Meet the McKinnon Family…. McKinnon Family, meet everyone. This is yet another beautiful family I had the opportunity to photograph this holiday season…. and once again, I left the shoot with feelings of joy and encouragement from these smiling faces.
This year, Katie is off at college, Andrew has moved to the midwest, and Emily is growing up FAST. With their family changing so quickly, they wanted to document this time before it passes…. and I don’t blame them! Time is FLYING BY! I really admire how the McKinnons have embraced the changes this year and how their love for each other still brings joy to their faces. Here are my favorites from the afternoon…
It was one of those bi-polar winter days in Southern California. While it’s supposed to be the coldest part of the year, it felt more like 80 degrees out and I felt the beginnings of perspiration on my forehead as we hiked at Bommer Canyon Park in Irvine. Jeff, Cindy, Ellie, and I walked slower, taking in the beauty of the canyon and we chatted about the strange change in weather. The boys ran ahead, gathering rocks and chucking them into the bushes to scare away the bears their dad, Jeff, had told them roam this part of Irvine. (Note: there are ZERO bears in Irvine, in case you were wondering) It was just a wonderful November afternoon, one that brought back nostalgic memories of the long walks with my dad in the orange groves. The boys’ carefree and imaginative play reminded me of the many rocks I had found when I was a kid, convinced I had struck gold in the most unlikeliest of places–my backyard. I just knew history books would tell my story for decades to come…. the little girl who found gold in her own backyard. It’s imagination like this, and like that of the Matsuda boys, that I wish I could retain now as an adult.
We had a wonderful time hiking, playing, taking some pictures, and allowing ourselves to get lost in the wonder of it all. Jeff, Cindy, Jaren, Logan, and Ellie…. you have something special with your family. I really enjoyed watching you all play, smile, laugh, and love on each other…. and I left the park that afternoon with a smile on my face and joy in my heart. Thanks for letting me capture such a special time in your family’s life! Here are my favorites from the afternoon….
Jared, Cortez, Eric, and Chris have come a long way since last time we shot portraits of their band. Swivel Tactic, formerly known as The Good Kids have a new look… and a new sound. They’re in the process of cutting a new album they’re pretty proud of… one that is a showcase of the band’s soul and spirit. I have to say, I love meeting artists and journeying with them as they evolve into better and better versions of themselves. It’s inspiring, and I’m proud to know you guys.
This shoot was done in Santa Ana, in some back alley…. in the early EARLY morning… but it was so fun getting to hang with these guys. Here’s my favorites from the shoot….
It’s crazy how fast time flies…. and it such a strange feeling running into someone and remembering the way they were when they were 5 years old. I’m not quite sure what to do in moments like those…. hug them?… or bury my head in my hands and try to make time stand still for just ONE second. The Kasperowicz boys are no longer boys…. they’re the Kasperowicz men. Crazy. I remember babysitting these three when they were all shorter than me. Now, they’re all twice my size.
Well, this year, their family chose me to take their famous holiday family portraits and we had a fun time traipsing around The Lab, in Costa Mesa, dodging the intermittent November rain. Jase, Neil, and Dylan…. you guys rocked these, and while I know taking family portraits isn’t your favorite thing in the entire world, I had fun with you guys. These were my favorites from the afternoon… Enjoy!
