Brave Little Duck

Sneak Peek: Rogers Family

2011-09-11T16:23:00.001-07:00

Just a peek at a couple of my favorite little men! More to come!

Sneak Peek: Lauren

2011-08-28T15:10:00.001-07:00

Couldn't resist posting this one right away from the shoot I'm editing right now:

Would you look at those eyes!?!?!!

The Felsmann Family [Is Growing!]

2011-06-28T13:06:00.001-07:00

The Felsmann's met me in downtown Huntington Beach for a stroll - and to capture their last few weeks as a family of 4!

Big Brother Lucca:

Big Brother Jackson:

Pictures of Baby #3 to come soon!

Mikayla is ONE!

2011-06-09T13:01:00.001-07:00

I met Miss Mikayla on her 1st birthday for a Smash Cake shoot! So Fun!

She was a bit unsure about the cake at first...

And decided she much preferred her giraffes, anyway!

Hey, whatevery you want, sweet girl. It's your birthday!

Russell [Getting so big so fast!]

2011-04-07T16:51:00.001-07:00

I've had the priveldge of photographing this adorable little man at 3 months and 6 months.

How can he be this big already!?!

Sneak Peek: Russell [9 Months!]

2011-04-05T14:24:00.001-07:00

Michele & Brian [A Perfect 10]

2010-12-20T23:47:00.001-08:00

Michele & Brian were married on 10.10.10 - the hottest day in October - in the Anaheim Hills.

Thank you both for inviting me to be a part of your beautiful day. Your love for each other is inspiring. I'm truly honored.

Jackson [9 Months & Getting So Big!]

2010-12-04T14:53:00.000-08:00

I LOVE that I get to see this little guy every few months & watch him grow! Go here and here to him when he was just a tiny kidlet!

Nancy & Andrew [Santa Monica Beach Wedding]

2010-12-03T14:34:00.001-08:00

Nancy and Andrew were married at the Annenberg Community Beach House in Santa Monica, CA. Despite a chilly and foggy sunset, their simple ceremony was beautiful, and their party was rockin'!

Congratulations, again! Thanks for asking me to be a part of your beautiful day!

Garlands [LOTS of 'em!]

2010-11-17T09:20:00.000-08:00

5 families, 10 kids, 20 minutes - no problem!

Baby Russell [3 Months]

2010-11-16T09:10:00.000-08:00

I met sweet Baby Russell at his home to capture his adorable baby-ness! He was absolutely one of the calmest and sweetest babies I've had the chance to photograph - no doubt a product of his caring a loving parents, Graham and Andrea.

Congratulations on your sweet and beautiful little man!

Howland Family [Generous Winners!]

2010-11-15T08:56:00.000-08:00

There is much about this family shoot that was very special!

We took these pictures at the same park where parents Teri and Ken took their wedding pictures - over 20 years ago! (Congrats!) We had a great time exploring the park and laughing together.

Perhaps most importantly is how I came into contact with this lovely family in the first place. Last Spring, I donated a family photo session to a silent auction fundraiser for Team Jonah. Team Jonah raises money for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation through the annual Great Strides walk. The Howland Family were the winning bidders for the photo session, and their winning donation bid was part of over $25,000 raised by Team Jonah to fight CF this year! I was honored to photograph a family who, like me, is passionate about helping the fight against cystic fibrosis.

Howland Family, thank you for your generosity to Team Jonah and the CF Foundation. It was an honor to meet you!

Cousins! [All 7 of 'em!]

2010-10-25T09:18:00.001-07:00

I've photographed several of these kiddo's previously, but never all together. We (rather ambitiously?) made of go of it - and had a great time! Special thanks to all the moms, dads, and grandma involved in kid (and balloon) wrangling - I think we did a great job!

Keranen Kids

2010-10-11T09:11:00.000-07:00

The 3 Keranen kiddos had me over this summer for a day of hanging out in the house and playing in the front yard.

The newest addition, Caleb, has his work cut out for him in trying to keep up with his fun & adorable big sisters!

Dryden Family [San Diego Field Trip]

2010-10-10T21:03:00.001-07:00

This family is one of the most photogenic I know - and that's saying something! (I, um, tend to photograph a lot of people....)

Kathy and I have been friends since our days as USC Tour Guides, so when she asked if I'd every trek to San Diego to photograph her family, I jumped at the chance to catch up with an old friend & hang out in one of my favorite cities!

