Project 52 Month 4 | Family Photographer San Clemente

So, while being a Family Photographer in San Clemente, I like to create things that are just for me, or as I call it, personal work. It's so good to make sure, as an artist, that you're shooting for yourself. It helps keep the creative juices flowing and also takes off the pressure to deliver something specific. You get to just play around with your camera and lenses and practice, experiment, create!

That's why I started my Project 52! It helped take, not only me, but other photographers, out of our normal routines, our comfort zones if you will. It makes us think a little differently, a little more creatively, maybe. It's fun and it's great getting to see everyone's different perspective on the weekly themes. 

For the month of April, our themes were: 
Week 13: Dream
I had recently purchased the Canon 85L lens, and it is SO DREAMY

 Week 14: Spring
How can one not think of spring when you see a little birdy sitting in a tree

Week 15: Fresh
Fresh dew on a blade of grass

Week 16: Flowers
These are....mustard plants? They're normally very bright yellow, however, I altered them in post production just because. 

If you're interested in seeing the other week's themes, you can check them all out here:
Month 1
Month 2
Month 3

If you're a photographer who is looking to learn more about their craft, whether it be the business side, or the photography side, sign up for my newsletter to get tips and deals sent straight to your inbox!

Hospital Newborn Session | Camp Pendleton Fresh 48 Photographer

I love being a Camp Pendleton Fresh 48 Photographer. Being able to capture a new life within the first 48 hours is something so precious, I struggle to find the words to describe it. Babies are already one of my FAVORITE to capture, but when they're this new, this fresh, it's even better! 

In hospital newborn sessions are great because, typically, the hospital rooms provide us with plenty of light. I just love that natural light shining through the windows, giving life to my images. 

You may remember Alex & Tom's maternity session from a little while back. I was so excited when Alex let me know that little Miss M had made her arrival and that I was going to be able to meet her soon! So, two days after her arrival, I headed up to the Naval Hospital on Camp Pendleton to capture some beautiful family bonding moments. Daddy was so good with her. He kew just what she was wanting when she started to get fussy. Alex did such a great job choosing Miss M's wrap and outfits, including her own gorgeous dark blue robe. I'm seriously in love with how this session turned out and I'm so grateful I was able to be apart of this little girl's first 48 hours!

camp pendleton fresh 48 photographer

If you or someone you know is looking for a Camp Pendleton Fresh 48 Photographer or a Hospital Newborn Photographer, I would love for you to CONTACT ME today! 

Acrylic Blocks | Family Photographer San Clemente

As a Family Photographer in San Clemente, I am always looking for new, unique, beautiful products to offer to my clients. I love offering real, tangible, heirloom quality products with my collections because I believe they are more important than just having a digital file. 

I know I've never gone over to a friends house and asked to see the USB drive of images. Nope, instead, when I walk in and see photos displayed on their walls and table and mantles, I stop and stare, touch, admire. Nothing really says "artwork" like a beautiful product displaying your memories. 

Recently, I discovered just how wonderfully beautiful Acrylic Blocks are. They are sturdy and pristine. Seriously, I'm in love, and I think you will be as well!

I am SO EXCITED to be offering these incredible pieces of art and I would LOVE for you to have one for your own home! Contact Me today if you're looking for a Family Photographer in San Clemente

5 Tips to an Amazing Postpartum Experience | Orange County Birth Photographer

I adore being an Orange County Birth Photographer. I always feel so blessed and honored to be apart of such an intimately, special experience.

Last year, I connected with an amazing doula in the Orange County and San Diego area. I thought it would be great if she could provide some tips for moms-to-be on how to have an amazing postpartum experience. As we see so often, women struggle internally, and sometimes externally after giving birth. So Britni, of The Oceanside Doula, is offering up her Top 5 Tips for an Amazing Postpartum Experience.

1. Rest
Your body just accomplished an amazing feat. There is a lot of pressure to be up and going again quickly in this culture. Ignore it. You can't get this time back. Relax. Snuggle. Cocoon yourself as much as you want to.

2. Allow others to help you.
In order to rest, you'll need some help. If friends and family offer dinner or help with the house work, take them up on it! When people come to visit, ask them to throw in a load of laundry or dishes. People love having something to do, and it helps you to recover with less stress.

3. It's OK to say "NO".
Speaking of visitors, choose them wisely. You are allowed to say "no". Say it with me, "NO!". You don't have to allow people who frustrate you or make you uncomfortable in your own home or hospital space ever, but certainly not during the vulnerable time right after birth.

4. Make a list.
Make a list of postpartum helpers and have it available. We hear a lot about birth plans and I love when clients know what their ideal birth scenario looks like, but postpartum often gets overlooked and it lasts a whole lot longer than the birth. If you plan to breastfeed, get the name and number of a recommended IBCLC. Will you need a dog walker or help with an older child? Get those helpers lined up ahead of time. Are you looking for comprehensive, professional help with all things newborn and postpartum adjustment for mom, partner, and entire family? Call me! A postpartum doula is the ultimate addition to your postpartum plan. The Oceanside Doula is honored to offer Postpartum Doula services to help make your transition to family a smooth and beautiful one.

