In the New Year (Hello 2011!)

There isn’t anything better than the promise of a new year. I know I’ve been missing a bit from this little blog of mine. With the freshness of 2011, I’ve thought a bit about how I want this coming year to go. My plan for 2011 is to be small. I know that sounds kind of weird. It’s true though. As I think about my goals for 2011 and my expectations for myself, it makes sense for me to run this children and family photography business as teeny-tiny. It’s what makes me happiest and enables me to put my best self out there, from my clients to my family.

Great, Jessica, we’re happy for you, but what does that mean? Not a whole lot, really, but a couple of changes.

Up first, this blog. I know there are a million reasons I should continue to keep posting here, but quite honestly, maintaining this blog takes more time than I am willing to spend. Don’t worry, I’ll still have sneak peeks and any big announcements on my Facebook page. In fact, for better or worse, Facebook will be replacing my blog. You can view my latest work, specials and any other little tidbits of information. From a client perspective, the only difference is you will be driven to Facebook for your teaser, rather than the option of the blog or Facebook.

Second, I will be limiting the number of sessions I take each month. If you check out my rates page on my website, you will see two new session types: the mini session and the family session. The mini session is a short session that focuses on one child. It is perfect for milestones or when you maybe realize one child maybe isn’t quite as photographed as the rest. These sessions are very limited and available once a month. The family session is my regular session we’ve had over the years – no changes there. I’m still available for extended family, engagements and small events. Please email me for more information.

I think that is a nice start to changes for 2011. And to prove my point, here is a share from one of my last sessions of the year that I had on my ‘to blog’ list. They may be my most photographed family – I’ve captured many events for them and I’m happy to close out my blog with their pictures.

Wishing you and yours much happiness this year!

Gorgeous Greens | Danville Family and Child Photographer

Admittedly, the landscape this time of year (which ironically is the busiest) is not my favorite. Starting in September, the fields nearby look tired and overgrown. Or worse, mowed down. I begin daydreaming of January and February when the fields will be fresh green and the mustard flowers will start popping up. So, when I came upon this spot, with loads of greens and specks of browns, I didn’t care that it was maintained or in the middle of a business park. It was green and fresh and loads of fun for the kids to explore.

This family, I pretty much adore. I’ve been taking their family pictures for a few years now and they always make it easy on me. They let me do my thing and simply go with the flow. I can’t believe little miss was 3 months old when we first met. This last time, in a sweet little voice, she told me my shoes were pretty. A girl after my own heart.

Contagious Laughter | San Ramon Family Photographer

So, as far as good-natured kids go, I had the easiest session a few weeks ago. The kids pretty much couldn’t stop laughing. Seriously, I barely would say anything and the giggles would start. And before I knew it, I was giggling, too. I never had a session before where I was trying to think of ways to make the kids look more serious. Don’t get me wrong – I love a smiling face, but I also like to capture those little in between moments, which don’t always have smiles included.

Anyway, I knew that we had laughed quite a lot during the shoot, but I didn’t expect to start giggling again as I looked through the loaded images. I think Mom and Dad have a little ensemble of comedians on their hands. Or maybe there was just something in the air that day… Either way, I had a fabulous time capturing the laughter.

It’s all about Trust | San Ramon Valley Child and Family Photographer

Photographing people (for me, anyway) is primarily about figuring out how to make a connection, resulting in them relaxing and trusting me and my camera. Last year, I spent most of our session trying to unlock this little one. Admittedly, I was a tad nervous that this year might be a repeat. It wasn’t. She managed to steal the show with camera time (little sisters tend to do that, don’t they?) Still, the shot I got of big sister was my very favorite. What can I say? I’m a sucker for freckles.

Confessions of a Family Photographer

Our last family photo was in 2007. My son was still a baby and my daughter had the remnants of toddler chub. It’s true. I am a family photographer without current family photos. At least, I was…

Being a family and child photographer, I am lucky enough to know other local bay area photographers who also are in need of updating their family photos. So, my good friend and wonderful photographer Stephanie Morgan and I set up a trade. It was the first time I had photographed someone who was in the business and I had a blast – in front of the camera and behind. I will admit to being more nervous being photographed. I may or may not have gone through a checklist with my husband of things to not do during the shoot. And the best part? I am no longer a family photographer without current family photos. Thank you, Stephanie for the amazing photos! You can check them out on Stephanie’s blog.

