No More Stiff Smiles | Newport Beach Orange County Family Photographer

When I first started in photography I did a lot of the more traditional type sessions, as it just seemed like that is what everyone wanted. You know, those twenty different backdrops and compositions, but all with the same fake smiles at the camera for each and every one. But in the middle of it I started sneaking in the more informal shots. The ones where smiles became real because they were produced by true joyful moments.

It didn’t take me long to realize this is where my photography heart found its favorite niche. Slowly I would incorporate more and more of this type of shooting into each session. As for blogging and social media I showed nothing traditional at all to put the idea of candid lifestyle into all my future family’s minds. And you know what, I found myself truly enjoying my time photographing these families. Gone was the stresses of making sure everyone looked perfect, smiled perfect, placed their hand perfect. Now I could actually embrace the messy, and allow my creativity to lead our time.

I have found that true joy, true smiles, come when families are simply allowed to have fun. So now I fill our time with games and movement, with tickles and races. It may not be the photography for everyone and that is 100 percent ok! But it is the type of photography I have found to love, and who doesn’t want a job that they love right?

My Biggest Inspiration | Orange County Family Photographer

I’m a firm believer that without inspiration you will burn out fast as a photographer. Yes, there is that pretty finished work you get to deliver at the end. Yes, Newport Beach is kind of my office. ;-) BUT, the race to the finish line isn’t always so colorful. Running a business, no matter how much intertwined with your dream, is hard, and oftentimes overwhelming. Just like anything in life usually is. And so we all must find that something to push us through. Grabbing our inspiration from all different avenues. By far one of the main things that keeps me wanting to go forward are those “small” emails and texts I get after sending a photo gallery. The ones that tell me how much the photos mean to them. Some go into great detail and emotion and I’m not going to lie,I read them over and over again. And then I save them, to read again on my bad days! Side note: if you like your photos, please tell me—my heart needs to know it. ;-)

But even beyond that comes another inspiration for me, my biggest one—or two that is: my babies. Who really are not babies anymore but five and seven. Hello time, please slow down! They are the reason I picked up a camera in the first time, the ones I shot day and night for two years straight. Literally too, as I took on a “365 challenge” which means you really do have to compile one photo from every day of that year! They are the reason I have grown from photos that remain for our families eyes only to ones I am now proud to hang on my walls. Much more than taking their picture though they inspire me simply because they breathe. I’m inspired to support them in reaching all their dreams. To show them they can do anything if they want it enough. I continue to pick up my camera because of them. Hoping that someday they will find a dream of their own, and not stop pursuing until they have fully grabbed hold.

Those Long Sandy Walks | Newport Beach Family Photographer

These parent’s sunsets used to consist of long leisure strolls along the beach, hand in hand as they calmly watching those ocean blues crash along the shore. Now those same hands are swinging and dancing babies and making sure no is being washed away by those same blue waves. The best part though? These are the sunsets they wouldn’t trade for the world. And these are the kinds that make my photographer heart soar. 

Also that heart of mine, once a die hard Laguna beach lover is falling feet first for Newport now! I am totally and utterly obsessed with this place!! The light, landscape, colors, and not to mention very minimum crowds have me so excited to get here each and every time! 

How Does the Photo Make You Feel? | Newport Beach Family Photographer

I have one driving goal every time I pick up my camera. And it’s not to show you what it looked like, but rather, how it felt. You have iphones and dslr's to snap the scene. Selfies and even selfie sticks to get everyone in the family right there in the frame. I don't want you to choose me so that I can grab a pretty picture of bribed smiles and perfect poses. I want your messy beautiful life with kids. I want to capture the way your heart sees your babies, the way it melts right into puddles of that ocean when you see the excitement in their eyes. The joy that fills your soul as they laugh and splash in the waves. Ten and twenty years from now I want you to look back and not just remember how tiny they were, but how much their love filled your life. And in ten and twenty years from now I want those now grown babies to look themselves and see what a beautiful childhood it was. 

Why I Only Shoot the Beach On Weekdays | Newport Beach Family Photographer

I get it, weekdays can be hard to get to the beach. There is work, school, activities, your tired and maybe even a little cranky. ;-) But as challenging as the thought may seem the pros far outweigh the cons. Having family photos taken is an investment of both your money and also time. There is so much planning involved with outfits and hair and making sure everyone has had naps and snacks, and the list goes on and on. Most moms arrive a little frazzled at first, which is totally expected and normal. They calm down within a few minutes of shooting. :-) But after all that time and effort there is no better way to be disappointed than to realize that those awesome rocks or pretty cliffs you were looking forward to having in the backdrop are now a no go because they are swarming with people. And then as you try to find a little empty corner with no where to shoot but straight out towards the water you are then being stared at by those same crowds of people as you try to kiss your wife and dance with your baby without feeling self conscience about it. Having lifestyle images taken is very personal and intimate and to make it as stress free and relaxing as possible is key. And this is why I only schedule for weekdays. The crowd factor is literally night and day difference. 

I met this beautiful family on a Thursday at a non crowded cove in Newport. They got to really relax as they enjoyed the place mostly to themselves. And I was able to allow my creative freedom to come out, using the light in the exact way I wanted to catch all that golden glow and blue skies. And getting the epic backdrops that make my heart happy. 

And so with that, let's meet for a Tuesday, and everyone can celebrate with tacos after. :-) 

20 Minutes in Laguna | Orange County Family Photographer

They got caught in the nemesis between LA and Orange County: traffic. By the time we met up and made our way down to the beach I think I must have only shot for about 20 minutes. But oh, what a good 20 minutes it was!! They gave it their all, with love and laughter for the win. And the sky seemed to say sorry for the traffic by showing off in all its beauty. So many favorites! 

My New 15mm Lens: SUPER Wide Angle Love

This year I finally took the plunge and upgraded my former Sigma lens to my all time favorite forever 35L II. My third baby this thing is. So sharp and fast, with colors that make my heart sing. 90% of my work is with the 35mm focal length, and all my latest posts this summer with the Canon version of it. But this post itself isn't about that. ;-) 

With my old Sigma that I traded in with Adorama, I was able to accept one of two offers. The first was for a small amount of cash deposited to my bank account. The second was a larger trade in value. And of course the wisest decision was to trade in for another lens, right? ;-) Hence, my newest 15mm ultra wide angle. This thing takes in the ENTIRE surrounding! It is for sure a creative lens, and a learning curve to say the least. But I am loving playing with it nonetheless, especially at the beach! We made it down to Newport the other night just as the sun was dipping below the horizon and I used my forever test subjects to see what I could create with it. I just love the way it tells such a fun and funky story. I'm still playing with it and seeing all that it can do. But I have a feeling I may be bringing it with me to some future sessions to end the night with. <3