Jennifer & David | Camp Pendleton Couple's Photographer

Sometimes, as a Camp Pendleton Couple's Photographer, I like to draw my inspiration from music. I have always loved music, as I'm sure most people do. It just has this way of drawing you in, connecting you to the lyrics, relating it to your own life or situation. When I heard the song "Work Song" by Hosier, it instantly put images in my head.

I knew I needed the perfect couple for this session. One who would be willing to wake up before the sun with me, head to the beach, and create magic. Meet Jennifer & David. These two are such a special couple. Their love is inspiring, and I'm honored to have become their friend. I knew they were the ones meant for this session. The lyrics are beautifully written. Words we probably all hope someone feels about us.

Boy's workin' on empty
Is that the kind of way to face the burning heat?
I just think about my baby
I'm so full of love I can barely eat
There's nothing sweeter than my baby
I'd never want once from the cherry tree
'Cause my baby's sweet as can be
She give me toothaches just from kissin' me

When, my, time comes around
Lay me gently in the cold dark Earth
No grave can hold my body down
I'll crawl home to her

That's when my baby found me
I was three days on a drunken sin
I woke with her walls around me
Nothin' in her room but an empty crib
And I was burnin' up a fever
I didn't care much how long I lived
But I swear I thought I dreamed her
She never asked me once about the wrong I did

When, my, time comes around
Lay me gently in the cold dark Earth
No grave can hold my body down
I'll crawl home to her

When, my, time comes around
Lay me gently in the cold dark Earth
No grave can hold my body down
I'll crawl home to her

My baby never fret none
About what my hands and my body done
If the Lord don't forgive me
I'd still have my baby and my babe would have me
When I was kissin' on my baby
And she put her love down soft and sweet
In the low lamp light I was free
Heaven and Hell were words to me

When, my, time comes around
Lay me gently in the cold dark Earth
No grave can hold my body down
I'll crawl home to her

When, my, time comes around
Lay me gently in the cold dark Earth
No grave can hold my body down
I'll crawl home to her

Are you considering a Camp Pendleton Couple's Photographer for yourself? I would be honored to tell your love story. You can view more of my couple photography by going here: Couples

To book your own Couple's Session, Contact Me today!

Baby Boy | Camp Pendleton Maternity Photographer

There's nothing I love more as a Camp Pendleton Maternity Photographer, than getting to spend some time with a precious little baby bump. I love the glow of an expecting mother. Whether it's their first baby, or their last, the glow is there and it's magical to witness.

Ravan is no different. I met Ravan when she hired me to be her homecoming photographer. Her and Mike were expecting little Kayden. They worked hard to get pregnant with this little nugget. We originally scheduled her session a little earlier than most maternity session because Ravan had a history of delivering early. In fact, she was put on bed rest the day before our session. She was determined, though, to make sure she had these maternity photos done.

We went to Del Mar Beach on Camp Pendleton. It's honestly one of my favorite beaches. The flat sand creates a beautiful reflection when the water brushes up on it. The day of our session was very overcast and cloudy. Normally, for golden hour session, I LOVE to have that golden light. However, that wasn't an option for this session because sometimes the weather just doesn't want to cooperate. I couldn't be more in love with the beautiful tones that the overcast created. I knew with her dress that the fog over the ocean was going to look incredible. I wasn't wrong. Mommas... never be afraid of an overcast day.

Ravan, Mike and Mason all did such a wonderful job during their session. Ravan "slayed" in the Sew Trendy dress she chose from my maternity client closet to wear. The "boys" both did great as well. I always like to promise as little pain as possible for the men who step in front of my camera ;) Mason was also a great dress thrower!

If you are looking for a Camp Pendleton Maternity Photographer, I would love for you to Contact Me today for your session. You can also check out more of my maternity work by going here: Maternity.

Mommy & Me | Orange County Family Photographer

As an Orange County Family Photographer, my goal is to capture my clients in such a way that when they look at their images, they are brought back to that moment in time. My hope is that they'll smile, reminisce, and think back about the time they spent together and captured those memories to be remembered forever.

Motherhood is something that I feel drawn to. I feel drawn to capture the bond between mother and child. I feel the weight of the importance of those ever so fleeting moments. I feel blessed when I able able to bring that to the mother and children I photograph. That's why I love Mommy & Me sessions so much.

This session was no different. It made me feel all of those things. Maybe even more so knowing the rough seas my sweet friend had recently gone through. And, maybe, because her little man was a little bit of a saving grace for her. I didn't know this ahead of time, but it brought deeper meaning to the session and showed me once again that God works and puts things in your heart for a reason. I wanted to do this session because it spoke to me. Aundrea was sweet enough to be willing to do whatever I asked of her for the session. I'd like to think that once she saw the images, it was something she needed to have done as well, even if she may not have known it ahead of time.

I love my "job". I love being an Orange County Family Photographer. I love capturing the bond, the emotion, and the connection that I see through my lens. I can't imagine anything else.

