Simply put… these photographs make me smile. Pure. Simple. Soft. And, oh! that yummy yummy light. But what I love most about these photos is all their love for this sweet baby girl that comes shining through!

After nearly a month away caring for family, and a whirl-wind of a month of non-stop shooting… looking at these images reminds me to slow down, enjoy life’s simple little pleasures, and to cherish the truly important things in life: Love. Family. Simplicity.

** Leave these guys some Love! 20+ comments will get this couple a special gift!** (no double entries please)

Another example that took place today- While video chatting with my father this morning, he informed me [in an urgent tone] that he received a phone call earlier from someone by the name “Lions”, looking to speak with me. Now, I feel it necessary to explain that not only I have I not lived my parents in over 10 years, but I no longer live in South Florida either. Anyways, he wouldnt tell my dad what his call was in regards to, but instead gave him a phone number and asked that I call him back. So I took down the number. I couldnt get over how weird and “suspicious” this all seemed, so as I was about to pick up the phone and call… it dawned on me. “THIS IS AN APRIL FOOLS TRICK ISN’T IT?!?!” I exclaimed! My father’s immediate burt of intense laughter led me to believe I was right. It had happened again. I was fooled. But I must say… dad did good this year. The number he gave me was to the Miami Metropolitan Zoo. Get it?!  Zoo… Mister “Lions”. Hysterical.

Here’s to wishing everyone a very Happy April 1st + Happy April Fools Day!

And just because posts are no fun without a picture or two… These six images of this adorable little guy were printed on canvas and hung just as they are shown below. His parents love him so so much and wanted to remember all the little details and important info about their newborn baby boy so we designed the outside edge of the canvas so that each one displayed a different fact about him at birth [name, weight, height, etc.]. It came out even better than I imagined and is simply stunning on their wall!

We drove out on a friday night. Departing much later than intended [hey don't judge- getting 5 girls together to leave on time is bear impossible for anyone!] and our gridlocked drive was full of music, laughter, and lots of talking. When we finally arrived our “cabin/condo” was a welcoming site greeting us with comfy beds and fireplace just begging to be used! We lit a fire and enjoyed the clear sky full of stars and the fresh, chilly air outside.

The next day was full of adventure! A fishing lesson. A trip into Julian. And the worlds most interesting geocaching experience. Ever. I’m talking path becoming lake becoming cold mushy socks and shoes. But it was all worth it! We had a blast. Made our friends birthday one to remember. And I, well… I soaked up every inch of photo opportunity that I could find! I of course brought my baby- my big ‘ol digital camera. But this weekend was when I got to break in my most favorite new purchase in a long time. My Diana F+.  This cute little plastic toy camera makes my heart skip! Why? Two reasons: it’s pretty + it shoots film.

That’s right. FILM. There is just something about film that I am totally in love with. The look. The waiting. The colors. The surprise. Mix that with the medium format, overly simplistic nature that is the Diana camera and… Swoon…It’s amazing! This first round of photos is all shot on film. It was definitely a re-learning process [I haven't loaded film in years. Let alone medium format film-ever.] but I love the results. Light leaks and all.

These make me smile. From ear to ear to be exact!

With that being said, you would think I would be posting pictures from some of my super adorable shoots… but instead, I am taking the time to post some images of something that literally made me stop in my tracks. breathe. smile. and reflect on just how completely blessed I am.

Every Spring when my favorite grocery stores and local farmer’s markets get the most gorgeous supply of fresh daffodils, I just have to buy a bunch [or two or three] and spread them throughout my home and office. They are so bright and vibrant… the minute I see them an instant feeling of happiness, rejuvenation, and inspiration comes over me. One day, as I was walking past our bedroom I peeked inside and caught a glimpse of cheery, glowing yellow and it made me pause. just for a moment. because then i ran to grab my camera so I could capture the feeling of happiness and warmth that these simple, spring-time daffodils give me…

Now… whenever I want to slow down for a moment. smile. and be inspired- I look at these images. They remind me pause. and appreciate everything life has given me.

I got the chance to photograph this brother and sister team back in early January and they were such a joy to photograph! We played in the leaves, laughed a lot, and Mom even sent me home with a big bag full of home-grown meyer lemons [which later made a delicious lemon tart!]- how great it that!?

Here are a few of my favorites from our time together….

Thanks again, Mom, for the yummy lemons! I can’t wait to see what your adorable kiddos are up to again soon.

Jumping on the bed and lots of bribery… umm, I mean candy… kept this session playful and allowed for some super images!

When I delivered “T’s” order this morning she nearly cried! She was so excited to see me when I arrived and was completely smitten with everything! And, with a model this adorable it’s easy to see why…

Today has been a perfect start to 2010! Yes, it is already the 5th.. but it’s only day two back at the office so it still counts [at least I think so anyways!]. I know this is only the start to a perfectly amazing year ahead!

I had so much fun photographing this little guy and his beautiful mom- who is just the sweetest and happiest person I have ever met! We met at a gorgeous, dog-friendly, beach down in Rancho Palos Verdes and patiently waited for what California is known for- it’s beautiful sunset light! Before we met, Mom told me how much she loved that warm, pinky light that we get just as the sun sets so I was determined to capture it. Here are some of my favorites…

And so was this family! They are such a close family and they certainly love to laugh! I actually photographed  little Miss M [the redhead] last year when she took part in the Little Redheads Across America cover shoot. She is an absolute doll and so is her big sister… Mom and Dad are pretty great too!