Casanova Photography Blog

Jr. High School was the pits.  My most vivid memory would probably be the way the school’s locker corridor smelled during a rainy day, where my friends and I would have to eat lunch to shelter us from the rain.  I know it’s an odd thing to remember, but it kind of encapsulates how I felt about that time…it stunk (pun intended).

One of my better memories from that era happened on my first day of Jr. High.  I walked into Science class, not knowing a single person, and timidly asked if I could share a table with the girl who was already seated.  To my utter relief she said yes and a friendship was born.  That was the day I met Tracy.  Between walking home from school via the back canyon trails, hanging out at each other’s homes, or catching a movie, two things were always constant:  Tracy loved horses and I loved photography.  Fast forward 17 years and the constants haven’t changed:  I photograph and Tracy trains horses.  Life’s plan is pretty sweet.

I’ve always appreciated how friends can weave in and out of my life, and I am always amazed at how seamlessly a good friendship can remain intact.  Aside from a random encounter at the Santa Cruz Boardwalk in 2003, Tracy and I hadn’t been in touch for several years.  But through the magic of Facebook we became ‘friends’ again.  I was so honored when Tracy contacted me to photograph her son Jake and I gladly made a trip down to her home in Chino to document these early days in little Jake’s life.  It was so wonderful spending time with them both and getting to catch up on years of life.

Jake was born 7 weeks premature, and boy does this little guy seem so in tune to the world.  I can only imagine how frightening it must feel to really worry about the survival of your newborn and listening to Tracy’s stories certainly gave me a new perspective.  She is such a phenomenal mother and it shows in the happy baby Jake is.  He was so expressive and really was quite opinionated on how he wanted to be photographed.  I loved it though…when in doubt, let the child guide the photo shoot and everything turns out right.  But one thing was apparent throughout the entire time I spent with them: this little boy LOVES his mommy.  Jake really looks at Tracy and for a child his age, that is something special.

I love using a client’s home and some natural light to capture a candid moment.

Oooooooh

Aaaaaaah

Jake was getting fussy so we swaddled him up and I couldn’t resist this gorgeous window light streaming in through the nursery.

What a pensive gaze.

Such a loved baby boy.

Love the peaceful expression on Jake’s face.

There is something I find irresistible about little newborn baby fingers especially when they poke at their faces.  Can’t tell you why, I just do.

I am so happy for Tracy’s new role in life.

Tracy, I wish you all the best and Jake, I can’t wait to tell you stories of when your mom and I were just kids ourselves.  Love you both.

This is my perfect portrait session.  I love the balance between the photographs where I am trying to direct (more like corral) the children, and the images I make that actually seem to capture their true personalities.  I love the moments, be them playful or thoughtful, between siblings and parents.  This is what makes a family and I love documenting it.

I am so proud of these photographs I shot for the Wilhelm family.  Between singing Baby Beluga with Kate and discussing Indiana Jones with Luke, I had a fabulous time.  I shot in one of my favorite beach locations down in San Diego, which has never failed me in producing a phenomenal sunset.  When I came home to edit these photographs, what struck me most is how much they remind me of being a child.  For me, these photographs evoke that careless, light feeling of spontaneity. Enjoy…..

Luke is one silly guy.  When I photographed him last year, I really had to work hard to convince him to cooperate with me.  This year, he was happiest when I had him posing in whichever way he liked.  I love him jumping for the camera and I couldn’t have asked for a better facial expression.  However, it was our agreement that after the jumping, he would get to do some break dancing.

Kate is just delightful.  I could not get enough of those blond curls!  Last year, Kate was just a little baby, now she is such a conscientious, beautifully spirited, little girl.

I can’t say enough about this next photo.  For me, this is childhood and truly beautiful.

I gave it a fighting chance….I tried my best to get some photographs with the whole group – Luke, Kate, and their mom Kristie.

For the most part, this next image is more indicative of what I captured of the three of them.  And doesn’t this seem more realistic of what parenthood is like?

This is dream lighting…it doesn’t get much better than this.

Considering how crowded this beach was, I am happy with the effect of the next few photographs.  It’s as if this stretch of beach is only there for Kate and Luke’s discovery….

….And of course their enjoyment.

I love this next series of Kate.

Such a pensive, little soul.

A few more attempts at a group shot.

I was ready to pack up and call it a day but then I saw how Kate nestled into her mom.  This is love in such a precious form.

Thanks Wilhelm Family!