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 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
Los Angeles Wedding and Quiet Canyon Reception
This beautiful L.A. June Wedding was brimming with tender moments; misty eyes, warm embraces, and heartfelt sentiments. Two favorite moments came when the speeches were given at the reception. The groom, a non-Spanish speaker, prepared a message in Spanish, the bride’s native language. I caught a few words, but the bride’s expression spoke volumes! So much LOVE! The brother of the bride also spoke and shared that the only tears the groom has caused are tears of joy! I am so happy for this sweet couple and so grateful I got to be a part of their special day! xoxo
Many thanks to the amazing team who helped bring this wedding to life…
Venue: The Quiet Canon Event Center
Makeup and Hair: @la.petite.artiste
Florist: La Mirada Florals
Floral Backdrop: @bloomindream
DJ: David Real @ www.dizzleit.com
Griffith Park Engagement Session
It’s true that the best sunsets follow the rain. This Griffith Park engagement session started off with stormy skies and some serious drizzle. We were pumped to adventure out in the inclement weather, but I have to say that I was grateful when the sun burst through the clouds and the sky “caught fire”. Seriously the best sunset on a shoot yet! And so glad we got to catch it with this sweet, laid back couple. Looking forward to their wedding in June!
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
Swami Beach Family Session
It was 62 degrees and raining when I arrived, but this Swami’s Beach family session turned out beautifully. Baby Ronin touched sand and the Pacific for the very first time. The low tide gently lapped at our feet. Mom and Dad grinned as they watched Ronin’s reactions to the ocean water washing over his toes. The sky was overcast and the sun finally popped out 5 minutes after we were packed up and piled into our cars. No matter. It was a morning spent in the best possible way: documenting a family’s love for each other.
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 Angeles Wedding Matt & Mayra
Matt and Mayra were given this advice on their wedding day: Become best friends. Become one (in heart and mind). Keep God and prayer in your marriage. I can think of no better recipie for a happy marriage. Thank you Matt and Mayra for hiring me to be your wedding photographer! It was a joy working with you both and I wish you all the love and success in this new journey together. 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! 🙂
Los Angeles Wedding and Reception at The Aquarium of the Pacific
If you are planning a wedding and are looking for a fabulous space, hands down, let it be The Aquarium of the Pacific! I am still dreaming about Adam and Angelique’s choice of reception venue! The wedding took place at the Los Angeles LDS Temple, followed by a drive southward the the Aquarium in Long Beach. Their guests got to explore the Aquarium for an hour before reception festivities began. They were even treated to an educational talk about the resident sea otters! Those furry little guys put smiles on everybody’s faces! These two truly made their special day one to remember on so many levels! Not only did they throw an awesome party, but most importantly, they made sacred promises to each other that have the power to bind them for eternity. Here is a glimpse. Enjoy. 🙂 xoxo
December Portraits
How was your 2015? This year brought several weighty trials for my family involving the loss of loved ones. Saying goodbye has always been difficult for me in all of it’s sundry forms. I’m working on accepting what I cannot change and becoming more gracious in so doing. This is my goal for the new year; to possess grace. May this new year bring you and your families the fineries of life, laughter and much love. Creating images is still something that brings me great joy. Here are a few December themed portraits of Jackie and Gwen, Neri, Melissa, and Loraine with her beau. Thank you for following and supporting my work! xoxo, dawn altier photography!
