Gilroy, CA Family Portraits Photographer: Biggest heart
It’s been a year since I last photographed these guys, and so much in our lives has happened since those family portraits. In that time what I’ve come to learn just what an amazing person R is. She probably has the biggest heart of any one I’ve ever had the pleasure to meet and call a friend. She stepped up in a very big way to help another family through their darkest time, organizing everything from their home to food planning, to emergency kid care, all while her own heart was breaking. She did it graciously, without boasting and ever asking for any credit or recognition. R is the kind of person I can think of whenever I feel down on humanity, so that I can remind myself what we are capable of (as people) and what goodness exists in our world. She is the definition of “friend” and one that I am very proud to call mine. If we all had someone in our lives like R, we would all be immensely fortunate.
Continuing on the thread of being helpful, and amazing, R actually helped secure this spot for me. I needed a location in Gilroy to host a mini session event day and she came through for me in a big way. Not once, but twice, since the first time we were supposed to meet, we got rained out.
My favorite images of R’s session, came from the private road just outside the property. It was quiet, and the kids could run up and down and just be kids. Speaking of whom, M and B are such great kids. Last year, if you remember, B was afraid of my big camera. If you’ve seen my 70-200mm lens mounted onto my camera you’d understand why — the thing is huge and surely scary to a little person (it’s, like, half his height!!!) But this year he was a complete pro. I’m so glad with how it all turned out.
Thank you, R! Again 🙂 For all that you do, and all that you are, you are beautiful inside and out!
Belmont Family Photographer: Into the woods
Oh, I’ve been waiting to post this session for awhile. These girls… seriously SO beautiful, so much fun to be with. I really DO do a little dance in my head when I look at the back of my camera and see this loveliness looking back at me.
This mini session took place on the grounds of NDNU. I had 4 families booked for family portraits that evening, and I had scoped out a spot for each so that everyone got a unique feel. I had been saving this scene for these ladies. I had been scoping the sun movement, thinking it would be just perfect through the trees for them. Alas, as the month progressed, we missed the sun at it’s perfect position — it made me a little sad to miss out on some golden, back-lit halos for these girls, but it’s a session I’m thrilled with none-the-less.
The girls came with their favorite stuffed animals and two big pumpkins with their names on them: how can I argue with kid friends and family provided traditions & props? Some of my favorite images, though, came from the girls playing with the golden leaves that had fallen on the ground. Man, if I ever wanted to do a woodsy nymph- type project these would be the two I’d be calling first.
Enjoy their lovely faces!
Gilroy, CA Family & Child Photographer: Dapper
It’s not uncommon for my clients to arrive a little early and get dressed for our session on site. This works great for families traveling longer distance, or with kids (especially the spit-up variety ;p). So when M pulled the boys out of the car and began to get them ready I wasn’t too surprised. But when she pulled O out with his bow-tie, suspenders, and hat, I just about fainted from cuteness overload. I mean, seriously — check out these two. Do you remember them from their newborn shoot? Now, (almost) 7 months later, can they be any more handsome? At their age, for our family photos, I was worried about unstained clothes the kids looked cute in — I’m so impressed how well M styled them. Earlier in the week she was stressing about whether a black shirt for herself would be alright, and I think they all look incredible.
Now… let’s talk about big sis H. I feel such a draw to this little girl. I wish I saw her more often, but there’s seriously a bond happening here and I love every moment I spend with her. I’m inexplicably happy with the little Tom-boy she is brewing inside. You might not be able to tell through her awesome dress, but those sticks she gathers… there’s more than girlie girl behind those ruffles. I seriously want to take her home and keep her. Not because I want a girl — I want THIS girl!
Thank you, M and A for yet another crazy fun morning photographing your family: it’s so wonderful to watch them grow!
San Mateo, CA Mini Session Photographer: Books
Last month, if you’ll remember I had a last minute opening for a mini session in San Mateo. C sent me a note after her cousin, who had recently received her portraits from me told her about it. Thanx, C! I love getting to meet the extended families and friends of my clients. It’s, honestly, one of the biggest compliments I can get, and how I’ve grown my business. It’s also why every year I’m adding more and more mini session events on the calendar.
C and T have two beautiful children: a bouncing baby boy, and a studious pre-teen.
Seriously, this girl… I had to marvel. K came to our session and brought a book, because she loves reading THAT much (or maybe she loved reading “Kylie the Carnival Fairy” that much). For each photo she wasn’t in, she was eagerly asking for her book. How can I want to get in the middle of that? So, like most other things, I go with my motto: don’t beat them: join them. It was great! She got to see what happened on the next page, and I got to capture who she honestly is… down to the smiley face sticker still on her hand.
Meanwhile, little B has the most sparkly eyes. And that hair. All that hair. He’s a loved little man, to be sure. Snuggles with mom; learning about dandy-lions with his big sister — he’s got a good thing going.
Thank you for jumping on that opening, guys! I’m so glad it worked out.
Meanwhile, if you would like to reserve a session and my calendar is full, don’t dispair — let me know. Also be sure to follow my Facebook page. I post my openings, including last minute ones there so that you can jump on the opportunity if your schedule allows.
Belmont, CA Child & Family Photographer: Lovely, lovely, lovely
Look at these girls!!! Such ladies they are becoming.
I remember the very first time I photographed this family — Little O was 2 and more or less preferred to be on the side of the camera than in front of it. I felt lucky to get 5 photos of her that day. And now? She’s just about a pro at having her portrait taken — she’s got her game face on, which is silly, totally herself herself, and not to mention stinkin’ cute. I enjoyed doing some “see no evil/hear no evil” pictures with her — she just strikes me as that kinda girl — the kind-hearted little mischief maker you don’t want to turn your back on for too long ;p
Big sister A is so remarkable too. Last year she started styling her family for our shoots, and they continue to look great! I really wanted to show how much she’s growing up too, and did some more sophisticated portraits with her too, still working to preserve her pre-teen personality. There was some tree hugging too.
We ended our shoot with some 1:1 photos for just mom and dad. I love taking the time to photograph just the parents alone. There just comes a time when the kids are old enough to loiter at my feet while Mom and Dad snag a few photos of just themselves to remind them of the unit that began the family.
This session also took place at NDNU in Belmont. I feel so fortunate this year! I’ve returned to some locations from the past, but also ventured out into some new spots and it’s been a fabulous win! While NDNU has been in my repertoire before, it’s nice to be able to show off it’s amazing variety of scenes: all just within 30 ft of each other. Seriously! I’m loving the afternoon light here, especially in the fall.
