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About Alisha, Holland and Their Furry Kids

We attend workshops/courses annually to make sure we stay up to date with the current techniques and trends. As with most things, photography is a never ending learning experience.

AlishaMcGraw (Alisha Speaking) I am not really great at writing about myself in a formal matter, but in 2010 we were interviewed by MacGroup/Profoto and had a wonderful article written by Ron Egatz that tells the story much better (shorter) than I will ever be able to express.... READ IT HERE

I absolutely love photography, it is an addiction. I think about it morning to night, everywhere I look I seem to catch myself thinking about a photo of what I am looking at. Its impossible to watch a movie anymore without being inspired by the lighting and cinematography. The best part is that my husband is equally addicted so we can motivate and learn from eachother along the way. I am a crazy dog lady (as you could probably tell from the 'furry kids' comment) and animal lover in general. Until a back injury, I thought dance was going to be my claim to fame. After performing for yearsm I taught dance for 7 years (jazz, tap, ballet, hip hop, and precision/drill) in Seattle & OC. My career in photography turned professional after the need to stop dancing and while I was a volunteer photographer for Boxer OC Rescue, running their website and photographing pets in need of homes and help. Giving back to non-profits is important to me, I've earned community awards for volunteer work in my past and although I don't have the time to volunteer as much now, I do try to give when I can. In 2007 I graduated from CSU-Northridge with a Bachelors Degree in Deaf Studies, while owning my photography business. After graduating and surviving the grueling testing process, I am also a Nationally Certified Sign Language Interpreter (NIC). Holland has taken ASL 1-2-3 and if you see us talking with our hands that is probably why. This is a huge benefit for families with Deaf/HoH family members or Deaf/HoH Families with hearing family members...Why? Because if given the permission to sign and speak at the same time, we can do our best to communicate with everyone in the family.

As far as photography is concerned I was an only child depending on film photography to keep me entertained on roadtrips in the summer...it was my informal introduction to the photo addiction. While growing up I had the intention of being a triple threat (Model/Act/Dance) all of these aspects included being infront fo the camera an understanding lighting. I took acting/modeling classes and had an agent which taught me posing, utilizing lighting and creating emotion from infront of the camera. As a dancer I learned about formations, symmetry and posture. As a dance instructor I have learned how to give direction in a way that can break movement down making it easy for others to understand. In 1999 I signed up for my first photography course in film. In 2004 I took my first Photoshop course. Along the way I have taken courses and workshops annually to build skill and learn trends, I've photographed dancers, dogs and everything in between.

It is always a goal of mine to continue to improve and grow, I personally also have a goal to photograph every dog breed, and my newest goal is to become a PPA 'Master Photographer' This isn't going to be one of those instant gratification type of goals. I imagine it will take a few years & a lot of work, 25 total merits are needed based on competition standings, speaking at workshops, etc. Only about 4% of PPA Photographers (Professional Photographers of America) are Master Photographers and in the first year I'va already earned 5/25 merits toward becoming a Master Photographer! YAY!

HollandMcGraw Holland is more of the humble type, so I will write a brief intro for him. His first major was Art following in the footsteps of his father, a well respected artist and former USD Art Professor. Prior to graduation life had different plans for Holland as he joined the US Army and served as an Army Ranger for 5 years. As a sniper he learned some amazing skills in aiming and focus that have had a huge benefit in his photography.

Life after the Army has been wonderful. Holland now has a B. A. in History from Cal State Northridge and a Masters Degree in Library Information Sciences from SJSU. Because of his passion for history & historical archive/documentation a lot of Holland's photography vision is that of a photo historian or photo journalist. Which is absolutely a perfect compliment to Alisha's portraiture/lifestyle perspective. Working together is like the best of both worlds.

Charlie Charlie (06/24/05)-Butt wiggling, licking madness from this guy. He acts like he is the father of our younger 3, always looking out for them.

coco Deaf Coco (09/06/06)- Our sassy little girl with an obsession for fetch. She has her CGC Title for Obedience all in American Sign Language.

rocket Deaf Rocket (10/10/07)- Our sweet boy, snuggles & licks for all humans. He is by far the most affectionate dog we have met. Being held like a baby is his favorite.

dottie Deaf Dottie (10/10/10)- Our baby Boxer girl is a high energy bundle of joy! Ready to run around at warp speeds before crashing into a nap.

