Esprit Photographie

Brothers and Mini Sessions, Oh My!

2011-09-21T13:29:00.000-07:00

The mini sessions are going fast, there are a few spaces left on October 23 and 29th...

it's that time of year again!

2011-09-09T13:20:00.000-07:00

Announcing Holiday Mini Sessions! This year once again there will be three dates in the East Bay - Sunday September 25, Sunday October 23, and Saturday, October 29. Due to popular demand (yay!) I will also be holding mini sessions in Los Angeles (Pacific Palisades) Sunday, October 2. The package includes 3 high resolution digital negatives chosen from your gallery of 5-10 images, $250.00.

These always fill up fast ....reserve your spot today!

laughter

2011-02-07T19:02:00.000-08:00

Pablo Neruda said that "laughter is the language of the soul". Perhaps that explains why laughter fills me (all of us) with simple joy--and fulfills us all on a deeper level too.

of course, soulful eyes speak volumes too...

Anything Can Be

2011-01-29T10:57:00.000-08:00

Listen to the mustn'ts, child. Listen to the don'ts. Listen to the shouldn'ts, the impossibles, the won'ts. Listen to the never haves, then listen close to me... Anything can happen, child. Anything can be.
-Shel Silverstein

Some catching up to do...

2011-01-28T22:44:00.000-08:00

"Never an illness, nor the absence
of grandeur, no,
nothing is able to kill the best in us,
that kindness, dear sir, we are afflicted with:
beautiful is the flower of man, his conduct,
and every door opens on the beautiful truth
and never hides treacherous whispers.

I always gained something from making myself better,
better than I am, better than I was,
that most subtle citation:
to recover some lost petal
of the sadness I inherited:
to search once more for the light that sings
inside of me, the unwavering light."
— Pablo Neruda

Holiday Mini Sessions!

2010-09-12T22:03:00.000-07:00

You asked for it...you got it! The Holiday Mini-Sessions are back and better than ever! This year there will be three dates in the East Bay - Sunday October 10, Sunday October 17, and Saturday, November 6. And...for one day only I will be holding Mini Sessions in Pacific Palisades (LA, Baby!) - on Saturday, October 2 (only two spots left!). The package includes 3 digital negatives chosen from your gallery of 5-10 images, $250.00.

Last year, spots sold out quickly...reserve your spot today!

....This Just In....

2010-07-30T14:02:00.000-07:00

I'm heading to L.A. to do a day of Holiday Card Mini Sessions! I will be in Pacific Palisades on Sunday, August 8 and have a few slots left in the morning hours...so contact me soon for details and to book your spot!
Some random happiness to share - the first few are with my new Canon 35 mm 1.4L lens...dang I love me an amazing prime! This lens is amazingly sharp and the bokeh is dreamy creamy...check it out!

Isn't She Lovely...

2010-07-16T15:55:00.000-07:00

12 day old Little Missy here had me wrapped around her finger at first goo! So alert from the start, she was more than ready and willing to participate in her first modelling (!) session with me. A breeze to photograph, and her gorgeous mama was too! (Man I wish I looked that good just after my first child was born!). Congrats on your beautiful daughter, B & C, she's a dream!

Poetry in Motion

2010-07-13T14:35:00.000-07:00

I think about this quote by Emerson when shooting--esp. shooting women:
"Beauty without expression is boring."

And aim to photograph with my own corollary:
"Beauty with poetic expression is photographer's nirvana."

As always, big shout out to my friend and mentor, Christa Meola (www.christameola.com)

Just Random Happiness....

2010-06-02T23:22:00.000-07:00

Maybe because it's finally summer here in the Bay Area. We can put our boots and umbrellas away, and bask in the sun! A few of my recent favorites, a collection from a few different shoots these past few weeks...

And the last one makes me happy, because, well, she's my girl and I love everything about that image, including the fact that her beloved Wilbur is on her lap. She loves him so much that we have an extra one, just in case one disappears....

