Family Dawn Altier Family Dawn Altier

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

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Family Dawn Altier Family Dawn Altier

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

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Family, Maternity Dawn Altier Family, Maternity Dawn Altier

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

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Family Dawn Altier Family Dawn Altier

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: MOCALemonade, 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

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Family, Maternity, Couples Dawn Altier Family, Maternity, Couples Dawn Altier

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

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Family, Couples, Maternity Dawn Altier Family, Couples, Maternity Dawn Altier

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!!

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Engagement, Couples Dawn Altier Engagement, Couples Dawn Altier

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

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Walker Canyon Portraits

Izzy is a dear friend, and for an afternoon, she was my model and partner in adventure and we set out to see the incredible Super Bloom of 2019! It was not until after our trip that I read that disturbing the flora can disrupt the delicate poppy ecosystem and even prevent the super bloom from returning. Lesson learned: stay on the path. Avoid the urge to, as John McCrae once wrote: “In fields the poppies blow, between the crosses row by row. Short days we lived, felt dawn, saw sunsets glow; loved and were loved, and now we lie in….fields…..” (An excerpt from the poem Flanders Fields.)

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Wedding Dawn Altier Wedding Dawn Altier

Backyard Wedding and South Coast Botanic Garden

Full attention was given to detail for this beautiful, intimate wedding held at a private residence followed by bridal portraits at the gorgeous South Coast Botanic Garden. Tracy and Michael met during their employment at a gardening super store which made the backyard of their home and the SCB Garden perfect locations to pay homage to their romantic beginnings and marital union. They worked tirelessly to bring their special day together and I am beyond grateful that I was asked to be a part of it! xoxo

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Couples, Portraits Dawn Altier Couples, Portraits Dawn Altier

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

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Lighting Workshop, Couples Dawn Altier Lighting Workshop, Couples Dawn Altier

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

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Bridals/Groomals, First Look Dawn Altier Bridals/Groomals, First Look Dawn Altier

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

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Bridal Portraits Dawn Altier Bridal Portraits Dawn Altier

Seal Beach boho Bridal Session

Lace, light, and a whole lotta love went into this boho bridal styled shoot in Seal Beach. A big shout out to Cassandra Richardson who modeled and helped style this session! Her professionalism and passion for her art is exciting! Props to my girl Melisa Saraceni bringin it home with the florals! As always she went with her unique and exotic taste in greenery and blooms! (Yes there were carnivorous plants in that bouquet!) Thank you to my photo assistant Kim Orthel for hand-making the earrings and necklace and Boots Guzman for working her hair magic! It was a pleasure ladies!

If you have a whimsical, bohemian styled session in mind and would like to collaborate with me to bring it to life, click the contact button above and message or call! Lets make it happen! xoxo

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Santa Monica Engagement Session | Kristen & Daniel

This Santa Monica engagement session was so much fun! Who doesn’t love California weather?! Where else can you splash around in the ocean while other parts of the country are bundling up for snow?! Kristen and Daniel were a pleasure to work with. So easy going~ We had such a fun time exploring the Santa Monica promenade, beach, and pier! Congratulations on your engagement! I look forward to photographing your wedding in 3 days!

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