This little girl is so sweet. While I was shooting her brother she kept asking me to take her photo and when we finally went outdoors just her and I to shoot she went shy on me. She still wants her photo taken, but she’s just going to be a tid bit shy about it. It’s so cute because when she is, she plays with her hands and starts moving around, hardly making eye contact. Even still she manages to be cute as a button, that girl, she’s a heartbreaker in the making.

Isn’t her outfit the cutest? Her mama knows how to rock a great wardrobe.

Love these jumping shots, or so she tried.  ;)

These photos are bringing me tons of smiles, I love how these little things can make a difference in your day. I’m glad that my work provides this for me, it’s the greatest reward.

I’ll be back next week with more of my recent work and some fun posts.

I can’t believe how big the boys are, still can remember babysitting them when they were like 5 and harder to believe is what a diva Isabella AKA Bella is becoming. Like where does she get it from? It’s fun seeing them all grow into their own personalities. Josh being the joker, Isaac being thoughtful and more reserved while Bella steals the show with her bold personality. But I love that all the kids love their parents very dearly, that is apparent and most importantly that they are very sweet and loving. It’s always fun talking to Carol and Manny because we talk the language of wine and food. They are also very committed to their kids and that is very admirable.

As it turns out this day was cloudy, very gloomy and cold. However, the kids were ready to go and excited to check out downtown Seal Beach so we decided to do a practice shoot keeping in mind that we will be shooting again in early July once the family comes back from vacation all tanned and in the summer spirit. We started the day with an early dinner at Woody’s Diner mostly because it was kid friendly, they serve breakfast all day and the 50′s decor made for some great photos.

Boys will be boys, the first photo they posed for, go figure.

Bella’s “mermaid pose”, whatever that means, hilarious!

That is one happy mama if I ever saw one.

I can’t wait to do this again in July when we can have some guaranteed sunshine. Carol and Manny, I hope these photos bring a smile to your face. You have a beautiful family and these kids have so much love to give, can’t help but think that you might have had something to do with that. Un abrazo y beso!

Kris and I first met Daniel in the first year of dating, we were at a friend’s party and somehow chatted up a storm with him and built a connection. From there we were friends and Kris later joined the city that Daniel worked for. We are very happy to see Daniel and Raelena grow their little family.

The greatest gift and experience from this shoot was little Makaelah, what a sweet girl. When we first got to their house she was very shy since it had been like forever since we had seen her. Kris and I quickly started talking to her and connecting with her, even watched Alice in Wonderland with her and tada she was ours for keeps. On the car ride to our location she held my hand the whole way. While I shot couple shots of Daniel and Rae she played with Kris and had a great time. After the shoot we went to dinner and she wanted to sit next to Kris and I at the booth and so she did, she held on tight to my arm and I melted.

I loved playing with the umbrella (or UMBWELLA as Makaelah would say) that I picked up in China Town last week while in LA, best investment. Who knew Makaelah would love it so much. It turns out that she’s always wanted one!

Thank you Daniel, Rae and Makaelah for a wonderful afternoon, we can’t wait to meet Aiden. To see the rest of their photos check out the slideshow below and let me know if you love the idea of seeing the slideshow. So far I love how easy it is to upload, but not loving the poor quality it gives the photos when uploaded, experimenting with different companies, this is from Animoto. I wish Show It was easier to load, oh the choices.

Oh, and happy earth day!

This particular session called for lot’s of black & white, it’s just one of those things that when you’re editing comes to you. Joshua like many newborns did really well, we just tired him out. We had gorgeous light from their bedroom window. Once again I enjoyed watching an amazing family “just be” and their love and connection with each other makes me get all weepy and want to take Joshua and put him in my pocket.

Joshua is so inquisitive and very observant. In just these few weeks of life he is expressing madly and deep affection towards his parents, he stares at them like they are the only people in the room, laughs, reacts and smiles at them. What a sweet little boy he is already! This first one is one of my favorites.

Vero and Hugo, I wish you nothing but the best to you and your little family. Thank you for allowing me into your home and investing in me, I am deeply proud to have you in my portfolio. I hope Joshua one day forgives me for posting photos of his bottom, but really, just tell him they are a work of art!

This was shot in the mid-day on the Saturday before easter so there was an easter egg hunt, easter bunny and games going on on the other side of the giant backyard. It was super fun to watch the kiddos get all excited over the easter bunny and running around with their easter baskets. And yes, like with most events I shoot, there was some yummy, super delicious cupcakes, strawberries and other great food. I love how I’m attracting all this good stuff.

I just melt seeing these photos, George and Natalie are so easy and fun to photograph… their emotion and connection is so organic and I love capturing it. Again, knowing the subject helps tremendously!

Big props to Bells’ grandma for getting her this super cute bonnet for her easter photos.

Yup, Bells still has that strawberry blond hair.

Thank you George for making this photo extra fun.

Beautiful yellow poppies.

Natalie’s official trademark.

I love baby feet and hands, you’ll just have to deal.

My favorite of Bells. She is so cute, I wanted to pinch her cheeks and give her lot’s of kisses.

Proof of their amazing and most loving connection. They were given no direction, they just interacted naturally and I snapped away. Love how comfortable they are in front of the camera.

If you’re not officially in love with Bells after seeing these photos then I’m not sure what will do the trick.

