Baby Charlotte is Here! | San Diego Newborn Photography

Baby Charlotte made her entrance! Madison is officially a big sister! It seems like just yesterday that I was in this same house taking Madison’s newborn pictures and now they are a family of 4. Charlotte did great, especially since she was a little bigger than we normally do newborn pictures at since our photoshoot was postponed due to a sick big sister. But Charlotte still chose moments to sleep and let us get some of those sweet newborn pictures.

Letisha and Chase, I am excited for you to be able to add some of these images to your wall. I hope you love them!

The Street Family | Marian Bear Park

I have been taking pictures of Ashley’s family since Kelsie was just a baby. Ashley and I worked together at the same elementary school and have had our babies at the same time two times in a row. In fact, our mom tribe formed naturally as 4 of us teachers became moms all around the same time. Since that time, our tribe has moved to different parts, gotten new jobs, and added more babies. I miss being able to see each other down the hall at work, but so blessed to call Ashley and the rest of our tribe friends.

Ashley, I hope you enjoy the pictures!

Baby Penelope Newborn Session

Going back in time here a bit, Penelope is a big one year old now but she was the sweetest little newborn. I always say that newborn shoots are the hardest of all types of photography but I have to say, Penelope was probably the easiest of all the newborn shoots I have done. She did exactly what we needed- slept pretty much the whole time.

I love watching Liz as a mom- she rocks it. Not only is she a hot mama but she is raising one strong, independent woman that could conquer the world, because that is exactly what Liz is teaching her. Liz is also so stylish, making her family even more fun to photograph. And Trent is the perfect support for her, super chill and go with the flow and always a sport when it comes to taking pictures. You have no idea how much easier that makes my job.

Since this photoshoot I have shot pictures of their little family many times. But these still are some of my favorites!

The Acosta Family Portraits at Mission Trails

About 12 years ago I met Nena and her family for the first time on a mission’s trip down to Mexico. I had, of course, no idea how that trip would completely change the direction of my entire life. Just one of the countless ways that it changed was by binding my heart to my friend who has become more sister then friend. Fede and Nena are our children’s godparents, and truly love our daughter’s as their own. Those that have kids know that there is nothing greater than this that you can ask for in our friendship. They are also our pastors, our confidants, our encouragers, our “keeping it real” people, through the thick and thin they have stuck. I am so blessed to have this gift of friendship in my life.

I have taken pictures of Lesly and Aaron since Aaron was barely old enough to walk. Now, Lesly has just turned 15. It is sort of unbelievable how time flies by. And also, how my photography has improved, haha… when I was editing these pictures I was somewhat taken aback looking at how they have grown, almost adults themselves. Any parent will know that this is bittersweet. You want to pause moments, relive them- but you can’t. So we try to do these shoots as often as we can because in some way we are pausing the moment so that we can later relive it. This is a gift I can give and I can’t put into words how honored I feel to do so.

I am going to warn you ahead of time, I am going to overpost, I can’t help it.

The Papapietro Family at Presidio Park

This special family are no strangers to my blog- in fact, this fall I did pictures of Amanda’s family by themselves and Liz’s family by themselves. But I absolutely love that every year Katie, Amanda and Liz’s mom, makes it a priority to get them all together and do what I refer to as “the big family shoot”. It is always eventful- full of laughing, crying (mostly the toddler but sometimes the mom chasing the toddler lol), and lots of singing/dancing/yelling/hooting/anything to get the kids’ attention.

I love this family, each and everyone of them. I can’t imagine a single year where we don’t do this. I hope it never stops.

Kayla's Quinceanera Portraits at Steele Canyon Bridge

Turning 15 is a big deal- Kayla’s Quinceanera shoot had to be rescheduled until after her actual party due to rain- and I mean a lot of rain, days of rain. But she looked as cute as the day of her party in her vaquera dress and boots. Kayla, I hope this is a wonderful year for you! Happy Birthday!

The Pyle Family Portraits at Iron Mountain Trailhead

Jeff and Abigail have been close friends of ours since college- and yes that is more years ago then I care to admit. As the years have passed we have added babies and mortgages to our friendship and we have watched our friendship grow and transform. Their family has grown by three since they were married, and our kids have had the opportunity to grow up together.

For this shoot we headed out to Iron Mountain Trailhead. The long row of trees at this location is of course magical, although I have to say that I wasn’t the only photographer that thought so- it was kind of like survival of the fittest out there, haha. But despite the many families there taking pictures, we were still able to get some great shots! I’m already looking forward to our next shoot!

