Posted on August 22, 2012
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Like a lot of women who start photography businesses, I was inspired to do so after I gave birth to my son. I wanted to capture every smile, every little hair, every sweet moment. And while I knew I wanted to provide other families with amazing photos of their children, I never really imagined it would be this rewarding. When I look at photos I’ve taken of newborns like Gunnar, I smile– a lot. I have such an overwhelming sense of joy and pride knowing I’ve helped preserve that perfect little nose and lips, and that newborn innocence and purity that seems to vanish all too soon.
It’s especially rewarding when photographing a newborn reunites me with past clients and old friends (you can see Gunnar’s parents’ engagement session here). The history between Gunnar’s mom and I goes back to high school where we played volleyball and softball together. It’s so awesome getting to see someone who I knew as a teenager become a mom. And it’s incredibly special when I get to witness the love she has for her new child. Man, I sure do love my job.
Without further ado, meet Gunnar, a future all-star no doubt 
Posted on August 19, 2012
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“Resilience” is defined as the ability to recovery readily from adversity. It could just as appropriately be defined with a picture of a military wife, standing strong with her three children as she waits for a slow moving ship to dock. A synonym for resiliency is “buoyancy”. And like that ship requires the physics of buoyancy to keep from sinking, our military requires the support of strong spouses to keep spirits and life back home afloat, too.
I spotted Megan easily as she made her way towards me at Pier 13. I knew she had three small daughters and I recognized her USMC sweatshirt immediately. Her husband returned with the USS Makin Island; he was one of just a handful of Marines returning with the Navy ship that day. Megan looked nervous– anxious to introduce her newest baby girl to Daddy for the first time.
The Makin Island seemed to take its sweet time pulling into the pier. I watched alongside Megan and the other new moms as the ship approached. I helped lift each of the older girls into the air so they could maybe get a peek of Daddy. We didn’t fare any luck, but soon enough the anxious crowd of moms and children were escorted onto the pier where only moments later the ship’s Marines and Sailors were dismissed.
I saw Megan’s husband almost instantly. What followed was a sweet reunion between Dad and his girls—this time 4 instead of 3.
Here’s a look at the S Family’s homecoming. Please enjoy, and as always, welcome home, Marine!
Posted on August 18, 2012
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Check out this adorable foursome How great are their bright outfits? And don’t get me started on these seriously gorgeous children! I could gush for hours…
Thank you L family for a fun evening at the beach! Enjoy!
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Posted on August 17, 2012
When I opened these photos to decide which ones to blog, I was reminded why I love shooting homecomings when babies are involved. There’s so much truth in that instance when dad finally appears. Infants don’t really know what’s going on until that moment. They hang out with mom and other family members on the parade deck, enjoy the sights of the crowd and watch intently as balloons bob in the wind. It’s a day like any other. But as the anticipation builds, it’s amazing watching babies absorb that energy. They start to get anxious, too. What’s in store is not full understood, but they know something is about to happen. And when dad steps off the bus and brings his face to his child’s, there is an undeniable exchange of comfort and love– even in instances where baby is meeting dad for the first time, like this homecoming. It is raw and honest and real. No one has to tell that baby who the man in camouflage is– he already knows. It’s an incredible sight to see, much like a mother holding her child for the first time just after giving birth. And where else can we experience this kind of human connection, outside of a hospital room or military homecoming?
I waited with Desiree and her son for what seemed like an eternity. All the while, her husband was less than a mile away, receiving his post-deployment brief, checking in weapons and gear, and also waiting. When we arrived, the sun was shining, and when we left, the moon had taken its place. It made for a dramatic entrance for the Marines as they filed in from a dark corner of a parking lot. Desiree’s husband made quick work of finding his little family and once he did, he was finally able to hold is son for the very first time. They say a child is the only person who knows what his mom’s heart beat sounds like from the inside– but a child born while his father is deployed, is the only one who knows what dad’s heart beat sounds like from a half a world away.
Here is the P family’s homecoming story. Please enjoy
Posted on August 16, 2012
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I’m excited to share a few favorites from this session with everyone. Paula commissioned me to recreate an image if herself from 30+ years ago. She didn’t show me the photo beforehand, just told me it was a shot of her on the side of the road, hitch-hiking. So I headed out to her house in Temecula where we spent some time in her backyard getting a variety of images before attempting to bring back a little piece of the past.
The first shot is the main reason Paula hired me (and she says we nailed it!), but her entire session was just lovely. I am thrilled she asked me to photograph her and I must say, it was totally my pleasure. I wish I had half the grace, beauty and confidence Paula has. She OWNED this session
Enjoy!
