such a cool name. and, he lived up to that for sure on this day. sometimes, having his picture taken does not rank too high on the list for phoenix... especially when you are in the pool, swimming with friends on a amazingly beautiful fall santa cruz afternoon. but, those 10 minutes that we got from you were just perfect, so silly and real and well, it ended up being pretty darn fun, didn't it?!
thank you, phoenix, for your joy and your coolness!
xo,
liz
little guy... are you really one this quickly? i have been so blessed to get to photograph sweet kodiak 4 times this past year. starting with while he was in his mama's belly, then at the moment he entered this world, two weeks later and now as he passes the one year mark. just look at these faces you gave us this day. could you get any cuter... i mean really?!
and, big brother phoenix, i did capture some of your greatness too! i will show some of those very soon...
xo,
liz
this is ella, reaching... she has inspired me. something in this little angel, something in the feeling i get from this image has moved me to finally come back here. this is me, reaching, trying to come back to this long left photography journal. i know it has been forever, i thought of that for many moments and then i finally let it go... cause something had to give. my summer was full, filled to the brim, my mommy time was getting cut short and my photography work was burying me deep. a good thing in ways, but i could not do it all... so something had to give. and, well, the blog was that. then fall hit and now here we are on the brink of the holidays! more on this journey most likely to come, but for now i just am happy to be back, and to reach out and give a hug to you all.
i have so much to share... so check back soon and leave some words to help keep me motivated.
xo,
liz
Oh, this baby girl... she is as sweet as they come. I absolutely love newborn sessions, but this one was especially amazing. Emily was such a chill little angel, allowing me to keep shooting and changing her attire while she continued her peaceful slumber for hours on end. I didn't even see her wake til the last few minutes. And the fun accessories and Emily's beautiful face were just extra toppers to this special time I got to spend with her this day.
Seriously, the scratchy tutu did not even make her stir...
Flower band #2
Flower band #3
And #4 with a little bit of vintage...
And, with Daddy's special guitar in place, suddenly she was done...
Lauren and Will, thank you for sharing your sweet girl and allowing me to let my creative juices flow. I had such fun and as you know, could have stayed all day! I hope this little glimpse into your upcoming gallery holds you over for a little while longer til you see the rest...
xo,
liz
ps- I must come over again some day so we can get to the 10 other headbands and guitars!
... a little late! I forgot that I had taken this picture of this sweet guy a couple weeks ago... how could I not show his cuteness and wish you a happy late 4th of July! More of this session coming up soon...
xo,
liz
Oh my, I think it is about time I post this engagement session... seeing as Jennie and David got married this past weekend! How time has gotten away from me with the school year wrapping up, summer starting, vacations happening, wedding season in the works... Jennie and David were a lot of fun to get to know as we strolled around documenting this special engagement time. I love seeing how couples connect, feeling so excited about beginning their lives together. Jennie and David just seemed to have that special twinkle in their eyes, looking at each other so much of the shoot, full of happiness and anticipation.
And, sweet little Max. He got to join us for the last part of the evening. Just wait til you see him in the wedding pictures...
Jennie and David, thank you for spending this time with me before your big day. I hope you had as much fun as I did!
xo,
liz
These sweet kiddos were some of my very first photography clients nearly 7 years ago! When their mom came walking by my studio recently and we started talking, I truly could not believe how fast this time has flown. Her babies were so big now, she desperately needed more photos... so after a couple rained out attempts, we set out on a fun afternoon playing in the beautiful Santa Cruz sunshine!
Mia and Matthew, I had a great time seeing you again and laughing, running and hunting for lady bugs together. What a special bond you two seem to share... hold onto it! Shirley, thank you so much, I looking forward to helping you create something wonderful for your home soon.
xo,
liz
I cannot begin to say how very touched and honored I am to have received this award. Each year the Santa Cruz Goodtimes puplication runs the "BEST OF" contest featuring favorite local artists, restaurants, boutiques, and most everything else you can think of. And, thanks to you, my amazing friends and clients, I was recently blessed with this honor. I want to thank all of you for believing in me, supporting me and taking the time to place your vote. It means so much to be able to be a part of your lives, connect with your families and to leave you with images that you cherish forever. Truly, thank YOU for making this possible for me to follow my dream!
xo,
liz
Love, love, love, tears, laughter, silliness, love, tears... pure joy. This is what this May 1st held for this magical couple named Patty and Kevin. And, I was so blessed to have the opportunity to photograph all of this at their wedding. In meeting with them a few times before the wedding, I had seen a vivacious, playful, humor filled connection that they share so greatly. But, it was not until an hour before the wedding, from behind the lens, that I began to witness this deep, soul touching love they own. And, well, it only grew stronger as the wedding day went on...
Right as we were about to head back to the wedding site I asked them if they wanted to go beneath this big tree for a few last shots. It just felt right, spiritual or something, especially given the theme of the day was centered around nature, simple living beauty, and they were planting a tree together during their ceremony. It was very dark under there, but captured a beautiful moment to remember forever.
Ahhh, Patty and Kevin, I have tears again as I look at you and remember the spirit of your special day. What a beginning this was, somehow I know this is only going to get greater yet. It was an honor to capture all of this on film. Thank you for filling me with inspiration in many ways.
xo,
liz
ps- I have only gotten this far in my editing, but wanted to share a little glimpse, as they are heading off on their honeymoon tomorrow. Hopefully, more wedding images to appear soon...!