The JOURNAL

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 […]

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, […]

Family photos at the beach are so special. Not everyone has the privilege of growing up near the beach, but for those who do, it’s really such a magical place to spend family time. For exactly that reason, Sarah Ellen and Juan Carlos wanted to have photos of their little family together in a place they love– Carlsbad State Beach in Southern California. We felt the sand in our toes, chased waves, we played and laughed, and watched the sun go down over the Pacific Ocean. These moments with those we love pass by so fast, so it’s especially sweet to have these memories documented forever.

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, […]

These San Diego family lifestyle portraits are #familygoals and just the most adorable thing you’ve ever seen. Since they just finished moving in and renovating their beautiful new home, we decided it would be fitting to take some relaxed family photos of the four of them before baby boy number three joined the party. Again, […]

Labor begins and bags are grabbed as you rush out the door in between contractions. The hours of labor and then this new life is born into the world and time STOPS. The wonder, the shock, the exhaustion, the deep deep love…. it all blurs together somehow. Photographing this chapter of life is such a sweet gift. […]