The JOURNAL

Jeffrey Open Space Trail is one of my favorite spots to take my clients for family portraits. Winding 3.5 miles through the city of Irvine, the paved path is a key link between the mountains and sea of Orange County.  From open meadows to rustic bridges and wooded areas,  it offers a diverse range of […]

Last fall, I hosted a special round of family photos mini sessions in the picturesque beauty of Trabuco Canyon.  This hidden gem of Orange County is a wilderness oasis that lies just north of Rancho Santa Margarita. Nestled in the heart of a quiet subdivision, it’s just a short trip from the coast and the […]

This year, the second family portrait location for my San Diego Mini Sessions day was Marian Bear Memorial Park. After parking in a dirt lot and jumping from rock to rock through a little stream, a trail leads you through a lightly forested trail lined with oak trees. There’s tall grass (and wildflowers in the […]

When it comes to picking locations for my Orange County Mini Sessions, it’s so fun finding beautiful spots off the beaten path.  These eucalyptus groves have become one of my favorite secret spots, providing a tranquil backdrop- and that forest is just magical. Not to be annoying and redundant, but I really mean that forest […]

You’d be hard pressed to find a better spot for family photos than Laguna Beach. One of Orange County’s hidden gems, it contains seven-miles of breathtaking cliffs amid the tide pools, tranquil morning waves, and even fun climbing spots for the kids. Shooting with kids at the beach adds a bit of magic that is […]

If you’re looking for the best holiday photo gift ideas, I’ve totally got you.  I’ve found that gifting your family photos in unique ways makes for the MOST remembered and cherished gifts. They can be enjoyed far beyond the moment, and brighten the receiver’s day every time they pass it. Far-away family members especially benefit, […]

Cloudy beach days can be pretty magical. These fun Montage Laguna Beach family portraits are proof that the beach is a great place for photos whatever the weather might be like! When you’re a Southern California family, you know off-season is the best time to go to the beach. You can bundle up in cute […]

The Klingaman family chose to take their annual family photos at Father Junipero Serra Trail, a beautiful outdoor trail in San Diego. We explored the trails together, stopped to pick wild flowers, and spent some really special family time together. 

The first light of day creeps through the curtains and little bodies begin to stir at the sounds of early chirping birds. The smells of morning coffee waft in spirals, dancing with the whispers of good morning. Blankies are dragged and little hands find yours to hobble down the stairs. Activities and breakfast start soon […]

Somehow the first few years of life speed by as if time isn’t measured the same as the rest of our lives. One minute you’re a brand new parent and the next they’re running away from you, giggling at how clever they are. This is year two for Lexi and her parents, Gavin and Erin, […]