Chicago Family Photography: Valerie and Steve

Ventura County Family Photography: Emma and Ella

This is one of my favorite sessions ever!  I say that a lot, because I'm lucky to have amazing clients who bring so much to their photos and each session is special or unique.  However, these two cousins, who just happen to look like little dolls in these photos, are super sweet and have some of the most wonderful parents ever. 

We collaborated to bring some of the pieces together for a "rustic picnic chic" look (no easy task in balmy southern California) and with their matching outfits, I think you'll agree that this one is epic cute.  I've been saving this one for after Christmas as this session was partly a surprise for their lucky grandmother.  Plus, this is a perfect way to cap off my posts about the fall/winter holiday sessions we did this year. 


Happy Holidays!

Los Angeles Family Photography: Elissa

Elissa's little girl was just a few months old when we did a holiday session last year.  My how things have changed!  She's got quite a lot of personality now and is very fun and energetic.  You can tell Elissa loves being a mom and although her sweet little girl did not stay still for very long, she did allow us to play and take photos for almost an hour. 

I had a great time capturing their beautiful family.  And yes, it's the same basket!  She still fits in it, but not for long.  Elissa, thanks for letting me spend a beautiful day with you and Miss Z in gorgeous Marina del Rey!

Enjoy! 

Ventura County Family Photography: Ken and Lauren

There really aren't enough superlatives to describe this family! They have been with me since the very beginning and I am blessed to call them dear friends.  I got to photograph the very beginning of Lauren's pregnancy, then maternity photos, and then their baby as a newborn.  They are wonderful, fun, creative, patient, incredibly supportive, and their daughter is insanely adorable. I love this holiday session because they have a great sense of style and Lauren actually made the beautiful burlap holiday banner that's in the background and brought most of the props herself.

Ken and Lauren, thank you for believing in me all along.  I love these photos and I love your family!


Enjoy!

Joe and Jenny: Ventura County Family Photography Holiday Session

You may remember this little cutie from her newborn session when she was just a couple weeks old.  She has, if it's possible, gotten even cuter because now she reacts to things that are going on around her and has one of the most adorable little giggles I've ever heard.  Her parents are very patient and sweet with her, making this session really fun.  We were going for a fall theme and even managed to secure a lovely Christmas tree lot location, but alas it was almost 80 degrees in California that weekend.  Not that I was complaining...

Jenny and Joe, thank you for allowing me to capture your family again!  I feel so blessed to get your sweet little girl in front of the camera twice this year.

Enjoy!

Reflection and Favorites: 2010

I'm not sure what it is about this time of year, but I've gone from really disliking to kind of loving the end of the year.  It's a sentimental time, after all the wrapping paper has been put away and winter has really set in.  Maybe it's because of the movie When Harry Met Sally when New Year's Eve plays such a pivotal role in their love story or the fact that I love Auld Lang Syne (and Robert Burns, the poet who authored the piece that became the song).

The lyrics of Auld Lang Syne remind us to remember old times and cherish relationships.  A photographer who I really admire (and am honored to have taken her workshop) repeatedly reminds us photographers to do this as well.  It's easy to get tied up in creating, in the artistic side of this business and forget how important the brand and relationships we've built are.  Reflection also allows us to constantly grow and learn.  I'm proud of the photographer I've become, but even more proud that I've gotten so much better over time and constantly am seeking ways to improve.

Below, I'm sharing some of my favorite moments from this past year at For the Love Photography.  How blessed I am to capture these special moments and help people turn their memories into works of art!  Thank you for sharing in and supporting my journey.

To my mostly silent readers, please feel free to comment on this one.  :)



Happy New Year!