colour

bellboys • the bell brothers & families • playa del rey, ca

little ones, we are family

Bryen & Michael Bell are hilarious. They always, always crack me up when we do pictures, because they are so much fun with their kids, & if you could see the eye-rolls they get from their wives! In fact, I wanted to title this post “ding-dongs,” & I think they would have loved it. It’s so great when dads really get into being photographed with their families, & these two dads bring on the goofiness & the one-ups-man-ship (check out the pic of them tossing their kids into the air–I think they were competing to see whose flew higher!). I’ve known Alithea & Bryen for six years now, & a couple years ago, I also had the pleasure of photographing Ann & Michael–& everyone together, including the four kids: Mikayla & Connor, & Bradley & Jettrin. How wonderful that those little cousins will grow up together, playing & wrestling & driving each other bonkers. Here’s to brotherhood & sisters-in-law & cousins & families getting together…

little bells • the corter-bell kids & family • palos verdes estates, ca

little ones, we are family

Ah, my good friends, the Corter-Bells! We have known each other on the crazy journey of parenthood for the last six years. We met through our wonderful mutual friends, Karen & Jason, who encouraged us to get together when Alithea & I were pregnant with our first babies. We both shared an interest in homebirthing & natural health–Alithea & Bryen are both chiropractors who have contributed so much in healing & education to their larger communities. Every year, I get to update their family photos–once in the late winter for Chinese New Year & the children’s birthdays, & once in late fall for the holidays. This year, because I had a newborn in February, we had to put off their first session. So, we finally got around to it this month! So much fun watching these kids grow up…

mama L. • beautiful belly extraordinary pregnancy portraiture • palos verdes estates, ca

pregnancy, we are family

What a spirited, energetic, luscious session I had with Mama L.! She is an actor & first time mommy, & her personality just filled up the room in such a warm & wonderful way. Being a performer, she was so game to play! And she was so grounded in her baby-bearing body, so full of life & the happy anticipation of being a new parent. I loved capturing her fiery red hair that was like an extension of her joy & movement. Even after only meeting her for one day, I can tell that she’s a force of creativity. And since our session, she & her husband have welcomed their baby boy into their lives–& he couldn’t have chosen two more passionate & animated parents. He is going to have a life filled with love & fun! Congratulations to you all! {And a special shout-out to Melissa Pizzamiglio for the gorgeous hair & make-up, & for getting me & Mama L. connected in the first place!}