1st Birthday!

2010-05-09T14:41:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite things about children's photography is following the youngster's life. I love seeing how they grow and change, from sleepy newborn perfection to swinging the world by the tail a short 12 months later! I first shot this little man as a bump in his mama's tummy, then as a 5 day old, and now, on his first birthday!
Congrats on your beautiful family, my friends. Thanks for letting me capture the love!

Sunday Mornings

2010-05-02T10:30:00.000-07:00

are the best. especially when we have no plans for the day. Mommy gets to sleep in. I get to make challah french toast. it's 8:45 and Hannah is swinging on the swing - one of her favorite pasttimes. Ben is shooting me with his nerf gun - one of his most prized possessions from his bday. life is good.

4 Beauties, 1 Marathon

2010-04-06T11:28:00.000-07:00

Is this even a job? I could do this all day long. Although maybe next time I won't join the ladies in a glass of champagne at noon....I was toast by the time we were done! I have to thank the gorgeous girls for being game to some of my more unusual ideas, but I think it worked out! You'll notice differing processing on some of these, intended to highlight the different personalities. Big shout out to my mentor and friend, Christa Meola (www.christameola.com/blog/), for her generous tutelage and unending patience.

Charming Hostess!

2010-03-23T22:29:00.000-07:00

OK, so first there were babies. And babies are good.

And then there was boudoir. And well, Boudoir, is boudoir is boudoir ;0

And now - the amazing musical ensemble Charming Hostess entrusted me with shooting images for their upcoming multi-national project at The Yerba Buena Gardens. It's called The Bowls Project---and it's an interactive sound installation that is opening July 8! You can find out more on their site: http://www.charminghostess.com/projects.html

I'm honored - I've been a fan for so long and wow, you guys are so talented! I'm just floored every time you sing. I honestly almost dropped my camera when you started singing this afternoon....

Little Sack of Sugar

2010-03-18T20:14:00.000-07:00

...I could just eat him up! Mr. M set the bar sky-high with his super chill attitude! Honestly, newborns just aren't supposed to be this easy to shoot....what a trooper!
Congrats, my friend - he is just divine. I can't wait to get my lens on him again!

Oh, Spring!

2010-03-14T20:10:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite days of the year is spring forward! The promise of longer days, the weather turning warmer, the end of all the rain (!!)....so what better way to try and capture that feeling than with an image! I think little Miss S on the swing pretty much sums it up for me.
Thanks for being so patient and wonderful, LW Family! I had a blast!

6 Days New

2010-03-12T20:28:00.000-08:00

Man was I excited to meet this little cherub. I did mom's maternity session just days before she was born...and here we are, at day of life 6! Somehow, she seems like a much older baby - incredibly alert and looking at the camera as if to say "no autographs please!" I hasten to recall a more amazing head of hair on any newborn I've ever shot. Congratulations, S Family, on a beautiful little angel, it's been so fun to capture your journey for you.

Happy Birthday Sammy!

2010-03-08T20:39:00.001-08:00

Wow. I've been following this little man since he was in his mama's tummy! Then I got to do his newborn session....and now, his first birthday. I didn't know it was possible to get cuter and cuter, but somehow Sammy does just that! I love his toothy grin, chubbawubba thighs and his "who, me?" expressions. Man, I just love this kid and his whole family. (and couldn't resist throwing in one pic of his beautiful big sister...). Lots of love to you, L family, and Mazel Tov on Sammy's first year. He's quite a kid!

bouncing baby....

2010-03-07T15:09:00.000-08:00

....boy oh boy! 3 weeks old and so alert, calm, and sweet! This handsome little man has given me such baby pangs - I just love his intense gaze and his chubby little toes....surely he's taking after that gorgeous big brother of his! Thank you, K Family, for sharing your new bundle of joy with me - it was such a pleasure!

L'Esprit d'une Femme...

