First Birthday Invitation Photography | Aurora

There is nothing I love more than a mom who is super prepared! This cutie’s mom wanted some invitation photos to send to her relatives for her daughter’s 1 year birthday celebration, so we did a quick little photo session when Aurora was just 10 months. I am so happy to finally be able to share these images now that she has reached her big milestone. I simply can’t wait to photograph her Cake Smash Session this week but in the meantime, here’s wishing sweet Aurora a super big HAPPY FIRST BIRTHDAY for today!!! xo

First Birthday Invitation Session | Aurora

First Birthday Invitation Session | Aurora

Skirt A Day in May 2013 | Week Two

If you missed last week’s post, please visit my last entry here.  <<<<<< there  

Difficult to believe that Kristin and I are already halfway through May. Even MORE difficult to believe that I apparently have a LOT of dresses…. ssssh, don’t tell my husband!! Kidding on that last note – he’s the last one to care and the first one to encourage me to buy another. Unfortunately, not all of my dresses are appropriate for daytime which is why I love May so much…. it gives me an extra reason to wear them! If you would like to share your own May skirt photos, please feel free to join our wee group on Facebook!

Skirt A Day in May 2013 | Week Two

Skirt A Day in May 2013 | Week Two

Skirt A Day in May 2013 | Week One

A couple of years ago, my friend Kristin mentioned that she had declared May as the month in which she broke out her dresses and skirts after the long harsh winter season came to a close. For her, it was a month to celebrate all things feminine…. the ‘April Showers that brought May flowers’, Mother’s Day, warmer temps and the anticipation of lazy summer days. I immediately opted to participate in her 2011 challenge and took it one step further by, you guessed it, taking self-portraits which you may view on Flickr. Having skipped last year, I’m back on board for 2013 and am happy to share Week One with you here! Want to join in on the fun? Join the Skirt A Day in May Facebook Page and upload your own photos!

Skirt A Day In May 2013 | Week One

Skirt A Day In May 2013 | Week One

Cake Smash Session | Madison

I am so delighted to share this sweet little girl’s Cake Smash Session from December. Madison was so full of giggles as mom and dad entertained her from behind the camera during our shoot and we had so much fun! As you can see, mom also brought some really adorable outfits along for our session that were perfect for the camera and we used them all since I just couldn’t resist all the pink and girlie ruffles! Thank you again to Pretty Please Bakeshop for the beautiful (and delicious!!) cake!

Cake Smash Session | Madison

Cake Smash Session | Madison

Newborn Session | Russell

Just had to share this sweet little baby boy from a session back in November. Even though he was almost a month old at the time, which made getting those sleepy shots a little more challenging, we still managed to get some adorable little images of him. Fortunately, I have the patience of a Saint… or so I’m told. ;) But honestly, as much as I delight in solo sleepy shots, there is nothing quite as lovely as a tender moment between parent and baby and I am really starting to gravitate more towards lifestyle shots as of late (but more about that at a later date!).  As a side note to all new moms and dads out there, the most successful time to capture your newborn is in the first 6-10 days of life, so be sure to schedule your newborn’s session well ahead of time, usually in the 2nd or early in the 3rd trimester.

Newborn Session | Russell

Newborn Session | Russell

Family Session | Siblings

What’s not to love about these three little cutie-pies?!! Almost four year old big brother B was so sweet and gentle with his 6 month old sister A that it seriously melted my heart! In contrast, his 1.5 year old brother L was a little boy on-the-go; at least until a lollipop entered the scene! Bribery works for a reason. These moments pass by so quickly, and I was truly honoured to be able to capture some wonderful photos of these three beautiful siblings for their annual family Christmas card as well as for the family home.

Family Session | Siblings

Family Session | Siblings

Six Month Session | Camille

I am quite certain I wear the crown for world’s most inconsistent blogger, but my New Year’s mission is to change that and finally get caught up by sharing all my wonderful 2012 sessions! Upon learning that this baby planner of Jennifer Jamieson Photography was already preparing for her 9 month session, I knew there was no better place to start.

Jennifer had asked me to take on Camille’s 6 month session back in September while she herself was on maternity and I couldn’t have had more fun with this gorgeous family. Not to mention Camille’s happy little grin and sparkly blue eyes were a joy to photograph! Thank you mom and dad for the wonderful day and for trusting me to capture these most precious moments for you!

Six Month Session | Camille

Six Month Session | Camille

Carmel Valley, CA

Who could resist a last minute invitation from friends to escape the mere two hours south to Carmel Valley over the holidays? Well, certainly not my husband or me, and we were certainly in for a treat! Our gracious hosts live in the truly stunning Santa Lucia Preserve and not only were we lucky enough to see deer, but we also spotted wild turkeys and boars… and that was just in the first hour. Our hike on day two was equally as uplifting, providing us with the marvel of spectacularly tall redwoods followed with the reward of gorgeous views. And to show that I’m not completely squeamish about being in front of the lens, I agreed to let my friend take a photo of me at the entrance to the ranch. I think she did a great job and it’s nice to have some documentation that I was actually there, enjoying myself just as much as everyone else. I know a lot of my photographer friends are equally as guilty of hiding behind their cameras but I hope you’ll all make a point of remedying this in the new year by spending a few minutes in front of it as well. If you’re a parent, I know your children will thank you for it one day!

Wishing all of you a very happy year ahead!

Carmel Valley, CA

Carmel Valley, CA

Cake Smash Session | Tatiana

I love that all my little clients have such different personalities. Tatiana was quiet and thoughtful but absolutely loved the music that my assistant Michelle was busily entertaining her with. In turn, I loved her amazing long eyelashes and gorgeous brown eyes! And while she was awfully shy with that cute little polka dot Pretty Please Bakeshop cake at first, it didn’t take too long before she decided that cake is a tasty treat!! Happy birthday to yet another sweet little cake smasher!

Cake Smash Session | Tatiana

Cake Smash Session | Tatiana

Cake Smash Session | Lillie

Cake smash sessions are traditionally done in the same month that the birthday girl or boy turns one, but the mom of this adorable 10.5 month old baby girl wanted a really cute image for Lillie’s birthday invitation which I also had fun designing! So in early November we managed to pull off the entire session in-studio which I really enjoyed since the focus was all on Lillie and not the setting.  I just loved her sweet expressions and mom’s wardrobe styling; and in turn, Lillie really loved her cake from Pretty Please Bakeshop…. it took her a record 10 seconds to dive into the icing! Good thing I already had my camera ready for the action. I know her 1st birthday party in December is going to be the most fun ever!

Cake Smash Session | Lillie

Cake Smash Session | Lillie