Beach Photo Session. Monterey, California

June 25, 2014 • Leave a Comment

Monterey Photographer. Sunset Beach Session.

So, technically, these are not engagement photos as Anthony & Sierra are not engaged. However, it is hard to deny that they really do look the part. When we met, Anthony was standing there in his strapping suit next to Sierra with her amazingly fresh Kate Spade dress & he calmly and casually mentions that while they may have dressed for an engagement session, could I perhaps do all that I could to make their photos not look like that, but rather, just a boyfriend and girlfriend having a good time.

Hmmmmm.

Oh, Anthony. You silly goose!

I had my assistant & second shooter Jenna with me that afternoon & after about 10 minutes of shooting, I had to admit to this adorable couple that their photos were going to come out looking incredibly engagement-like & they should just embrace the cheeserific-ness of it all. Somehow we came up with the brilliant idea to slip Jenna's wedding ring on Sierra's ring finger, just for a second of fun & what resulted was one of my favorite images from the entire session!

Sierra thought the whole thing was just a little ridiculous...

Obviously!

Next we were headed to the beach, but on the way back up to the car, there was this tiny field off the side of the road with the most amazing light ever. And then this happened...

It was a perfect day in Monterey. The weather was unseasonably warm & there wasn't a cloud in the sky.

A definite Fave!

Anthony & Sierra,

Jenna & I had so much fun with the two of you!

Your energy is contagious & it made me feel young again. If only for a short while.

xoxo,

Jess.

Brooks Family. Monterey Children's Photography.

June 18, 2014 • Leave a Comment

Check out these adorable siblings that I met in an open field off of Hwy 68.

This little love, James was the most amazingly happy little baby. Smiley the entire time. Love him!

This was a couple months ago, in early spring & this field had the greatest tall green grass & a large patch of blue bonnets that were perfect for the girls!

Look at this ginger, Landri. I am so in love with her lovely locks. So pretty!

Father's Day 2014. Monterey Family Photographer.

June 15, 2014 • Leave a Comment

In honor of Father's Day Weekend, I have put together a blog of random images I have taken of dads with their children. Enjoy!

Had to slip this proud grandfather moment in!

I may be biased, but I saved the best for last.

My Beloveds. Jason & Lily.

Monterey Lifestyle Photography. The Dickson's.

June 03, 2014 • Leave a Comment

I have been obsessed with lifestyle photography lately. It is all I stare at when I'm on Pinterest. I can get lost in it. Something about the authenticity of it just speaks to my heart.

Further compounding my love affair with this particular lifestyle session are the people in the photos. When I decided to delve into the Lifestyle genre, I needed some "test subjects" so practice on. I always do this before I start offering a new service to the general public & I always call a previous client and offer it to them first. I immediately thought of Scott, Carrie & their precious baby, Elloise. They said Yes & I went over one morning.

I wanted it to be super casual. I had a vision of reading books & taking a bath. The trick to Lifestyle photography is to give the illusion that the family is going about their regular business & there is an invisible photographer in the room.

Let me tell you that Scott speaks french to his little girl to make her smile & here he is reading their favorite french book together. Swoon, Swoon Swoon!

Elloise has the most captivating eyes. Is it normal to be jealous of a six month old baby??

I have many favorites in this series, but the photo below is definitely in the top 3. Elloise is so unbelievably chunky, she just can't help herself! It's the most endearing and adorable thing I've ever seen.

Carrie is so creative & crafty. She made Scott this chalkboard-esque coffee mug for Valentine's Day and decorated it with all things Ellie. So sweet!

Shortly after these photos, this lovely family found out that Papa will be deploying for six months. My heart breaks for them. It has been such a joy being a part of their lives over the course of the last year & I can't wait for Scott to return so we can have more epic photo adventures together!

Pacific Grove Newborn Photography Studio

May 29, 2014 • Leave a Comment

I recently opened my studio in Downtown Pacific Grove where I offer photo sessions for newborns.

I have been photographing newborns for over five years in the Monterey and Salinas area, however, I used to have to take all of my props & assorted newborn paraphernalia with me. Now, new parents can easily come to my studio & even have a chance to relax a little while I handle their precious bundles!

I always encourage new parents to participate in their newborn photos with their baby's, as this is a once in a lifetime opportunity.

Siblings are welcome to join in some photos as well!

I have a variety of backdrops, wraps & props that I update regularly as well as seasonally. If there is something that you would like to include, I encourage you to bring it along. This is an example of a current Spring Newborn setup that I offer...