Senior Photos in the Mustard Fields of Orange County | OC Family Photographer

For about two glorious months out of every year there is a field in Orange County that soaks up the winter rains and turns its formerly brown, dead landscape into one of the most beautifully colored places around. Long green grass and yellow flowers everywhere you look, not to mention the oranges that coincide at the same time bringing their extra pop of color to the scene. Add to it all the big hills behind you and I am in a color love, happy photographer place! Totally feel like I flew right out of Orange County and straight to the mountains. The saddest part is that it lasts very short. SO if you are ever wanting to choose this place for your backdrop plan ahead! Somewhere around February through April is usually good but it varies depending on Mother Nature and when she decides to shower us with her wetness. :)

I was so excited when I saw it bloomed just a week before this senior session with the sweetest graduating girl. She had mentioned she wanted to shoot in a meadow type scene and for most of the year in Orange County that can be quite the impossible find. Just fitting the mustard decided to show up just for her though!

This girl found me through Instagram and asked if I do Senior Photos. A quick glance around my portfolio and its pretty clear I don’t post it often. But every once in while, especially around spring time I’ll do a few. And believe me, she made me reeeally want to start doing a LOT more!! It was SO much fun, laughing and posing and playing with the light around her. I would absolutely love to add these into my work load each year!

Fresh 48: Newborn Photos Right at the Hospital | Orange County Family Photographer

Hospital sessions are usually referred to as “Fresh 48” since we schedule them within those first 48 hours of life, before you head home. This sweet babe was literally only 6 hours into this world and his big brothers were meeting their newest member of the pack for the very first time. My very favorite was when one of them excitedly shouted out, “We get to take him home with us?!”

In home newborn shoots are also beautiful and I adore them with my heart. But there is something so unmatched and emotional about capturing those true firsts. Those moments that will be forever etched into your heart, also now documented on film for you to have and look back on in the years to come. Newly born in every literal sense of the word. <3

My Very Own Wild Flower | Orange County Maternity Photographer

Being a mom has been by far the greatest gift of my life, and the thought that I am going to get to have another child to hold again is a dream come true. At 30 weeks pregnant the reality of it seems to really be hitting me lately, especially as I feel her karate chopping inside me each day. ;)

I really wanted to make sure I documented this pregnancy as I didn’t with my first two and greatly regret it. I told my husband we should go head over to this field that I thought was turning green and he agreed. But by the time sunset rolled around I felt tired and nothing like dressing all up. I’m so glad my husband encouraged me to just go and take a quick few photos though as I will treasure these forever now. And oh my gosh, this field!!! It doesn’t last long here before all turning back to brown, so only fitting it decided to bloom right in time for my own special wildflower. <3

There is definitely going to be an age gap between her and my “big kids.” My daughter almost nine years older, and my son seven, but love really does know no age. As we were walking to school the other morning Boston told me she couldn’t stop thinking of all the great places she’s going to take her sister to someday. And I know this baby girl is going to be crazy lucky to have such an amazing human to look up to as she grows. My son doesn’t go to bed without kissing my belly and telling his baby sis good night. And first thing in the morning he asks her if she slept good. My heart is beyond full, anxiously counting down to the moment I get to see her wrapped all up in their arms.

Valentine's Day With Kids | Newport Beach Family Photographer

Before I had kids, Valentine’s Days were usually filled with all kinds of mixed emotions, especially on those teen years when I had no one “special” to bring me flowers. 🤦🏻‍♀️ Now, this day of “romance” has become one of paper hearts and crayon made cards, and it is my very favorite. My kids have been literally counting down the days to when they get to pass out all their cards to friends. Little notes they meticulously wrote out to each person, spending happy hours in their room as they worked on them. They woke up at 5:30am this morning  to eat their breakfast on red plates with pink napkins that they already set the table with the night before. I begged them to sleep for one more hour but their excitement just wouldn’t allow their eyes to close again.  

Before kids this day of love could be described by a whole plethora of complaints against hallmark. But now my heart is filled with all their excitement. And all the sappy love filled notes can only bring me up. A nap could also help I’m sure. ;)

This family here seemed only fitting to blog on this day as well. I think one of my very favorite things about family photography is getting to witness how no dynamic is ever exactly the same. Kind of like their own fingerprint each brings with them. All different personalities mixed together under the same roof, creating this beautiful connection that will forever be uniquely theirs. And these five brought all the joy and love with them.

Newport also showed up with all its beach full of skies and colors to match. And let’s take one quick second to pause and admire how beautiful these ladies looked in their Free People and Joyfolie dresses too—it’s no secret I’m a huge fan of the long maxis!

