wall candy

blank walls are intimidating.  even more so when you’ve already had your photo session and are about to order your favorite prints.  how do you decide on sizes? design? arrangement?  it all seems like one big puzzle!  many of my clients have asked for help in creating beautiful walls of art.  to help them visualize what empty walls can achieve, i’ve added a gallery on my website called wall candy.  review various groupings from eclectic, symmetrical, clustering, staircase and more.  the possibilities are endless…just trust your eye and your inner creative.  here are a few samples…

find more wall inspiration here…the domestic goddess, martha stewart and life made easier, real simple.

my past my present

i met my childhood friend, vanita, over memorial day weekend.  she was visiting san francisco from the east coast.  i’ve known her since i was a toddler.  our families once took a road trip from new york to florida in a cozy station wagon when i was four years old.  that vacation and so many other memories over 30 years. and here we are NOW with our own children.  how did that happen?  

vanita has a sweet 3 year old named anjali.  she was a bit shy at first and my boys were rowdy little monsters in comparison.  but after awhile, i was able to steal a smile or two…

vanita & anjali – it was wonderful to see you and catch up!  can’t wait until we meet again

beautiful bella

my sunday morning was spent getting to know the lovely isabella.  only one month old and she already is a little beauty.  and with a fashionable wardrobe to match. she absolutely loved being in her mommy’s arms and couldn’t bear being anywhere else. i had to work hard and fast to capture her.  isabella’s a lucky little lady obviously adored by all in her family.  here are a few images of miss cuteness from our session…

 

twins=double the fun

moms of multiples may disagree with me, but i do think twins are double the fun.  at least they were for me when i photographed boy wonders, 2 year old esai and sharad.  i was amazed at the wealth of expressions with DOUBLE the laughs, grins, pouts, crinkled noses and wide-eyes.  it got really fun when the boys started running in different directions.  they sure kept mom and me on our toes.  who knew chaos could be so enjoyable!

search and rescue

when i photograph a child for the very first time, i always talk to them first without my camera.  i ask them a million questions about their likes and dislikes, dreams and favorites….anything to enter their magnificent world.  last sunday, i met the dynamic sister brother duo – anikka and hans.  3 year old anikka absolutely loved princesses so we went on a search and rescue mission for the long lost fairy princess (little brother hans was game too).  we searched high and low in every field, behind every tree, knocking and listening to walls.  we called out to our missing friend in loud voices, whispers and even song.  it was an enchanting afternoon full of play and imagination.    

sylvia and jeff – here is a sneak peak to your gallery…your children were a dream.  enjoy!

global warming

yesterday we celebrated international day at my son, nikhil’s elementary school.  it was record breaking hot but nevertheless a wonderful event.  booths were set up educating the children on different countries.  a buffet of delicious world foods was served.  students showcased their cultural talents of dance, karate and more.  i was amazed at the diversity and celebration of world cultures.  palo alto is a unique global community.  one of the many reasons why i love where i live right now. 

nikhil, my little globetrotter, was in heaven at this event.

princess shelley

i was honored to take photos of my girlfriend, brenley’s adorable new daughter – SHELLEY ELIAH.  she was so precious, dainty and full of newborn deliciousness.  all the pink, flowers, ruffles…it was girly heaven.  what a joy to hold a newborn again.  i had forgotten how tiny their fingers and toes are.  and her little arms stretching and her cute little yawns…all so darling!  makes me want to have another baby

little shelley is so lucky to be part of the hansen family.  her parents are loving and gracious.  and big brother jorgen is a hoot.  i am glad i got to know them during our short time here in california.  

here are a few shots from our session today.  it was my first newborn shoot so i tried all different props and setups.  thank you brenley for letting me experiment on your little one.  hope you like them!  

its getting hot in here

the temperatures are rising here in palo alto.  we’re supposed to hit close to 100 degrees by the end of the week.  not a great time to be at the park, unless of course it’s a water park.  what could be better then running through fountains, splashing in puddles and spitting water bubbles on a hot sunny afternoon.  oh to be a child again….

why i can celebrate mother’s day

kishan & nikhil 

happy mama’s day to all!

mother knows best

with mother’s day around the corner, i thought i would celebrate my own mom.  we live on different coasts these days but despite the distance, she always has been there for me and my family.  she has the MOST generous spirit.  after 35 years, she is still taking care of me.  it could be a package for me from her favorite QVC, a last minute trip to help me watch my boys or just a phone call to make sure i’m safe and happy.  her love has shaped me into the mother i am today.  happy mother’s day mom!

taken in new orleans where mom helped us watch our boys during sunil’s interviews