My Girl Sydney

I usually use my blog to show my latest work, today I am saluting my daughter.

Today, my Sydney will have her second surgery in 2 years. She tore her meniscus playing soccer on her High School team. Her soccer coach takes soccer seriously and had the girls start conditioning when school started in August. They have practiced 5 days a week, up to 7 practices a week, all year. Syd has loved bonding with her new soccer friends, as a Freshman on the team. The season started in March and she had only played in 4 games, but had already scored 5 goals. New for her since she has usually played Goalie. She was having severe knee pain so we took her to see Dr. Dave Atkin, a fabulous surgeon and a family friend. After an MRI, he told us she had a torn meniscus and needed surgery. He said, "Be happy we are not treating her for obesity or diabetes. Your kids are athletes, this comes with the territory. They are active, that is good."

I have to say, she has been such a trooper. After 7 months of practice, to be told your season just started, and now you are out until next year, could be devastating...there were tears, but she wiped them and moved on. "Maybe I can get on the swim team?" was her next thought. She sat in the cabin while we went on a snowboarding trip that had been planned before her injury. No complaints. I am very proud of the woman she is becoming. She has gone to the games, suited up, knowing she is there to cheer on her team, but can't help them. I am so proud of her.

Sydney is an athlete, she is like Anthony that way. She is a quick learner and has a steel trap memory. She loves photography and has started shooting on film. She loves music and has the most eclectic music collection I have ever seen on her iPod. She loves to hang out with her best friend Kirby to just be silly. She has the most infectious laugh and smile.

Sydney, I know you will be back to your normal in no time, and couldn't be prouder of you! Here's to you!

Welcome Samson

I posted on my Facebook page that Samson was born on Dec. 12th and weighed in at 10 pounds 4 oz! What a big boy! I promised photos from his newborn photo shoot and here they are. Just try and resist this face. He wasn't quite a newborn anymore, especially considering he was over 10 pounds!



In my previous post from Angie's maternity shoot I showed photos of their doggies licking her belly, Lenny is now licking toes instead!

Loved Samson's onsie with the SF zipcode. So clever.

Louis wanted to get some shots of Samson on his motorcycle. I really was not sure how we would pull it off, but we figured it out! Too funny. We tired him out! 

Maternity Photos in Pacifica with Monica and Jeff

As I was finishing up with Monica and Jeff, Monica asked what I thought about doing some photos with Jeff's guitar. Great idea! We shot a few last shots with the guitar, and I have to say, I love them. I love when my clients think of things that mean a lot to them and we can incorporate them into the shoot.

There was construction going on across from their apartment to secure the sea wall. I love how the barrier photographed behind Monica. You never know what you can make into an interesting backdrop!

Monica and Jeff made my job so easy. They were fun and relaxed. A perfect combo for new parents!

Zack and Zoey

I promised these photos so long ago...I really wonder where the time goes. Well, I am happy to finally share these photos of Zack and Zoey. What adorable babies, with great, relaxed parents. I see the connection between calm parents and calm babies. Deirdre and Alex have their hands full taking care of twins, but they seemed like pros! I guess that is what twins do for you. You know sometimes one has to cry while you tend to the other. You learn that babies will cry, and they will be ok.

Photographing twins is always a challenge because you have two babies and not just one, but I have to say, it is also fun to see how they have their own personalities and unique look. Zack and Zoey kept us on our toes, but as you can see they did well in the spotlight!

Another Reason I LOVE what I do- Seamus

As you already know, I LOVE my job. It is hard to call it a job, because everyday is different. I do not have to go to an office, I shoot on location. I never know what I am going to find. Sunday, was no exception. I got a very last minute booking for a maternity shoot. It worked out perfect. I got up early Sunday morning and headed to meet Sarah and Nathan,  not knowing what to expect.

When I arrived I met Sarah and Nathan. They were as cute as could be. I also met the cats, Leo and Hugo, the pet rat and Seamus, the sweetest Boa Constrictor you have ever met. Sarah thought it would be fun to include the first "babies" in some photos, if that would be ok. I couldn't wait.

We had such fun. I got to hold Seamus. He was so sweet, but very strong. Who knew when I woke up that morning, I would get to photograph a snake with my pregnant couple? This is what I love about my job, the unknown. It used to scare me in the beginning. Not knowing what the lighting would be, or what the space would be like, but now I actually enjoy the unknown. Can you see why?

What a great shoot, a fabulous couple and fun pets!

Meet Zoe and Lily! Fun Family Shoot!

I met Teryn a few years ago at my children's school. She was in charge of their school fundraiser. When I told her what I do, Teryn said they had never done family photos and that she would love to someday. She told me about her amazing daughters. Well, this year I got to meet Zoe and Lily and I have two say, these two girls were a delight! We had such fun. I was really struck by the bond these little girls had already. Zoe was so full of love for little Lily. It was so awesome to see, and so fun to photograph.

They did not fight, they just had fun. Zoe was always making sure Lily had enough snacks, and water, as well as hugs! So adorable. Teryn and Ed were fun, and up for anything. We did some fun shots around the house and then finished up at the harbor! Really cool. You would never know they were first timers!

It was great to see the bond between Teryn, Ed  and their girls. We all had a good time! And what weather we got in November!

I love My Bellies!

This is the time of year I get to connect with my regular clients for family portraits. It is so great to see how the kids have grown. I love this time of year. But, you know I love my bellies, so it was so great to have the chance to work with Angela and Louis for a maternity shoot. They were so fun and open for anything. They wanted to get a few shots with their doggies, Lenny and Gus, as well as some outdoor photos. We had such a great time. And despite the fact that it was so hot, in the first week of November, Angie never complained.

The majority of my clients have pets and I always love to meet them and see their little personalities. For little guys , Lenny and Gus, definitely made their presence known. They were so fun! They wanted to be wherever Angela and Louis were. We had lots of fun getting shots of them giving Angie lots of "love"!