So with that, happy Valentine’s Day to you and yours! May it be spent with all the sweet and simple memories that make this life so good. <3

Love in the Desert | Laguna Beach Engagement Photographer

Meet THE world’s sweetest couple and 100%  made to be soul mates! I actually had the super fun and amazing privilege to shoot their surprise proposal at Laguna beach the year before. I fell in love with them that day and was so excited when they let me know they were going to be back in Laguna and wanted some engagement photos taken! Since the proposal had been at the beach they decided to mix up the backdrop and I am SO happy for it too! These foothills are by far one of my favorite places to shoot at in Orange County with its completely true to life Southern California landscape, but still giving me my colors and skies that I live for. :)

Believe it or not it was super overcast the entire day before our session. And to top it off, as I drove up to the spot it started sprinkling! Since they were only in town for the day we decided to go with it, rain or shine. I had my rain cover all ready to go, but just so fitting for their sweet love, as soon as we started the sky decided to part just enough to allow the most amazing sunset to come through! I would be lying to not say I was in complete photographer bliss!

I am so happy for these two and their beautiful future together. And I can’t wait to get them behind my lens again someday—maybe with a pregnant belly too. ;)

Always Wear the Twirly Dresses | Newport Beach Family Photographer

A quick look around my website and blog and its little secret I am in LOVE with all the dresses! I am a firm believer that outfits really do play one of the major factors in the overall look of the final images, and I just love the whimsical element a flowing dress lends as its blows with the wind and water. Newport beach without doubt carries such a sense of magic and beauty that simply calls for one to match it a bit. :)

This momma always blows it away in the outfit department and this year was no exception! Both sisters are in my favorite clothing shop for girls their age, Joyfolie. And mom is one of my all time favorite, and just happens to be local here in downtown Tustin, Morning Lavender.

Of course, outfits can only do so much. If your’e yelling at your kids to stand still and smile, or constantly checking your hair every two seconds, it will show. But when you really let your guard down and simply play and have fun together, that is where the true magic comes into play. Would you guess it was actually quite cold during our time and little sis was definitely a bit intimidated by the big ocean coming her way. But we kept playing games, cuddling, tickling, having fun, and the final products are my favorite!

So wear the twirly dress and I’ll be your best friend. ;) But also, bring your love and joy, and watch those sweet and real moments unfold.

Do You Shoot Engagement Sessions? | Newport Beach Family Photographer

A quick look around my blog, portfolio, social media, and there is little question as to the majority of my photography. Families, children, babies, and all that sweet connection are without question such a huge part of what I love about my job. And with it comes one of the top questions that arrives: “Do you shoot engagement photos?” The resounding answer: YES! I absolutely LOVE having couples behind my camera frame. This is you, your family, and I want to document every single detail of that love.

I do also get asked often if I shoot weddings and at this time the answer is no. Mostly the reason why I don’t shoot engagements often, because often enough your wedding photographer will include it in the package. But there arise those times when it isn’t, like with this couple who are having a destination wedding in Hawaii—jealous! I was so happy to get to capture this special time with them! And side note: they told me they were awkward in front of the camera… I think not. ;)

The Fields Are Alive With Baby Bumps | Orange County Family Photographer

It’s no secret that I love when someone asks me to mix up my normal beach sessions! The sand and water are no doubt my happy places, but my eyes also crave a change of scenery from time to time. :) And I personally feel like there is something just so sweet and magical about dressing all up and heading to a dead field—haha! For real though, I just loved the way the scenery blended into these glowing colors all around this glowing momma!

Maternity sessions have always been some of my very favorite, but even more so now that I have my own baby bump going on! There is so much connection I feel towards her, and excitement that I can’t quite put into words. But we’re both feeling it, so not too many words are needed. :) I can’t wait to watch their sweet family continue to grow!

Baby Fever | Newport Beach Newborn Photographer

In the middle of this past fall’s bazillion sunset shoots I got to sneak in a morning with this newest guy. And my goodness I loved every minute of him. His was the first newborn session I have done since finding out I was pregnant with my baby girl and believe me those hormones were all over the place. Like I just wanted to cry right then and there for his mom and dad in happiness, but that would have been a little strange, right? So I held it together for the most part, minus the squeals.

