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…

bo & eric • engagement portraits • redondo beach, ca

engagements

I had such fun with Bo & Eric, shooting them for their engagement! Eric’s sister, Joanne, is an old friend of mine from grad school, so doing these portraits for her brother was a special honor. I love the tale of Bo & Eric’s courtship; they told me their first date was at Cheesecake Factory, but it was the third date that cinched it for them. As they tell it, Bo was impressed when Eric offered to eat her piece of kobe beef that she thought was a little too raw; & Eric liked that their similarly low-key personalities were a good match. And when Eric proposed at the pier in Malibu, Bo said, “Are you joking?” So funny! So for our session, we celebrated their history by enjoying a dessert at Cheesecake Factory & then having some fun at the pier & the beach! Congratulations, Bo & Eric! Have a wonderful wedding in Korea!

on-trend • kyle austin • palos verdes estates, ca

fashion, headshots

My cousin’s son Kyle is an extraordinary young man (I can’t really call him a “kid” anymore since he is entering high school in a matter of days). For one, he’s a gorgeous creature. And two, he has demonstrated a penchant for style for as long as I can remember. I think he was three years old, when I found myself discussing with him what my future wedding dress might look like while we were having dinner one time. He suggested it be blue (which is amazing now that I recall it, because I did end up choosing a pale, pale blue dress!). He has always had a terrific sense of what to wear, without seeming overly affected (as we all know, that is very hard to achieve as a junior high-schooler). While I know most of us look back on our high-school days of fashion as fodder for jokes, Kyle might very well look back & see the seeds of creative genius. I’m banking on him being the youngest competitor on Project Runway! Few of us are ever so lucky as to have such an affinity & a vocation (literally a “calling”) so early. I just know that he’ll be making his mark in the world of style one day…And then I will never again have to wonder what to wear; I’ll just ask the guy who advised me about my bridal gown.

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!