Cynthia, Kris & Carter

Carter: 7 months

Um.  Hello. Look at Carter.  All I can say is he knows how to work it– he had my heart pitter pattering in less than a minute.  It's not hard to see why. 

Cynthia and Kris are getting married on January 10th, only a few weeks away– and I'm getting very excited to shoot their wedding!  They are both involved with the food industry– Cynthia works with the owners of AOC, Lucques, and the new Tavern, while Kris is a chef at The Hungry Cat.  All of these are fantastic restaurants if you've never been. 

Instead of an engagement shoot, they chose a family shoot instead to showcase little Carter.  It was fun, simple and easy.

Cynthia and Kris are simply easy to hang out with.  They are easy to talk to, and they're the kind of people you just feel comfortable around.  We sat and chatted while Carter ate lunch. 

 

Here's a peak at their cute nursery. 

And they love Carter, that's easy to see. 

Thanks for such a fun, simple shoot, can't wait for the wedding!

Annie    

Holiday Photo Party

Ok, so this party was a bit of an experiment. I talked it over with Genna Yaitanes, who hosted the party, and we agreed it was worth a try. 

She invited a few families over for Christmas cookies and I spent some time with each family.  We incorporated a few Christmas props for some potential use as holiday cards.  

A few things I didn't expect: 

The kids to be some of the cutest kids on the planet.  

The kids to be dressed to impress. 

The energy that is created when more than 5 kids under the age of 5 are in one room with cookies. 

My studio lighting to look quite so bad (I ended up resorting to natural light– my specialty…)

So, here it goes. 

Van awoke from his nap, and put on his "special occasion" attire.  This is my first time meeting Leo, 6 weeks old. 

 

Eva (who speaks fluent Greek and English) was waiting patiently for Van to wake up.  I absolutely love the bottom photo of her mom hugging her. Without even seeing any faces, you can tell how much she loves her.  

Van and Eva are friends, waiting to see who would be the next to arrive. 

Then, Paige (6 months old) made her grand entrance, dressed in the adorable holiday outfit from the earlier post.  Paige (at least for the few hours I spent with her) may be the happiest baby I have ever met.  I didn't hear her cry once, and she was smiling… the whole time!

 

and another because I can't help myself…

Then, I met Kristen with Oliver and Chloe. Oliver is high-energy and playful, though you would say that from this picture… he was so sweet and thoughtful looking in this moment. He happens to be his sister's favorite person.  She lights up when she sees him. 

 

 

Seriously. They also had matching "S" and "M" barrettes. 

Van took a photo with Grandpa… in matching hats. And one by the tree of course with Leo. 

Thank you, Genna, for hosting this party and introducing me to your friends.  It was so fun to meet everyone!

Annie

 

 

 
 
 
 

Happy Holidays

A preview of the Holiday Photo Party we had yesterday… More to come this afternoon!

 

Alicia & Mark: If Laughter is Sign…

Alicia & Mark. 

They may be one the funniest couple I've ever had the honor of photographing.  I think my stomach hurt from laughing all day long with these two.  Their sense of humor will surely help in any of life's harder moments– and it certainly made of the happier ones even that much more enjoyable. 

Alicia & Mark both work behind the scenes of a few "reality" series, including one of my favs, "Project Runway".  They're both pretty good about not giving away any secrets from next season… 

A lovely fall wedding, all the details tied together. Alicia's shoes even matched the invitations and menus. 

 Alicia looked gorgeous in her vintage wedding gown. 

 

Everything about the wedding was simply beautiful.  Held at the Marvimon House, it was full of character and charm. 

The ceremony was quite enjoyable– with a well-delivered story of how the two met, but kept "missing" each other…. It took a few years apparently for them to get together. 

 

One of my favorite design elements of the wedding was the seating chart that Alicia made.  It was an incredibly sweet DIY project that replaced escort cards.  The seating chart was filled with old family wedding photos from both her and Mark's side.  I loved looking at the old photos– and her family definitely loved the project as well. 

