It’s been a long time. A VERY long time. There’s been quite a lot of activity over here that has caused the mega pause in posting, updating, facebook-ing [Yes. I made up a word. But I think it's a good one, no?], or any sort of communication at all. But I assure you… we are here and it’s all for good reason. Since our last post we have been non-stop shooting, have traveled to the east coast and mid-west,  moved to a bigger and better space, and are currently preparing for our biggest adventure yet!

Any guesses? Yep. That’s right. We are expecting our first child! Needless to say we are BEYOND OVER THE MOON THRILLED!!!

Pregnancy has been, for the most part, an incredible and joyous experience. There’s nothing better than feeling your little one kick and move, and watching your belly grow and change. And don’t get me started on the pure excitement that runs through your entire being the morning of a sonogram appointment! The first time we saw our little pea [that's what we nick-named baby since he/she was the size of a pea when we first found out we were pregnant] I was brought to tears. My heart was flooded with pure joy and excitement. I swear I saw my husband start to tear up too. Though, if you ever tell him that, he will most likely deny any sort of thing ever happening. It was a twinkle of excitement. Not a tear.

Our little one is due in early June. And we are happily knee deep in nursery planning, gear researching, and house prepping! I love design, so the move + the addition of getting to plan a nursery has been complete heaven to me! Although, I have found it more difficult than ever to make final design decisions now. I “blame” this on the pregnancy. Once it’s all done I’ll be sure to document it in it’s entirety and of course, share with you how it turned out!

In the meantime, we have tons of images form last year [in addition to the ones above] to share + I might even post an occasional few of my remaining pregnancy journey [now that I am finally showing!].

* I am still shooting maternity and family sessions through the end of April and newborn shoots through mid May. However, post production times may be longer than usual due to baby.

Studio: 323.424.3215   |   Email: studio@cynthiaspivack.com

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)

Ok… so really money didn’t buy them happiness. But it did bring them to meet. And that meeting led to love!

Nicole, you’re a natural in front of the camera- work it girl!

Nicole and Victor- I can’t wait to photograph your wedding in September!

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

Mother’s Day is only a month away- call or email today to book your session and show mom just how much you love and appreciate her!

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!

From the moment I stepped into their home I knew this family was full of life, love, and rock-n-roll! Seriously.  Even Miss P’s nursery was fabulous! From the perfectly purple walls to the graphic/punk-graffiti artwork that adorned them to her incredible wardrobe [my closet was totally jealous after it saw hers!] my camera was is visual heaven! I mean who could resist those amazingly blue eyes… and that hat? don’t get me started! So. Much. Fun.

2011 brings with it some new additions, big changes, and lots of goals for CSP! Here are just a few of those goals and changes I hope to accomplish this year:

1. Update the website. I’ve been putting this off for a while now, but it’s time to give the site a facelift.

2. Blog more often!! I’ll admit it… I’m a terrible blogger. There. I said it.

3. Make the blog more personal. I have struggled with wether or not to do this for some time now, but I’ve decided to give it a try. After all, choosing a photographer to welcome into your home and to get to know and photograph your family is a very important decision. You need to connect with not only my photography… but it’s important to connect with me. As a person AND as an artist. I think by making the blog a little more personal it will allow you to not only get to know my work, but to get to know me as well!

Now, I have to be honest… my life really isn’t that exciting. Occasionally, I might have a few stories here and there that could be worth sharing. They’ll most likely be about my cat. Or the last clumsy thing I just did. But they might make you laugh. I’d also like to get to know my readers better! Send me your thoughts. Share your ideas!

4. Give back! In 2009 I organized several food drives/raffles with local schools and Feeding America. The food drives were such a success! It taught kids about the importance of community, raised food to help feed thousands of families in Los Angeles, and gave parents the chance to win a free goodies from CSP! Organizing these food drives was incredible. There is no better feeling then giving back! I can’t wait to to do more!

Now, before I make good on my promise of blogging more… I want to take this opportunity to say a big THANK YOU to all of our clients, readers, friends, and family. CSP wouldn’t be here without you. I am so grateful to have all of you in my life and part of the CSP family!

And finally, onto some photos…

What a joy he was to photograph!

Mom first contacted me when she was still in her second trimester [the perfect time to schedule!] and I could hear her excitement through her sweet and gentle voice. She was going to be a Mom for the very first time. She was doing everything she could to plan and prepare. She was, truth be told, a little nervous. When the day finally arrived for me to photograph baby ‘C’, I knew I wanted to make Mom feel at ease and give her great shots so she would always remember her first few days with her baby boy. Her first few days as “Mom”.