Lifestyle newborn photography is something so very special to me. Yes, I love those cute little squishy poses on the blankets as much as the next person. However, I truly believe there is something just so raw and intimate about those real life moments you experience as a brand new family. Moments that, as much as you may not believe, will turn into a hazy blur of bits and pieces. Having photos and videos to look back on is one of the main things that triggers those day to day sleepy memories back to life. Iphones are God’s gift to new parents! But there is also something extra special when you yourself get to be present in the moments, not always the one behind the camera. To remember what it looked like with him cuddled against your chest, the way his head fit so perfectly inside your hands. The love and joy that filled every last room together…

I'm Having a Baby Girl!!! | Newport Beach Family Photographer

WE’RE HAVING A BABY GIRL!!!!!💃🏼 👶🙌🥰😭😭❤️❤️😍 I feel like all of my heart’s deepest dreams have suddenly come true. I’ve wanted her for so long, quietly ached to see her face... Sometimes our prayers are strong and mighty, full of faith and power, moving mountains and parting seas. But at other times they’re simply quiet whispers, laced with doubt, and a bit of desperation. And I have now learned He hears those ones too. The journey is a good one, and I’ll be over here on cloud nine as I count down each day till I hold her in my arms. ❤️
“For this child I have prayed and the Lord has granted the desires of my heart.” ~1 Samuel

Also, I totally just realized the last time I blogged a photo session was in September—what?! Things have been insanely busy and I have had more sessions this late summer and fall than ever before! I’ve been so blown away by all of the families who choose me to capture these priceless moments. BUT, I will eventually start getting some of it up on here as well as things go back to a bit of normalcy this January. And of course before the total scatter brained me comes into place this Spring with baby girl. :)

What is the Best Time of Day for an Outdoor Family Photoshoot? | Newport Beach OC Family Photographer

Light and color are my obsession. Like overboard so. I place people in crazy particular angles, with a super fine line of where I want my light source to be. I knit pick over my edits until they match exactly what I’m envisioning. I am not happy delivering anything less than my absolute best. And that is why I do not schedule my sessions for anytime other than sunset. Yes, I know that sometimes it’s a bit past kids bedtimes. Yes I know that on a Sunday it would be easier to just get it all done with in the morning and have the rest of your day to relax. However, there is truly nothing like the light that comes at the end of the day. The colors and tones unmatched to anything else. And so being the obsessive I am, I want your pictures to carry that sense of magic. For your story to be told in a way that shows the beauty of what it really is.

Beach light is the hardest of any to shoot in. There are no trees or buildings to filter the harsh sun, and unless there are a large amount of clouds in the sky “no mercy” is what I often feel it yell out to me. ;-) I have learned to find its particular flow though around that last hour, making its powerful rays work to my advantage. I am also learning to let go of total perfection though, and to remember that perfect moments always trump a perfect frame. Still though, who doesn’t want that beach glow to work for them—meaning plan that sunset trip to the sand. :)

This sweetest ever family has just moved to Orange County from New Jersey, and my gosh I loved every minute with them. So much love and joy between them, they made the entire process so fun and easy for me. I cannot wait to watch them grow into a family of five as they soon welcome their baby girl. Also, mom’s dress!!! Yellow has been by far my favorite color this year and I just love the way she used this one for her maternity photos. The way it pops against the beach backdrop is my favorite. <3

Surfs Up | Newport Beach Orange County Family Photographer

I often feel my heart hurt as I realize all the years that have swept us by. The babies, toddlers, preschoolers my kids no longer are. I feel like I just moved to Orange County yesterday, hitting up every park and beach within a ten mile radius those first few years. Somehow though they grew and our days now mostly consist of school and all those activities after. I sometimes wish I could go back to those slow adventure filled times, but I’m also learning that today has its own fresh beauty—new memories and moments that are to be had.

Last weekend they took their boards into the ocean for the first time, and watching the joy and excitement on their faces was everything to me. Something else that means the world to me though is that I was able to capture it. To freeze today, a day I may forget otherwise, or remember only hazy. Every photo doesn’t haven’t to be professional either. I only get my big camera out on them a handful of times a year really. But that little phone that’s most always on me has the most amazing way of also freezing our moments. Or replaying them as videos happen to be my personal favorite. Still though, that big camera can do something that my phone just isn’t capable of, and that is really capturing what I saw with my heart. Golden beauty of my life with them.

