Enzo turns Two

I have been blessed with clients who repeatedly ask me to come into their lives with my camera, allowing me to witness and capture growth, change and all kinds of special memories.  It is almost impossible for me to believe it has been a year since Enzo's 1st birthday.  His mom is gifted with graciousness and generosity and talented with the most incredible design ideas which all comes together in the most beautiful parties (thanks to help from his big sister, Dad and some other dear friends of theirs). This year we were on a safari at the Los Angeles Zoo. 

What I will most remember about Enzo at two years old is the first time I saw a girl hold his hand.  The look was just pure smitten.  The second thing I will remember is how much he loves to clap when hearing "Happy Birthday" sung.  Those eyes and that smile I know all too well- they always melt my heart. 

Here are a few images from the party...

 

Katie & Lizzie - Morning at the Park

I photographed these two last year at their home.  With the youngest being a little older, I knew venturing outdoors was a possibility.  It was a wonderful morning that cleared when it was suppose to rain.  Lizzie followed Katie everywhere and was the most resilient little girl.  She'd be running so fast down the hill she'd fall, but without a skipping a beat was back up again.  Katie wanted to hold two sunflowers for a photos, so of course Lizzie did as well.  I had a hard time pairing down as we also spent some time on the playground and playing dress-up but here is a brief glimpse of their adorableness...

 

Thomas Turns 1!

The first year flies by and it is sometimes my privilege to be there the day family and friends celebrate a first birthday.  I met Thomas at 8 months when he was almost on the go.  Now he is running, kicking and chasing after any and all balloons or balls in his path.  His parents threw a beautiful party at their home with the most incredible decor, food and music.  For his part, Thomas seemed to genuinely enjoy the attention, especially his entrance to the party as he was still napping as most of the guests arrived. Here are a few images from the day...

Tara & Craig: Engaged!

The beach.  A big yellow balloon.  Good friends who are beautiful and fun.  My most favorite assistant of all times (Ely, my husband).  There's not much else you could ask for in an engagement session. 

Tara and Craig, appeared on the blog almost three years ago.  They were letting me use them as "models". This time around, it was all about them and creating fun shots to go along with the type of announcement they hope to send out soon rather then being my guinea pigs. 

I don't shoot with couples all that often, but it is always fun to be able to sit down with a client and plan some props and fun ideas to customize the session and make the portraits more whimsical than real life. After all, our photos become our memories so why wouldn't we want them to be whimsical and joyous?

Here are a few of my favorites...(well, maybe more than a few)

 

 

Pilar Turns Three

We met when she was 6 months old and she has appeared on this blog many times since.  Each time I see her, I am struck by how much she has grown and what a little lady she has become.  This time, I was officially "Miss Erin" and she was full of laughter and smiles as I chased her around.  Her party this year was host to all her current favorite characters and her friends for a swim party. Gone are the days of Dora.  This year was all about the Backyardigins, with Uniqua and Austin making special appearances, and Hello Kitty.  I have many party images but what really struck me when I began reviewing things was all the expressions of joy (and a few of mischief) that Pilar shared with me.  Here are just a few birthday smiles (and an outfit change after she went swimming)...

I love the tattoo and this "I've got a secret and I'm not telling" moment...

Meet Thomas

This little 8 month old is full of energy and had smiles and smiles for me.  During our preconsult, I watched him run (with hands helping hold him up) around the stairway with giggles and giggles.  Anytime he seemed a little tired during our session, all we had to do was take him for a little walk and he'd be ready to go.  Mom, dad and grandma were the best of assistants when I needed them to spot (you'll see he wants to stand and climb already).  I had so many images on first glance that I loved that this post is a bit longer than usual.  His mom was hoping to capture the color of his eyes (which are beautiful blue except for the very center which is kissed with flecks of green and hazel).  She was also hoping for pictures of the two of them and wanted to capture the softness of skin on skin.  Here's several of my favorites from our Saturday morning session....

A little bath time which most little ones love...

Remy, their dog had accidently swipped Thomas with his tale, giving me the only truely sad face of the day..

On the go, climbing up the stairs...

As I have in the past, when trying to capture a family picture with a little tyke and a dog with a warm family feel rather than a more traditional formal pose, we set up on the bed.  I just love to put this type of panoramic across a spread in my albums...

Outside getting dirty and running around...

Remy reminded me of my parent's cocker spaniel- she also knows to sit and stay for a treat (which Thomas was enjoying playing with) but this moment seemed beyond patient...

I loved the lashes in the reflection and the idea of how interesting it would be to remember peering at yourself at this young age..

And a sweet ending...

Sister for Sale

I missed the 4th in Ohio with my family.  I missed seeing my niece swim and play in the lake.  I missed my dad's gourmet cooking.  I missed the memories and feeling of simplicity that only summer in my parents backyard and sunsets over the lake can create.  And I missed catching up with my sisters.  Thinking about my sisters reminded me of a session I never blogged and the album I designed for them with the poem "Sister for Sale" by Shel Silverstein.  My older sister and I are 21 months apart and were best friends when we were little but when she got a little older, she did like to tease and would read me the poem.  Of course, she never found a buyer for "one crying, spying young sister for sale".  

Here are a few of my favorites from a session with two sisters who very much reminded me of the days I followed Megan around and we would have shared tea parties and books in bed.  The side-by-side images are taking from the album design.   

 

 

Dianne & Casey: Married!!

There is something so special about small weddings.  Surrounded by an intimate group of their closest family and friends, everything one could want to know about the couple celebrating their commitment unfolds throughout the day.  A few weeks ago, I was privileged to capture a beautiful Sunday afternoon wedding at The Mountain Mermaid in Topanga Canyon.  The wedding was unique and lovely in every way, with Texas touches, a stunning gown, beautiful location, the most incredible food and the involvement of longtime friends and family.  The officiant was a childhood friend so the ceremony was not only about the future, and present but captured the past as well.  Casey and Dianne exchanged their own vows, taking turns to let the other know they promised to "give you extra elbow room" and all the other little ways in which love stays alive over the years.  Their first dance to "Hotter than Mojave in my Heart" may sum up Dianne and Casey's story best:

Well, I've heard 'em say there's one for everybody,
And I just knew somehow that you'd be the one for me.

KM Floral Design provided beautiful bouquets of wildflowers and Heirloom LA the delectable food. Here's a few of my favorites, especially of Casey and Dianne from the day...