Here is another contest entry we received:

"Here are pictures of Joshua in Glacier National Park with Pancake Pete. The picture of him in the tree is followed by a picture of just the tree. He's also there infront of a gorge fed by glaciers. I love the one of the massive roots of a fallen tree. And finally there is him in the middle of the ceder forest."

We had a few stragglers - so we extended the contest until the end of this month. The 3 runners up get $100 Gift Certificate to a future session and the grand prize is a complimentary session and an unframed 16x20 canvas! (to see the details see this blog link: (CONTEST SECTION OF BLOG)

Here is an entry from Luke - his mom just had a baby - which is why I think Pancake Pete is hanging out with Mr. Turtle. :)

Some exciting news for our little family ...

Now I lay me down to sleep (NILMDTS) stillborn baby photos Hoag Hospital - Newport Beach, CA

WARNING - These are very sensitive photos. Please skip this post if you wish.

This past week was one of the most emotional weeks for me. Last Sunday I got a call that my brother's friends had gone into the hospital because the wife was having pre-term labor on Saturday - 20 weeks pregnant. Sunday they came to the conclusion that the baby would have to be delivered - and would not survive. They had originally asked if I would take their maternity photos and newborn pictures. When the nurse asked them if they would like someone from NILMDTS to come take photos - they immediately thought of me. They did not know at the time that I was a member of this group.
I went to the hospital with my brother at 8 - and hung out for awhile with them. The feeling in the room was more relaxing than I thought. Watching this couple was one of the most life impacting things I have ever seen. They were leaning on each other - and something that could break a couple - only made them stronger. Their strength they had during such a time of grief was amazing.
At 12:30 a.m. I went home because she had decreased her dilation to a 3 - and at 2 a.m. I got a call that their little boy had been born. When I got to the hospital - it was very emotional. But - again - this couple was amazing. Instead of grieving in the loss of their stillborn child, they thanked him for the opportunity to bring them closer as a couple, and helping them learn things in life that they needed to learn. Throughout the next few days I got some prints for them - and they have the funeral service on Saturday. I have never been so touched by a couple and their love for each other. They are both amazing people and I feel honored to be a part of their family's life.

Portrait photography NCL National Charity League at our studio - Newport Beach, CA

I have been in full swing with National Charity League Debutante's - during July and August I have taken their formal photos to be displayed the night of the ball in November. This is now my 5th year doing this event - and it's fun to start seeing familiar faces coming back around with younger daughters. :) This group of girls have been really sweet - here are just a few shots

My family went to Lake Tahoe in July for our annual trip (it's somewhere different each year). It was fun to get away - but of course - I worked 1/2 the time.....

Tyler loved the sand, bucket and shovel combination


not so much of a lover for the camera


Hanging out on the blow up island on the lake


Brian with his uncle Tyrus and cousin Kyle on the lake


We went golfing too - Brian was a big fan at the beginning - then he lost interest






The best brother in the world and his oldest son Spencer!

Children's photography session @ our studio - Newport Beach, CA

We did this little group of siblings a couple months ago prior to their newest sister - so we had to do some with her as the newest addition! :)



I LOVE her little tongue






The beautiful mom

The Island Hotel wedding photography - Newport Beach, CA

This couple was SO great to work with. The wedding was absolutely beautiful! We got to work with Barbara Wallace - an AMAZING wedding coordinator. If you don't have one - she is one of a kind! :) The wedding was at The Island Hotel in Newport Beach and not only were the bride and groom so sweet - so were all of their guests. It was also the first time the mother of the bride offered Brian and I a centerpiece. How sweet is that? :)

Her dress was amazing!










Love this one after the ceremony








Father of the groom and new daughter in law - a touching moment


We snuck up to their suite for a last shot of them looking at the sunset