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.

- Brene Brown

When I first reviewed the photographs from my NYC portrait sessions, the irony leapt off the screen… my favorite images were not captured amidst extraordinary Central Park landmarks or sweeping cityscapes. The photographs that instantly grabbed my attention and tugged at my heart were the quiet moments when an honest glance seamlessly intersected with the click of my shutter. Upon this wise mom’s request, I was honored to document a simple glimpse of their “everyday.” Afterall, it is inside their fleeting childhood bedrooms and on the bustling city streets where life actually happens. Beautifully ordinary moments, indeed.

What is happening in your daily life right now that you never want to forget?

i absolutely adored these two boys on this beautiful September day. major props to this 3 1/2 year old big brother who kept this photo session a secret for almost 3 weeks! these photographs were planned as a special anniversary gift for his dad.. and i was honored to be a part of the surprise!

love… this family. loved seeing how much these 3 little ladies have grown up, how much they love their michigan summers, the big swing, the land, their horse. grateful that they asked me to come down for the evening to capture the girls as they truly are. love that this mom appreciates my approach to photography and shares my love for genuinely beautiful moments as they unfold on a regular day.

this last photograph is one of my favorites. it was the very last image taken, as we awaited the massive storm that rolled through and cut our session a bit short. so, we ate dinner, made brownies, and caught up in the kitchen til the day turned to night.

In these moments, it’s true… nothing else matters.

Sending Joy to Japan
I was delighted when the mother of these sisters (a beautiful soul) told me she forwarded her slideshow to their relatives in Japan who have been affected by the recent earthquakes and tsunami. She told me that the photographs brought them such joy. How honored I feel to have been a part of spreading joy at such a troubling time. Isn’t it amazing how photographs are a universal language of emotion that we can all relate to, near and far?

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°) 

…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 created a “Holiday Digital Collection” for the occassion. Expedited processing of your proofs/digital files and shipping for your disc is on me. Please email me with interest and to request more details as soon as possible.

I will be as happy as this giggly girl if this works out

p.s. If you happen to know anyone who may be interested, I would be so appreciative if you helped me spread the word. Thanks so much!

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!