Los Angeles Wedding Photographer - Polka Photos Photo Blog: Wedding Photography, Photojournalism, candid photos

Fun With Trains

Poway, California

I took a trip to Old Poway Park for some fun family portraits. If these faces look familiar, it's probably because I took their family portraits last year.

This family started with Liz and Joel, the very first wedding I photographed. I knew Liz in college, where I was studying photojournalism. Their first kiss lasted less than a millisecond but they've been making up for it ever since. (With their permission I'll try to get a scan of that photo to post for you.)

Los Angeles family portrait photographer

Their first addition to the family was Eddie, who is a natural in front of the camera.

Then came Jolie, a super cute baby sister for Eddie.

We started out taking some photos around the railroad tracks. Jolie is a happy camper.

Eddie jumps from rock to rock with his dad.

Dad offers a helping hand.

We found a cool doorway for a picture of the whole family.

Then we walked over to the old trains...

... for more family photos.

Couldn't resist a funny photo in front of the condemned sign.

I wonder if the sign was for Jolie's stinky diaper?

Thank you Liz, Joel, Eddie and Jolie for a fun afternoon!

Labels: baby, family, portraits, San Diego

Good Charlotte

Chicago, Illinois

I met Charlotte on a hot Chicago day. Here she is chillin' on the couch.

This baby likes to fly.

She loves her mom...

and she loves her dad.

And she loves playing with her doggies Ricky and Lucy.

What doesn't Charlotte love? The grass. I think it may have been too scratchy so we only took a few photos on the grass, then took the rest either on her blanket or indoors.

Charlotte has the best expressions. She's just a baby but she looks so grown-up in some of the photos. This is my favorite photo of her.

Then again I love this one, too.

Isn't she a cutie pie?

Thank you for a super fun portrait session! Charlotte is a darling!

Labels: baby, Chicago, dog, family, portraits

Wishes Do Come True!

Chicago, Illinois

I thought I'd catch up on posting family and baby portrait sessions from this fall.

This is Ava. And yes, she is that cute.

I met Ava's parents, Sandy and Albert, when I photographed their Vegas wedding. I also met Ava's grandma, who wrote a special wish for the couple.

Well her dream came true, and Grandma loves her new grandbaby.

The photo session was very relaxed and we talked about life and photography and even movies. This photo was unposed and I love the casual aspect of it. When I look back on my favorite photos from childhood there's one of my grandfather and me in his backyard. As a photographer I want to create photos of real memories, not just poses.

Grandma calls Ava a perfect angel, and I'm inclined to believe her. Ava is the perfect model.

I met the family in the Grandparent's home. It was a special treat to photograph Ava with her Great-Grandparents as well.

Great Grandma holds happy Baby Ava.

I shot this photo with my Canon 5D and 24-70mm lens. My setting were 5.6 at 160. I also added some fill light with an on-camera flash and diffuser. After color correcting the image, I added some yellow and red to give it a vintage 70's feel.

Then we went in the backyard for some more photos. I treated this photo with a vintage 70's look.

Isn't she adorable?

I love all of her funny faces.

Here's the happy family.

Ava loves her doggie!

She's starting to get sleepy....

Daddy and baby...

Time for good night!

Thank you Sandy and Albert, and Grandma and Grandpa, and Great Grandparents, and of course Ava! It was so much fun to meet your little bundle of joy!

Labels: baby, Chicago, dog, family, portraits, woof

Family Portraits

Chicago, Illinois

The best thing about going back to Chicago is seeing my family and friends. I hung out with my super cute cousins Natalie and Sara, and their dog Lucy. I couldn't resist taking some photos while we were playing.

Natalie is the ham...

but Sara can be just as silly.

Lucy is camera shy, but posed for a few photos anyway.

Thank you for a fun time! And thank you to my cousin Ania and Aunt Basia for dinner!

Labels: Chicago, family, portraits

Family Portraits

Malibu, California

When I first met Tiffany & Jill we talked about their engagement session and how it could be fun to include the kids for some family portraits as well. All of them love the beach so Paradise Cove was the perfect choice!