Walt Disney Concert Hall Family Portraits
Having the opportunity to meet up with Kelly in Downtown L.A. this month, (October 2019), was a beautiful reunion of two worlds separated by distance. We got to take in some of my favorite spots in dtla: MOCA, Lemonade, and The Broad, and snapped a few photos at the Walt Disney Concert Hall ; I was pleased that she fell in love with The Broad! The best part however was seeing her again, going deep in conversation about life and our journeys, and having the privilege of meeting the two loves of her life, her husband and son.
I first met Kelly while serving a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Adelaide, South Australia. She is a native Australian and her family welcomed me, loved me, and fed me amazing dinners every week for 4 months. I will be forever grateful for Wednesday nights at the Rochows!
Kelly has been through so much since we last saw each other in 2006. She got married, has become a wonderful mother, and is wading through the challenges and results of having been diagnosed with M.S. a couple of years ago. I am so thankful that Kelly was feeling well enough to enjoy her family’s holiday, including their time with me.
Of her husband, Kelly says: “My husband is someone special; a complete constant. He carries me both literally and figuratively. On the days I can’t walk he gets me where I want to be. He meets me daily with love and understanding. He is my fierce protector and my strength when I can’t find my own. On the days that I feel like I’ve lost who I am, he holds me until I remember again.”
“Thank you for holding my body when it feels weak, my heart when it feels broken, and my dreams when I feel like they are lost. You always help me return to love, and for that I am forever grateful.” xoxo
Kelly said to me, “We never have photos taken of just the two of us!” At your family session I will always make time for photos of just you and your partner. I believe that documenting the love where your family got its start, is so important! (And fun!) xo
Los Angeles Maternity Session
Southern California was having a heatwave the day we ventured out for this maternity session! ‘Ave wore the perfect summery dress, and she and Quincey handled the afternoon like pros! It was so much fun working with this sweet couple and I look forward to the arrival of baby girl Kennedy! Please enjoy these highlights from our session! xoxo
Vogue all the waaaaay! #calvinklein
Cerritos Newborn Session
Can there be anything sweeter than bringing a healthy baby into the world and holding that child in your arms?? This Cerritos newborn session was a true celebration of life! Good things do come to those who ask… and wait! Baby Dean was a trooper the day of our shoot and Lindsay and Mike are taking on first-time parenting like pros! Please enjoy these highlights! xoxo
San Pedro Maternity Session
There is a story behind every photograph. This San Pedro maternity session is no exception. When I first met Claudia as fellow Grad students at CSULB, she was grieving the deaths of her firstborn child and father. I was in the throes of my dad’s battle with cancer. Our experiences brought us together and we were able to be a source of strength and comfort to each other.
The shoes above were bought for their first son Sebastian.
You can imagine the joy I felt to learn, two years later, that Claudia was expecting another baby, Santiago! We rejoiced together and this session was truly a time of celebration!
Love this next one!!! Erik’s expression is priceless! I truly love getting to create moments and memories like these!!
Congratulations Claudia and Erik on the new addition to your family! You have been through so much together and are still smiling! Your strength is inspiring! Looking forward to meeting baby Santi!!
San Pedro Engagement Session
This San Pedro engagement session will forever hold a special place in my heart; not only because these are my brother’s engagement photos, but they were taken just two days after our father passed away. I had considered rescheduling this session, but felt our dad would want us to keep our plans and enjoy the day.
In addition to the emotional charge of the circumstances, this was also a mentoring session for off-camera flash. I had the opportunity, (thanks to Eve Rox Photography), to teach one of the sweetest photographers, Bora Chan; you can find her beautiful work here.
We courageously fought domineering gusts of wind and the chill of the fading afternoon sun and captured some beautiful images as a result! I am excited for Justin and Tiare’s wedding in September!