If you are considering a Mommy & Me session or if you're looking for an Orange County Family Photographer, I would love for you to Contact Me today!

Little Fighter, Kaavya | Gold Hope Project Photographer

Sometime, about a year ago, I signed up with The Gold Hope Project to be a contributing photographer for their amazing organization. This is a non-profit organization that donates photography sessions to families being affected by childhood cancer.

This is such a special project for me because I truly believe childhood cancer needs more research, which means more funding to get that research. The hope of the project is to try and help raise awareness. I think it's beautiful and I want to help however I can to help get the word out about them.

A couple months ago, I was contacted to see if I could take on my first Fighter Session. While I'll never be "happy" that we even need to have these sessions, but I was excited to meet Kaavya and her family.

Kaavya is a 3 year old little sparkler. She's full of sass and spunk and my goodness is she smart! She was diagnosed with Wilm's Tumor and has gone through surgery and chemo. Thankfully, she has great odds that she will beat this and live a full, happy life. Kaavya is an empathetic little fighter. She hates seeing others in pain, but she's so strong when it comes to dealing with her own. She LOVES Peppa Pig. She's also a big fan of Catboy and Owlette. You'll see a couple photos of her "gearing up" to run SUPER fast like Catboy, and also one of her using her Owlette eyes to look for daddy.

We had our session in downtown San Juan Capistrano. Which worked out so well because there's a train station there, and she loved watching the trains go by. She even tried convincing her parents to go take a train ride.

During our session, I quickly realized that it was I who was being blessed with this session. While I was doing it in hopes of shedding some light on Kaavya's situation and other's like her, and also to bring some happiness to her and her parents through these memories I was capturing, it was me who left feeling happier and more blessed than before I had arrived to the session. It was truly and honestly my pleasure to be able to photograph this beautiful family and such a lively little girl.

You can also learn more about Kaavya from the blog on the TGHP site: Meet Kaavya

If yours or a family you know is being affected by childhood cancer, please reach out to The Gold Hope Project for a session. You just need to fill out the application here: Gold Hope Fighter Application

30 Days of Capone | San Clemente Family Photographer

I always say that being a San Clemente Family Photographer is one of the best jobs. However, it's not just a job to me. I live and breathe it. I wholeheartedly believe in the importance of a photograph.

Almost 2 months ago my pup, Capone had a vet visit. It was just a routine visit for dental work and yearly labs. Now, my boy is a little over 9 years old. Which is probably close to about 3/4 of the way through a Golden's lifespan. Ever since he was a puppy, he's had some sort of medical issue or another. I've called him my million dollar pup because we've spent so much on vet bills trying to fix all his random issues. Unfortunately, though, you can't fix old age.

Capone has arthritis. It's all throughout his hind quarters. It's difficult for him to get up when he's been laying down. He moves so much slower than he used to. He's on 2 different types of supplements to try and ease his joint pain. He's still got some life in him. He still plays around by himself (with his baby) and also with his sister, Cali. Who is the same age but you'd never know it because she still has so much energy.

During his checkup, the vet called and we started talking about his ailments. While I know he's not ready yet, and I do believe he'll let me know when he is, quality of life was discussed. I don't want him to suffer. That will never be something I'm okay with. And for now, I don't think he is. Just some old man aches and pains. However, the conversation really put something into perspective for me.

While I know my dogs won't be around forever, and believe me I know just how unfair that is, I need to take advantage of the fact that they're here now. So I set out to document him every day for 30 days. I loved capturing the different sides of him. His lazy side. His playful side. His ears standing at attention. His goofy smile with his jacked up teeth. All of it. I love that I'll have these photos forever, because I know I won't have him forever. So I've finally put together all the photos from my personal challenge. And yes, there are more than 30 because... well, it's my project and I'll do what I want ;)

Enjoy

If you take anything away from this at all, I hope it's to capture the moments. Not just the big ones, but all the small ones in between as well.

If you're looking for a San Clemente Family Photographer, I would love for you to Contact Me!

Project 52, Month 2 | San Clemente Family Photographer

Following up with my Project 52, Month 1 (which you can see HERE), I'm a little late getting these posted. I love that being a San Clemente Family Photographer, I'm not limited to any one thing. I get to photograph families, babies, births, and special projects just for me. That's what this Project 52 is all about.

While coming up with the themes middle-end of last year was a little difficult (it's hard to think of 52 original themes). It's also not easy to come up with WHAT to actually photograph for these themes. But that's the fun part. The themes are open to our own interpretation and as artists, we're free to go with what we are feeling.

So, without further ado, here are my weeks 5-8 of Month 2. Can you spot the theme I created within the themes? Here's a hint... there's a certain holiday that happens during the month of February ;)

Our theme for week 5 was RED
I instantly thought of fruit when I saw this theme. I happened to have some pomegranates in my fridge (I LOVE pomegranate seeds). So I figured, why not cut it up and photograph the beautiful design that hides inside.