Without them we probably would not have a photography business. They inspire us, their photos have given us the recognition needed to be published, and their love keeps us sane. We owe a lot of thanks to them. This is one reason why we offer pet friendly sessions; a family photo isn't complete without your family pet.

About Some Like It Shot™ Photography

Our business name was inspired by a famous movie "Some Like It Hot" with Marilyn Monroe filmed here in San Diego County in 1959 and as Marilyn said, "We Just Wanna Be Loved By You"! It seemed fitting for our fun style of photography and personal love for the movie, the era, its stars and the location it was filmed (Hotel Del Coronado).

Our business is licensed, insured, members of WPPI, PPA, PPC, PPSDC and NAPP. We are published internationally almost on a monthly basis. We provide professional, proficient & personable photography services to a large variety of clients. Alisha & Holland are a married photography team, together with our fabulous team of guest editors/photographers we make up Some Like It Shot Photography. We are contributing photographers for Dog Fancy Magazine, Willow Creek Press Calendars, Brown Trout Publishing, Kiss Fist Magazine and other publications upon request for articles, cards and calendars.

We are award winning photographers and currently working toward becoming Master Photographers through Professional Photographers of America! Image Merits are given at Professional Photography organizations at a judged Print Competition. A panel of judges award points based on the 12 elements of a photographic image. Scoring at a certain point level (80 or above) deems the image Merited or not.

As of January 2012 (Professional Level Print Competitions Only)

Alisha has received Image Merit for 2 images at Local Level, 1 at Regional Level & 2 at International Level and is currently 5/25 merits completed in her 1st year working toward a Master Photography title.

Holland has received Image Merit for 3 images at Local Level (3 of 3 in his very first print competition!).

What Our Client Say About Us

First of all, the photographs are wonderful - but that wasn't really a surprise, given that you're a professional. What was surprising was how easy and fun you were to work with, how flexible you were with our requests (no matter how unreasonable they were) and how willing you were to adapt when we kept changing our minds. Your patience and easy-going nature were greatly appreciated, both before and during the shoot. The pictures all turned out so beautifully that it was impossible to choose just a few so, of course, we had to get them all. Thanks for making that feasible. For all these reasons (and too many others to list,) I would recommend you without reservation to anybody who was looking for a truly gifted photographer to capture that "special occasion." Thank you for making our little get-together so memorable by providing us with this remarkable keepsake to remind us all of just how special it really was. Thanks for a wonderful and memorable experience! ~ Rick Rohlf & Family (El Cajon, CA and Texas)

Alisha perfectly understood my ideas of what I wanted to portray in the photos, and she was so creative in choreographing the whole shoot. I was able to change into four different outfits, and each set of photos really has its unique style. She has great talent in understanding the nature and background and make it look so great in the pictures. The sunset photos are amazing! I have so many pictures to choose from in my gallery, and they all look completely natural and full of life! ~Magdelana Cernouskova (San Diego, CA)

Once again Alisha, you are amazing! We love working with you! You are so artistic and talented and I love the personal touch you put on every single photograph. It was an honor to work with you both on our wedding day as well as maternity pictures. You have made these monumental times in our life that much more memorable. We cannot thank you enough! xoxoxoxoxo! ~Sharon & Darrick DeLaO (Seal Beach,CA)

Thank you so much for doing Cassie's Senior pictures. You did an excellent job. Even though we had never met before and knowing that we were from Wisconsin and were looking for something different than the norm, you did a great job. You were able to get us the ocean views we wanted (which we don't get in Wisconsin) along with the beautiful scenery in La Jolla. You did a great job on catching Cassie's personality. There are so many wonderful pictures, it made it very difficult to decide what we like best, so we took them all. I had such a great time watching you photograph her. It seemed as though you were having as much fun doing your job, as Cassie was being photographed. You made this experience a very enjoyable and memorable time for us. Keep doing what you do, you are very talented and fun to work with.

~Thank you, Cindy and Cassie Nell (Wisconsin, US)

Alisha has it all! She is a talented photographer, she is VERY professional, has great repoir with people & pets, and still manages a way to have reasonable rates! No wonder she is constantly booked! I wouldn't dream of using anyone else for my business!

-Bow Wow Beauty Shoppe (San Diego, CA)

Alisha is AMAZING! She is talented, creative and a great person. I have used her to photograph my boxer, my pregnancy and my sister's wedding. The pictures are unbelievable. I recommend her to EVERYONE!