Mia's Quinceañera Portraits at Hidden Oaks Ranch

For Mia’s Quinceañera portraits we headed all the way out to Ramona to the magical venue of Hidden Oaks Ranch. This place was a complete fairytale. I got there early to explore and seriously felt like I was walking through the set of a Disney movie. It was worth the drive to head out there! Mia played the perfect part of the princess in her magical forest- she was absolutely beautiful. Her mom, Carol, was a trooper, helping Mia through the grass and up the hills and even up the rocks. By the end of the day we decided that we all deserved some In n’ Out!

When I take these pictures I can’t help but think about how before I know it my own girls will be dressed up as princesses celebrating their Quinceañera. It’s almost too much! For now, their princess dresses are yellow like Belle, or Pink like Aurora, and I’ll just keep them little for as long as I can.

Mia, I hope you have the sweetest day! I am so glad that I got to be a part of it!

Brix's Not-So-Newborn Session at Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve

I am calling this the Not-So-Newborn Session because originally this was supposed to be a newborn session but time got away from us- like many months away from us, haha. But we finally got out there to get the pictures that had long been planned on! Brix was a trooper and so were Megan and Branden. They are first time parents to little Brix and I seriously can’t believe how much it seems like they have it together! I was such a stress case with my first baby but they couldn’t have been more chill during the shoot.

The weather was gorgeous and Los Penasquitos Canyon was just as beautiful as ever. I am soaking up these sunny days because the sun always does something magical to photos. Red Starbucks cups are right around the corner but for now I am grateful for the sunny days.

Lucas Newborn Session

As many of you know, in addition to being a photographer, I am also a teacher. Linda was one of my partner teachers that taught 6th grade with me. When we worked together she was my partner in crime. Lots of late night texting, early morning meetings, and everything in between. When you are a teacher, it isn’t just part of your life, it is your life- so it is no surprise that the people you work with are often times more than just co-workers. They are friends. That is what Linda is- a friend that I feel 100% comfortable being myself with, that is a special gift.

So when I found out that Linda was pregnant I knew I would love this little baby. And of course the moment I met him I loved him already. He is so sweet and so little. Already I wanted to freeze time for Linda and Justin, because I know how fast this time goes.

Soak it in friend, every moment. Hold him close, let him sleep in your arms- do all the things they tell you not to because the season is going to go way too fast. I can’t wait to watch Lucas grow. I am so happy for you friend! And P.S. Justin you did absolutely great- as far as husbands and pictures go you are one of the good ones! ;)

The Chen Family Portraits at Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve

What a special day to see The Chen Family again... a few years ago now I shot their wedding and now to see them again with their family expanded by two was so sweet. When they first reached out to arrange a family portrait session we considered a few different options for the location. In the end we decided on Los Penasquitos Canyon Preserve. This was actually the first time I had shot here before but what I loved about it was the variety of different places to shoot. From wheat colored grass fields, to big sweeping oak trees, a creek with an old wooden bridge and trees areas that looked like they came straight from the fairy tale. But what I loved most of all was how easy it was to access all these spots. When you have two kids in strollers the walk has to be pretty easy. The weather was gorgeous and the kids were so sweet- that makes for some great pictures!

It means so much to me to continue shooting people’s pictures through every season of their life. It means that the relationships we have formed will continue to grown and I have the honor of being able to keep taking their pictures in each season of their life. I am so grateful for this opportunity.

The Yoshinaga Family Portraits at Mission San Luis Rey, Oceanside

Wow, there is something about an old Mission that is just magical. You walk on and you immediately sense the sacredness of the place, a place where people come to worship and to take time away from their busy schedules to slow down, quiet down, and just listen. That is the feeling you get when you walk through the San Luis Rey Mission. Aside from its gorgeous architecture, there are so many hidden treasures throughout the property.

The Yoshinaga Family was the perfect fit for this spot. First, because they are crazy enough to be willing to drive up north, text message a million times with me to pick out the just right outfits, and never get too stressed out even when chasing down toddlers. I have taken this family pictures so many times that now it is a personal challenge to choose a new location each time that is completely different from any other location we have shot at. The mission was a completely new look and we all loved it. Their pictures are timeless, romantic, intimate, and just the right colors.

Amanda, thank you for always choosing me to capture these moments for you. Your friendship is so dear to me and watching your kids grow is a blessing. You are a warrior and just about the coolest mom around. Love you!