There is something so unexplainably beautiful to me about capturing maternity pictures. They have never seen his face and yet their love already so deep they would die for him. It is the miracle of birth. The cycle of life that shows us there is still so much hope in this world. This family was as sweet as they come. Such a relaxing evening walking the trails and capturing the cutest bump. I could only laugh too as I thought how different pictures will be for them after baby arrives. Calm and relaxing probably the last word in their vocabulary. ;-)
Fresh 48 | OC Family & Newborn Photographer
This was my very first hospital session, and I think I'm now hooked! There is nothing in this world like those first couple of days together. Those moments where you wondered how you ever lived without her in your life. How you love so deeply it literally hurts. That although you can still count how many hours you have known one another, already you would die for her.
The births of my own children are still engrained into my heart. But although I have a million iphone shots of them, I wish with everything in me that I would have done this with them. Because as wonderful as our iphones are, and as often as I use mine, there are some things they just not capture.
I figured being less that two days old this doll be be asleep for most of it and I would move her into a variety of positions. Think again! SO alert, she didn't sleep a wink my entire time there! And although she gave me a run for my money, I cannot imagine if I would have missed those big eyes, and the way she already is interacting with her parents. My heart is so full of love for her. And with that, meet little N.
Laguna Beach Strolling | OC Family Photographer
Every family is so different, and every child his or her own. But with that said, toddlers are mostly the same--independent. They like cuddles for a minute or two, and then it is time to run--straight into the ocean on some occasions even! ;-) I try really hard to get all that cuddly closeness, but in the end when you let kids do their thing is usually where the magic happens, and all the joy comes flowing out. Like this evening, with this beautiful family and little Ms. independent. The happiness on her face says it all. Goodness she turned my heart to mush! So proud of herself and rightly so. Her parents clearly adore her, and watching the three of them enjoying Laguna together was just the best thing ever. They strolled the beach in pure joy, sneaking in a bit of cuddles along the way. :-)
All the Smiles in Laguna | OC Family Photographer
Parenting can be hard. But mostly it's Moana and Star Wars. And dancing to the rhythms in our heart. :-) It's what I love so much about family photography--capturing all that silly love. Because at the end of it all, when the kids are grown and gone, I think it's what we as parents remember. And I have the crazy awesome privilege of delivering a tangible piece of that memory. <3
This family came all the way to Laguna from Utah. I expressed how jealous I am of their breathtaking mountains and rolling GREEN hills. But I do have the beach, so I can't complain all too much. ;-) When we first met things were all a bit overcast, and then the sun broke out in all of its Southern California glory, highlighting all the beauty that is this adorable four. Too many favorites, I wanted to post every single pic from my time with them. But I'll leave it with this...
Because I Never Print at CVS | Irvine Family Photographer
If you've ever had a photos taken with me before you will know that I am a crazy lady when it comes to getting your photos printed off with a high quality printing lab. I spend way more time than I will ever admit on editing my pictures to perfection (or at least my version of it!) I make sure that all the numbers are correct, the warmth right on, the skin tone glowing. And when I hear that someone went and took my hours of work to a chain store like CVS I cry big tears on the inside. Who you go through to print your photos will make sooooo much of a difference. If you're all for the dark and muddy, green skin toned look then Costco is your pall. ;-) But when it comes to hanging your art work on your walls, please do it good. :-)
And that is why on this evening we were on our way to Costco to pick up a picture (insert a hide myself in the closet emoji here!). I found out just that week that my son's teacher needed a family photo for him to bring to school. Fast forward to the day before and I realize we don't have a single family photo of us printed off! Sure I have a million and one other different combinations, just nothing recent with all four of us in the same frame. And so I threw all my conviction to the wind and embarked on my same day pick up adventure. On our over we drove right past this gorgeous trail and went to explore for a few minutes. I hadn't been here since this spring when everything was wrapped in Colorado greens, and honestly I thought I wasn't going to like it. But oh what golden hour can do to brown fields!
When Group Photos are Allowed to Have Fun | Laguna Beach Family Photographer
Where to even start with this family? They were everything I could hope for in a group session, allowing me to stretch my lifestyle loving wings and create so many happy moments together. Yes, we got those smiles at the camera, and the traditional family shots. But in between all the chaos that is called 'group photos,' they laughed and danced, and let baby girl run halfway into the ocean. And it was everything that I love about family photography all wrapped up in three generations. Also, Laguna didn't disappoint us either. ;-)
Grandpa and grandma were celebrating 50 years of married life this day, their love still so deep for one another. A love that has been together through all the ups and downs of this life without letting go. A love that whispers I still choose you first.
It was such an honor to me being able to capture them together. Playing my small role in celebrating this crazy beautiful thing called marriage, and children, and grandchildren... and now I'll let the photos speak for themselves. ;-)
What a Photo Session Really Looks Like | Laguna Beach Family Photographer
I would like to start this by revealing the secret to a successful family photoshoot: accept the chaos. It's soooo true. As much as we as photographers love to imagine this picture perfect world where kids only laugh and dance and smile at their parents with all the adoration in the world, it's just not true! In reality, most kids are very used to their mom and dad and would much prefer to be left alone to play in the sand!
