Baby Raia and Family

Photogenic...that is what I have to say about Darin, Leslie, Ethan, Alisha and Baby Raia. What an enjoyable time I had with them and capturing their interactions with one another.

On top of that, Leslie is an awesome baker...I was able to taste one of her tasty treats...a banana muffin. Mmmm.

Trinity and Joshua

It was on a sunny Southern California day that I spent with Calvin, Judy , Trinity and Judy's brother, Robert, Kim and Joshua at a park on the Westside. However, what was atypical was how windy it was that day. Luckily the parents were ready and had jackets ready for Joshua and Trinity. They had a great time at the park playing as a family and spending time with one another since they don't see each other often. Watchin Robert and Kim chasing Joshua around reminded me of me chasing my two little rascals too. Luckily, Trinity hasn't learned how to walk yet.

Trinity is so grown up since our first photo shoot, with such a precious smile. This was my first time I met Joshua and the first thing I noticed about him were his eyes. Take a look, his eyes are "beautiful". It's not very often that use the term "beautiful." Ha! Ha!.

Cousins: Joshua and Trinity

Nolan's First Birthday

It seems like it was just yesterday that I was doing a photo shoot of Nolan, Lisa and Lawton. At that time, Nolan was six months old. Nolan is now one year old. Wow, time flies so quickly.

"Happy Birthday Nolan!"

John and Reza...Husband and Wife

On May 17th, 2009 John and Reza looked into each other's eyes and before God, family and friends, said "I do" to one another. We were blessed to be a part of their wedding when Reza asked Jordan to be the flower girl. It meant a lot to us and to Jordan to be asked to participate in John and Reza's wedding. The wedding was beautiful and fun...which reflects both John and Reza. I tried to capture some of the beautiful moments of their wedding without getting in their photographer's way. By the way, there's quite a few of Jordan for no particular reason. :)

"'Till death do us apart..."

John and Reza Engagement Session

Reza and I have been in the same small group at church for the past 2-1/2 years. We have stuffed our faces with food during meals together, laughed uncontrollably in conversations and shared our hearts and tears with one another.

I have always admired Reza at how she handled life challenges during the years that I've known her; despite the difficulties, she always had that radiant smile on her face, even through trials and tribulations of life.

So it was with great joy when Reza shared in the group that she was dating, this gentle giant named John. We were looking forward to meeting John and he didn't disappoint. My first impression of John: a man of great passion: passion for his work, life, family and friends and most of all Reza. Another impression, this man is an open book, he's not afraid to share his thoughts and feelings, even to strangers like us, that's so unique these days.

We were even more excited when we heard about her engagement and up coming marriage. What a great blessing for Reza's faithfulness and perseverance through the years.

I felt very honored when Reza asked me to do an engagement photo session with them. I was looking forward to it because I knew we would have a great time. With John and Reza's sense of humor, there would not be a dull moment. We spent the morning in Pasadena and then treked our way down to Seal Beach for the photos.

The following are some pictures from the session and Reza and John's thoughts (John's thoughts to follow) about this new chapter in their lives.

Elijah Paul Graf

Elijah said “Ahn-young-ha-seh-yo" (paying homage to his Korean root) to the world on January 8, 2009.

Isn't he a good looking baby? Paul and Rebecca have taken a long road to reach this destination: parenthood. Along the way, there's been a lot of tears and disappointment but they remained steadfast in their belief that God is good, and regardless of where the road ends up, God loves them. Their friendship is a tremendous blessing to me and my wife. For us to witness their strength, faith and perseverance has been convicting to us.

I spent a morning with them and from the pictures you can just see the joy that Elijah brings to their lives.

Miya Jane Chen

Miya Jane Chen said hello to the world on October 20, 2008.

I had the pleasure of spending a Saturday morning with Eric, Sherri, Daniel and Miya. The birth of Miya has filled their family with even more joy and laughter and it is evident in their smiles and laughter throughout the photo shoot.