5. Capture the memories.
These days are fleeting. Your babies first birthday (and fifth and sixth) will be here before you know it. The newborn period is so short. Take many photos. Professional lifestyle photos of babies' first forty-eight hours will take you back in time to that newborn smell and feel when you've long forgotten it years from now. Laura Lynn Photography specialized in telling the story of your brand new family.

It's such a good idea to think about these things BEFORE the baby arrives. Let's face it, once that bundle of joy is here, you won't really want to think about much else (and they probably won't let you for a little while). Getting some help, whether from friends/family, or from someone like Britni, it's good to know that asking for help shows strength. They don't say "it takes a village" for nothing. It really does. Women too often try to take on the world alone, and when you have amazing people like Britni, there's just no need.

If you or someone you know is looking for an Orange County Birth Photographer, I would love for you to Contact Me. Laura Lynn Photography specializes is Birth, Fresh 48 hospital newborn sessions, and lifestyle newborn and family photography. I would love to capture your memories.

Welcome Home | Camp Pendleton Homecoming Photographer

What's not to love about a military homecoming? As a Camp Pendleton Homecoming Photographer, I love how emotionally packed a homecoming is. I love getting to capture a couple, or a family reuniting after a long period apart.

As a military wife, myself, I know what this separation period feels like all too much. I often say there are different levels of missing someone. Being apart from your significant other, or a parent, for 6 months or more, is a level of missing that most, thankfully, don't have to experience. But pretty much every military member, service member or family member, will experience this at some point, a lot of them will experience it more than once.

Alex and Josh recently completed their first deployment together. After a long 6 months they were able to reunite. There isn't much sweeter in this world than that first moment of getting to hug your loved one after a long time of barely being able to talk to them, let alone touch or hug them. These two, however, made it seem "easy". Their reunion was sweet and quick. They couldn't wait to get out of there and get back to being "them", together. 

I'm so happy these two are together again. Welcome home, Marine!

Are you in need of a Camp Pendleton Homecoming Photographer? I would love to be considered to capture your reunion! Please Contact Me today to see if your homecoming is available. To learn more about my Military Homecoming Photography please visit here: Military Homecomings.

Would You Hire a Bridesmaid | Intimate Wedding Photographer

As an intimate wedding photographer, I often try to think of things to write that will be helpful to my possible brides. Not too long ago, I was contacted to write a little blurb about the Best Tips for Organizing Your Dream Wedding. In return, I asked Wendy Dessler to be a guest writer for me. She's got an interesting topic and I'd love to hear your thoughts on the matter. 

WOULD YOU HIRE A BRIDESMAID? 
Wow. One of the latest trends in weddings is something most folks have never even thought about – but it’s catching on and gaining pretty public attention: “bridesmaids for hire”. Socially savvy and highly organized young women are offering to take up where most wedding planners leave off – giving personal support to brides from pre-wedding dance coaching to actually donning the pink bridesmaid dresses and standing up next to them on the altar.

Professional bridesmaids fall into an emerging category of wedding vendor called “Concierge Services.” According to HuffPo, these services include “social media concierges” and even professionally trained canine ring bearers!

Check yourself – if you’re staring at the screen with a perplexed look upon your face, you’re probably not alone.

If you stop and think for a second about the incredible level of stress and emotion that weddings naturally inspire, it’s not a totally ridiculous concept. Day-of coordinators have become quite common, taking on the role of executing plans that couples themselves made to make sure all things run smoothly. Some services certainly cross-over – many day-of coordinators work with teams of assistants who are more than happy to help a bride button up a complicated gown, carry a bag of makeup for photo touch ups, and offer comforting emotional support throughout the day.

But actually wearing the dress, standing up at the altar, sitting at the wedding party dinner table and dancing the night away to keep the dance floor jumping – those are roles that traditionally go beyond the services of most day-of coordinators and full-service wedding planners. They enter a new realm of an industry that is influenced by the same internet on which you can find rent-a-friend services (the platonic version of dating websites) and evidently highly-trained canine attendants as well (it’s just such a deeply fascinating and somewhat endearing image!).

Opinions are bound to stay mixed on whether most brides would be willing to hire a bridesmaid or not. On the pro side, professional bridesmaids may be able to fill niche needs on a personal scale that truly no other category of wedding pro customarily provides. Introverted brides, those who have lost most or all of their families, and high maintenance brides could certainly find a patch for something they are missing in the hands of a sensitive soul. Some couples have moved, perhaps as part of military life, and of necessity are having a small wedding in their new hometown, sans loved ones. In these cases, a talented hired hand with a caring personality and a knowledge of waterproof mascara could be very helpful.

