I first photographed the M sisters last time one of them was home on leave from the Army. Her mom was so excited that she was coming home for the holidays, that she booked a family session, this time with the whole family, to commemorate the event.
I don’t think I can even describe how much fun I had with the M Family. They are hilarious, playful, and full of belly laughs. What an awesome ending to a chilly Sunday afternoon.
We planned, planned, and planned for the C Family’s mini session, but we soon found that we couldn’t prepare for everything. The C kids started out happy, but quickly decided that having their pictures taken wasn’t their cup of tea (which I totally get!). Nevertheless, we managed to get a few giggles and sweet smiles out of them in a gorgeous setting with gorgeous light.
The H Family (see their original family session HERE) booked two consecutive sessions, so after their large family session, we headed back to the Cristen Farrell Photography Studio for some formal family photos. I am all about simple and classic, so we chose a solid black background, which really sets apart their faces. About half way through, the H’s niece and nephew came by so we could take a few shots with all 5 kids. Let me just say…they are all simply adorable and polite…such sweet kids!
I met the H’s and their family on a beautiful morning in Valencia. Their goal for this session was to get just one great image of all of them to be printed in large format. I have worked with the H’s before and knew that I’d have my hand’s full with the 2 year old twins, but also their new addition, newborn Baby S. Having a 2 year old myself, I know that it’s hard to expect one to stand still, cooperate, and smile like they mean it, so I made a conscious decision beforehand, and not one that I usually make.
You may know that I started my art career as a graphic designer. That skill definitely came in handy when I merged about 6 photos together to produce one image from each pose to reflect the best of the best images. Here was the result (and one bonus image of the grandparents and their grandkids, just because I think it’s so sweet!)…
After the M Family’s session was booked, it dawned on me that I knew their last name. As it turns out, I went to high school with one of the M sisters; it was totally random though – she was not the sister who had booked the session. This session was actually a gift for T, mom extraordinaire. T contacted me and let me know that she had a great location in mind…a hidden gem that would be kept under lock and key. 
When the Claborn Family contacted me to set up their Fall session, it hit me that it had already been a whole year since I had photographed them for the first time (see their first session HERE). How did that happen? Time is sure flying! That sentiment was even more evidenced in seeing the boys for the first time in a year. They have grown so much and I didn’t think it was possible, but they are even more handsome! We had a great time wandering Valencia Glen on a crisp morning, being silly and goofy and being sure to have a great time.
After one reschedule (thanks to me being sick as a dog) and then avoiding a 50% chance of rain, the D Family’s session turned out to be the perfect day for family photos. I was beyond excited when 2 year old T jumped out of the car in the cutest red petti-romper and matching teal and red hair clip – could this kid be any cuter?! T was so sweet and full of energy and….attached to her Tigger stuffed animal! We spent the majority of the photo session with Tigger peeking out of my camera bag at T – a pseudo game of peek-a-boo. Of course, we HAD to have her beloved Tigger in some of the images though – what a lovely, warm memory for her to look back on one day.
The winner of The Big One Giveaway is officially our blog’s first family of 2012…and fittingly so! I’m not going to preface these images by a lengthy description of the session. I simply want this family to stand out…to feel special and know that they are the stars of the show. Much love to the DB.-C. Family.
I had so much fun wandering Summit Park with the S Family – how fitting that their blog post is right smack on one of my favorite days of the year – New Year’s Eve!
What better images to blog than a beach session on Christmas Eve Day? It makes me think of warm sand between my toes and the sun on my hair…warm breezes and the murmur of the waves. Feeling warm now?
The Guerra Family was back! They are all working actors and frequently need to update their headshots. They also wanted to get some family shots for their holiday cards. When L requested to shoot at the beach, I loved the idea – what a great representation of Southern California and the whole “Hollywood” persona!
