Shooting from the Heart

First comes love ...

Shana & Brian sittin' in a tree 

k-i-s-s-i-n-g

First came love

then came marriage

then came Baby Payton!

I had the wonderful opportunity of photographing Shana & Brian's wedding two and a half years ago in Hawaii.  I kept in touch with Shana over the years and was just thrilled when she told me they were expecting!  Since they live in the Bay Area and I live in San Diego I didn't get the opportunity to photograph her pregnancy portraits but I was up north right after Payton came into the world.  At just 7 days old, I got to meet this precious baby girl!  I always get choked up when I first meet a baby, those miracles never cease to amaze me.  I was so touched and thankful to have the opportunity to photograph another milestone in Shana & Brian's life.

Have I mentioned that I love my job?

A day in the life of another beautiful family

I truly get excited when I have the opportunity to meet and work with new clients.  This opportunity came to me by referral which is how I obtain most of my business.  When I arrived at this beautiful family's house, the kids were so happy and talkative that our photo session just flew by with such grace and ease. 

Dina is an amazing woman and such a loving mother - I could see it in her children.  I look forward to working with the family again and documenting their growth!

p.s. notice the heart on the tile between Pepper's paws? 

Happy Birthday to my beautiful daughter

Krista Noel was born 14 years ago and it's been fun and laughter ever since!  Being born around Christmas time, we gave her the middle name "Noel".  She LOVES seeing her middle name all over the place during the Holidays!  When she was little, she thought everyone was celebrating HER!  Today we will celebrate her and all the love and joy she has brought to us!!  

Love you babe.

The Vega's

We spent the Thanksgiving Day Holiday up in Northern California with my family.  My sister-in-law and my oldest brother were due for an updated family portrait and I was more than happy to oblige!  Making it an even sweeter deal was the gorgeous terrain at my parent's property.  My daughter was the "photo tour guide" as she drove our models around in the ATV - the cousins had so much fun!

My oldest nephew has been away at college so his little sister was so happy to steal some time with him.  I think they were all happy ... especially mom.

It's not too late to get YOUR family portraits done in time for Christmas!

Cheryl's mini me

This is what we like to do when we're together and have a few moments of fun - we think of fun ways to dress up Maya! I told Cheryl ... "I'm envisioning Maya sitting in a big Louie Vuitton bag, holding your blackberry and wearing a sassy purple outfit" - done! Maya liked it for a few minutes then she was done too.
I'll be working and playing with the DeAngelos again and I can't wait to share what we've come up with this time.

Stay tuned...

Aloha!

Fun in the sand with Seth!

This was Seth's second time being at the beach and he absolutely loved it! He was just so happy! We photographed Seth, the family and then just his mommy and daddy (I'll post those later).

These were taken at Carlsbad State beach. I like bringing families there for beach family portraits because there's so much sand and no pebble rocks to walk over on your way down to the water. Seth agreed!

Welcome to the world 'lil hero!

Graduation time is near

For Jordan's senior portraits, I chose the front of an open air amphitheatre. I like to chose locations that reflect the style and interests of the person I am photographing. Jordan has been in his high school drama productions and this year he was awarded the lead roll!

After a quick wardrobe change, I utilized the natural foliage in our chosen location.

Knowing that Jordan plays guitar, I suggested he bring it along. This was his favorite shot of the day!

Capturing memories with Zoey!

Family time!

Shooting the Ogata Family at the beach was so much fun! It was great to meet this beautiful family and have the opportunity to create wonderful images for them!