how i did not know about this amazing beach when i lived in los angeles is beyond me. is it not extraordinary? these photographs were captured this past november during my 3rd trip back to california since the move. and while i could kick myself for not discovering this beach sooner, i am beyond grateful that this family continues to choose me to create artful memories of their children. i will never forget watching the brilliant pink sky from the parking lot as we said our good-byes. this beach day was a breath of fresh air for all of us – a deep, long exhale – and if i could have paused time, i certainly would have.

it’s because of times like these, there will always be a piece of los angeles that feels like home to me.

…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!

I’ve wanted to see the play “Our Town” since I was 14 years old. I remember being moved to tears as I first watched Emily Webb’s goodbye monologue so candidly performed by “Rayanne” on “My So Called Life” (circa 1995).

I could never get her tone and those words out of my head. Even 15 years later, while preparing for our recent move away from Los Angeles, I would hear myself silently ramble my own version. “Goodbye, California. Goodbye to palm trees and Runyon Canyon. Goodbye to eternal summer and flip flops in January. Goodbye, mountains. Goodbye to Bhakti Yoga and gelato on Sunset. Goodbye to our coffee shop up on the hill. Goodbye, my friends…“ Heart-wrenching, it was, to leave that life.

Sometimes I wish that I wasn’t so emotional and sentimental, but then I realize that we are the way we are for a reason. Maybe that’s why I am a photographer of life’s fleeting moments. I can’t help but become overwhelmed with the little things.

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We arrived to our new life in Michigan one month ago today. My tears over what I was leaving behind were washed away once I realized our new life’s surroundings. We were met with the sight of leaves turning the vibrant colors of fire. We have new cities to explore and new beaches to discover. For the first time in 10 years, I’m not surrounded by buildings and millions of people… and I feel so much more relaxed. Nights are finally quiet enough to sleep undisturbed. There is a clear view of the sky out my windows and I can see the stars at night! (Sometimes you just know when you are on the right track. And I finally saw “Our Town” this past weekend, performed in our new town.)

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As I’m sitting here at my computer, across the country from where I was a month ago, I can’t help but reflect on the whirlwind that is life. For my clients friends, near and far, I can only hope that the photographs we make together might act as daily reminders to be present and to fully realize this beautiful life you are living… every, every minute!

I will be taking portrait commissions in West Michigan as of late-October 2010. I will also travel back to Los Angeles in the future depending on interest, so please don’t be shy if you are ever hoping for a Los Angeles portrait session. I am already looking ahead to next March/April-ish for the first of many travel session dates. Please contact me via email if you’d like to be placed on my list.

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As I embark on life’s next adventure, I want to give a huge THANK YOU to all of my clients who have made my days in Los Angeles so very pleasant and memorable. I will miss all of you like crazy..

And a couple of recent photographs.. I am hoping to channel her energy and spunk as I finish packing today, because I’ve most certainly run out!

All emails and non-urgent voicemails will be returned once we settle in to our new place in October. Thank you for your patience!

These adorable sisters recently moved here from Michigan, so their mom wanted a very stylized LA urban session, as well as some beach scenes for their holiday photographs. Ironically, the day after I saw the movie (and fell in love), I went location scouting for this shoot and stumbled upon the most perfect mural for an urban kids shoot. I was so inspired by it all, I created a unique “Wild Things” inspired tri-fold holiday card for them that I can’t wait to see in print. Here’s some of my personal favorites from our shoot:

i can’t wait to meet the little one who is due the first week of July! thanks again for braving the unusually chilly ocean air; it was worth it for sure!

I think there’s so much to be learned from children. They own playfulness. They know, without even knowing, what it’s like to be enveloped in the joy of life. I think we should all start taking notes from the children around us, like this little 6 year old who had me smiling constantly.. and laughing and running from the waves coming in to shore.. the cold water tickling our toes.