2010-03-01T12:06:00.000-08:00

...is beautiful, mysterious, playful, sexy.
The boudoir session epitomizes the spirit and joy within...it is a gift to oneself, as well as to the one you LOVE! Want to see for yourself? My next boudoir marathon is March 20-21 at a beautiful hotel in San Francisco. There are only a few spots left so contact me asap if you want to be included!

Baby Belly!

2010-02-25T11:20:00.000-08:00

Ahhhh, the promise of The Bump! To me, awaiting the first child is the most magical time of one's life. Such an incredible transformation of body, mind, and spirit. Embrace this magical time, S Family, and enjoy your sneak peek! You look amazing, and I am so happy for you and your impending joy. And I can't wait to meet Baby K when I get to do her newborn session!

Do you remember

2010-02-17T22:32:00.000-08:00

...the last time you had fun like this?

I think the littlest one was shocked at her older sisters' antics.

I had a great morning shooting with you and your 3 beautiful girls, L Family! Enjoy your sneak peek!

LensBaby Boudoir

2010-02-16T19:46:00.000-08:00

LensBaby: A line of camera lenses that combines a simple lens with a bellows or ball and socket mechanism for use in special effects photography.

Boudoir: A type of photography whereby a set of sensual images of women of all shapes, ages, and sizes is created. Historically, the Boudoir was a drawing room used, among other things, to entertain intimate acquaintances.

LensBaby + Boudoir = SuperFunky in The City, Baby!
N* you ROCK thank you for being such an awesome model!

And now back to our regularly scheduled....

2010-02-08T20:02:00.001-08:00

....cuteness. Just my kids - Ben and Hannah, being themselves. That is, Hannah joyful and refusing to be told what to do...and Ben taking himself entirely too seriously. I captured their personalities, which is always what I set out to do with kids. Hannah was SO done after about 90 seconds (which you can tell in the last pic of her!). Ben is a camera hog, and he could go on for an hour or so. I remember when Ben was Hannah's age, he was the same way, so there's hope that my girl will start to love the lens soon too.

The Workshop that Rocked My World

2010-01-25T21:18:00.000-08:00

2010 is my year for major growth in my art and in my business. I'm planning on attending 4 workshops this year, and this weekend kicked off the first of those. I spent two looong (but not long enough!) days with Christa Meola ( http://www.christameola.com/blog/ ) and 18 other lucky, talented, warm, fun-loving souls who also have this passion (obsession?!) for photography.
Christa baptised me into the world of boudoir photography - and I never knew it would be such a par-tay! The energy is amazing for the photographer, and, so I heard, for the model/client. The client comes out of the shoot feeling beautiful, pampered, and in tune with their joie de vivre that all to often gets buried under the day-to-day busy-ness of life as mother, partner, and full-time worker bee.
Energizing. Beautiful. Feminine. A new branch of Esprit is born!
Valentine's Day is right around the corner. Who's game?

It's raining newborns...

2010-01-10T23:07:00.000-08:00

....but few calmer, sweeter, or more cooperative than little miss "M"! I wish I could have videotaped parts of our session - she could serve as a spokesbaby for newborn models everywhere! Nary a peep (or a poop ; 0 - and you newborn photographers know what I'm talking about !) - easily the quietest I've had in a looooong time. Her amazing parents and super sweet brother were a dream to shoot also - so THANK YOU for a fabulous morning/afternoon, S Family! And enjoy your sneak peek!

Sugar and Spice

2010-01-06T22:37:00.000-08:00

Meet little miss "z", all 6lbs, 10ozs of her newborn deliciousness. And just because she's my BFF's baby and I've been waiting and waiting and waiting for her arrival doesn't mean that I'm biased in ANY way! She got her daddy's lips and her mommy's sweet disposition...but fear not, that helping of "spice" will keep her big brothers on their toes once z gets her crawl on!
I am sooooo happy for you guys, you deserve this incredible EASY baby blessing after all you've been thru. And thanks for letting me get my lens on her - she's going to have to get used to it, after all!

