Back to the beginning

Recently a lot has happened that has given reasons to reflect. I've learned that our brains function like a sophisticated storage system. With all the hustle and bustle of busy life, we push the past aside to make room for the new. Like the Cloud, these past moments are stored safely for a later date. Just when needed the most, we can download the most wonderful memories.

My first years out of college were spent as a graphic artist and then I moved over to photography a few years after my first son was born so that I could work from home. To get started I knew that to have people trust me as their photographer, I had to prove my art.

At the time we lived on a street with so many wonderful young kids. This was before I had kids of my own so they were my little playmates. This situation was perfect for me because when I needed subjects to photograph they were all willing to help. I was able to gather an army of kids to practice with and created a portfolio so that I could go out into the big bad world to sell myself as a professional photographer.

I want to give a special thank you to three sisters to whom I watched grow from little bitty girls to amazingly beautiful and talented women and teens. When you see these photos you'll see why these girls were on the top of my list to use as portfolio subjects. My criteria was not only beautiful, but also siblings that had close connection that would be obvious in the photography. These girls had it all!

When I am flooded with those wonderful memories from the past, the kids I played with on our street come to front and center of my brain. Special moments and memories that are with me forever.

Now what lessons have I recently learned?
Life is so fast! Smell the roses and take LOTS of photos!

Jenn & Troy's Laguna Wedding

I find there are more days in Southern California where the ocean runs into the sky and they become one, but not last Friday. There was a distinct horizon line created by the deep blue ocean and cerulean sky. Take this scenery, add a gorgeous bride and groom and it is the formula for beautiful photos!

Kelly and Brad Maternity

Becoming a parent is so exciting, especially when it is your first!

My signature pregnancy shots usually involve some sort of silhouette shots as the sun sets, so I was a bit worried when the evening arrived and it was a drab overcast sky.  Never-the-less it forced me to explore a bit of the canyon that I don't usually venture towards. To my delight I found beautiful yellow flowers surrounding the paths. The trees and plants were all overgrown which worked in our favor creating an almost Eden like ambiance. Pair that with a cute couple excited about their little bump and it made for some excellent photos.