Sakura Photography: March 2009

Good Job!

I had the opportunity to photograph a beautiful family today and I am excited to share some of my favorite images. I met them almost two years ago at my co-worker's wedding and since then, I am totally in love with the little munchkin. I'm glad I got some smiles out of her!

"Mom, get your elbows out!" - Little A

Can't forget daddy!

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Sneak Peak

Here's a sneak peak from today's wedding.

Check back to see more photos of this amazing couple!

...and I'm off to bed =)

Downtown Torrance

I've always wanted to photograph little girls in the city. I know that Downtown Torrance is pretty far from the city scene, but it did the job for me. Its just that when I looked at my photos, I realized you can't really tell the location. I guess my style calls for a tight crop.

Here's my beautiful, absolutely charming model.

She realllly wanted a photo taken with the big Easter bunny!

...and thanks to mom's precise coaching, Miss T is a pro at posing!

Her eyes are so beautiful =)

Just had to post this one...Miss T after taking a bite out of her petit fleur from the Torrance Bakery

She was totally rocking it with her bright yellow star!

I LOVE LOVE LOVE this one. I think I'm going to order me a huge canvas print of this image.

"But mom, I want to play!"

...and of course, my favorite...LIGHT FLARE!

Thanks for checking in! Feel free to leave me a comment!

10 things I LOVE about...

church camp!

10. I don't need to cook
9. Being away from cell-phones / e-mails
8. Crazy fun photo-ops
7. Bunk beds / sleeping with kiddies
6. Burnt s-mores
5. Hike to Inspiration Point
4. Variety Show
3. Pastor Steve with the guitar
2. Marshmallow war!!
1. Fellowship...spending time with awesome people

Campbell Lodge...this is where we met everyday.

Gorgeous hike to Inspiration Point.

Isn't beautiful?

Many faces of me...*playing around in front of the water tower*

Too many faces of Jimmy

I took this shot from the ground...practically hanging off a small cliff. Sigh...the things I do for a perfect photo...

Now back to reality...check back in!

Literally

You know how people say that some babies are so cute they just want to eat them? That their fat legs and soft cheeks are so adorable you just want to gobble them up? Well, you also know that they are just saying...I mean, you don't REALLY eat them.

right?

Unless it's Alice. You see, she couldn't resist taking a bite of her little baby's foot. You can't really blame her though...Baby B is THAT cute. For real.

It looks great in black & white too!

Alice - I couldn't resist. I love this photo. Honestly. I'll treat you to the Melting Pot. I promise.

Paarrrty!

Allow me to introduce you to THE STOMP

This is what we do on a Friday night...for fun.

Step 1: Carefully line up all the cans.

Step 2: Stomp like you mean it.

Doesn't it look like he's dancing?

**Make sure you raise your knees high to get enough force**

Grrrrr...hear me roar!

Our accomplishment!

Note: Jimmy is wearing my red Williams-Sonoma apron. He got it for me about 5 years ago. To this day, I have never worn it. Not even once.

Location, Location, Location!

When Jimmy and I were on the prowl for our new house, my agent (who is also our dear friend's mamma) constantly said, "Look for the perfect location...you can fix up the house later".

I believe it is the same thing with photography. I feel that location is sooooo important and the more meaningful it is to YOU, the better the images will be. If the location means something to you, you are more likely to enjoy the shoot and would appreciate the images when you look at them 10 years from now. (Case in point: Dana and Bobby's engagement shoot)

When Jimmy and I planned our engagement shoot, we knew exactly where we wanted to go; the Malaga Cove fountain. This is where Jimmy proposed to me, so it was totally appropriate. We even met our photographer at 7 AM in order to shoot before there were any cars in the parking lot.

Often times, my clients ask for suggestions regarding location. Here's a short list of places I enjoy photographing:

South Bay
- Manhattan Beach
- Wilderness Park
- Armstrong Japanese Garden

Palos Verdes
- Lunda Bay Founation
- Trump Golf Course
- Point Fermin Lighthouse
- PV City Hall
- PV Library

Long Beach
- El Dorado Park
- Pike / Aquarium / Lighthouse

LA
- USC
- UCLA
- Griffith Park
- Union Station
- Disney Concert Hall

OC
- LAB
- Cerritos Library
- Montage
- San Juan Capistrano

Of course, there are many more, and I always love to find new places. At any rate, please know that my recommendations are only suggestions...I'll be more than happy to follow you around your backyard, your high school, your favorite cafe, or the backseat of your car.

And since a post is not a post without a photo, here's a picture of Jimmy proposing to me. (Yes, I know it's blurry...Jimmy had the setting to "manual"...WAY TO RUIN OUR MOMENT!! just kidding)

High School Sweethearts

Last weekend's photo shoot definitely has a special place in my heart. Why? Because Dana and Bobby are high school sweethearts...just like me and Jimmy! (we went to prom together..maybe I'll post a photo of our prom someday)

So, when Dana called asked if they could do their engagement shoot at their high school, I thought, "what better way to capture your love and growth!" I was happy to meet them at Bellflower High, and although we weren't able to go inside the campus, we got some great shots. Here are some of my favs...

K.I.S.S.I.N.G...first comes love...