Dawn Altier 4/6/22 Dawn Altier 4/6/22

Old Ranch Country Club Family Session

I love this family! This is our third family session together and each one has been a unique and wonderful experience. We shot this latest session at the Old Ranch Country Club. You may notice that mom is pregnant in these photos and just gave birth to their second child, a baby boy, earlier this month! Congratulations to the Soko family! I hope you enjoy my favorite images from this session! xoxo

Dawn Altier 4/6/22 Dawn Altier 4/6/22

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

Dawn Altier 4/6/22 Dawn Altier 4/6/22

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

Dawn Altier 4/6/22 Dawn Altier 4/6/22

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

Dawn Altier 4/3/22 Dawn Altier 4/3/22

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.

Dawn Altier 4/3/22 Dawn Altier 4/3/22

Lakewood Family Session with the Washburns

There is something very special about being in the presence of a brand new baby. Their sweet innocence fills me with reverence and awe. It was a privilege to get to work with the Washburn family and help them to welcome their little girl Alison into the world. Sessions at home are a great way to go because you get to be in a familiar and comfortable environment, can easily change wardrobe if desired, and it involves zero travel time for you as the client. Something to consider if you are wanting to book a family session but aren’t sure about a location. If you are interested in setting a session up or have any questions, please use the contact link above and send me an email. I’d love to work with you and your family! xoxo

Dawn Altier 4/2/22 Dawn Altier 4/2/22

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!

Dawn Altier 4/2/22 Dawn Altier 4/2/22

El Dorado Park Maternity Session

This post is close to my heart. It’s Mother’s Day Eve and this post is about Rachel, the first friend I ever made in public school. Her mom saw me in tears in the doorway of Mrs. Nerell’s kindergarten classroom and brought Rachel over to introduce her to me and my mom. Minutes later, Rach and I were off exploring the dramatic play area and picking out squares on the story-time carpet. Life in a foreign environment was suddenly bearable thanks to her! Many years have passed since then… and she is now a wife and a new momma! She and her hubby Jesse welcomed a son into the world last month! It was awesome to reunite with her through this photo shoot! Happy Mother’s Day Rach– to all mothers! And a special thank you to my Momma! You are my voice of reason and I love that we can have silly moments together! Much Love! XOXO

Dawn Altier 3/29/22 Dawn Altier 3/29/22

Lakewood Maternity Session Ron and Ivonne

Lets go for a walk down Memory Lane:) Meet Ivonne and Ron. The following image is one of my favorites from their engagement session, shot 7.31.10. Their engagement session was the official start of my photography career! I had spent a couple years building a portfolio and Ivonne had kept an eye on my work. It’s hard to believe it’s been over two and a half years since our Seal Beach adventure!