These three sweethearts just melted me with all their love. BUT they are from Florida, hence, used to warm Atlantic temperatures. And we were met with the tail end of a Laguna storm, bringing in waves so big there was next to no beach left by the time we were done. Add to that gigantic waves that left them soaked and crying. But enter the secret sauce: mom and dad. They rolled with the punches and continued to play and smile the entire time. And together, we were able to create magic. You would never know anything but a perfect family with the most perfect lives. But they are instead a real family with real lives. Beautiful, YES! But real nonetheless. Just like every single family I shoot. We chased and danced and laughed, and although not "perfect" in the definition of what you may think a photo shoot may entail, it was perfect nonetheless. It's what I love so much about lifestyle photography. We don't have to spend an hour trying to fake grins that just don't belong. Instead we get to tickle and play and ring a round the rosy those grins right out. ;-)
This mom is a gifted photographer herself and like all us moms with a camera has a million and one pictures of her kids but very little with her in it. We have been "Insta friends" forever, but this day I finally go to hug her neck. And she was just as wonderful as I had pictured her. The deep love she has for her family and the joy in being with them shines through every single one of these. <3
Blue Hour: Why I Keep Shooting Even After the Sun Goes Down
If you haven't noticed by all the photos, I only schedule my sessions at sunset. Well, or sunrise, but for some crazy reason I can't anyone to go for that one. ;-) I am OBSESSED with all that yummy golden goodness and the way it elevates a picture from good to pure magic--at least in my humble opinion. :-) BUT there is another reason I am so in love with sunset, and that is the point where the sun actually goes down. Yes, the very point where you would think should be time to put the camera away is the moment I start shooting like a crazy lady! It is known by photographers as "blue hour" and it is those minutes where the entire earth is washed in soft beauty. The amount of time it last depends on where you are shooting at. For example, when I shoot in the hills I may have a good 30 minutes of it, since although still out, the sun is fully blocked. At wide open beaches it only lasts about ten minutes. But oh it is my favorite ten minutes of the entire day, hence the crazy lady act--I have a very short time to get as much as I possibly can! What I would give to get an actual 'hour' out of this 'blue!'
And since a picture is worth a thousand words I will let them explain this much better than I can...
These first few pics are still "golden hour," with the sun obviously still shining, although just about ready to dip below the horizon.
Sun is dippppppppiiiinng...
And now down. Welcome, blue hour goodness!! Notice there is still such a warm glow all around, but no harsh light to be seen.
Hello moon!
And THAT is a wrap. ;-)
When Jigsaws Collide | Laguna Beach Family Photographer
"When I say 'I am going home,' I mean I am going to where you are."
This family is just that, fitting so perfectly like they were always meant to be. The jigsaws of life finding their way together. This Laguna evening was magic in so many ways for me. Mom and dad were not after any specific pose or smile, but instead spent their time loving on their babies. And these two girls--oh my heart! They are so obviously loved and it just shines out of them in so many ways. The beach slammed us with high tide and crashing waves, leaving them soaked and sandy by the end, but they never batted an eye. Gosh, I could just go on and on, but I'll let the photos speak for themselves. :-)
Some real life right here at the end. And look at that little cry! Give her allll the milk! ;-)
And then this happened two minutes after... Heart. Melted. <3 <3 <3
Diving in at Laguna Beach| Orange County Family Photographer
This gorgeous crew needed some updated headshots/family smiles for their website, so we met at Laguna Beach to take full advantage of all its yummy light. The minute I told them we had what we needed these kids literally dove into the ocean. The best part is they yelled out afterwords, completely serious, "Mom, is it ok if we get wet?" 😂🤣 I just love that I get to be a photographer. I mean who else gets to have "work" stories like these?!
I would also like to point out the obvious here, that mom totally killed it with outfit choice! (*insert ten emoji happy dancing ladies here)!
Golden Girl in Laguna
This gal is pure gold. Joy and love just pours out of her in such a contagious way. I loved every minute of this shoot, and after, as we talked each others ears off for hours after we done. :-) We met at my all time favorite beach in Laguna to capture all that joy inside her. She wanted her photos to reflect her true personality, and I love the way they do just that. She is so beautiful, from the inside out. And being able to be the one to show it means the world to me. <3
1st Birthday at the Beach | OC Family Photographer
Not only were these photos taken to celebrate little girl's first birthday, they were taken on the special day itself, and I was over the moon excited to be a part of this priceless day! Even more so once I met them and had a million memories of my own girl's first b-day five years ago. I was hit with how quickly it all goes; how much time refuses to slow down. As I was leaving the beach that evening the thought occurred to me that as fast as the birthdays will fly by for these three, they will always have these pictures to look back at and remember that very first one. And this is why I love family photography with everything in me. <3
I also love Laguna Beach and its amazing beauty, even on a cloudy day. :-)
6 Months New | Irvine Family Photographer
We met at one of my favorite little spots just outside of Irvine for a laid back time of cuddles and smiles. I first had the privilege of capturing this guy when he was still hanging out in his momma's belly, and I was beyond excited to finally meet his sweet face in person! And sweet is the understatement of the year. I could eat him up! Although impossible to catch in a photo, when you see that little mouth wide open, he is usually shouting with all the happiness in the world. :-) Loved this time. Love this family. Love that I get to call this thing my job!!