And, for my part, some of my favorites from Stephanie’s session. Thank you, Stephanie, for being one part of a great family to capture!

My Sister | Los Angeles Area Portrait Photographer

This is my younger sister. (Isn’t she beautiful? I have always been jealous of her curly hair.)

She isn’t to be confused with my older sister, or youngest sister (yes, there are four girls in all). This younger sister of mine, well, she’s a complicated one. Where I like to follow directions and meet expectations – you know, follow a known path. She jumps around, stops in the middle, goes backwards and then disappears altogether. And yet, we always manage to meet back up on that path again.

Last February, I woke up to a text from her that said “We just got married!” Like I said, she follows her own path. To be honest, it wasn’t a complete surprise. The two lovebirds had been together for over 7 years and were engaged. They’re a perfect fit, in my opinion. Just as he grounds her, she helps him to cut loose a little. Most importantly, I know that she is happiest with him in her life.

Recently, she asked if I would take pictures of them back at the bridge where he proposed. It’s a gorgeous old bridge in Pasadena. From a photographer’s perspective, it was tough. Cars constantly screamed by, the bridge itself was narrow and long. And also, there’s this little nugget: I’m a people photographer. I love buildings and bridges (after all, my intended career path was in architecture and design). But there is a reason I’m not a landscape photographer. Try as I might, I can’t ever capture the outdoors as beautifully as I feel when I’m standing in it. And the more beautiful and amazing a place is, the more I choke on capturing the whole of it. So, I did what I do best, I captured my sister and her husband. The bridge is there, they know it’s there, you can see bits and pieces of it. But, they are the focus, not the bridge. And I think that’s how it should be.

Final note, this last shot I love. It’s more of an outtake than a portrait, but I tend to love life’s outtakes anyway. Congratulations, you two!

Autumn Sunlight | San Ramon Valley Family and Children Photographer

I know it’s a little crazy, but I love the sun setting a bit earlier this time of year. It means little ones are still awake and able to soak up that gorgeous evening sunlight. We had a last minute location change, but I think even that worked out just perfect. If you have followed my blog for awhile, you’ll recognize these girls. It’s been a joy to capture them over the years. The twins are at my favorite age – a little chatty, pretty goofy and ready to show off. It’s such fun to see all three girls laughing together. I know it’s not like that all the time, but it’s these little moments that count.

This one is so completely different from the rest, I almost didn’t include it, but I love this shot. After the initial excitement had died down, she was quiet and thoughtful – the perfect opportunity to get in close. Welcome Autumn…

Simply Perfect | Palo Alto Senior Photographer

Recently, I got to spend the evening with a Senior, a new kitten and a few chickens. Yes, I said chickens – and they were awesome. Thanks, Ysabel, for a fabulous, easy-going session!

One Year Later | Danville Family Photographer

There are several families that I capture every year and I am delighted when the end of summer rolls around and I start to hear from each one. When it’s time for our session, I can’t wait to see how much the kids have grown. It’s been a year; of course, they look different. The roundness of a baby face might be gone, or some teeth are missing – or are back. But even more, I love to chat with them and see how their personalities have bloomed a little more.

This family is the first of my Fall returns. Big brother has become so very grown up and little sister, well, she continues to steal the show. She constantly made us all smile with her funny faces, hands on her hips or a curious little peek into the lens. Thank you for having me capture your family each year. Enjoy your sneak peek, and Grandma, try not to cry!

Hello Summer, where have you been? | East Bay Child Photographer

The summer that never happened is suddenly in full swing. You see, we’ve had our share of 60 degree days over the last few months. Now – just in time for school – we have that uncomfortable, don’t want to cook, do laundry or go outside unless it’s near a pool 90+ degree days. At least it’s Labor Day Weekend and this type of heat is rather required for holiday weekends like these, don’t you think?

Wishing you a long weekend filled with staying cool, good food and great company!