Sneak Peek for Lee Family {San Ramon Baby Photographer}

Looking so regal!

Wonder what S is thinking...

Little Baby S is the same age as Ellie. Well, technically Ellie is a whole 10 days older! It's so cute seeing them develop and watching them interact with each other (mostly S touching E and E staring at her with the "Just you wait..." look!). S celebrated her big day last week and I'm so honored to be able to capture her 12 month portraits. As the baby of the family, she's constantly showered with love from her brothers and sisters. I'm sure there is never a dull moment. For this session, mom brought just S and all attention was on her. She was completely at ease in the studio and gave me these model looks with those big eyes!

1 year sessions are so special - it's such a big milestone when they reach that toddler stage. There's excitement in all that is to come soon, like walking and talking. Maybe I'm just getting sentimental but I wish they could just stay little for a bit longer.

Sneak Peek for Park Family {San Ramon Family Photographer}

Today is Thanksgiving and I have so many things to be thankful for. Yes, it's Thanksgiving and yes, I'm working. I have been working non stop and I am so grateful to be doing what I love.  I am thankful that so many families have allowed me to capture their family portraits. I like to think that I'm not just taking  pictures but capturing the bond and the uniqueness (is that really a word? yes, I'm tired and SO full from eating all day) of each family.
I think it is appropriate that on this Thanksgiving day, I'm posting a sneak peek for the Park family who I am extremely thankful for. They have been a huge blessing to me and my family. Btw, notice the purple theme going on? :)

Sneak Peek for Chu Family {San Ramon Family Photographer}

What a gorgeous family! 

Such joy.

Another rained out family from my holiday session on Saturday. The kids were so well behaved and I didn't even have to do anything crazy to get some smiles. They were all naturals in front of the camera and each showed their distinct personality (love J's tongue sticking out in the formal portrait!). G, how do you look so good with twins and a 7 year old! 

Sneak Peek for Lee Family {San Ramon Family Photographer}

The Lee family was inspired by my 'Fall Family' What to wear guide and chose purple and grey for their outfits- don't they look great? We braved the chill and shot some pictures outside (yes, 50 degrees is FREEZING for us Californians!). By the time we all got into the studio, everyone was sniffling and we all defrosted with some hot coffee and hot chocolate. After we got movement back into our bodies (yes, we are weaklings when it comes to the cold), we ended with  a few studio shots.
B- after all the rescheduling and the hour by hour weather changes, I hope you had as much fun as I did!

Sneak Peek for Lai-Yang Family {San Ramon Family Photographer}

I carefully chose 11/20 as the date of the last holiday mini session for the year. The weather was abnormally hot all week and then of course....it rained all night Friday and sporadically on Saturday.  The Lai-Yang family session was supposed to be held outdoors but due to the unexpected weather, we did a studio session before the big Cal- Stanford game. Enjoy your sneak peek! Now on to edit all the other family sessions.

Ellie's Dol Party

My friend, BL made these beautiful dol towers (dol go im) to coordinate with Ellie's dress.

My SIL, BC and I made these tissue paper flowers.

Yeah! A family picture of us. These are rare. 

My SIL, BC made this very elegant banner. 

Photo collage and doljabi board with photos from her 11 month session. 

My other SIL, SC made 150 cookies for the party favors. Yes, 150!!

After photographing so many dols for other families this year, it was finally Ellie's turn to celebrate her big day. Of course, being in November, I was extremely busy with work and didn't have much time to plan. Luckily, I have very talented friends and family! My sister in laws took care of the party favors and banner and my friend, B painstakingly made 4 dol towers for me! I loved all the purple colors and how elegant everything looked. Ellie was fighting a virus and had just gotten better the day of the party so she was stuck to my hip most of the night. I didn't get to take many shots during the party (but I did get some candids from my point and shoot camera!) so most of the detail shots above are from the day after at home. At least I was fair - all 3 of my girls don't have many pictures from their dol. Well, that's the life of a photographer's daughter!

Sneak Peek for Chan Family {San Ramon Family Photographer}

Look familiar? I've photographed my sister in law's family many times and it's really cute to see how my niece and nephew interact with me at different stages. Now that they're 2 and 3 years old, they definitely let me know if they'd rather play on the playground than take a family picture. :) But they can also follow simple directions and laugh at my attempts at being silly (actually, I'm hilarious. all the 2 year olds think so!) I'm sure L and L think I'm the annoying aunt that follows them around with a big camera while they're just trying to have fun at the park.
Loved this session because I got to see L's spunky diva-ness come out. See the hand on the hip and the "I'm not looking at you no matter how many times you call my name" pose?  And L's mood changed dramatically when his mom gave him a little pink flower to hold.  Apparently, he loves to hold things. A little boy with a little flower. How can you not smile?

Sneak Peek for Fradenburg Family {San Jose Family Photographer}

I didn't even have to tell K what to do. This pose is ALL HER. Oh, and I love sun flare. :) 

What up??  Who you lookin at?

SO beautiful!

I had to add this picture. It was just a test shot as I changed my camera settings but I love how K
has the iphone behind her back as her mom is asking for it back!

I returned to the Japanese Friendship Garden in San Jose to capture some family portraits for the Fradenburgs as they recently added a new member to the family. We had to reschedule our original session due to rain and we decided to change the location as well. I love shooting at the gardens - it's so serene and every place you look is a beautiful backdrop for portraits. Luckily, we met during the week so we didn't have to share the space with all the brides that come during the weekends.
It's been 2 years since I've last taken portraits for the Fradenburgs and I just adore K. She is such a natural in front of the camera and the camera loves her! And little T is such a handsome little boy - love his grey eyes! Seriously, J and C - your kids are so adorable. I love my job.

Sneak Peek for Chua Family {San Ramon Family Photographer}

Haven't done studio portraits in a while and it was nice to get back and capture some classic family portraits for the Chua family. This time, they returned with a new addition to the family - Choco! She knew just what to do - look at that model pose!

Sneak Peek for Moon Family {San Jose Dol First Birthday Photographer}

Yeah! A smile from M- the birthday boy!

Little M's mom hand made these dol towers!  

How cute are these place cards?? 

The delicious candy bar filled with blue and yellow sweets.

M hiding out & drinking behind the projection screen. I love it that he's only wearing a onesie and argyle socks.  

The cake was a piece of art!

M layed down and got comfortable when it was time for the doljabi. 

After some coaxing, he got up and grabbed the sheet music. 

M celebrated his 1st birthday in style at Maggiano's. The Moon's (no, we're not related) put together such a beautiful party filled with lots of hand made touches. You could tell just how much love was poured into every detail. C, you are AMAZING! Enjoy your sneak peek!