Athena Kalindi Photography

MY BLOG HAS MOVED!!!!

2012-02-07T13:40:00.000-08:00

Please, come see me at my brand new blog site! So excited to share it with you all!

Allie and Daniel 1.28.12 | Nevada City Engagement Photography

2012-01-30T16:58:00.000-08:00

Allie and I exchanged a few e-mails back and forth finalizing our plans for our shoot this past Saturday, and she mentioned something that really stuck with me. She said that she thought the love that she and her fiance' Daniel share is palpable and her hope was that our session would convey that. It became clear almost immediately that their love is plainly seen. As a photographer, it's always so wonderful to connect with these really special people who are truly themselves and just so in love. It makes my job so easy! We essentially spent our entire shoot with me snapping photos while they laughed, kissed and goofed around..... a perfect afternoon. Allie and Daniel are having an amazing DIY wedding at Allie's Mother's place locally this Spring and I am so looking forward to it. Here are some of my favorite images of the day- I think you will find their love quite tangible too. Enjoy!

Joy and Falk 1.22.12 | Nevada City Maternity Session

2012-01-24T13:53:00.000-08:00

What words can I possibly find to describe something so sublime and real? Awaiting the arrival of their first born, Joy and Falk invited me into their home to capture some of these last moments during pregnancy. They have created a perfect nest for her.... warm, cozy, secure and full of love. It's pretty incredible to feel the love they have for this little being even though she hasn't made her appearance yet! I'm so happy to have captured these moments for them, and so excited to meet the tiny bundle when she arrives! Here are some of my favorite shots. Enjoy!

Film and Grain 'Clown at Bay' | Berkeley 2008

2012-01-07T19:32:00.000-08:00

Looking for some creative outlets this past week, I pulled down my collection of binders filled with negatives and decided it would be fun to scan some of my old projects and share them with you all! You may remember my last scanned film project where I vowed to make room on my website for my film projects of the past and for the future, and where I was so diligently at the time scanning film, and tediously uploading them to my computer. Well, for better or worse- the looming six weeks of weddings that lay ahead of me at the time carried me not only through that month and a half, but well beyond- and month after month passed. I was so busy with work for my clients (which I equally love of course!) that that last project was my last until now. This time, instead of dreaming so big with hope I'll be able to keep at it, I'll appreciate each opportunity I get to take a look back at some of the things that have moved me creatively in the past. My hope is to follow this project with yet another, so stay tuned...... meaning, I will one day sooner or later.

This clown project was inspired by my first, mentioned above. I had a whole series that I was hoping to complete- but this was the last assignment for a darkroom class I was taking at Berkeley City College in 2008, and have yet to return to this series. Maybe it will continue one day- maybe not. Maybe it will manifest into something new! For now, here is one of my favorite shoots of my dear beautiful friend Sara who so graciously took on this sad sexy clown character for me. Some of these are clearly not that great technically- it was all about the creative vision back then! Thanks so much taking the time, enjoy!

Baby Nathaniel | Newborn Photography 12.21.11

2011-12-23T13:44:00.000-08:00

As I wrapped up my last portrait session for 2011 with this perfect little boy, Nathaniel- I couldn't help but acknowledge how fortunate I am to do what I love. There really is nothing more pure than those first days of life, and the sweet fleeting moments that as a new parent you try your best to soak in. Your heart is full almost to the point of exploding with love and joy, and you want nothing more but to share this tiny little gift with the world. It is so very special and I am so thankful to be invited into the homes and lives of my clients and friends, and to share even if just a glimpse of these tender moments. This was just the first of many family sessions with Angela and Dan and Nathaniel, and perhaps whoever may come next in their family! Even though our shoot was cut a bit short, these moments will be forever cherished. Enjoy!

Merry Christmas, Everyone!

Catia Senior Portraits | 12.18.11

2011-12-20T09:33:00.000-08:00

You have brains in your head.
You have feet in your shoes
You can steer yourself
any direction you choose.
You're on your own. And you know what you know.
And YOU are the GAL who'll decide where to go.

I could easily write a novel about this girl. Catia is truly one of the greatest people to be around- she is confident, super silly, passionate, multi-talented, beautiful, charismatic and true to herself. She's headed toward amazing things in this life... and I can't wait to see them unfold for her. Catia, you are open to the world around you and you seek more from every experience. These are things I hope to learn from you! So happy to have had this opportunity to take these photos for you- I hope you treasure them always. Oh, the places you'll go!