(Oh, and if you love San Diego like I do, and ever want to move there, Kathy can help you out - she's a realtor! Check out her site & listings at http://www.71andsunny.com/.

Clara [Two, and Too Cute!]

2010-09-17T11:19:00.001-07:00

Clara and I met up at a West LA park to play and take pictures. And once she saw the playground - it was all over! Nothing else would do for this fun lady!

Clara has become a big sister since our shoot! Congrats to the whole family!

Isabella [Almost 3!]

2010-07-29T23:37:00.001-07:00

I was so thrilled to meet Miss Isabella! Her mother and I went to high school together - and probably last saw each other on graduation day, some 12+ years ago. I was over the moon when she asked me to photograph her daughter! We had a great time, frolicking around the park together!

Jackson & Lucca

2010-07-29T23:19:00.001-07:00

What a difference 3 months makes - especially when you're very tiny! I photographed these boys back in March, and had the pleasure of meeting up with them at a park in June. Jackson (the littler one) has obviously grown and changed (I mean, that's what happens when your age doubles!), but so has Lucca! He's taller, more grown up, and a great older brother!

Seeing these boys grow individually - and in the brotherly relationship - is such a privilege! Can't wait to see you again soon!

Baby Caleb [6 Weeks]

2010-06-25T08:49:00.001-07:00

Cute Baby Caleb is special for so many reasons!

1. We share a birthday! (You know, with his being 30 years afterward and all.)
2. His older brother is just 1 week younger than my daughter - his mommy and I got to share our first pregnancies together.
3. Though I photographed him at 6 weeks, he reminded me more of a 6 month old baby! (No wonder - he was born at nearly 9 1/2 pounds!)
4. Um, he's adorable!!

And here's Isaac, the proud big brother:

Welcome, Caleb! Congrats, Rogers Family!!

Shelly [First Communion]

2010-06-09T09:00:00.000-07:00

I was THRILLED when Shelly's mom asked me to be a part of her First Communion celebration. I LOVE this family, and I feel a special kinship with this little girl - I see so much of myself in her personality!

Congratulations, Shelly!

Harrison Family [Just Hangin' in the Park]

2010-05-28T10:18:00.000-07:00

Shooting a family with little boys always reminds me how different little men are from my little lady! I had a great time with these little guys at the park - oh, and with their parents too!

This is what I got when I asked him to 'act like a monkey!' Ha!

Thank you, Harrison Family! You're adorable!

Jessica's Gettin' Married [Bridal Shower]

2010-05-27T22:31:00.000-07:00

I was thrilled for many reasons when Jessica asked me to photograph her bridal shower - not the least of which was the fabulous location she had planned! The Inn of the 7th Ray in Topanga Canyon is a gorgeous site to behold, its out door terraces tucked beautifully into a creek in the canyon. A lovely setting, perfect weather, and charming bride-to-be - how could I not want to take pictures of all that??!?

Jessica and her future in-laws:

Congratulations, Jessica! Thank you so much for inviting me to celebrate with you!!

Jessica [Maternity]

2010-05-26T10:54:00.001-07:00

Though I hadn't met Jessica and Jud before our shoot in Sierra Madre, it felt (to me, at least!) like we were old friends. I had a great time with this fun, warm couple, who are expecting their first child in a few weeks.

Right after I told Jud NOT to hold his baby like a football...

They aren't finding out the gender of the baby, so we covered all our bases:

I LOVED this wood paneled wall. Can you tell??

Best wishes to your family, Jessica and Jud! I can't wait to meet your little one!!

SNEAK PEEK: Baby Caleb

2010-05-16T23:05:00.001-07:00

Baby Caleb, 6 weeks.

More cuteness to come....

Kaitlyn [Senior Pictures]

2010-05-15T20:51:00.001-07:00

When I asked Kaitlyn to pick a place meaningful to her for her senior portrait session, she replied without hesitation - "My favorite place in the world: The Beach!" I knew right from that moment she was my kind of girl! We spent a great afternoon in Laguna, traipsing around the beach, the rocks, and the park.

Thanks, Kaitlyn, for a great afternoon! You reminded me -- in all the good ways -- about what I loved about working with high school students in my past career as an admission counselor. Good luck, and congratulations!!

