Time Change Winning || Irvine Family Photgrapher

I have heard a million and one complaints about this week's time change. Kids are waking too early, sun sets too soon... Wait--sun sets too soon!! As an obsessive lover of all things sunset this time of year is my dream days. Summer sunsets so often means fussy kids, hungry kids, exhausted parents, and all while we are trying to capture these happy love filled memories. I am now meeting all these families at glorious 4pm. After naps but not yet dinner. Nearly empty beaches and trails everyone else is still at work and just getting out of school. This time change thing has made my heart so happy. As did these four!

This mom told me she was so awkward in front of the camera. How I wish this is what my "awkward" self looked like! It's what I love so much about lifestyle photography. You don't really have to think about the camera, but instead just be present with the ones you love most. <3 

Big Love | Orange County Family Photographer

A big family with even bigger love. My time with them was everything chaos and oh so good. How I love all the unscripted moments, the unposed love. They were visiting Orange County and wanted to capture some memories here on the beach. And memories were had.  

Wet Sand | Laguna Beach Family Photographer

In all its rare Orange County weather, the entire day had been gray clouds, just like the past four days before it. UNTIL, the very last hour, when it decided to make its appearance just for this beautiful family I think. My gorgeousness!! This light, at this beach, which we had all to ourselves thanks to all that cold grayness beforehand. ;-) Just starting to walk little guy wanted to do nothing else. And so they walked, right into the ocean at one point, and of his own choosing I might add. But I wasn't complaining about it either! We ended our time covered in wet sand and salt, which I like to call the definition of photo success. ;-) Such a fun time with this sweetest family. And I cannot wait to watch them grow to 'party of four' soon as well! 

Sunshine On a Cloudy Day | Irvine Family Photographer

Orange County brought us its rare clouds, but this family had enough sunshine to totally make up for it! Such a relaxed and fun time I had with them! And this little ray of sweetness just melted me, with every single face she made being my favorite ever! They choose the best little spot for their photos as we were able to walk high up on the hill and enjoy all that moody sky goodness! Love the earthy tones--and those pops of red couldn't have been any more perfect! And after lasts weeks 100 plus degree heat wave, it was finally cold! Like 70 degrees cold! Haha, the Michigan in me would just die, but I guess that I've now been here long enough that even I felt like the jacket was appropriate for photos. ;-) 

Play Date | Orange County Family Photographer

Those everyday moments of life with littles all seem to mesh together. Eat, sleep, change diapers, repeat--well, maybe sleep! ;-) My own two kids are now six and four and as much as I remember telling myself, "do not forget this moment!" so much of those early days with two under two have run into a blur for me. And so imagine my excitement when I read the email from this family that they wanted to capture some everyday memories of something they do so often together--the park! No, they don't have Orange County's epic sandy beach or large hills in their backdrop, but they have real life to look back at years from now, when all these everyday moments start running into that same blur. Photos with three kids under two should require a bottle of wine--one for both parents and me! But this evening only gave out joy! So relaxing and fun, and not to mention 104 degrees outside (I have a picture of my thermostat to prove it)! But with the heat came our own private playground, which never happens otherwise! 

Full Hearts || Irvine Family Photographer

You know that saying, "Full hands, full hearts" when I look at these parents I think "Reeeeaaaally full hands, overflowing hearts." <3 With two year old triplets and a baby their life is a constant adventure. I personally think they need to have at least five more babies, with how cute they make them! But perhaps they deserve a few years off in between. ;-)  We met at one of my newest favorite spots in Irvine  for a wild ride kind of evening! But oh how I loved capturing all these fleeting moments with them! <3 

Always Stand by the Shoreline || Orange County Family Photographer

So when we first got down to the water I joked how the week before the tide was so high we were all drenched by the end. Well, it came back to bite me as about fifteen minutes in those same high waters came crashing in. ;-) It was a Sunday, 90 degrees and as crowded as a day in July. And so with little other choice we shot our entire session right next to the shoreline, dodging what waves we could, and getting soaked by those we couldn't. And although I tried to act like I felt bad for their wet clothes, on the inside I celebrated. Because I know that absolutely nothing matches the light and reflections that come from those waves! So much pretty this evening! SO much fun with these five. They kept me laughing the entire time, and filled my lens with all the happy vibes! 

Also, I often get asked what colors go good with the beach. I usually respond that most things go, as long as they are not neon! ;-) But now I think I'm going to just show them these pics because those tones on Laguna Beach were crazy good! 

