How It Started- 14 years later
Vanessa and I met for a 10 minute session 14 years ago where I first took portraits of her three boys. That began a lifelong friendship and relationship as I saw her precious Newport Beach family grow up . Starting when the youngest was three, we made portraits every year, sometimes twice a year all around Orange County.
The best Fine art portrait work with families comes from a place of adventure. We have scaled rocks, swam in the Pacific ocean, rode ferry’s together on balboa island, did underwater portraits in their pool, rode bikes at the pier, and hiked in the trails. I saw her oldest two boys off to college, and as cheesy as it sounds, felt like an extended part of their family, the crazy auntie??? I’ll take it!
Most of all, I love the way Vanessa uses the photos we took together around her house. She has quite the interior design eye, but I never in a million years cold have imagined a family portrait session ending up on the wall of a kitchen pantry. (below) She said that she loves going into her pantry seeing the scrawny ribs of her kids on the walls as she prepares a meal for them.
2008
2021
Over the years
Each time we planned a session, we had a short chat about what her kids were into. The city pool, Nerf Gun Wars, Balboa Pier, Flag Football, Tackle Football, Basketball, and each time we took that activity into our family sessions. Each session looks different, but the connection they all have never changed. I believe that by creating unique experiences with the kids helps us start from a a place of fun!
Probably the most memorable session we had together was when we met at Playgrounds in Newport beach, and ended up in the ocean. Capturing the family dry and having fun, and ending in the water are my favorites! That session sprouted from a love of basketball and bodyboarding. Both at that location!
If you are looking for unique ways to put portraits on your walls, I would recommend talking to Vanessa, and or scheduling an adventure with me. I would love to hear what your family is into lately, and how we can work together.