If you are a natural light photographer looking to develop your flash technique and skills, lets connect! I would love to teach you what I know! You can get in touch with me through the “Contact” link above! xoxo
Family Portraits Seal Beach
Another fabulous family portrait session in Seal Beach! I absolutely love working with this family! My first photoshoot with Angel was back in 2012 when I was honored to do her graduation photos. Now she is a beautiful mama to two gorgeous boys and she and her hubby make such a wonderful couple! I love documenting their family as they grow! Please enjoy some of my faves from this session! Much love! xoxo
Orange County Newborn Session
This Orange County family session reminded me that there’s nothing sweeter than a newborn baby. Introducing Benjamin Ward, also referred to as Benjamin Button. 🙂 Love radiates in this home. I was particularly struck by this first-time momma’s candid emotions. Everything, from how she and her husband met, to how she knew that she had finally found the right man, the future father of her son. She held her baby so tenderly. Bringing a child into the world creates the context for endless sacrifice; giving up time, sleep, leisure activities, sharing all that you have and are to help your little person thrive. I imagine that in return, your heart doubles in size. Your capacity to give and feel love expands. What a priceless gift. Thank you Sarah and Smith for choosing me to document one of the sweetest moments of your lives together. May these images bring you great joy! xoxo
Echo Park Family Session
Creating these family portraits in Echo Park was so much fun! This stylish young couple have the sweetest baby girl who was full of smiles and giggles throughout the entire session! We had a great view of the DTLA skyline and the weather was perfect. Such a great shoot! xoxo
Next time you schedule a portrait session for your family, why not use it as an excuse to update your headshots for your business profile or website?
Los Angeles Lds Wedding and S.B. Navy Golf Course
Lauren and Ken were married at the Los Angeles LDS temple on a beautiful, crisp Veterans’ Day morning. With the remembrance of so many men and women who have fought for our freedom and continue to do so, two families came together to witness this beautiful young couple make promises to love and cherish each other for the rest of eternity. Afterwards we ventured out to the Seal Beach Navy Golf Course for a ring ceremony and reception. Such great live music, such good food, and so much love! Nothing compares to the joy of a wedding day! Congratulations Lauren and Ken! Thanks so much for choosing me to document your special day! xoxo
The most fabulous wedding shoes by Irregular Choice! Shop their products here!
Palos Verdes boho Couple Session
Bohemian vibes mixed with the salty ocean air during this stylish Palos Verdes couples session. Let me just say, the only excuse you need to schedule a portrait session is loving being together with someone. Whether you’re in a new relationship that sets your heart and soul on fire, engaged, married, celebrating a golden anniversary — whatever stage you’re in, I love creating beautiful images of you and your special person and look forward to collaborating with you! If you’re into artful portraits full of color and luscious light, hit me up– and please enjoy these beauties of Shealyn and Alex! xoxo
Lighting Workshop Arts District dtla
I hosted my first off-camera flash Lighting Workshop (1.0) this summer. The following are images created during the practical application (2nd half) of the workshop. According to the attendees, the only thing they would have changed about the overall experience would be to include ice cream. (Loved that! :D)
If you are a photographer who has been wanting to learn off-camera flash, or is struggling to figure out how to evolve your approach to low-light situations, I am now offering 1 on 1 mentoring sessions and a bi-annual workshop. If you are interested in attending or scheduling a mentoring session, please email me at: daltiercreates@gmail.com
The next workshop is slated for January 2018! Stay tuned for announcements and more info! Thank you to all who helped bring this wonderful event together! xoxo
SoCal Bridal Session and First Look
It was so much fun photographing this summery pre-ceremony session with this cute bride and groom that started with a “First-Look”. Traditionally, couples wait until the ceremony to see each other for the first time in their wedding day attire. However, it is becoming more and more popular for couples to share this moment right beforehand. Here are a few reasons why I recommend adding a “First-Look” to the beginning of your wedding day time-line. 1. It calms the nerves. If you’re the type of person who gets nervous around big crowds, or prefers not to be the center of attention, first looks are intimate and ease you into the rest of your day with your sweetheart. 2. Your make-up, hair, attire, and beautiful selves are at their FRESHEST! Imagine how great it will feel not having to roll through all the family and bridal party portraits… and then– when you think your mouth can’t manage another smile– that’s when it’s your turn to shine in all your wedding day glory! Why not do that first? 🙂 And my personal favorite: 3. More opportunity to get those creative couple shots you’ve been gathering on your Pinterest boards.
