That Time I Put On A Long Dress Of My Own | Orange County Family Photographer

On Christmas Day my kids gifted me with photos together. It was the best ten minute present I could have asked for. I have so many goals and dreams for this new year, but at the end of the day being their mom is still number one. And so I put on a dress and we played in the field for a mini Christmas sunset. Those who have met me taking their photos have seen nothing but yoga pants and a pony tail—and probably flip flops if it was a beach session! But although on the day to day I am a comfort girl through and through, especially when chasing littles and squatting at a seconds notice to “get the shot.” ;-) BUT there is such an extra element of whimsical when you are dancing in a field or running at the beach with fabric flowing.

If you don’t take photos for a living you may have never realized there are often elements in a frame that catch the eye of the viewer. But everything should have a purpose for its being. A HUGE element of pictures is in fact movement, and “flow.” Hair blowing, dresses swishing, scarves flying—they all add a subtle but impactful brush.

What To Wear for Family Photos | Orange County Family Photographer

Sometimes the hardest part of planning your family’s photo session is deciding those three little, very big, words: WHAT TO WEAR. Don’t worry though, with a few simple ideas you can easily piece together those perfect outfits! Here are some of my biggest tips when putting everything together:

1. Coordinate, don’t match:

   Choosing colors that go together nicely but aren’t the same shade is much more pleasing on the eye and keeps you from blending into a four headed monster. ;-) So rather than everyone in blue, for example, go with some blues, pinks, whites, and grays.

2. Choose ONE outfit first:

   Start with one “statement” piece, or that very favorite “must have” you found. You can then coordinate the rest of the family around it. For example, say mom finds a floral dress she knows will look perfect on her. She can easily pull colors from it to match the rest of the family around her. Maybe some greens, blues, and reds that will make each flower pop!

3. Go With the “Flow” Dress

   The whimsical scene that flowing dresses brings to your session just can’t be matched—at least in my opinion. ;-) So go for anything that catches the wind and your photos will thank you! Young girls just love to show me how their dresses can twirl, making for the sweetest pictures of happy smiles. However, even with teenagers and adults I will often ask them to twirl their skirt with one hand, creating that extra element of movement and interest.

4. SQUAT!

   And bend over. And do a quick run. :) A session with me generally entails a LOT of playing, bending, squatting, and throwing up babies. This is all about capturing those fleeting moments, so make sure your clothing allows the freedom to do so. When clothing is too tight or short you will find you cannot be yourself fully with the kids

5. Avoid overly bright colors

   It’s no secret how much I love color, and my editing style is full of vibrance. Because of this however, anything that is extra bright or neon can easily turn to the extreme with my edits, not to mention often reflect that same color right onto your skin!

Along with that here are some shops I love!

All four of these first ones for the adult ladies are located right here in Orange County as well, which makes things super easy for returns, try ons, and shopping local as well. :)

Morning Lavender —Old Town Tustin

Free People — Located in both Huntington Beach and Irvine Sprectrum

Vici — Newport Beach

Anthropologie — Fashion Island in Newport Beach

Windsor — Irvine Spectrum

Not local, but I’m also a huge fan of these other online shops:

Jen’s Pirate Booty

Baltic Born

Revolve

My FAVORITE shop for all girls from size 2 to tween is Joyfolie ! They also have some gorgeous pieces for moms as well. :)

Joyfolie

Another great shop for the girls (also starts at size 2):

Belleandkai

For baby girls under 2yrs I love Baileys!

Bailey’s Blossoms

For the young boys, Zara is located right at South Coast plaza has some really adorable and trendy pieces.

Also, places such a Gap, Banana Republic, H&M, Urban Outfitter, Express, etc, all work for some great staples for all the guys as well, young and old! :) Henleys, button ups, sweaters, solid or simple patterned shirts all work great, as well as light material pants or shorts.

Obligatory Footsie Pajamas at the Beach Pics | Orange County Family Photographer

We moved to Orange County when my babies were only two and four years old! We came to the beach pretty much daily, because after two straight winters in Cleveland, OH, “hello we are on a sunny California high.” ;-) I’m still here A LOT doing photo sessions, but as a family it’s become quite rare. But this year for Christmas I put footsie pajamas in their stockings and they would quickly became the favorite gift of the year! They wear them together absolutely every chance they get and are immediate besties. :) When they suggested we should take some pictures of them together I jumped on that one immediately because who knows how many more of these they’ll give me? From little toddlers watching in wonder at the waves to school kids looking for treasure among the rocks, why do they have to grow up so fast?? And can they just stop now? Memories don’t wait, birthdays don’t take a year off—take as many pictures as they will allow you. Even if the wardrobe of choice means a onesie.

