addiction!  It was so much fun to see all her treasures!

These were my favorites!  Valentino and I could be amazing friends!!

This Veteran’s Day, we honor those who have so bravely served our country.

I spent this morning watching the sun rise at the South Florida National Cemetery.  My friends thought I was crazy, as did my alarm clock, but I couldn’t think of a better way to welcome Veteran’s Day than with those who gave all.

Much love and many thanks to all our service men and women!  We are so grateful for our freedom!

Meet Ms. B!  This young, sexy woman is actually a married mom of two small children who has a personality larger than life!  She really rocked her boudoir shoot and, best of all, she did it for herself!

He session was so much fun!  She’s super sassy and completely hysterical!  I’m pretty sure she could have a career in stand up comedy – or modeling – if she wanted it!

Everything about her shoot was amazing, down to her incredibly fun lingerie!

Yes, a mom.  Yes, of 2.  One isn’t even 1 yet!!  I wouldn’t like her either if I didn’t know what a great woman she is!

The most recent laughs she’s given us is the commentary on her photos.  After going through her gallery to choose images for her album I get this list by email -

1- awkward

2- ok, look exhausted

3- I look offended

4- ok

5-like

6- great job on tattoo and stretch marks!!

Like 7-face is awkward

8- ditto

9- like

10- undecided

11- not a fan of my profile. Hate my nose

12-ditto

13- love,  great proofing!!!!

14- like

15, 16- seem awkward

17- love

18-love

19-like

20- everything but my face

21-like

22-would like but lip color clashes,  maybe in b/w?

23-like but my eyes look weird

24- love

25-like

26-undecided

27-you made my thighs skinny!! Love you!!

28-hey, I actually like my face here!

29- Helen hunt?  I like, though.  I need to accept it that she looks like me.

30-nice body shot, I look angry and not in a sexy way… probably freezing and gritting my back jaw

31- worth every penny I paid for them

I was so flattered that number 31 was “worth every penny I paid for them”, since I was sure she meant her photos.  As I scrolled through her photos, I realized THIS is number 31 -

When I stopped cracking up, I asked her if she was happy she had done it.  I ask this of our most nervous or hesitant clients who do boudoir because I’ve been in their shoes and I want to be sure the trust they put in me was worth it.  She responded saying that the shoot was so much fun and that she had such a good time and while she loves her photos they are just souveniers of her amazing and most brave experience.  I was so touched!!

Thank you, thank you, Ms. B.  Thank you for the laughs, the amazing session and most of all – letting us share your gorgeous images.  You did an incredible job and I know your husband is going to love these too!

Meet Derick Pierson!  He’s one of the most amazing and unique athletes I know.  Derick is an award winning aerial artist and an incredible contortionist!  On top of all his accomplishments, he’s also one hell of a guy!

Derick can bend and twist in ways I’ve never seen!

He makes it look incredibly easy too!

Narrowing down the photos to share was very hard!  I told you he’s amazing!

He also a bit of a dare devil…

And he has a flair for drama!!!

Which is why he made the perfect Richard Simmons for Halloween!  This cracks me up!  From the impersonation to the high top white Reebok… spot on!

But more than anything, Derick is a ton of fun, completely hysterical, and so sweet.  He really is one of the most humble and generous people I know, though I’m sure he will hate that I’m letting everyone know!

Derick is also the winner of the Pole Fitness Championship.  He competed in New York last month and won with this amazing performance -

Pierson Champion Performance

Congratulations, Derick!  I’m sure you’re feeling on top of the world – as you should!  I can’t wait to team up again soon!

Look for Derick, and our photos, in the next publication of Vertical Art and Fitness!

If we’re Facebook friends (and shouldn’t we be!?), you know what’s coming!  In October I got a new nephew!  A nephew that no one ever expected but who has become the love of our lives!

He arrived with zero fuss or fanfare.  He hardly cried.  The waiting room, however, was packed with family, all anxious to sneak a peek.  The hospital had such strict rules though that we were all left waiting, getting antsy and stir crazy.  Finally I saw my brother-in-law round the corner with the bassinet and we basically busted through the security doors to meet Baby Shane.  Here is the very first snapshot of the family (minus mom), it was taken even before the baby got to the nursery.  Their expressions will always make me smile!

The reason the baby was so unexpected was because my sister had her tubes tied last summer.  She and her husband have a 19 year old and a 15 year old, a baby was definitely not on the to-do list.  It took them a bit to get used to the idea of starting over but it’s been amazing!  When sweet Shane was delivered, the doctor double checked the tubal procedure.  The clamps were still perfectly in place meaning this little guy is either a miracle or the most stubborn baby on the planet!  Either way, I’d like to think he’s destined for greatness!  He’s actually holding my sister’s tubal clamps in this photo – a gift from the hospital!

