My Freedom Project is finally starting to take form! After some initial problems, the shoots are starting to go well. I photographed Lisa a couple days ago in her garden, where she feels free.

For those who haven’t talked to me lately, the project is about what makes women feel free. Sorry, guys, but this one is just about women! If you are interested in being a part of my project, just let me know– all shoots are complimentary and you will receive a disc with the digital images on it shortly after the shoot. The only requirement is that you can think and open yourself up to me just a bit.

Wedding clients may see a familiar face here– this is Ines’s family! Mike and Dylan came along today and we took some new family photos for them. Dylan is growing up so fast! He was pretty much fascinated by Fez and kept saying, “Doggy” all afternoon.

Last time I saw Dylan, he was still pretty much falling over after a few steps– now he’s dancing on my coffee table!

Once again, I’m a bit behind on my updates of professional’s portraits…

David– well you’ve seen David before. But this time sans mustache!

Fred is a local handyman on the hunt for a new girlfriend!

And Debbie is a realtor

Yesterday morning I played with Sophie! We played on the swings outside and then played dress-up inside. Oh, and by we, I really mean her and her mom, Sara. Unfortunately, the responsibility of actually taking photos sometimes interferes with playtime… sadly enough.

Katie is a little over three months now, and she is turning into such a little character! I’m so excited that I get to see her grow up over the first year of her life. I just saw her a few weeks ago at a photo ordering session, and she’s already changed a ton just in those few short weeks. I know everyone says that, but Mike was just looking over my shoulder a few minutes ago saying how much she’s changed. And if Mike notices…

I visited the studio today. It might not look like much has changed since the last set of images, but a ton of detail work has been finished! Next week the bamboo floor will be installed, along with the doors and wall at the entrance. I’m starting to get really excited about it!

I’ve been itching to paint something lately, and after Reuben and Christine’s engagement shoot I knew I had the perfect start!

Reuben and Christine were down in SoCal this weekend finalizing their wedding plans, and kindly scheduled in a chunk of time for their engagement photos in downtown Long Beach. We joked more than once that walking around downtown was our “exercise” for the day. I guess I’m in like company!

I love the day after a storm– the air is clear, the light is pretty, and everything is a little bit more fresh. Great day for shooting!

First, let me simply say that it was cold yesterday. While we were shooting on the beach (me in wool pants, sweater turtleneck, and furry parka), I was thinking I felt more cold than I did shooting on the beach in San Francisco! But Matt and Jinu were such troopers! The wind was throwing the sand everywhere, making it hard for me to even walk on the beach, and they walked all the way down to the water anyway.

They had a gorgeous and simple ceremony at Pepperdine’s Stauffer Chapel, and the beach shoot took place in Santa Monica in front of the Jonathan Club, where the reception was held.

A few shots at the chapel:

Jinu:

And at the beach:

I know I’ve a bit MIA lately, blogging or otherwise. As I mentioned a few posts ago, I spent a week in San Francisco at the California Photographic Workshops studying under Cliff Mautner. It was a wonderful week, quite simply. The rain even mostly cooperated with us!

Here are some of the images I produced over the week. We were shooting every day, so made plenty of photographs! Monday afternoon it rained throughout our entire shoot… and I, the little SoCal photographer, had the greatest time shooting in the rain.

Elizabeth is a farmer and only modelled for us out of coincidence– she was so much fun. I was thrilled when she was assigned to us again on Thursday afternoon. It wasn’t any warmer, but it was definitely full of sun.

Terry actually flew up for the day from San Diego! I’ve got a ton of photos of him with his cowboy hat, but they’re still on the other computer.

Jana has modelled for CPW before– she’s another photography student.

Dennis is a Bay Area photographer that kindly filled in as model for us on Wednesday. Erinn, actually the daughter of his best friend, played bride! They were so much fun! Dennis actually tricked us into walking up Lombard St, which is probably the most exercise I’ve had in a month!

some of Erinn alone:

and Dennis alone:

Dates are filling up fairly quickly… the next spot for a weekend engagement session is May 13th. If your engagement session needs to be on a weekend, that is the last date available before summer.