Happy New Year everyone! Resolutions of adventure, love, and happiness in the smallest of moments with the littlest of people… And also super side note but winter beaches means super low tide season where all the rocks that are usually covered show all their glorious rocky selves. I.e. my favorite time here!

My Top Instagram Photos for 2018 | Newport Beach Family Photographer

I often get asked how people find me here in Newport, and the number one, believe it or not, is Instagram! Those crazy hashtags that everyone makes fun of actually work! You are allowed to use 30 per post and I never leave it at 29! Through that simple symbol # I have had the chance of photographing people from not only all over America, but also the world. Orange County is a popular destination with its beautiful beaches, crazy amazing weather, and of course its number one, Disney Land. And with it I have been so extremely fortunate to not have a “slow” season here, as family vacations happen all throughout the year.

Through Instagram I have not only connected with some amazing families but also other photographers as well. It is good at taking that lone man job, and creating some great connections and much needed encouragement in the photography world. With changed to the algorithm I will admit this form of social media has kicked my behind this year as I’ve tried over and over to get my work seen. But as much as I want to rip my hair out somedays, and as much as it seems like they keep showing my posts to less and less, somehow those hashtags keep doing their thing!

And although I don’t like to base any worth on what pictures do “good” or get the most of those coveted “likes” on there, it’s still fun to take a look at the end of the year and see the top posts. I have learned I definitely post more horizontal than vertical shots, and that would probably be because for whatever reason I always shoot mostly landscape orientation! I’ve also learned that babies and beaches are my thing. Surprise, surprise… although I did sneak in a little desert this year as well. ;-)

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.

Where To Have Family Photos When You've Already Done the Beach | Laguna Photographer

It’s no secret I shoot at the beach—a lot! But what about when you’ve already done the beach thing, maybe even more than once? It is a pretty place, and totally nothing wrong with redoing pictures there till the day your kids tell you their through. ;-) But every once in a while families come to me wanting to mix it up. And since you can’t truly get the water out of me I have fallen in love with this quiet little haven in the desert, with surprise surprise an ocean in the backdrop—haha! I just discovered this OC spot late this summer so haven’t had too many sessions here yet. BUT wanting to change that up for 2019! And with that, here’s a little peek into the foothills of Laguna.

That Comparison Game | Newport Beach OC Family Photographer

Photography is a saturated market filled with all kinds of jaw dropping artists. It can be so easy to look at the work of others and start thinking I should try to emulate that. My beach pictures should have more of “this,” my families should do more of “that,” my composition, angle, light, humor, drama, etc should go every which route.

I am reeeeally big about forever trying to grow as a photographer. I spend hours reading, listening, shooting, pushing myself daily to become better in this craft. But I have also been learning a lot myself this year. A lesson not taught on light or connection, but rather that it is ok to just be me. That my style is unique to the person I am. I don’t have to edit like that famous person or dress someone like that other. I just need to shoot in the way that makes my heart happy. That gives laughter and sweet memories to these families faces. And in stopping to compare myself to everyone else, I find that I can really enjoy the entire process, from the session itself to the editing to the delivery.

To remind myself of all this I did something really cheesy this year. I have my own custom preset that I use to edit my photos. Each one of course is still hand edited to be tweaked exactly to that lighting situation. But its a base that give all of my pictures a uniformed looked. Its not what is “popular” right now in the photography world. Everyone is dark and moody or light and airy and here I stand in this rich and vibrant world. But color and light make my happy, and so I have decided to stop trying to fit into anyone’s mold, and instead just be me. And that is what I named my preset: “be you.” And every time I click to add it to my photo I remember all these things again.

"An artist should never be a prisoner of himself, prisoner of style, prisoner of reputation, prisoner of success." ~Henri Matisse

Lion Business | Newport Beach Family Photographer

“Owning a business is like riding a lion. People think ‘Wow, that’s really brave!’ In the meantime you’re like ‘How the heck did I get a lion, and how do I keep it from eating me?’” ~author unknown, but I have a feeling this person would be my best friend. 🤣

I’ve had all the lion feels this year, trying to keep my head above water most days. BUT Newport’s water is really blue and pretty, and I’m so crazy grateful for all the sweetest people who allow me into these priceless pieces of their life together. I’ve grown much as both a person and artist, really finding my groove in so many different areas this year. And so as much as I rode that lion like a crazy bull this year, I wouldn’t have it any other way.

