San-O at Sunset

I brought my camera to San Onofre last night to get some surfing pictures for Kyle's buddies. Besides getting some great shots and catching a few good waves myself (my board hit me on the head, I hope it's not a concussion), we got to see this incredible sunset. This has to be one of my new favorites of Makena. And I love the Endless Summer one she took of me.

Perfect Light

Here are a few favorites from a recent shoot back in Ventura County at one of my favorite beaches. The clouds in the sky made the sunshine soft and made me giddy: perfect conditions (not counting the wind :) ). Added to that was a beautiful, fun family. I love the playfulness of the pictures, thanks for being such good sports!

Update

Things have been a little quiet on my blog! We've been busy moving our family to San Clemente, just a few minuted from the beach. We feel like we have come home and just love it here. If we could only get all of our friends to follow.... I'm back now to doing shoots, both here in Orange County as well as in Ventura County, so stayed tuned for new photos soon. Also, my blog is undergoing a face lift, to be revealed soon. Check back often!

Happy 12th Birthday, Kai!

Kai is turning 12! Time flies. I realized I'm WAY overdue for a shoot with Kai, before he grows some more. The only recent picture I could find was this snap shot at the end of one of my sessions when it was really dark already (he came with me to handle the family's dog when he wasn't needed for the shoot). It's been a very busy, exciting 12 years. I think Kai taught me more than I could ever teach him. I love having him as my son and adventure buddy.

Miss Lola

Less is more. There is real trend in photography for bright colors and slick editing. While there definitely is a place for that, and I sometimes use that style as well, most of the time I prefer natural and simple over edgy and bright. These shots are a great example of how soft, natural colors show the beauty and personality of this little girl. I'm really drawn to her eyes, wondering what she is thinking (must be something good, since she is looking so serene).

More Beach ...

Isn't this THE coolest longboard? Custom made for Dan by Yater himself. What a great classic look. I always say less is more, and it totally worked for this board. Funny, true story: while I was editing, I was listening to my songs from this blog, and right as I was editing the surfboard picture, the "Endless Summer Theme" came on.

Beach Kids

Oh, to be a little kid again, playing at the beach all day and falling asleep pretty much as soon as you hit your pillow! These guys were a blast to take pictures of. Such personalities, and too cute.

Beautiful Beach Family

This was one of my funnest shoots. I got to go to one of my favorite beaches (I always brought my kids here when they were tiny, I remember coming here when Makena was 3 months old) and shoot this beautiful, fun family. The grandparents lease a summer home on the beach here every year, and invite their two daughters and families. Here is a sampling of group pictures, next post will be individual families and then,...(drumroll), the "Endless Summer" and Duke Kahanamoku inspired surfboard pictures. Taking those was icing on the cake for me and I can't wait to post them.
P.S. You may recognize the littlest guy, he was the newborn in the fireman's helmet.

Headshots

It was fun taking head shots for Stephanie's Real Estate business card. Stephanie is a neighbor and friend of mine. She wanted some pictures that reflect who she is. Qualities that come to mind when I think of Stephanie are: natural, unpretentious, honest, straightforward, loyal
And she looks pretty darn hot in these pictures as well :)
Stephanie, I hope you like these!
Oh, and if you are looking for a local realtor that you can trust, here is her info:
Stephanie Lotwis Keller-Williams Realty 805.6571640

Speaking Engagement-Check

Saturday's speaking engagement was a blast. I had a Madonna/Britney Spears microphone taped to my face and got to go on first. My maiden name starts with an A so I've always been first. Suits me just fine, the bar hasn't been raised yet and I get it over with :). 10 minutes before I went on stage I found out there were technical difficulties and I wouldn't have my power point up on the screen. Kinda tough to talk about photos without photos. I tried to keep it fun and light. This picture was my view from the stage. It was fun to meet many new people and to talk "photo". The bonus was that I got to hang around and watch the rest of the program, it was fun and thought provoking.