Baby Jackson

2010-04-28T22:57:00.001-07:00

I had the privilege of meeting adorable 3 month old Jackson and his energetic big brother Lucca last month. These two boys spent the afternoon with me jumping on couches (Lucca), cuddling on beds (Jackson), and showing me how different little boy world can be!

We wanted a 'sleepy' shot of Jackson...who would have none of it - he wanted to be awake for the fun! But I caught a blink - he looks like he's asleep, right??

Psst...don't tell 'em I'm not really asleep!

I LOVE me some tiny baby fingers...

And so does Lucca :)

While going for this:

We did a whole of this:

Thanks, boys (and Mom!) for such a fun afternoon!

Harrington Family [Well, Mostly Lucie]

2010-04-25T22:58:00.000-07:00

How can you not LOVE this face!

Shooting the Harringtons was a special treat for me. I've known Andrew since college, and I had such a great time getting to spend the morning with the 2 special ladies he has picked up along the way. Plus, Little Lucie is just a smidge younger than my own daughter - and I am in love, love, love with the brand of human that is the tiny, girlie toddler!

Oh, yeah, she has cute parents, too.

Baby Emily

2010-04-20T23:01:00.001-07:00

Born at just 5 pounds, 12 day old Baby Emily wins the prize for my tiniest client!

It was like working with a delicate doll...well, a hungry and cuddly doll!

Welcome, Emily! You are so beautiful!

Blown Away! [The Sprague Family]

2010-03-28T21:39:00.001-07:00

Wow! I am BEHIND in my blog posting!

Back at the beginning of this month, the Sprague Family and I met at the Huntington Beach Pier to (what else) take some photographs. As I drove up, I was thrilled with the thick cloud cover and the beautifully ragged waves - great visual conditions for a beach shoot! However, I failed to notice the WIND until I stepped out of my car - we were dealing with 30 mph winds!! It was crazy - and COLD.

The Sprague's were troopers - we still gave it a shot - and then quickly retreated to Fred's for chips, salsa, and margaritas. Here's just a few shots of our WILD (and all too brief) shoot.

Welcome, Baby Ethan!

2010-03-11T09:55:00.001-08:00

Just over a month ago, I shot maternity portraits of Lynne. Last week, I got to meet and photograph the next part of the story - Baby Ethan!

Don't let anyone tell you, Lynne, that that isn't a *real* smile from your 12 day old! He was so happy to be right where he wanted to be in that moment - snuggled in Mommy's arms. That was a real happiness smile, alright.

The beautiful family of 3:

Congratulations, Lynne and Greg! Thanks for letting me capture your story!

Keranen Family

2010-02-28T22:15:00.001-08:00

When I scheduled a shoot with the Keranens at Huntington Central Park, I had visions of shooting in spots like this one from the Melvins' shoot, back in November.

So you can imagine my surprise when I showed up and that very spot looked like this:

The Keranens were great sports, though! They let me march them all over the park, and through more that a little mud, to grab shots like these:

Mom's scarf provided a great pop of color - and great entertainment for two adorable and silly ladies:

We even did a few 'portraits' of Caleb, coming this April:

Thanks, Keranen Family! Can't wait to meet the next Keranen!

Toni & Bob [My 1st Wedding!]

2010-02-22T22:27:00.000-08:00

As a photographer, how do you ask someone to be your "First Wedding"?!?

For me, the answer was always that I had to wait for the *right* situation to come along.
And last Saturday, the day before Valentine's Day, it came!

Through a rapid and perfect confluence of events that I can only attribute to divine providence - Toni chose me to photograph her small & simple wedding to her love, Bob.

Here are some of my favorites:

Congratulations, Toni & Bob! May god richly bless your marriage!

The Lansing Family

2010-02-09T21:08:00.000-08:00

1 Chilly morning, 1 set of parents, 2 adorable boys...and lots and lots of ducks.

Tiny Tyler, the newest Lansing Family member:

Adorable & Energetic Wes:

And it all started here...

More of our fun together:

Thank you, Tim & Janine! It was wonderful to catch up with you and to share the joy the 4 of you have in just being together!

Lynne & Baby Riff (& Greg, too!)

2010-02-04T20:43:00.001-08:00

Sweet & petite Lynne is due with her first baby in a few short weeks. I met her & husband Greg at the Japanese Gardens at Cal State Long Beach - where Greg went to school - to capture some sweet & fun moments of this special time in their lives. (I know it doesn't seem like it now, Miss Lynne, but this time is short...and strange!...and short.)

