I’m so lucky to know this woman, Linda. She is an extraordinary force of vision & compassion, & if it weren’t for her, I don’t know where I would ever have felt safe sending my girls to school for the first time. She has created a community of kindness around her in so many forms–not in the least being the preschool she has founded, Riviera PlaySchool, an unique environment based on the NVC method of communicating with children. Up until a couple weeks ago, Linda was expecting twins! And I myself was officially on maternity leave from shooting, but I just couldn’t not take her pictures, especially when she told me, “I’m just gonna go to the mall.” What?! No way, not when I have a chance to give back to her, just as she has given to me. All her friends love the first picture the most, saying, “It’s so Linda.” That big laugh–yes, indeed it is!
we are family
ecstatic • michelle • dance & pregnancy portraiture
beauty & boudoir, dance, little ones, pregnancy, studioI had to categorize these as both “dance” & “pregnancy” portraiture, because they most definitely are! Michelle & I have been friends since our days of dancing together at UCLA. We’ve known each other now more than half our lives, & this last fall, we celebrated our 40th birthdays in November. And to make the occasion even more special, we were both also just 3 weeks apart in our last pregnancies, & both expecting our third child. Michelle traveled down to LA to see me, & we took the opportunity to do some pictures–of course! Michelle has been one of my muses since our college years–her beauty is unique, timeless, exotic, romantic, & being a dancer, she moves with such grace & ease. During our photo session, she embodied the ecstatic feeling of carrying life inside her–and here these pictures I think celebrate the dance of life… 
the little red dress • holiday portraits
holidays, little ones, outdoors, studio, we are familyAh, 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 familyI’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!
