My friend, Christine, asked me to come take pictures of her family and their first home, since they were moving.  They wanted to record the memories of this time in their lives.  I was so excited for two reasons.  Christine and her husband Matt have an awesome casual, cool style in their dress, home decor and personality.  They are so laid back, I knew it was going to be a fun session.  Secondly, they described my favorite kind of session when they told me what they wanted: to just hang out at home doing some of their favorite activities as a family.  And I was not disappointed.  This was definitely an amazing session.  One of my favorite!

Christine and Matt’s little boy, Emerson is around the same age as my son, Elijah.  So I knew it was going to take some skills to get him excited about participating in the photo session.  When I got there, Emerson was “mowing the lawn” with his little toy mower.  And he didn’t really want to take family pictures.  So I told Christine and Matt to ignore him.  What?!  Did you know that’s the worst thing you can do to a toddler?

We took some great pictures of Matt and Christine…

All the while, Emerson was getting more and more interested in what we were doing.

And just like that, he wanted to join in the fun.  I’m so tricky.  :)

We went inside to do some fun things they enjoy as a family, like reading books.

They are a very musical family.  In fact, that was the theme of Emerson’s third birthday party.  Emerson showed off his guitar skills.

And then got to rock out with daddy.

We even went down to their basement and played drums.

Next we played with some of Emerson’s toy trains.

And then we got to jump on mommy and daddy’s bed.  This was definitely a favorite.

I loved this series of Emerson jumping on the bed.

And then they got to snuggle as a family.

Next we went outside and they showed me all the different fruits and vegetables in their garden.

Some more time playing as a family.

And then skateboarding.

Oh la la.

Finally, I wanted to share a special picture that Christine asked me to take for her and gave me permission to share.  About a year ago, Christine lost a pregnancy to miscarriage.  She was able to do it in the sanctity of her own home and these memories are precious to their family.  Christine asked that I take a photo to remind her of her special baby in heaven, Quinn.  I hope this captures the spirit of your emotions, Christine.

Thank you for asking me to capture this special time in your lives, Christine and Matt.  I love your family and I was honored to be a part of it for this day.

A few months ago, I was happy to be asked to take family pictures for my friend, Dare.  I’ve taken several child headshots of her son Mason (check them out HERE and HERE), but hadn’t had a chance to take family portraits for her.  Her adorable baby boy, Bryce also needed some updated pictures now that he is getting a few months older (check out his previous sessions HERE and HERE).

Bryce getting some love from mama and daddy.  He is adorable.  I love all that hair.

Big brother, Mason, was so cooperative and helpful.

Even when he was making faces.

I loved these cattails in front of their house.  The lighting was beautiful.  It was perfect for this family portrait.

This one makes me laugh.

Meanwhile, Mason was busying himself with picking flowers for his mom.  He is a little love bug.

Then we went in the back yard to have some fun.

At the end, I wanted to take a sweet photo of mom and dad.  I think it’s important to have these memories as well as the nice family ones all together.

Happily, I got to see my friends, Beth and PJ again around Christmas time for holiday pictures of their family.   Dietrich, who was a baby at their last session (check out their previous sessions HERE and HERE) is now a year old!  I can’t believe how fast he has grown.

We had quite a few challenges with some of their family coming into town, an uncharacteristically freezing night, and toddlers not quite interested in taking pictures, all while we were losing light very quickly.  But I think we got some nice memories of their family at this stage.  I look forward to seeing you guys again.

Baby Dietrich is just barely learning to walk.  I love to capture the awkwardness and excitement of such a huge milestone.

Some family pictures…

But Dietrich lost interest quickly.  :)

Since we were losing light very quickly, we decided to head across the street to the park for some fun pictures.

haha – love Calvin’s automatic reaction to me asking his parents to kiss.

Farewell until next time, Beth and PJ.

My good friend, Candice had her baby boy, Roman over the holidays.  I was honored to be asked to capture this second addition to their family (check out their maternity session HERE).   Here’s mom and dad with their new baby.  Such a sweet moment.

And here’s sweet baby Roman.  I just love that name! I’m so jealous I didn’t think of that one first.  :)

When I got to their home, I asked what shots they really wanted from this session.  They said the normal family ones and of baby Roman alone, but the one shot Candice really really wanted was of Stella kissing her baby brother Roman.  I said I would try to get it, but I was wondering how hard it would be to get, since Stella’s still a young toddler herself who doesn’t always “pose” like an older child would.  Just by chance, I happened to catch this little moment and I love it.  I think it’s what you were looking for, isn’t it?

I don’t know why, but I love this little candid moment.  It looks like the three of them are just hanging out at home without a photo shoot going on.

Stella is a little love bug.  Such a cute smile.

And such wonder at this new little creature that has taken over her home.  Her expression is priceless.

Forgive me posting this shot, Candice.  I think it is such a beautiful and tender photograph of you nursing baby Roman.

While Roman was busy eating, we had some fun with Stella and dad.

As cute as Stella’s red dress was, Candice wanted to get one last shot with their big sister, little brother t-shirts.  They are adorable!

So, I’ve been MIA for weeks now.  I feel as though I owe an explanation.  My computer has been having reoccurring problems.  It wouldn’t charge and eventually just shut off and not turn back on.  Luckily I have Apple Care protection plan (which I highly recommend).  They were awesome and took steps to fix it each time.  But after the 4th time sending my computer out for repairs, we were both at a loss.  According to the contract I signed, I cannot reveal the terms of the agreement.  But I will say, I am happy with the solution and I am not having any more problems now.  I am super impressed with their customer service and how they stand behind their products.  So, if you are thinking of getting an Apple product – I would say go for it.  And make sure to get their Apple Care Protection plan.  :P

In the midst of all the computer issues, I had a super busy couple of months with photo shoots and editing.  It was very important to me to try to keep up on my editing for my clients.  So…  my blog took second place and has been sadly neglected.  It’s very pathetic that I still have about 6 Christmas session to post!!  So here we go – I’ll probably try to post several at once to start to get caught up.

Right before Christmas, I was happy see my clients and now friends, Mary and Gary and their little boy Ronan for the second time at Descanso Gardens (view their first session HERE).  I always feel like my clients are my friends after we spend a few hours together and I am delighted to see them again for a photo shoot.  Sometimes I’m even sad that they don’t call to hang out once the session is over.  We’re friends now, right?

Now that you know how pathetic I am, I’ll share this wonderful family session from Descanso Gardens in La Canada.

Sigh.  Look at those wonderful eyes.  I remember his bright eyes from our last session.  So cute!

I got a shot like this from our last session and I just had to try again to see how much Ronan has grown.  He still loves it!

I don’t know why but I love this one.  Yes I do – it’s the light.  And the love you can see without even seeing their faces.

Now to fun times with the family.  My favorite part.  When people want only traditional pictures, I get sad.  How can you capture true love, without getting interaction like this?

And this?????

So Ronan is a boy after my own son–Elijah’s heart.  He LOVES trains.  And wanted to watch and ride and be near these tracks.  I had to include them.

Oh Ronan, you stole me heart.  :)