I can't wait to meet your little munchkin!!

Feeling Baby Riff move!

You know, in case anyone needs directions...

Congratulations, Lynne & Greg! I'm so excited for you!

Sneak Peek: Lynne

2010-01-30T19:15:00.001-08:00

Mater Dei HS Choirs: Madrigal Feast 2009

2010-01-04T21:29:00.001-08:00

When I was in high school, the holiday season meant an onslaught of choral music. I was in the choir, so the Christmas Concert was inevitable; I made an annual trip to see the Pacific Chorale's Christmas Concert (obviously WAY better than the one I sang in); and my friends and I were in the habit of breaking into Christmas Carols just about anywhere to amuse ourselves.

As I've gotten older - and drifted years and years away from 1st Period Choir, everyday - there's been a little less choral music in my Christmases.

Until now.

I had the pleasure of photographing Mater Dei High School's annual Dinner Theatre/Choir Concert/Fundraiser Event extraordinaire this holiday season.

Here are some of my favorites from Madrigal Feast 2009.

Baby Eliza

2010-01-01T20:24:00.001-08:00

Less than 2 weeks old, and I've already had the privilege of photographing this cutie twice!

Ok, well, sort of. I photographed her mommy, Rachael, back in November, with Baby Eliza tucked safely inside - we knew her then as "Baby Bob." I got to meet this sweet Christmas present this week, and photograph her at all of 11 days old.

So much cute baby chub at 11 days! Being a week overdue will do that to ya...

Proud big sister Iris:

And proud big brother Jonas:

And beautiful, proud mommy:

Congratulations, Rachael, and Welcome to world, Eliza!

The Almany Family

2009-12-22T09:09:00.000-08:00

I have a confession to make.

I've been wrong about the valley.

Between this lovely shoot with the Almany Family, and last month's shoot with the Bergs, I've seen some lovely green spaces in the San Fernando Valley. To my surprise, the whole thing does NOT look like Ventura Boulevard.

Tal, Amy, Noah, Hannah, and I spent an unseasonably warm Saturday afternoon at Calabasas Park. The setting was gorgeous, and so are they!

"Da-ad! You're embarassing me!"

With parents like these, no wonder the kids are so cute!

See what I mean? CUTE!

And more cute!

Thanks, Almany Family!!

5 Bundles of Energy

2009-12-21T18:55:00.001-08:00

The biggest compliment I can receive as a photographer is repeat business from a client - so I was beyond flattered when Kate & Claire's mommy, Heather, asked me to take Christmas photos of her lovely ladies - and their 3 cousins!

5 kids, 2 hours, and countless ~~bribes~~ promises later:

Mr. Evan:

Miss Kate & Mr. Ryan:

More Miss Kate:

Miss Claire:
To me, this look says: "Ok, so tell about this Christmas thing. Let's hear it."

The youngest cousins, cracking each other up:

And finally, Mr. Brett.
I think this face really sums up how he felt about me sticking a camera in his face all morning.

Thanks for a fun and crazy morning! Merry Christmas!!

The Berg Family

2009-12-02T14:46:00.001-08:00

These are some of the funniest people I know.

And though they had the audacity to move (away from us!) to Seattle a few years ago, we are lucky enough to get to see them pretty darn frequently, and even vacation together occasionally. This year, they escaped the rain for an 80˚ SoCal Thanksgiving.

They are also basically responsible for getting me & my fabulous hubby together. It starts something like this: So, 2 Jews, a Catholic, and Christian get in a car and go to Vegas.... but that's a story for another time.

Today's story: the fun photos I got to take of the Matt, Sharon, and their son Jamie over Thanksgiving weekend.

Now, thanks to the family & travel filled chaos that is Thanksgiving weekend, Jamie wasn't in the best of moods. (For him, anyway. His 'bad mood' is my kid on a good day.) So along with our good shots, I've included more than the normal number of 'out takes' - even cranky, this kid makes the cutest faces. And somehow, I just get the feeling that his parents will appreciate those moments, too.

Jamie's mother is a FABULOUS cook, so it's not surprising that this kid is serious about his food...

...and is also a good sharer of his food:

Hey look! We got some good shots, too!

Flash forward to Jamie getting home after curfew at 16:

Did I mention I went to USC with them? And that we're all pretty big fans? (At USC, you don't really pick a school...you join a cult.)