Does it get any better

2010-01-05T22:48:00.000-08:00

...than this? Looks this good should be illegal. But then again, that would take my photog joy away - so forget about the illegal part. Little baby "K" is the happiest little 3 1/2 month old I've had the pleasure of shooting...which makes it so easy for me! Can't blame her for being happy - she's the light of her parent's lives --and of her grandmother, Babushka, visiting allllll the way from Russia! Enjoy your sneak peek, and thank you for a fabulous morning!

I just couldn't help myself

2009-12-15T19:40:00.001-08:00

...when I got a call from this mom asking for pics of her newborn. You see, I planned on taking the rest of the year off, it's been so busy around here. I should know myself better - I am not one to ever resist a newborn! And it would be the understatement of the month to say I am incredibly happy that I got to meet this family and their beautiful little man. He was just he size of my little girl at birth, and three weeks later he's tipping the scales at just over 5lbs! The sweetest little "pteradactyl" ever ; ))))) I LOVED hanging out with you three....enjoy your sneak peek!

With Brothers Like These...

2009-12-07T14:06:00.000-08:00

...New Baby A is going to grow up fast! Seriously looks like he's in excellent hands to learn all he needs about Snips, Snails, and puppy-dog tails....
Enjoy your sneak peek, S Family!

Little Turkeys

2009-11-26T23:02:00.000-08:00

I had such a fun morning with these two little turkeys the other day - playful little guys who had me cracking up at their rascally antics. Pair that with their parents who came prepared with style, patience, and just plain coolness and we had ourselves an awesome shoot! Enjoy your sneak peek, S Family, and Happy Turkey Day!

100 lbs of fur, 7 lbs of bliss

2009-11-23T13:42:00.000-08:00

I didn't know docile came in XXL. This docile. Timber was their first baby, and now he seems more than willing to step aside his singleton status and become whatever his "new baby" needs. Protection? Check. Share toys? Check. Warm place to snuggle? Check Check Check!
Congratulations, dear friends, on the birth of your gorgeous baby girl. We are thrilled for you!

Oliver Twist

2009-11-07T19:33:00.000-08:00

is what he was for Halloween. And a damn fine one, I might add - he didn't stray from character all night! But....I knew that in addition to Oliver Twist, he also had a little Ralph Lauren in him -- wouldn't you agree?!

Puppy Dog Eyes, Take II

2009-10-31T10:18:00.001-07:00

So our first go-around with their photos, 4 weeks ago, could have gone better. And ironically, I don't think it had anything to do with the fact that the older one was coming down with pnuemonia at the time...poor guy! Anyway, all healthy now and luckily for me, their parents let me have another crack at 'em! I got to pick them up from daycare, and take them downtown for our adventure together. I knew I could get their puppy-dog eyed-cuteness across! Enjoy your sneak peek, B-G Family!

It's raining twins!

2009-10-26T21:14:00.000-07:00

This beautiful pair makes it my third set of twins in 2 months. So maybe that's not exactly raining twins, but at least sprinkling. All girl sets, come to think of it!
It was such a pleasure to get to see these cherubs again (I got to do their newborn shots!) - now they're six months old and wisely wary of strangers....according to their parents ;))) Either I'm the baby whisperer, or these girls are super chill little beings. Barely a fuss the whole time I was there - no small feat with me clicking and flashing this way and that!
Enjoy your sneak peek, "C" Family - we'll be in touch soon. And by the way, I look forward to hearing about your travels.....

now check out those cheeks!

Fun in the Shakespeare Garden

2009-10-24T21:04:00.000-07:00

I have the best job in the world. Like, it's not even work. It's pleasure, pure and simple. And even chasing around this 15 month old adds to it cuz you know I love a challenge! His sister was the yin to his yang, and we had a blast. Thanks for hanging out in the park with me this morning, P-E Family!