~Dawn A. (Los Angeles, CA)

Alisha McGraw photo shoots are so much fun and I was completely comfortable with the session. Some of my photos were a little provacative, but the photography was very profesional and the pictures came out AMAZING!!! I've never felt so good about myself. I also got them back pretty quickly. Alisha is extremely pet friendly, so if you wanted a picture with your precious pooch, she's the one to call... Thank you so much Alisha and I cant wait to see the rest!

~Allison (San Diego, CA)

Alisha did an amazing job with our wedding pictures and the artistic work that came with it was genius. They really look like pictures out of a catalog. The best part was that she knew how to handle everyone in the wedding party and the many guests at our reception effortlessly--that right there was half the battle and she did it all with a smile. I couldn't be happier with my wedding album and I hope to fly her out here for more special occasions in the near future.

~ Maria (Seattle, WA)

I had so much fun shooting my engagement photos with Alisha , not only is she extrememly talented at her art...she is such a doll!! So much fun to work with...like hanging out with an old friend! Definately would recommend her..coming from someone who has worked with many photogs in the past for modeling!! She's the best!!

~Ellie & Tom (San Diego)

Alisha is a great photographer. She took the most amazing photographs of my little Pomeranian Molly. She was great at getting little Molly's attention and was able to capture her personality. I would highly recommend her. Not only is she a great photographer, she is a super nice person.

~Nicole & Molly (San Diego, CA)

ery professional and people oriented service. We invited Alisha to make pictures for our New Year's party and were very happy with her job. Paid attention to little details. She is very pleasant to work with. Good Job!!!

~Leila & Alex at Cafe2121 (San Diego, CA)

We can’t tell you how pleased we are with Daisy’s photographs! We laughed and cried when we first got the pictures because you completely captured our puppy's fun-loving, happy personality. You let Daisy just be herself for the entire session (and kept up with her!) and all of the pictures show her playful, loving spirit. Also, your props were adorable and really added to the creativity of the final pictures. Your love (and patience!) for animals really shows through your work and I am so lucky to have found you! Thanks again for all of the love you showed to our Daisy girl and we’ll see you in November for her 1-year shots!~Shelley Taft & Family (San Diego, CA)

Jason & I just wanted to say thank you again for the wonderful photos you captured for us at our wedding! We were so pleased with your professional attitude and personal touches! It is such a wonderful experience as the bride to be completely confident in your photographer's commitment and talent - you didn't miss a thing!

Thanks again for being a part of our amazing day and most of all for the incredible memories that we will be proud to show off for years and years to come. Thanks again for everything!!

~Jessica & Jason DesLongchamp (Seattle, WA)

Thanks so much!! I was screaming I was so excited with how the calendar turned out! I just love them all! You made my holiday!

Lots of Love, Angela & Tuaca Marquez (Buena Park, CA)

Alisha has an incredible relationship with people and animals that translates excellently in photos.

She truly is talented in taking pictures "as is" or with artistic effect.

~Beth Lutrell (Los Angeles, CA)

Your photos are amazing. Seriously, you are quite gifted. I'm so thankful that you were there and contributed your talents. I'm very impressed with the results. Jessica is lucky that she has such great photographs from her most important day. Thank you again for all your hard work!

~Connie Bradley (Seattle, WA)

Alisha, you made our baby girl look like a diva princess. You did a phenomenal job with Stella and you will be her only professional photographer. You went above and beyond what was expected and we love you.The photos are just as priceless as Stella. Thank you.

Love Shawny and Stella (Hesperia, CA)

Thank you, Alisha! We had a great time during the session and were thrilled with the results! You are so good at capturing the moment. These are the most natural and entirely flattering family portraits we have ever had taken. We will treasure them always!

~Very sincerely, The Mitchell Family (Los Angeles, CA)

My child is beautiful inside and out, but Alisha's eye, talent, ability to work with children and my family was phenomenal -- the pictures capture my daughters true spirit and inner beauty. Alisha is a remarkable photographer - the poses, creativity, patience and determination to capture every special moment is unrivaled. My experience in taking my daughter to commercial locations ( JcPenny Etc) pales in comparison not only in quality but in experience -- the photos we have from Alisha are remarkable family heirlooms. THANK YOU helping me preserve such precious moments in time.

~ Allisun & Indigo Kale (Topanga Canyon, California)

I can't believe how great those came out!! You're amazing!! I know he wasn't easy to photograph ...being a moving target blind and deaf!! I love them all!!

~Ginny & Keno Williams (Huntington Beach CA)

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