Wild West Jamie:

Linebacker Jamie:

And freakin' adorable Jamie:

Thanks, Matt, Sharon, & Jamie! It was so fun to see you! Come back soon!

The Melvin Family

2009-11-30T15:49:00.001-08:00

I. LOVE. THIS. FAMILY.

I love them like my own family. Heck, they ARE my family. (Just because I'm not technically related to them doesn't mean I can't claim 'em.)

Deb & I have been friends since I was in junior high. We went to high school and college together. I dragged her to the choir concert where she met her husband. We were in each other's weddings. We run our munchkins all over SoCal together. She is my sister by another mother. And we regularly get mistaken for sisters, which I don't mind a bit :)

I have more pictures of her kids than I can count, but we decided last week we were due for an 'official' session. And so, the results:

Did I mention there is A LOT of fun in this family!?!

Well, most of the time.

Would you look at those eyes?!?

Don't know where she gets 'em...

Thanks, Melvin Fam, for a fun afternoon, and a lifetime of friendship.

Sneak Peek: Cuteness all the way from Seattle

2009-11-27T17:14:00.001-08:00

Sneak Peek: My Favorite Girls

2009-11-25T21:43:00.001-08:00

Well...my favorite girls that I didn't actually grow myself. :)

The Douglass Family

2009-11-24T22:46:00.000-08:00

Jennifer and I met at the age of 5. Or maybe 6. She is, quite literally, one of my oldest friends. We rode the bus home together in elementary school. Her mother was my girl scout leader. Most of my earliest memories involve her. And though we slipped out of the habit of daily contact when we attended different high schools and colleges, our periodic reunions are warm and happily familiar, as if little time has passed.

I met the other 3 members of the Douglass family more recently for our photo shoot at the Japanese Gardens. There is very obviously so much love in this family, it's contagious. I couldn't be happier for my sweet friend, that she has found such love in her adult life. Oh, and they're all adorable.

Daddy and Jameson:

Sweet Juliette:

What could bring about SUCH EXCITEMENT!?!?!

The Christmas Tree Lollipop. Thanks, Grandma!

In the interest of total honesty: Juliette was a little tired of me after a while. :( But even kinda grumpy, she's gorgeous.

But we recovered, and she even gave me a marketing plug with the duck! :)

I wore out little Jameson too...

But he perked right up when we got him a snack back home!

Thanks, Douglass Family!!

Sneak Peek: Juliette

2009-11-23T20:40:00.001-08:00

Cuteness all the way from NorCal:

More to come!

The Rice Family

2009-11-23T16:59:00.001-08:00

The Rice Family and I met up at the El Dorado Nature Center to run around, hunt for turtles, and - oh, yeah - take some pictures!

'Almost 3' Emma is a DOLL! Well, a doll who has SO. MUCH. ENERGY! Despite the rather chillly temps (60°! Downright freezing for us SoCal natives!), the "sleeping" squirrel we encountered (which I did NOT take a picture of), and the fact that I totally oversold the potential turtle viewing, I think a good time was had by all.

Would you look at those blue eyes?!?!

"I love you!"

Tickles!

It's always hard for me to pick, but I think this one's my favorite:

Sneak Peek: Emma

2009-11-21T12:28:00.001-08:00

From this morning's shoot of this super-cutie and her family:

More to come!

Saturday Afternoon...

2009-11-18T22:51:00.001-08:00

...in the park with my sweet college roommate and her boys!

The Ostermann Family

2009-11-17T11:57:00.001-08:00

The Ostermanns and I spent a cool, sunny Saturday morning together at the El Dorado Nature Center.

4 year old twins Javan and Jonah are fun, energetic, sweet boys. Even at such a young age, their love and care for each other is obvious & profound.

We ran around the trails together, looking for turtles, examining leaves, and finding lots and lots of dirt. Oh! And we learned what poison ivy looks like! (Don't worry, everyone made it back unscathed!)

It was a true joy to hang out with such a sweet and loving family! And thank you, boys, for helping me to see the nature center, where I've been so many times, with the fresh eyes of childhood.

Jordan and Bob and Max, Oh My!

2009-11-15T21:23:00.001-08:00

So, there's this rule among portrait photographers, that goes something like this: "Don't agree to shoot pets. Ever."

I say: Whatever! Bring it!!

