love the name “katie” • hsin-kuo family portraits • palos verdes estates, ca

little ones, studio, we are family

I love how being a photographer has connected me with people; in this case, the game of “six degrees” of separation has led me to my sister’s high school classmate, Amy. And, it’s very fun that Amy’s little girl is named “Katie Kuo,” which is my sister’s name. It was such a treat to be able to meet Amy & her husband Michael, & to do their first official family portraits with baby! Katie was so energetic, so ready to play, & her parents were quick on their feet! And Amy & Michael both have these mega-watt smiles that are so expressive. We had a lot of fun–& Katie was a rockstar–not a meltdown in sight the whole session! She was very patient with these three adults mugging for her & fussing over her. What a great time we had!

finale • fourth of july 2011

events, holidays, little ones, personal, we are family

Every year, we invite family & friends to potluck & enjoy front row seats to see the local fireworks from the balcony of my parents’ house. It’s a late-night gathering, because the fireworks display begins after it’s completely dark–usually around 9:30 PM. As the kids get older, they are more likely to stay awake long enough to see what all the excitement’s about, but every year, there’s at least one littl’un that succumbs to sleep before (or sometimes during) the show. This was my favorite pic from our party this year: Sweet Neave asleep on her Daddy’s shoulder, her parents trying to beat the traffic & heading out before the show was over. In the background, you can see the finale; the foreground, Chris & Shannon catching one last glimpse before heading home at the end of a three-day weekend…

they said it would go by fast • zoë’s preschool graduation • redondo beach, ca

little ones, personal, preschool

In the weeks approaching Zoë’s preschool graduation, I think I was in denial. I just refused to think about it in any personal way, except to remember that I must bring my camera, because I was to shoot the event. I’m not sure how long I’ll use this head-in-the-sand approach to the fleet-footed milestones of childhood; I am barely able to keep up just bearing witness to it all. The upside of my being a pathologically sentimental person is that it makes me a great photographer–because I want to remember all the details. So, clicking away prevented me from melting down–it helped me stay in the present, instead of giving in to the flickering slideshow in my mind of images of Zoë as an infant (first bath, first solid meal, first steps, first pig tails); or alternately jumping ahead in time & imagining her going to prom & walking down the aisle. Just be here, one frame, one/five-hundredths of a second at a time. Just be here, in this moment, truly seeing my child’s funny smile while accepting her diploma.

In the pure spirit of Riviera PlaySchool, the kids were all their impromptu selves: still grubby from playing, perhaps spattered with paint, gathered together for an organic ceremony. Zoë wore three types of camouflage & sported tattoos on legs, arms, & cheek. The director & founder of PlaySchool, Linda, presided over the event, reminding the families how much she & the teachers love these children. Each child received a special book made especially for them by their teachers; it was full of photos of them & the kinds of caring messages that only teachers can write. In addition, each student got a sunflower seed–to plant & to symbolize the future.

I just have to express our deepest gratitude to Linda, Susan, Dawn, Madi, & Katie, these gifted teachers of heroic patience, humor, & kindness. Everyday, they make PlaySchool a safe, loving, stimulating, fun environment for my children to learn & grow, & give them the attention & guidance that I hardly think I’m even capable of at home. You are all amazing human beings to choose this vocation–& all of us benefit from your calling.

Congratulations to all the graduates & their misty-eyed mommies & daddies…

hot/pink • the davenport-paysinger family • manhattan beach, ca

little ones, outdoors, we are family

Finally some real summer weather, & I got to enjoy it outdoors with Coleen & Vonzie! It was a gorgeous, SoCal Saturday, & a three-day holiday weekend. I haven’t had the pleasure of doing portraits for their family since Christmas two years ago, so this was a real treat, especially to see how their two girls, Reina & Maya have grown. What beauties! And such dynamic & distinct personalities. Coleen & I got to marveling at how daughters from the same two people could have such differing ways of approaching and processing the world. (I don’t know why I still find this so mind-boggling; after all, I didn’t think that my kids would just be clones of us or each other…did I?)

I’ve known Coleen & Vonzie for many years, having “grown up” in our teaching careers at the same school. It’s been so wonderful to stay in touch & share the trials & triumphs, tears & laughter about parenting. They are both very athletic & have careers in sports education; their students are so lucky to have had their guidance & care for many years. Reina has been channeling those genetic talents into dance, & Maya is going to be chasing her big sister & giving her a run for the money soon!

Despite the hot sun, this family turned on the charm & snuggling, & it was a great kick-off to their well-deserved summer vacation!