Holiday 2015- Santa Barbara Family Photography

Wow, the end of 2015 went out with a bang!  I would like to thank all my amazing clients for such an awesome year... I look forward to what 2016 has in-store!  Although the end of the year can get a bit hectic with holiday photo sessions, card designs, and an endless amount of editing, I am always reminded what dedicated and loyal clients I have.  I am thrilled to see so many faces year after year!  When all the beautiful holiday cards start to show up in my mailbox, I am reminded how lucky I am to have captured these sweet memories for so many families! With the holiday rush behind me, I can now finally share some of my favorite photo sessions of the season... Stay tuned for more!

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Mini Session Magic, Santa Barbara Children's Photography

I’ve worked with this family for years and mom always brings along the best props! We did this mini session shoot for their holiday card and got some fun shots running around the grounds of the gorgeous Stowe House estate.

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Just 20 minutes long, my mini sessions should be called mini miracles – knowing that we have to work fast can really add to the energy and fun of the shoot. The white chocolate Santa beard on a stick kept us all in stitches! And the rainbow pom-pom necklace added just the right pop for a series with serious personality.

Joy to the World, Santa Barbara Family Photographer

I’ve documented this family for the past 6 years, from their toddler photos to a recent over-the-top Halloween party and every time the process is unique and a true collaboration.

They wanted to do something different for their holiday card so between me and mom hunting down the perfect props, we loaded up a wagon for plenty of options, including live trees donned in cranberry garlands. These boys are always a lively delight and played right along to create a unique beachside story that shows there’s no lack of love in this ever gracious family.

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Pretty in Pink, Santa Barbara Newborn Photographer

I always love it when I hear from old friends needing maternity and newborn photos. Our special connection always makes for a meaningful shoot, especially seeing how everyone grows into their new families.

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This sweet baby girl slept through her entire newborn photo session making my job a total breeze. We were able to gently position her for each shot while she snoozed comfortably. That soft baby skin, crimson lips and precious pink accents - swoon!

Waiting for Baby, Santa Barbara Portrait Photographer

This shoot really gave me the warm fuzzies. Not only was the light and location amazingly beautiful, but this mama was so grateful for the photo shoot. Anticipating the birth of her second child, she was thrilled to capture the last few precious moments as a family of three.

At times, pregnancy can be a long, tough, and exhausting road, and as this mama put it, "It will be so nice to have these beautiful photos to look back on." As a mom of two sons, I know all too well that rarely is a day picture perfect, but these moments we capture remind us just how much joy children bring into our lives. This shoot really brightened her day and this is why my job is so amazing! I just love to make people feel good and excited about life.

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Old Friends, New Beginnings, Santa Barbara Maternity Photos

I grew up with this gorgeous mama and hadn’t seen her since our high school graduation 15 years ago. So I was totally delighted when she emailed me about setting up a maternity shoot in Santa Barbara. These two parent-to-be simply radiated that delicious anticipation of life, a new chapter just waiting to be written.

I love how my job reconnects me with people I have not seen for years. From young friends to parents - it’s remarkable to share these milestones with them, reminisce and imagine the future. I am so excited to photograph their baby girl next month!

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When Baby Number Two Comes Along, Santa Barbara Family Photographer

Bringing home Baby #2 is always such a different story for each family. The excitement, the exhaustion, the hormones, the toddler energy along with a newborn - it truly is an amazing whirlwind of emotions! From my own experience, the enormous shift that a second child brings into the family dynamic is major. This sweet brood is still taking it all in - learning how to become a family of four. Luckily for the new little one, life is definitely going to be more about "going with the flow."

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Look Who’s One! Children Lifestyle Photographer, Santa Barbara

It’s the first major milestone and such a fun time for mom, dad, grandparents and family. I love 1-year photo shoots for so many reasons - kids at this stage are bubbling with curiosity, usually happy and giggly, and their mostly toothless grins can melt even the most stoic heart.

This sweet girl was no exception. Although she was a little under the weather, you would have never known! She laughed, smiled, and crawled around this awesome vintage Ford truck that her Grandpa drove to the photo shoot. Between her sunny disposition, stunning blue eyes, and this amazing old truck we had the makings for a most amazing shoot!

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Puppy Time! Santa Barbara Portraits

As a lifestyle photographer I normally work with children, so when this dear couple asked me to take pictures of them with their little pup, it was the little kid in me that said yes.

In the 10 years I’ve been doing portraiture I rarely work with animals, but I’ve found that puppies and children share one major trait in front of the lens: they run the show! If they are bored, you will know it. If they are grumpy, you will know it. If they are having a blast, watch out for cuteness overload!

I made my silly noises, ran all over the place and rolled on the ground with this sweet rascal - anything to get that priceless, authentic expression that lets you see inside his personality. I had a blast with this furry friend and his humans!

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Sister! Sister! Santa Barbara Maternity Photographer

Lucky is the littlest girl who will round out this family of five. As this family eagerly awaits Baby No. 3, these two darling girls couldn’t be more excited to be her big sisters! Her sweet mama could not be more beautiful, graceful and strong. And daddy, though technically outnumbered, loves them each like it’s going out of style.

Three sisters under one roof truly reveals the bonds of family. Each girl her own unique person, inextricably tied to each other. I’ve photographed this sweet family for the last four years and I just can’t wait to watch how they all grow together.

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Bohemian Baby Rhapsody, Santa Barbara Newborn Photographer

Spring is such a delightful time of year. Filled with newborns left and right, I always love hearing all the birth stories of sweet new life entering the world as the wildflowers bloom here in Santa Barbara.

These dear friends are always fun to photograph. After waiting anxiously for 9 months, I was so excited to meet this little man and document this special time for them.

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This mama’s sense of style always adds so much to our sessions. Her home is gorgeously modern with a bohemian touch - so warm and welcoming with pops of color and orange accents. I love how effortlessly put together she always looks, with just the right mix of coastal California boho panache.

Sweet Little Surprise, Santa Barbara Newborn Photos

With 5 siblings awaiting his arrival, you can bet this little peanut was loved from the start. As with most of my newborn clients, I like to do newborn sessions at home so mama and babe are comfortable and relaxed. This family's house was just stunning and had the most beautiful natural light...I could not ask for more!

Mama had the most adorable nursery prepared which helped inspire so many of the photographs. The color palette was so subtle and gorgeous. Grey, white, cream, silver and highlights of gold made for some truly beautiful images that capture the purity of a newborn!

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I just adore this family (now 8 strong!) and had the best time documenting the arrival of this sweet little surprise.