What to wear guides {Fall Family 2}

Don't be afraid of color. I love pops of vibrant colors and multiple colors really can work together in a family portrait. Wow - how many more times can I say the word, color? I like color. Wear it.

What to wear guides {Casual Summer}

I don't know what's going on with the weather but it's 11:30pm and it's still 80 degrees outside.  So although I said goodbye to summer a few days ago, I was inspired to create a summer what to wear guide with shades of blue, brown and a pop of orange. If your family mimics the example above with 3 boys, mom has to stand out with a bright blue tank top as the queen of the family!

Featured: Old Navy  Banana Republic  Gap  Gymboree   Piperlime

Goodbye summer!

I love Kiki's tattoo on her arm.

Final day of summer. Had to celebrate it with an impromptu photo shoot outside our house. The girls wanted to play outside after dinner and when I saw how perfect the lighting was, I asked Danny to bring out my camera. I couldn't resist the yummy light. Yes, I get really excited about lighting! A and K would only let me take a few shots before they ran off to play. They're starting to take control of the photo sessions now - they told me they wanted to choose their poses!  They hugged each other on their own without me bribing them at all! That makes the mom and photographer in me really happy. :)

My husband (who's an awesome photographer!) took the camera and I got to be a model with E. She was supposed to be sleeping but after screaming non stop in her crib, I brought her out and she was so happy to be with the family. Her outfit is not camera ready but when the lighting is good, you just gotta start shooting! Goodbye summer!

What to wear guides

One of the most frequently asked questions I get is, "What should I wear? What looks good in pictures?" Since I am a visual person, I've started creating 'what to wear guides' in order to inspire all of you. I love pops of color and rich textures. This is the first installment and I chose a deep purple/grey color palette for the Fall Family Portraits theme. This may be a bad idea though...I keep getting sidetracked wanting to buy clothes for myself and my kids!
Featured: Mini Boden  Old Navy  Piperlime

2010 Holiday Sessions

I can't believe August is almost over and school is just around the corner. Now it's time for summer relaxation to come to an end. Actually, with all of my kids activities, it didn't seem so relaxing! :)  The holidays are approaching and it's time to get ready for holiday portraits.  This year, I decided to offer 2 days of mini sessions to accommodate everyone's busy schedules.  Also, be on the lookout for my 2010 Holiday card designs. The one above is one of my favorites.

What are mini sessions? 

A 20-30 minute portrait session with me :) 

These sessions are ideal for those:

- that want an updated portrait for your holiday cards

- that want a little taste of what JMP can offer you without committing to a full session

- that want a few special portraits to mark the end of 2010

Approximately 8-10 edited images will be posted in a private online gallery.

Where will it take place?

As long as the weather cooperates, the sessions will be held at an outdoor location. The 2 locations are still being finalized, but will most likely be in the South Bay and one in the East Bay. 

Session Packages

Package A: 

Includes 1 high resolution digital file to print your own holiday cards

$100

Package B:

Includes 50* custom designed 5x7 double sided press printed cards (card stock) with envelopes

$145

Package C: 

Includes 50 custom designed 5x7 double sided press printed cards (card stock) with envelopes, and all high res digital files 

$250

*Additional cards can be added on

25 cards: $35 (savings of $15)

50 cards: $60 (savings of $40)

**Packages include up to 6 family members. Include $25 for each additional member. 
***Newborn sessions are not eligible for holiday package. Newborn babies require lots of tlc and cannot be rushed into a  20 minute session. 

Book before Aug 27 and receive two free 5x7 prints ($40 value) 

Contact me if you have any questions. Thanks!

Sneak Peek for Lee Family {Family Portraits}

I drove out to Tiburon today to meet with the Lee Family to capture their family portraits while the grandparents are in town. Their place was amazing - LOVE the view from the deck. We were able to do the entire session at their house and I felt so welcomed by the entire family. By the end of the session, even little C and J liked me! I was SO happy when C even called me 'eemo.' I earned his trust! Well, a little goody bag might have had something to do with it. Thanks M and J for inviting me into your home and allowing me to spend some time with your family. Enjoy!

{Special Sisters} Part 2

I had the pleasure of photographing E and A yesterday for a brief mini session in the studio. Do they look familiar? I photographed their family a year ago. I love seeing how much they've grown and changed. Makes me feel old though! Can't you feel the love coming out of these pics? :)

{Special Sisters} My nieces

I love photographing sisters. There's something about that sister bond that is so special. Of course, I'm a little biased.  I have a sister, 2 sister in laws,  and I have 3 girls of my own. I have 4 nieces so all our family get togethers are over run with girls! My life is consumed with all things girly - and I LOVE it! I totally digress though....here's C and D - sisters that almost share the same birthday. I see how close they are now and I hope that they never lose that special sister bond as they grow up. I love how happy they look in the pics.