Cute, cute and more cute

When we were in junior high, my best friend Amy and I would write elaborate stories about what our lives would be like when we were grown up. We would be old, but cool (probably around 30!),  live near the beach and have amazing wardrobes. We wouldn't work, of course; there would be no time for jobs with all of the brownie making and playdates we were planning! 

I've always wondered what playdates were like and this weekend, I had the privilege of getting a pretty good taste. Sunday was moving day for my brother and sister-in-law; rather than ask me to lift boxes, they asked if I would spend the day keeping my niece Caitlin occupied while they did the dirty work. I was more than happy to oblige :). We spent the afternoon with Amy and her son playing in his amazing room and watching as the two sat patiently at a tiny table and snacked on little bites of cheese. How cute was it? Words cannot even describe...

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ayesha & gaspar - due in october

A few weeks ago, I had the opportunity to meet Ayesha and her incredibly sweet husband for a pregnancy session. We decided to shoot at Malibu and after a drive up the coast, found the perfect spot. Just past Geoffrey's, it was an amazing stretch of coastline hidden from the main road. He held her hand and helped her down the rocks while I walked behind them, soaking it all in.

Ayesha is gorgeous anyway, but pregnant? She GLOWS! It was such a fun session! I honestly sat back and watched as the two of them did their own thing - relaxed on a blanket, walked in the ocean barefoot and gazed out to watch the sunset. They are such a beautiful couple and I can' t wait to meet their little man :) 

 

Target, how I love you so :)

While shopping for necessities  at Target this week (bubbles, pink rubber sunglasses), I decided to test out my new camera. Looking at Caitlin's smile below, I'm not sure how I ever survived without a 51 point auto focus system. Yes, I've officially become a camera nerd :)

Me vs. the Sears Portrait Studio

While outdoor portraits and natural light usually work best for me, I've learned that there's a reason why so many little ones are photographed in a studio. I began to research options for an in-home setup and was surprised to find many low-key options that would have the capacity to help produce great photos. Affordable backdrop stands were all over ebay and many sites have instructions on DIY lighting diagrams. Thankfully, Santa was generous last year :).  It sat in a box under my bed until last weekend when my friend Stephanie volunteered her two adorable children for the purpose of testing out my new toy. I was very skeptical, but amazingly, my little stand and 4 foot roll of paper worked very well!

This is Charlie, Stephanie's precious 6 month old.

location, location, location

When my gorgeous cousin Emily was in town for her baby shower last month, we set aside some time for a pregnancy shoot. We spent most of the day at the LA Arboretum but by 4 o'clock, had both maxed out on flowers and peacocks. It was the end of the day and I wanted an architectural feel to balance all of the other shots of Emily standing near waterfalls and grass. This shot was taken in front of a bank; it's my go-to brick wall that I've used for multiple shoots. No studio required :)

Thank you, Emily, for the opportunity to help celebrate this amazing time in your life :)

Seriously, could she be any more beautiful?