The McMichael Family & Oak Canyon Nature Center {Anaheim Family Portrait Photographer}

I love the Oak Canyon Nature Center in Anaheim because it's the only part of Southern California that reminds me of Northern California. We moved from the beautiful Sierra foothills of Folsom where oak trees, lakes, rivers, trails and nature areas were plentiful. Here in Southern California you can find most of those things, but not quite as readily. Southern California is beautiful in it's own way of course (ie: rockin' desert locations, downtowns, and the beaches). Amy and David are friends of mine that I knew before we moved to Riverside. We have grown to be even better friends and see eachother quite often. Baylen is 3 months old and Cambria is 2 1/2. We arrived at Oak Canyon just as it started to rain but were determined to get our session in. I had never shot in weather that dark before but was able to "find the light" as we photographers like to say. Baylen graced with me with eye contact in nearly every photo but Miss Cambria was a little more difficult...not out of the norm for 2 year olds, as I know all to well from my own 2 year old at home ;) We managed to get smiles from both kids. Success!

*drumroll* And our winners are......

Wow, what a successful, amazing contest! Thank you everyone for your participation and your votes! Without further delay... First, the three voters who have each won a $10 Amazon giftcard, chosen by Random.org! Congrats to voters number 132, 125, and 152! Rebekah S, Robert Fee, and Ingrid Austin! I will be emailing you shortly.

Now, onto the contest winners!!!!

1st place and winner of a 16x20 gallery wrap canvas!

2nd place and winner of a top quality 11x14 print

3rd place and winner of a top quality 11x14 print

Little Brother Cash! {Riverside Newborn and Family Photographer}

You might recognize this great family from when I did Brody's 1 year photos in September in downtown Riverside. As you might have noticed, Crystal was pregnant. I was shocked to get a text from them at 5am on a Wednesday morning in November- Cash was born early at just 32 weeks. Not 3 days earlier, I was at their house discussing the specifics of their birth photography. We were planning on me photographing their birth- Crystal and John (okay, mostly Crystal!) were so excited and so was I. None of us had any idea that little Cash would come so early! Obviously such an early birth does not suit birth photography and from what I was told, Cash was not going to wait for anything, even his personal paparrazi ;) I was just so thankful that Cash and Crystal were doing well.  After a few weeks in the hospital Cash got to come home, healthy and happy! His big brother, 14 month old Brody, was adorable as always and I am so happy that John and Crystal now get to love two beautiful sons!