Summer Family Portraits | Irvine, California

Here are some more photos of the shoot Alan and I did for my brother's family.  Originally we were going to shoot the session at Corona Del Mar to get some nice beach shots with the water, sand and rocks.  Ricky and his family ended up coming down a little later than we had planned, so we had to make some last minute changes to make the most of the natural light.  I knew we'd all be scrambling to find parking at the beach since the weather had been so nice the past few days.  It was already pretty late, and after driving to the beach and hunting for parking we would have only had about half an hour to shoot.  Not to mention, having that stress of driving down to the beach in traffic and racing against the sun!  Definitely not a good feeling to have right before getting your pictures taken.

Instead, I thought it was best to stay close by and get as much shooting time as possible. Staying close totally worked out!  Alan and I ended up taking them to some running trails that are literally down the street from our apartment.  We love this running trail...and really, it's a hidden gem between houses and businesses. Driving by, you would never think it was there.

So I'm really happy I ended up shooting them there.  We had a great time, shared some laughs, had plenty of shooting time and got some great shots.  Alan and I drove by the park recently and we were so bummed to find out that the city is closing it for a whole year!!!  Guess we won't be shooting or running there for a while...bummer.

These shots below with the boys are up there with my favorites from the session.  Julian, my youngest nephew, had a little bit of a hard time loosening up and giving me some natural expressions.  He kept giving me this cheeser smile or super goofy face.  That wasn't the case for the shots with his father and brother.  He totally chilled out and was having the time of his life!  They all look so happy and it seriously brings a smile to my face.  They make my heart smile too, lol!  Seriously!

 OMG, I have such dolls for nieces and nephews!  My brother and sister in law were blessed with beautiful children.

Summer Family Portraits | Irvine, California

Here's a quick preview of my latest family session.  My bother and his beautiful wife and family!  I love these kids ♥.  I can never get enough of them.  They came down to visit this weekend and I already miss them.  

Bianka and Michael | Sneak a Peek | Orange, California Engagement Session

Mae and Jimmy | Family Portraits | Irvine, California

I've known Mae and Jimmy for about fourteen years now.  We met in high school and have been friends ever since.  We've been through many milestones together.  High school graduation, college, getting married, having children.  Her family has grown and now she has two beautiful children.  I've had the pleasure of photographing them various times these past years, and I have to say this is my favorite shoot.  Lucas had so much fun and saw it more as an adventure than a photo session.  Pretty Sophia on the other hand had just gotten up from a nap.  She was grumpy at the beginning but managed to warm up in her mommies arms.  What a beautiful family!!

Stefanie and Greg Engagement | Balboa Fun Zone, Corona Del Mar

I had the pleasure of photographing Stefanie and Greg for their engagement session.  I've known Stefanie since high school and when she inquired about photography I was like, heck yeah.

Her and Greg were so prepared and were a photographers delight to work with.  They found the perfect settings that would suit their personality and looked fantastic in their choice of clothing. We started out at Balboa Fun Zone in Newport Beach for some fun shots with the ferris wheel.  As we walked along we also found this super cute candy store with a huge inventory of various candies.  We bought a long, twirly lolly pop as a prop but I think it backfired on us.  Greg was literally glued to it and could not stop having some...luckily, he did not get those blue lips we were afraid he would get  :).  Afterwards we headed over towards the beach for some casual/romantic shots under the pier.  Poor Stefanie...at this point it was pretty cold and she was feeling it.  But she did an amazing job, you can never tell by looking at the pictures.  Following these shots we headed over to Corona Del Mar.  The temperature here was much more pleasing and the scenery...just GORGEOUS!  It was at this point where we started getting pretty hungry as we had shot our way past lunch time.  You would think we were starving because we could not stop talking about our many cravings...BJ's pizza, pastrami sandwiches at The Hat (of which I still need to try...Stefanie and Greg raved about their food), sushi...you name it.  I definitely got my fix of food that night, lol.  Congrats again Stefanie and Greg!!!  You guys are so cute together and I LOVED shooting your engagement portraits.  ox!      

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Tonia and Macy : Portrait Session