One Camera. One Lens. One Photo a Day.

Halloween Stash…

Kate came home after Trick or Treat and sat down in the living room amidst her take.

She woke up wanting to go right to Jason and Jodi’s Halloween party (“not until later today, sweetie”).

And after lunch again wanted to go over for the party.

To say she was excited would be a an understatement.

She was Lady Liberty — Granny Moira made her dress and sent it from S. Africa.  She had a torch that we got over here and painted her face green for today.  Surprisingly she kept it on without a fuss.

Sparky was King Kong, Nicki was The Chrysler Building and I was a NY Cab Driver — We were the Skyline of New York as a family.

After this photograph, Kate went up to get ready for bed — no bath (but a good cleansing of the face) and the usual floss and brush and then she went to bed.

Within minutes she was conked out — I’m not sure if it was from just the full day of activity or a total crash after all of the sugar.  Probably it was a little bit of both.

Pierson, age 5…

Today’s photograph comes from a morning family photo session with this little guy and his family.

I photographed him about a year and a half ago while he and his parents were visiting from Chicago.

This week they were back for another visit to the state, and this time I was able to photograph not only Pierson, but the whole family, including his new baby brother.

And thankfully the weather cooperated, not only for this session, but an afternoon session as well.  And, even before the portraits, Kate had a soccer game nice and early (which worked out perfectly on the timing of everything today) which we thought we be rained out (it was still coming down at 7 a.m. and cleared at the right time for them to play at 9).

It was a great session of Pierson’s family and I just loved the blue and green background elements.

PCH…

Probably three of the most famous initials around this place.

Those letters conjur up images of freedom, surfing, perpetual summer and sun — California in the 60s and 70s.

Pacific Coast Highway lived up to that billing this evening.

The sunset was beyond words and I was so thankful that I had some great subjects to place in front of that jaw-dropping backdrop.

It was just one of those evenings where you had to be grateful that you were a witness to something so beautiful.

Kate, near the goal during practice…

Our little soccer player is airborn (at left, with pink headband) as she and her teammates scrimmaged another soccer team this afternoon here in Ladera.

The season is winding down and it has been a good experience for Kate. She seems to enjoy it, and plays with intensity.  It’s been good for us too, learning how to be encouraging and not get too worked up (trying to avoid “Little League Parent Syndrome” ).

We’re hoping that the rain holds off as predicted for Saturday so they can get their game in.

Sparky, Bounce house, San Diego…

This afternoon and evening I headed down to San Diego with Nicki and the kids to photograph a commercial event for a portrait client.

The event was held at Pump it Up in the northern part of SD and was a get together for the children of her business clients.

The little guy had a great time wandering through the bounce house and kept his balance surprisingly well.  He loved being around all the big kids, including his big sister Kate.

We had a great time, the kids (of course) had a great time (when do you ever see a kid NOT have fun at a bounce house??) and was a nice little get-away for the family.

Best friends, Laguna Beach….

I had a session at Montage Beach this afternoon and thankfully we had some light.

It continued to get better as the afternoon went on but I really loved the feel of this photograph of two best friends, Madeleine & Alexa running along the surf.

I photographed two families in today’s session — each of the kids will be featured in the Kids of OC 2010 Charity Book Project (individual photographs).

It’s been quite a summer and we’re finishing up the sessions very soon though last week’s rain forced us to reschedule several sessions (including today’s).

Lady Liberty, Ladera Ranch…

Kate was in her Halloween glory yesterday as she wore her Halloween costume in a little bit of a trial run today, wearing it to the Albertsons down the street.

Granny Moira Couture strikes again and now Kate has her customized Lady Liberty outfit complete with her battery powered torch.

She’ll be a big part of our special family Halloween costumes this coming Sunday  – should be a lot of fun!

Sparky, Pumpkin Patch, Temecula….

Today was a full day — a family beach session this morning, and today ended with several kids portraits at the Peltzer Farms Pumpkin Patch down in Temecula…

Kate, Nicki and Sparky had the run of the place while I was busy photographing, but before we left I got to hang around with them a little bit, pick out a couple of pumpkins for the front porch and then we had a family dinner.

Everyone is sleeping right now as I make this blog post, and I’ll be soon joining them.  A very good day.

Portrait of Sofia, near sunset…

From my first session in almost a week — it was great to be out making photographs of Sofia but also to be in some sunlight!

It’s been more like the Pacific Northwest than SoCal this week.

But today’s light sure made up for it.

Jaunty walk to the car…

Kate wore her bright outfit this morning standing in start contrast to the dreary, drizzly morning here in California.

When will this rain end?

It feels more like a mid winter weather pattern — a few years back it seemed like the month of January was all about the rain.

But the rain didn’t dampen her spirits or eagerness to get to school, and I will take that any day.