I recommend allowing at least an hour of photo time for the First Look and couple portraits. If you have any questions about creating an optimal time-line for your wedding day, feel free to email me. I’m happy to share recommendations. Now for photos! P.S. Check out the bride’s hand-made one-of-a-kind blush colored gown! And those finger-curls! xoxo
Downtown Long Beach engagement session
The sky couldn’t have been more in our favor for this downtown Long Beach engagement session. With Shoreline Aquatic Park as our backdrop, we had an array of stunning scenery to work with, not to mention Jenny and Matt make such a dang cute couple! I’ve got a lot of love for these two, dating back to the days we worked together at the Isabel Patterson Child Development Center, connected to CSULB (our alma mater). It was there that I found my love for photographing people and Jenny and I worked on creating visual yearbook dvd’s for families to take with them at the end of each year. I learned so much from my experience at Is Pat and from Jenny. I don’t have the words to express how grateful I am for the time I worked there. It is an honor to be chosen as Jenny and Matt’s photographer. I’m looking forward to their wedding in June! Enjoy the photos! xoxo
Costa Mesa Portrait Session
Light and shadow were in full effect for this Costa Mesa portrait session. This couple had been wanting to have professional photos taken for some time now to celebrate their love. I am a huge supporter of documenting relationships at any and all stages. Whether you are celebrating 6 months together or 60 years… I am ready to document your love! Thanks for trusting my process and experimentation Mary and Jordan! SO happy with this first “ring of fire” shot!!! It was a blast working with you both! Enjoy! xoxo
Arlington Garden Engagement Session
This Pasadena engagement session at Arlington Gardens was filled with lush landscapes and native California flora. I loved exploring the garden with this sweet couple! Notable details included a plethora of passion flowers, (ooh la la!), an agave larger than us, and a super cool walkable meditation labyrinth!! (Insert heart eyes here.) Enjoy! xoxo
Los Rios Historic District Wedding Portraits
A beautiful couple and a stunning location produced the results of this quick session that was sandwiched between the ceremony and temple portraits in L.A. and the drive southward to Meridith and Troy’s reception in San Clemente. The first time I visited the Los Rios Historic District, I knew it was a prime location to photograph. I’m so grateful I got to return with these two and create these images with them. Meridith is wearing one of her three wedding day dresses. I will be posting more on Instagram and Facebook! 🙂
Pasadena City Hall Engagement Session
It was so much fun to shoot at Pasadena’s prestigious City Hall. Talk about a stairway to heaven! Mayra and Matt are such a sweet couple, full of generosity, knew exactly what they wanted, brought their own ideas to the table, and were a breeze to work with. I don’t think a photographer could ask for anything more. Looking forward to your wedding in March!!! xoxo
L.A. Arboretum Engagement Session
We had such a great afternoon creating these images at the L.A. Arboretum! So many beautiful plants in bloom and fun spots and sculptures to add character to the shoot. That said, have you ever met a couple you knew were undeniably right for one another? This is how I feel about Adam and Angelique. They get each other on so many levels! I love the way their humor and intellect mesh so seamlessly. If you are familiar with the song “Such Great Heights”, the lyrics fit: “I have to speculate that God himself did make us into corresponding shapes like puzzle pieces from the clay….” I’m so happy these two connected, fell in love, and have welcomed me to be a part of the most important day of their lives! Looking forward to the wedding in January! xoxo
Gum Grove Maternity Session
On a hot sticky summer’s afternoon, we braved an unexpected battalion of vampiric mosquitos to capture images of the little miracle growing inside Ariel’s belly. Eucalyptus oil pierced the breeze as we strolled down the path at Gum Grove. Despite the pouring sweat, we had a fun session! When we first met up, I asked Sam if he had a pocket knife. I wanted to cut a clean edge at the bottom of some reeds I’d picked on my way to the shoot. Sam went back to his car and emerged with a bowie knife!!! 😀 The thing was HUGE and came in SO handy! (No pun intended!) We cut out way through the rugged terrain again and again. It was totally worth the heat and bugs! Here are some of the results! Enjoy!
Summer 2015 Portraits
It’s hard to believe that summer is coming to a close. I look back over the past few months and feel most grateful for two things: 1.The intense temperatures will soon be on hiatus, and 2. for the fun I’ve been able to have behind the camera with Andrew and Becca, The Walkowskis, Ana Sophia and family, and the Gleasons. Here are a few highlights. Enjoy!
