The Pyle Family Portraits at Iron Mountain Trailhead

Jeff and Abigail have been close friends of ours since college- and yes that is more years ago then I care to admit. As the years have passed we have added babies and mortgages to our friendship and we have watched our friendship grow and transform. Their family has grown by three since they were married, and our kids have had the opportunity to grow up together.

For this shoot we headed out to Iron Mountain Trailhead. The long row of trees at this location is of course magical, although I have to say that I wasn’t the only photographer that thought so- it was kind of like survival of the fittest out there, haha. But despite the many families there taking pictures, we were still able to get some great shots! I’m already looking forward to our next shoot!

The Oberem Family Portraits at Marian Bear Park

For the last two years I have shot Belinda and her beautiful family’s pictures, but this year, her mom decided she wanting to do big family portraits as well. So we ended up photographing at the same location just one week later. But the amazing thing about Marian Bear Park is that there are so many little hidden treasures there that really you could shoot there every day and find new spots to explore.

There is something beautiful about shooting these generational sessions like this- capturing the moments of the whole family together. Truly family is our greatest earthly gift that we have in this life- and all too fast our kids grow up and our parents grow older. Freezing these moments in time is priceless.

Mia's Quinceañera Portraits at Hidden Oaks Ranch

For Mia’s Quinceañera portraits we headed all the way out to Ramona to the magical venue of Hidden Oaks Ranch. This place was a complete fairytale. I got there early to explore and seriously felt like I was walking through the set of a Disney movie. It was worth the drive to head out there! Mia played the perfect part of the princess in her magical forest- she was absolutely beautiful. Her mom, Carol, was a trooper, helping Mia through the grass and up the hills and even up the rocks. By the end of the day we decided that we all deserved some In n’ Out!

When I take these pictures I can’t help but think about how before I know it my own girls will be dressed up as princesses celebrating their Quinceañera. It’s almost too much! For now, their princess dresses are yellow like Belle, or Pink like Aurora, and I’ll just keep them little for as long as I can.

Mia, I hope you have the sweetest day! I am so glad that I got to be a part of it!

Brix's Not-So-Newborn Session at Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve

I am calling this the Not-So-Newborn Session because originally this was supposed to be a newborn session but time got away from us- like many months away from us, haha. But we finally got out there to get the pictures that had long been planned on! Brix was a trooper and so were Megan and Branden. They are first time parents to little Brix and I seriously can’t believe how much it seems like they have it together! I was such a stress case with my first baby but they couldn’t have been more chill during the shoot.

The weather was gorgeous and Los Penasquitos Canyon was just as beautiful as ever. I am soaking up these sunny days because the sun always does something magical to photos. Red Starbucks cups are right around the corner but for now I am grateful for the sunny days.

Lucas Newborn Session

As many of you know, in addition to being a photographer, I am also a teacher. Linda was one of my partner teachers that taught 6th grade with me. When we worked together she was my partner in crime. Lots of late night texting, early morning meetings, and everything in between. When you are a teacher, it isn’t just part of your life, it is your life- so it is no surprise that the people you work with are often times more than just co-workers. They are friends. That is what Linda is- a friend that I feel 100% comfortable being myself with, that is a special gift.

So when I found out that Linda was pregnant I knew I would love this little baby. And of course the moment I met him I loved him already. He is so sweet and so little. Already I wanted to freeze time for Linda and Justin, because I know how fast this time goes.

Soak it in friend, every moment. Hold him close, let him sleep in your arms- do all the things they tell you not to because the season is going to go way too fast. I can’t wait to watch Lucas grow. I am so happy for you friend! And P.S. Justin you did absolutely great- as far as husbands and pictures go you are one of the good ones! ;)

The Chen Family Portraits at Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve

What a special day to see The Chen Family again... a few years ago now I shot their wedding and now to see them again with their family expanded by two was so sweet. When they first reached out to arrange a family portrait session we considered a few different options for the location. In the end we decided on Los Penasquitos Canyon Preserve. This was actually the first time I had shot here before but what I loved about it was the variety of different places to shoot. From wheat colored grass fields, to big sweeping oak trees, a creek with an old wooden bridge and trees areas that looked like they came straight from the fairy tale. But what I loved most of all was how easy it was to access all these spots. When you have two kids in strollers the walk has to be pretty easy. The weather was gorgeous and the kids were so sweet- that makes for some great pictures!

It means so much to me to continue shooting people’s pictures through every season of their life. It means that the relationships we have formed will continue to grown and I have the honor of being able to keep taking their pictures in each season of their life. I am so grateful for this opportunity.

Axel is Here!

Axel is here! When I first met the York Family it was just Axel’s big sister in the family pictures and now he is here with us! This photo shoot was so fun, I laughed so hard throughout the entire shoot. Sarah is so real, and down to earth, and I just kind of love hanging out with her! Axel is as sweet and easy as can be- typical second child. The first ones give you a run for your money and the second lets you coast a bit more. At least that is how it has been for me with Sophia and Mila. Axel is a so sweet natured already, I can’t wait to see his personality develop! I am already thinking about our next shoot and the fun it will be with two!