Look what just arrived today!  When I saw the box, I ripped it open as fast as I could because I knew that inside was the latest addition of cuteness around here.  These dainty frames make me so happy I could squeeze them.  The rustic and distressed little frames are 8×8 and hold a sweet lil’ 3×3.  Comes in cream, steel, moss, chocolate and black.  I’m always on the lookout for products that would make us all happy and I’d say this one does the job!  Welcome, Dainty Little Frames.  I love you.

And if you’re not sure what you would put into one of these adorable displays, maybe you should go here and we can cook something up for ya’! I think it’s the perfect gift, don’t you?

Two weeks ago, I went out to Stinson Beach and set up this outdoor living room for my mom and dad.  I have never, in my 9 years of shooting, done a formal portrait sitting with my parents.  My mom has this affinity for the ocean, which she passed onto me.  Stinson Beach is our hangout. It’s also a very special place for me that has a lot of memories. I feel so fortunate to have grown up so close to the ocean.  Anyway  I turned to Linda w/ In With the Old Vintage Rentals (website coming soon!), gave her some loose ideas of what I wanted to do there and she created this lovely setting just for them. I had all these crazy ideas of what I was going to do with them when they got there.  Hoping and praying all the way that they would play along with me.  But then I got the call.

My poor mama was too sick and unable to come.  I knew it was so disappointing for her.  Heartbreaking actually.  1)  miss a trip to the beach.  2) perceived inconvenience for me (it totally wasn’t – any excuse to get to the beach is good with me).  3)  just plain sad after I showed her these images that she didn’t get to sit there.  I ended up setting up anyway – I just felt totally compelled to see it for myself and now I feel better prepared for the next time we will get to be together  there – which will be very soon.  So, since we were there, I just photographed the outdoor living space, Hollie and her friend and we had a blast.

I wanted you to see, in advance, what we’ll be doing, because I FELL IN LOVE with this amazing setting that Linda cooked up.  I think you’re really going to like this idea.  I like it so much, that I think I’ll go a day early, set it up and just sit there myself and enjoy it.  Because when I set it up a couple weekends ago, I just worked and worked without ever stopping to enjoy it really – and I left feeling a little bit sad that I couldn’t stay longer.

I’m wondering if you want to enjoy this too?!  I will be opening up  30 minute sessions at Stinson Beach.  And since it’s so close to the holidays – we might just light up the branches with twinkle lights for the later sessions for your holiday cards.  I’ll have to see how it looks once I get there. But just for a minute, imagine hanging out and having your holiday photo in the coastal “PotteryBarn-esqe”setting.  You’ll experience the beach in a whole new way. I think you’re going to enjoy it so much, I’ll probably have to kick you out of my living room.  Plus – plan a little bit and bring a picnic and hang out for the day and just enjoy the ocean. Stop at the market on your way in or at the fruit and nut stand and get some snacks and bring it to the beach.  If it’s cold, just bundle up and bring the sleeping bags and take a nap.  Bring a thermos with something hot.  If we’re lucky – we’ll have that last beautiful day of the season. Dip your toes in the water.  Build sandcastles with the kids.  Play ball.  Go for a hike. And when you’re done – head on over to The Sand Dollar for some yummy clam chowder.  That’s what I’m going to do.  It’ll be refreshing and invigorating. Who knew beach photos could be so fun or so easy?  And this will most likely be the only Holiday sessions I’ll be grouping together this year.

Here’s the skinny. (no dipping, please…that’s saved for Muir Beach, and we’re not going there – haha!!)

Outdoor Living Holiday Photos@ Stinson Beach

Sunday, October 23rd

30 minute sessions from 1pm until dark (6ish)

Please contact me for more details and to sign up. I expect these to fill quickly.