Huntington Beach Newborn Session
I am so excited to be sharing this Huntington Beach California at-home newborn session on Christmas Day. What is more precious than the gift of life? And the innocence and divinity of a a newborn baby? This session was especially meaningful to me on a personal level because the beautiful momma and I are the same age— This is her first and only baby. A miracle that was hard fought for and granted. The fact that she had a successful pregnancy and birth renewed my hope in becoming a mother. It was an honor to be a part of this sacred experience— documenting this special time in this family’s life.
At home newborn sessions are truly unique. They provide a laid back, cozy and quiet atmosphere for a meaningful photo session without the stress of trying to get everyone out of the house. Whether we take photos in your forever dream home or your right now home, your space is special. It’s bound to be filled with many milestones and memories of your baby’s life. And what better reason to capture beautiful images that will always remind you of this moment in time? You don’t need a large, perfectly manicured home and yard to have a home session. The following images were shot in a single room. If you’ve been considering having photos done at home and have questions, message me. I’d love to collaborate with you! I give thanks for those who have already trusted me to document their lives! Merry Christmas to you all! xoxo
Preparing for Your Family Photoshoot
As a family photographer in Los Angeles, California, I understand that preparing for a photoshoot can be overwhelming. You want your photos to be perfect and to capture your family's memories in the best way possible. I want to assure you that I will help you every step of the way. Here are some of the things I do to prepare for a photoshoot, and some tips for you to ensure a fun and enjoyable experience that yields stunning results with minimal effort.
We plan ahead: Before the day of the shoot, we will have already planed out the location, outfits, and time of day for the images (usually during golden hour for the most flattering light.) We’ve had multiple discussions and have considered what you want to convey through your photos, and we chose a location that suits the mood and feel you are trying to achieve.
We coordinate outfits: As soon as we schedule your session I will send you a “What to Wear” email with lots of specific suggestions and visuals to help you put together your wardrobe. I’m a firm believer that attire can make or break your photos. Coordinating your outfits in advance and ensuring that they complement each other and fit the location and theme of the shoot is crucial. Have the outfits laid on the night before, ensure the they are wrinkle-free (and if they wrinkle easily you might even want to consider changing on location and bringing a bottle of Downy wrinke-releaser just in case!). Ensure nails are well-manicured, as it’s not uncommon for me to incorporate hands into my photos.
Get a good night's sleep: This one It may sound simple, but getting a good night's sleep can make a big difference in how you feel and look during the shoot. Being well-rested and relaxed will make it easier to capture natural and authentic moments with your family.
Hydrate the morning of your session, if we have scheduled an afternoon shoot. That will give your body time to absorb adding shine to your smiles and allow for time to expel prior to our session.
Pack a bag with essentials: Bring a bag with essentials such as water, snacks, and any necessary items for children like toys or pacifiers. You'll want to make sure everyone is comfortable and happy during the shoot to capture those genuine smiles and moments. Don’t forget extra hair ties, bobby pins, and some wrinkle releaser if your outfits will need it!
Relax and have fun: The most important thing is to relax and have fun. Enjoy this experience with your family, and let me capture those special moments. As your photographer, it is my job to ensure that your photos turn out beautiful and timeless and I take this job very seriously.
As you can see, preparing for a photoshoot doesn't have to be stressful. With these simple tips, we can make the most out of your session and create memories that will last a lifetime. As a family photographer in Los Angeles, California, I'm here to help you capture those special moments and create beautiful memories that you'll cherish for years to come.
Social Media Content Shoot Long Beach Arts District
There are so many good things I could say about about The Reverend Doctor, a singer, songwriter, producer, and activist who hales from Iowa, but has made a home in Los Angeles as he continues to evolve in his music career. He’s not in it for fame. It is about fulfilling a higher calling for him. In his own words: “Reverend Doctor is an uplifting and defiantly positive soul pop act which aims to connect people and build community through music...” He uses his artistic gifts and benevolence for humanity to heal the world one show at a time. If you are in Orange County on July 6th he will be opening for The Rembrandts at the OC Parks Summer Concert Series. I invite you to go and experience the magic of his music for yourself! I’ll see you there! (More show info here.) For the latest updates and links to music, videos, and social media created by the Reverend click here. These are some of my favorites from this session!