B Family | Irvine Family Photographer

Oh my heart! Sweetest family ever right here!! We met at one of my favorite spots right here in Irvine for a perfect evening of laughter and adventure. And these two boys just melted me! They were all boy for sure, with the energy to prove it. But alongside it came the sweetest little hearts of love. They made it way too easy on me! Allll the heart eyes for the B family. <3 

Why You May Not Want to Rush the Newborn Pics | Irvine Family Photographer

I will start by stating I absolutely love newborn sessions. I love the newness, the rawness, the quiet (or sometimes loud) beauty of those first few days as a new family. BUT after this evening I now know that I equally love it when baby is a few months old too! Still so little, so dependent on her momma for her every need, but at the same time so alert and aware, following the sounds of voices and fully enjoying her time outside. Those two month old faces she gave me were pure sweetness. 

The second thing that I just loved about our time was watching her momma. Those first few weeks with a newborn are a blur of emotions, little sleep, and trying to remember what day it even is. Although still so new, this mom had already learned her girl's rhythms and was able breathe in and really enjoy herself. 

My last thought is shown in the pics themselves--we were outside! Mom had the choice to leave her bed unmade, dishes in the sink, and the laundry basket piled high. Not saying she did, just that she could. ;-) She was able to capture these beautiful moments with her baby washed in deep greens and golden lights. 

In conclusion I love both newborn and a few months old pictures the same. But its something else to consider, and decide what may be the better fit for you. <3 And also, how sweet is this Christmas theme mom chose for the two of them?! 

Why High Tide Can Be A Good Thing | Orange County Family Photographer

One would think that Laguna Beach in October would have just the few local dog walkers and sunset watchers. But this 90 degree Sunday evening seemed to attract every single person in Orange County, plus their dogs! This sand was packed with a crowd--and this sand was very little by the end. The tide hit us at full force and since the only way we could shoot without including all those people was right at the shoreline, these three fully embraced the complimentary partial beach swim included with their session. ;-) And I am so so so happy they didn't let the water rain on their parade because all that wet sandy light plus the crazy good sky that decided to compliment it made for some beach magic! So many sweet moments. So much sweet love. I just had to take a quick editing break to share a few! <3 

Group Session Winning | Laguna Beach Family Photographer

I will start by being totally transparent here and admitting group sessions are not generally my very favorite type of shoots. Chaos and spontaneity are my two loves, and let's be honest, group shots are all about the smiles at the camera. I am the WORST at getting kids to smile at me for an entire hour! As fun I may think I am to hang out with, they always seem to tire of the big black thing covering my face. ;-) 

Now fast forward to this Laguna Beach evening with this crew of 12 people, five of them being little. I asked as we were about to start if they wanted more of the traditional shots or candid. They responded with an unanimous "candid" and although I maintained my chill in front of them, inside I was shouting with joy. And so much joy we captured!! Yes, there were also some tears and screams, chaos and crazy, ocean soaked clothes and babies stripped down to their diapers by the end. But it was real life, with real families, and this is everything I love about photography. 

And with that, here's to some untraditional goodness! 

Family #1: 

And family #2

Oh my goodness how adorable are these grandparents??? 

And of course we got some group shots at the beginning too! I am a firm believer in some good family portraits. I mean what's the point of the fireplace mantel without one of these hanging over it? <3 

Well, we were somewhat posed at least. ;-) 

Holiday Photos Begin | Irvine Family Photographer

Holiday sessions are now in full force, and I love it! Yes, there is less sleep going on, and one or two (or three or four) extra cups of coffee. BUT, I get to meet so many wonderful families, and this makes my tired heart so grateful! There are a million and one different photographers to choose from here in just Irvine, let alone all of Orange County, and I cannot say how much it means to me when a family chooses me capture their love. Like these four, who I got to spend yesterday evening with. My goodness they filled me with so much joy! Our original location was a no go due to the wildfires that swept through the day before, but I think this adorable little spot fit them even more perfectly! And what better way to capture the holidays than with real pinecones around you! Let's be honest, it doesn't get any more Christmasy than that when it comes to Southern California! ;-)

And so although I am editing like a madwoman I just had to take a quick break to share this beautiful day!  

Collect the pinecones...

Show off the pinecones... 

