Can’t believe I haven’t shared this session yet! Have been a bit slow with updates on the blog.

I got to photograph little Jude and his family a few weeks back on a gorgeous warm evening. Remember him? I have been photographing him since he was a wee one and have grown to be rather attached to this family. Mom booked his annual session and this time around dad was able to come out for the session. I am so lucky to be in these lovely people’s life and document their real and intimate moments. I can see how much they adore their little guy. And how beautifully they handle him in his few difficult moments without frustration. It speaks volumes of how they are raising their sweet little guy! It was so evident with Jude being so receptive to me so quickly, a relative stranger that sees him once a year.

The session started with him just waking up after a ride out to the east bay from San Francisco. He adjusted pretty quickly to being thrown into a photo session. We explored and played together. Some of us ran and some of us chased those that ran. One of my favorite moments from the session was with little Jude in the driver’s seat of his vintage car. He was having some car troubles and mom just jumped into the frame heels and all to give him a little push. That look of glee on his face was just priceless.

So here you go… the perfect spot, perfect light with the perfect family. What more could one ask for?

If you have been considering a session please don’t hesitate to call or email me. Summer is going by and I only have a few spots available. Am offering a few weekday short story summer sessions. Are you a facebook fan of Storyboxart? It is a great way to keep up with news and updates.

On a recent flight back from Chicago, I was reading the Delta in flight magazine which featured various advertising agencies and also a write up about the Emmy nominated show “Mad Men.” If you haven’t watched it, tune in and check it out. I am so hooked to that show! One of the articles in the magazine featured an interview with Lynn Power, the President of Arnold NYC. When asked how do successful brands stand out, she says, “Don’t try to manufacture coolness or try to be hip; consumers can see through that. Just try to be true to who you are, understand your DNA and make it relevant to people today.” I so love that. I hope to continue doing what I do and stay true to what I do as I build my brand and grow my business. My wonderful clients inspire me in every way possible and I want to thank you for the opportunity to be a part of your lives!

Family Storybook Album with an assortment of images from a session

… and a lovely Storybox with digital files and prints

On an official note, I will be out of the office next week from 16-22nd August and only available on a limited basis via email. Sessions will be scheduled upon my return.

In honor of Father’s day I put together this storyboard of pictures that celebrate this beautiful family…

I adore this Storypeople quote. It made me think of sweet memories we created for baby C’s family and how they will cherish them forever. When baby C grows up to be a beautiful young lady she will likely not remember her cute chubb days. But I hope that these pictures will be her treasures to have and hold on to.

We had a wonderful session with baby C’s family at their home in Noe Valley in San Francisco. Mommy had ordered some cute clothes I recommended from the Gap, Baby Legs and not to forget Anthropologie for herself. Seven months. Such a wonderful age. It is my favorite age to photograph little people when they are able to sit up. And also when they can’t get away from me too easily (though she was just starting to crawl and is likely a different baby today). Enjoy your sneak peek!

In the many faces on baby C, do you have a favorite? Post your favorite in the comments section using the numbering system below. I will share which one mine is too once the voting is over. Top Row with two pics- Use no. 1 for left and no. 2 for right. In the middle row with three pics- use no. 3 for left, no. 4 for middle and no. 5 for right. For a total of 25+ comments (don’t have to be for one image), I will make a complimentary 5 x 7 print for the family. So vote away!!!

Check out the teeny skinny jeans on baby C. I wonder if they will be still a fad when she grows up?

my updated twitter screen with some old and new photos.

The first nomination was sent by Rosa for her friend Carolyn. Rosa owns the Level 5 Salon and is an incredible person herself that does a lot in the community.

I would like to nominate a good friend and client of mine. Her name is Carolyn Griffiths, she is a full time Science/Chemistry PHD. teacher at xxx in Alameda. She is a mother of 2 beautiful boys. I’ve known her for 4 years now. She came to me shortly after her knew hair grew back in after discovering breast cancer in her 7th month of pregnancy. She was very determined that she will get through this for her new born child. It was extremely tough going through Chemotherapy pregnant. She got through her what she was supposed to be enjoying bringing a little bundle of joy into the world. She had a healthy little boy and she is fine and healthy too! I was blessed to become her friend. Well 1 year later, in Dec 2007 she sadly announced that there was a chance of 5% of return. It returned and now her family had to through it once again. Unfortunately, this time is was even more aggresive than before. She once again took 10 months off of work and through Chemotherapy again. In between she would come in for me to get small neck trims or shave her hair off just to feel better about herself. It breaks my heart as tears slowly roll down my face. It just not right…. I have soooooooo much respect for strong woman! I’m pampering her tomorrow Tuesday, Dec. 22 and I’m not shaving off her hair, were going to color and play! I strongly suggest she deserves to win this gift from the heart your are offering.

And the second, the story of a young single mom working toward a better future nominated by Marlis B.

I would like to nominate Nicolette for your wonderful gift. I met Nicolette in 2006 when I was looking for a Nanny for my four month old daughter, Phoebe. I lost Phoebe’s twin sister, Wendy, to a heart defect weeks before and was terribly paranoid about finding a fit for phoebe that I could live with so I could return to work (after many months off). She was the first one I interviewed, and I went with her. My instincts could not have served me better.

Nicolette is a single mom, having gotten pregnant right out of high school. When I met her, her son Nick was about 7 months old. I have never heard much about the father. She lived in the converted in-law unit of her dad’s house here in Castro Valley and talked about becoming an neo-natal intensive care nurse one day. Her mother died when she was a young girl, and I think Nicolette carries that scar with her today.

Nicolette, now 23,  struggles financially – more than anyone I know. She works to make ends meet, through babysitting jobs, nanny jobs, and a part-time Ebay business where she trolls local thrift store for kids clothing for resale – and bargain hunter she is. She has NEVER turned me down for a job – and I often wonder where the joy in her life is, outside of the love she has for her son. She watched her friends go off to college, while she learned how to raise a child. She babysits every chance she gets – and seems to get her fair share of bad luck. Yet, I have never heard her once complain. She arrives with a smile on her face (always early, too) to delight, care for and love my kids (lucy arrived in 2007 and loved Nicolette as much as Phoebe).

True to her word, she started taking classes last year for nursing school, only to stop because she could not afford the classes or the time not working to attend classes. It breaks my heart, because I think she would make an amazing NICU nurse (and I am a NICU mom, with Phoebe having spent the first five weeks of her life at John Muir).

I  realize that while pictures aren’t going to get her through nursing school, or help pay her rent, professional pictures of her son would help to chronicle the center – and the joy – of her world. I know that Nicolette believes that whatever hardships she endures, her son is worth it. I would love her to have a life time memory of Nick now – at this magical age of almost-five – where the world holds wonder and where mom can do anything.

Thanks so much to everyone that took the time to send in nominations for the deserving families. I look forward to working with the two winning families.

Also, wishing my wonderful blog readers a very Happy New Year!