Priscilla started the group so a big shout out to her, what a great hostess and leader. Thank you!

For this time around we did just main dishes, appetizers and desserts with no theme in mind. However, the next one is Mexican and Italian, just because we want to. Hey, it’s our club so we’ll do what we like, right? As Priscilla said ” we all love cooking or have special people we want to cook for” and so with that I show you the fruits of our labor from the first meeting.

Cheers to our Cooks’ Club and cooking alongside with other cooks and foodies!

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? 

Technically, her dad lives right outside San Francisco in a small town called Moraga and it is so beautiful, in fact I told Annie “I could live here” it’s just that gorgeous, it has the woodsy feel, huge trees, up in the hills and very tranquil, but only 5 minutes away from a major city. Okay so back to our trip. We arrived that Friday in the late afternoon and visited with her dad. We then proceeded to a Travel Lodge by Fisherman’s Wharf, it was perfect and walking distance to it. We played it casual and just had Italian for dinner, yum then headed back to a dive bar three doors down from our hotel, mostly all locals, but small and great ambiance.

On our second day we decided to hit Chrissy Fields, the Coit Tower, North Beach it’s like little Italy and the Ferry Building for lunch, a must if in San Fran in that order. Luckily Annie had reward points and we were able to stay at the W for our second night, never a disappointment. That night we had to have sushi for dinner and we tried tuna belly for the first time, like butter in your mouth-so yummy! The drive back was long since we took the scenic route and stopped in Monterey Bay for lunch, but it was gorgeous and a great experience. While in San Fran we used a GPS system on Annie’s Droid and she was great, we named her Gidget.  ;) I love northern CALI… I could seriously move there!

Thought she had the best bathing suit, so cute.

He was going to town digging, it was too funny!

I loved the fact that the dogs were allowed. Had so much fun just dog and people watching.

North Beach, fell in love with this church and it’s park right in the center of it all.

Didn’t get to eat here for breakfast, but will next time. A recommendation from Caroline.

Amazing view from the street by the Coit Tower.

I want to grow this in my patio.

Taken from the Coit Tower, it’s a really great 360 degree view.

Crooked Street on Lombard Street, just amazing and funny.

On Market street on our way to the Ferry Building.

Yes, Avatar… Annie thought it was the highlight of the trip.

Gorgeous, right? Annie, I had the best time… so glad we did this even if it wasn’t planned. Everything turned out great, considering! Oh and we totally make the perfect hotel roomies with our OCD’s and all-love you!

Dawn is the sweetest gal, one of the organizers in the group, always concerned about everyone. Shane loves to tell stories and has a huge heart, we can’t thank you both enough for your kindness.

The humidity was tough that early evening and of course harsh sunlight, but I managed to snap a few photos of them and I am so glad.

Dawn and Shane, I hope you love the photos as much as I do… happy 17th anniversary! It was great to have met you and next time we see each other I believe will be in New Orleans.

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!

You can see photos from the first shoot here, from a few months ago and she is now 9 months today and ready for Aiden to come out. I’m anxious for Aiden as well so I can capture his little baby feet, me love me some baby feet.

We spent the afternoon at a park near her house while little Makaelah played, it had been gloomy the days leading up to it and on that afternoon it was about 80, gorgeous and clear skies. I took advantage of the lovely shaded areas and the big trees. Rae is looking just beautiful, I’m always amazed at how calm mommies are right before they give birth and Rae is no different.

I’m glad I was able to sneak a few in of Makaelah, she was being so funny and shy at first. Too cute.

I love the earthy green she wore, plus matching eye shadow.

I hope you love these pictures Rae, you can’t deny how gorgeous you are now, can you?

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.

Here are a few shots from the workshop. The main focus was composition and I enjoyed the challenge that Greg proposed.

I know, they are too gorgeous. Love how they worked the blues and Oana worked that skirt! Also loving the great connection I’m making with other photographers through these groups and workshops. Which one is your favorite?

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.