Be done with the pinecones! Haha, life with big brothers! ;-) 

Beach Babes | Orange County Family Photographer

These girls! So sweet and full of life, I just adored spending this evening at Laguna Beach with them and their parents--who weren't too bad themselves. ;-) Seriously though, this family was just too much fun to hang with, and dad kept me laughing the whole time! It had been gray most the day, but just for them it seemed, the sky opened up in its glorious California light. What better way to spend your evening then sunset on the beach, right? And where better to capture all that sweet family love? <3 

Life With Boys | Irvine Family Photographer

We met for the perfect evening at one of my favorite spots in Irvine. When I first met these two munchkins they were really shy--for about two minutes! So much crazy fun full of non stop energy. This mom and dad just embraced it, making for such a wonderful time. I love when parents allow their kids to be kids! So many wonderful moments captured. <3 Talking about parents though--by far the best dressed family of the year!!!! Mom killed it big time! And her dress filled me with every bit of happiness. And with that, meet the G family! 

Lucky Laguna | Orange County Family Photographer

My goodness the cute level was on overdrive at Laguna this week! This baby has to be the sweetest, most chill doll in the history of ever! Before we got started I was explaining to her parents how children this little don't typically last an entire hour but we could always try for more cuddling, soothing pics at the end. They told me she would probably be okay actually, and wow were they correct! She loved just hanging out in her parent's arms and listening to the ocean's roar. Although there were visiting from out of state, I think they may have a Orange County girl in their future. Total Huntington Beach surfer girl vibes going strong. ;-) So much love and happiness throughout this wonderful evening. I loved every single minute of having these three behind my camera. 

My New 15mm Lens: SUPER Wide Angle Love

This year I finally took the plunge and upgraded my former Sigma lens to my all time favorite forever 35L II. My third baby this thing is. So sharp and fast, with colors that make my heart sing. 90% of my work is with the 35mm focal length, and all my latest posts this summer with the Canon version of it. But this post itself isn't about that. ;-) 

With my old Sigma that I traded in with Adorama, I was able to accept one of two offers. The first was for a small amount of cash deposited to my bank account. The second was a larger trade in value. And of course the wisest decision was to trade in for another lens, right? ;-) Hence, my newest 15mm ultra wide angle. This thing takes in the ENTIRE surrounding! It is for sure a creative lens, and a learning curve to say the least. But I am loving playing with it nonetheless, especially at the beach! We made it down to Newport the other night just as the sun was dipping below the horizon and I used my forever test subjects to see what I could create with it. I just love the way it tells such a fun and funky story. I'm still playing with it and seeing all that it can do. But I have a feeling I may be bringing it with me to some future sessions to end the night with. <3 

Mom & Me | Irvine Family Photographer

This lady right here is a total mom boss! Working, getting her Master's degree, and being a rock star mom to three crazy adorable kids. Not to mention, managing to also look amazing herself! Her babies adore her, which was so evident throughout. <3 We met at one of my favorite spots in Irvine and even managed to sneek in some pretty green colors in the middle of our Orange County fall season (i.e. brown season!) ;-)

Life with kids is no joke! Its hard work and frustrations. There are tears from both babies and parents. But at the end of the day, after they are all tucked into bed, we somehow forget the tears, and instead remember the smiles. The cuddles and tickles, and never ending silliness. And those are the memories I love to give. 

Welcome Home | Orange County Newborn Photographer

Where to even start with this perfect bundle of newborn goodness? I was able to capture some of her very first moments in this world a few weeks back. As you can see here she was already so alert in wide eyed wonder. Two weeks later she slept for a good part of our time, but once awake brought all that alertness right back with her.

It's amazing the way you can live so many years without someone, and in just two weeks time wonder how you ever managed without her. Like she was always supposed to be there. That this room had been waiting, just for her. The way she has snuggled right into her parents hearts is such a joy to witness. She is so very loved, and already returning that love right back. 

The Wild Life | Laguna Beach OC Family Photographer

Where to even start with this gorgeous bunch who filled me with so much joy and left me gasping for breath by the end. ;-) These kids had energy up to their ears, and I LOVED it! They ran and ran and ran the beach. But not without giving lots of cuddles and laughter in between the laps. Mom and dad went with it so perfectly, allowing for such a perfect time. My favorite thing about family photography is the way it takes those simple everyday moments of parenthood and shows just how beautiful they really are. And this evening was just that. <3

Little Brother Coming Soon | Irvine Maternity Photographer

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. ;-)