Best Face Photo . I Heart Faces photo challenge

Ok, so I have watched the I Heart Faces emails roll by me for about a year.  I have always been intrigued by their contests that they host each week, but never entered.  Well, there is no better time than the present to participate in their "Best Face Photo" contest!  

I took this picture of my daughter at the beach, the day after Christmas.  It was cold (well, cold for southern California...), and we were trying out our new scooters, and enjoying a relaxing day.  My daughter is full of energy and so much silliness ~ this photo captures her exactly...her pinkness, freckles, dirty knees, and a ladybug pillow pet under her bum.  I just love her!~

Ok, NOW you can vote!  I am #289, and you can go here to I Heart Faces to vote for me!  Thanks in advance!!

Sylmar High School Reunion . Los Angeles event photographer

I don't know about you, but I am absolutely fascinated by Facebook.  Who knew there would be a place that you could update all your old high school and college friends, ex-boyfriends, co-workers, family members and current friends with a little blurb about yourself, or by posting a few photos?  What a great way to reconnect with everyone you ever knew in your life (well, those who you wanted to reconnect with...).  

Through Facebook, a few of Sylmar High School graduates were able to organize a fun evening of drinking and dancing, and reuniting with old friends.  What a great group...about 100 people showed up to hang out, just like old times.  

What to Wear for a Photography Session . Spring 2011

Could it be?  Are we already approaching Spring?  The older I get, the faster time flies by!  This warm weather (at least here in California...) has me thinking about Spring, and Easter, and Spring Break, and then...SUMMER of course!  Once Christmas gets by me, I am ready to move on to the next thing!   

What a better time than now to plan a Spring photo shoot.  The clothing in the stores has turned to short sleeves, sleeveless, lighter fabrics and brighter colors.  Why not put together a few outfits for yourself and your family, and let's capture these moments....you will be glad you did.   

I always suggest starting with the children's clothing selections...don't limit yourself to solid colors, feel free to go for patterns, plaids and multiple colors when choosing for your kids.  When picking out outfits for the adults, pick one color from the kid's outfits, and stick with that.  You can pair your "color" top with jeans, pants or a long skirt.  Don't forget about dad...he may go with a neutral color, and his favorite jeans, too.  Accessories are the other element to a fun shoot...hats, lightweight scarves, fun tights, or a head band add detail to every picture.  

I love Nordstrom, Banana Republic, Oilily & Gymboree for these selections.

different shades of pinks & grey paired with denim

great color pallette ~ blue and brown

Steve + Lisa . Rancho Palos Verdes engagement photographer

Cute couple alert!!!  These two met while he was getting his hair cut....by her! (Lisa is a hair stylist at a local salon in Manhattan Beach).  This couple was so sweet, and willing to listen to my silliness in an effort to get some laughs, and of course, show their affection for each other in front of me.  It wasn't difficult, as this couple is so in LOVE!  

We had a great time at Terranea Resort, one of my favorite places to shoot.  You guys are awesome!

I Like My Life . Hermosa Beach children's photographer

I love this story....still.  If you haven't read my last post about "I Like My Life, you should start there.  One of the Hermosa Beach moms gave all the kids in her neighborhood an "I Like My Life" tee shirt, and then organized a day that they could have a photo taken.  They asked me if I would do it, and of course, I jumped up and down at the opportunity!  I absolutely love how this young man's mom believes in him, and supports him so much, that she would create a tee shirt to celebrate the fact that he likes his life in Hermosa Beach. 

You can purchase one of these cool shirts from Spyder Surf on the Hermosa Pier. 

Charli . Hermosa Beach newborn photographer

What a sweet baby girl...she surprised her mom by coming a bit early, and came with a perfect bill of health!  What a joy to have this baby and mommy come to my home for this photo shoot.  I enjoyed just staring at her ~ it brought me back to when my girls were new babies...boy, I spent a lot of time just gazing at them.   What a beauty!

Cousins . Manhattan Beach family photographer

What a great family!  This past Christmas brought families together from all around.  I had the opportunity to photograph 3 generations of this family, one from northern California, one from Washington, and one from Manhattan Beach, CA. 

It was so fun seeing all the cousins together...they were all really enjoying each other.  Thanks for a fun day!