And will you succeed?
Yes! You will, indeed!
(98 and 3 / 4 percent guaranteed.)

KID, YOU'LL MOVE MOUNTAINS!

Phillips Family | Grass Valley, Ca 12.4.11

2011-12-06T09:11:00.000-08:00

Grass stains on new tights, leaves in the hair, laughing, running and playing, (and maybe driving mom and dad a little crazy). These are the ingredients for a perfect family photo session! I had a great time with fellow photographer Sarah and her sweet family Sunday at Empire Mine in Grass Valley. So thankful to be enjoying and playing in this beautiful California weather with great folks! Here are some of my favorite photos from our lively, fun filled shoot! Enjoy.

Romero-Mann Family Portraits | Auburn, Ca 11.19.20

2011-11-21T13:37:00.000-08:00

Another break in this unpredictable November weather gave way to a perfect afternoon of photography on Saturday. I met my beautiful friend Lexy and her adorable family at park halfway between our houses for their family portraits. What can I say about this family? Gorgeous + Handsome + Adorable + Fun = the perfect recipe for photos. It's always challenging photographing children (and especially when we forgot our bribe goodies!) but the kids did an amazing job, and did what they do best- goofed around and acted silly! Because I shoot mostly weddings and engagements (new and freshly in love couples quite often) it's rare for me to take photos of couples who have been together and whose lives have been intertwined for so long. What I immediately noticed was how Lexy and Jerry didn't need any prompting whatsoever- they just fell into each others arms, and it was so natural and compelling! This foursome is amazing, that's all. I'm so honored to have helped make these memories with them! Here are some of my favorites from our shoot. Enjoy- and Happy Thanksgiving!

Angela and Dan | Maternity Session 11.13.11

2011-11-15T09:37:00.000-08:00

It's one of those things I can't really place my finger on. The way it feels to do something something special for someone-to etch out a moment in their lives by creating images they will always treasure. How completely overwhelming a task and simultaneously the most gratifying! I was fortunate enough to take Angela and Dan's wedding photos last Fall, and was completely thrilled with the news and honored to be asked to take photos of this next stage in their lives. A new baby boy is about to join their little family! It came as no surprise that the deep love they share together is now being poured into this mysterious new being on the way. What a magical thing indeed. We had a great time on our shoot Sunday- mild weather, leaves still clinging to trees. It couldn't have been more perfect. I can't wait to take photos of this little guys next month when he arrives! Here are some of my favorites from our session. Enjoy!

The light was so pretty!

Look at that perfect belly!

Angela, you are a hot mama!

I heart faces * Autumn Splendor

2011-11-14T16:26:00.000-08:00

I just took this photo yesterday and even though I haven't posted the session yet- I simply could not resist submitting this photo in the i heart faces 'Autumn Splendor" challenge! Thank you so much for stopping by, and enjoy!

Ashley and Enrique | Engagement 11.6.11

2011-11-08T08:52:00.000-08:00

A bit unsure of how this shoot would unravel, I fled the rainy cold mountains and headed to the valley to meet Ashley and Enrique for their engagement photos. Not far from home the cloudy skies gave way to blue, and the warm late fall sun began to shine. Ashley and Enrique are seriously adorable and silly together, and I love how open they were to exploring the area and being creative. These two lovebirds are expecting their first baby together in February. So, not only was I fortunate enough to take photos of a lovely bride and groom to be, but also a beautiful glowing mama to be. I am so excited about their beautiful backyard wedding next August! Enjoy. ( Oh, and thank you Enrique for missing Sunday football for this!)

Ashley, you are a model!

So many beautiful colors textures and shapes!

The end. For now.

Mia and Aaron 11.2.11 | Nevada City Engagement Photography

2011-11-04T10:05:00.000-07:00

I've mentioned just how much I love my job before, right? Okay, just making sure! Wednesday was another reminder of just how lucky I am to be doing what I love.... making memories in beautiful locations for really cool people! Mia and Aaron came up from San Jose and wandered the streets of Nevada City with me for their engagement shoot. These two are seriously in love, open to being creative and just so much fun! I am so excited about their wedding next October at Empire Mine in Grass Valley. Thank you Mia and Aaron for an awesome photo shoot. Here are some of my favorites from our shoot. Enjoy them!

