a child's world..

While we try to teach our children all about life,

Our children teach us what life is all about.

~Angela Schwindt

As I was reflecting on my recent photo session of this sweet 16 month old little girl, I couldn’t help but re-connect so strongly with the very reason that led me to photograph children in the first place. I find it so inspiring to delve into a child’s world, even for a few hours, and experience their curiosity and wonder firsthand. I believe children see the world the way it is intended to be seen and experienced: simply and beautifully. Children help you connect with the present moment so naturally, which in turn, connects you back to your inner child… I love that.

I first photographed this beautiful girl last year when she was just 7 months old (my favorite baby stage to document). For this session, I met up with her and her lovely parents at the Huntington Gardens in Pasadena. The thoughtful conversations and peaceful walk we shared that Saturday morning will remain in my memory for a long time to come.

a sunless sunset (but beautiful nonetheless)

i've met and photographed so many unique families lately and this one was no exception. in fact, i've wanted to meet this family since they first emailed me in the fall of 2007! i was so excited when they wrote again a few weeks ago to see about documenting this special time. not only are they expecting a little boy, but they are also in the process of adopting their second daughter from China, which i think is so wonderful. even though we didn't get a typical sunny california beach day, the light was soft and still so beautiful in its own way. i had such a great time with this little one for sure. at 3, she has such a big girl voice and made me smile the whole time through. i can't wait to meet the little one who is due the first week of July! thanks again for braving the unusually chilly ocean air; it was worth it for sure!

a day in the life..

this is a very special family that i really miss seeing on a regular basis.  we use to see each other a few times a week at santa monica gymnastics, where i use to teach.  you can catch a glimpse of miss A.'s reminiscences of the gym in one of the photos below. once you're a gymnast, it's so hard to stop.  

and then there's little miss N. pictured below who just turned the big ONE! i don't have any words for this amount of cuteness..   

and this is miss C..  the sweetest little girl you could ever meet. she was born with Cornelia de Lange Syndrome and is such an inspiration.  i love these quiet moments..

“we take ourselves too seriously”

This was an evident theme in my yoga class this morning taught by Govindas (an amazing, amazing yoga instructor at SMPY). He also spoke of playfulness: letting ourselves go, letting go of worry, and letting go of self consciousness. As adults, we so easily lose sight of what it’s like to just be… to feel such pure, simple joy that can come only from letting go and fully experiencing a moment.. I think there’s so much to be learned from children. They own playfulness. They know, without even knowing, what it’s like to be enveloped in the joy of life. I think we should all start taking notes from the children around us, like this little 6 year old who had me smiling constantly.. and laughing and running from the waves coming in to shore.. the cold water tickling our toes.

Giving Back: The Heart Gallery of Los Angeles

these two brothers are like so many of the children i know. they love animals, sports, and most importantly each other. they are full of energy, filled with laughter, and so very sweet. the difference that cannot be seen is that they are looking for a loving family to call their own.

i had the honor of volunteering for The Heart Gallery of Los Angeles last month and my life was greatly impacted. it is my hugest hope that the lives of these two will soon change for the better.

if you or someone you know is looking to adopt, please check into this wonderful organization that uses professional photography to help foster children find permanent, loving homes. if nothing else, please spread the word so that these two deserving kids, and so many others, will have a chance to find a family to belong to and a chance for a better life.

my 2 favorite kids in LA..

i know i shouldn't pick favorites, but i see these boys a few days a week and they've become a huge part of my life. they are so sweet and hilarious and are responsible for so many of my smiles and so much of my laughter!

just thought i'd share this recent photograph i took as a surprise gift for their wonderful parents. it turned out pretty much exactly the way i imagined it. :)