& baby makes 3

It was the night after our annual softball game. Usually both Sean and Van play the part of umpires, but in 2011 it was just Sean while Van watched on. We gathered after the game at their house for our celebration, where "awards" were handed out: the best player, the one who dropped the most balls, funniest play of the day, etc.  And then a final award (a Baby Ruth candy bar) was presented to Van for the best reason for NOT participating in the annual softball game. The group of us were momentarily puzzled. Then Sean turned up the song he'd cued on the radio: "She's having my baby..."

And the room exploded into celebratory noise and commotion as we all rushed to the two of them with congratulatory hugs and squeals of joy.

Surrounded by friends and family, this couple made it through the pregnancy and was presented with the greatest gift of all... baby Ethan.

We could not stop laughing as this next picture was taken. I think Ethan might have been born a rockstar, because he struck the perfect little guitarrist pose and then held it for the longest time.

I smile to see the three of them together as a loving family unit, and look forward to getting to know Ethan even better in the years that follow.

CLICK HERE to see even more from their session.

Smith Family {family portraits}

We met up near the carousel at Griffith Park on Saturday, the sounds of the calliope following us throughout the shoot. Never having met the Smiths before, I wasn't sure what to expect. But when Jen wandered towards me and waved enthusiastically, I knew it was going to be all good. From the instant we met, it felt like we'd been friends for awhile, and we were merely spending a breezy Saturday together in the park.

As a lifestyle portrait photographer, I pride myself on being able to capture the real moments and interactions between people. That's always been my favorite thing to do. I love, love, LOVE being able to capture moments like this for people. The REAL moments. The honest ones. Look at this... just LOOK. That's all them. I was simply there to capture it as it happened. The beauty that I witnessed between this family was a magic all their own, allowing me to step away and watch it all unfold, all with minimal direction on my part.

And check out this lil guy's tiny legwarmers that his mama made for him. So adorable! (Diego was absolutely fascinated with them.)

I count my blessings when  I am able to be witness to something as beautiful as this. To see more images from the day, click here for a slideshow.

Smith Family {sneak peek}

I am SO in LOVE with this family. Just a quick peek of what I am currently working on. I'll post more as soon as I can.

the Goicochea Family {orange county family photography}

Eddie and my husband became friends when they randomly met one another in a photography class in college. So I became friends with Eddie through my husband. And then Eddie met Sylvia, so I got to know her, too. And I was beyond thrilled when Eddie and Sylvia were married. The two of them just fit. And now the two are three. And it's like their joy has simply multiplied. Eddie and Sylvia were both so excited for the arrival of their daughter, Juliet.... they were as prepared as new parents can possibly be. They've now been parents for 2 months, and have  totally found their groove.

I was welcomed into their home for this photoshoot, and it was the perfect setting to showcase their little family. I love it when I get to see things as they really are... and being in their own home, everyone was a bit more relaxed in front of the lens. They got to just be themselves, and I got to witness the magic of this beautiful family.

Eddie and Sylvia, thank you for the privilege of capturing these moments for you.

This picture looks like it was MADE for a holiday card...

I have to admit... editing this session made me a bit sappy. I LOVE being able to capture the real moments and real interactions between people. Like this one below. Seeing this on my screen during the editing process actually made me tear up a bit. This image is a new favorite of mine.

And I call this next one "bubbles."

And how cute is THIS?! Seriously, this girl had so many facial expressions. And I absolutely LOVED seeing her smile. She cracked me up.

And last, but not least... she had to show off her BEATLES onesie. That's right. She's already a fan.

john lincoln

There's just something special about babies... they don't do a whole lot, yet they are totally captivating. With their little gestures and their tiny pieces, they are such a marvel to me. Mini miracles. So I was happy to be asked to capture pictures of John Lincoln, at two months of age. Here are a few of my favorites from the day:

I love being able to take pictures of babies in their own surroundings... their first home, with their first toys and blankets. These are things that will always be remembered, so I'm happy to be able to capture that memory for the parents (and even the child) to be able to look back upon in the years to come.

I love all the teeny, tiny pieces. Tiny ears and tiny toes. Because they don't stay that way for very long...

welcome to the world, little one

"It's time." I got the call on Friday evening, while hanging out with my best friends. Fortunately, I'd warned them ahead of time that this might happen, and that I just might end up having to bail on them. I raced home to meet my husband, at which point we raced on to the hospital. And then time stood still.

The entire family was gathered in the lobby of the hospital, trying to pass the time and ease our minds. Some played cards, others read. One even sat and watched a movie on a portable dvd player. But we were all waiting.

It was just after 11:00 pm and my in-laws were about to give up for the evening and take the kiddos home. One of the girls pleaded... please try again? So a call was made, and it had been made just in time. He was coming down to get us.

Armed with a video camera that was already recording what our reactions would be, he said... It's... a BABY. um, yeah, we know. A grandparent asked, is it healthy? And breathed a sigh of relief when the answer was yes. And so we waited for him to speak again...

it's.... a... BOY!

The siblings jumped for joy, while the rest of us teared up a bit.

I had a new nephew! I could hardly believe it. Now the score is even... 2 girls and 2 boys. A perfectly matching set.

We all floated up in the elevator, excited to see my sis-in-law and visit the new little boy for the first time. Tried to wait as patiently as possible out in the hall, taking turns so as not to overwhelm them. First the siblings. Then one set of grandparents. And then another. And us. It was as if everyone was holding their breath, trying not to wake up from this beautiful moment. And, of course, I asked if I could capture it with my camera.

We didn't overstay our welcome that night, but came back in groups to visit the next day.

And at that time, we finally learned his name...  Andrew.

I think I'm in love...

(in the photo above, we can't tell if he's doing his "thinking" pose, or practicing saying "call me.")

Mother and baby went home the next day. And I was able to capture these sweet shots of the siblings holding their new baby brother. They are all so enchanted with him.

(Um, yeah... the one on the right isn't one of the siblings. That's my husband, saying hello to his new nephew...)

And look how amazingly sweet the girls are... notice the tiny felt toys piled upon Andrew? There's a blue puppy and a brown bear... those were sewn by the girls, so that their new baby brother would have his first toys. Too, too adorable.

I'll leave you with an image of him gripping his teddy bear. And I can guarantee that if his fingers weren't tucked away safely in his little sleeves, he'd be sucking on them.

the boy who cried (wolfe)

To be fair, he never really cried. Just fussed a little, which was quickly fixed whenever a bottle was thrust into his mouth.

In any case, last Saturday I had the distinct pleasure of meeting Wolfe John Ritzo for the very first time.

His parents are more of the outdoorsy type, so there were no standard nursery shots for this little tyke. Instead, we ventured to a nearby park to capture shots of Wolfe in the fresh air and sunshine.  Here are my favorites from the day:

Photos Featured on Website for Star Looks {thanks, Marci!}

A few months ago I had the pleasure of working with Marci Star while doing an in-home maternity shoot for Kristen and her husband, Jason.   Marci was hired by Kristen to be her makeup artist for the photoshoot, and Marci did a fabulous job! Not that Kristen needed any help to look beautiful... but Marci made her look absolutely flawless, complete with airbrushing detail on her belly. Marci was absolutely fabulous to work with. Her attention to detail was wonderful, and she was also fun to be around. I hope our paths cross again in the future.

She has featured a few images from the maternity shoot on her website (www.starlooks.com), in the "Artists Portfolios" section (located under the subsection "Film").  Here is a sample screen shot:

To see more, or for more information on the services her business provides, please check out her website: www.starlooks.com.