Mia, you are crazy beautiful!

These trees were on fire! So amazing!

Nevada City is such a great place to take photos!

After patiently waiting in the car, their little Yorkie, Bentley joined in for some family photos!

Look at that face!

The end.

Baby Laura | Newborn Photography 10.18.11

2011-10-21T13:33:00.000-07:00

This itsy bitsy bundle of preciousness named Laura turned 7 days old on Tuesday- and I had the honor of taking her portraits to celebrate her one week birthday! Even though I've had two newborns of my own, this was technically my very first time working with such a tiny little creature. A little human this new is just so magical. I've been lucky enough to photograph her older sister Julianna twice, and now they are a beautiful family of four. Newborn photography is challenging! Even though these little babies don't do much, they have their tiny preferences.... Laura really preferred a certain position (which makes sense since she's been bundled up for so long), so we threw in some variety by playing around with bowls, and blankets just for fun! I love watching this family grow, and I can't wait to return for more. Here are some of my favorites from our shoot. Enjoy!

Adore this smashed little face!

Some family photos... Look how big Julianna is getting! It happens soooo fast!

From Light to Dark | A Boudoir Session 10.14.11

2011-10-16T09:05:00.000-07:00

I am so excited about these amazing photos of my beautiful and dear friend Nicole. This session came at a perfect time for me- feeling the need to do something super creative and fun we spent the evening playing dress up, being silly and having a photo shoot! This is totally something we would have done in high school, and I love the fact that we're doing it now! Nicole, thank you for being an amazing model and for fulfilling my itch for something different. You are beautiful. Enjoy!

SO FUN experimenting with lighting! LOVE this next series......

I heart faces * Hands

2011-10-10T13:40:00.000-07:00

Shannon and Bredt | 10.1.11

2011-10-04T21:42:00.000-07:00

I believe that if I could live out the rest of my photography career shooting only at Winery's in Napa Valley, I would be happy. There is so much life and beauty bursting in this region, and I can't help but think people are constantly bubbling with joy while there. Throw in a wedding and a little (well a lot) of wine, and you will have what's destined to be a beautiful party under a wide open wine country sky. Shannon and Bredt, (who is a fellow wedding photographer) were married on Saturday with their closest family and friends to witness and celebrate their love. These guys really know how to throw a great party, and I was so happy to take part! Thank you Shannon and Bredt- I hope these photos provide for you a reminder of this amazing day for many, many years to come. Enjoy!

Shannon, you are seriously gorgeous!

Jackie and Herns | 9.24.11

2011-09-26T15:36:00.000-07:00

A most beautiful wedding complete with a princess and a gentleman! Jackie and Herns had a super sweet ceremony at Jackie's family church, and then partied the night away at the incredible Hyatt Regency in downtown Sacramento. It was a most perfect early Fall afternoon and a fabulous day to celebrate! Thank you guys for choosing me as your photographer, I had a blast! Here are some of my favorites from the day. Enjoy.

The most stunning dress!

Jackie, WOW!

A beautiful Ceremony!

And a happy newly married couple!

I love these portraits!

What a crew!

Jackie- M.E.O.W

Rashmi and Jim 9.3.11 | Allied Arts Guild, Menlo Park

2011-09-06T15:10:00.000-07:00

I LOVE Indian weddings. What can I say? Maybe it's the cultural Anthropologist in me. Perhaps it's the fascination with a culture that's so different from my own. Maybe it's all of the beautiful colors, the flowers, the rich cultural ceremony, the food, and the people. Did I mention the FOOD?! As a photographer an Indian wedding is the ultimate photo journalism experience. As a human being, it's an awaking to what is real and authentic- not only in relation to the celebration of love, but to the celebration of life.

Take a sweet British boy, a gorgeous Indian girl and an incredible venue (I am now in love with the Allied Arts Guild in Menlo Park) and what do you get? The most fabulous Indian wedding you might imagine. It was truly a joy to spend my day with these incredible fun loving, warm hearted people. Rashmi and Jim, your families are WONDERFUL, your friends a true pleasure- but even more, YOU are fabulous! I hope you love these photos as much as I loved taking them. Just a few of my favorites from your day. Enjoy!

