The Best of 2011

Each week for the next five weeks, I'll be sharing with you the "Best of 2011" in five categories of photography: fairies, children, teens, vintage and pin up.  Here in this week's post are my favorite Fairies of North County, doing what they do best...playing dress-up and pretending. While I realize that I risk twinkle overload in these photographs, there's a wonderful delicacy to them, and a delightful, vintage atmosphere that makes them irresistible.  During my career as a portrait photographer, I have literally watched these children–my little elves–grow up. And I'll never forget the little girl that will always remain a four-year-old fairy princess, whose memory, in part, I hope to preserve in my photographs. Fairy Blessings to her and all the very special children who made this one of my most magical creative experiences ever.

"Which of my photographs is my favorite? The one I'm going to take tomorrow." Imogen Cunningham

"Placed at ease with Leslie's unhurried professionalism, my shoot was delightful, the images surprising!"

 

"Don't ask me how she did it, but Leslie transformed me into the 1920s siren, Louise Brooks, star of the silver screen."

 

"It takes a very special person to persuade me to open up the vulnerable side of my nature. To capture my inner child, my thoughtful moments, the place where I dream and claim my secret wishes. But Leslie Hoffman did just that. Her gentle coaxing, her relaxed way with the camera, her brilliant use of natural light, all elements that brought me to that special moment where the perfect shot was just a breezy click away, void of tension and revealing of my soul." [Award-winning author, Diane Y. Welch]