Family of SIX! And everyone cooperated...

I can't believe Thanksgiving is in less than a week--I LOVE everything about Thanksgiving, including the time that I get to spend with my extended family and all the food. Along with the holidays, there's lots of non-photography stuff that happens around here (picking a tree, putting together our Christmas card, school parties, etc.) so please bear with me while I (slowly) update my blog.

Here is a fun family that I recently photographed. They remind me of my childhood as I also grew up with 3 other siblings and the house was never quiet. Super sweet bunch and they all got into the mood (of taking pictures). :)

UPDATE for the rest of 2009

This image is not my family but it reminded me about how precious family time is. And because I don't want to spend this holiday season knee deep in shipping boxes and bubble wrap or furiously editing other people's family sessions, I've made a decision not to take on any more family portrait sessions for the rest of the year. I'm not quite sure what I have planned for 2010 but stay tuned as I redefine my photography business.

Thank you all for supporting me on this fun and ever-changing journey. If you are looking for a family portrait photographer (because even I would love to have some family portraits for Christmas), feel free to e-mail me and I can give you some recommendations. I do truly appreciate all my readers, clients, friends and most of all, my family.

FAMILY: cousins comin' to town

These girly girls and their fun-loving on-the-run cousin will have many great memories together. I love the special relationships that cousins have--it's amazing-you could live miles apart from your cousins and see each other only a few times a year, but those few times are often the highlights of your year. I loved that although these cousins are long distance, there was no warm-up time needed--they played and laughed and truly enjoyed each others' company.

P.S. Does the cute blond look familiar? :) This second time around, he was less afraid that I might be the babysitter and that mommy would leave any minute.

All the way from Australia

This pretty little baby came all the way from Australia...not just for me, but I'm easily flattered. :) Mom's sister is a client and gifted this session to their family. Baby must be good at traveling because she was the perfect model-smiley, then sleepy, then smiley.

BOYS: brotherly bonds

These three boys are as different as can be. The oldest is super responsible and considerate, the middle one loves to be daring and different and the youngest gets away with everything because he's just so darn cute. But they are as close as can be and as we ran amuck, I could tell that having crazy fun was the norm for this family.

FAMILY: Another repeat client

And they came all the way from the Pismo Beach area to see me. I'm extremely flattered and touched that they traveled so far for the photo session--definitely my longest distance client. :) I shot baby and mom about a year ago and am amazed at how the little girl has grown. Such a smiley little girl too!

FAMILY: from 2008

I am finally catching up (sort of). This was from my very last shoot of 2008, taken on 12/31/08 for the client's extended family. This is the client from a few posts back who has referred a ton of people to me (she was also referred by another client). Did I mention how much I appreciate referrals? :) This extended family shoot would not have been possible without my photographer friend, Pei Ketron. Check out her signature shot from the day.

The large group:
above image by Pei

SIBLINGS: I "heart" this family!

I love all my clients, but I have to give this family a special heart for providing my business a steady flow of shoots through gift certificates, extended family shoots, and referrals. Plus, the kids are adorable! Just so easy to please. And I had to show Big Sister breaking out the chicken dance. Every time I see this photo, the tune gets stuck in my head.

FAMILY: extended family

FUN extended family portraits! Laughing to myself as I process... :)

Happy Family

Nothing is more satisfying for me as a baby/child/family photographer than to capture happiness like this. And I'm extremely grateful to the family for allowing me to photograph their baby boy again at 5 months.

Daddy's Girls

Mommy's girls too-but I especially love how Daddy could bring out the most genuine smiles from his princesses.

*Note to mom-cuz I know you're checking :) - I'm working on the rest of your set as I type. Just wanted to show you some teasers.

FAMILY of FOUR

One of my really good friends-who literally feeds my business with her steady stream of referrals-gifted her brother with a photo session. (Did I mention how super sweet she is?) Here are some from their session:

Siblings: The non-Chandler smile

Mom warned me that her son often flashes the "Chandler" smile (from the "Friends" episode when Monica and Chandler have their engagement photos taken), so I was thrilled to capture a handsome, non-Chandler grin from this guy. And his sister was just one of the easiest girls to photograph! :)

Siblings: So Beautiful!

Blond and blue-eyed--what a gorgeous combination! And baby brother is a looker too (he's strawberry blond and blue eyed-SO cute!)

Family: Can't rain on this family's parade!

Even the rain couldn't stop this family from smiling and having fun!

Family: Wearing their Wellies

Loved the family of rain boots!