His Princess | Newport Beach Orange County Maternity Photographer

Hello beautiful family so full of love and joy for one another! You would never even know it was freezing temperatures out—well, freezing for Orange County at least. ;-) Such a fun maternity session we had at Newport Beach and its low tide magic. And lucky for us the rains the previous weeks broke down the sand revealing more rocks in this little cove than I’ve ever seen here before! I just loved the texture it gave to the whole scene, and of course with a little boy around, what’s better to add that ocean than a bunch of rocks, am I right?

I want my family sessions to be full of life and laughter. To not only have a pretty picture to look back on, but to have great memories behind it. And these three brought so many sweet ones! By far my favorite was about half way through our session when big brother ran up to his momma and exclaimed “You look like a princess!” This boy mom is about to add another male to the mix, and I have no doubt she will always be seen the same. And another favorite quote from earlier on, “I’m sitting on my brother!” And he most certainly was too! ;-)

I Think I Need Another Baby | Orange County Laguna Beach Family Photographer

How many kids do you have? I used to think two was the perfect number, but my goodness all these babies I surround myself with and I just swear I need one more!! 🙈 I blame it solely on moving to Orange County too. This weather and surroundings just makes them too happy for me to resist! And speaking of Orange County, hello rain soaked soaked landscapes, turning even our deserts green! Seriously, I was in photographer heaven high this evening seeing all this formerly dead brush suddenly full of life and color!

The family to match it wasn’t too shabby either. ;-) SO much love and happiness between them, they were a breeze to have behind my camera! Happy first birthday to this real life doll as well. You just have to scroll to the end to see how she picked up her entire cake too. ;-) Smash cakes, green deserts, soft skies, and girls in pretty dresses—I couldn’t have asked for a better evening!

Number One Thing to Do In Orange County: Newport Beach Photographer

When you think of Orange County what’s the first thing to come to mind?? BEACH, right?!?! Seriously, what would this place even be without its cliffs, rocks, and breathtaking blues? A trip to the OC would be a total failure without a trip—or two or ten—to our crazy breathtaking shores. Ok, yes, I may be argued that in fact the number one attraction here is Disney Land. And I won’t complain in the least if that’s your thought process as over half the families who come to me do so during their week long trip to Disney! BUT as many days as they spend with Mickey their mouth always drops just a bit when they step on our Pacific land.

When we first moved to the OC we spent our every last spare minute on the sand. And I every last click of my shutter. My car was perpetually one large sandbox and my trunk filled to stock with shovels, buckets, and extra towels. Because even on the days we were just going to “hang out” one of my kids still did not fail to get soaked. ;)

I come to the beach so often to shoot now that I actually rarely take my own kids here. But still my car is one large sandbox as (little secret) I LOVE to shoot right there in that magical number one salty beauty. And I just love how fitting it all is, how things really do seem to run full circle. I get asked to shoot at the beach almost exclusively these days. The very place where I first learned all the ins and outs of photography. The place that always brought us peace at the end of a long day.

Winter usually means we run more from the water, getting little more than our feet wet. Not the case when it comes to my favorite kind of people though—Canadians. It was 50 degrees with winds 19 miles per hour. For us local OC folks, that is simply polar vortex terms. ;-) But they had just been in negative 40 windchills the week before. “It’s not too bad out!” they told me, and made all my water loving dreams come true.

I’ve been starting to do more and more couples shoots over the past year and YOU GUYS!! This genre I used to be so crazy intimidated by is becoming one of my very favorites! Still though, it doesn’t make me want to do any weddings yet. ;-) Sticking to romantic sunsets for now!

Vow Renewal at Sunset | Orange County Newport Beach Family Photographer

They left their kids with the babysitter and chose to celebrate their ten year anniversary with a vow renewal at Newport beach. There have been times in my photography journey that I have felt deep emotions behind my lens, but this one left me having to stop the tears. Marriage after kids honestly isn’t celebrated enough. Here’s to falling more in love each day. 

