Long Beach Senior Portraits
Lets applaud all the high school and college seniors who finished out their academic journeys at home, on zoom, in the midst of a global pandemic! Most high school seniors graduating this year missed their homecoming and winter formals, sporting events, spring break festivities, camaraderie with friends, and extracurricular activities they previously engaged in and loved.
These two amazing young ladies decided to make the best of their situation, stayed positive, and completed all the requirements to graduate and gain admission into the colleges of their choice! To celebrate, they got to do a senior photo session! (A BIG thank you for choosing me to be your photographer!!) We had a blast roaming around El Dorado Regional Park!
Wishing them all the best in the next exciting chapter of their lives!! xoxo
Montage Family Session
Despite the roller coaster that 2020 has been, there have been many beautiful moments. Reconnecting with returning clients who have become friends, is always a highlight! I’m so thankful for the Case family! Please enjoy my favorites from their Laguna Beach family session. Please stay safe and well! And let’s plan to shoot together in 2021! xoxo
Laguna Beach Family Session
This Laguna Beach family session embodies many thoughts and emotions. First, this session was in honor of the long journey Mark and Traci have been on regarding their health. Mark has been suffering from Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension (IIH) and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome for several years now and both of them underwent gastric bypass surgery last year. The fact that Mark was able to stand for more than a minute or two, in broad daylight, let alone participate in this photoshoot was a literal miracle! You can hear him tell part of his story by clicking here. He talks about how undergoing gastric bypass surgery allowed him to lose 190 lbs in less than a year and has helped alleviate some of his (IIH) symptoms.
The timing of our session was also miraculous! California beaches had been shut down for months because of Covid-19. They had reopened briefly, but were closing again for 4th of July. With the possibility of all of us having been exposed to the virus weeks before our initial session date, we tentatively rescheduled. (Mark and Traci are from Utah and extended their stay in SoCal to accommodate.) After confirming we were Covid-free and setting a new shoot day, the day before beaches were to close for the holiday weekend, our paths aligned and we were able to make beautiful pictures together! I’m so thankful this session came to pass! 😉
dtla Family Session
Even though this Los Angeles family session was done towards the end of last year, it seems so relevant (on several levels) to today! Firstly, wishing all the Mommas a joy-filled Mother’s Day! I know motherhood/parenthood does not come easily. This Momma and Papa waited/tried for 15 years to have their sweet Emma. The little ladybug over-alls you’ll see her wearing in some of these images was the first outfit they bought when they were hoping an dreaming of having a little girl.
The first two photos are in honor of the struggle most of us have been experiencing as we feel our way through the Covid-19 pandemic, and all the consequences that continue to ripple outward because of it.
Thinking of all who are involved in keeping us safe and connected during these uncertain times; of the healthcare workers especially, giving their energy, talents and skill, and sacrificing their own well-being to help people fight for their lives! Mindful of all the women who long to be mothers or have lost babies due to tragedy. My heart goes out to you all! Here is to life, health, love, connection, healing, and rising above adversity!!! xoxo
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
Newport Beach Family Session
It’s a pretty great feeling to have clients hire you again to make pretty pictures with them! This Newport Beach family session was my second time working with Rob and Emily, as I had the privilege of photographing their wedding in 2016. We had a ton of fun! I send my gratitude to them and all the families and individuals I have the honor of working with (including those who work as my assistants)! Thank you so much for supporting and appreciating my art! Much LOVE! XOXO!!
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
Venice Family Session
What a lovely way to end 2018, photographing one of my favorite families in the famous Venice canals neighborhood. Once again the rain had poured the week before, but we were given clear blue skies the day of our session. Whether this year has brought you rain or shine, may it serve as a springboard for a brilliant year to come filled with clarity, warmth, and love! Much gratitude to my Creator, family, clients, and friends. You fill my life with purpose and inspire me to keep moving forward. The best is yet to come! Cheers! 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?
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
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!
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!
San Gabriel River Parkway Nature Trail Family Session
I love this family for so many reasons! Fun, fashionable, and faithful are a few words that come easily to mind when I think of the Araizas. I know them through church association and have so many good memories with them individually. All the hours of ironing and agonizing over wardrobe choices, prepping and bribing the children to smile paid off. 🙂 Loretta and Henry, you have a beautiful family~ I hope to have such a legacy of my own. Much love to you all and thank you for your patronage! xo!
Rancho Los Cerritos Family Session
Talk about panache! You may remember Angel from her graduation shoot here. Since then, she has married, brought a son into the world, and is in the midst of obtaining a Masters degree in Education. GO girl!!! 😀 We had a great time catching up and I loved the energy they brought to the session. Here are my favorite images. Enjoy!
Rancho Los Cerritos Family Session
This first image melts my heart! Laura, John, and Harrison, I love you!!! Thank you for hiring me to do your family pictures!!! It was an absolute BLAST working with you and I look forward to our next shoot together! Enjoy these beautiful images and thank you for making them possible!
Laguna Beach Family Session with The Tinsley’s
This is one good looking family catching some salty sun at Laguna Beach! It is a pleasure and privilege to know and have worked with the Tinsley family. For the past 6 years, I “worked”, (code word for played), at the Isabel Patterson Child Development Center in Long Beach. This year, Ana Sophia was one of my preschoolers. Her vivacious spirit added so much life to our program. It has been a joy getting to know her and her family. We spent an afternoon climbing rocky tide pools, soaking up the ocean mist, and creating memories and images that will last a life time! Enjoy!
Katy is a Licensed Educational Psychologist with twenty years of experience in the field of education. She specializes in forming intervention plans for students who are struggling with learning and works with students who have unmet emotional needs which can lead to behavior issues in the classroom and at home. Helping families create effective behavior support plans is her passion. If her services sound like they can benefit you or someone you know, you can find more info here~
Lakewood Family Session with The Bons
The West San Gabriel River Parkway Nature Trail is a beautiful suburban gem, tucked away beside a myriad of parks in the city of Lakewood, a neighboring city to the Bo family. The Bons are so art-full! Musically talented, theatrically inclined, on screen, on stage, and behind the scenes, they could put on a variety show that would be entertaining to all. It’s an honor to know them and to have been hired to photograph them. Check out the drum-line at the end! 🙂
