She is so talented and as she calls it has “ career ADD” because she enjoys many creative outlets. With a design background she enjoys design, event planning and photography. Aside from that she is just sassy!

Last week we decided we needed some creative mojo and so off shooting we went. Afterwards we enjoyed some happy hour at the Memphis Café in Costa Mesa minus the cocktails. When on a budget, food comes first. It is no surprise Betty and I work well together. She is on her game, organized, talented and most importantly a foodie of healthy food – perfect match. We then attended the OC Smug Mug meeting to hear Roberto Valenzuela speak (the man is a photo genius) and I learned so much from him in the short period of time.

Our shooting venture took place at Newport Back Bay, it was my idea since I needed to scout out the location for a family shoot next month. Finding new locations is almost just as fun as shooting the subjects.

Just beautiful, love her natural beauty.

I love movement and dance, these are some of my favorites.

Betty you are so fabulous, so glad to have met you and that we connected. Look forward to working with you in the near future, thank you for all the magic you brought to my camera. Artists just get it don’t they? 

I first met Jackie last August in Costa Rica (I know, pretty cool) while on vacation. She was sitting at the bar of the local restaurant we dined at that night. All I can remember is having the best passion fruit mojito, some really yummy thai pizza and great conversation with Jackie and her husband. We hit it off immediately, she told us more about Costa Rica since she grew up there and we talked about our life back in the states. Kris and I even asked her serious questions about settling in Costa Rica and living there, something Kris and I often think about (we are so serious!). After a great night of conversation before we parted we exchanged emails. I had promised her a gorgeous sunset photo I had taken, but we do this often when we travel and don’t always actually connect with people once back home. To my surprise the connection took place and we became online friends.She has been one of my biggest supporters and when she realized she would be in California for business she booked a mamalita session with me, I was and still am flattered.

She is a very strong, loving and successful woman. Currently resides in New Jersey and lives very close to most of her siblings and mom, but still has family in Costa Rica. Family is important to her. A foodie, traveler and art lover, just my kind of gal. Her smile is contagious and her gracefulness and love shine through her. I love that you can have a serious conversation with her, but then can quickly burst into laughter just because.

We planned her session at the beach in the late morning and the light there was just gorgeous, we then headed off the 133 highway in Laguna Beach and found a little conservatory or park that had lot’s of wild grass. After catching up, getting to know each other more and enjoying lunch we finished her session again at the beach. The light had changed and it was misty and chilly. I enjoyed every bit of our session, she was so much fun, willing and organic. During this session and after processing her photos (some are even straight out of the camera and untouched) I realized that shooting outdoors, especially at the beach which I love is really my strength. I can’t describe the exact feeling, but I get lost in what I’m doing and I love being barefoot and feeling the sand and water, it’s like home to me. Once again, another mamalita session that has left me feeling inspired and on a real high. Every time I see these photos I have serious giggles and a smile just remembering this day.

Her yummy long hair is so fabulous in this photo, it’s sick. .;)

I love how she smiles with her eyes, just beautiful.

Towards the end of our session, just dancing and having fun. Swinging her hair to rhythm of the wind.

So my fellow readers, which one is your favorite? Show her some mamalita love and leave a comment.

Jackie, you have such a beautiful soul and I am so glad to have met you, bella! I’ll have a mojito with you anywhere in the world that our paths may cross again, look forward to the next meet up.

Mucho amor y pura vida.

You haven’t seen anything yet. I have such a beautiful story to tell you of how this session came alive and all that is to know about this mamalita’s beauty.

Meet Gabrielle, she’s my best friend’s sister and we go way back. I used to babysit her kids while in college and loved it, why not watch movies with kiddos and play, right? So not only is she a mom of two beautiful kids, but she is very strong woman and well look at her, gorgeous. I had such a good time watching her smile into my camera and enjoying the awesome sunlight we’ve been getting in southern CALI lately, plus we indulged in a nice glass of chardonnay during one of our breaks.

Her maltase, Sugar… love the expression.

Gab, I hope you enjoyed the session as much as I did, you look fabulous and you know it! Is anyone else jealous how gorgeous she looks in that purple top? Too sexxy for that shirt!!!!!

This shot will fit right into my mamalita collection and all that it represents. I’m so blessed to be surrounded by such beautiful and strong women, it’s definitely very inspiring and so lovely to be able to capture it. My wish Annie, is that you see this photo and feel beautiful and loved because you are!

Looking at these beach photos makes me want to be back there again, can’t wait for the spring to come. I’ve enjoyed all the rain and gloomy mornings from this winter, but this CALI girl is ready for the sun so I can wear the flip flops and sun dresses once again. I’ve got lot’s more to share, this is just a teaser.

It’s a beautiful thing to photograph the ones you love and share your life with, there’s a deep connection that allows for a great creative flow. We had fun from start to finish and I am pleased to have captured her true beauty and simple grace. She’s an amazing mother, friend, someone you can always count on for a great laugh and her smile is really contagious.

We ended our shoot with a yummy lunch at Rutabegorz … it was the perfect Saturday afternoon, weather and all! Thank you Socorro for this amazing experience, I have the best clients in the world and it’s only the beginning.