Pure, Simple, Breathtaking

There are few things in this world that are as stunningly beautiful as a pregnant mother. Nothing shows more love, more beauty than a portrait of a mother to be especially when you mix it with her precious family. If you read my blog a couple weeks ago about my new favorite way to photograph newborns in a much more journalistic way, you knew this posting was coming. My last couple maternity shoots have been done the same way. This shoot was 100% available light. I did bring my flash/softbox to the shoot in case I needed to cheat, but I didn't use it. And because it was so much less obtrusive than all that equipment in my studio, I got to move more where the action progressed to and I got real emotion from everyone including their two year old! Not to mention that this is so much more real. Real real life. This is how I want to proceed for my maternity and newborn shoots as much as possible. I know this is not always practical, so obviously I will still shoot in my studio. But I love it, it is so creatively inspiring for me. You can't see the rest of their shoot since it's a little more personal, so their proofs are hidden. But, this gives you a taste of this type of shooting. If you are an expectant mother and would like to schedule an artistic consultation for a shoot like this, call me.

The Horse Whisperer

Well, Lizzie certainly fits the bill as a horse whisperer as far as I'm concerned. She's calm, soft spoken and very in control of that horse. Well, Wanda had apparently had enough for the day. Thank goodness we got some amazing shots before she decided to feel the wind whistling through her mane. Wanda spent much of that day winning awards at the Kern County fair, and apparently wasn't in the mood for much a photoshoot later in the day. Towards the end of our shoot, she decided enough was enough and she took off!! Sometimes I think a photographer's life would make a great reality series. This would have made a hilarious episode. Cool hand Lizzie running through Hart Park, trying to get a handle on Wanda who was wearing no bridle (of course not, the pictures are much prettier without one!). But all's well that ends well and we all had some great laughs to boot. I don't think Lizzie's senior pics would have been nearly as meaningful without her trusted companion Wanda. Thanks for the memories Clantons!

Munchable Munchkins

I don't even have to say anything about these girls with exotic, to-die-for eyes. Have you ever seen such amazing eyes on pint size humans? Love them...

Newborn Moments

The last few newborn shoots, I've shifted my thinking a bit. I wanted to share it with my blog readers, because I know there's thousands of you...Yes, of course I love the controlled light of my studio and black backdrop that makes everything look so perfect and dramatic. But what I'm really finding more meaningful and pure is shooting next to a window in the surroundings of their own home. There's always going to be some window that will work perfectly, we'll scout it out first of course. But the babies have been so much more comfortable in their own environment, with familiar smells, comfortable colors and their special nursing chair. The moms have been equally as comfortable not stressing out about time and loading the car with everything they think they might need...that special blanket, heirloom rattle, pacifiers, Grandmas handkerchief, the christening gown, you name it. So having these shoots at their own home has made everything so much easier and less stressful for everyone. And as a photographer and from a completely selfish point of view, I love what I'm getting!! First, it's different, and creatively I can be unique with new surroundings that I've never shot in before. Then, as you see from these images of Kendra, you cut out anything artificial and what you get is pure...pure...pure...beauty.

On a separate note, I'm moving this direction for my maternity shoots now too...watch for future postings on that topic!

How cute are these guys???

Sometimes a photographer, such as me, gets this amazing, adorable couple who love each other so much and have so much fun together and are so cute just hanging out ...it just makes that photographer smile from ear to ear. That is how I feel about Nick and Megan, with her infectious smile with perfect teeth and his rosy cheeks and sparkly eyes--you just can't go wrong! I know it's going to be an amazing wedding that I'm so looking forward to! Thanks guys for a fun day at Hart Park, can't wait til the wedding.

Grad Season

It's that wonderful time of year, seniors with a bad case of senior-itis making their final debut in their high schools for one last time. Bakersfield Christian High School seems to have put out some great students over the years! And this year is no exception. I'm so blessed to meet such amazing families whose children attend this wonderful school. Vinnie is a one such talented student. He'll graduate this Spring. Here's a couple shots, but the rest are on my website. Check them out.

If you're a graduating senior and would like to express yourself in a unique way, please give me a call! I'd love to consult with you on how to create senior portraits that are as unique as you.

White Family Perfect Angels

You think I'm kidding, but I'm not. These four kids were just about the most angelic thing I've photographed this year. Their dresses provided by their mom certainly helped, but amazingly beautiful kids and really an amazingly beautiful family all around! It was fun seeing you guys after a few years (ok, 15) since college. You guys are still so awesome! I loved working with your family. Enjoy!

Painting the town with Jeff and Tammy

Yep, we painted it up and down. Here's a couple shots, the rest will be up next weekend. We started in Seal Beach and ended with a crowd stopping performance at the Huntington Beach pier and had so much fun along the way. Jeff and Tammy's wedding is in 4 weeks and they are the kind of a couple that every photographer loves to shoot--fun seeking and willing to try anything! Thanks Jeff and Tammy for a great day of being creative. Can't wait for your wedding.