,

Oh The Places we will go: San Juan Capistrano Flower Fields

I have already said this, but thank God for the rain!  It has been three years since I have seen the flower fields looking so beautiful.  Every photography session has been a treat and the Knuff kiddos were no exception.  These two were so darn cute and cooperative, they basically did whatever we asked of them.  Of course there was some silliness in between the requests to “hug your sister”, but that just added to the fun.  I am headed back today for another fun family session!  Here is a sneak peak of the Knuff session from last week.  Enjoy…

,

San Juan Capistrano Family Session

Thank goodness for the rain we have gotten so far this season.  It feels like forever since I have seen the beautiful yellow bloom of mustard flowers.  But, fortunately, last weekend was warm and sunny and there was mustard flowers as far as the eye could see!   Perfect for a family photography session, especially when this family traveled from Russia, Peru and Arizona just to get one beautiful, blended family portrait.

This is just a little sneak peek for the Lenzen family!  I can’t wait to share all of the great portraits from their session!

,

Crazy Kiddos? No problem!

I am not ashamed to admit it, I am a photoshop junky.  Long before I was shooting fun, fabulous portraits for clients, I was cutting and pasting heads from one shot to the next.   Yes, I actually started my photography career as a touch up artist and quickly learned that if I wanted to fulfill my personal vision for my clients, I had to step behind the camera.

I love nothing more than working with crazy, spirited kids and their families.  But, and this is a big BUT, it is extremely difficult to get the “perfect everyone looking at the camera with perfect smiles on their faces,” shot organically.  This is where head swapping can save the day.  Take this example, I have been photographing these gorgeous kiddos for years.  Our sessions have lots of giggles, silly faces and potty humor and that means it is tough to get everyone to look at me at the same time.  The image on the left is the original image I shot.  Their darling son is cracking up and looking off into the distance.  The daughter’s hand, on the right, looks a little strange bunched up in her dress… but with the power of photoshop….. everyone is perfect.

Now you know my secret, not every portrait starts off perfect!  But hopefully the end results will be enjoyed for a lifetime.  Enjoy!

 

Orange County San Clemente Pier family portraits

,

The Caliacavo Family 2014

So many fabulous family sessions in the last few weeks!  I love the open field and the backlighting that makes these images look dreamy.  Not to mention I adore this beautiful family!  Just a sneak peak at our session!  Enjoy!

 

, ,

Boho Family Photography session: The Barclay Family

The light has been absolutely gorgeous for the last few weeks throughout Orange County. If I am not shooting, I am thinking about how I need to be shooting to take advantage of the beautiful light.  My season has been filled with lots of commercial sessions, weddings and corporate photography.  I have been missing all of my fabulous family clients.

So when Melody called me to say she was ready for her 2014 family photography session, I was over the moon.  Especially when she said, let’s do something different!   I spent a lot of time with the Barclay family last year talking about my love for Texas… or more specifically Austin.  I also spent quite a bit of time talking with Scott’s Mom, who happens to live in Austin.  So, I thought, how about a Western inspired session.   I ran the idea by Melody and we started to brainstorm.  Meanwhile, I spent a week in Austin and got reinspired!

After checking out Pinterest and searching for western inspired sessions, Melody suggested we go with a Boho Western theme.   Totally my style, so I let her know I was totally in!

Fortunately Melody has incredible taste and completely styled our session!  I am so in love with all of their images, I don’t know how they will choose.  Here is their preview!  Enjoy!

Check out the whole slideshow!