PHOTO of the DAY {Let the kids be kids!}

I know everyone usually wants at least one formal shot of the family during their session, but my absolute favorite shots come to me when there is no posing allowed and when the smiles are genuine. 
And when it comes to kids, I say...let them RUN WILD...and you'll get the shot.
more to come from this gorgeous morning on the beach.
I love my office. 

Owen Thomas.

these were taken forever ago, but i had to share this sweet newborn with you.
i'm posting the black and white shots because i love the simplicity of them.
he was one of my easiest newborns to date. meet owen.








baby cash.

sweetest boy ever and might have been my easiest client of the year. 
i died over his many different faces and those baby blue eyes were not edited one bit. 
meet this dreamboat.









Chelsi. {Senior Portraits}

GORGEOUS. STUNNING. BEAUTIFUL. 
ALL OF THE ABOVE.

Finally getting around to posting this fun senior session. 
I am so behind on this blog....what's new?

We just had a blast and I may have taken over 700+ photos. I was pretty much talking her ear off about how great college is going to be and how much fun she is going to have. [i.e. how much I miss it!] And when I wasn't talking about that I was telling her how blown away I was by her natural beauty and possible career in modeling.
wouldn't you agree?

















and now I am feeling old because 2002 was the year I graduated high school...just a decade has passed. NBD.

Fun Fact: She is cousins with the girl in my previous post below. 
Can you tell that beautiful genes run in the family?

Ballstaedt Family

This family could not be more beautiful, inside and out.
Lisa and I go waaaaaay back and I love that we get to be mommies together.
Baby Gemma is a dream baby and those blue eyes will melt anyone's heart.
Days like this on the beach with awesome friends is what makes my job so great. 












Twins: Henry & Penny

Well, it may have taken two attempts but it was worth the wait. 
It was my first time photographing newborn twins and it was definitely harder than I thought.
Newborns are tricky as it is and when one was happy, the other one would start to cry. 
Chelsea is a dear friend and such an amazing mother of 2! She amazed me the entire time.
And I should probably give a shout out to Nick too for taking one for the team when he got poop all over his new shirt.

Meet the Allen twins and their beautiful parents:







keely.

This sweet babe has the best baby rolls around and she is the talk of the town.
I loved spending time with this family and capturing this precious angel.

 big sister going in for the kiss...
 cutest profile


these were taken a while ago...I wish you could see her now...we'll just have to have another shoot. :)

a baby story...

Is there ever a story more beautiful that bringing new life into this world?
I absolutely love being with first time expecting parents, seeing the excitement in their eyes as they
count down the days until they get to experience the greatest love there ever was.
Here is a peek into the days before and after annabelle's arrival.




 she arrived! meet annabelle.








I just have to share that this sweet father was in tears after the above photo was taken.
He looked at his wife and said, "she is so beautiful."
Well, we were all almost in tears after that and I just am so grateful
that I can be a part of such a special time in their life.
I love my job so much.
Thank you guys so much! You are such amazing parents.

TOMORROW IS THE LAST DAY TO PLACE A BID!

Just a reminder that tomorrow is the last day to bid on your photo session. You will have until the end of the day (midnight) and I will be announcing the winner Monday morning. You will have to pay directly to the family (i'll show you how through paypal) and once you show me receipt of your donation, we can set up your session! thanks! 

Photography Fundraiser: Team Angel

My friend and fellow photographer Ani Taylor told me about this sweet boy and his brave spirit. Angel is currently awaiting 5 organ transplants and a bunch of photographers have rallied together for this family by offering photo shoots as a fundraiser for his cause. Ani is very passionate about organ donation and I would love to contribute in any tiny way I can to help out this family.

I will be auctioning off a full session. This includes 1-2 hours of shooting at a location in orange county. 30 edited images on a cd will also be included. ALL proceeds will go straight to the family. 

Please comment here with your bid and email address. Bidding will close on April 15th & I will announce the winner and email you to set up your session. Minimum Bid: $75.

To read more about TEAM ANGEL click HERE.
Go Ahead, start the bidding...it is a great cause and you receive beautiful photos. win. win.

Recent Work. {AKA Photo Dump}

Well, here you have it. 
A random selection of my recent work, mostly from last year.
The truth is, I just don't have the time (or energy) to post my favorites from every session, especially during the busy season.
I feel that each family should receive individual attention, but it has just been piling up as I feel more behind each day. 
So I hope you'll forgive me in this informal attempt to catch up on this neglected blog.

I loved looking back on the wonderful moments I shared with all of you!
THANK YOU for making this job so fulfilling.























ahhh, the weight has been lifted.