Nat and George, I am so grateful to you for allowing me to capture these family moments for you. I love working with you and never in a million years did I imagine that we would go from sharing cubicle space, office meetings, excel spreadsheets to sharing your precious moments while I document them and you support my venture. What a lovely family you’ve created, I am very happy for the both of you. I hope to try that Malbec you gifted me very soon, I’ve got nothing but love for you babes!

Leave some comment love for Bells if you’re a fan, up next a newborn session.

Despite this fatigue I’m excited to finish work today and tomorrow so I can go to a photo expo on Friday where some of my favorite photogs will be speaking. I see it as a fun day and the kick off to a lot of netmaking and working towards new systems and taking my business to a new level. All very exciting and lot’s of work indeed. No worries, I’ve actually scheduled for some more normal working and sleeping hours to accommodate for this, we’ll see if I stick to it. If you have ideas or a method to keeping a sleeping schedule and still be able to be a full-time workaholic, please let me know, I’m all ears.

How do you all like the previews? For me they are fun to post in the middle of processing and let’s face it, it’s a good and easy way to blog too. Up next a preview to the newborn session from yesterday, happy hump day!

I had the pleasure of capturing the Sampson family this past Sunday in their home as they enjoy every moment of their new baby, Anabella whom they also call Bells. I met Natalie and George back a few years working for a mortgage company and they are completely made for each other, it’s kind of ridiculous! They have always been great to me and I am so happy to see them start their family. They never thought they would have children, but changed their minds and seeing them hold their baby girl made me realize how much truly they were meant to be parents.

Thank you Natalie and George for the amazing experience of capturing this moment for you. I wish your family lot’s of love, health and peace.

Bells has the most beautiful strawberry blonde hair, yum.

Sun bathing, life is good for this little one.

Natalie and I thought she looked like a cute glow worm.

That’s all folks, being a star is exhausting… time for another nap. Or so she seemed to say.

Aren’t they just adorable? Anabella was so good, she slept through most of it and I think she really enjoyed sun bathing in the nude.

What I enjoyed most of this session besides the immediate chemistry amongst us (you photogs out there know about this, it’s either there or not and it makes the job a lot easier when it’s there) is the loyalty, dedication and love that Hugo has for his wife, Veronica. Yes, she reciprocates the love and devotion as well, but it is so rare to see this level of commitment and devotion in any marriage nowadays that I was taken back. He was so into the photo shoot and even recommended a pose or two that he wanted me to shoot. It made my job so easy, not a lot of guys like to have their photo taken, none the less be this into it – big props to Hugo!

The best compliment Veronica gave me is when we were laughing at the beginning of the session and she said “you laugh exactly like Socorro” and of course caused more laughter! I’ve never been told that before, but either way I love it.

She just sparkles!

Love his expression and imitation of a preggo belly.

Veronica, you’re just gorgeous.

Thank you Socorro for the referral, I think your whole family will keep me employed for a long time to come.

Working on some business planning for the year, I’m really excited for upcoming projects, the newborn sessions and a possible wedding shoot. Not to mention a fun packed weekend, will be back soon with some recipes, more lovely photos and all that jazz!

We met up at San Clemente Beach this last Sunday afternoon. The weather could not have been more perfect and blue skies were in full view.

As we walked around the camp site they told me their love story and how they met. She was living in Southern California, Peter was living in Boston. She was in NY for a job, flew to DC on a Pan Am plane where Peter was the pilot. They were both standing at the taxi stand waiting for rides to their hotels.  Anita saw Peter standing there in his uniform, tall and gorgeous, flight case at his side with a shiny tag, “Captain Pierce”. So she said, “Hey Capt. Pierce, where’s Honeycutt and Houllihan?  It’s my birthday, want to buy me a drink?” gotta love that, right? They have been married for over 20 years and have a blessed life together.  

Since meeting, they have lived in many places, Boston, NY, LA, Orlando and Kentucky. Five years ago they sold their small horse ranch in Florida and now live and travel in their motorhome. They love the “gypsy” life and plan to continue as long as they can. Their time is spent 6 months out of the year here in California in San Clemente State Beach as volunteer host’s, they’re in charge of the campfire and kids’ programs each summer. The other 6 months they find themselves in Florida, Maine, Oregon and everywhere else in between. This winter they’re going to Tucson Arizona, I’m officially jealous!  

Anita has recently been making jewelry out of silver and copper.  She’s calling them Gypsy Jewels, Jewels for your Journey and is excited to be in Tucson for the upcoming Gem Show.

Anita loves the beach so much that she even likes the smell of sun tan lotion, they were so relaxed and at peace here. It made my job fairly easy!

Aren’t the headbands just beautiful? All jewelry worn by Anita in these photos are also made by her, she’s talented like that. The hat above is her favorite and she purchased it in New Mexico. She was so giddy to get a photo with her favorite hat and I was happy to oblige.

I love the way Peter looks at her, like he’s falling in love with her all over again. It’s very sweet.

I love this!

Thank you Anita and Peter for allowing me to capture you at one of my favorite beaches and sharing your story with me. Anita, thank you for the lovely headbands and bracelet. I know how much time and effort you spent on them and it means a lot to me. I hope that your next trip to Arizona brings you lot’s of good stuff  and great adventure. Peter, your strength and courage humble me, take it easy and best wishes on the rest of your chemo therapy treatment.

If anyone is interested in lovely headbands like the ones pictured, just shoot me an email and I will connect you with Anita.