I met Alithea & Bryen through mutual friends Karen & Jason over five years ago. Karen introduced me to Alithea, because she thought we’d have a lot in common–including being pregnant at the same time! Now, it’s been five years, six pregnancies (all but one of them simultaneous) & four kids between the two of us! In addition to growing a wonderful friendship of mutual support & lots of shared philosophies, I’ve also had the pleasure of capturing their family in pictures for births, holidays, & “just because” with lots of regularity. Theirs is one of the last families I’m shooting this holiday season, since I’m on maternity leave through the spring. And as usual, it was a fun, high-energy shoot, followed by a great playdate, great conversation, & lots of snacking. Good times!
we are family
three generations • the sutarwala family
little ones, outdoors, we are familyTasneem is another wonderful mommy friend I met through our children’s school in Redondo Beach. I was so excited to be asked to do a big family portrait of three generations of the Sutarwala clan, her husband, Shahzad’s side of their family. We had a gorgeous, sunny, SoCal day and a big open space all to ourselves. Tasneem & Shahzad’s two beautiful kids, Kian & Zaara, were full of energy–I got to know Kian’s big smile & Zaara’s coy one. Shahzad’s sister, Seema, & her husband Jay, joined us from Pasadena with their dog Achilles. And Shahzad’s lovely parents, Zafar & Nasreen, were the regal grandparents. It was such an honor to spend time with them & have the opportunity to chronicle their family tree…
Nasreen & Zafar have been married for more than four decades…
When I asked them to hold hands, Zafar said, “We’ve been doing this for almost 50 years…” And they laughed that I was taking so many pictures of them. Tasneem pointed out that they didn’t have a professional photographer at their wedding, so it was appropriate. Zafar got a bit misty-eyed, and behind the lens, so did I…
farewell to SoCal • the taka family
little ones, outdoors, we are familyAzusa & Tamehiko invited me to their home & its surroundings to commemorate their time living in Rancho Palos Verdes with their two sweet boys, Kei and Rui. In early July, they relocated to the Midwest, & they wanted to take with them some memories of Kei’s favorite places near their home. We had a wonderful, easy time, walking around while Kei showed me his favorite daisies, his “hopping stones,” & of course, his speedy tricycle. Kei and my daughters attend the same preschool, & I only wish that our families had hung out more! I will miss seeing his smiling face and talking with Azusa…I hope these photos will always remind them of their happy years in SoCal…Bon Voyage, Taka Family!
the wirsig family • beach portraits
beach, little ones, outdoors, we are familyThe first time I met up to shoot Heather & Johnny’s family, the winds were gusting and the coast was a brisk 60 degrees! We were caught by surprise–the sun was shining beautifully, & we all anticipated a perfect So Cal day…but no go. So as they say in Hollywood, “Take two!” Our second meeting was warm & overcast–great conditions for being on the shore & shooting. Their daughters Taylor & Maliah were totally natural in front of the camera, fearless in the cool water. And little Noah was such a lovebug, mellow & so agreeable, just contentedly falling asleep in the embrace of his parents & sister to the sound of the waves. I hope I captured what a warm & loving family this is! They were a joy to shoot!
