I absolutely adore this sweet family. I first met them in early Spring of 2019 when they booked a full session to capture their (nearly) one year old son. I loved their laid back California casual style and their connection as a family of three. 


So of course I was stoked when they booked a mini session last Fall and showed up again just as stylish, cool and loving as he first time. We met at one of my favorite little hidden parks in Palos Verdes Estates, CA. I knew the evergreen trees would create a little bit of a holiday feeling and I love the outfits they selected to go with the natural setting. I'm stoked that their dog was able to join for a few photos as well!

mom lifting toddler in air and smiling during holiday mini session in Palos Verdes
family portrait in Palos Verdes woods with toddler and dog
image focused on dog during standing next to family during mini session

During their 10 minute mini session, we started with some photos of everyone looking at the camera. The 18-month-old and the dog were still a little curious what was happening at this point, no surprise. This definitely wasn’t a routine situation for either of them. So we played and found some pinecones to hold and as that sweet, curious boy became more comfortable with me, he started flashing his killer smile. So again I snapped more family shots for their holiday card and was able to capture some of those wonderful, candid moments in between.

toddler hugging moms dress and smiling during holiday mini session
family of three holding toddler and laughing during mini session in woods
candid portrait of father and toddler son laughing in woods

Over the summer this sweet boy became a big brother and I’m so sad not to be in California to capture their new family of four. Regardless if I photograph clients for 90 minutes or 10 minutes, I can’t help but develop a connection to them. Returning clients are always my favorite because I love spending time with them again and seeing how much the kids have grown. It’s amazing how much they change in the course of a year. As much as I’m missing all of my California clients, I’m looking forward to meeting families in Iowa that are looking for a photographer to capture their growing kiddos year after year. 

family holding toddler for Fall mini session in woods of Palos Verdes
mom in maxi dress holding toddler during golden hour motherhood portrait in woods
family of three holding smiling toddler during golden hour in Palos Verdes
toddler peeking over mom's shoulder during portraits in Palos Verdes