MORE THAN A MATERNITY SESSION: HONORING AMANDA’S STORY OF STRENGTH

I usually don’t respond to Facebook posts seeking a photographer because they’re often flooded with photographers offering their services. Sometimes, I’ll watch as the comment section quickly fills up with “I’d love to be considered” responses. Recently, I came across a post from someone looking for a maternity photographer and thought, “Why not take a chance?” So, I left a simple comment: “Hello, congratulations! I do maternity sessions. Here’s my website.” Then I moved on and didn’t think much of it.

A few days later, Amanda reached out to me through DM, asking for details about my maternity sessions. After I responded, she expressed interest in booking. Fast forward to our session, and Amanda arrived in a lovely yet simple forest green dress with a flower crown—perfect for our location. We were surrounded by rolling hills, dry grass, and trees, creating a vibe that reminded me a little bit of Shakespeare’s "A Midsummer Night’s Dream."

Amanda came alone, which isn’t unheard of, but in the past decade, most maternity shoots have included couples. Toward the end of our photoshoot, Amanda shared why her partner wasn’t there—he had tragically passed away during her first trimester.

I know two other women who have experienced this unthinkable tragedy: losing their partners during pregnancy. Both have navigated their circumstances with incredible strength. I know the path Amanda is on will have its own unique challenges, but in the short time I spent with her, I felt confident in her resilience. Despite the immense pain of her loss, Amanda carried herself with grace during our session. Her quiet determination and the deep love she already has for her unborn child were evident. Capturing these moments reminded me of the profound strength within us all, even when faced with life’s most heartbreaking challenges.

Photography is more than just taking pictures; it’s about honoring each person's journey, their struggles, and their triumphs. I’m grateful Amanda allowed me to be a part of her story, even if just for a moment. I hope these photos serve as a reminder of her strength, the love she carries, and the new beginnings that await her and her child.

David and Georgina’s 40th Anniversary: Honoring a Timeless Love

Forty years of marriage. Forty years of being a team. Forty years of partnership. This definitely calls for a celebration! Farah and her siblings put together a beautiful brunch for their parents, David and Georgina, to celebrate their wedding anniversary. Of course, they wanted to have this special day captured.

David and Georgina met in Pakistan before moving to the U.S. and getting married, bringing with them a rich blend of traditions and culture. These are some of my favorite celebrations to capture—those that are deeply rooted in cultural elements and personal history. For the event, Georgina wore a gorgeous red dress, while the guests arrived in white or very light colors, with many women wearing fabrics adorned with delicate embellishments. Another detail that stood out to me was how many people were drinking chai. I love chai, and seeing it enjoyed so earnestly as part of the culture has given me an even deeper appreciation for this beloved drink.

The event started at 11:00 a.m. on a warm, beautiful day, and the kitchen island was transformed into a breakfast buffet bar featuring cereals, donuts, and muffins galore. Once everyone arrived, a series of heartfelt speeches were given by Georgina’s brother, who is a bishop, their four children, the flower girl from their wedding, and a few other relatives. Beautiful words were spoken, revealing how generous and humble David and Georgina are, always opening their doors to loved ones and helping so many. The couple then thanked everyone for their presence and for the lovely words.

With that, the feasting began, and of course, I was offered a plate—and how could I refuse? The buffet had pancakes, sausage, chilaquiles, lasagna, and more. My plate was full, but my heart was the fullest by the end of my work capturing this event.

When I’m hired to photograph these types of celebrations, I understand how important my job is. I’m not just gathering people for group photos; I’m capturing micro-moments—those intimate exchanges, the greetings, the reactions during speeches, and the warm hugs. To me, these micro-moments are some of the most important. As someone who was once a bride at a fairly large wedding, I missed out on many of those moments. I would have loved to have them captured to look back on forever. That’s why I approach each celebration with the utmost care, knowing that the moments I capture today will become treasured memories for years to come.

What to Wear for fall/winter/Holiday Mini Sessions

Here are some tips to help you and your family look like you consulted a wardrobe designer! Okay, maybe that's a bit of a stretch, but these suggestions will definitely help you navigate this part of your preparation for our photo session together. Many of these tips can also be applied to photo sessions outside of the fall and winter seasons.

Always remember that too many patterns can be distracting in a photo, as the eyes tend to be drawn to patterns instead of faces—especially large patterns. Solids are always the safest choice.

Without further ado, here are some suggestions.

*The suggestions below were culminated with the help of ChatGPT.

1. Embrace Fall Colors:

• Rich Tones: Think deep burgundy, mustard yellow, olive green, burnt orange, and warm browns. These colors naturally complement the autumn landscape.

• Earthy Neutrals: Cream, tan, and gray can balance out bolder colors and add a touch of softness to the photos.

2. Layer Up:

• Textures: Layering with different textures like knits, denim, and flannel adds depth and interest to your photos.

• Scarves & Cardigans: These can be easily added or removed, offering flexibility and a cozy feel without overpowering the outfit.

3. Mix & Match:

• Coordinated, Not Matching: Aim for outfits that complement each other without being identical. Choose a color palette and have each family member wear different shades or patterns within that range.

• Patterns: Simple patterns like plaids, checks, and subtle florals can add visual interest without being too distracting.

