pattern-mixing • family trail walk

little ones, outdoors, personal, we are family

There’s a fire trail that runs behind our house, & it’s like having a backyard that is really long & narrow & leads to the “special drink store,” where my husband takes the girls on Sundays to indulge in this Japanese soda that comes in a glass bottle with a marble in it. We’ve walked the trail in every season–breezy summer, crisp autumn, chilly winter, & now green spring. I’m glad I took my camera on this walk to capture my oldest daughter’s complete freedom with fashion (stripes, plaids, & knitted patterns all mixing beautifully), & just the mundane miracle of everyday life with my family. This was our baby’s first trail walk; held tightly in the arms of daddy, he slept through the whole thing.

The girls raced each other over & over again on the damp dirt trail…

Here’s Zoë letting Zara win, & I wish I had a picture of the look on Zoë’s face after, because she looked more joyful & proud of herself letting her sister win than she did when she won herself. Such kindness & compassion in a child!

music man • shinya mizoguchi

music, outdoors

I had been on maternity leave for a few months when I ran into friends, Nami & Shinya, at the school district informational meeting for kindergarten. We couldn’t believe our eldest children were ready to go off into the world! Shinya asked if I was back shooting, & I wasn’t really, not officially, but he had, on short-notice, needed photographs done for a music publication that will be featuring him. I jumped at the chance to shoot him, & what fun we had! So looking forward to seeing his spread in 53 Magazine!

the little red dress • holiday portraits

holidays, little ones, outdoors, studio, we are family

Ah, the holiday dress! Every year, the little princesses arrive, dolled up by their mommies, in the most beautiful taffetas, silks, & chiffons. This year, I thought I might show off a little selection of The Little Red Dress. The holiday spirit gets festive–and frilly!

holiday hockensmiths

holidays, little ones, outdoors, we are family

I’ve been capturing the mischievous twinkle in these two little girls’ eyes for a couple years now–& what a joy this family is every time we shoot! Jacque is the the quintessential modern mom–stylish, organized, & prompt. Her girls Haley & Hanna are always dressed in the cutest coordinated outfits, & prepared with their sweet smiles. And their dad Leroy is always game for racing, tickling, or snuggling his girls. I’m so glad I get to chronicle these two gals as they grow up all too quickly!