 
 And if the wedding couldn't get any craftier, they had a Photobooth Guest Book at the reception.  So fun. The photobooth displayed on a screen outside what was being shot inside… 

Alicia & Mark, thank you for the amazing wedding. I had fun from start to finish. And if you have any more of Mark's childhood musical theater videos, please put them on Youtube. 

 

 

Congratulations. Can't wait to hang out again. 

AM

The Gershons: Introducing Daphne

Daphne: 5 months

What a little gem.  Her cheeks are irresistible!  

 

I adore Jenny & Adam, and it's didn't surprise me that I would love their new little Daphne.. We met for the first time shooting the pregnancy, and I knew instantly I liked this couple.  We talked all about pregnacy drank tea, and just had a good time… oh, and we took some photos too. 

This time was no different.  We drank tea, talked and had a great time. It's easy to see just how in love Jenny & Adam are with their new family. 

And look how cute the nursery is!

  Grandma bought Daphne some Christmas pajamas. 

And after a while, Daphne fell asleep.  She likes to take naps in her parents bed.  I can see why…

  Jenny & Adam, it was great to see you again.  I can see that you are going to be wonderful parents… 

Annie

Happy December

This is little Daphne from the Gershon's shoot yesterday. More to come soon!

 

Classic is Always in Style: The Guerrero’s

I had so much fun getting to know the Guerrero's.  They live in my hometown, Valencia, and it's always an added bonus when I get to visit.

While a lot of my photography captures the moment, I couldn't resist taking a more classic portrait in their beautiful Spanish-style home.

 

Their two boys are full of personality– and both so sweet. Lorenzo, a third-grader, shook my hand when first introduced.  Such a gentleman.

 

 

And some more of the boys… 

 

My favorite style of family portrait…

Simple and so sweet.

And we can't forget an essential part of the classic family…

 

 

Thanks to the Guerrero's for a fun shoot!

The Best Costumes: Halloween 09

Rialto St, Venice Beach

For the past few years, we've all gathered at my friend Faye's house on Rialto in Venice Beach to give out candy on Halloween.  I have a great time taking photos of all the kids who come trick or treating.  Here are a few from the night.  Enjoy!

All of the photos can be seen at amphotography.com/photocart. 

Thanks for the great night!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thanks for all the fun costumes!  

Life’s Daily Affairs…When You’re Under the Age of 5

A morning with Melanie, Damon, Braden & Dylan. 

First on the list.  Make breakfast. 

Then, look adorable. 

 

Up next, run away from and get caught by the dragon in the fort… 

 

BECOME the dragon. With your shadow of course. 

Take a breather. 

 

 

Play with a train.

 

Play with a car. 

 

Play in the fort with mom. 

 

Have fun with Mom & Dad.

Call it a day. 

 

Thanks to the Lapas for letting me experience a morning in the life… I had so much fun and can't wait until next year.. 

Luke & Laura: The Santa Monica Pier

Luke and Laura.  It's so fun to say.  And even more fun to shoot. We met at the Santa Monica Pier for their engagement shoot.  Laura and I both loved the idea of a shoot at the Pier– it's iconic and timeless.  However, I didn't realize just what a great choice this was until we started shooting and their playful sweetness emerged. 

This is my favorite shot from our afternoon– on the Ferris Wheel. 

They love to laugh…

 

Is this not the sweetest kiss?  It's like the world has stopped for it…

 

The Pier has so many fun places to shoot, colors, games, props… and I have a lot of great photos of these things.  We tried on funny sunglasses, ate cotton candy and rode some kiddy rides– But I couldn't help but showcase the sweet simple shots.  The others are fun– and funny, but these just really showed who the couple is.  They laugh– a lot.  It's contagious too– I remember laughing a lot with them. I think the last photo may have been when Luke told me he wasn't fond of heights… on the ferris wheel.

And lastly…

 

Thanks Luke and Laura!  I can't wait for the wedding!