Seriously, I can’t even with this face!! From the moment I met him to the time I said goodbye he rotated from chill to smiley and back again. I so badly wanted to take him home with me! And although it looks all sunny and pretty, it was in fact freezing and windy in Newport. We even had the entire beach to ourselves as everyone else in Orange County deemed it much too cold to go outside. ;-) This guy didn’t let it faze his happy little self though, and made all my photographer heart dreams come true. Annnnd we cannot finish without pausing to gush all over this little blue man suit and hat too! Seriously, how crazy good did he pull it all off?!
Family Photos in Spring Means So Much Green | Orange County Photographer
By far the main time I get asked to do photos somewhere other than the beach is in the fall. And I get it, you want your kids to look as close to age as possible when sending out those family Christmas cards. BUT, as much as the brown fields can lend their own rustic charm, there is just something so whimsical about that green. When decorating your home it is even said that, “Green also has a calming effect when used as a main color for decorating. It is believed to relieve stress by helping people relax.” Who doesn’t want your family photos to feel relaxed, right? :)
It took me four long years to finally accept our brown landscape as it’s own charm. And then all these crazy rains came to SoCal and dashed that all to pieces! I thought there was no where I loved shooting at more than the beach, but this spot gave me a run for its money. AND, it wasn’t as much the landscape as the ease of the entire time with this sweet family. There were no loud crashing waves making me shout out everything I wanted to say. There were also no crashing waves to make the kids want to do nothing but jump in and totally ignore their parents. ;-) We weren’t all shaking from the icy cold winds by the end, and big one for me, there was no else around, making it both comfortable and easy for all of us.
SO if your thinking of mixing up the beach vibes, especially in the springtime, this may be just the right idea for your next photoshoot!
When the Earth Becomes Your Mural | Newport Beach Orange County Family Photographer
If there is one thing I have learned living here in Orange County, it is that Newport Beach never has two skies the same. One day will be cloudless while the next will have so many clouds we cannot even see the sun. I have also learned the weathermen are actually weather guessers 90% of the time. ;-) They will tell us overcast and gray and then I show up to a breathtaking sky. Or they will declare pure sun and last minute a marine layer will blow in and take over the sand. I have found that more often than not I should just go with it, as when I first started I rescheduled some epic skies thinking they were going to be pouring rain!
I have also learned to embrace whatever the weather gods choose to give me, as really how can you go too wrong at the beach, right? Cloudless days create bright, glowing happy moments. Overcast days make for some pretty soft blues as your backdrop. It’s all part of SoCal nature and I love embracing all the varieties of its beach life.
With all that said though, there do seem to be these rare days when the clouds honestly feel like they are singing down all their good luck and happy vibes on me, turning the entire landscape into a real life mural. Raw colors just waiting to be captured and painted on the canvas of my editing software. ;-)
And lastly, how could I leave this whole color painting photography rant without pointing out the importance of your own outift choices as well. The pinks and blues this family chose just pop off the pictures in such a beautiful way here, adding that touch more beauty that really goes such a long ways. We all of course have our own styles and there is no “wrong” piece. BUT, imagining the same backdrop with all black and browns just wouldn’t be the same for me. So when going through your own photo session wardrobe ideas, remember to think about those beach colors, and the ways you yourself can add those pops of color and vibrance to your family’s canvas!
Why I Love Awake Babies Too | Orange County Newborn Photographer
I’ll start by being totally transparent here and admitting that sleeping newborns are in fact much more easy to photograph than awake ones. When they sleep you simply place them as you want them and snap away. You can bunch up their arms and legs, reposition the angle of their head, and move about grabbing different angles from the same position. Awake babies are a much different story. They get much more irritated with us, they make faces, and often become crossed eyed. They often move their head in positions not facing the good light and get upset before you have a chance to grab more than a couple snaps in one place. BUT regardless of all that, I still love those wide eyes. Yes, it is more work. Yes, you have to overshoot each scene. But yes, that eye contact and little expressions are everything!
