When Life Gives You Lemons...

Since returning from my annual holiday trip to California a few weeks ago, I've had a tricky time adjusting back into the swing of things (ahem, the hustle & bustle of living in NYC). This will shamefully be one of my first posts of the New Year. 

Before the holiday I had been working back-to-back weekends for a few months and not having much fun or being super creative with my craft. Lacking inspiration was an understatement, so I decided to break out my first film camera and go for a walk while I was away. And walk I did. 

Though my heart yearns to be near my family (my lemon), I know the time will come when we (finally) make the trip cross country and unpack the bags I've been toting around for nearly a decade in NYC (making the lemonade). 

Film aficionados, enjoy the journey!

My Mother spent 20 years cultivating a lemon tree in her backyard and every year, she has a full harvest of lemons!

Santa Monica is a special place for me, as it was a very popular weekend destination as a child and now, a place where my clients love to shoot. 

There's nothing like going to the beach during winter (!) in California!

This is Jorge, my hubby who "loves" to rep west coast sports teams and univeristies when in Cali. When in Rome, do as the Romans do! (People also say I never shoot him enough, so this one's for you!)

This is one of my favorite images from my rolls of film. It just captured the essence of the day and unseasonably colder weather California was having. 

I never appreciated this view growing up but after having living on the East Coast for nearly 10 years, I try hard to hike my little heart out when I visit. This trail is literally in my parent's backyard! 

Los Angeles Family Photographer

Saundra is a long time friend of mine and she wanted to get her family together for a big, "Kardashian" Family holiday photo. Well, without the Kardashian support staff we were left breathless trying to cajole kids (and adults!) into smiling for the camera. So, in the end we left with great photos of the kids and are still working on one image that will rival the Kardashians! 

Happy Holidays from the Abdelmaliks, Abeskharouns and Bishays!

This is the photo Mom and Dad will show Elijah when his first girlfriend comes to visit! 

Pure shenanigans between the basket and the Christmas tree ornaments!

Riley was just one month old and since she was the most  cooperative (mostly because she was sleeping!), she had the most photos taken!

Central Park Family Portraits | The Corderos

I've had the great honor of shooting the Corderos for a little over a year now. For all my clients looking to document their growing families, considering a "first year" package is the way to go. These moments go especially fast, even more so when you are on your first child. After celebrating many milestones together, TJ, Kristina and Elise have become good friends, especially since finding fellow Filipinos in NYC is like finding a needle in a haystack! When Elise was just 3 months old we did a shoot at their residence and later, opted for an outdoor shoot in the Spring at Brooklyn Bridge Park when Elise about 8 months. 

As the Corderos prepare for a move cross country to their native California, they wanted one last set of images to document their long stay here in New York City. Tears, tears, tears! After pouring over their images, I couldn't help but revel in how delicious Elise is and how thankful I am for clients who trust me to document these precious moments. Clients who have stood by as the business grows have a special place in my heart. 

Farewell to the Corderos, and hopefully we will reunite again on the West Side!