My goal every single time I go into a photo session is to capture real and authentic emotion. I incorporate lots of movement, games, prompts, etc. Anything to keep your mind off of the big camera in your face and instead focused on one another. But for moments like this my only “job” was to focus on them. No prompting for this kind of emotion. Just raw love to be seen.

Newborn Photographer of the Year Award!!! | Orange County Family Photography

Omgeeee you guys!!!!! Out of only 29 images this one was included and put me in Looks Like Film’s best newborn photographers of 2018!!!!!!! I really have no words for how surreal this is! The insane talent in this photography group is top of the top. I scroll through it way too often and simply drool over all the beauty and creativity. And to somehow be a part of it... no words. 🤯 Big thanks to this baby boy for smiling on cue too-I think he knew how much it would mean to me. 😆🙌💃🏼😭

I’m often known as the beach photographer here in Orange County, and I have no complaints there either! But, I also LOVE photographing new babies and their families, both in the comforts of their home or right at the hospital too! Those first weeks with my own “babies",” now 6 and 7, will forever be etched into my soul as the most life changing moments I will ever know. Love that can never be put into words right there in front of you. And those photos that I have from that time, all the way from the big camera to iphone snaps, still bring tears to my eyes when I look at them today. I remember this every time someone invites me into their own new life together. I don’t take it lightly and I try with everything in me to capture those newborn memories I know they will never want to forget.

You can see the full link of newborn cuteness overload here too! https://www.lookslikefilm.com/2019/01/30/newborn-photos/

Why I Love Colorful Clothing at the Beach | Orange County Newport Beach Family Photographer

A quick glance through my photos and it’s little secret how much I am obsessed with color. In fact, I don’t even give black and white edits! Blue, green, orange, pink, red, purple—just give me a rainbow please! I actually did get a real live rainbow once and only once; probably the happiest day of my life!

I often get asked what colors to wear when taking photos at the beach and although there is that color wheal of what goes with what, mostly I just say choose color. Blacks and browns simply just don’t cut it for me. Of course I don’t mean as a side along, like dad in blank or brown pants is totally great! But a long black dress on the beach, although so crazy elegant in a million other venues is just not my vibe for the sand.

The beach is filled with the most exquisite colors around. I literally feel my heart start beating a little bit faster in those last 20 minutes when everything around me suddenly takes on the deep hues of magic. And nothing makes me happier than when the clothing of the families I am photographing makes its own pop of magic right along with it!

This doesn’t mean you have to show up in neon. Actually please, please, please never wear neon—haha! It doesn’t mean the clothing has to be super rich and vibrant either. In fact, often the softer shades are best as when colors are too rich things can get a little overpowering when the sun shines on them, and also cast that very color onto your skin. No one loves a green face! ;-)

So with that, come ready to have a great time. And bring those colors with you!

Also totally unrelated to clothing but you may be wondering how my kids were in the water in the middle of January. Was it a sudden heatwave day? Not in the least! It was freeeezing, no one else was even close to the water. My kids are simply crazy. I’m not one to talk though, I left with dripping wet pants too. Anything for the shot, right? ⛄️ 🙌

Fire Breathing Girls | Newport Beach Orange County Maternity Photographer

“As for my girl, I’ll raise her to believe she breathes fire.” ~Jessica Kirkland

I love that I live in an age where I can run this business of my own. I love that behind my lensI get to capture women who encompass all different avenues of strength. I love that even in the middle of this time of female CEO’s and entrepreneurs, the raw beauty of motherhood is not lost. That she is everything and enough. No matter if she returns to work or stays home, breasts or bottle feeds, co sleeps, crib sleeps, no one sleeps... She simply tries her best, day in and out. It is enough, whether she feels it or not. Eventually though, she will, and in turn be able to pass this same message down to her own girl, “Breathe fire little one, it is what you were made for.”

