Family Dawn Altier Family Dawn Altier

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

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Family Dawn Altier Family Dawn Altier

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

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Family, Maternity Dawn Altier Family, Maternity Dawn Altier

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

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Family Dawn Altier Family Dawn Altier

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

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Family, Couples, Maternity Dawn Altier Family, Couples, Maternity Dawn Altier

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!!

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Portraits Dawn Altier Portraits Dawn Altier

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.)

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Bridal Portraits Dawn Altier Bridal Portraits Dawn Altier

Seal Beach boho Bridal Session

Lace, light, and a whole lotta love went into this boho bridal styled shoot in Seal Beach. A big shout out to Cassandra Richardson who modeled and helped style this session! Her professionalism and passion for her art is exciting! Props to my girl Melisa Saraceni bringin it home with the florals! As always she went with her unique and exotic taste in greenery and blooms! (Yes there were carnivorous plants in that bouquet!) Thank you to my photo assistant Kim Orthel for hand-making the earrings and necklace and Boots Guzman for working her hair magic! It was a pleasure ladies!

If you have a whimsical, bohemian styled session in mind and would like to collaborate with me to bring it to life, click the contact button above and message or call! Lets make it happen! xoxo

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