One of the perks of having a sister who is a photographer, is having more photos of your child than you’ll ever know what to do with.  He had a photoshoot almost every day for the first few weeks.  This one is from a session in the hospital where the bedsheets did double duty as a diffuser and backdrop!

But if you’re Shane, you’re not a big fan of having an Aunt that just can’t get enough.  He’s starting to catch on to me and he knows that if he fusses just enough, I’ll put my camera down to cuddle instead.  Smart boy, lucky aunt!

In addition to being completely done having children, my sister and brother-in-law had started to indulge their own interests – like motorcycles.  It was only appropriate that I combine both of their midlife crises!

I don’t personally know anyone who has siblings 15 and 19 years apart but I do know that this little guy will always have the best support system.  The older kids can really appreciate and enjoy him, which is not how I would describe what happened when I brought my youngest home to meet her 2 year old brother!

I’ve also found that since my sister is an “old pro”, she’ll indulge just about any request without the fears that most first timers have.  It’s pretty freaking awesome!

Shane is such a blessing and a welcome addition to our family.  On the eve of his first month I’m still in awe of how amazing he is and how incredibly perfect one kid can be!

Happy one month, little man!  We all love you so very much!!!

It has taken me so long to write this post.  I have so many thoughts and emotions but I’m torn between sharing them all, and way too much information, or just giving the facts – ma’am.  I have family in the military who have given so much for our country but never have I been there to watch any of them deploy.  It is absolutely heartbreaking!

I met up with the Hernandorena family last week for a pre-deployment session.  Dad is headed overseas for a year and I was honored to capture their family before his trip!

They have two of the cutest, sweetest little girls!

…who love their daddy very much!

… and who will miss “Papa” terribly!  Their precious one year old is dad’s very biggest fan!  He’s a ton of fun!

I loved watching them play!  I felt more like a guest at their afternoon in the park than their photographer.  They are so very natural and laid back.

Since both girls are so young, they probably don’t realize what it means for him to go or how long he’ll be away.

Mom, on the other hand, is very emotional as this will be the longest they’ve ever been apart.  It was hard not to join in on this embrace as we were all overcome with tears.

He heads out tomorrow so I’m sure they are soaking in every minute together right now but I hope these photos will keep them smiling for the next several months!

Petty Officer Hernandorena, I wish you safe travels and on behalf of my family and my country, I thank you for your time and service.  It is brave men and women like you that keep us safe and allow us to cherish our freedom!

We’ve all messed up – all of us!  My latest one was a typo on our new gift certificates.  I proof read it and everything but didn’t see it until they were all printed and wrapped up; isn’t that how it always is!?  In honor of my latest “oops!” we are having a Facebook contest!

Show us your biggest, funniest oops! photo!  Post your photo on Yap Originals’ Facebook wall by midnight on Friday, October 28th.  Once everyone has their photos up we will let our fans vote for the winner.  Only fans of Yap Originals are eligible to vote so spread the word!  Voting closes at midnight on Thursday, November 3rd and the winner will be announced on Friday the 4th!

The winner will be treated to a holiday mini session (up to 5 people) on Saturday, November 19th in Palm Beach County.  They will receive 5 high resolution digital images for personal use (email, Facebook, gifts for Grandma, holiday cards, etc).

Let me know if you have any questions.  In the meantime enjoy some of our outtakes, or oops! photos.  I can’t wait to see yours!  Be creative!!

Oops!~ Don’t you hate it when people don’t look at the camera?!

… or won’t cooperate?!

…. or when your kids are super squirmy??

… your pet gets bored??

… you pick the wrong moment to let your kid go diaper free??

… your hair is just nuts??

… you don’t realize you have an allergy to sweets before your cake smash??

… you aren’t all that comfortable with babies and you’re not really sure how to hold them??

… your kids won’t cooperate and the bugs get annoying??

… when your brother is ALWAYS the class clown??

… or when you just can’t stop blinking??

We’ve seen a lot of funny outtakes over the years and can’t wait to see your best!  Remember this is a Facebook contest so head on over and make us laugh!

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Most everyone knows someone whose life has been affected by breast cancer.  This year alone, there were 230,480 new cases of breast cancer!  Diagnosis, treatment and education has come a long way in the last decade but there are still so many who go through so much because of this horrible disease.  We encourage you to learn more and stay proactive (regular self exams, mammograms, annual physicals, etc) because early detection is key!

Yap Originals loves boobies and we’re committed to raising awareness!  So whether yours are small, large, nursing, purchased, affected…. whatever – check yourself and stay well!

I check mine because of my mom who was diagnosed in 2007 and a good friend who discovered hers this year.  Both are doing great but it’s a roller coaster that no one should ride!

Keep-A-Breast Breast Cancer Bracelets are available on Amazon.com.