I don’t claim to be well versed in the world of casting calls and show business. (Not yet, anyway.) At this point in time, my knowledge of the industry is limited to the general idea that great headshots can help babies and kids get called out for the auditions that could lead to future gigs. That’s all I know … but it’s enough for me to believe that I can play a role.

If you’re going down the road of child modeling or acting, why not place your best foot forward and submit professional photographs for your child’s headshots? The extra oomph in the image you provide could be what sets your child apart. Please contact me if you are interested and would like more information on services and rates. At this point, I have had the pleasure of photographing several children for one model/talent agency, Jet Set Models, and am proud to announce that I am now on its short list of recommended photographers. I am flattered and honored and excited for the opportunity and exposure.

I recently put together this flyer outlining a special Jet Set package. Bring on those beautiful faces! I’m ready to capture them and help launch their careers. (I flatter myself. AS IF I play that big a role in a child landing a job. But hey, it’s my blog. And I can pretend I’m bigger than I am if I want to. LOL.)

I’m often asked what the secret is to capturing genuine and natural-looking smiles. I don’t have a magic wand I wave. No top-secret code word to replace the “Cheeeeeeeeeeeeese” everyone winds up saying (what is up with that, by the way? Why do we all find ourselves doing that?). What it boils down to, in my opinion, is placing the children in an environment where they are free to be themselves and do what they love. If they’re doing something they love (or playing with someone they love), their spirit and essence will eventually show through. It has to. And that’s when it’s time to start clicking.

If your son loves to skateboard, we should photograph him at a skate park. Your daughter is infatuated with Hannah Montana? Let’s throw on Hoedown Throwdown and let your sweetie dance and sing to her heart’s content. For this little boy that I photographed recently, the sand and surf were what made him happy. So we headed to the beach to capture him in his element.

A&D: It was an incredibly fun experience watching L frolic in the surf and play in the sand. I think in about twelve or thirteen years, we’ll see him patrolling the coastline performing lifeguard duties. What a perfect summer job that would be for him!

I always get a bit nervous when I meet a new client for the first time.  But as soon as I met this cool mom with the gorgeous smile, I was immediately at ease.   As Max Eastman once said, “A smile is the universal welcome.” His sentiment certainly held true today. Aside from the 95 degree heat we were experiencing at 10:00 in the morning, we had a great time photographing her gorgeous two year old daughter … one with a very bright future in front of the camera, I might add.  Take a look and see for yourself.

A:  It was a pleasure meeting you this morning and chatting with you (in between fits of two year old independence, that is).     As soon as I finish this post, I’m off to check out Hurricane Harbor online. Thanks for introducing me to that fun kidzone!  I’ll be emailing you your full gallery in the next day or so but in the meantime, you’ll get a sneak peek here while you’re on the road.  I can just visualize you checking your email on your cell phone on your drive up to Sacto. (In the passenger seat, of course.) As you will see from the pics, you chose the perfect colors to show off A’s beautiful eyes and contagious smile. A smile that would make anyone feel welcome.

Enjoy!

Leotards.Tights.Tutus.

As a mother of two little boys, these are three items that rarely appear on my radar these days.   Thus when the opportunity to photograph several little girls performing in CAPA‘s (Camarillo Academy of Performing Arts) recital presented itself, I can honestly say I was thrilled.  You see, I love all that girly stuff.  I grew up wearing leotards, tights and tutus and loved all the fun and excitement that came with them.  For a brief moment last week, I was able to immerse myself in a long lost world.  If you like what you see and are interested in something like this for your own daughter, please don’t hesitate to contact me.  Rest assured, it’s very likely I will say YES!  In fact, I may even ask to go to your house beforehand so I can try my hand at doing pigtails and hairbuns and makeup. 

I’ve got a lot of images to go through, but wanted to share a few before all the post-recital buzz wore off.    This post will give you moms an idea of what to expect … I hope to have your photos done within the week. Until then, enjoy!

And just some fun candids. This is the stuff I love:

Note (plea) to future clients: If I ask you to do something or go somewhere for your photos, please trust me … even if my location choices seem crazy or suspect. The moms of the following girls trusted me (thank you!!) when I told them I really wanted to take some photos in the … um …. parking garage. Not very glamorous, I know. But off we went. And look what we got … aren’t these fantastic?

JJ, I loved our “911″ emergency photo session today. As always, Miss S was an absolute doll and I enjoyed every minute. I’m just about to send you the link to the full gallery but thought I would also share a little bit of your baby girl’s beauty with other blog readers. Let’s give them the privilege of seeing her before she’s a big and famous supermodel.

I love this series: