Families

Clara Turns Two!

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

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. 

Family Session at the Edible Schoolyard, Berkeley // East Bay Family Portrait Photography

This is one incredible family, and it has been a joy working for them and getting to know them this past year. I photographed them back in April, and I can't believe how much the girls have grown.

I feel lucky to witness this young family grow, to share in their milestones and challenges. The relationship these sisters share is special. They look after one another. 

Wishing you all the happiest of holidays and I'm excited to see what the new year brings!

Clay, Julayne and Baby Viv // Hayward Family Portrait Photography

I first met little Vivienne at a birthday party a few months ago and I couldn't get a smile out of her, so I was a little nervous about our family session. I had no reason to worry. This is one happy little girl. I think you can tell how much fun we had. So much laughter and smiles and good conversation. And those little teeth! Really beautiful people. Thank you Clay and Julayne for such a fun morning!

If you live in the Bay Area and are interested in a family session please contact me. I am currently booking for the new year! 

Happy Family of Four // East Bay Family Portrait Photography

As soon as I met this family I knew I was going to really like them. People who smile big and smile often are good people. Those smiles are contagious and being around them makes you happy.

Thank you Scott and Susan and little Twyla and Jiyo for your smiles and your kindness.

Recipe for a Successful Family Session // East Bay Family Portrait Photography

Start with the lovely Miss Charlotte. 

Add a healthy dose of bouncing on Mom and Dad's bed... (white linens are so good for photos!)

...and a tickle fest... 

...and then try for some group shots. 

But the toddler really wants to play at her water table...

so change her shirt and let her play.

When she's had enough water play, go for a walk.  

Pick some flowers... 

...and when that gets old, go for a ride on dad's shoulders...

...and then throw her in the air. 

By now your little one may be a bit tired and reluctant, so you'll probably have to carry her. 

(Now is a good time to sneak in some kisses.)

Have a destination in mind...

...like the playground!

Let your little monkey play.

Watch for indications that she's tired. For Charlotte, the sign is hair-twirling.

Head home for lunch.

But never stop playing!

And keep trying for that group shot. 

Lastly, always bring along a toy monkey! 

Thank you Stephanie and Kevin for being so welcoming and relaxed and for having fun the whole time!  You guys are a photographer's dream.

Olga and Anna // Bay Area Family Photographer

These two were so much fun.  

If you live in the Bay Area and are interested in scheduling a family session, please contact me. 

My Second Family Shoot | East Bay Family Photographer

baby from above
blue eyed baby girl
chubby knuckles
baby face at the window
sisters at the window
sisters at the window black and white

These two sisters are so cute I can't believe it. I've been babysitting them a couple mornings a week for a few months now, and it is so much fun seeing them grow. I was really excited to take my camera over there a couple Sundays ago. Watching a family go about their weekend routine is such a beautiful thing. I loved being a fly on the wall while they made juice and picked flowers in the back yard. These parents are such good parents and these girls are such good little girls.

little girl
happy face
playing in the dirt
out in the yard
playing outside
on dad's shoulders
father and daughter
baby smiling crib
two sisters
sisters peekaboo
sisters and mom reading in the sun
sisters profile
family on the kitchen floor

Thank you, Rachel and Kevin, for welcoming me into your home and being so amazing!

My First Family Shoot | San Francisco Bay Area Family Photographer

Dinah smile
Asher posed
opening the door
smiling through the door
boy in the mirror
pointing at mirror
dad comforting daughter
mom doing daughter's hair
bathroom kiss
family on bed
family bed smiling faces
family in the vegetable garden
boy with greenery
girl with greenery
boy coy smile
momma and daughter
kids on parents shoulders
mom and boy
boy up high
brother and sister play
play structure smirk
hand dimples

I met these beautiful people at my girls' Karate class, and they agreed to let me practice photographing them last weekend. I love spending time with real people and getting a glimpse into their world. Shooting four people at once is definitely a challenge, exacerbated by a certain five year old who didn't want to look at the camera. If only I had gotten my shutter monkey a couple days sooner. Hopefully this will be my first family shoot of many. Thank you Aaron and Jeannine for welcoming me into your lovely home and letting me spend time with your family. Asher and Dinah, you're as cute as they come.