In the Studio

We couldn't decide which style of photography we wanted to do to celebrate Sofia's growth, so, we decided to do a little of both. Here are a few images from the studio. Sofia really was so much fun during this session. When we were out-and-about there was so much for her to take in and process, but in the studio it was warm and simple, and all about her, mommy and daddy. She has some of the best expressions, she's a beautiful girl!

I think that's how portrait photography should be! You, your family, the environment; just enjoying yourself and eachother.

Jessica + Greg + Sofia

Many of you may have already been following the story of this amazing family. Little Sofia was born to Jessica and Greg on September 1st 2009, weighing in at only 1 lb. 4oz. It was a VERY scary and emotional time with both Jessica and Sofia's lives hanging in the balance. Thank goodness for the strength and determination present in these two girls! They were also surrounded with so much love and support from family, friends and the community. And this is them today! Looking beautiful and healthy. I had been waiting for them to call and make plans for a session at their favorite local coffee house (and their second home!) and was so happy to see the three of them together; smiles on their faces. I know they still face daily challenges, but they seem to be growing stronger and better by the day. You can see their whole story and offer support by visiting www.helpjessicaandsofia.com

Sage & Stratton

I had so much fun on this session. Although the boys might have been a little tired (they were on a multi-state trip from Alaska with their brave & strong mom and had probably not settled into California yet), I thought they were great sports.

It's always fun to see the dynamics within families and syblings, but I haven't had to many opportunities to photography twins, especially awake ones! It would be great to see these guys again a year or two down the line and watch as they blossom and grow. They were physically and emotionally different, but very much connected to each other and their mommy!

Coming from Alaska Natalie wanted to shoot somewhere open and natural. I love the tones of the grasses with their skin, the gold was perfect, and the green was a bonus. These should look amazing in her home.

Getting my Wildflower fix

I've been taking serious advantage of all the beautiful colors here in Encinitas. And thanks to the lucky family that won my "favorite location" contest we got to play in a sweet little, secret spot of wildflowers, right near their home. The wildflowers are amazingly vibrant, but also create a really beautiful graphic-like background when blurred out correctly. I found I love these images in my b&w special recipe! We also had so much fun playing with a kid sized fedora hat from Magical Child. Amazing what expressions and playing can come from one little prop. Note how sweet little Chloe loved to do everything her big brother did...and,so cute doing it.

blondies

These two cute, little, blondies were a lot of fun to run around with the other night. Luckily, I did get them to sit down for a few too! Ahhh, brothers...along with the wrestling, tackling and running there are moments.

I like this new little 10x10 art print mounted on foam core. It's ready to go up on the wall or prop on a shelf. I think it's fun if you can't choose just one or two images for a small space.

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.