Jacob . Long Beach family photographer

This day couldn't have worked out any better if we had planned it ourselves!  Our first session was rained out, so we rescheduled it for the only other free day that this family had before the holidays.  The day came, and, of course, the weather man predicted a 90% chance of rain!  So, we planned for an inside shoot at the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach.  Perfect place, as this family has a membership, and Jacob is a volunteer employee!  Fast forward to that morning, and we ended up with about an hour of modest sunshine, and dry skies, so we were so lucky to get a few shots outside!  I loved the personal tour from Jacob, thanks everyone!

Carter, Campbell + Ellis . Rancho Palos Verdes family photographer

This family was a hoot ~ we seriously had so much fun hanging out, and making each other laugh.  I learned that they liked to relax as a family and play cards, so who could resist a photo of them playing a card game?!  All 3 kids were absolutely fantastic, as well as their mom & dad.  

I think the city might have to give me my own parking spot here at the Malaga Cove Library in Rancho Palos Verdes...I have done quite a few photo shoots here lately.  You can absolutely see why...it's really gorgeous here, and a great spot for photos!  

Austin . Manhattan Beach children's photographer

There is something special about the bond between a dad and his son.  Austin and his dad were such a joy to photograph.  Most of our shoot was of them just hanging out, kissing & hugging each other, chasing, tackling, and having a great time at the beach.  Austin had an endless amount of energy, and the biggest, happiest smile ever!  Loved meeting you guys!  

Thank you

Today I am writing about my own family.  I am so very thankful for my life, and for my wonderful husband, and 2 daughters.  Yesterday, they were in a car accident.  I wouldn't say that it was extremely serious, but it wasn't just a fender bender, either.  The ambulance carted away my people, my husband on a back board, and my daughters right next to him.  I followed behind in my car, hoping that none of the injuries were very serious.  After several hours in the ER, x-rays, ultrasounds, everyone was discharged, thankfully, with minor injuries.

Today I am just thankful...and thank you to God for watching over them.

Madison + Jake . Calabasas family photographer

I began to write about this family, and a poem came to my mind...the one about, "make new friends, but keep the old; those are silver, these are gold..."  Barb and I were co-workers for years, and also great friends.  We even spent a very fun week with 2 other close friends on a tropical resort vacation.  One day, we just plain old lost touch...for no reason at all, perhaps the distance, or our lives just went different directions.  Years later, we connected again, and scheduled this shoot in Calabasas, her hometown.  I met her kids (for the first time), and we picked up right where we left off.  I love that old friends can do that.  Oh, and did I mention that she is also a photographer?  Talk about nerves!!!  What a joy to hear from her after receiving the photos, she loved them!!

Her kids are just perfect (she may not agree), and they LOVE their mom.  I love how young Barb looks ~ you can hardly tell that she is their mom.  She is just as young and stylish as she has ever been.  

Great connecting with you again!  Perhaps another week in Mexico is in order?

Kiana . Manhattan Beach senior portrait photographer

Kiana is a high school senior at Mira Costa in Manhattan Beach.  I love that she is an honor roll student, and is just a sweet gal...thanks for a fun shoot, Kiana!

Jacob + Amanda . Rancho Palos Verdes family photographer

I love doing a photo shoot with dear friends.... I've known Amy & John for a long time ~ we used to have Melrose Place viewing parties (now I'm dating myself...).  I held her son, Jacob, when he was an infant.  Amy is a super woman, I so admire her for everything she does for her family AND she does it with a genuine smile on her face.  We headed down to Terranea Resort in Rancho Palos Verdes ~ the setting sun was so warm and beautiful.  Fun, fun, fun day!  

Amy + Ethan . Hermosa Beach family photographer

Amy and Ethan ~ could they be any cuter? ...I have known their mom, Janis, for about 30 years.  Her older sister and I have been great friends since childhood.  Hard to believe her kid sis is all grown up, married, and has 2 children of her own.  I still think of Janis as the younger sister who wanted to hang out with us!
Amy LOVES Lightening McQueen from the Cars movie...love that shot of her with one of many items from her  "Cars" collectables!
Thanks for sharing your day with me!  Love you guys!

Luke, Jack + Sean . Rancho Palos Verdes Family Photographer

What an AWESOME family!  Not only is their mommy our pediatrician, but she has also become a good friend.  These twin boys are so genuinely happy...and BUSY!  And then there's baby Sean....he just hung out and watched the craziness of our shoot.  I'll bet he'll be the "calm in the storm" in this house of boys.... 

Max . Los Angeles family photographer

Oh Max!  What a cutie!  I met this family at their beautiful home in West Hollywood.  I walked in the door, and was met by these eyes.  Can you say "love at first sight"?   I have a weakness for babies at this age...they just love you, no matter who you are.   His parents were equally as fabulous, and just as friendly as they come.  Thanks for bringing me into your home, and allowing me to capture your day.