An adorable First Look!

Rashmi you are beautiful!

Jim rode a "horscycle" as an alternate to a white horse that the groom usually rides upon entering the wedding ceremony!

And what an incredbile ceremony it was!

A little outfit change for the reception!

A very sweet first dance.

Lynn and Alex | 8.27.11

2011-08-30T13:10:00.000-07:00

I love the way that every wedding is completely unique to it's couple. Part of the excitement for me is traveling to new venues, and meeting new people along the way. This past Saturday, Lynn and Alex had the most perfect wedding at the Discovery Bay Country Club. A beautiful ballroom and dining area, a lovely warm breeze, a witty and sweet ceremony, and adoring friends and family- it really could not have been any better. I'm so happy for this wonderful couple, and so honored to have been their photographer! Thank you Lynn and Alex! Enjoy.

Hollie and Walter Wedding | 8.20.11

2011-08-22T15:49:00.000-07:00

A beautiful old family farm, a whole lot of friends and family gathered from near and far, great food, dancing under the stars and two people in love. What a perfect wedding day for Hollie and Walter! Congratulations you two! Here are some of my favorite shots from the day, enjoy.

Hollie, you are beautiful!

A super sweet first look.

I just love how romantic this next series is!

Just had to include these!

Clementine and Juniper | 8.12.11

2011-08-15T12:57:00.000-07:00

I've been waiting to photograph these two beautiful little creatures since they were born just about 3 months ago. So very honored to document these precious twins. Meet Juniper and Clementine!

Ah, Love this one!

I heart faces 'Beautiful Eyes" Photo Challenge!

2011-08-15T12:06:00.000-07:00

These 2 pairs of eyes truly captivate me! I love the way they shine LOVE. Enjoy!

Wings

2011-08-13T12:51:00.000-07:00

Finding inspiration under my own wings today.

2011-08-02T13:29:00.000-07:00

This set of engagement photos is all about love, sun, warmth, summer and smiles! Can you feel it?! Lynn and Alex are so sweet and such a light-hearted and easy going couple who are truly in love. I had a great time staying local with these two and taking some mellow Sunday morning portraits at Empire Mine in Grass Valley. So very excited about their wedding at the end of the month! Just a few of my favorites....enjoy.

2011-07-25T21:17:00.000-07:00

It really doesn't get much better than hanging out with two very sweet-super funny people, taking photos and exploring one of the most beautiful cities on Earth. And yes, I got to do all three of these things on Saturday afternoon with the lovely Rashmi and Jim in San Francisco. We began our journey in the beautiful Presidio in a spot appropriately called "Lovers Lane." After roaming around a bit we changed gears and headed into the city for some fun shots in a neighborhood of incredible houses with beautiful detail. What I loved possibly the most about hanging out with these two was that it all felt so carefree and natural. The love they share together is youthful and always full of smiles. I left our shoot with an ear to ear grin so happy to have shared the afternoon with them- and so excited for their amazing wedding in September! Thanks for traipsing around with me guys! Here are a few of my favorite shots from our shoot, enjoy.....

Too funny to pass up!

2011-07-19T14:05:00.000-07:00

Sometimes a spark is so hot it ignites everything around it. The chemistry and love between Hollie and Walter clearly lights up the world around them. I had so much fun trekking around with these two on Sunday evening.... making them trudge through rattlesnake infested fields, scale walls, sit on splintery bridges- you name it- you guys are troopers! You are a perfect twosome, taking risks and making moves together... just what love and marriage are all about. So excited about the wedding next month! Here are my favorites.... Enjoy.

Davis Family Portraits | 7.14.11

2011-07-16T09:59:00.001-07:00

I met the gorgeous Sandy and her two beautiful daughters; Frankie and Edie on Thursday morning for quick but fun mini session at UC Davis. I love these photos- what a threesome! Enjoy.

Aw, sister love!

2011-07-13T20:03:00.000-07:00

Chelsea and Sean hired me as their photographer for their wedding all the way back in June of 2010. Needless to say, I have been waiting a very long time to work with these two and so excited about the fabulous day they planned. Chelsea and Sean are two of the kindest, funny and down to earth people I've met. Their love together is true and open, and they beam when they look at one another. Chelsea's smile is simply contagious (not to mention gorgeous) and Sean is one dapper and handsome fellow. What a beautiful wedding at the Citizen Hotel in Sacramento. Thank you two for including me in one of the most special occasions you will share! Here are a few of my favorite shots from the evening.... Enjoy.

