Planning outfits for a large group can feel overwhelming, but choosing what to wear for extended family photos at Crystal Cove doesn’t have to be stressful. With its soft sandy beach, natural rock formations, and beautiful ocean views, Crystal Cove provides a timeless backdrop that works wonderfully with soft, neutral color palettes.
Bringing home a new baby changes everything. The house feels fuller. The love feels bigger. And the older sibling? She is watching every single move that tiny baby makes.
This recent lifestyle newborn session in Orange County was one of my favorites. Mom, dad, and big sister welcomed their new baby with so much warmth and tenderness. Being there to capture it was a privilege.
You booked the session. You picked the date. And now comes the part that trips up even the most organized parents: actually getting everyone ready for picture day. The good news is that a little preparation goes a long way, especially when you have elementary-aged kids in the mix. Here are the three things I focus on with every family to make sure the session goes smoothly and the photos feel genuinely like you.
If you’ve recently had a baby or are expecting one soon, you’ve probably found yourself Googling newborn photographer costs at some point. Maybe you’ve even wondered whether you could just do it yourself. After all, everyone has a great camera on their phone these days, right?
As an Orange County newborn photographer who has worked with hundreds of families, I want to give you an honest, transparent look at what newborn photography actually costs in this area. More importantly, I want to explain what you’re really getting when you hire a professional.
As a family photographer serving Los Angeles and Orange County, I spend a lot of time with young families in those early, busy years. Parents of toddlers and preschool-age kids often ask me for recommendations beyond photography. And one topic that comes up again and again is preschool.
Finding the right preschool is one of the most personal decisions a family makes. Every child is different, and every family values something a little different in an early education environment. Some want Waldorf. Some want Montessori. Some want a warm home setting. Others want a program that gets their child ready for kindergarten.
With that in mind, here is a look at five wonderful Los Angeles preschools worth knowing about.
There are sessions I photograph and then there are sessions I feel. This one was the latter.
I first met this young woman when she was a toddler. I have photographed her family through the years, watching her grow from a little girl into someone who is heading to USC on a volleyball scholarship — a full semester early, no less. When her mom reached out to book her senior session, I may have done a little happy dance in my kitchen.
Every birthday deserves to be celebrated. However, as a Long Beach studio photographer, I have found that the sessions families treasure most are not always the most elaborate ones. Sometimes the sweetest idea walks right through the door in the form of a single mint green balloon.
One of the questions I get most often from families leading up to their session is some version of “I have no idea what to wear — help!” It’s completely understandable. You’re a few days postpartum, your toddler has strong opinions about clothing, and the last thing you want is to spend your session worrying about whether everyone looks right.
The good news is that getting this part right is simpler than you might think. Here’s everything you need to know about dressing your family for a newborn session.
When most people think of Los Angeles family photos, they picture the beach, a park, or maybe a downtown rooftop. But if you are looking for something a little more unexpected, a little more magical, and genuinely unlike anywhere else in Southern California, the Venice Canals are worth putting at the top of your list.
After photographing families for nearly two decades, people sometimes ask if I ever run out of places to shoot. I’ve been photographing families in Southern California for 19 years, and it may sound surprising, but the truth is the opposite.
This area is incredibly diverse. From coastal beaches to hidden parks, historic architecture, and scenic nature trails, there are endless possibilities for beautiful photo locations. The key to keeping sessions fresh and unique is constantly scouting new locations for photo sessions.
Over the years I’ve developed a simple process for discovering new spots that work well for family photography. Here’s a behind-the-scenes look at how I scout photo locations from start to finish.Read More