So Jordan, along with her furry brothers Bob and Max, spent a lovely, cool November afternoon at a little park in my own personal land of milk and honey - South Pasadena. And despite the mud, grass, sand, and the occasional antagonistic squirrel, I think we did ok. :)

Bob: The smiliest dog ever.

A kiss from Max.

Supermodel Jordan.

Just a Peek...

2009-11-14T21:02:00.001-08:00

...from shoot #2 today.

Happy weekend!

Sneak Peek: The Ostermanns

2009-11-14T12:26:00.001-08:00

Sneak Peek: Jordan

2009-11-10T20:47:00.001-08:00

Just one...

...that takes my breath away.

The Iris and Eli Extravaganza!

2009-11-09T22:23:00.001-08:00

Best buddies Iris and Eli jointly celebrated their 3rd birthdays this past Saturday at the Santa Ana Zoo. Their moms asked me to tag along and capture all the wild fun! (Ha!) (I'm cheesy, people. Deal with it.)

Eli's lovely Mommy and Sister:

Snuggles with Daddy:

Yum....

No silly photo can distract the dedicated birthday pair from their cakes.

Ok, maybe one...

Did I mention WILD? Look at all these munchkins!! (Note mine, in the bottom right corner...)

Happy Birthday, Iris and Eli!!

Rachael + "Bob"

2009-11-04T10:49:00.000-08:00

Rachael and I have been friends a long time. Our adventures in La Clase de Espanol and our high school lunch runs to Taco Bell - for which I had to open the sunroof of my teeny tiny car so that my tall and gorgeous friend would fit comfortably - really sealed our fate as friends.

My sweet friend is expecting her third child, a daughter they've nicknamed "Bob" at the insistence of her oldest child. We had a great time together this weekend, catching up and grabbing shots like these:

This might be my all time favorite photo of Rachael.

MDHS Fall Concert

2009-10-30T16:06:00.001-07:00

I was hired to document the Fall Choral Concert at Mater Dei HS last weekend. As a gal who has very fond memories of her high school choir experience, I was so excited to be a part of this! Big bonus: great choral music while I shot for 3 hours?!?!? LOVE IT.

Outside, waiting for church to fill...

Handbell ringer getting...pumped??

"Mr. Mel," fearless leader:

The thoughtful, and terribly photogenic, accompanist Kent:

Waiting to get started:

And a lot of good looking singing (and ringing) going on...

Congratulations on a beautiful concert, choirs!!

Shooting with Carly: My 1st Wedding

2009-10-27T22:59:00.000-07:00

Last weekend, I had the learning privilege of shooting a wedding with the fabulous Carly Daniel, the photographer who shot my wedding all those years ago.

I learned SO MUCH - and most especially, learned that I have so much to learn! (Isn't there some ancient Chinese quote that goes something like "The more I learn, the less I know"? Or..."The more I learn, the dumber I feel"? You know, something like that.)

Here are some of my favorite shots of mine, in no particular order.

Tying the Knot in 2010: Jenna & Mike

2009-10-12T23:03:00.001-07:00

Jenna is a firecracker of a gal whom I had the pleasure to work with during my days at USC. I met Mike more recently, and I couldn't be more thrilled that such a sweet and adoring man has captured Jenna's heart.

We spent a lovely afternoon in Venice, re-treading the grounds where the couple got engaged a few weeks ago.

Did I mention they are smokin' hot together?

Congratulations, Jenna and Mike!

Jenna & Mike: Sneak Peek

2009-10-11T22:58:00.001-07:00

SO many more to come!

Wedding Paparazzi: Suzi and Manoj

2009-10-11T10:49:00.001-07:00

A few years ago, my friend Dina and I, over the course of attending several weddings together, dubbed ourselves the "Wedding Paparazzi." We LOVE weddings, and we get a kick out of running around weddings with our cameras as 'unofficial' photographers.

When I got married, I had several friends that did this for me, and while I loved our 'Official' Pictures, I also highly prize the photos from my friends, who captured other moments from a different perspective. So...I try to do the same for my friends.

Check out some of my shots of Suzi's wedding here and here.

Congratulations, Suzi and Manoj!

More of Baby Claire

2009-10-02T15:04:00.001-07:00

Tiny Fingers...

Soft skin...

SUPER cute tutu made by Mommy's friend, Lisa:

Claire looks JUST like her big sister to me in this shot:

Are we keeping you up, Miss Claire? (As a matter of fact, yes, we were. I came to the shoot expecting that Claire would be asleep for part of the time, if not most of it, and had all sorts of ideas about shooting cute 'sleeping baby' shots. Claire would have none of it. She was too interested in her world - and the silly lady with the camera - and stayed awake the whole time!)

