Families

Family of Four // Sunset Mini Session // Grass Valley Family Portrait Photographer

in

Taking family photos should be fun. My favorite sessions include a whole lot of laughter, hugs and kisses, and piggyback rides. When families are engaged with one another, beautiful moments happen all on their own, and rather than directing you, I get to focus on capturing the way you look at one another, and how tiny their fingers look wrapped around one of yours. People look best when they're having a good time with those they love. Ten years from now it won't matter if everyone was looking at the camera, and you'll be glad you smiled with your whole face. So let's go play somewhere beautiful, and I'll bring my camera.

A Family Session, with the Robertsons

in

Cheyenne and I were neighbors growing up. And when I was a kid and she was an adolescent, I thought she was the most beautiful girl I had ever seen. And she's only more beautiful now that she's a mom. How she's so engaged with her boys, smiling with her whole face, no reservations, allowing herself to be goofy even though she's being photographed. We should all live a little more like that. This photo session was so much fun. I love reconnecting with friends and seeing how they've blossomed. Huge congratulations to these three on their new home and their new little one coming next month! 

(To see photos from our last session together, click here.)

Baby Dawson // Sunset District // San Francisco

in

I think I have a new favorite family session. I love the colors! This baby girl stole my heart immediately, mom and dad were awesome, relaxed and fun and easy going, and so in love with their little girl. They introduced me to a part of the coast I have never been to and we were treated to perfect conditions. I could do this forever.

Baby Levi // Berkeley Family Lifestyles Photographer

in

This was one of my favorite family sessions of 2014. We stayed home and they went about their routine and I got to be a fly on the wall and make art. It is such a gift, this opportunity to document love. It's the most beautiful thing I know. I particularly love the images of Levi nursing and the ones taken during story time. There is an honesty to them that is difficult to capture anywhere other than at home. As my friend Henna put it, the "day to day, sweet and real moments as a family captured." These are the moments I love documenting, the photos I love making, and I feel grateful for the opportunity.

In 2015 I want to do more of this.

Nelson Family // Hilo, Hawaii

in ,

Maile was the first baby I photographed. And now her baby sister is almost one. This family has become a time marker for me, and I can't believe how quickly they're growing up. I feel lucky I get to see them and photograph their beautiful girls when I'm in Hilo, it's something I look forward to before every trip home. 

Here's our last session, when Kanoe was 11 days old.

Prince Family // Tilden Park

in
dandelions
mama kisses
family session tilden park botanical garden
engaged father
mama bear and baby bear family session tilden
daddy kisses family session tilden park berkeley
family portrait
cookies in pockets excitement

Cookies in pockets! We are not above bribery to get toddler smiles. ;)

family session eucalyptus grove tildon
walking with a toddler

This family has taught me more about life than just about anything. I've been babysitting their girls for nearly two years, have spend countless hours in their home, and am still in awe of all the love. I can't say enough how much I'm enjoyed watching these little girls grow and I feel privileged to be part of their story. They have helped me create some of my favorite art over the years and this session was no different. The colors came together so beautifully, and I was pretty much in heaven.  

To see last year's session, click here.

Emma, Liz, & Andy // Family Session // Tilden Park

in

Emma is at such a fun age. She is so tuned into all the little details and it was really fun getting down at her level and experiencing the magic of the botanical garden through her eyes and fingertips. What a sweet family.

If you are interested in scheduling a family session I am currently booking for fall!

Robertson Family Session // Lincoln Park & Lands End Trail // San Francisco, CA

in

This boy is one of the most beautiful babies I have ever seen. And his mama and I go way back, our childhood homes were within walking distance from one another. We got together in the city on a foggy afternoon at the end of May to shoot some family portraits, a couple days before Liam's first birthday. He was all smiles. 

Miles waiting patiently.

It was a bit foggy out, which meant we had the entire place to ourselves.

Have you ever seen a more beautiful family? We had a lot of fun together. Welcome to one, Liam. It looks good on you. And congratulations Cheyenne and Ian on four years of marriage! 

Clara Turns Two!

in ,

This month is flying by. And I'm the happiest I've been in a long time. A lot of angst has subsided and I'm feeling very grateful for where I am. Grateful for the good people in my life, success in my business, and appreciative of beautiful, healthy days. And this little girl is taking up a pretty sizable chunk of my heart.

Clara turned two a few weeks ago, and I snapped these photos at her little birthday celebration at a Berkeley park. I can't believe how fast she's growing up, and it's only accelerated by the presence of her older sister, Nyah, whom she absolutely adores. I have the pleasure of spending a few mornings a week with Clara, usually while Nyah is at preschool, and sometimes I get to watch them both. I can't adequately verbalize how much I enjoy them, but I know they're my absolute favorite subjects to photograph. And they're really so much more than just eye candy. 

Welcome to two, sweet Clara Bear! It looks good on you. 

P.S. More from last fall, last spring, and Clara's first birthday. 

Welcoming Baby Kanoe

in ,

These are the photographs I love to take. Authentic. Relaxed. Beautiful. Honest.

Maile just became a big sister, and my family and I got to meet baby Kanoe when she was 11 days old. Maile showed us all of her favorite toys, all of her books. This almost three-year-old was thrilled to have us as her audience. While Kanoe slept, Maile rode her trike on lava rock road out front.

 

I love her little hand!

Sarah, she's beautiful. You all are. Thank you for sharing your darling family with me. I can't wait to witness the next chapters.