golden hour
Will and Haley are my first good friends from high school to get engaged, and I jumped at the chance to take their engagement photos. They worked around my moving schedule, and we were able to find a day to meet at one of my favorite photo locations, Joaquin Miller Park, to celebrate their engagement and new puppy. Juno definitely stole the show!
We love a return client, and Amanda and Bonifacio are up there with the cutest return story. Two years ago I took their law school graduation photos. This year, they asked me to take their maternity photos as they get ready to welcome a new addition to their family. And we were lucky enough to have a beautiful sunny day and clear views of the Golden Gate Bridge in the background. Next up, newborn photos!
I met Katy at Admitted Students Weekend before she even started this law school journey. I also served as Co-President of the La Raza Law Students Association during her first year and she took over the position from me the next year. So special to watch her celebrate this huge accomplishment!
Okay so Maya is one of my top 10 best posers of all time! I would tell her, “can you move you arm like this?” and she would do what I imagined but better. I mean, look at the perfectly pointed toes in the last photos!
But, yeah, golden hour, backlighting, nature, YES.
In classic Anya fashion, my absolute favorite shot from this session was the one where I had to stop Tempestt on the way to our second location because the way the light was filter through the redwoods was gorgeous. She’s gorgeous, the photos are gorgeous, but those ones with the trees… *chef’s kiss*
So Micaela actually “graduated” last year, but I had to make her grad photo dreams come true. Under the guise of a catch up dinner, and with the co-conspiring of Javi and Fernando, I was able to surprise Micaela with the grad photos she never got to take. This was also my first session with my new lens filter, and I don’t think I can ever go back. The colors! The creaminess! The glow! I can’t wait to see how this weekend’s sessions turn out.
Idrian was one of the first people to book a grad session this year and he had one request–Lake Merritt. Obviously, we made it happen. The best part this session was Idrian’s total trust in me. You know? The I-know-this-is-going-to-feel-really-awkward-but-I-swear-it-will-look-great. The creamy colors in the photos in front of the quote and all of the backlighting are on point. And how about that smile?!
This session with Hannah was a great way to get in the graduation season groove. I had so much fun, I almost forgot that I was “working.” Hannah’s bubbly, fun personality shines through these photos. And anytime someone is down to pose on a lounge chair for graduation photos, you know it’s going to be a good time.
Karla is also a friend of mine from law school. She started law school when I was in my second year and serving as Co-President of the La Raza Law Students Association. As soon as you start talking to Karla you can tell that she is a super star. Beyond her intelligence and compassion that is off-the charts, she is also one of the most driven and hard-working people I’ve ever met. When I first her husband, Kevin, it was obvious to me that they were a perfect match.
Karla got pregnant in the middle of her second year of law school and I could not wait to take her maternity photos. It got more complicated when COVID came to the Bay Area, but we made it work with an outdoor, socially-distanced photo session.
As non-native Californians, it was important to Karla and Kevin to have the Golden Gate Bridge in the background to celebrate their coming Bay-by. Marshall Beach was the perfect location with the vantage point of the bridge, lots of San Francisco seagulls flying around, and, of course, that stellar sunset.
I was on a roll over spring break!
April 13, 2018
This Friday was Barrister's (Bearister's) Ball, or basically law school prom. I couldn't go because I was arguing in the Ninth Circuit (!!) the next day, but I wan't to celebrate with my friends who will be graduating this year. I took some super cute "prom" pics for them and (of course) took advantage of golden hour. I've been really into backlit golden hour portraits recently... I don't know why but I'm digging it! I've also been testing out some new editing styles so we'll see if they stick.
It took so much effort to get Eli to get out of the house and let me take some photos but I am so glad he did. These are some of my favorite portraits of him that I have ever taken! All it took was a prime lens and golden hour! I love how warm these are and the beautiful ring of light around his hair!
Also, in case you are wondering I rediscovered my VSCO presets and this is the Film series.
At long last, Sho and I scheduled a time to shoot!
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