Dubai: Deira Fish and Vegetable Market

Waaaay back in December, when our friends, Nicole and Katie, were visiting to shoot Brittany and Cass' gorgeous wedding, we took them on a little trip to the Deira fish and vegetable market. Oh, what a site we must have been- four wide-eyed Americans wandering through the stalls of a local market, stopping to photograph green beans and dead fish, with a surplus of bags and camera gear slung about our necks. Most of the workers were completely enthralled with us, and not only allowed us to take pictures of their produce, but eagerly asked to be in the photos as well. As soon as the shutter clicked they would bound over to look at the camera screen and say, "Check! Check!" The loved to "check" the photos.
The fish and vegetable market is an incredible visual experience (it can do a number on your nasal passages as well!). It's a kaleidoscope of bright colors and textures, and the energy around you just buzzes. Gorgeous, freshly picked produce is trucked in each day, and the men arrange their fruits and vegetables in a orderly displays. They eagerly wave bundles of chartreuse herbs at you as you walk past, inviting you to purchase from their stalls. Their prices are unbelievably low, and the food is often far nicer than what you find in the stores, but Deira is just too far from Barsha to make it a regular stop. We mostly reserve trips to the Deira market when my mom visits, and afterward we host a giant seafood feast at our apartment=). The fish are brought into the market fresh off the boats, and often still flopping around- a site that is just a little too much for this girl to handle. Despite this, the market is one of my favorite places to visit in Dubai.











This gentleman wanted me to take a picture of just about every vegetable he had!



Even as I was walking away he was calling out to me and holding up items for me to photograph





We had the opportunity to take many portraits of the workers. There's just something about this man's soft, sad face that warms my heart...




Funny how this little kitty has almost the same expression on his face as the man above. I resisted the urge to take him home (the kitten, that is), but I did give him a good snuggle!












This is my favorite portrait of the day! Love, love, love it!










A little wink!



Here are a group of the men gathering around Nicole to see the photos she has taken of them






We visited the market right around Emirates National Day, so everywhere you looked there were red, white, green and black decorations and flags.













I've got a lovely bunch of coconuts, la-la-la-la...







This man was so funny! He stopped and asked me to take his photo, and as soon as he looked at the screen he did a dramatic double take. He stared at the image for a long time with wide eyes... I think he was feeling pretty good about himself!




I just love how all eyes are on Katie as she walks through the market, and she's in her own world, just doing her thing!


After the fish and vegetable market we made our way over to the old gold souk. We stopped inside some nut and date shops along the main road on our way in.




Mmmmm... pistachios!








While in the gold souk, we ducked into a little side alley and explored a small textile shop. After some hard bargaining we all walked away with some goodies

We didn't bring the camel home, though he was very cute!







This is Katie's blanket. We also picked up a similar blanket, in pale green, for my mom for Christmas. They are all hand-made, reverse embroidered! Gorgeous!!!

I'm so happy to have finally found some time to go through these photos and post them. They are a lovely reminder of a very fun day with great friends!

vanBaggen Family

While we were home at Christmas time, we got to snap some quick family portraits of our sister Rachel's growing family. Portrait day happened to be a pretty frigid Sunday afternoon, so we made a mad dash from the car, snapped a couple dozen images, and then raced back to the car, just as it began to drizzle. I think we got some pretty sweet images in just that short time. Our super cute niece, Morgan, was such a trooper! Oh, can I just take a moment to share with the Internet how much WE LOVE MORGAN! Seriously, the cutest little peanut! I cannot wait to take more photos of the beautiful family this summer- woo hoo!!! Love you guys so much!!!














The vanBaggen Family Christmas Card 2009 =)

Allyson and Ella

It's been a looong blogging hiatus... not by choice, but sometimes we get so busy taking pictures, that we don't have time for posting pictures. I'm sorry=(. Really. I promise! I've definitely learned over the past few months that one person cannot have two full-time jobs, and maintain their sanity or health... bummer. That being said, there are many more posts to come, and I am so excited to share them, but it may take a little time, as my real job (and the 16 spunky kiddos who depend on me to be ready to impart valuable knowledge each day) take priority. Thank you, thank you, thank you for your patience and continued interest in our little blog=).

We met up with Allyson and Ella at Safa Park in early December for some mommy and baby portraits. We had an absolutely wonderful time, and really enjoyed getting to know them. During our session we learned that sweet Ella was born very prematurely. Given such a scary and uncertain beginning, newborn portraits were not the first thing on her mommy's mind. Thankfully, Ella is a strong little cookie, and despite the many obstacles she faced, she continued to grow and thrive, and is now one healthy and beautiful baby! We were so honored to take Ella's first portraits! Get ready for some serious cuteness...


You see what I mean? SERIOUS cuteness!




I could just eat her up!




Most of the time, Ella was so calm and gentle. But we captured a prime example of that fiesty spirit we know she has hidden in there...









Have you ever seen such incredible eyelashes in your life?!?! Neither have I. Cross my heart, I did NOT enhance her lashes.






Um... the Gerber baby, perhaps... =)




There's that spunky monkey again!








Be on the lookout for more pictures of Allyson and Ella in the coming weeks... we were lucky enough to get to spend another lovely afternoon on the beach with them when Ella's Nana was in town to visit=)

Croley Family

Our afternoon with the Croleys was filled with laughter, snuggles, and an abundance of marine critters... my idea of a perfect afternoon! The genuine love this family shares for one another is absolutely tangible, and it made our job of capturing their family dynamics a breeze.



















Mary's brother, Ike, was visiting from the states and it was so special to be able to include him in the family portraits- not to mention so much fun to spend the afternoon with two Ike's!



Hermit crab investigations...








And what better way to end a family photo session than with a friendly rock skipping competition...


Thank you, Croleys and Ike, for such a fun and relaxing afternoon! The love your family shares for one another is precious and inspirational! Wishing you a happy, healthy, and hermit crab-filled holiday season!!!