One, Two, Three...Open!

Dana Point offered a beautiful landscape for photographing the Horan/Van Dusen family. We spent a couple of hours on the beach and found a little pathway with a gorgeous green backdrop. Since it was mid day and the sun was really bright it was nice to have different spots to work with. It was such a joy getting to know this family better. Thank you Horan/Van Dusen family!

*Photo tip: When taking photographs in the mid day with no shade blinking and squinting can be a big problem. Have everyone close there eyes and then count to three and have everyone open their eyes at the same time. If you try this a few times your odds are better to get a photo with everyone's eyes open at the same time.

A Fortunate "Fortunato" Wedding

I woke up this morning to pouring rain. Just what I had dreaded most. I picked up Alyssa (my assistant) and we headed to meet the bride and groom at their hotel where they were getting ready. All the pre-shots went great and we headed to the church...uh oh, still raining. But when we were almost there we saw grey skies ahead with no rain. We were so excited and giggled; we were getting lucky. And as we entered the church the sun broke through and the light shined in through the beautiful stained glass. Everyone around us made comments about how special that day seemed. Their ceremony was extra special since that was the church where the bride's parents were married and on that same very day! After the ceremony we headed to the Nixon Library for the reception and on the way it started to rain again. Ugghhh! Our happy faces soon drooped with disappointment with the thoughts of shooting in the rain. But as we pulled up to the Library the rain stopped. Can you believe it? The clouds moved over for us again and we were able to take some of my favorite wedding portraits outside. Again we were smiling from ear to ear and chuckled at the good luck we were having. But to top it off, the groom found a four leaf clover in the grass. So if ever a couple was blessed with good fortune...it's the Fortunatos!

An Inspiration Indeed

I had the privilege to spend the afternoon in Irvine with one my most favorite families. Michele was one of the reasons I pursued my photography career. She has been one of my biggest cheerleaders and has given me the inspiration and encouragement to go for my dreams. Thank you Michele!

*Photo tip: When posing for photographs try different styles. You don't always have to group up tight in photos. I often prefer to have a family with this many people spread out a little. I think it makes for a beautiful portrait.

A Great Day

A wonderful woman Monica contacted me and asked if I would photograph her family. She wanted to give them a thoughtful gift of precious memories. So she gathered all of her family and we met near her house in Lake Arrowhead. It happened to be very windy and cold that day so we had to drive around to a few places to find somewhere sheltered with a beautiful back drop. Even though it was freezing they made the most of it! I can tell they are a very close family. The hugs, the laughter and the joking made this day great!

*Photo tip: Even when you think you have everything planned you never know what may happen. So it's best to always think of an alternative location.

Twins

When I heard Hanan's message that she wanted me to come and photograph her brand new babies I immediately started obsessing about twin photos. Twins are a special treat and I was so very excited to say the least. I felt right at home when I arrived. Hanan and her mother-in-law treated me like we were old friends. It was a very special day. Thank you Hanan!

*Photo tip: Photographing babies requires lots of patience. My best advice is to make sure you're not in a rush. If you're lucky you'll get your shots right away but more often than not you will have to take your time, move slow, shoot fast and have fun!

Memories

Another great day with another great family. The Williams family recently moved off the mountain but couldn't stay away. We had perfect cloud cover for a beautiful setting. I really enjoyed my time with Derek and DeeDee and their kids. They were really relaxed and had fun with everything I asked them to do. Thank you Williams family!!

*Photo tip: When ever I speak with any of my clients I like to ask them to bring anything that might represent or describe their kids personalities. This time DeeDee brought her daughters ballet shoes and her sons martial arts belt. I really love when I can incorporate the kids personalities in my photos. I think it also adds great memories for mom to keep.

Something New & Different

I found a new favorite spot for family photos. It was a beautiful cloudy day that gave me the perfect lighting for fun photos. And the Hazelett family was up for anything I wanted to try. We spent a couple of hours together and we got some amazing shots. The kids were great and very patient. Thank you Hazelett family for an amazing day!

*Photo tip: Plan ahead and bring props, especially for the kids. Don't be afraid to try something new and different!

Dream Location

The Holzer family lives in one of my favorite locations in the mountains. I couldn't stop dreaming that their place was mine. They told me it took them at least six years of writing letters and contacting property owners in that area to try and find someone who would be willing to sell. People just don't want to leave that area and after visiting I know why. We had a great time together and their kids were beautiful and fun to work with. Thank you Holzer family!!

* Photo tip: When looking for locations to take photos it's best to find a shaded area without any spotty lighting or sun patches.