Art Therapy & the Queen
If I had to name the 5 things I am most passionate about they would be: family, food, photography, developing faith in God, and art as therapy. It is the latter that I will focus on in this post. I have a degree in Social Work and in addition to my photography clients, I also work for an arts-based therapy agency in Huntington Beach. I have always been intrigued by human behavior and the healing power of creative expression.
This year for my birthday I went with some of my family to a wonderfully whimsical sculpture garden in Escondido called Queen Califia's Magical Circle. It was brought into being by the artist Nikki St. de Phalle. A docent at the garden told me that St. de Phalle taught herself to make art after experiencing a nervous breakdown. She had had an extremely traumatic childhood. Her first works had a forlorn aesthetic, but as time passed, (and I imagine as she healed), she incorporated more color and the characters she created became more playful. This sculpture garden was the last major work of her career. She died in 2002 before its opening.
I am fascinated by artists who leave behind beautiful public works for the world to enjoy long after they have passed; artists like Noah Purifoy, Simon Rodia, Veijo Rönkkönen, Robert Smithson, and Leonard Knight. James Turrell, who is still living, has made a number of public works and is currently carving out his magnum opus: the Roden Crater. It is awesome to add a woman to this list.
Queen Califa’s Magical Circle is the embodiment of emotional transformation through art. This was the first time in years that I’ve taken photos with the intention of connecting with myself rather than a client. It was my own kind of mini healing experience within a much larger undertaking of the same nature. My cousin Becca even snapped a photo for me to commemorate my birthday weekend. I loved every moment. xoxo
My favorite image from the day! ;-v
There she is! Queen Califa!
Irvine Maternity Session
These two Orange County love birds are expecting their first child! I am so happy for them and grateful I got to document this special moment at Jeffery Open Space Trail! Here are some of my favorites from that hot summer afternoon! (Momma was such a trooper, braving the 90 degree heat at 8 months pregnant!)
Long Beach Senior Portraits
Lets applaud all the high school and college seniors who finished out their academic journeys at home, on zoom, in the midst of a global pandemic! Most high school seniors graduating this year missed their homecoming and winter formals, sporting events, spring break festivities, camaraderie with friends, and extracurricular activities they previously engaged in and loved.
These two amazing young ladies decided to make the best of their situation, stayed positive, and completed all the requirements to graduate and gain admission into the colleges of their choice! To celebrate, they got to do a senior photo session! (A BIG thank you for choosing me to be your photographer!!) We had a blast roaming around El Dorado Regional Park!
Wishing them all the best in the next exciting chapter of their lives!! xoxo
San Diego Portrait and Branding Session
Talk about an epic portrait and web-content-building session that took us all over San Diego County! I loved this shoot with Natalie Holbrook! Every moment felt like an adventure, from rock climbing at 7 am to watching the sun dip below the horizon at Sunset Cliffs! If you are looking to update your website for your business, check out my Sunshine portrait package here. Lets create some fun images together for your biz! xoxo
Montage Family Session
Despite the roller coaster that 2020 has been, there have been many beautiful moments. Reconnecting with returning clients who have become friends, is always a highlight! I’m so thankful for the Case family! Please enjoy my favorites from their Laguna Beach family session. Please stay safe and well! And let’s plan to shoot together in 2021! xoxo
Pasadena Ballet Portraits
This Pasadena photoshoot with Long Beach Ballet ballerina Sophia, brought me back in time to the year 2010. She had just started preschool and I was to be one of her preschool teachers. I had recently bought my first entry level dslr and had been granted permission to document the students and activities. It was the beginning of two journeys that would evolve and converge a decade later.
