The Diaz Messerschmidt Family

     After finding out that Alice didn't plan on having any maternity photos taken, I offered her my services. We decided that in addition to maternity photos, we would take the opportunity to shoot some family portraits as well. And I am so incredibly happy that we did. Its not fair to compare photo shoots, but if I was going to I would have to say that this was one of the easiest, quickest, and yes, I'm going to say it just one more time.. AWESOMEST photo shoots I have ever had the honor to be a part of.
     Alice didn't have any specific requests or concerns, and we never even discussed locations. I should make a shout out to Pinterest for helping us to randomly share different "looks" and poses that we both enjoyed. But other than that, not much went in to the shoot. We just ended up walking around their neighborhood, using spots that I had eyed on my drive in to their home. Major bonus? Alice and Geoff live in the Palm Springs area, so the day was clear and perfect. Initially the patriarch of the bunch was uncomfortable about being in front of the camera. And I may not have years and years of photography experience or the fanciest equipment, but I do pride myself on being able to put people at ease and help them forget that there is a camera lens all up in their face. So once Geoff's initial awkwardness was conquered, everything fell in to place to make for a lovely, sunlit, fun, love-filled family portrait session.

This is such a great shot... and no. I didn't tell Ava to do that with her foot. My lens and I are just lucky that way :) 

 

I've actually already posted this photo of them on facebook. But I'm sharing it again because its just too good not to. I love that they get to have this photo of themselves. Love love love.

Giving baby Charlie some lovin'...

I just love the look on Geoff's face in the photo below. You'd think its the: "I can't believe how lucky I am!" look.  In actuality, at that very moment we had been talking about the fact that family portraits are not a cultural norm in England (where he's from) and so what that look really means is: "I can't believe we're doing this. Such rubbish!" And now what I want is a picture of his face when he sees these photos for the first time!! :)

2 and 1/2 

 

Yummy light! Precious photo.

I want to secretly print this out on a poster size canvas and hang it in my room.. that's how much I love it.

  

Alice is a Diva. No doubt.

  

Smishing: When you just can't stop from smiling as you're going in for the kiss.

   

The ballet flats. Agh! I die.

   

Ballerina bun. I die more!

   

 Daddy love.

The end.

Alice and Geoff, I have enjoyed getting to know all of you and I look forward to taking many more photos of ya'll in the years to come! Congratulations on baby boy Charlie.. can't wait to meet him!