Borrego in Bloom

I was lucky enough to take a one day, get-out-of-town, change of scenery, roadtrip this month. And even luckier to make it out to the desert in one of the most productive wildflower season in years. Just as locally, the desert has flourished in the rain that we've all been cherishing, and painted the desert with every color imaginable.

Anza Borrego is near, yet such a an other worldy landscape. It's so vast and expansive.

The peace and heat are absorbed plentifully.

(ocotillo cactus in bloom)

With just the right light from behind the catus look a glow

I felt like I was on a dry corral reef

Barrel cactus were out of control

(these little cuties are called Monkey flowers)

I love, love, love what a polarizer does to the midday sky

Julian being only an hour from North County and Borrego just 30 minutes from there, you have no excuse not to go. It's the perfect day or weekend trip.

Another Gorgeous Day for Photography

You can't complain about the weather here in California. I can't even count how many beach days we've had already this year and it's the beginning of Spring! So that makes almost any day, a nice day to go shoot on location. This day was not the exception. Not a cloud in the sky, warm sunniness and a super sweet family to hang out with. I got to hang with this super styley family back in December as well, with her side of the family, so of course it's only fair to have a session with his family too! It was good to see them again.

p.s. don't you love brick in those images there at the end? Anyone guess where that is? There's a little clue here in a couple of the shots.

Friends

It's a treat to be able to work while you play. It's amazing to see babies turn into toddlers...turn into kids. Families share time and kids explore. It's the simple things. Ahhh, to relax and enjoy the moment.

Baby Celia

Spring Contest

Spring is almost here! The days are longer, warmer and wildflowers are in bloom everywhere. It might be because I'm a spring baby, I was born the first day of Spring long ago... but I LOVE this time of year. It's gorgeous outside and I'm dying to get out and create art, with you in it of course! So I'm gifting a free portrait session* to whomever can come up with the most beautiful Spring location. Keep in mind I'm a sucker for big open spaces and fields of wildflowers. All you have to do is: 1) sign up to "follow" this blog, just sign in by entering an email and password with google and 2) leave your choice of location in a comment below this post. I'm excited to see what you all come up with. Be creative and keep your eyes open for good spots while driving around town (but drive safe!). I'll announce the winner Monday March 22, when Spring has officially begun. Something fun to start your week off. Tell your friends and thanks for participating! Look forward to seeing you!

*gift includes portrait session, photographer time and talent + soul mini-book ($200 value) *prints or portrait cd purchased seperately

For my Fellow Women Photographers

The other night I was out shooting, going to appetizers, an event, and whatever followed. I didn't want to carry my black, bulky camera backpack with me all night (it just didn't quite enhance my outfit, if you know what I mean.) I wanted to blend in; be a guest. So of course, I grabbed my purse and shoved my camera inside. I knew the lens I really wanted to bring, my 28-70 2.8, was not going to fit (that lens is divine, but is soooo heavy and huge!), so I grabbed my nifty fifty instead. Also a great lens, but for this night a little more wide would have been nice. Anyhow, my point of this whole ramble is that I came across these new camera bags for women, by Epiphanie. They look like hip, contemporary purses and they hold gear! Just what I needed the other night. The selection is a limited to three styles at the moment, but I would hope that they add some more looks (colors) soon. I think the Lola bag is pretty cute. Just thought I'd spread the news. Check them out at www.epiphaniebags.com/#/about/

Happy Valentine's Day

Is this the best present you could EVER receive. A more precious love? A thing more adored? Romantic sweethearts are great and all (thank you for the flowers), though there's a magical connection, a bond so strong, a love that could never be quantified that comes from a parent to a little one. A love that is endless. A love that is forever, and ever and EVER. Happy Valentine's Day.

What a Beautiful Day

I love El Ninos. It's great to see the earth get drenched by so much rain. Plus, it's a change. It actually feels like we have seasons; winter doesn't feel like summer. And it's amazing for kids! What a perfect year to invest in some super cool, pink, polka dot rain boots. Happy rainy days to all!

Photo l.a.

Went up to Santa Monica last weekend for Photo l.a., the19th annual international Photographic Art Exposition. It was a great way to spend the day: train ride, lunch with my sister and lots of amazing art! Here's a few images that inspired me.

Sisters

How fun to have three girls! Sisters that can grow up to be best friends, and I think these three will. Each one's different, but come from a truly loving and fun family these three are going to grow and blossom. And who doesn't love a baby that smiles THAT much. Hope to see you all soon!