One Year Session | Elisabeth
I can’t believe this little cutie – my very first baby planner – turned one this March! An absolute delight from day one, this happy, giggly and super smart little peanut truly lights up my day and melts my heart each time I see her. Nevermind that she crushes on my husband every time she sees him…. the girl obviously has good taste. Our day started in the Queen Wilhelmina Tulip Garden where Lili showed off her ballet skills before donning her adorable Austrian dirndl to give the landscapers a helping hand with the flower beds. Afterwards, we headed to the studio to celebrate Lili’s big day with a Lemon Debutante Cake from San Francisco’s Miette Patisserie – simple perfection for this stylish babe. Much love to the birthday girl… can’t wait to see what the next year brings!
One Year Session | Elisabeth
San Francisco SPCA | Bark and Whine Ball
While event photography isn’t what I normally do, I simply cannot pass up a request from the SPCA to photograph the arrivals on the red carpet at their annual Bark & Whine Ball. The yearly event, which includes dinner, dancing and a live auction, benefits the San Francisco SPCA’s Cinderella Fund, which cares for the medical needs of homeless animals under the care of the SF SPCA.
The attendees are simply the nicest and friendliest group of people around, and it is so fun to see guests arriving with their dogs in tow. In some instances, the pups are so excited that they’re dragging their owners through the entrance doors… I mean, wouldn’t you if you had your own ‘bar’?! The images I take throughout the night are wirelessly transmitted from my camera to the large screens on each side of the stage (a big hat tip to my husband here for figuring out all the ‘tech’ stuff) and I love how excited the guests become when they see themselves and their pets on those screens. It makes for a much more interactive experience than if I was just running around hiding behind my camera for the evening. Thank you to the SPCA for the opportunity and hope to see you all again next year. Woof, woof!
- Bark & Whine Ball 2012
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Portrait Session | Megan
I have been wanting to do a shoot in Marin Headlands ever since a good friend drove me around the park when I first landed in San Francisco a couple of years ago. With beautiful old buildings, awe-inspiring ocean and city views and nature all around, I knew it was the perfect location for this pretty strawberry blonde. Megan wanted more of a fashion feel to her session so, inspired by the beautiful spreads from the Anthropologie catalogues, we set out to achieve just that. Her mix of ultra feminine dresses paired with simple hair and makeup loaned themselves well to the day and I had the most amazing time. She was game for anything I suggested, even holding a yucky cigarette that I bought specifically for the shoot (nevermind that at 40-something I was secretly chuffed that I was asked for i.d. when buying them). Megan has a smile that could light up any small city and it’s always a good day when there are more laughs than not – especially when half of them are caught on camera! Enjoy!
Portrait Session | Megan
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Newborn Session | Morgan
Given the fact that this 21 day old baby girl couldn’t wait to get into the world and opted to arrive early, it should have come as no surprise that she wanted to be fully awake and present for her photographic debut. She was full of wide eyed wonder and sweet expressions as I snapped away with my camera and not even her little Sleep Sheep could get her to fall into a much needed slumber. Eventually the soothing (!?!) sounds of the vacuum cleaner did the trick and her sleepy faces proved just as adorable as the awake images. Congratulations to mom and dad on your new arrival!
Newborn Session | Morgan
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Bridal Session | Rachael
Rachael was the real life bride-to-be that was the focus (pun intended) of Bryan Allen’s Wedding Photography Bootcamp I attended in Knoxville, TN late last month – although it already feels like it was forever ago. The pre-wedding bridal session gave us students the opportunity to meet the bride as well as her equally lovely parents, and to photograph her wearing her wedding day attire on location around Old City, Knoxville. Unfortunately Mother Nature had other plans for us and we instead spent the time indoors lighting Rachael up in her bridal gown with the assistance of strobes. Since Rachael and her fiance would be performing the tango during their first dance together, our bride also had this fantastic red dance ensemble to change into, which I photographed using natural light from a nearby doorway in the studio. I just love the red peeptoe stilettos that Rachael and her mom had glued Swarovski Crystals onto until 3am that morning. Thank you to this beautiful bride for her patience and sweet nature. Wedding day pics will be up soon!
Pre-wedding Bridal Session | Rachael
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Knoxville, TN
At the end of January, I flew to Knoxville for a much anticipated wedding photography workshop with Bryan Allen. This would mark both my second workshop with Bryan and second trip to Knoxville, and I purposely gave myself an extra day to catch up with a local friend I had met at the first workshop, as well as to give myself an opportunity to further explore this small city on foot. The weather was cool but clear when I set out in the afternoon at the mercy of whichever direction my feet decided to take me, my trusty camera in-hand. One of my first stops after a reunion lunch and some shopping was Coffee and Chocolate, a cute little coffee shop just off Market Square where I was instantly taken by the last remaining Bacon Chocolate Chip cookie and which I enjoyed with a perfect, not-too-sweet, hot chocolate in the park across the street. From there, I wandered around the exterior of the courthouse (stunning!) and along the Tennessee River before meandering back to the Old City district, just a stone’s throw from my hotel. As the sun dipped below the horizon, I entered The Crown and Goose and nibbled on their delicious Ploughman’s Lunch (yes, for dinner!) while sipping on a lovely Cabernet Sauvignon, and completed a New York Times crossword (it was a monday). I absolutely love the cool vibe of Knoxville and it’s southern charm, and know I’ll return again…. if only as an excuse to attend another workshop or two!
Knoxville, TN
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Family Portrait Session | Golden Gate Park
I can’t think of any post more fitting to kick off my brand new blog than with this wonderful family session in San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park. Welcome!
This chilly, rainy day in late January didn’t stop this charming family of three from donning big smiles for their morning portrait session amongst the lovely winter backdrop of Golden Gate Park in San Francisco. At 14 months, this beautiful baby girl had an independent streak a mile long and it was all I could do to keep up each time she set off on a run. Now I’m pretty certain I know mom and dad’s secret for staying in shape! I absolutely fell in love with Alana’s impish grin and her fondness for exploration; both traits that are sure to keep her parents smiling for years to come.
Family Portrait Session | Golden Gate Park