Our week 6 theme was: Passion
I chose to do a selfie session with my boy, Capone. My passion is capturing the moments, the memories. So that's just what I did. And I swear, he's not as terrified as I made him look by hugging him like this

Week 7: Love
I can't even begin to describe how much I love this boy. He was the first dog my husband and I got together. He was destined to be ours and he has been loyal ever since.

And finally... Our week 8 was: Hearts
I happened to be doing a Gold Hope Session this week. So I wanted to incorporate this little heart sign that I made for the little girl to hold.

I have to admit, so far, I'm pretty proud of myself for sticking with it. we are already on week 12, so I'll be sharing more in the next couple weeks. I hope you're loving seeing these as much as I'm loving creating them.

If you're looking to have a family session (or maternity, birth, newborn), I would love for you to Contact Me today to talk about capturing your memories!

Saying Goodbye | San Clemente Family Photographer

As a San Clemente Family Photographer, I often express the importance of a photograph. I always say "When we're gone, the photographs will be all that's left to remember us by." Last week, these words became all the clearer. When you have to say "Goodbye", you understand the true importance of a photograph.

My uncle passed away last week. It was heartbreaking. For his wife, who he had spent 42 years with. For his children, who he loved to teach. For his grandchildren, who he loved to love. For all of his friends and family, and for me.

When I heard the news, one of the first things I thought about was the photos I took of him at my cousin's wedding almost 3 years ago. I cannot even begin to explain just how grateful I am to have those images to look back on. I'm also glad that my cousin and my aunt have those images to look back on as well. My only regret is that there aren't more of them.

You see, when someone passes, that's when things become clear. The time we didn't spend, the talks we didn't have, and the pictures we didn't take. Thankfully, my family had tons of other photographs of him that they were able to share and look back on.

He was a kindhearted soul. I always remember him being laid back, funny, and patient. He loved his family and he was kind to everyone he met. He will forever be missed by anyone who knew him. And I'll forever be thankful that I am a San Clemente Family Photographer who was able to capture my uncle in photographs, even if I wish we had more.

Military Homecoming | Camp Pendleton Homecoming Photographer

As a Camp Pendleton Homecoming Photographer it is my pleasure to be able to capture families welcoming their own personal heroes home from a deployment. Being away from someone you love is hard enough. Being away from them for 6 months or more, and we're talking nearly unbearable.

Military families are strong and resilient. We are a community that stands by one another and supports each other. We all get it. We all know what it's like. We all have that one thing in common. Things get tough, but we just keep on going... because we have to.

I met Ravan the day Mike was returning from his 6 month military deployment. We drove down to where the homecoming was supposed to be, only to find out that it was being delayed a few hours. This is totally normal in the military life. Things never really go as planned, that's why we have plans B, C all the way through Z already in place. Instead of driving back home at the risk of needing to turn right back around, we decided to grab some frozen yogurt and sit and chat. I loved this opportunity because I got to know Ravan and Mason a bit more. I loved how excited Mason was that Mike was coming home. They already had so much planned out that they were going to do together.

We waited quite a while, which you might be able to imagine was pure torture for Mason. But the reaction I caught when Mike finally arrived was priceless.

I am so thankful that I am able to capture these moments. And I am so thankful for our men and women who serve our country. Thank you!

If you or someone you know is looking for a Camp Pendleton Homecoming Photographer, I would love to hear from you. Just shoot me a message:

Also, feel free to check out my Homecoming Collection Information

Bri & Dustin | Laguna Beach Maternity Photographer

As a Laguna Beach Maternity Photographer, I adore all things baby. I LOVE belly bumps and I adore the glow of a mother to be. Capturing the bond that has already formed between mother and baby is beautiful.

So often, when women are pregnant, they don't see themselves as beautiful. That's where I come in, and that's where I get to show them that what they are going through, the changes that are happening to their body and their lives, is beautiful. To carry a life inside of you is a beautiful gift from God and it comes with a huge responsibility. It's always a goal of mine to make all women see their beauty.

Bri and Dustin were such a wonderful couple to work with. They were willing to do whatever it took to get the photo. Bri was such a trooper making the tiring trek down to Laguna Beach. It's a lot of stairs for this non-pregnant woman to go up and down, so for her to be as awesome and willing as she was (all while carrying an extra little human in her womb) was incredible. 

The love shared between both Bri and Dustin and their son-to-be was so wonderful to see. As a Laguna Beach Maternity Photographer, and as a woman, pregnancy is magical to me. It never ceases to amaze me. The way the female body changes to literally grow another human is fascinating.  Bri was just beautiful and Dustin was so sweet with her. We shared some good laughs and it was the perfect overcast day to be at the beach for photos. Call me crazy, but when I'm out at the beach doing a photography session, I pray for some overcast (right up untilbefore the sunsets). I love the drama that a cloudy day can create in an image, and this was no different.

If you or someone you know is pregnant and considering a Laguna Beach Maternity Session, I would love for you to contact me today!

If you're interested in learning more about having a maternity session with me, please go here: Maternity