Believe it or not we were considering rescheduling this beach session as the entire day was gray and dreary. SO glad we decided to go for it though as while the rest of Orange County remained dark, the sun decided to peak through the clouds right over Newport’s shoreline, leaving us with such soft pretty colors. The perfect compliment to the sweetest spirits of these parents to be. Maternity sessions are one of my very favorites. A time filled with all these unknowns and wonderings, excitements and anticipations of what’s about to me. Moms are so strong, and to show them their strength, mixed with so much beauty, is everything to me.

That Time I Put On A Long Dress Of My Own | Orange County Family Photographer

On Christmas Day my kids gifted me with photos together. It was the best ten minute present I could have asked for. I have so many goals and dreams for this new year, but at the end of the day being their mom is still number one. And so I put on a dress and we played in the field for a mini Christmas sunset. Those who have met me taking their photos have seen nothing but yoga pants and a pony tail—and probably flip flops if it was a beach session! But although on the day to day I am a comfort girl through and through, especially when chasing littles and squatting at a seconds notice to “get the shot.” ;-) BUT there is such an extra element of whimsical when you are dancing in a field or running at the beach with fabric flowing.

If you don’t take photos for a living you may have never realized there are often elements in a frame that catch the eye of the viewer. But everything should have a purpose for its being. A HUGE element of pictures is in fact movement, and “flow.” Hair blowing, dresses swishing, scarves flying—they all add a subtle but impactful brush.

What To Wear for Family Photos | Orange County Family Photographer

Sometimes the hardest part of planning your family’s photo session is deciding those three little, very big, words: WHAT TO WEAR. Don’t worry though, with a few simple ideas you can easily piece together those perfect outfits! Here are some of my biggest tips when putting everything together:

1. Coordinate, don’t match:

   Choosing colors that go together nicely but aren’t the same shade is much more pleasing on the eye and keeps you from blending into a four headed monster. ;-) So rather than everyone in blue, for example, go with some blues, pinks, whites, and grays.

2. Choose ONE outfit first:

   Start with one “statement” piece, or that very favorite “must have” you found. You can then coordinate the rest of the family around it. For example, say mom finds a floral dress she knows will look perfect on her. She can easily pull colors from it to match the rest of the family around her. Maybe some greens, blues, and reds that will make each flower pop!

3. Go With the “Flow” Dress

   The whimsical scene that flowing dresses brings to your session just can’t be matched—at least in my opinion. ;-) So go for anything that catches the wind and your photos will thank you! Young girls just love to show me how their dresses can twirl, making for the sweetest pictures of happy smiles. However, even with teenagers and adults I will often ask them to twirl their skirt with one hand, creating that extra element of movement and interest.

4. SQUAT!

   And bend over. And do a quick run. :) A session with me generally entails a LOT of playing, bending, squatting, and throwing up babies. This is all about capturing those fleeting moments, so make sure your clothing allows the freedom to do so. When clothing is too tight or short you will find you cannot be yourself fully with the kids

5. Avoid overly bright colors

   It’s no secret how much I love color, and my editing style is full of vibrance. Because of this however, anything that is extra bright or neon can easily turn to the extreme with my edits, not to mention often reflect that same color right onto your skin!

Along with that here are some shops I love!

All four of these first ones for the adult ladies are located right here in Orange County as well, which makes things super easy for returns, try ons, and shopping local as well. :)

Morning Lavender —Old Town Tustin

Free People — Located in both Huntington Beach and Irvine Sprectrum

Vici — Newport Beach

Anthropologie — Fashion Island in Newport Beach

Windsor — Irvine Spectrum

Not local, but I’m also a huge fan of these other online shops:

Jen’s Pirate Booty

Baltic Born

Revolve

My FAVORITE shop for all girls from size 2 to tween is Joyfolie ! They also have some gorgeous pieces for moms as well. :)

Joyfolie

Another great shop for the girls (also starts at size 2):

Belleandkai

For baby girls under 2yrs I love Baileys!

Bailey’s Blossoms

For the young boys, Zara is located right at South Coast plaza has some really adorable and trendy pieces.

