farewell to SoCal • the taka family

little ones, outdoors, we are family

Azusa & 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 family

The 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!

ingrid & beth • celebrating mother’s day 2010

holidays, little ones, outdoors, we are family

We celebrated Mother’s Day last Sunday with my cousins & their two beautiful families. The spring flowers have been exploding in the backyard, so I was so excited to use them as a backdrop for a few quick portraits. We ran outside just before sunset, & gathered the mamas with their getting-too-big-too-fast children, ranging from age 9 months to 13 years…How quickly it all goes by!

Ingrid, Paul, & their kids Cassandra, Theo, Evangeline, & Zach Beth and her son Kyle

celebrating a decade together • the roh family portraits

little ones, outdoors, we are family

I have had the special joy of chronicling the growing family of Alice & Chong Roh over the last few years. Last weekend, they celebrated their tenth anniversary! These photos were such fun to do with their spirited kids, Zachary, Kristyn, & Micah, & Gramma Helen. Their family is stylish, fun, & in constant motion–and I think our shoot in Old Pasadena reflected their personalities! Congratulations, Alice & Chong, on a decade of joy & children & the marriage journey…and here’s to the next ten years!