Just One Word

2009-10-23T22:45:00.000-07:00

OK, I lied. Three words:
Beautiful
Identical
Twins

Golden Gate Park

2009-10-06T09:27:00.000-07:00

We couldn't have asked for better weather - for SF no less! Although a little help with traffic and parking would have been nice! The Shallat Family wins the prize for perseverance - they were stuck in LoveFest traffic for oh, about an hour - but not to be defeated, they abandoned their car in SoMa and grabbed a cab into the park! And while I'm doling out virtual prizes, how about Best Puppy Dog Eyes (guess!), Sweetest Brotherly Love, and Most Enthusiastic Family....yea, I'm lovin' these mini sessions!
I think just about everyone got to ride the carousel as reward for me sticking my lens in their faces - and me? I went home and took a looooooong shower. Whew!

Holiday Mini Shoot Success!

2009-09-27T21:57:00.000-07:00

My first ever holiday mini shoot marathon was a TOTAL blast! 5 great families, 10 gorgeous kids! Thanks so much to Debbie and Richard for letting us use their amazing house and yard - and thanks to all the families for having such well-behaved, sweet kids! Here's a sneak peek into our morning....
And FYI there is one slot left for my next mini-session on 10/3 - in Golden Gate Park. Contact me asap to sign up!

Twin One, Twin Too!

2009-09-20T09:39:00.000-07:00

And for the life of me, I cannot tell them apart. OK, maybe without the multiple wardrobe changes I'd figger it out....but then that's probably giving myself too much credit. I guess if they were my kids, I'd have to tattoo one of them. Or something. Now I'm nervous that all the pics are of only one of the twins. At least I know who the big brother is!

Big J, swinging the world by the tail!

2009-09-15T23:18:00.000-07:00

Could I ask for more beautiful eyes? The entire family had peepers worthy of song, but none more than 8-month old "J"! While he didn't give up his smiles easily, I didn't mind - you see, his face is so expressive and those eyes just melted me into a heap of non-stop shutter pressing photog love.
Enjoy your sneak peek, T Family!

My 3-day old Nephew!

2009-09-01T22:29:00.000-07:00

Surely I'm NOT biased. But this kid is
b.e.a.u.t.i.f.u.l.!!!

Meet 'Rocky', all 8lbs 5ozs of his newborn deliciousness. Born after only an hour (ahem) of pushing, on 8.28.09 at 2:00pm. I just had to make a special trip down to LA to meet him, and hang out with his proud big sisters....who, by the way, were the best photog. assistants for me. (Don't worry, I repaid their patience with a trip to Baskin-Robbins!).
We're so bummed we don't live closer, but I feel so lucky to have gotten to meet him already. Thank you baby Rocky for being my latest muse!
(This first pic was inspired by Megan Wilkinson - a fabulous photographer who I hope to be half as good as one day...)

Announcing Holiday Photo "Mini-Sessions"!!

2009-08-27T15:44:00.000-07:00

Would you like to have a custom family portrait to use on your holiday card this year?

If so, the time to plan is now! I am scheduling two weekends in the next two months for holiday "mini sessions." Each "mini session" will be a 30-45 minute photo shoot of up to four members of your family. I will present you with 5-10 edited images from which you will choose 3 to receive in high-resolution digital format on CD. In addition, you will receive 20% off any prints you choose to purchase through me from the session. The cost of this package is $250. Add $25 per person if you would like your session to include more than four people.

Dates and locations:

Sunday, September 27th at a beautiful private home in Alamo

Saturday, October 3rd in Golden Gate Park

If you are interested, please contact me ASAP to reserve your time slot, as these will fill up fast.
$100 down payment will be required to reserve your spot.

Here are some pics of B & H from a recent reconnaissance mission to Golden Gate Park:

And, here is an example of a more "studio" style pose:

Beautiful 9-Day Old

2009-08-12T23:46:00.000-07:00

I get to meet my fair share of new parents, fortunately for me, as I love to photograph their newborns. And once upon a time I was a new parent myself (yea, like I'm such a pro cuz now I have 5 years of experience - but I digress). Well, Baby D's parents were so chill it was like they'd done this baby thing for waaaay longer than 9 days. I am so envious of people like that! Perhaps it's the SF vibe, but in addition I'm guessing they're just plain cool. Lucky D! I only regret we didn't get to the SF Giants onesie pics before I had to pack it in! I'm thinking for his 6-month shoot we'll be sure to get him sportin' his home team's colors...
Enjoy!