These Shoes.... YES!

Chelsea commissioned New York Jewelry Designer Regina Pierallini to create one of a kind pieces of jewelry for her bridesmaids. Absolutely beautiful!

So pretty- dumpsters and all!

Chelsea, you are gorgeous!

Love these two!

Great shot of all the guests!

2011-07-04T21:38:00.000-07:00

I have been SO very excited about this Senior portrait shoot with Melanie for several months now. With unexpected cold storms and snow (in May) we had to reschedule our initial shoot. And even though Melanie isn't technically a senior anymore she is certainly fresh out of school and celebrating her Senior Summer before she heads off to college at Cal Poly this Fall. Clearly stating the obvious here, Melanie is a total knock-out beauty! So instead of me mentioning before every photo just how gorgeous I think she is, I'll get it out of the way now..... Melanie, you are beautiful! Melanie is also an intelligent and caring young woman and I had a complete blast working with her. It was so refreshing to shift for a bit from weddings and do something a little more whimsical. I always love clients who bring a bunch of clothes with them and are open to being creative and having fun. I hope that Melanie and her family always cherish these photos, and remember this very special moment in each of their lives! I really could not choose my favorites.... but I did try. Enjoy!

Melanie in her stunning Senior Prom dress!

An adorable Summer look.

Rachel and Wade 6.25.11 | Nevada City Wedding Photography

2011-06-27T10:56:00.000-07:00

I was truly flattered when my old friend Rachel asked me to photograph her wedding. At the same time I felt the pressure was on to create the best images for a friend, it was also so much fun and totally relaxed. Rachel and Wade were married at a beautiful venue in Camptonville, Ca. Friends and family from near and far came to witness and celebrate their love for one another. Guests danced, ate delicious food and toasted the night away! Thank you Rachel and Wade- it was a blast!! Here are just a few of my favorite photos from the day, enjoy!

Rachel and Wade's adorable son Spencer-you are so cute!!!

A few sweet portraits of the bride and groom.

Such a pretty ceremony!

Spencer dancing it up!

What, kids waiting for cake?!

A first family dance.

Hailey and Mike 6.18.11 | Nevada City Wedding Photography

2011-06-20T10:43:00.000-07:00

It was the most perfect Summer weather for a wedding in Nevada City this weekend. Hailey and Mike were married on Saturday at Harmony Ridge Lodge. It was the perfect venue to showcase all of the sweet DIY details of the wedding- which was a true reflection of their love for one another. Family and friends enjoyed homemade jam as favors, ate pie for dessert and used an awesome home made photo booth for party souvenir's! The day was filled with many tears and moments of joy. I really was so happy to be a part of this special day. Thank you Hailey and Mike! Here are a few of my favorites from the day. Enjoy!

Rachel and Carl 6.11.11 | Nicholson Ranch, Sonoma

2011-06-12T20:54:00.000-07:00

Rachel and Carl tied the knot on Saturday at the beautiful Nicholson Ranch in Sonoma, Ca. It was a perfect day to get married in wine county! An intimate group of friends and family came together to celebrate, eat a delicious meal, drink an abundance of wine and share stories, all in honor of the lovely couple! I'm so happy to have been a part of such magic. Here are few of my favorite photos from the day. Enjoy!

Rachel, you are gorgeous!

The light was just perfect.

I love this moment!

Carrie and Travis 6.4.11 | White Palace, San francisco

2011-06-06T13:02:00.000-07:00

It was supposed to be a weekend for record breaking rain-fall in San Francisco. Yes, record breaking rain in June. So, Carrie and Travis prepared for a very wet wedding- rented a tent and planned on having most of the party inside. Even though it is said that rain on your wedding day is supposed to be a good omen, in this case a beautiful day free from rain happened to be instead! Carrie and Travis were married (rain free) at an exquisite private home named the White Palace in the city. Friends and family from near and far gathered to celebrate. I was so incredibly happy to be a part of their special day, and to create these lasting memories. Thank you guys (and your fabulous friends) for such an awesome night! Here are just a few of my favorite photos from the evening. Enjoy.

