The first set of images was taken in December in Los Angeles, California. The second set was taken earlier this evening in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Both families were referred to me from the very same friend… what a small world this is.

Whichever kind of winter you are blessed to have, I hope you’ve taken a moment to see the beauty and soak up every last bit. After living in Southern California for a few (wonderfully sunny) years, I never thought I would say it… but, I think I missed the brisk, snowy winter. I am now seeing it with fresh eyes and I’ve never enjoyed it more. (32° is the new 72°) 

I absolutely adore this family and hardly have words for how grateful I am that photography has brought us together. Not only do these lucky kids have the sweetest parents, but their mom shares my love of fine stationery and the hand-written note. Her notes are some of the best I have ever received and I can’t imagine how many lives she has touched!

She also has an impeccable eye for design. I just love how she framed and arranged two wall prints from our first session when her adorable blue-eyed little girl was just 8 months. The gorgeous Keepsake Box on her mantle was an addition from our session this past summer. And she now has a matching Keepsake Box for her baby boy’s newborn photographs – such a lovely way to hold your treasured prints!

And… wait for it… introducing the next Gerber baby (Is this moment not priceless? I imagine he could sell some serious baby grub!)

I began photographing Ronen when he was still in the womb and when he was just 6 weeks. These images commemorate his 8 month stage and I’ll soon be flying to Los Angeles for his one year session. Preserving memories for a family of their baby’s 1st year milestones has to be one of the best things ever!

…Witnessing one of Miss V’s very first experiences at the beach in Malibu – loving her curiosity and excitement. I first photographed her at 7 months and 16 months.

…Hanging out with this little man in his new backyard and loving his hilarious 14-month old chuckle. I met his family when his gorgeous momma was pregnant and first photographed him when he was just 2 weeks old.

…Chasing Miss M’s energetic 17-month old self all over a park near her home in Pasadena. My camera first melted at the sight of her beautiful blue eyes when she was 8 months old. Little did I know on this warm August evening that I would be back in LA just 2 short months after I moved, giving her and her sweet Mom huge hugs and photographing her new baby brother’s tiny fingers and toes. (I’ll save those for another post!)

… Relaxing at a hilltop Hollywood park and meeting this lovely family’s newest addition at 6 months old. I first photographed his big brother at 8 months and it was amazing to see how he’s much he’s grown in the last 2 years!

…Catching up with this family in Beverly Hills and watching in awe as their little guy walked wobbled around. Wasn’t he just 2 weeks old? Miss A was so excited to show me her monkey bar skills and we shared lots of laughs while trying to be “serious.” This lucky family and I made magic when I took my favorite photograph of the year, which now hangs as a large gallery wrapped canvas in their home. We first met on a foggy day at Redonda Beach when they were still expecting their little boy. Soon, life will be taking them to Hawaii and we are already hopeful that I’ll make a “business” trip!

…And just 2 weeks before we moved away, I will never forget this beach session: literally chasing 2 ½ year old, Miss D, for what seemed like miles up and down the brisk, foggy coast… laughing the whole time. So what if I walked funny for a few days after running a marathon in the sand; this little girl filled me with energy and light when I needed it the most. I first photographed her at 6 ½ months and 1 ½ years old. I am so thankful for photography bringing us together, as I now call her Mom a wonderful friend… and I can’t wait to meet baby #2 in March! (There’s more photographs from this session a few posts down.)

Thanks again to my southern California families who have chosen and trusted me to capture your memories over the years – it is certainly an honor to remain a part of your lives. I am now anxiously awaiting my Los Angeles trips (the next as early as this March) to continue to see your families grow!

It also amazes me that Alexis prioritized this newborn photography session amidst traveling between Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Michigan, and Alabama with her 6 week old in tow. Like so many events in life, it may seem that there might always be a better time, but this new Mom is beyond inspirational! It is all about declaring value and deciding what is important, holding back from excuses and making time for the little things..

Why always “not yet”? Do flowers in spring say “not yet”?
- Norman Douglas

I am so thankful that I was given the opportunity to photograph this adorable 8 month old, because she certainly made me smile and brightened my week. This age (6-8 months) is such an absolute joy to document. They are not yet crawling away, but their personalities are so bright and playful. Babies at this stage are a perfect reminder of the simplest joys in life, and this little one was no exception. They amaze me every time.

i’m short on words today as i’m headed to michigan tomorrow and there is much to do before then! i’m sure looking forward to the wide open green spaces and warm, quiet nights.

a note to my clients (and prospective clients): i will have access to email, should you have questions or need to get ahold me. i am also currently booking for September. if you have an interest in having a baby, child, or family photography session with me in los angeles, please contact me soon and i’ll put you on the list!