When I was in Portland in August visiting friends, family & shooting a marathon of family sessions (see posts from the end of August, pretty much all of September & beginning of October), I also shot a little just for fun.  My dear friend Molly & her family are among my favorite subjects to capture so when she suggested we go on a walk with her adorable 3-year old ‘B’ and explore her charming new neighborhood with our cameras, I was more than happy to tag along.

It was hard. So very, very hard. One of the hardest decisions I’ve ever had to make. In my life. (Ok, so that’s an exaggeration, but work with me here.)  Trust me, it was so very, very hard. Some how, some way though, I managed to choose a small selection of photos from this last of my LA family shoots.  I have NO IDEA how I did it.  But trust me, it was very, very hard.

Oh, the Barkleys.  Gorgeous. Handsome. Adorable. Squeezable. All-around fantastic. This family brought it all – adorable clothes & a fabulous home with amazing style but most of all, personality & charisma. Barkleys, it is shoots like yours that feed my creative soul and leave me begging for more.  Thank YOU.

(This next image makes me laugh EVERY time I see it.  It was all her idea but I promise no children were (permanently) harmed in the making of this photo.)

Can’t get enough of the Barkleys? Neither can I, so go HERE.

One of the most important things to me when planning a family session is that it be representative of the family, that it document their family interacting and doing something they love to do together.  When I found out this next family loves their weekly trip to the local Farmer’s Market, there was no question of where we should go.  After picking up dad from the afternoon train, followed by a quick clothing change, we strolled through the market, picking up their usual favorites of popcorn and some fresh berries for a pre-dinner picnic underneath their favorite tree.  Thank you, Allchins, for allowing me to tag along on your fun family activity.

There are certain couples that require a little prompting to snuggle a little closer in front of the camera. Even the most in-love couple isn’t always comfortable showing that love when a big lens is pointed in their faces. But not this next couple! They needed absolutely no prompting whatsoever to show me exactly how much they love one another. With kisses, tickling and words, it is obvious why Jenny & Allen are a perfect pair. And may I just commend their “children”? Handsome and so well-behaved.

Thank you, Jenny & Allen. It was my pleasure to capture your adoration.

This first of four LA families are among my oldest and dearest friends.  Kelly and I met over 22 years ago when our sisters – both named Brandi – became friends.  It’s like it was fate and soon after where you found one of us, the other was sure to be around.  And then in high school she met Tom, and two proms and many graduations later, came a wedding.  And after the wedding came the kidlets, both perfect combinations of the parents who contributed to their genes.  I just love to see longtime friends in their new roles as parents, and Kelly & Tom do it so very well.  It’s like it was fate.

And when you just can’t get enough of this adorable foursome, here’s a little slideshow for you with even more.