San Mateo, CA Family & Child Photographer: Welcome back!
A couple of years back I photographed this family at the Redwood City City Hall. I developed an instant attachment to the images from that session and by now you’ve seen them on various portions of my site, social shares and marketing materials.
It wasn’t just because I felt they were interesting to look at: it was because of how A and G felt so at ease with me, and how the love they outwardly showed to their little guy just resonated with me so much. I look back on that session as a model for the kind of photography I continuously want to deliver.
Since our last meeting, A and G welcomed a baby girl to their family. She looks so much like her big bro. And those lips? Oh my, those lips!!! Pout-y and adorable, and paired with those big sparkly eyes of hers? Yeah, she’s developing her killer look now 🙂 For her individual portraits, we put her by the grass and she sat there so enthralled by the poky grass. I tell you, she would’ve hung out there for an hour if she could.
Her big brother, though? Not so much — he’s the energy ball I expect this three year old to be. He looooved running around. My favorite part about him this time, though? How willing he was to laugh just because his dad said something was funny. And I mean, the big belly kind of laugh — incredible! He also did a fantastic job keeping mom and dad from any possible kissing they might do. I captured it (and am showing you too). He enjoyed it a little too much, if you ask me — I mean look at that smile ;p
This session took place at College of San Mateo. G used to take classes here a while ago, and we chatted about how much the campus has changed. I’m enjoying this space so much. So much variety. You’ve seen it on wet days, and it’s wooded sights — now a bit of it’s wonderful landscaping design. And more is still to come! I can’t wait to photograph here more!
San Mateo, CA Family & Child Photographer: Sun Hide and Seek
Here one minute; gone the next — that was more or less the sun’s performance for us on this morning’s mini session. I guess that comes with the territory shooting in the fall on the San Mateo beach. While the light “Hide and Seek” was a challenge to work around, I took advantage of the cloud-covered sun to use the tall fennel as the backdrop for this family’s portraits. It’s not something that works out this time of year.
G and his baby sister, C, are growing up. Last year, C was snuggled in her momma’s belly. Now she’s is all over crawling, and has the sweetest 2-bottom-toothed smile. There’s a lot of love and admiration with these two. It’s awesome to see how sweet G is with his baby sister. He’s got superhero’s on the brain on one side, and snuggles for C on the other. It’s pretty great!
We took these images at the San Mateo Yacht Club. It’s right by the Bay Trails of Coyote Point. I had two mini session events there, so you’ll be seeing lots from this location over time. Sadly, the sun this time of year never really moves to a point where having the boats in the background works out too well, but one of these days I’m hoping it will work out to get some awesome boat shots as well.
San Mateo, CA Child & Family Photographer: Lifelong Friends
I have known this amazing woman for the past 20 years. Isn’t it amazing to look at that kind of number? We grew up together and have shared every major life milestone with one another. And it all started on a sunny summer day where we met in our apartment complex’ pool. We spent that summer literally inseparable and have been close ever since. While our busy family & professional lives, along with distance keep us apart most of the time, I know we are the kind of friends that will always be there for one another.
I’ve been S and P’s family photographer for a little while now too. It’s been an interesting turn, since S attended an amazing arts high school, and then went on to the Rhode Island School of Design. Though she’s an architect today, she took photography classes herself, and actually one of my favorite photos of me was taken by her. So I feel pretty fortunate to be able to turn things around and photograph her family.
You’ve seen these guys, first with her growing bump with O, then as O turned one, and most recently on my last Mother’s Day mini sessions. Since then, S and P’s family has grown by another two little feet: with little P joining their brood. This is her debut to you guys… and at 10 months old, she’s debuting that she’s ready to enter the world of the walkers. It won’t be too long guys that you have to chase two little peanuts in opposite directions. May luck be on your side: I have lots of sympathy for you.
We held this past session at College of San Mateo. I am seriously loving working here and can’t wait to invite more clients to do sessions here. While this has been my go-to for rainy days and mid-day sessions on the Peninsula, I’m now exploring the grounds in better light and weather. There’s a lovely grove of eucalyptus trees where we shot these images, but the architecture is also amazing, and you’ll see some more examples of the diversity of that campus coming up soon too. And I’ve only just began to scratch the surface of that campus. I just get giddy when I find places like this. So stay tuned for more of this campus, and ask me for it when you book with me. You won’t be disappointed! Promise.
Menlo Park, CA Family & Child Photographer: Silly like her monkey
Little N has been appearing before my lens for the past 3 years. It’s been fun to see her grow over time and see her personality evolve. She’s free spirited and I love it! This last session was no exception. She brought her monkey toy-friend along and proceeded to (herself) channel ‘monkey’ for more our less our whole mini session. From the start, climbing up big rocks; to peeking at me, while bent over — it was a silly kind of day. Might I add how impressed I am with kids’ flexibility?
At the end of our session I had just moved us to this cool section of grass hills, when nature beckened for N and we needed to wrap up. Oh well! Next time, I guess. ‘Cuz that was some darn cool grass!
Soon N gets to be a big sister. B and D are expecting another little monkey to join their crew soon. I love hearing this kind of news. I took that opportunity to capture a few maternity photos of B’s emerging baby bump. Congrats you too! I’m sure your next kid will be equally awesome and I cant’ wait to meet them.
Menlo Park, CA Family Photographer: Hiding in the trees
When I scout locations for mini sessions, one of the things that I look for is versatility. It’s important to me that each of my families have a unique experience, and their photos don’t look cookie cutter to everyone else that day. It keeps me thinking on my toes a little, and I’m sure you don’t get bored following either ;p
I love El Palo Alto Park! It’s a hidden little gem straddling Menlo Park and Palo Alto. You walk through it in three minutes, so it’s easy to overlook, which is sad because it’s an incredibly pretty spot. I think bicyclists get more out of it as they cut through on their ride. You saw it before at this awesome session for a girl and her sisters. I knew I’d want to use it again, and morning or afternoon, it hasn’t disappointed me yet.
When I arrived the morning sun was looking so pretty coming up through the tall redwood trees. It was perfect. And it was perfect for THIS family, and their golden haired girls. G had fun peeking through the trees playing with mom and dad. At one point a train came by (I bet you’d never guess that 20 feet to our side are the Caltrain tracks; but don’t worry, they’re fenced off, so no toddlers can accidentally wonder on), and G froze looking at the passing cars. The light was perfect, her gaze was perfect and I held my breath. Because I got the perfect photo to match that moment too.
Little A is sitting now. You saw her last when she was just weeks old. She has golden hair like her mom and sister and awesome smiles to boot.
Thank you for another wonderful year, guys! It’s been wonderful to photograph you over the past 3 years and watch your daughters grow.
