The Cates Family

I met Ashley when I was 14 years old and we were both trying out to be freshman cheerleaders where we later shared a dorm for our cheer camp at UC Davis. However, it's been 9 years since I last saw her (eeek, next year marks 10 years since I graduated high school!) We have kept in contact through Facebook, bonding over the fact that we both got married at the ripe old age of 20 :) Ashley, Nick, and their 1 year old Ben live outside of Boise, Idaho so although Ashley and I had talked about doing a session, it was hard to make happen because of the distance. They eventually decided to just fly me out to Boise, so off I went! I love visiting new places and I enjoyed an afternoon in the 90 degree heat by the pool at my hotel before we went out to take their photos. Hey, no shame in finding time to relax between work, haha. I did a two part session with them over two days. Little Ben is sweet, calm, and so well behaved! Thanks again for a fun trip you guys!

Ben on his wobbly legs!

Ann & her boys | Diamond Bar Family Photographer

I found this beautiful little spot hidden in the hills of Diamond Bar and knew that I wanted to take a family there. The sun coming over the hill plus the tall, soft grass gives me a simple background that allows us to focus on the most important subject - the family! I photograph a lot of 2 year olds, which most photographers will confess is their hardest type of client. For me? Nah, I love them. You just have to embrace the fact that you have to keep them entertained - they cannot be bored for a single moment. You have to play with them, laugh with them, or give them a task. If you can do that, you are rewarded with giant smiles, laughs, and all of the other sweet expressions of a carefree 2 year old.

"You guys...seriously?" haha

The Venzke Family | San Clemente Pier Photographer

I don't hide the fact that I love to do sessions on the beach. Being from Northern California, I'm not used to warm, sandy beaches where you can hang out sans parka and closed toed shoes. Brianna and her beautiful little family drove from San Diego to meet me in Orange County at San Clemente Pier. I had never been there before and found it be much more quiet and peaceful than the larger beaches that I've shot at (Santa Monica and Manhattan). We let the kids play and enjoy themselves which is my go-to trick to fun, genuine beach photos.

It kind of looks like snow, right?