Okay, I was a little obsessed with Carrie's shoes!

A few of the fabulous details!

And such a beautiful ceremony!

Ema and Raymond 5.29.11 | Palo Alto Hills Country Club

2011-05-31T13:39:00.000-07:00

Each and every wedding I photograph is unique in it's own way. Each wedding is special because of the unique personalities, details and locations that all come together to create a wedding that is one of a kind. When I arrived at the beautiful Palo Alto Hills Country Club on Sunday to meet Ema, she was calmly sitting and having her make-up done. No one was swarming, no chaos, no usual pre-wedding craziness. Just Ema, calm, relaxed and beautiful! These moments leading up to the wedding set the tone for the rest of the evening where loved ones gathered together to celebrate the love and union of Ema and Raymond. There are firsts for everything, and for me this was my first Muslim wedding. I feel so honored to have had a peek into this tradition so very different from my own.

I can't really put into words the love and beauty between Ema and Raymond during their portrait session. The way they are together, the way he looks at her, the way they feel together, it's really just that beautiful. Have a look for yourself, and enjoy!

Their first look!

Raymond adoring Ema's beautiful Henna.

Ema, Seriously? Is it possible to be this gorgeous?!

An impromptu first dance!

Victoria and Nathan Married 5.21.11 | Dixon, Ca

2011-05-23T09:20:00.001-07:00

It was the most perfect Spring day as friends and family gathered to celebrate the marriage of Victoria and Nathan this past Saturday. It was such a pleasure to be a part of their day-and to document their love! Here are just a few of my favorite shots. Enjoy!

Film and Grain 'Clown after Work' | Santa Cruz, Ca ( Circa 2003)

2011-05-17T14:19:00.000-07:00

It's a cold stormy day and I'm gearing up for 6 weeks of weddings that begin this Saturday. I've been preparing my gear, returning e-mails and mentally preparing for all the fun and work ahead. I'm also dreaming of packing a bag and heading to the darkroom for hours and hours on end- red safelight, the smell of fixer, the magic that happens in the tray. It's been a few years since I've developed my own film, my own prints- I wonder if I would remember the steps. Is it like riding a bike?

In my current digital world, juggling the balance of work and creativity- I've been slowly making room on my website for a gallery named film. I've been appropriately scanning my film and trying to make room for this very big part of my photographic past. During this process I came across one of my favorite sets. I think I named these images something like 'Clown after Work' when I displayed them for my class in 2003. (Thank you Ken Alley!) This set is not great technically, there is a ton of dust, they are super contrasty and even though I was shooting manually- it was all kind of a "shot in the dark" as to what ended up on the film. Even though the technical aspects leave something to be desired, what I love about these photos is my own discovery about portraits. This was when the marriage of storytelling of people and storytelling of place merged for me. I began to find my niche' within photography, and creatively I blossomed! I hope to continue sharing these old film photos of mine and to provide some insight into how I've arrived where I am today. Thanks for looking! Enjoy.

Paint

2011-05-13T12:52:00.000-07:00

A little afternoon fun with Paint!

Jen Boudoir Photos 5.1.11 | Davis Portrait Photography

2011-05-04T12:19:00.000-07:00

Very excited about these SUPER foxy, SUPER smokin' hot photos of Miss Jen! Enough said. Sizzle.......

Wendt Family Portraits 5.1.11 | Davis, Ca

2011-05-02T13:11:00.000-07:00

A few photos of my dear friend Jen, her super sweet husband Nate, and their beautiful daughter, Heaven. I think these photos speak to how happy and perfect they are together- completely sublime! Enjoy.

You two are so beautiful!

Miss Gorgeous, Jen!

Stud!

A special request from Heaven- to have photos taken with her wolf pup!

Dave and Amber | Santa Cruz 4.21.11

2011-04-26T09:06:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago I wrote about photographing my family, and the challenges that came along with it. This past week I had the honor of photographing my dear friends Amber and Dave, and I think it's safe to say it was even more challenging! Taking photos of people is about capturing their essence, who they are at that moment, who they've become over the years- and who they are together. When I've never met my clients before there's an element of ease when it come to taking their photos- my real task for their shoot is to capture who I think they MAY be, or who they are in just that moment- their natural interactions together. When working with old friends, there is just so much more to convey. It was so great hanging out with two of my favorite people in one of my most favorite places on earth! Enjoy.