My Love/Hate Relationship With Social Media | Newport Beach Family Photographer

Oh the lion that is called “social media.’ All seemingly fluffy and fascinating from a distance but can totally bite your head off at a closer view. ;-)

Truth be told, the vast majority find me through those Instagram hashtags everyone makes fun of. I actually shoot more families from out of town than local. They use them just like a google search and find my photos along the line up. And you guys, I have met the BEST PEOPLE, from all over the country, and even the world. We have the original DisneyLand right here that brings in people from all over, and what better way to top off your family memories than some photos along the coast? It has kept me busy even in the typical “slow season” when the locals consider it too cold to go outside. I’ll get people visiting from the East Coast who will even get soaked in that freezing water. Because seriously, when your coming from a blizzard, 60 degrees really does feel like paradise. ;-) And so I am in fact indebted to social media that has very quickly created this booming business for me that would have taken years and years to grow without it. It’s kind of mind blowing when I really think about it.

That said, there is a side of the gram that forever eats at me. That whole constant fight at trying not to compare myself with others, with styles, with “popular.” To not base my own love for a photo on how many “likes” or “comments” it received. It sounds so petty, so easy to do, but I will admit its not always so. The algorithm is a beast, and it seems like each day it is making it harder and harder for my work to be seen. But as much as I would love to throw in the towel some days, to push delete on all of it and simply be present in the moment… well, I still need it. And somehow people are still finding me. Beautiful families who make it all worth it. And so I keep posting, trying to remain true to who I am. To enjoy it for all its confusing self.

“An artist should never be a prisoner of himself, prisoner of style, prisoner of reputation, prisoner of success.” ~Henry Matisse

And I think if alive today he would have added right in there ‘prisoner of the phone.’

Learning to Love Southern California's Landscape | OC Family Photographer

Honest confession: when we first moved to Cali I missed the lush greenery of the Midwest. I loved the beaches but the rest of the landscape did nothing for me. But over time SoCal has been slowly winning me over with its desert vibes. 🌵 I still love the beach. I mean, hello beautiful blue. BUT if your thinking of mixing up the traditional family photos, what better way than some real to life nature?

Why I Shoot Engagements But Not Weddings | Newport Beach Photographer

Whenever I tell people I am a photographer the first thing I am generally asked is, “You do weddings?” A quick look around my site probably tells you the answer to that one. :-) And maybe someday I will start taking them on, but for now my love for this whole family photography thing runs too deep. My sessions are very laid back and fun in nature. I mean what brings people more calm than running along the sand? ;-) I’m a mom of littles and passionate about freezing those fleeting moments. Wedding are a whole other beautiful ball park, that mushy mom hearted, easy going self probably couldn’t handle at this time. BUT engagements sessions, well, I love those just as much as six kids!

Generally, when you book a wedding photographer an engagement session comes along with it as part of the package, and for this reason I get very few inquiries. Every so often though someone has an out of state, destination, or backyard vows and in this case I get to let all the romantic poses out of the bag.

This evening was one of those, with the sweetest people you could meet who somehow believed me when I told them I wouldn’t make them do ‘ring around the rosie.’ Doesn’t mean I didn’t still have him swing her around a few times though. ;-) Pretty couple. Pretty beach. Pretty amazing afternoon. They made me wish I did shoot weddings, just so I could do more of these engagements!

This last moment made my entire day as just that morning I had put a pic up from the summer calling it my ‘final ode to summer,’ and explaining how it was just too cold out now to get too wet.

Fast forward a few hours and I go and meet these two who brought all my wet waves dreams back to reality—at least until next summer rolls around again. ;-)

Brown Field at Sunset | Orange County Family Photographer

When I first moved to Orange County I will admit that besides the beach this nature didn’t really do it for me. I grew up in Michigan where fields where rolling green and trees not only where green but even took their turns changing to oranges, yellows and reds. And so all this brown just didn’t do much for me. Cali has this way of luring you in though It seems. When I first moved here I laughed at the women walking around in their UGG boots and jackets. Now, I am one of them! And in the same way I guess I have grown to love the desert vibes this place hold. I adore the contrast it gives to families in their nice picture clothes. The way it makes them pop out from the backdrop rather than be swallowed into it. The golden tones it takes on at sunset. And mostly the way it really says home…

Irvine's One and Only Forest | Orange County Maternity Photographer

Besides the beach the number one request I get asked for is somewhere green. And believe me, that is one very tall order here in Orange County! ;-) Sometimes when driving through the neighborhoods we see palm trees and grass and and just think that this magical little forest is around the corner. But reality, around the corner are brown fields and some cacti. And not that I don’t absolutely love their own look at sunset. I actually do a whole lot! But still, I understand that want for a little extra color in your backdrop sometimes. And with that there is just one little tiny spot of forest I have found here in Irvine. One where the sprinklers must run all night every night long. And luckily no one minds if we walk on it either. :)

Also how adorable are these parents to be?! Maternity sessions will always be one of my very favorites and they were no exception. They are going to be the best parents ever. <3

Number One Secret to Great Family Photos | Newport Beach Photographer

You see all these families taking those ‘long walks on the beach’ and think, how are they so natural?! One of the main things I get told when booking a session is, “We are SO awkward in front of the camera!” But you know what, almost everyone is! Don’t worry though, because I today I am revealing the number one secret to you.

