A Hero is Born - Baby Richard's Newborn Photos

You may remember Rachelle's maternity session from a few weeks ago. Baby Richard was born last week, and Rachelle came back in last night for his newborn session. Just one week old, he needed some snack breaks and a little encouragement, but he did just great. Here are a few favorites from this newborn session:
















San Diego newborn photographer - military, baby, children, flag, newborn

San Diego High School Senior Photos at the Hotel Del Coronado

Tonight I had a great time photographing Stephanie for her senior photos at the Hotel Del Coronado. It was the absolute perfect beach setting - overcast skies early, an amazing sunset at the end, no wind and very few people on the beach. Oh how I wish they were all like this!

Here are a few favorites from this senior session...

We started in the courtyard:





Then it was out to the beach, here is probably my favorite photo from the session:



And then time for the amazing sunset - now THIS is why I wish more people did their beach photos in the fall when we actually have weather and color:



Here is Stephanie's entourage (people she brought along to carry all of her stuff):





San Diego HS Senior Photographer, Photography, Photos, Pictures

San Diego Newborn Photography

This evening we had a great time photographing Lionel, Patti and their two beautiful Daughters. We did maternity and newborn photos for them a couple of years ago and they returned for newborn portraits of their newest addition.

Here are some favorites:











San Diego Newborn Photographer

Just a few of our Son at the lake this weekend

Heading off to NY Monday morning (photos to follow, of course). Spent the weekend relaxing with the family, and since it was 90 degrees out here all weekend, it was a great opportunity to go to the lake, feed the ducks and of course get a few photos of the Big Guy doing his thing.

San Diego High School Senior Photos with a Twist

Last night I had the pleasure of shooting senior photos with Elizabeth. We shot at two locations, first at the Rancho Riding Club and then at the beach in downtown Del Mar. Here are a few favorites from Elizabeth's senior session.

Elizabeth and Emma:






Then on the beach in Del Mar:





Finally this one just cracked me up:


San Diego HS Senior Portraits Rancho Riding Club Del Mar

The USS Peleliu Returns, a Family is Reunited

This morning I had the pleasure of photographing the USS Peleliu returning to San Diego, and a Father returning home to his family after six months at sea.

It couldn't have been a worse morning - rain (often heavy by San Diego standards), wind, overcast skies, you name it. But with a tripod and trusty umbrella, I headed over to Coronado in an attempt to photograph the ship as it passed in front of the San Diego skyline. The bad weather made for some pretty dramatic photos. Throw in some fun Photoshopping, and we've got some pretty amazing photos:








Then I drove over to 32nd Street and met with Lara and her Son to photograph them meeting Steve as he came off of the ship. The wind and rain pounded the crowd as everyone waited anxiously for the men and women to start coming off of the ship.



Then to our delight, just as people started getting off of the ship, the rain stopped! Just a little more waiting....



And finally we saw him:


Daddy is home!!!


A very proud Papa!




And a family is reunited.

Photographing a Hero

If you ask me, any man or woman who serves in our military is a hero - these people give so much, and too often give their lives as well. Overlooked are the heroes that they leave behind when they are deployed - their families. Wives go months without seeing their Husbands, raising children alone. Fathers often miss the birth of their own children and miss major milestones as their children grow up. Sacrifices are made by the whole family, for the good of our country and for the freedom that we all too often take for granted.

However, talk to someone in the military and they will often tell you that they are not heros - that the only true heros are the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice and gave their lives for our country.

Rachelle's Husband Ricky was deployed to Iraq on his second tour of duty on March 8th, and on March 25th Rachelle found out that she was pregnant with their first child. Less than two weeks after getting this wonderful news, Ricky lost his life while serving his country, on a patrol in Iraq.

This story broke our hearts and we jumped at the chance to work with Rachelle in an effort to capture some very special photographs for her, her family and Ricky's family.

I don't know how anyone deals with such a loss, but in my book Ricky, Rachelle and baby Richard are all true heros. Here are some of the photos from a very special photo shoot.













San Diego military pregnancy photography

San Diego Family Photos at Balboa Park

This morning I met the Dewell family at Balboa Park for some beautiful family portraits. We had a perfectly overcast sky, great for photos! The kids were a blast, and aptly named me "Mr. Stinky Feet" (I've been called worse). Here are a few favorite photos from this photo shoot:

Little Blue Eyes:


Lady Killer:



Family at the Balboa Park Reflecting Pond:



Family with the Botanical Garden in the background:



And finally, why is it that when I say "make a funny face", Mom is always the only one who doesn't???



Family Portraits at San Diego Balboa Park