Treasures

Cris and Aleni are the sweetest couple you will ever meet and I had such a great time capturing the love they have for their family.  My session with the Sunadas could hardly be considered a working one.  Not only is this family just fun to hang out with, they are easy going and in many of the shots, the girls came up with their own poses.  They would move into a new pose and then another and all I could think was, "you are making this way too easy"....but I love it! 

The location for a majority of our shoot was Pasadena City Hall .  I'm convinced Pasadena must have the most beautiful city hall in the west.  And luckily--- we were able to chase the sun and finish the shoot before the early sunset.

While editing these photos, I couldn't help but smile looking at the sweet giggles and love between the two girls.  Being a mom, I know how nice it is to have beautiful photographs of the people we love. But it goes deeper than that. Seeing our children in this ideal state (happy, carefree and perfect) moves us. A photograph captures a moment in time and allows us to revisit it again and again. And with kids who are constantly growing and changing, a photograph allows us to hold on to them a littler longer.

Watching my kids grow creates a tiny bit of an ache in my heart. As much as I love who they are and who they’re becoming, I can't help but miss the younger versions, who I can only visit in photographs.

Hoping these photographs will become treasures that Aleni and Cris can hold onto for a lifetime.

friendship

A tour of the fire station and a ride in the fire engine was just as cool as I remember it being years ago on a school field trip.  Although the location was a hit, this family was the highlight of this photo shoot.  I’ve been lucky enough to have known Stefany since kindergarten at McKinley Elementary School.  We became best friends and were inseparable most of our school years.  Stefany has been there for almost every major life event in addition to all the small things in between.  Our friendship is too special to take for granted.  In fact, I can’t imagine my life without her.  Some people say that friendship shouldn’t be measured by the number of years you’ve been friends but there sure is something to say about friends that have come into your life and never left your side.

After 37 years of friendship, it sure is a joy to see Stefany with her family.  I know how much she has always dreamed of starting her own family.  I can still remember running home afterschool to watch Police and Duran Duran music videos with Martha Quinn on MTV.  Will never forget reading a note on Hello Kitty stationary from Stefany telling me that she would marry Andy Summers from the Police one day….ha HA HA!   So many dreams, so many memories---treasured.  Stef---here’s to you for giving me the best gift anyone can ask for! 

One Special Teacher

It’s pretty cool to think how influential two of the individuals in these photos have been in helping me to raise my children.  Before Cole entered kindergarten, I excitedly signed up for a class offered by the Arcadia Unified School District.  “7 Strategies for Developing Capable Students” was the name of the class based from the book written by H. Stephen Glenn, Ph.D., and Michael L. B rock, M.A.  Sandy McGrath taught the class, which focused on the importance of providing a nurturing environment that is essential for children’s success and happiness in school, as well as in all phases of life.  Helping children feel capable of doing things for themselves, thereby empowering them to handle school responsibilities with confidence.  Helping children feel unconditionally loved and as a result feeling the sense of belonging and significance, thereby allowing them to start school each morning know that who they are is not determined by their level of achievement.  These examples are just a few of the things this class and book teaches.  So glad I pulled this book off the book shelf for reference as I think its time to read it again—as I probably will again in another couple of years.  One of my favorite tips from the book is this…..

“Teach children that mistakes are essential to learning.  Don’t ask, “Why did you make that mistake?”  Ask instead “What did you learn from that mistake?”

Ms. McGrath, a.k.a. “Melinda McGrath” is the other influential piece---, big piece!  Last year, Cole was very fortunate to have her for 5^th grade.  Ms. McGrath is one of those teachers that you don’t forget.  Not only does she teach the standards but she is one of those teachers that care about the whole child.  Each time I bump into this quote, I think of her…..

An understanding heart is everything in a teacher,

And cannot be esteemed highly enough.  One looks

back with appreciation to the brilliant teachers, but

with gratitude to those who touched our human feeling.

The curriculum is so much necessary raw material,

But warmth is the vital element for the growing plant

And for the soul of the child. – Carl Jung

I enjoyed photographing this special family.  I love that they were able to convince Grandma Mary to come out for the shoot.  I love this picture of her.  And all the rain we were supposed to get....worried  for nothing! 

BIRTHDAY GIFT

Photos are one of the most personal items you can give to someone to mark a special occasion.  I am  thankful for the opportunity to help Linda with a surprise birthday gift for her husband.  Very thankful also for the chance to see Linda again since our days at SGHS.

   

Linda selected the Huntington Library for our photo shoot location.  We laughed at the thought that we must have driven by this library a million times in high school, on our way to Pasadena or for a joy ride through Frankenstein lane. Trees and shrubs with colorful foliage, fall blooming flowers, along with the sound of giggling little boys chasing squirrels through the gardens made this photo shoot such a fun and enjoyable outing.

Looking straight out of a children’s holiday catalog,  Linda's little cuties were a pleasure to work with.  Watching her hold them in her arms and laughing as they rolled around in the grass, made me realize how quickly time flies.  I hope these photos will help them remember and treasure these special times.   

Welcome!