Disclaimer: you may catch some pretty bad baby fever, so proceed with cation. ;-)
Maternity Loving at Newport Beach| OC Family Photographer
This mom boss is a chaplain in the US Navy. Inspiring is an understatement. Here in Orange County for just a couple of days, I am so thrilled I was able to steal her for an hour to capture this special time of her and baby (boy or girl is up for guesses!). And after so many days of June gloom, the sun decided to hang out with the beach in all its glorious SoCal wonder. I love the way it highlighted what is already her--glowing from the inside out.
Why a Familiar Location May be Best for Your Family Photos
I loved my time with this family for a number of reasons but one of them is how much this location means to them. Moving across country next month they wanted to remember this spot that they have spent so many countless hours at since their girls were just young toddlers. It was their space, and therefore a huge comfort level was immediately present. Getting your pictures taken can be awkward and some get very nervous about it. Add to that going to a spot you have never been, or a place filled with a million and one on lookers with nothing to do but stare at you during the session (and walk right in front of your shot as well!). There is just something about having photos taken in the places that have those sentimental ties to your love and life together that put you at so much ease, and allow you to take your hair down. Whether at home, in the backyard, a favorite frequented beach, or in this case, a lake, it's so good to consider not only what the backdrop will appear like, but how it will make you remember. To not only have moments from our time together, but with each picture so many other memories that happened right in the same spot.
Just something to consider when deciding where to have your next family photos! And with that, here is the beautiful Y Family:
They fish here all the time, but since we only had till the sun went down we improvised a bit. ;-)
Just the Girls | OC Family Photographer
Just the girls! Don't get me wrong, I love a good dad throwing their kid into the air picture--believe me, I make the dad do it every single time! ;-) ,But there is just something so special about those ladies only nights! And this one had me smiling the ENTIRE time! We had to reschedule once due to the rain, and I am soooo glad we did. We were met with sunny skies and warm weather, complimenting those perfect dresses--seriously, you nailed it ladies!! And although the green grass has come and gone, the OC still likes to show up and off with its own rustic pretty. :-)
Tide Pools for Life | Orange County Family Photographer
I grew up next to Lake Michigan, so the massive Pacific's water view, although pretty, just doesn't really do so much for me. However, when you add all these rocks and cliffs that make up So Cal beaches I am totally in my happy place. Add to them some tide pools and I will never leave. In all seriously we do leave. But we keep on coming back, probably way too much! Yesterday we found a million little crabs which is pretty much the most exciting thing ever when you are four years old. And this guy also discovered that tide pools stay warm when everything around you is right next to freezing temps. He makes it look like summer but I was wearing long pants and a jacket behind my lens. ;-) How I love this little guy made of steel, and all his sweet adventures. <3
Cold, Wind, and Happiness | Orange County Family Photographer
I showed up a little early to our planned spot at one of Laguna's little beaches to find it completely washed out by the strong tide. After a moments panic attack I called a literal last minute location switch to downtown Laguna. And sooo happy I did too. This normally packed to the brim beach was nearly deserted due to the locals idea that anything under 70 degrees is pure winter. ;-) The wind blew, the clouds took over, and these three didn't blink an eye. Awww, my heart!!! Seriously, they have to be some of my favorite people ever! We laughed and played and I drove home so full. Parenting is hard work. It's exhausting and stressful and at least ten cups of coffee simply to survive. But behind it all is this unexplainable love and pure joy, and I love the way these photos reach right down to that core of it.
Baby W | Orange County Family Photographer
As much as I love pretty golden light and beach backgrounds, nothing fills me more than capturing a family in their own home. There is just something so beautiful about people in their element, surrounded by the ones they love. No distractions, permits, high tides, or bikini clad photo bombers present. ;-) Seriously though, this is what it's all about to me. Love in its purest form, where it starts and ends each and every day.
This little guy was the most calm and easy going little baby I have ever met. He just went with the flow of everything we threw at him. And big sister just melted me with all her sweetness and love. I cannot say enough good about my time here this afternoon. I left with a heart so full of happy.
R Family in Irvine|| OC Family Photography
So much love for this family who filled my soul with so much good on this aaaaamazing Orange County day. Seriously, the sun was doing all kinds of happy dances, and the weather totally agreed with him. As soon as we spotted each other these three greeted me with the biggest smiles and hugs and I knew immediately we were going to have the best time. And this sweet boy--oh my heart! My favorite part was every few minutes when he needed to examine the pics on the back of my camera and would then exclaim his excitement in them. :-)
