thanks • the hsieh sisters & families • pacific palisades, ca

holidays, little ones, we are family

The last time I photographed Yvonne & Elaine & their families was two years ago. I was preparing myself for how much the kids must have grown since then, but I still couldn’t believe it when I saw them! Shae was still in grade school last time, but now he’s halfway through eighth grade (which makes him closer to being a high-schooler!). And little sister Mia is that blossom of a girl who is just super into soccer & probably has no idea how gorgeous a young lady she’s become. But they’re both still kids enough that snuggling Mom, Elaine, is still cool—which was the most endearing thing to see. And Yvonne’s oldest, Sonia, was just a baby a couple years ago; not so this year! She’s definitely the big girl-older sister to little Tessa, whose little teeth just made the best smile! Here’s to sisterhood, cousins, & being together for the holidays!

c3 • the cuevas kids • palos verdes estates, ca

little ones, we are family

The Cuevas family is always in motion! Mama Erin is a dynamo–mother of three, entrepreneur, producer, & wife to wonderful husband & partner in all their creative plans, Frank. I am so impressed by how this family makes moving & opening new businesses look like so much fun & adventure. They’ve crossed the country & started new ventures & nested new homes all in the time I’ve known them, & they inspire me to break out of the routine & be bold! But I have to say, it’s nice to have them back here where we can resume our playdates & face time. We love seeing their three beautiful kids—Sienna, Jack, & introducing new addition, baby sister Carolina…

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!

impromptu • cuevas family • pregnancy portraits

outdoors, pregnancy, we are family

Freedom lately has meant not having my youngest baby strapped to my chest at a party–because it means that I can snap away with my camera without the added 18 pounds of chub! And being more quick & agile on my feet means I’m able to take advantage of the gorgeous late-day light & the as-yet unphotographed belly of my friend Erin, who is due in August with Baby #3. We were both attending the birthday party for our mutual friend’s little girl, & as the day stretched out into the early evening, the sun stayed warm & hovered just above the tree line, bathing us all in the glow of summer. I had done pregnancy portraits for Erin almost two years ago when she was pregnant with Jack (the beautiful boy you see below), & this time, she didn’t have any real plans for formal portraits. So, I just asked her to stand in the sun for me, & I clicked away as she, Jack, & hubby Frank laughed & played & hugged (daughter Sienna was off with the other kids). And oh, how much I love these impromptu portraits…

And this was Jack, informing us all, “I’m tired…”