Little Mr. Heart Breaker!

2009-08-11T23:20:00.000-07:00

This little prince had me in the palm of his hand the moment he batted his big brown eyes at me. What can I say - I'm a sucker for long lashes and easy smiles! "N" is almost 14 months old and boy do his parents have it good - all this charm and he's slept through the night since he was barely 2 months old??!! (I hate to admit mine didn't sleep through the night until they were the age "N" is now - 14 months)! Dang. Maybe they should buy a lottery ticket!

Pure Yumminess...

2009-08-09T20:44:00.000-07:00

Is the only way to describe this 6-month old chunk! Little "T" LOVED the camera...and with that smile and the dimple he so luckily inherited from his daddy - the camera loved him!
There's something so amazing about one baby, the first-born, and all the love an attention he receives from his parents. It's a magical time for sure.
I look back on those 19 months when our first-born was our only...and, well, at times I do miss it! I am so happy to capture these moments for this family - I hope these images help to slow down the passage of time for them just a little bit...they grow so fast!

Please consider donating to The Hamilton Family Center

2009-08-06T00:26:00.000-07:00

I had the honour of photographing some beautiful families & children at San Francisco's Hamilton Family Center this evening. I volunteered to help provide images for their promotional materials, and if only we hadn't run out of light, I could have stayed for hours! The children were so excited to be in front of the camera, and the parents grateful for the gift of portraits of their family - a high point during a difficult time in their lives. Please see their website at www.hamiltonfamilycenter.org and consider donating to this very worthy cause.

10-Day Old Dreamboat

2009-08-01T21:11:00.000-07:00

Wow. Lucky me. Newborn shoots are almost NEVER this easy. Baby G was so easy-going he barely let out a single peep during the whole shoot! He is the beautiful son of friends of ours which is how I got my lens on him. Oh and I had the honour of Lisa being my lovely assistant today - a first! Coincidentally, she is Baby G's pediatrician so it was just extra Love-Fest all around. I think we should start a photographer-pediatrician partnership and do nothing but shoots and housecalls combined!

A Day in the Life...

2009-07-23T12:38:00.000-07:00

of a beautiful one year old! Camille just turned one and I couldn't wait to spend the morning following her around. Despite trying to amuse her with her own toys, the biggest success was with a comb and a cell phone...gotta remember that trick for all subsequent one year olds!
Enjoy!

Big Brother, Little Sister

2009-07-19T23:24:00.000-07:00

You might recognize him - I've "shot" him before....a friend's son who is a week away from getting braces and so was desparate to get some pics done before then. He needn't worry - I have a feeling he'll be just as charming (if not more so) with a little tin on his teeth! He's interested in doing some professional modelling and I have a sneaky suspicion he'll do just fine - but don't take my word for it - check out his ease and confidence in these pics. And the sweet little sister toddles around after him like he's her hero. Must be nice having such an age difference (as my little monkeys are only 19 months apart...). Enjoy your sneak peek, G Family!

Just My Two...

2009-07-15T21:59:00.000-07:00

....kiddos. And yes, bribery was involved. But honestly, Ben is getting much more patient with the camera. And I still can't get over how much older he looks with his buzz cut. Hannah? Well, let's just say she's 3 1/2, and is just getting over this weird stomach flu thing...so as usual, the patience came more from my end than hers!

Herding Cats

2009-07-08T21:04:00.000-07:00

well, that's what you get when you try to take pics of 3 year old twin boys! This is from a fun photo exchange I did with a photographer friend in Winters, California. As you can see, the boys did great and we had a blast!