Nary Family Portrait - thousand oaks, ca

sometime having a relationship with a family allows for some very spirited and fun portrait sessions. take for example the nary's. this family has a heart the size of rhode island and give it no additional thought about giving you more if needed. the family dynamic is apparent as seen in this family portrait. if you don't see the laughter in their eyes...your looking at the wrong image. photographing a family portrait allows karen and i to really get to know the family in a more personal way than just having them show up and taking their picture in a studio. the time we have taken to get to know some of our families have led to some breathtaking portraits not to mention some incredible relationships.

Jane and Gary - los olivos, ca

i often think of times that karen and i have a great life doing what we love to do. because, we get to share in moments that are personal and very heart felt. jane and gary knew what they wanted from the day we met and they wanted their wedding captured in a true candid and unscripted way. sometimes being in the moment brings into focus things that normally go un-noticed... sometimes being in the moment makes you too focused and you miss the little things that make moments. moments at jane and gary's wedding would be spontaneous and free without all the fluff. the results is one of my favorite portraits of a bride and groom to date. knowing that jane wanted to spend what few moments she had together with her family and friends and not parading around on a "photoshoot" i quickly stole them away to give them "our wedding" gift. the shoot took no more than 5 minutes because as karen went through the courtyard to ask the newlyweds for a "moment" of their time i was scooting a chair up to the french doors, where the sun was shinning, in the lobby of the the fess parker inn & spa. hearing the shutter go off and knowing in my heart of hearts that "that was it", i smiled and knew then that that moment had been captured on film for generation to come.

Thomas Family Portrait - westlake village, ca

i rarely show up to my photo sessions on time any more. there is so much to do before hand and i never have enough time to take it all in...so i show up wayyyyyyyyy ahead of time and soak it all in. this allows me to be more apart of the portrait session than merely a picture taker. the family suggested this location for it was dear to their heart and the family recalled fond memories of long strolling walks in this park. never been there i was immediately pleased. the tree seemed to be begging me to photograph the family under its cooling canopy. lovely family and an a picture perfect day made this portrait come alive.

Quote of the Month

"There's no such thing as simple. Simple is hard."
-Martin Scorsese