At that point, (pun intended), Sophia had already been dancing for 2 years. It is amazing to see how she has grown. She is a beautiful young woman, dedicated and determined to master her craft. She is currently pursing an ambassadorship with Russian Pointe! I would not be surprised if she is chosen and am excited to see where her passion for dance takes her! Here are some of my favorites from our session. xoxo
Laguna Beach Family Session
This Laguna Beach family session embodies many thoughts and emotions. First, this session was in honor of the long journey Mark and Traci have been on regarding their health. Mark has been suffering from Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension (IIH) and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome for several years now and both of them underwent gastric bypass surgery last year. The fact that Mark was able to stand for more than a minute or two, in broad daylight, let alone participate in this photoshoot was a literal miracle! You can hear him tell part of his story by clicking here. He talks about how undergoing gastric bypass surgery allowed him to lose 190 lbs in less than a year and has helped alleviate some of his (IIH) symptoms.
The timing of our session was also miraculous! California beaches had been shut down for months because of Covid-19. They had reopened briefly, but were closing again for 4th of July. With the possibility of all of us having been exposed to the virus weeks before our initial session date, we tentatively rescheduled. (Mark and Traci are from Utah and extended their stay in SoCal to accommodate.) After confirming we were Covid-free and setting a new shoot day, the day before beaches were to close for the holiday weekend, our paths aligned and we were able to make beautiful pictures together! I’m so thankful this session came to pass! 😉
dtla Family Session
Even though this Los Angeles family session was done towards the end of last year, it seems so relevant (on several levels) to today! Firstly, wishing all the Mommas a joy-filled Mother’s Day! I know motherhood/parenthood does not come easily. This Momma and Papa waited/tried for 15 years to have their sweet Emma. The little ladybug over-alls you’ll see her wearing in some of these images was the first outfit they bought when they were hoping an dreaming of having a little girl.
The first two photos are in honor of the struggle most of us have been experiencing as we feel our way through the Covid-19 pandemic, and all the consequences that continue to ripple outward because of it.
Thinking of all who are involved in keeping us safe and connected during these uncertain times; of the healthcare workers especially, giving their energy, talents and skill, and sacrificing their own well-being to help people fight for their lives! Mindful of all the women who long to be mothers or have lost babies due to tragedy. My heart goes out to you all! Here is to life, health, love, connection, healing, and rising above adversity!!! xoxo
Old Ranch Country Club Family Session
I love this family! This is our third family session together and each one has been a unique and wonderful experience. We shot this latest session at the Old Ranch Country Club. You may notice that mom is pregnant in these photos and just gave birth to their second child, a baby boy, earlier this month! Congratulations to the Soko family! I hope you enjoy my favorite images from this session! xoxo
Newport Beach Family Session
It’s a pretty great feeling to have clients hire you again to make pretty pictures with them! This Newport Beach family session was my second time working with Rob and Emily, as I had the privilege of photographing their wedding in 2016. We had a ton of fun! I send my gratitude to them and all the families and individuals I have the honor of working with (including those who work as my assistants)! Thank you so much for supporting and appreciating my art! Much LOVE! XOXO!!
Walt Disney Concert Hall Family Portraits
Having the opportunity to meet up with Kelly in Downtown L.A. this month, (October 2019), was a beautiful reunion of two worlds separated by distance. We got to take in some of my favorite spots in dtla: MOCA, Lemonade, and The Broad, and snapped a few photos at the Walt Disney Concert Hall ; I was pleased that she fell in love with The Broad! The best part however was seeing her again, going deep in conversation about life and our journeys, and having the privilege of meeting the two loves of her life, her husband and son.
I first met Kelly while serving a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Adelaide, South Australia. She is a native Australian and her family welcomed me, loved me, and fed me amazing dinners every week for 4 months. I will be forever grateful for Wednesday nights at the Rochows!
Kelly has been through so much since we last saw each other in 2006. She got married, has become a wonderful mother, and is wading through the challenges and results of having been diagnosed with M.S. a couple of years ago. I am so thankful that Kelly was feeling well enough to enjoy her family’s holiday, including their time with me.