It’s one of the main things I love so much about lifestyle newborn photography. Because we don’t have to spend hours getting them to fall into a deep slumber. We just go with what they give us, and capture all those real life moments that can’t be replaced.
This doll rotated between awake and catnapping, and omgoodness she gave me all the baby fever too!
A Letter to My Daughter | Newport Beach Orange County Family Photographer
In a world that teaches you to fit in, I pray you always stand out. In a society that is slowly letting your gender rise, I pray you soar. In a life where peers will judge you by everything outward, may you trust your heart. Know your worth is more than gold. That you are enough... go live every last one of your dreams sweet girl. I’ll always have your back.
Love, mom ❤️
All the cards seemed to align for this evening. They had an early day at school, I didn’t have any photo sessions, and it was somehow not raining—its has rained more than ever before here in Newport! Well, in all of Orange County and Southern California actually, but Newport is where it hurts, as I can’t be shooting family sessions in the rain! ;-) We did a very last minute run over to the beach for about 15 minutes tops before it got too dark and we had to head back to the car. But such a perfect 15 minutes it was to me. These guys are my whole world, the reason I became a photographer, the ones I used to get behind my lens daily. Lately though, it is becoming more and more rare. I don’t want to forget any of it though. Any of them. I want to look back at crisp clear memories. Of not just the way it “looked” that day, but rather how it felt. How my heart leapt being with them. Motherhood has been the greatest gift of my life. And these two are my whole world.
Using Your Wedding Venue for Family Photos | Orange County Photographer
I took the treck from Orange County to Temecula that day to document their love at the exact same place they said their wedding vows five years earlier. Little did they know at the time that just a few weeks later they would find out about that honeymoon baby as well. ;-) Five years, two sweet girls, a move from the OC back to their hometown, and the sweetest time of dancing, cuddling, and memory lane later.
This is the fourth time I have had the privilege of photographing this dear family. The first one little sis was just a baby! This mom always slays it with the outfits and this time was no different. I just love the whimsical element the girls’ dresses added to the entire shoot. And talk about a whimsical place! Lake Oak Meadows is its own little piece of beauty right there in Temecula! I would highly recommend it for your own wedding, or simply to mix up the family pics as well! It is a little drive from Newport, but totally worth it. :)
Motherhood Session | Newport Beach Orange County Family Photographer
Motherhood sessions are one of my very favorite things to capture as a photographer. And for totally biased reasons, since I am a mom of two, and 100 percent obsessed with them. :) Newport Beach has such a whimsical feel to it and I just love the way it shines its light and colors on all the connections that are present with mommas and their littles…
My son was sitting nonchalantly on my lap the other day, his little hand in mine, when it suddenly hit me like a ton of bricks. The realization that is, of how quickly we were approaching the end of it. Between the two of my kids I have had a little one in my life for over seven years. Hugs and kisses, cuddles and hand holding, waking up with small bodies pressed against mine, it’s all so second nature. Something that in the moment I must have always felt would just be present. But my “baby” is turning six next month. Six! And as we sat there together that day I suddenly realized how fleeting it really was, how irreplaceable.
I tried to remember the way it felt, what his little hands looked like in mine... I knew then that in ten years from now, when his sixteen year old self won’t be sitting on my lap any longer, that most of the things I concern myself with now, stress about—maybe even lose sleep over sometimes—won’t matter. What will matter were these simple moment. Small and fleeting and all mine for a little while longer.
So as I go and clear my box of Kleenex I just wanted to give these words to all you mommas of littles: always hold them a little extra longer.
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:
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.
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!
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.
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
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:
My FAVORITE shop for all girls from size 2 to tween is Joyfolie ! They also have some gorgeous pieces for moms as well. :)
Another great shop for the girls (also starts at size 2):
For baby girls under 2yrs I love Baileys!
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.
