FAMILIES

A Big Happy Holiday Portrait

It was 2003 and I was up at Forest Home Junior Winter Camp for the very first time as a high school volunteer. Steve “Ferret” and Sharon “Umtali” were up working on staff… and I remember two things…. I thought they were the cutest couple ever…. and Sharon looked ridiculously cute in her Starbucks hat. Her and that hat has been the main reason I’ve ever considered working at Starbucks to be cool. Anyways… fast forward to now… Steve and Sharon have been such an encouragement in my business and I can thank you guys enough for just being awesome!

The following shoot took place at Caspers Wilderness Park off of Ortega Hwy in South Orange County and includes 5 families meshed together to make one big ball of love. Steve and Sharon, the ring leaders of this whole shabang, spent a lot of time planning out the perfect place, theme, and time…. way to go! I absolutely love it when clients plan… makes the actual shooting 535,304,201 times easier!  Here’s my favorite shots from the evening… 🙂

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After some shots of the whole family, we broke off into smaller families and took some more fun shots….

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I couldn’t help myself… I had to spend some time with just Sharon because she’s so cute… and I loved her peacock feather headband! (Sharon…. don’t even say you don’t look good in pictures… that’s a lie.)

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And… just because you don’t run into very many windmills in Orange County…. we got a group shot with everyone in it…. 🙂

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Thanks for a fun evening you guys and I’m so glad I got to spend time with everyone… there’s a lot of love in your family…. such a rare blessing!

  1. Larry Reeves says:

    Great job with this session! Large family/group photos can be tricky but you pulled it off!!

  2. Shaz says:

    Thanks Kate! These are such fun! You did a great job!!! Thank you again!!
    Lv S:)

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Behind the Camera

Kate Noelle

Kate Noelle is a Southern California wedding photographer with nearly 20 years of experience, celebrated as much for her art as she is for the way she is loved by clients, their families, creative partners, and publications alike. Named Best Photographer in Orange County by California Wedding Day Magazine three years running, she is known for her calm presence, refined artistry, and ability to navigate high-stakes moments with confidence and discretion.

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Named 'Best Wedding Photographer in California' by California Wedding Day, and Proudly featured by

“Always fresh, fun, and fashionable, Kate Noelle's work attracts editors and discerning couples alike. Sought after in Southern California and luxury destinations around the world, she is trusted by other top professionals and adored by her clients who can't say enough good things about her work.” 

From Blair deLaubenfels, Editor at Worlds Best Wedding Photos —

“Sought after in Southern California and luxury destinations around the world, she is trusted by other top professionals and adored by her clients who can't say enough good things about her work.” 

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