When Is the Best Time to Take Your Family Photos? | OC Newport Beach Photographer

I get asked sometimes when is the best time to have family photos taken. And I totally get what they mean by the question. Is the warm summer best when you can really play in the waves? Or the still warm but less crowded fall to double up with the Christmas card? Or maybe bearing the crispness of the winter with its low tides and stunning skies. Or is Spring the ideal with its still empty beaches but warmer temps and golden light? All seasons have their pluses and minuses. All seasons are honestly unpredictable weather as well. Honestly though my answer for the best time is simply “right now.” So often I have women tell me their going to book me when they loose more weight, and I get that. I really do. Your kids, though, they don’t care about a few extra pounds, and they won’t later on when their looking back at memories of their beautiful mom. Others tell me when their schedules slow down, but let’s be a bit of realist—its most likely not slowing down till your kids move out someday.

And so my first answer for the best time is simply now. When it is still today. When your family is just as it is, perfectly imperfect. With all the love and chaos that means life with kids. Because today comes and goes before we blink, and pictures are the most tangible memory we will have to look back on.

The “recommended” time to have maternity photos is between 30-35 weeks. This mom was only 17 weeks, but her husband’s job has all kinds of unpredictable hours and if they waited until the “right” time the chances were slim they could make it happen. He happened to have a random couple of days off and we set up this shoot in less than a week’s time. We made it happen and they now have these sweet memories of their growing family together.

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?

Where is the Best Place to Have Family Photos Taken? | Orange County Photographer

I will not deny the awesome beauty of our Orange County beaches. Families ask me to photograph them at it almost exclusively these days, and I have no complaints in this area whatsoever. :) That said, if you thinking of mixing up the beach scene, whether you’ve already done it before or perhaps you don’t particularly love the sound of getting wet and sandy, then I have a suggestions for you! And that is sometimes the best place to create memories is as simple as that familiar trail right by your home. 😍

This is a spot they have been to so many times, for walks or a stop to the playground close by. This oldest daughter even came here with her friends to take Prom pictures in the Spring. The thing I find so special about it is now they have these tangible memories to have for years and years to come, memories they can show their boys someday. And now whenever they walk this trail it will mean just a little bit more to them too.

When Families Come Back Again | Newport Beach Orange County Family Photographer

Being a photographer in Newport Beach means a large amount of families who I shoot are here on vacation. We have Disney land, an Ocean, and an average mid 70 degree life—it’s not a shabby beach town by no means. But not everyone I shoot comes here annually, and often after our session I do not see them again. However, there are those who do make it a yearly stop, whether to see family close by or just a favorite place to get away from either the cold or heat, depending on their radius. :) And sometime those annual people ask me to photograph them again. As a photographer I can tell you there is absolutely no greater compliment than this. I also feel allll the emotions about it each time. I am able to watch their family grow, capturing these beautiful milestones along the way.

These three are no exceptions either. I first met them last summer at one of my favorite sessions of the year. This one was only better as I felt like we were already long time friends. And these kids, my goodness, are gold. They love their momma deeply and it shows through every last moment.

100 Days Without Sweets | Orange County Family Photographer

Doing a little interruption here of my usual talks of beach and family and photography with a little mom brag about my own two kids. But the photos were taken right here in Newport Beach and the sunset was amazing, and we all went right into that icy cold ocean, and I lived on the wild side with no special gear to keep my camera dry—so it still kind of counts I think. ;-) But you guys, my kids are officially 100 days in with no sweets, deserts, candy, or anything with excess sugar. 🍭 Kids are beasts, you guys!!! They’ve been through Easter egg hunts, birthday parties, camps, the list goes on and on. Sugar is hanging everywhere in front of them and they haven’t even flinched in their resolve. It started as a 30 day challenge, to purge ourselves from what I felt was becoming an unhealthy addiction. They jumped on the bandwagon full force and decided they would go to 100 with me as well. I told them this week I’ve decided to attempt a whole year but they definitely don’t have to join me. But they each instantly responded they were all in. So here’s to 265 more to go! 🙌 A few things I’ve noticed about them through this:
1. They eat a LOT! Without the incentive of desert at the end of a meal, they devour their plates until they are actually full.
2. They are very health conscience. Giving up sugar to replace it with health and strength into our bodies has led to so many questions of what other things are good and bad for them and they are 💯 about filling themselves with the good now. This has led to such amazing meals together as a family, with my kids sampling every last dish.
3. They demolish fruit. I seriously cannot keep my house filled with enough of it now. Those natural sugars taste like heaven now. ☺️ I don’t think I could have ever made it this far myself without them. They’ve made me realize we are capable of so much more than we allow ourselves to believe sometimes. I have never felt so great! And seriously, my kids aren’t anything extra special. I think we sometimes just don’t give these little humans enough credit as to what they are capable of. 💪

