love the name “katie” • hsin-kuo family portraits • palos verdes estates, ca

little ones, studio, we are family

I love how being a photographer has connected me with people; in this case, the game of “six degrees” of separation has led me to my sister’s high school classmate, Amy. And, it’s very fun that Amy’s little girl is named “Katie Kuo,” which is my sister’s name. It was such a treat to be able to meet Amy & her husband Michael, & to do their first official family portraits with baby! Katie was so energetic, so ready to play, & her parents were quick on their feet! And Amy & Michael both have these mega-watt smiles that are so expressive. We had a lot of fun–& Katie was a rockstar–not a meltdown in sight the whole session! She was very patient with these three adults mugging for her & fussing over her. What a great time we had!

just a taste • mrs. d • boudoir session • palos verdes estates, ca

beauty & boudoir

Mrs. D is one of the most wise, crafty, & creative wives I’ve ever met. She speaks with an understanding of relationships & men’s brains that far exceeds her age, so much so that I really think she ought to write a book. While planning her boudoir session, I was really awed by how attuned she is to her husband’s likings & tastes. And she spoke of making him happy in the most generous, enthusiastic way. And their efforts to stoke the flames of love & desire & connection are all the more meaningful, as he is deployed somewhere far, far away, for much, much too long. Mrs. D & I had such a fun time getting creative, & she was bold, & brave, & a celebration of feminine wiles. Can’t wait for Mr. D to finally see these soon…And they’ll be more to come after this sneak peek…

bob uslander, md • headshots • palos verdes estates, ca

headshots

Bob’s son & my daughters go to the same preschool, & I have so enjoyed getting to know their family. This last weekend, just before Bob & Sandy are relocating, we fit in a spirited headshot/portrait session. Bob already has some more formal headshots, but he was looking for something a little more organic, more relaxed. I love these two in particular, because I think they reflect his easy-going, positive, approachable personality. Bob is a doctor who helps other doctors find purpose & mastery in their work & in their lives…I think that’s about as high a purpose as anyone can have!

four of five • the uslander family

little ones, outdoors, studio, we are family

Another wonderful family I’ve met through Riviera PlaySchool…& another family on the move…Sandy & Bob are headed out of Los Angeles to points south for new adventures, but before they leave, we celebrated with some new headshots & family portraits! Their two gorgeous sons were at the session, rough-housing like loving brothers & lighting up the day with their big grins; but we missed having their daughter here too. Hopefully she’ll enjoy seeing her family together in these pictures–she was mentioned all through the shoot. I so enjoyed the inspired conversation we shared while clicking & in between set-ups; we talked about the real need & desire for all people to truly & deeply connect (with others & with ideas, through every type of vocation) & to create. Well, I feel very lucky, because I got to do both on this day with them.