Also, places such a Gap, Banana Republic, H&M, Urban Outfitter, Express, etc, all work for some great staples for all the guys as well, young and old! :) Henleys, button ups, sweaters, solid or simple patterned shirts all work great, as well as light material pants or shorts.

Obligatory Footsie Pajamas at the Beach Pics | Orange County Family Photographer

We moved to Orange County when my babies were only two and four years old! We came to the beach pretty much daily, because after two straight winters in Cleveland, OH, “hello we are on a sunny California high.” ;-) I’m still here A LOT doing photo sessions, but as a family it’s become quite rare. But this year for Christmas I put footsie pajamas in their stockings and they would quickly became the favorite gift of the year! They wear them together absolutely every chance they get and are immediate besties. :) When they suggested we should take some pictures of them together I jumped on that one immediately because who knows how many more of these they’ll give me? From little toddlers watching in wonder at the waves to school kids looking for treasure among the rocks, why do they have to grow up so fast?? And can they just stop now? Memories don’t wait, birthdays don’t take a year off—take as many pictures as they will allow you. Even if the wardrobe of choice means a onesie.

Happy New Year everyone! Resolutions of adventure, love, and happiness in the smallest of moments with the littlest of people… And also super side note but winter beaches means super low tide season where all the rocks that are usually covered show all their glorious rocky selves. I.e. my favorite time here!

My Top Instagram Photos for 2018 | Newport Beach Family Photographer

I often get asked how people find me here in Newport, and the number one, believe it or not, is Instagram! Those crazy hashtags that everyone makes fun of actually work! You are allowed to use 30 per post and I never leave it at 29! Through that simple symbol # I have had the chance of photographing people from not only all over America, but also the world. Orange County is a popular destination with its beautiful beaches, crazy amazing weather, and of course its number one, Disney Land. And with it I have been so extremely fortunate to not have a “slow” season here, as family vacations happen all throughout the year.

Through Instagram I have not only connected with some amazing families but also other photographers as well. It is good at taking that lone man job, and creating some great connections and much needed encouragement in the photography world. With changed to the algorithm I will admit this form of social media has kicked my behind this year as I’ve tried over and over to get my work seen. But as much as I want to rip my hair out somedays, and as much as it seems like they keep showing my posts to less and less, somehow those hashtags keep doing their thing!

And although I don’t like to base any worth on what pictures do “good” or get the most of those coveted “likes” on there, it’s still fun to take a look at the end of the year and see the top posts. I have learned I definitely post more horizontal than vertical shots, and that would probably be because for whatever reason I always shoot mostly landscape orientation! I’ve also learned that babies and beaches are my thing. Surprise, surprise… although I did sneak in a little desert this year as well. ;-)

My Biggest Inspiration | Orange County Family Photographer

I’m a firm believer that without inspiration you will burn out fast as a photographer. Yes, there is that pretty finished work you get to deliver at the end. Yes, Newport Beach is kind of my office. ;-) BUT, the race to the finish line isn’t always so colorful. Running a business, no matter how much intertwined with your dream, is hard, and oftentimes overwhelming. Just like anything in life usually is. And so we all must find that something to push us through. Grabbing our inspiration from all different avenues. By far one of the main things that keeps me wanting to go forward are those “small” emails and texts I get after sending a photo gallery. The ones that tell me how much the photos mean to them. Some go into great detail and emotion and I’m not going to lie,I read them over and over again. And then I save them, to read again on my bad days! Side note: if you like your photos, please tell me—my heart needs to know it. ;-)

But even beyond that comes another inspiration for me, my biggest one—or two that is: my babies. Who really are not babies anymore but five and seven. Hello time, please slow down! They are the reason I picked up a camera in the first time, the ones I shot day and night for two years straight. Literally too, as I took on a “365 challenge” which means you really do have to compile one photo from every day of that year! They are the reason I have grown from photos that remain for our families eyes only to ones I am now proud to hang on my walls. Much more than taking their picture though they inspire me simply because they breathe. I’m inspired to support them in reaching all their dreams. To show them they can do anything if they want it enough. I continue to pick up my camera because of them. Hoping that someday they will find a dream of their own, and not stop pursuing until they have fully grabbed hold.