LOVE the baby chub.

'Fake' sleepy baby shot :)

I'm pretty sure this look is: "Really, lady? A THIRD headband?"

Had so much fun with you, pretty Claire! I'm so excited to watch you grow!

Claire: Sneek Peek

2009-10-01T12:54:00.001-07:00

More to come!

Class Project: Landscapes

2009-09-25T08:49:00.001-07:00

I'm taking an Available Light Seminar at a local community college this semester. We had a field trip to Crystal Cove last week - Here are the shots I'm going to turn in. Check back and I'll let you know how I do :)

Lively Alivia

2009-09-02T15:47:00.000-07:00

Miss Alivia and I spent a hazy, smokey morning at the Japanese Gardens yesterday.

Part of the fun of kiddie photography for me is getting familiar with different munchkin ages & stages. My own daughter is only 15 months old, so I especially see preschooler photo sessions at a preview of what's to come.

And what did I learn from Miss Alivia, age 3? SPUNK! This gal was so fun, busy, and energetic!

Oh, and I learned that not all kids are as 'ok' with bugs as I thought! If there was an ant in sight, it was a no-go for this gal. (Which I totally sympathize with, by the way!)

We could have played for HOURS on the bridge:

LOVE these shoes! Where were these when I got married?!?!

I'm a winner!

2009-09-01T16:41:00.000-07:00

I'm taking a photography seminar on available light photography at a local community college this semester.

Today, we had a in-class assignment that focused on using shadows. We each had 45 minutes to shoot and upload our work. And then the class voted for a winner - and it was me!

The prize winning photo:

My reward: 35 extra credit points! YES!

Eli's Lids Giveaway!

2009-08-31T12:22:00.000-07:00

My buddy, Kara-Noel, owns a fabulously cute kiddie hat and clothing business, Eli's Lids. They're hosting a WHOLE MONTH of giveaways: check 'em out by clicking on cutie Eli below!

Dina & Mike's Engagement

2009-08-24T12:25:00.000-07:00

This weekend, I had the honor of attending a Coptic Orthodox Engagement Ceremony for my good friend, Dina, and her fabulous fiance, Mike.

Beautiful Dina:

Handsome Mike:

One of the (several) priests conducting the ceremony:

Coptic Christians exchange rings at the Engagement Ceremony. The rings are worn on the right hand by both the man and the woman during the engagement, and then the rings are moved to their left hands at the wedding.

Dina and her proud Mamma:

Signing the engagement contract:

After the ceremony, there was food, cake, dancing, Egyptian music - quite the party!

Congratulations, Dina & Mike!

Nathan & Mia

2009-08-15T20:10:00.000-07:00

Nathan & Mia, their Mom, their Grandparents, and I all spent the morning at the Fullerton Arboretum. The morning was gorgeous - and so are they! These munchkins absolutely CANNOT take a bad picture!

The Hall Family

2009-08-12T08:28:00.000-07:00

The Halls are possibly the most photogenic family. EVER.

I had SUCH a tough time picking my favorites - they are all so beautiful!

Kari: South Bay Senior Extraordinaire

2009-08-06T15:21:00.000-07:00

5 minutes with Kari would cure anyone of any and all disparaging thoughts about the modern American teenager. She is fun, clever, confident, and warm in way one doesn't usually expect from a 17 year old.

Those 5 minutes would also cure you of grumpy mood, to be sure.

So it's little wonder that the (early) morning of our senior picture shoot, the South Bay town that had steeped in morning fog for weeks was instead gloriously sunny. Great for the day, tougher on the photographer.

Kari was a great sport as we traipsed around her high school campus in search of photo spots - and shade. I think our hunt was pretty successful.

Kate: The Cutest Guinea Pig Ever.

2009-07-24T23:27:00.000-07:00

Kate, her mommy, and I spent a glorious Thursday morning at the Japanese Gardens on the campus of Cal State Long Beach.

We ran around.
We smelled flowers.
We fed fish.
We decided against trying to catch said fish.

And we took lots and lots of photographs.
Because Kate is my very first portrait client.

Introducing: Brave Little Duck Photography.
Plucky, fun, lighthearted.
Here's to hanging my shingle.

A kiss for her new sister.