It’s heatin’ up here in Los Angeles! It’s been awesome knowing that I can schedule sunset photo sessions and be pretty sure that the beautiful sun will be out. I was so, so happy that the sun was indeed out and shining on this day – which meant I could get lovely, sunny images like these – just in time for the start of summer! It was definitely warm out, so we also hung out in the shade and had ourselves a little picnic :) Although he doesn’t turn two until next month, Kaiden was a sweet, perfect little model and we were able to get some super cute 2nd birthday images of him – and even managed to snag a few beach shots at the very end of the session!

…it’s true, three *is* a crowd and sessions including three little ones always makes me nervous. Any photographer will tell you that taking photos of three kids – one being a newborn – is no easy task :) I will admit that I’ve had my fair share of failed attempts at this exact scenario. But alas! This one was a success! I had a feeling the session was going to go pretty well though the moment I walked into their home. Why? Well, little Mr. Charming flashed a huge, sweet smile and gave me a hug! And little Miss grabbed my hand and began showing me her collection of shoes and pom-poms. I’m telling you, sometimes I feel like I’m having a playdate instead of working :) and I love it. Plus, mom, grandma & Uncles were so kind, so sweet, and so helpful. Totally amazing family! Lucky me because I get to go back in a few weeks to photograph the entire family (with mom, dad, and big sister #2 too). I’m looking forward to it!

…Henley, her little bitty brother. He’s also super gorgeous….with big blue eyes just like his sister….and a super, super sweet smile. He didn’t want to smile for me, but boy – did he smile for mommy! Mama’s boys have a special place in my heart (being a mom to a boy myself). In addition to staying next to mama, he also enjoys eating, sleeping & spitting up on his onesie that mom was so happy for him to wear to have his photo taken in :) He’s also a candid little boy and shows us all what he thinks about his big sister’s shenanigans by giving a big yawn while everyone else is laughing (how cute is that?!)

…the entire family. I know, it’s no surprise why their kids are so good looking! There was no posing going on during our session. As always, I try my best to stay away from posing – I like it this way. Natural, spontaneous, real. A true reflection of the beautiful chaos that comes with having two kids! No sounds clips here, but if you could imagine the amount of laughter in the room, you’d be smiling, too.

I had an amazing time! I made a new friend (who happens to be 3 years old and super sweet). I was entertained the entire time – thoroughly enjoying dad’s hilarious commentary of everything that was going on. And mom who was just so, so sweet – and even fed me! I’m really bummed that they’re moving though. Hopefully they’ll be back for beach vacations :) They’re the type of family you feel like you’ve known for ages…and people you can hang out with all day!

I know, it’s hard not to love this little guy – I mean, he’s just as sweet as can be with his chubby cheeks, bright eyes and baby teeth filled smile. Super adorable! So I can understand why his parents are totally smitten. I had an amazing time photographing this beautiful family. I always, always love family sessions…it just tugs at my heart strings when I see all of the heart warming interactions. I could totally see how in love mom and dad were with their baby boy and with being a family, how connected mom was to her sweet boy, how much dad adored his son, and of course, how mom and dad were crazy about each other! Oh, not to mention, I also photographed both sets of grandparents with their grandson….so there was even more adoration that I didn’t blog! As you can see, love was all around – and how blessed am I to have the honor of capturing it from behind the camera…

…seems to be nine! Nine, as in a 9 day old newborn or a 9 month old baby! I seem to have the best luck with little ones this age. I don’t know what it is – perhaps it’s just coincidence :) All I know is that this chubby, sweet little boy was such fun to photograph. From the moment we first met, he was all smiles and giggles – showing me his two little baby teeth :) He endured multiple outfit changes and even some naked shots – outside! And he was totally ok with it – he even managed to let out a jolly chuckle while  simultaneously fussing a bit – he’s awesome! Not only is he super happy, but he’s also super cute! He’s got the chubbiest cheeks, babylicous rolls, and lovely eyes! You can see for yourself…although, I didn’t post any naked baby shots because, well, it’s just too much cuteness – and that needs to be saved for mommy and daddy to see first! I almost fell over when I saw them :)

…okay, okay, so he was feeling sleepy shortly after we began our photo session. However, from the looks of these images, it sure didn’t seem that way! It’s always a treat to photograph this family. I mean, they are just gorgeous. Now that it’s been almost an entire year since I’ve seen them, I don’t need any more proof that my inkling was correct: Breyker is even more adorable than he was as a newborn (if that’s possible, right?). He has big blue eyes and a sweet, sweet smile. I think he looks so much like mommy and grandma when he smiles. And when he’s got that pensive look, his eyes are big and blue just like daddy’s. Heartbreaker….yes, he will be a heartbreaker. Here he is, giggles, smiles, baby teeth and all :)

Of course, being a photographer is an absolutely amazing job to have! But I must say, it’s more than just the pictures – it’s the relationships that I develop with each family that makes what I do so special. This couldn’t be any more true for this lovely bunch. I’ve had the opportunity to photograph them four times! FOUR times! How cool is that? And each time I get to know them more and more….how mom is such an amazing, hard working, organized, well planned, kind and giving person; how dad is just phenomenal with his boys – knowing just what to do to make everything better, making them laugh and smile; and of course, the sweet kids – they are so easy going, extremely sweet and a breeze to photograph! And get this – they actually listen to their parents – wow! That doesn’t always happen when I photograph toddlers and preschoolers :)  I’ve also had the wonderful opportunity to meet their extended family! And yes, they are all equally amazing. So as you can see, I’m lucky indeed. I’m thankful and humbled with every session – being trusted to capture these family memories is not a task I take lightly. And most (if not all) photographers will probably agree that the greatest compliment they can ever receive isn’t a verbal one…it’s when families come back for more sessions!

…amounts of love! Two grandparents, 4 children and 5 grandchildren equals lots of giggles, smiles, hugs & kisses. It was such a joy photographing this sweet family! I must admit, I do get nervous every time I photograph this large of a group, but honestly, they were all so funny and easy going that my anxiety completely disappeared upon seeing everyone that morning! Hopefully later on down the road, I can have pictures like these taken of my brood! I’m not sure about having 4 kids – 2 seems good for now, perhaps 3 :) But either way, I think it’d be awesome to have a 3 generation photo shoot! And as luck had it, the clouds were out on the morning of our photo session – and boy was I happy about that! It was such a pleasant shoot…loveed it!