Even though the weekends are usually the busiest days of the week for me, I love them, and look forward to them more than any other time during the week.  A recent addition to our weekend schedule has been t-ball.  It’s so much fun to see my little guy out there on the field.  The best part is that he loves it, and has so much fun.

It is so hard for Grandparents to live far away from their grandchildren. Sandy was so excited to have her 2 year old grandson visiting. She wanted the whole family to get together for some long overdue family pictures at their gorgeous home. Not only do Sandy and her husband have a grandson, they also have a grand-cat named Lucy.

This little guy stole the show, and I had fun watching him do it.

It’s not uncommon for a family member to want to escape the large group family photo. Two year olds just look much cuter doing it than adults.

Now these are my kind of family photos. I just love them.

How lucky is this little guy to have not one, but 2 sets of grandparents in the same house?

I hope your Monday is going great. I’m crossing lots of things off my to do list, but I still wish the time would go slower so I can get more done. Here are a couple of recent pictures of my youngest that I just love.

Some of my clients have a really hard time deciding which pictures they want to order.  They can’t decide what sizes of which ones they want.  One option I’ve been offering for awhile now is the Coffee Table Album, which includes almost all of the pictures from your session in a beautiful 10×10″ album.  I’ve just started offering something that is a little smaller, and more casual.  It’s called the Proof Box.  This is simply a high quality box custom designed to your session pictures.  Inside the box are loose 4×6″ prints of every picture from your session (in color or black and white).  It is a new and unexpected way to showcase your photos.  I recently had one made for my coffee table, and it is the first thing people go to when they sit down.  I know these will be a huge hit with many of you who want a sampling of the entire session, but want something different than a formal album.

I also wanted to share with you the winning prize of my recent photo contest.  The first place winner received a 16×20″ gallery wrap canvas (which will be arriving on your doorstep today Erika).  I just LOVE how this turned out on canvas.  I find that the photos that move me emotionally, and not the expected ones of everyone smiling are my favorites.  This was one of those pictures for me.  The first time I saw it I just loved it, and really really hoped her mom would order it.  Here it is on canvas where it makes a bold statement.

When Jon called to talk about a photo session with me I couldn’t help but admire his enthusiasm.   I was excited to meet the family he had described to me.  They didn’t disappoint me at all with their easy going nature, and fun attitude towards family portraits.  I just love it when I meet people who really appreciate my style of relaxed, authentic family portraits that aren’t posed or contrived too much.  This is exactly what Jon asked for, and I really hope his family is happy with the results.

My lovely little sister moved about 1.5 miles away from me about 3 months ago.  My kids and I have been LOVING having them so close.  My mom has been asking when I was going to take their picture for her wall of 14 grand kids.  We finally made it out to the park on a gorgeous Southern California day in March.  I think you will agree her kids are beyond cute.  It was fun focusing on each one individually.  Little “A” is such a Momma’s boy.  He doesn’t like being more than 3 feet away from her at any time.  I wish I could say he was smiling at me here, but these smiles are all for his Mom.

“A” is my son’s best friend.  They have such a good time together.  He is a blessing to have around.

I could watch little one year olds just learning to walk all day.  It is so adorable.

“K” is a little on the shy side.  Actually she’s A LOT on the shy side.  I feel victorious when she says a word to me.  She’s my daughters bestest friend these days.  I love having her stay the day with us while the kids are at school.  They play so well together I can get tons of work done and listen to their adorable 4 year old giggles.

We always have so much fun jumping.

Mom, good luck picking your favorite for your wall of grand kids.

He’s six, and loves all things Star Wars, Pokemon, Video Games, Baseball,  and handball.  He’s his Daddy’s biggest fan.  He loves anything his Dad loves, and wants nothing more than to hang out with him.  In fact, he tells his friends at school that his Dad is his best friend.  I do admit to wishing he was a little more of a Mamma’s boy, but I’m happy they have such a good relationship.  He is extremely empathetic and loving towards his sisters.  He is the first one to cheer them on or congratulate them on their achievements.  It often sounds like the ceiling is going to drop down when he’s up in his room with his friends.  He can be loud and boisterous, just like all other 6 year old boys out there.

I gotta say, I love this six year old.

What a sweet young family I was able photograph recently. The Luyens have two gorgeous children. Little A. reminds me of my Emma with her love of books, and little T. couldn’t be any more charming and adorable. We had fun going through the house, and being introduced to their toys, and favorite things.

Our Community School in North Hills had their annual BIG Night Out last weekend. It’s a big fundraiser for this public charter school. Tim and I had a lot of fun taking pictures of those that attended, and the silent and live auction. Bill Powers was being honored for his tremendous help and support of Our Community School, and the principal Chris Ferris announced an amazing award their school is receiving this year.

It was a beautifully done, well organized event. Tim and I were so glad to help out.
BIG Night Out was held at The Odyssey Restaurant in Granada Hills
Flowers and Decor provided by Sophisticated Parties and Events
Music by DJ Impact
Master of Ceremonies was Brad Zumbro, and the Event Coordinator was Jana Harper

Another beautiful baby was born recently.  I am so blessed with such beautiful newborns to take pictures of.  Jade did NOT want to sleep, but she was adorable with her beautiful eyes open. 

I love this picture with Nellie, the baby before Jade.

Here is Mimi with Jade.

and finally, here is my favorite picture from the session.