One of the things I love most about taking photos of babies is watching them crack themselves up! It always starts a chain reaction – making me laugh, which makes them laugh even more, and you end up with a session that is filled with smiles! Who could ask for a more adorable subject than Joaquin, with his round belly and chubby little cheeks. Too cute!!
There’s nothing better than sunny days spent in the park with little kids. Maybe it’s all the fond memories I have from when I was young – rolling around in the freshly cut grass, finding bright red ladybugs nestled amongst the roses, and playing leap frog with my friends. All these memories come streaming back to me when I watch the wonder in children’s eyes as they experience the same things. So thanks to Kamran and Julia for letting me hang out with them on another beautiful morning.
I honestly believe there are some people in this world who are simply born “good.” Although many of us are taught proper social conduct and behavior, there are some people in which graciousness, humility, and kindness are thoroughly a part of who they are. And in a world where manners and etiquette seem to be drastically declining with each subsequent generation, I can’t help but be taken aback when I come across younger people who radiate “goodness.” I’ve known the Sondels for many years; I used to babysit Eric when he was a wee little guy of only 3 years old! About 13 years have passed since I last saw Eric and I can’t believe what an amazing young man he has become. This shoot was the first time I met Aliya (who wasn’t yet born when I babysat Eric) and I can’t say enough wonderful things about her. Two amazing kids!
One of the things I love most about photography is that it’s just another form of ”people watching” – one of my favorite things to do. You can get in close and not only observe, but capture, the array of emotions that occur in all of us. Take Aria, for example. There was a birthday party at the park where we were taking pictures and all the kids were playing with huge tubs of soapy water and making bubbles. They invited Aria to come over and play with them and she was so excited! Watching her gaze at the enormous bubbles, mesmerized, as they floated by, made me yearn for a time when I thought there was nothing better in life than a bubble. To be so enchanted with something so insignificant, made me stop and think about all the things in my life that I am thankful for and that I don’t take enough time to truly appreciate. I am so fortune to be constantly surrounded by wonderful people, like Brittany, Dan, Aria & Avery, who are not only are my incredible clients, but who enrich my life by allowing me to peak into their world. So I thank them. And I thank Aria, for being that sweet and innocent little girl who made me smile one afternoon in a park somewhere.
There are so many things that come to mind when I think of Miss Angharad Jones. First of all, her beauty. Both outside and in. She can captivate an entire room, and she is one of those people you just want to be near in hopes that some of her charm will rub off on you. She is caring beyond words, and a wonderful friend. I am truly honored to know her. And if you thought she couldn’t get any more amazing, just wait until you hear her sing! I can’t wait for her concert at the Jazz School next month – she lights up the stage. (Concert info at end of post.)
The Berkeley Jazz School presents Angharad Jones, From There To Here: A Memoir In Song, on Saturday June 26th at 8pm. To buy tickets, visit The Jazz School. Hope to see you there!
