Welcome to the world.

12 days ago, baby Jaxon made his entrance into the world. I've been anxiously awaiting his arrival, along with a lot of other people, most particularly his parents, Laura and Derrek. He was very cooperative with being posed, pulled and prodded for a couple hours and didn't seem to miss his nap much. Of course, I balked at any photography at all until I'd had a nice long cuddle session and kissed the poor child silly. But what can you do? He's just so cute and tiny. I even caught an actual smile. Oh yes, it was. Don't even try to tell me it was something else. I'm not buying. I love watching Laura and Derrek's family grow and feel privileged to share part of it with them.

Meet Jaxon!

Seniors, Seniors Everywhere.

Regard the Class of 2010, Foothill High! A photogenic bunch, wouldn't you say? Owing to the number of outstanding senior portrait photographers in the area, I rarely shoot seniors and typically only shoot weddings. But this year my daughter and many of her friends became seniors and I've been shooting most of them for years anyway. So, like my daughter, they waited until about five minutes ago to get theirs done. Don't they look great?

Georgia, Class of 2010

Warning: I'm going to boast shamelessly and force you to see pictures of my amazingly beautiful daughter. I'm a parent, I can't help it. Yesterday we shot my daughter's senior pictures. We tried to find a place to hide from the blazing sun but it was tough. We tried to scale a locomotive, only to find it occupied. We settled on Library Park in Redding where there was at least a tiny bit of shade.

When you look this good, you can pose next to a dumpster and it still looks good. Go ahead and laugh, but we really did that. She held her breath.

Boys of the world, watch yourselves.

Welcome, Baby Nolan! Lifestyle Session 6-25-08

I've been beside myself for a chance to see this little guy, born just TWO days ago to my dear, awesome friend JENNIFER!!! He joins brothers Mauricio and Austin and big sis Ciara. I'd have gladly gone to the hospital to photograph his entry into this world, but the northern California wildfires kept me on evacuation alert and without power during the debut, so I had to settle for waiting until he returned home. However, as you can see for yourself, he was worth the wait. What a cutie!!

I realize I may be a bit optimistic, but I could swear he is already smiling at two days. Anyone ever heard of such a thing? Doesn't that look like a smile to you? Jennifer looks radiant -- I accused her of picking the baby out at the store somewhere, but she denies it.

Welcome to the world, Nolan Trevor! :-)

Crystal & Family..Lifestyle Session June 19, 2008

Thursday I got a chance to do a family session with a wonderful bride of mine from last year -- Crystal ... if she looks familiar, that's because you might have seen her here. We met up at the Anderson River Park for a little family photo fun. I got to meet her dad Brett and her grandma Florence, in addition to seeing her lovely sis Jennifer again. Also, I got to try, and I do emphasize try, to keep up with her nephews Hunter (1) and Cullen (3) -- that was easier said than done!!

Crystal is totally a doting aunt and her nephews call her "Auntie" -- which comes out "Annie." It is so cute.

The boys were even very patient with the sitting-still part of the photography but were thrilled to be finally turned loose on the playground. Swings and sliding boards make great photo opportunities, too, fortunately!

We had a great time, even managing to find shady spots most of the morning to escape the blazing Redding sun.

Thanks Crystal -- and a shout-out to Justin for next time!! :-)

Welcome, Baby Lizzie!!

And here at last is little Lizzie. She was just the sweetest baby, showing lots of smiles and interest -- well, until she got hungry, and didn't fail to let us know!! I remember stressing over taking photos of my own baby and worrying over her crying, only to realize many years later that even the photos of her crying were precious to me!! Who'da thunk?!! As you can see, she is lavished with love and will not be found wanting for attention, and is the apple of her father's eye!!

Big brother Daytin is never far away and Mandie makes sure he never feels left out of the family circle. He clearly dotes on his baby sister too and was just fascinated to see himself in the back of my Nikon!

P.S. Hurry back to Redding, Mandie!!