4. Consider the Setting:

• Outdoor Settings: If you're shooting in a park or wooded area, choose colors that stand out against the autumn foliage.

• Urban Settings: For cityscapes, jewel tones or muted colors with a pop of brightness can look stunning.

5. Comfortable Footwear:

• Stylish & Practical: Ensure everyone’s shoes are both stylish and comfortable, especially if your session involves walking or standing on uneven ground.

6. Accessories:

• Minimalist Jewelry: A simple necklace or watch can add elegance without drawing too much attention.

• Hats & Headwear: A wide-brimmed hat or a cute beanie can enhance the fall aesthetic and add personality to the photos.

7. Avoid Logos & Graphics:

• Keep clothing free from large logos or distracting graphics to maintain a timeless and cohesive look.

8. Plan Ahead:

• Weather: Be prepared for cooler temperatures with an extra layer or a stylish jacket.

• Comfort: Make sure everyone feels comfortable in their outfits to keep the smiles natural and the experience enjoyable.

ANOTHER DAY OF SUN: congratulations to emily

When you’re a high school senior who loves the movie La La Land and plays on the high school golf team, you come to me with all your ideas, and I help make them come to life. This grad session was an exciting adventure, taking place over two separate sessions at two amazing locations: Griffith Observatory and Upland Hills Country Club Golf Course.

Griffith Observatory was our first destination. This was my first time doing a session there, and I wanted to take full advantage of the stunning views and incredible architecture. The backdrop was simply perfect! However, we had to shoot at Griffith Observatory twice. The first time, the overcast was so bad that it gave a grey cast over the images. Not one to settle for less than perfect, we returned the following week when the sky was clear. The difference was stark. The blue skies were visible, and the sun was beaming, giving us gorgeous light. I had zero regrets driving all the way back up there.

Our second session took place the day after at Upland Hills Country Club Golf Course. We scheduled a tee time and arrived right before golden hour. We got into our assigned golf carts and zipped off to the 7th hole, perched on top of one of the hills. The view was breathtaking, offering a heavenly panorama of the Inland Empire foothills instead of Los Angeles. It was my first session at this location, and I was thrilled to capture such a unique setting.

How fortunate we are to live in such a beautiful place that offers so many choices for photo sessions! These two locations provided the perfect backdrops to capture this high school senior’s passions and personality. I love my job, and experiences like these remind me why.

IT’S PARTY TIME: Crue’s 1st Birthday

One day you’re bringing them home from the hospital, and before you know it, they’re climbing everywhere, putting everything in their mouth, and testing the strength of their arms by pulling on everything within their reach—giving parents the best in-home workout ever!

I've had the privilege of capturing so many special moments for Crue’s family, from his parents’ wedding and holiday photos to maternity shots and now their newest addition’s cake smash. It’s the best feeling when families call you back over and over again. I must be doing something right! The great thing about finding the right photographer for your family is that with every session, we get more comfortable, and the sessions become easier.

Crue is such a chill little guy. He waddled around the park, balancing himself, and I have no doubt he had a great time eating cake and going for a ride on his wooden horse while wearing his dad’s cowboy hat. Cake smashes are messy and comical. How lucky am I to get front-row seats to these shenanigans?!

LAST BUT DEFINITELY NOT LEAST

Welcome to the world, Sebastian! You lucky duck, you’ve joined one of the most amazing families I’ve ever had the privilege to know and photograph. The Silva family is the absolute coolest, but more importantly, they are full of love.

The arrival of a new baby is always a special occasion, but there’s something uniquely magical about a Fresh 48 newborn session. These sessions capture those tender, fleeting moments within the first two days of a baby's life. It’s a time filled with raw emotion, new beginnings, and the sweetest of introductions. I was beyond thrilled to document these precious first hours for the Silva family as they welcomed their fourth child, Sebastian, into the world.

I've had the honor of photographing the Silva family for many years, capturing their most precious moments—from their wedding to each pregnancy and newborn. Each session is a new adventure, and seeing the family grow has been incredibly rewarding. Now, with the arrival of baby Sebastian, the Silva family is complete with four beautiful children.

make this sound a little bit humorous: Sebastian’s Fresh 48 session took place in their tranquil hospital room. With this being their fourth child, Linda and Chris are pros at this, so there was no anxious energy in the room. It was a serene moment, the kind that feels almost suspended in time. It always seems like the world pauses when you’re in the presence of a newborn baby.

JUST ONE MORE: The Silvas 4th Baby

I have had the honor of photographing the Silva family for almost every significant moment in their lives, from their wedding to each pregnancy and newborn. We go way back! It’s incredible to see them as the proud parents of four kids. Sure, it can be challenging, but they truly have a great time together. To make it easier on everyone, I chose Redlands’ Prospect Park as our location. Since they live in the Inland Empire, it was the perfect distance and scenery—a win-win.

Watching Linda and Chris engage in all these fun activities with their kids makes me nostalgic, wishing I could rewind time and experience those moments again with my own children. So, you’re probably wondering how this session went with a 9-year-old, a 7-year-old, and a 2-year-old. It was crazy, fun, and beautiful—just as you’d expect!

I’d be lying if I said we didn’t have to chase the little one and bribe her at times, haha! But that’s part of the charm. Linda and Chris always go with the flow, not setting their expectations too high. They cherish every moment I capture, and I love them for it!