seven letter word for family • the findleys • redondo beach, ca

little ones, we are family

I couldn’t possibly write all that I’d want about my wonderful friend Dana. She’s known me through thick, thin, & just plain crazy. Dana has always been like a sister to me–someone capable & dependable & positive that I would trust to pack my house & balance my checkbook. I always say that she’s the type of gal who gets more done between 6 AM and noon than I can do all week. She’s creative, loving, thoughtful, talented, hard-working…In just the last four years, she & wonderful husband Kirk grew their marriage into a family of four! It was very special to share our pregnancies at the same time, & to be in the same phases of parenthood. We often laugh & talk about what life was like “then” (road trips, vinyl pants, discos, Olive Garden), & how it is “now” (day care, sleepless nights, Target). I loved doing these first family pictures of theirs since the arrival of daughter & little sister, Aria, last spring. She joined big brother Race, & now Dana & Kirk have a perfect matched set. Here’s to “now” & this amazing family!

sunset trail • the kloes-corwin family • palos verdes estates, ca

little ones, outdoors, we are family

It has been so great to be back in touch with Regina, an old colleague of mine from Beverly Hills High School. Since we both left there, we’ve moved to the South Bay, had kids, & crossed paths once or twice. We have friends in common from Beverly, but also now from Ridgecrest Middle School; the world of education is a small one when you get to know a few teachers in a small community. It was great to have Regina attend my first “Capture Your Kid! Photography Workshop for Parents;” a familiar & supportive face in the classroom is always a bonus! I’ve now had the pleasure of meeting her sons, Cristian & Ashton, a handful of times, & I am always bowled over by how absolutely gorgeous they are. But even more so, they are so kind & so full of joy! On the afternoon of our session, I got to capture Regina, her lovely husband Pat, & the boys just taking a walk & being the warm & fun-loving family they are. It was such a pleasure to see these boys, these brothers, together—how their personalities are so unique, & how there is just so much love between them…

rain & shine • the byars family • palos verdes estates, ca

little ones, Uncategorized, we are family

I had a late afternoon session scheduled with the Byars family, & was grumbling to myself about the forecasted rain that had gotten heavier & heavier that day. But I love shooting in the plaza near my home, because it’s got old-world beauty & covered walkways, shielding us from any rare inclement weather. The Byars showed up after an already full day, all dressed & excited, & ready to go despite the wet weather. They were having a great time snuggling each other, dancing, & racing–& at the tail end of our session, I learned never to mistrust Mother Nature: The clouds split open & the most golden of golden lights radiated toward us, reflected on the wet ground. I couldn’t have planned for prettier light! And I thought, what a great symbol for Janis, who is so positive. She is always able to see the silver lining, always has a smile & an upbeat energy. She’s an elementary school teacher—& boy, are her students lucky to have her! The only luckier ones are her wonderful husband Brad (who just rebuilt their whole kitchen with his own two hands!), sweet, spunky Amy (who is really into dancing right now), & gentle, fun Ethan (who is a total lovebug). And would you believe it—we got to see a huge rainbow at the end of our session!

number one! • the juarez family celebrates daniel’s first birthday

little ones, we are family

How special that first birthday is with your first baby! I was so honored to help Mandy & Derek celebrate Daniel’s first year with our portrait session. It was extra special, because Mandy is a close friend of my childhood “cousin,” Tricia, whose mom is my mom’s best friend. I love sharing this friendship, & we all have sons who are the same age. I had a great time clicking away while Daniel got snuggled by mommy & daddy—& even more fun was watching him dig into a birthday cupcake…at first tentatively, & then getting it, & then with gusto! Happy First Birthday, Daniel!! And congratulations to Mandy & Derek for surviving that first year & raising such a sweet little boy!