Ok, are you ready?

Have fun.

That. Is. It! Seriously, when you stop thinking about how your hair looks or if the best side of your face is showing or whether you kids are cooperating, and simply enjoy the moments together—well, that is always where the magic happens. When I think of sessions that have been my favorites. The ones where I smile the whole time I’m editing. They have always been the ones where parents simply played. Where they loved on their babies even when they cried, where they happily chased they toddler who wouldn’t stay still for more than 1/2 a second, where they laughed through the chaos that is forever the norm during family pictures. SO many gems can happen, we just have to team up together to create them.

And so with that please come ready to simply have a good time. To let your hair down, quite literally. To get wet and sandy, and leave not only with some great memories on my camera, but in your own heart as well. <3

Ocean Views, Desert Vibes | Orange County Family Photographer

Every once in a while someone will ask me for places I recommend besides the beach. And often I feel a bit like a deer in the headlights about it. ;-) I honestly am asked so little that I’ve done little exploring outside the sea. BUT with that I have found a place I am starting to really love here! A little true Southern California charm, because lets face it rolling green hills and trees just don’t exist here, but cacti do, and they are starting to grow on me. And that Ocean peeking into your backdrop doesn’t hurt either. So if your thinking of mixing up the beach vibes, I would love to meet you here!

Also three kids under three and all boys made for SO MUCH FUN!

What if You Fly? | Newport Beach Family Photographer

‘There is freedom waiting for you, On the breezes of the sky, And you ask "What if I fall?"
Oh but my darling, What if you fly?’

This is one of my favorite quotes, and also seemed so very fitting for this little family who spent their beach session with a lot of playing, splashing, and of course, flying. It wasn’t warm by any means but this didn’t stop these cuties from going all in anyways! And the happiness it brought them was totally worth it. I always tell the families I am photographing that the closer they get to the water’s edge the more magical the light is. And although I never ask, the realllllly good magic always happens when they take it one step further. ;-) For real though, I think beach foam may be one of my favorite things of life. Well, that and fluffy cloud sunsets, which Newport didn’t fail to disappoint with!

Why You Should Include Yourself in the Annual Photos | Laguna Beach Family Photographer

I get it, getting the studio or mini session pics of your kids only is much easier. There is no dresses to stress about, hair or makeup to be done. Not to mention the awkward feeling of having a lens in front of your face. You get to stay behind the scenes, jumping up and down and making all the faces to get those little laughs. All while having none of those faces recorded down.

I didn’t get into photography until both my kids were past the baby stage. As I was looking through these sweet pics I felt an ache that I do not have any like it for myself. And to be even more honest, just recently have I started trying to get into more than just an iPhone shot. 
As moms it seems there is always a reason. For me, I simply thought photos of my kids were enough. And I have a billion memory drives full. But there is something so indescribable about the way a photo tells your story. The way you fit right there together with them. Like a jigsaw, one incomplete without the other... your life is worth capturing too. Get in the frame. 

Looks Like Film Feature | Newport Beach Family Photographer

This pic made it on Looks Like Film today! It always leaves me in a bit of shock and awe to see my work up there with such jaw dropping photographers. 
Even more so as mine just really isn’t quite like the rest. I’ve never been one to stay too good with latest trends, and my editing has followed suit. It’s either dark and moody or light and airy that’s “in” right now, and here I am in some vibrant and contrasty world of my own. 🙈 But as much as I drool over all the rest, I just keep marching to the beat of my own photography drum. And you know what, for the first time in a long time I think I’m ok with that. I’m happy with where I am, in love with all the amazing families I get to meet. And slowly learning those same middle school life lessons: sometimes just being you is enough.

That One Time it Rained in Newport Beach | OC Family Photographer

The phenomena of Newport happened here this weekend: it rained—with lighting. My kids were in awe, watching for hours that night. And of course the next day called for rain boots and puddle jumping. Hashtag growing up in SoCal. 😜☀️🌈

Canadians in the OC | Newport Beach Family Photographer

This sweetest Canadian family were in the OC for vacation. In their journeys they were only going to be in Newport beach for one day. And oh my goodness, what a day it was!

Crazy enough there were dark clouds directly above us and it rotated between drizzle and rain most of the time. At one point I had to put my camera away for fear of it being completely ruined and we gave it ten minutes to slow down. But the sky over the Ocean never stopped giving out alll its colors and I ended a wet, happy photographer. ;-) By the time I reached home it was pouring rain for the rest of the night and far into the next day. Like nature itself had decided to hold off half an hour more—just for them!