blue beach • the saunders family • redondo beach, ca

beach, little ones, we are family

The last time I photographed the Saunders kids, they were so little! Beautiful, spunky Summer was four, & little brother Mason was just a baby who was literally “laid-back” for our whole session. This time around, Summer is a big girl, even more beautiful & more spunky, & Mason is superbly athletic! I was so happy to be able to photograph the whole family. Jennifer & Skip & the kids were so game, running races, frolicking in the water, despite that it was the coolest morning we’d had at the coast in many weeks. But the mist couldn’t dampen this family’s energy & spirit–so much sweetness & fun in their group! And the cozy snuggling made for lots of warmth–enough to make us forget the chilly wind…

their 3 sons • family portraits • palos verdes estates, ca

little ones, outdoors, we are family

I had a blast catching up with my old friend Gregg, & meeting his beautiful wife Kim & their three good-lookin’ sons! They were so full of joy & warmth, & they make raising three boys ranging from age 2 to 20 look like a walk in the park. I know Gregg from my teaching days, & I remember so well his positive energy & his humor. He & Kim both have such generous smiles–what a wonderful match. Oldest son Josh exuded a calm that I don’t often see in most 20-year-olds; he is working toward a degree in computer technology. And the littluns, Nolan & Matthew, just inquisitive as ever–& so, so sweet, & so willing to play with me & allow me to capture them running, climbing, & cuddling with mom & dad. It was a sunshine-y day in so many ways!

on a mission • marco, age 6 • palos verdes estates, ca

beach, little ones, outdoors

One of my greatest pleasures is catching up with families at regular intervals, seeing how the kids have grown & changed. For the last three years, I’ve gotten to do annual portraits of Marco, an energetic, imaginative, precocious boy whose mom is a creative, magical, ultra-feminine force of nature. Marco loves costumes, & each year, I feel honored that he tolerates my shooting away, while I follow him around, catching him being a kid. He clambers up rocky beaches & climbs trees with the ease of a monkey–it’s so inspiring to watch, & an exciting challenge to keep up with him! This year, we ventured to the coast, & he was on a mission of the imagination…

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!