Others would argue that selecting your bridal party is practically a sacred mission – that bridesmaid is a role that is supposed to be played only by your closest friends or family. Many couples are even choosing “attendants” regardless of gender to show reverence for their deepest, longest-lasting friendships, creating fascinating new roles like “bridesman” and “groomsmaid.” Opponents of bridesmaids for hire would argue that performing one of these roles is about more than wearing similar pink bridesmaid dresses – it’s about showing support for someone you love, a role that can not be filled by a hired hand.

What can’t be denied is that weddings are changing and ever-evolving. What seemed impossible to etiquette gurus even 10 years ago is commonplace today. Perhaps hiring a bridesmaid is a passing fad, or perhaps concierge wedding services are the way of the future. What do you predict? Would you hire a bridesmaid?

Author Bio
Wendy Dessler
Wendy is a super-connector with Outreachmama who helps businesses find their audience online through outreach, partnerships, and networking. She frequently writes about the latest advancements in digital marketing and focuses her efforts on developing customized blogger outreach plans depending on the industry and competition.

If you or someone you know is having an intimate wedding or elopement, I would love for you to Contact Me today. It would be an honor to be considered for your wedding photography needs!

Alex & Tom Maternity | Camp Pendleton Maternity Photographer

As a Camp Pendleton Maternity Photographer, I always get really excited when I'm booked to photograph a maternity session. I love me some baby bumps and I love seeing a glowing mommy-to-be. 

Alexandra did not disappoint! She looked so beautiful in her teal dress. It went so well with the bright ocean light we were getting that day. Tom looked nice and classic in his black t-shirt and jeans, ready to do as I asked to get the shot. 

We went to Del Mar Beach on Camp Pendleton, one of my FAVORITE beaches to photograph sessions. The flat sand gives beautiful reflections and the jetty adds a little extra touch to the images. 

Alex also happened to bring a black skirt with her so that we could show off her bare baby bump. Thankfully, and smartly, she wore a bathing suit underneath everything, so when I asked her if she was down to sit in the water, she had no problems at all. We both walked away from the session pretty wet, but it was so worth it. 

 As a Camp Pendleton Maternity Photographer, having my clients trust me and my vision is important. I wouldn't be able to execute the images that I do without that trust. 

I was so honored to capture these images for Tom and Alex. I also can't wait to share their Fresh 48 photos with you in the coming weeks!

If you or someone you know is looking for a Camp Pendleton Maternity Photographer, I would love for you to Contact Me today to talk about a possible session. 

You can also check out more about my Maternity Sessions Here. 

Project 52 | Month 3 | Family Photographer San Clemente

Continuing, 2 months later, with my Project 52, this Family Photographer in San Clemente has been photographing as much as possible these past few months. I am really enjoying this Project 52. It's helping me to really THINK when it comes to what I'm going to photograph. I make it a point to at least TRY and step out of the box when the theme is posted. 

For March, our themes for the week were:
Week 9: Quiet
Week 10: Green
Week 11: Lucky
Week 12: Bokeh

So for Week 9: Quiet
I set up a little selfie session, thought about what I could do to represent quiet while being by myself. This was the image I came up with.

Week 10: Green
I used my Canon 100mm L lens to do a macro shot of some flowers we have in our front yard. There was enough separation between this single bud and the grass below it and it created this little purple bud in a sea of green.

Week 11: Lucky
For me, I think we as women are lucky to be able to experience life moving inside of us. Even to be capable of this is incredible. Not all women are so lucky, so for those who are, please cherish that.

Week 12: Bokeh
I initially used a slightly different photo for this in my group. However, this image was taken on the same day, at a different angle and actually showcases real bokeh better than my other one. 

I really do enjoy being apart of this Project 52. If you're a photographer looking to join the group, we'd love to have you jump right in. You can send a request here: Artistically Created Group

If you're looking for a Family Photographer in the San Clemente area, I would love for you to Contact Me today to discuss a possible session!

Welcome home, Marine | Camp Pendleton Military Homecoming Photographer

If you've ever spent a longer period of time away from someone you love, then you understand how wonderful it can be to reunite with that person. As a Camp Pendleton Military Homecoming Photographer, I love getting to capture a reunion like military homecomings. 

Corina & Eric experienced, and kicked butt during, their first deployment together. It can be really hard as a newly wed couple to go through a separation that is not only a long one, but also a potentially dangerous one. However, if there's one thing I've learned in my almost 10 years of being married to my own Marine, it's that we're built a little differently. You kind of have to be in order to be a military spouse. We are resilient, and we're strong. 

Corina had contacted me last minute because her original photographer was unable to make her homecoming as the date had changed to a time she was no longer available. But that's just how homecomings go, always changing, and we're always needing a backup plan. Luckily, I just so happened to have an opening so it all worked out. I'm thankful that it did. I'm always so happy to capture military homecomings because I know just how important they are! 

Eric & Corina had a beautiful reunion. The look on Corina's face when she's staring at Eric really does say it all. I'm so happy they're together again.

Welcome home, Marine! 

If you are looking to book your own Camp Pendleton Military Homecoming Photographer, I would love for you to Contact Me.

You can also go HERE to view more information about my military homecomings.