Carrie and Travis | San Francisco Engagement 4.17.11

2011-04-19T09:34:00.000-07:00

Carrie and Travis are the kind of couple that simply ooze LOVE. We explored the ever-beautiful Golden Gate Park Sunday evening, and these photos prove just how crazy about each other they are. I can't wait to photograph their wedding this June! Enjoy.

My Family Portraits | April 10th, 2011

2011-04-11T13:32:00.000-07:00

Minutes, days, months and years seem to be passing so quickly. I want more than anything the ability to reach out and grab these moments, just have them pause a little longer- just long enough to soak in what preciousness there is in my life. I try my best to appreciate the stages of my children as they pass, these fleeting moments before I turn around and they're gone. The only way I can think to possibly hold time still is by documenting this time through photographs. So this weekend I had some time to get out and take some photos of my own family, and I sure did learn A LOT!

* Being the one photographed, and the photographer is virtually impossible. I need a professional for this!
* It's really tough trying to direct my own children in photos.... really tough.
* I have a new found admiration for my clients. Being in front of the camera is hard! It's so tough not to be critical of ourselves.
* My family is beautiful, and I am soooooooo blessed!

Here are some moments I will always treasure. Enjoy.

Nice Work Paul!

Thanks Tripod!

2011-04-03T10:06:00.000-07:00

I heart Faces March Photo Challenge *

A little heart goes a long way *

2011-04-02T12:52:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to share this beautiful moss heart that a friend found as we were walking home from the park with our kids a couple of weeks ago. Sometimes, love just finds you.

Julianna First Year Portraits | 3.27.11 Folsom, Ca

2011-03-28T13:08:00.000-07:00

You may remember Julianna from our pearl dazzled baby shoot last Spring. I really didn't think it was possible for her to get any cuter, but indeed she has! And now, she is just such a sweet little girl with an adventurous personality. I had a great time with Julianna and her family yesterday documenting her 1st Birthday. A few of my favorite images from the day. Enjoy!

Ritz Carlton Wedding | Ratika and Adesh 3.19.11

2011-03-21T16:36:00.000-07:00

I can't think of a better way of kicking off my 2011 wedding season with my very first Indian wedding at the beautiful Ritz Carlton, San Francisco. I was accompanied by my new friend, Amanda who was a tremendous help, and an absolute pleasure to work with. No doubt Ratika was one of the most beautiful brides I've seen, and her stylish now husband Adesh was dressed to the nines. Not much more I can possibly say with words.... I'll let the photos tell this story. Enjoy!

The most beautiful ceremony I've seen!

I love these portraits Ratika! You are beautiful!

Look at this delicious dessert spread, and these fabulous details!

I think Adesh almost forgot that Ratika was a part of the first dance! Too fun!

Hailey and Mike 3.5.11 | Nevada City Engagement Photography

2011-03-07T09:31:00.000-08:00

I have such a deep appreciation for each of my clients. Not only because they put trust in me to create meaningful memories for them, but also because they give me the creative freedom to grow as a photographer and continuously challenge myself.

Thank you so much Hailey and Mike for an awesome photo shoot on Saturday. Not only are you guys absolutely adorable and completely natural in front of the camera- you were fun, open and willing to be creative. For me, it meant one of my most artistically gratifying sessions in a while. I'm really excited about these photos and you guys are definitely to thank. So looking forward your wedding this June! Here are my favorites from the day. Enjoy!

Ratika and Adesh 2.26.11 | Nevada City Engagement Photography

2011-02-28T14:46:00.000-08:00

Ratika and Adesh made the journey from San Francisco to Nevada City on Saturday afternoon for their snowy engagement shoot! We had already rescheduled a couple of times, so we decided that we may as well take advantage of my beautiful snowy town and just go for it. The whole city had been out of power for a couple of days, so the town was quiet and serene and absolutely perfect for some fun photos. We discovered that the candy store was open and running on a generator, and so naturally we popped in for some ice cream and candy! Ratika and Adesh are an absolute joy to be around- they're so truly in love, super goofy and not to mention super styley. I'm SO excited about their beautiful Bollywood themed wedding next month at the Ritz Carlton in San Francisco! Enjoy.