OC Fair Potentials

To all of those that read my blog-

First of all thank you for being supportive of my art. I love it and definitely have my favorite shoots!!! Now it's time to participate. If you click here you can voice your opinion on my art. Yes, I know it's subjective BUT you can vote for your favorites and hopefully it will be one that I enter into the Orange County Fair!!! Here's how it works:

From TODAY 3/9/13- 3/17/13 you can vote for as many photos as you like. Obviously, only two votes per photo (one comment and one like). After 3/17/13 I will take down the album and put up the top 25 and continue until I get to the top 5-7 photos. Then I enter those photos into the fair. God willing, they all get picked to judge. If any photos (hopefully all) are picked, the fair will notify me and then I mat and frame the photos. The photos then get to the fair prior to opening weekend. They will then be judged and hopefully get a ribbon or something!

But I'm very excited and will also be in a photography competition on August 1 at the fair. So come by and support!! I will keep you all posted!!! Thank you!!

Sincerely,

Kara Russek
Devon Bella Photography

Dapper Day Spring 2013

Opening Day 7.17.1955

The day was July 17, 1955 when approximately 28,000 people flocked to Anaheim, CA to visit Disneyland for the very first time. A place where adults could be kids again and kids' dreams would come true. And every single one of those invitees came dressed in their Sunday best.

Fast forward almost six decades later and you can walk up and down Main Street past tourists, families, and screaming children dressed in... well let's not talk about how much class most visitors of the park have lost. Except for two days out of the year. On those days there's some old school magic in the air and it's called Dapper Day.

Dapper Day is an unofficial event put on by two gentlemen who live in the LA area. They worked endless hours getting the people of Southern California and Florida group discounts and super cute merchandise to commemorate this day. Hundreds of people come dressed up in heels, hats, and bow ties as a throwback to the opening of this infamous park. Sunday was my first time attending--as this is the third Dapper Day--and I LOVED it. I also had some interesting conversations with people throughout the day. Here's a general summary of those conversations:

There needs to be more dancing. Come on Disney get with it!!! If people are getting dressed in their vintage best, swing bands should be at the ready on this special day! Luckily, me and some friends were able to find the bands and had visitors in awe of our dancing abilities. I'm pretty sure we were more popular than the band playing. *On a side note: where are those pictures and videos that random people take?! I would love to see a video of me dancing!* 

 Why are you all dressed up? was the most asked question of the day. Right up there with, "Can we take a picture with you guys? You look fantastic!" It was fun spreading the word of Dapper Day. A day when random strangers come together for a single purpose and wish a "Happy Dapper Day!" to groups that walk past. (Weird that sounds like some of the principles our country was founded on...) But Sunday was a FASHION show. I don't think I thought a single girl's outfit was scandalous, ugly, or slutty, which is a completely different story in the summer. But on Sunday, every single girl looked simply beautiful with her date, friend, or family.

Dapper Families. There is nothing cuter than two parents all dolled up with their toddler boys dressed in vests and newsboy caps. End of story.

It should be Dapper Day everyday. Okay so maybe not everyday since it would ruin the magic. But why aren't people dressed up more often? Who cares what societal norms are? Be dapper and bring back the past! If you enjoy dressing up what's stopping you? People seem to be much more friendly when in conversation with well-dressed people. Plus, it is straight up classy. Classy needs to come back.

After two hours of hair and makeup, five hours in heels, ten hours between the two parks, three attractions, a firework show, many dances, and countless friends and memories; I can confirm that this was simply one of the most epic days ever. Happy Dapper Day everyone!!! Until the fall...

*I took approximately 300 photos and many can be viewed here. Also, it would be GREATLY appreciated if you liked/shared my page. Thanks!

Surprise Proposal!!!

 I had the pleasure of photographing my good friends Jon and Melinda. Jon contacted me two days before said proposal asking if I could take pictures. I, of course, said yes and made it after some flight difficulties. Jon had given me specific directions to the spot he was planning to propose, and let me tell you, trying to be secretive with not a lot of cover is HARD! Melinda saw me but thought I was a bird photographer; a proposal didn't even cross her mind!!! Then Jon got down on one knee (see below) and she said yes!!! Congrats you guys on your engagement!!!

 

Author Head Shots

Today I got to spend two hours taking pictures of this amazing woman. She goes by Kim Robinson but I know her as a breast cancer survivor, mentor, teacher, and friend. We hit up some places in good ole Tustin to get the PERFECT head shot for her debut book "For Underdogs Only". And we got that perfect picture! Here's a snippet (out of about 700) of what we got today:

Thanks again Kim for a fun filled day and I can't wait to see the final product of "For Underdogs Only"!

Shenton Family Photos

Shot the Shenton family at Laguna Beach on 7.23.2012 and now they are finally edited!!! Mrs. Shenton, you finally have your Christmas present! Had a blast with you all and hope you enjoy!!!

 

Because every family needs a hardcore picture xlovex

Fun Photo Shoot

It's taken me FOREVER to edit these but I am proud to have these on the blog! Sarah and Lauren accompanied me to la playa down in San Clemente back in mid May. I love the railroad tracks, minimal people, the cliffs, and the PERFECT waves. And of course my gorgeous friends :]

 

 

There were over 250 photos taken on this excursion. Sarah even took some shoots of me! It was so much fun and this must be hands down my favorite spot to shoot. Thanks Sarah and Lauren for spending the afternoon with me in SC!

Senior Photos 2012

I know it's been awhile but I took Ryan for his senior photos. We got some great shots and it was awesome hanging out with him and his mom for an hour. Thanks!

Taken 5.22.2012 at Katie Wheeler Library in Irvine, CA

 

 

 

 

 

And of course that precious mother son photo! Thanks again guys!