Where To Have Family Photos When You've Already Done the Beach | Laguna Photographer

It’s no secret I shoot at the beach—a lot! But what about when you’ve already done the beach thing, maybe even more than once? It is a pretty place, and totally nothing wrong with redoing pictures there till the day your kids tell you their through. ;-) But every once in a while families come to me wanting to mix it up. And since you can’t truly get the water out of me I have fallen in love with this quiet little haven in the desert, with surprise surprise an ocean in the backdrop—haha! I just discovered this OC spot late this summer so haven’t had too many sessions here yet. BUT wanting to change that up for 2019! And with that, here’s a little peek into the foothills of Laguna.

That Comparison Game | Newport Beach OC Family Photographer

Photography is a saturated market filled with all kinds of jaw dropping artists. It can be so easy to look at the work of others and start thinking I should try to emulate that. My beach pictures should have more of “this,” my families should do more of “that,” my composition, angle, light, humor, drama, etc should go every which route.

I am reeeeally big about forever trying to grow as a photographer. I spend hours reading, listening, shooting, pushing myself daily to become better in this craft. But I have also been learning a lot myself this year. A lesson not taught on light or connection, but rather that it is ok to just be me. That my style is unique to the person I am. I don’t have to edit like that famous person or dress someone like that other. I just need to shoot in the way that makes my heart happy. That gives laughter and sweet memories to these families faces. And in stopping to compare myself to everyone else, I find that I can really enjoy the entire process, from the session itself to the editing to the delivery.

To remind myself of all this I did something really cheesy this year. I have my own custom preset that I use to edit my photos. Each one of course is still hand edited to be tweaked exactly to that lighting situation. But its a base that give all of my pictures a uniformed looked. Its not what is “popular” right now in the photography world. Everyone is dark and moody or light and airy and here I stand in this rich and vibrant world. But color and light make my happy, and so I have decided to stop trying to fit into anyone’s mold, and instead just be me. And that is what I named my preset: “be you.” And every time I click to add it to my photo I remember all these things again.

"An artist should never be a prisoner of himself, prisoner of style, prisoner of reputation, prisoner of success." ~Henri Matisse

Lion Business | Newport Beach Family Photographer

“Owning a business is like riding a lion. People think ‘Wow, that’s really brave!’ In the meantime you’re like ‘How the heck did I get a lion, and how do I keep it from eating me?’” ~author unknown, but I have a feeling this person would be my best friend. 🤣

I’ve had all the lion feels this year, trying to keep my head above water most days. BUT Newport’s water is really blue and pretty, and I’m so crazy grateful for all the sweetest people who allow me into these priceless pieces of their life together. I’ve grown much as both a person and artist, really finding my groove in so many different areas this year. And so as much as I rode that lion like a crazy bull this year, I wouldn’t have it any other way.

My Love/Hate Relationship With Social Media | Newport Beach Family Photographer

Oh the lion that is called “social media.’ All seemingly fluffy and fascinating from a distance but can totally bite your head off at a closer view. ;-)

Truth be told, the vast majority find me through those Instagram hashtags everyone makes fun of. I actually shoot more families from out of town than local. They use them just like a google search and find my photos along the line up. And you guys, I have met the BEST PEOPLE, from all over the country, and even the world. We have the original DisneyLand right here that brings in people from all over, and what better way to top off your family memories than some photos along the coast? It has kept me busy even in the typical “slow season” when the locals consider it too cold to go outside. I’ll get people visiting from the East Coast who will even get soaked in that freezing water. Because seriously, when your coming from a blizzard, 60 degrees really does feel like paradise. ;-) And so I am in fact indebted to social media that has very quickly created this booming business for me that would have taken years and years to grow without it. It’s kind of mind blowing when I really think about it.