My husband has been wanting to dabble a bit into photography lately, so I showed him a few things and passed it off. I am forever so so grateful when he grabs these memories for me. It makes me realize all over again how important it is to really get in the frame with your kids, as time is oh too fleeting. How is my son so big all of a sudden anyways?? <3

Our Family Trip to Seattle | OC Photographer Vacations

How have I went this long without blogging any family beach sessions?? I’m always on top of that! It’s been a bit of a whirlwind summer over here with my kids going to a year long school and their vacation only lasting five weeks in between grades. You guys, I already have a 1st and 2nd grader and I’m a total emotional wreck about it—where did my babies go!? Before we hit the backpacks though we somehow jammed almost every last day of our time off with travel. Michigan and Alabama to visit all the relatives, Palm Springs to soak in the pool and palm trees, and our favorite new place EVER: Seattle.

My goodness I am in love with Washington. Like I want to move there tomorrow obsessed... Except I do tend to shrivel up in cold and rain so I would probably be moving back to Orange County come December. ;-) I honestly didn’t take too many photos on my big camera as I like to really be present with my family when we’re together like this. But I did have to take one evening to capture some of this amazing landscape. Rattlesnake lake was one of our favorite little spots there. So peaceful and serene, and huge plus with kids, right next to the parking lot. The spot with the mountain was actually just a random field where we pulled over on the side of the road and snapped a few photos! Luckily no one came running out telling us to get off their land. ;-)

Also random side note: at the same time we were vacationing in Seattle, Southern California was hit with two massive earthquakes, the second being a 7.1! It was far enough from our place that no damage was done, but even six hours away we’ve seen videos from friends of chandeliers swinging and water pouring out of pools. Even more crazy, the week we arrived back in Newport Beach, Seattle was hit with a large earthquake of its own! When we first moved to the West Coast we were terrified of the possibility and had our game plan all thought out, down to which of us would grab which kid if we needed to make a run for it. It’s like Mother Nature decided we would just be too much to deal with so planned accordingly. 🙃

Don't Skip the Maternity Photos | OC Newport Beach Family Photographer

I may or may not be guilty of saying this about every genre of family photography. I mean, what’s better than capturing people who love each other, right? Add one of our gorgeous Orange County landscapes to this mix and who am I to complain? BUT, maternity sessions have and will always hold a very special place to me. There is just something so unexplainable about this moment is our life as a new mom. This special place where it all began. Where we anxiously were awaiting this new life growing inside our own body. Worries, fears, hopes, joy—the beautiful unknown.

I know what it’s like to be pregnant, I had two babies of my own. We don’t always feel gorgeous and most days the thought of glamming up can easily be shot down with some sweat pants instead. ;-) But if there is one thing I will never regret having done is maternity photos with my first child. To this day I have a large canvas hanging in her room and she loves to mention how it is her inside of me. We often think we will remember exactly what it felt like, how we looked, the moments that happened. But life has this way of turning the past into fuzzy memories. It’s the beauty of photography though. It helps bring back some of those hazy scenes.

Such a gorgeous evening we had for this sun soaked maternity session last week! After what seemed like an endless eternity of SoCal’s “May gray/June gloom” it seems that those summer skies are finally gaining the upper hand! And I just love the way the colors complimented this momma’s blue dress too! The sweetest people you could meet, these two are going to be the best parents. I cannot wait to see them with their soon to be here little guy.

Live in Color | OC Newport Beach Family Photographer

My style of editing has most definitely evolved from when I first started photographing families four years ago. But since the very beginning one thing that has always drawn me in has been color. It’s why I will not let my skies blow out, even though it would make the editing process much easier. It’s why I love when families fill their outfits with dashes of colors, rather than all neutrals. I find myself pushing the vibrant line constantly and it makes me happy.

But, I’m not going to lie, sometimes while I scroll through my Instagram feed, my explore page, my favorite photographer muses, and see the way the edits are so vastly different from my own I start to feel like the oddball out. I sometimes tell myself I'm going to just start stripping my photos of color and take on the moody emotional look, or blow out the background into white glowy goodness and become a bright and airy girl. More than any other reason just to feel like I kind of belong. That I can join in their groups and feel that sense of community. But as many times as I say it, as many times as I try, I simply find myself somehow unable to do so. I love color, like an insane obsession with it, and I just can’t stop that right now.

The best part though: I may not be the “in” right now as far as the latest trends are going, but not everyone else is either. And time after time families tell me they chose me BECAUSE of my colors and light. And so I’ve learned that the greatest thing of photography is that art is subjective, and when you stay true to yourself you will find your people. :)