Katie is Betty Lang’s sister, the wedding coordinator I work with from time to time. When she mentioned that she had not done any senior portraits we knew we had a great opportunity to shoot some for her and have lot’s of fun with it, immediately I knew I wanted to shoot at The Lab in Costa Mesa and the OC Fair nearby since they live in the area.

I absolutely love the way the photos turned out. Although Katie was a little nervous at first we quickly pimped her attitude and made her laugh a ton by being dorks and telling her lame jokes that shall not be repeated ever again. We had lot’s of bystanders and people even came up to ask if she was a model. We were like “yeah, she totally is and she’s big in Australia” or something funny like that. Way to go for Katie and your supermodel fabulousness!

So funny, he joined in the fun to make her laugh… these always make great photos.

Katie, you so pretty!

She really is as much fun as she looks, so glad I was able to check off something else on the wish list of places to shoot. Congrats Katie, enjoy your college years and pursue your dreams-go get ‘em!

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 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!

Fun, right? I just couldn’t help but share a few photos since I’m previewing and processing with big smiles on my face because I had so much fun with this couple over the weekend. Of course it couldn’t have been possible without my photog friend, Lori of The Purple Tree Photography whom allowed me to second shoot along her side. It couldn’t have been a more gorgeous day on Saturday.

I hope you all have a great Monday, and remember JUST DANCE!

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 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.

Aren’t they lovely? And yes, this is just a teaser… they are so photogenic that there are just too many photos to share. Will be back with another sneak peak from a Mamalita session and with the rest of the wedding photos, but of course.

This photo session was taken three weeks after her birth as Alicia was in the intensive care unit for the first week, but she is doing just fine now. We let her sleep and I allowed them to just be themselves and it wasn’t long before she needed to be fed, but I still stood patient and let Alicia direct the show. During our photo session we placed her on her tummy and she completely lifted herself up, she puts up a fight this little one. So I think of her as very strong, you can see it in her eyes, she is very fierce and with this she will do just fine in life.

I’ll let the photos tell the story, look at her little smirk!

The best seat in the house is in mama’s arms.

I love baby feet, can never get enough.

Yesenia, you’re going to be a great mama, I see this already. Alicia is so lucky to have you as her mama! She is so precious, strong and brings so much joy. Thank you for allowing me to capture this moment for you and sharing your bundle of joy with me, she has brought me many smiles.

xo