run wild for a child

Two of my boys were in the Run Wild for a Child 5K this morning in Golden Gate Park. They've been running in the mornings with their dad and this was their first official race. Both were satisfied to have made it in under 30 minutes. I took along my D70 with a Sigma zoom (my knockabout camera) and got a few shots. The race was sponsored by the San Francisco Firefighters for the Toys for Tots campaign. Some of the participants dressed as toys/characters. The Stawberry Shortcake runner was my personal favorite.

jet set

I've worked with this little girl a few times for Baby Couture shoots. She gets her exotic looks from her father, who is Native American. We got together this last time to shoot for Baby Gassy Gooma and also did some personal shots. Mom submitted the pics to Jet Set Kids, got called for interview, and walked away with a two-year contract to one of the best agencies on the West Coast!

More a girl of action than words, this little thing had us in stitches by saying "oh, come on" at key moments during the shoot. And can I say? Her parents are the nicest people you'd ever meet. At one of the Baby Couture shoots, both mom and Dad stayed around to help with the shoot - they did everything from build paper airplanes for props to find a way to turn on water in the building!

I can't wait to see what awaits this girl now that she's with Jet Set.

yes, we have fall in california

I shot a beautiful family a few weeks ago in the East Bay. Although I'm often asked to do family photos, I've always shied away from them. Well, this mother was so sweet and convincing that I thought I'd give it it a try. Honestly, the fact that she had a new baby was a major draw! What photographer could resist shooting a newborn? We started in the park and it felt a bit awkward. I didn't want the shots to seem posed. It was also super-bright day and there weren't too many spots where I felt the lighting was good. So, we headed back to their house and I noticed how bright and cheery the kitchen was, so that's where we did most of the family shooting. It just seemed right. After that, Dad had to go to work so mom and I went to the garden in the back with the baby and her "big" brother (all of two years). We literally gasped when we saw the carpet of gorgeous fall leaves covering the ground. I mean, these leaves couldn't have been more perfect. As they were so smooth and clean, I asked mom how she would feel about putting her baby down on top of the leaves. She didn't hesitate and laughed, saying she never would have done such a thing when her first child was a baby. The baby tolerated the leaves, but I only took a few shots as I didn't want her to be uncomfortable. By the time the session was ending, we were already planning out next shoot - her son helping her cook, riding his red trike, playing in the garden...

found fashion: faux fur gap vest

I found this reversible vest from Baby Gap at my local Goodwill store for $4.97. It was in perfect condition. I used it on this little model, Lucy, to add pizazz to her modeling pics. I'll use it a few more times and then put it on consignment. It just goes to show that you don't have to spend big bucks to look great. This is a secret stylists have known for years. Some of the most eye-catching and unique pieces can be found in thrift shops. The other thing I love about buying items from consignment stores and thrift shops is that it's simply better for the environment.

abe jones designs

I shot my first Abe Jones Designs piece for an editorial I did in Tahoe for Baby Couture Magazine. It was a tee-shirt with a fabulous guitar graphic patch and really stood-out as something I'd love to have for my own kids. I later noticed a postcard for Abe Jones in a local boutique and contacted the owner and designer, Janel Jones, to alert her to be on the watch for the publication. It turned-out she was looking for a photographer and we've since done three shoots together.

Janel's work has received national attention including being featured in Earnshaw's, Small Magazine, and the CBS Morning Show. It's no wonder- her designs are somehow both vintage and modern, emerging with a look all their own.

nasimiyu designs

One of the things I love about doing photography is meeting so many interesting people. I shot this boy, Kobe, for his modeling cards. As you can see, we had some fun at the shoot romping around the park. His mother, who is from Kenya, makes beautiful jewelry for her company, Nasimiyu Designs. A portion of the profits go to her foundation called "Born to Aid" which helps children in villages in rural Kenya. They'll be having a trunk show December 3rd in San Francisco.

found fashion: flora & henri

I shot this gorgeous little girl recently to help her with her portfolio for her modeling agency. We shot on Cortland Street in San Francisco and although the mother brought tons of great clothes, we couldn't resist checking-out the local consignment shop to see if there were any treasures we could use for the shoot. Well, my eye went straight to a lovely cotton dress with a vintage print in yellow.

Much to my delight, it was a Flora & Henri! Similar dresses by Flora & Henri retail for about $172 and we got it for $40 at Chloe's Closet. I've worshipped Flora&Henri since I first discovered them when two of my children were lucky enough to be selected to model for their travel book (catalog).

Bottom line: if you find a Flora & Henri in a thrift store or consignment shop, grab it!

Wild Thing

So I bought this hat off Ebay by Oilily about five years ago. I finally took the tags off and used the hat on this adorable little girl named Lucy. She had fun pretending to be a little monster and playing hide-and-seek in this crazy, furry hat.

I first shot Lucy for Baby Couture Holiday 2007 and at that point her mom decided to get her an agent. She's since done three shoots for Baby Gap and can be seen now on the website in a holiday dress ( "Winter Wonderland" toddler girl). We're going to be seeing lots more of this little cutie!