That said, there is a side of the gram that forever eats at me. That whole constant fight at trying not to compare myself with others, with styles, with “popular.” To not base my own love for a photo on how many “likes” or “comments” it received. It sounds so petty, so easy to do, but I will admit its not always so. The algorithm is a beast, and it seems like each day it is making it harder and harder for my work to be seen. But as much as I would love to throw in the towel some days, to push delete on all of it and simply be present in the moment… well, I still need it. And somehow people are still finding me. Beautiful families who make it all worth it. And so I keep posting, trying to remain true to who I am. To enjoy it for all its confusing self.

“An artist should never be a prisoner of himself, prisoner of style, prisoner of reputation, prisoner of success.” ~Henry Matisse

And I think if alive today he would have added right in there ‘prisoner of the phone.’

Learning to Love Southern California's Landscape | OC Family Photographer

Honest confession: when we first moved to Cali I missed the lush greenery of the Midwest. I loved the beaches but the rest of the landscape did nothing for me. But over time SoCal has been slowly winning me over with its desert vibes. 🌵 I still love the beach. I mean, hello beautiful blue. BUT if your thinking of mixing up the traditional family photos, what better way than some real to life nature?

Why I Shoot Engagements But Not Weddings | Newport Beach Photographer

Whenever I tell people I am a photographer the first thing I am generally asked is, “You do weddings?” A quick look around my site probably tells you the answer to that one. :-) And maybe someday I will start taking them on, but for now my love for this whole family photography thing runs too deep. My sessions are very laid back and fun in nature. I mean what brings people more calm than running along the sand? ;-) I’m a mom of littles and passionate about freezing those fleeting moments. Wedding are a whole other beautiful ball park, that mushy mom hearted, easy going self probably couldn’t handle at this time. BUT engagements sessions, well, I love those just as much as six kids!

Generally, when you book a wedding photographer an engagement session comes along with it as part of the package, and for this reason I get very few inquiries. Every so often though someone has an out of state, destination, or backyard vows and in this case I get to let all the romantic poses out of the bag.

This evening was one of those, with the sweetest people you could meet who somehow believed me when I told them I wouldn’t make them do ‘ring around the rosie.’ Doesn’t mean I didn’t still have him swing her around a few times though. ;-) Pretty couple. Pretty beach. Pretty amazing afternoon. They made me wish I did shoot weddings, just so I could do more of these engagements!

This last moment made my entire day as just that morning I had put a pic up from the summer calling it my ‘final ode to summer,’ and explaining how it was just too cold out now to get too wet.

Fast forward a few hours and I go and meet these two who brought all my wet waves dreams back to reality—at least until next summer rolls around again. ;-)

Brown Field at Sunset | Orange County Family Photographer

When I first moved to Orange County I will admit that besides the beach this nature didn’t really do it for me. I grew up in Michigan where fields where rolling green and trees not only where green but even took their turns changing to oranges, yellows and reds. And so all this brown just didn’t do much for me. Cali has this way of luring you in though It seems. When I first moved here I laughed at the women walking around in their UGG boots and jackets. Now, I am one of them! And in the same way I guess I have grown to love the desert vibes this place hold. I adore the contrast it gives to families in their nice picture clothes. The way it makes them pop out from the backdrop rather than be swallowed into it. The golden tones it takes on at sunset. And mostly the way it really says home…

Irvine's One and Only Forest | Orange County Maternity Photographer

Besides the beach the number one request I get asked for is somewhere green. And believe me, that is one very tall order here in Orange County! ;-) Sometimes when driving through the neighborhoods we see palm trees and grass and and just think that this magical little forest is around the corner. But reality, around the corner are brown fields and some cacti. And not that I don’t absolutely love their own look at sunset. I actually do a whole lot! But still, I understand that want for a little extra color in your backdrop sometimes. And with that there is just one little tiny spot of forest I have found here in Irvine. One where the sprinklers must run all night every night long. And luckily no one minds if we walk on it either. :)

Also how adorable are these parents to be?! Maternity sessions will always be one of my very favorites and they were no exception. They are going to be the best parents ever. <3