Of her husband, Kelly says: “My husband is someone special; a complete constant. He carries me both literally and figuratively. On the days I can’t walk he gets me where I want to be. He meets me daily with love and understanding. He is my fierce protector and my strength when I can’t find my own. On the days that I feel like I’ve lost who I am, he holds me until I remember again.”
“Thank you for holding my body when it feels weak, my heart when it feels broken, and my dreams when I feel like they are lost. You always help me return to love, and for that I am forever grateful.” xoxo
Kelly said to me, “We never have photos taken of just the two of us!” At your family session I will always make time for photos of just you and your partner. I believe that documenting the love where your family got its start, is so important! (And fun!) xo
Los Angeles Maternity Session
Southern California was having a heatwave the day we ventured out for this maternity session! ‘Ave wore the perfect summery dress, and she and Quincey handled the afternoon like pros! It was so much fun working with this sweet couple and I look forward to the arrival of baby girl Kennedy! Please enjoy these highlights from our session! xoxo
Vogue all the waaaaay! #calvinklein
Cerritos Newborn Session
Can there be anything sweeter than bringing a healthy baby into the world and holding that child in your arms?? This Cerritos newborn session was a true celebration of life! Good things do come to those who ask… and wait! Baby Dean was a trooper the day of our shoot and Lindsay and Mike are taking on first-time parenting like pros! Please enjoy these highlights! xoxo
Los Angeles Branding Session
Talk about passion for life! Natalie Holbrook (Wellness) is on a mission to make the world a better place through educating us on how to better care of our bodies, especially through gut health. She writes and speaks about holistic nutrition, how to boost your energy levels, weight stability, creating a positive mindset, and manifesting the body and life you truly wish to create! You can connect with her through Facebook here and her website coming soon! We had so much fun creating these images together. It was an EPIC full-day shoot that took us all over L.A. and ended with a delicious dinner at Botanica. Their food was as incredible as our day! Here’s to #EatingBeautifully! xoxo
Dessert should always come first!
San Pedro Maternity Session
There is a story behind every photograph. This San Pedro maternity session is no exception. When I first met Claudia as fellow Grad students at CSULB, she was grieving the deaths of her firstborn child and father. I was in the throes of my dad’s battle with cancer. Our experiences brought us together and we were able to be a source of strength and comfort to each other.
The shoes above were bought for their first son Sebastian.
You can imagine the joy I felt to learn, two years later, that Claudia was expecting another baby, Santiago! We rejoiced together and this session was truly a time of celebration!
Love this next one!!! Erik’s expression is priceless! I truly love getting to create moments and memories like these!!
Congratulations Claudia and Erik on the new addition to your family! You have been through so much together and are still smiling! Your strength is inspiring! Looking forward to meeting baby Santi!!
San Pedro Engagement Session
This San Pedro engagement session will forever hold a special place in my heart; not only because these are my brother’s engagement photos, but they were taken just two days after our father passed away. I had considered rescheduling this session, but felt our dad would want us to keep our plans and enjoy the day.
In addition to the emotional charge of the circumstances, this was also a mentoring session for off-camera flash. I had the opportunity, (thanks to Eve Rox Photography), to teach one of the sweetest photographers, Bora Chan; you can find her beautiful work here.
We courageously fought domineering gusts of wind and the chill of the fading afternoon sun and captured some beautiful images as a result! I am excited for Justin and Tiare’s wedding in September!
If you are a natural light photographer looking to develop your flash technique and skills, lets connect! I would love to teach you what I know! You can get in touch with me through the “Contact” link above! xoxo
Walker Canyon Portraits
Izzy is a dear friend, and for an afternoon, she was my model and partner in adventure and we set out to see the incredible Super Bloom of 2019! It was not until after our trip that I read that disturbing the flora can disrupt the delicate poppy ecosystem and even prevent the super bloom from returning. Lesson learned: stay on the path. Avoid the urge to, as John McCrae once wrote: “In fields the poppies blow, between the crosses row by row. Short days we lived, felt dawn, saw sunsets glow; loved and were loved, and now we lie in….fields…..” (An excerpt from the poem Flanders Fields.)
