I was so excited to finally be able to photograph this family. I’ve known the mom since middle school. One of my first memories of her was walking to her house after school with a group of girls for her birthday party. She arguably had one of the coolest houses in Big Bear because she had an indoor pool. I’ve known the dad almost as long as well. He and I used to be so competitive in high school for the highest grades. I think I had him beat in calculus, but I’m pretty sure he took the lead in every other category. I don’t think any of our friends would have thought these two would eventually marry, but they did, and have created a beautiful family! Both boys look so much like their dad… hopefully they’ll get mom’s personality. (I can only say that because I’ve been friends with them forever)

As you might imagine, photographing a 3yr old and a 1yr old boy can be a bit challenging. What 3yr old boy doesn’t want to run all over the place? What 1yr old (boy or girl for that matter) doesn’t always want to be holding a goldfish? This is why I love challenges. I feel success when I can get them to look in the general direction of my camera and look happy, no matter what they’re doing!

I hope you guys enjoy your sneak peek! I have lots more for you to see in your gallery. ‘Til next time…

I just think this one is fun.

I have some really cute ones of him sitting on those steps. He was smiling and looking at my camera because he was looking for an alien hiding inside. Finding aliens was the newest and most fun adventure in this little boy’s life that week. In the second shot, nothing screams Southern California like palm trees and a beach cruiser, does it?

This one needs no words.

Funny stories to go along with both of these photos. He looks super cute and happy in the first one, right? I, as the photographer, was sooo lucky this little guy looked like he was smiling when indeed he was crying. In the second shot, we were standing in an alley way where the wind blew in just at the right angle to completely blow her skirt up. We’re talking total Marilyn Monroe here. I could see everything she had on under her skirt. Much to her husband’s dismay, I didn’t happen to catch that on my camera because I was bent over laughing so hard, but the restaurant worker sitting outside on his break near us might have had an entertaining 15min.

I don’t know if they knew I was behind them snapping away. I love candids.

Those dark brown eyes reflect the light so beautifully. Don’t both boys just totally look like dad?

I love these shots for a couple of reasons. First, I just love how pure happiness just glows from this little guy’s face. Second, I’m thrilled I managed to nail focus on each one when he was running at lightning speed right at me.

Aren’t they gorgeous? These two have really created an amazing life together.

Playing in the waves was the highlight of this little guy’s day.

Melts my heart.

Love this shot.

Quite possibly my favorite before and after shots. This is how our evening ended. The tide was coming up and before you know it, this poor little guy got knocked over by a wave. Dad was there to pick him up and they quickly stripped all of his wet clothes off and wrapped him in a warm dry towel. It was actually the perfect ending to a fun photo shoot!

It was a true honor to finally be able to take your family photos! Next time I visit, I’ll bring my kids so we can actually hang out more! xoxox

I love photographing other photographers. I usually start out the session completely timid and insecure because I am in awe of their talent and don’t want to look like a goof. Then, after a few minutes, I get into my usual groove and start directing them where to go, how to pose, and try my hardest not to mess up anyone’s name (which is usually the case). I was so completely flattered and humbled by the fact that this insanely talented professional photographer wanted me, of all people, to take her family photos. Here’s your sneak peek. I REALLY hope you like them!!! You have a beautiful family and I feel so lucky to have been able to take your photos.

Love the light in this one as well as their expressions. All I see is content.

LOVE LOVE LOVE everything about this one. We got the most fantastic backlight up on that rooftop.

The boys. Super cute, yes?

If you know her, which a lot of you reading this blog do, you know this is totally their personality. Together since they were teenagers and still super frisky? Love it.

You should have seen what they were doing right before he had his hands all over her tooshie.

Isn’t she just the sweetest little thing?

You should have seen the looks on their faces when I asked them to hold hands. It was pretty adorable in a yuck-don’t-make-me-hold-my-sister’s-hand kind of way.

No one can do red lipstick like she can. Love their expressions here.

It was a true privilege photographing your family!!!

I feel like I have a connection with every family I photograph. Either their kids are the same age as mine, the husband says something that reminds me of my hubby, one of the kids makes a funny face that I regularly see. This family was special to me because their oldest son is on the autism spectrum. I’m very familiar with kids on the spectrum because both of my sweet and undeniably adorable nephews are on the spectrum. I understand how difficult if can be to get a “good” photo, capturing that connection you want to print big and hang on the wall. I understand how much anxiety must come along with the thought of investing in a photographer and then having the session just be completely overwhelming to your little ones resulting in not so good images. I also understand the financial bind most families with children diagnosed with autism are in because of all the intensive therapy, doctor visits and education that is required to help their children thrive. Because of this connection, I always offer a 25% discount to families with autism, as well as a no pressure agreement to reschedule as needed. I understand that the day we have scheduled might just be a really bad day for your little one. Don’t worry about it. We’ll wait until they’re having a good day. I understand that once we start, things might not work out as planned. That’s okay. We can try again if needed. My goal is to take all the anxiety away for you. I want you to enjoy your photo session. I want you to walk away with photos you will forever cherish. I want to capture the connection you share, the love in their face, and the smiles they give.

I asked permission from this session’s mom to mention all of this and if she’d be interested in writing something up about her experience. Here’s what she had to say:

He was diagnosed on the spectrum at age 2 with Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD-NOS). We feel very fortunate because he is high functioning but that’s not to say the past 4 years have been without struggles. Communication and the social interaction used to be a huge concern but thanks to Early Intervention and ABA therapy (I’m a huge advocate) he has made amazing strides! Within the past year the ADHD has been particularly challenging. Unfortunately ADHD goes hand-in-hand with Autism Spectrum disorders.

What has been very challenging for the family is trying to plan as much structure as possible for his day. This is not easy especially when going to unstructured events such as a photo session. This causes him increased anxiety which, for him, results in hyperactivity and sensory seeking behaviors. Though he has improved so much over the years. As an infant and toddler we didn’t get a lot of good professional photos just because he was often irritable and very busy. When we saw how “uncooperative” he was it just increased our anxiety as parents. A photographer who is working with a child on the Autism Spectrum needs to be very patient, versatile and engaging. Sometimes it takes a little more time to get that one good shot! You definitely possess the qualities that I think a photographer who is working with a child on the spectrum should have….patient, engaging and versatile.

Enjoy your sneak peek! I hope you love them as much as I do. I really enjoyed getting to know your family.

Started out with a cute family shot. Have I ever mentioned how thrilled I get when everyone looks at the camera? Seriously – that makes me soooooooooo happy.

Adorable, right? So cute!

I don’t think I’ve ever met a toddler who doesn’t like to swing on mom and dad’s hands.

Got these smiles after I asked them to say “strawberry cheese.” They thought that was FUN-NY.

Love it.

Mom and her boys. Love how it looks like the little one is puckering up for a BIG kiss.

Dad and his boys.

Had to show a couple “real” shots. These guys were cracking each other up with their faces. And this monster truck was a very important part of our session.

The easiest pics to get are the ones of just mom and dad. Ahhhh.