The Youngrens | San Diego Photographers » baby

Oceanside Newborn Portraits Brianne, Chris, & Beckett

Erin — Tue, 27 Sep 2011 15:50:59 +0000

I can't begin to fathom the amount of love a child is born into. Jeff and I have been watching our past couples and life friends have babies over the past three years or so. Couples that nine months prior were in the same duo state as us - just two people in love making their way through life. And then they become three. But that number three is so much more than just a third of the whole. It's everything. To both of them. The complete and total loss of self into an uncontrollable flood of adoration for a teeny being makes it so much more than just a part of the whole. It becomes the whole. And the two "originals" (for lack of a better term) become that much more to each other as well. Each part becomes everything to everyone.

I guess that's just the magic of babies.

I know, I know - what's with all the babies on the bloggy-blog lately? I don't know to be honest! I promise that I don't have baby fever or anything. There's just a lot of really cool people having adorable babies lately. Don't worry, Jeff and I are still wedding photographers at our core - we're not going to jump the wedding ship and set up shop in nurseries anytime soon, but when there's a cool story to tell - like two becoming three - I'm there with camera in tow.

Today we're featuring Brianne and Chris, whom you may remember from their fabulous maternity session a few weeks back. Well, maternity has turned into nursery with the arrival Beckett, so I made the trek back up to their place a few days after Beckett was born to capture this brand new little one. A big thanks goes out to Julie, the newest addition to the Youngren team, for helping me with the shoot.

Brianne brought out a bunch of little meaningful details for the shoot. The cup, spoon and fork, and beaded hospital bracelet were all her father's when he was a baby. Don't you wish hospital bracelets were still that cute?

Brianne said she decorated her nursery with the help of Etsy, Craig's List, and Urban Outfitter's. I'd say she did a fantastic job!

A doting mom and the brand new man in her life.

I love how doting these guys are as parents. They're so cute to watch!

A guy's gotta have a sweet pair of shoes at all times.

It's so fun to watch these guys laugh - Beckett was a little wiggly!

Big eyes and teeny fingers.

Major props go out to Chris and Brianne for having awesome furniture, and for letting me rearrange their entire living room. Thanks for being so awesome guys!

Beckett made the cutest faces while he slept!

And then the wiggles set in, which always make for adorable photos.

Once we played with Beckett to our heart's content, we let mom and dad hang out some more.

Ha! Never underestimate a baby's poop!

Chris and Brianne: You guys are going to be some seriously awesome parents! It was such a blessing watching you guys love on each other and on your brand new Beckett. Your warm hearts and gentle spirits are going to make your family a loving bunch!

Hugs,

Erin

Del Mar Newborn Portraits Jesse, Bethany, & Kensington

Erin — Mon, 26 Sep 2011 16:00:02 +0000

There's something so peaceful about walking into a home with it's first newborn. After all of the anticipation, the showers, the gifts, the painting, the decorating, the washing, and the prep - the little bundle of joy has arrived. And if we shoot a newborn session (which is not very often - couples are our specialty), we like to shoot within the first week, so the new parents have literally just become parents. They don't know who their little person is or will become. They're just figuring out how to change a diaper, they're getting spit up in their hair, they've had to learn what poop should look like, and their sleep schedule is totally out of whack - if not completely shattered into oblivion.

And yet it's still peaceful.

Jesse and Bethany have been friends of ours for five years now - in fact, they got married a month before we did - and little Kensington has just arrived. And even though a baby changes everything - I hear that exhaustion and selflessness become dear friends - there's something about a sleeping newborn that makes everything ok. The air almost stands still. It's the most tranquil, warm, soothing experience I know, and Kensington was just about the cutest little package I could ever imagine.

I loved the dandelion motif that Jesse and Bethany incorporated into the wall - if a sleeping newborn doesn't relax you, then a cute purple nursery with a drifting dandelion will!

Seriously - I have no idea how Bethany looks this amazing already!

Oh my goodness - look at that smile!

I have a feeling Kensi is going to be daddy's little girl...

A sleeping baby...

A big yawn...

And it's time to wake up!

Big eyes...

Lots of wiggles...

And teeny toes. Perfect!

Since we specialize in couples and their love stories, I always like to capture two people in the place they're going to spend so much of this part of their lives - the nursery.

Kensi is so little! I love it!

Ha! These ones crack me up!

More big yawns...

And more of those big eyes!

Jesse and Bethany: Thank you so much for being a part of our lives over the past five years. We're so excited for you two in this new journey and can't wait to watch little Kensi grow up into an amazing kid and wonderful person! Here's to many more memories together!

Hugs,

Erin

Travis and Laura Plus Two San Clemente, CA

Erin — Fri, 19 Nov 2010 21:31:48 +0000

He has thick hair just like his momma and big glassy eyes just like his dad. He's chill and calm like both of his parents, and his smile lights up the room just like his big sister. But no matter how much he resembles his family, he is someone new. He is a distinct combination of everything unique from his parents, and his presence permanently changes the personality of this lovely family unit. Or rather, he completes it. Even after seven days, he has left a mark on the world, because he means the world to the three other people around him, and this family would not be complete without him.

After we photographed little Keira of Jeff and Meredith, Jeff's brother and sister-in-law, Travis and Laura, had their little baby and asked if we would photograph him as well. Um, another baby from the same incredible family??? Yes please!!

Friends and Family: To be notified when the rest of the images are online, please sign the guestbook here.

Meet little Parker, the new addition to the family. He's cute, cuddly, and just plain adorable. As if we expected anything different from these guys...

He's brand new, just over a week old, which is the perfect time to dress up your newborn and take a whole bunch of pictures.

Ha! I love the real moments in the life of a newborn.

Meet Kennedy. Kennedy is not so little anymore because she is three years old now and officially a big sister. She also has this talent of wrapping people around her little finger with her big eyes and hilarious statements.

I mean, how could you not fall in love with that face?

And here's the gorgeous couple, Travis and Laura. This is one of my favorites from the session.

Beautiful! And Laura only had a baby a week ago folks...

And the whole family!

Once Parker was dead asleep, we got to have a little fun.

Baby fingers, baby toes...

And a wrinkly baby nose!

We wanted to capture the entire family at their best, so we headed outside for some fun.

How GORGEOUS is Laura??

Like mother, like daughter! Travis will have to chase away the boys like crazy when Kennedy gets older!

Love!

Once Momma got to play around, we let Daddy play with his baby girl.

Can a family get any cuter than this?

Kennedy has been taking ballet lessons, so she showed us some of her skilz.

Apparently she also has some adorable modeling skilz too!

A perfect finish to a perfect day!

Travis and Laura: Thank you so much for allowing us into your lives to capture your simply adorable family. We had such a blast getting to know you and make sure to give Kennedy a huge hug for us!

Hugs,

Erin

Sweet and Sour, Edition VI | You Too?

Erin — Wed, 17 Nov 2010 17:05:30 +0000

To me, the most powerful words in the English language are “me too.” They mean that I’m not alone. That I’m not entirely crazy. That I’m ok, and that I can survive.

That in so many ways, I’m completely normal.

So whatever it is that you may be feeling right now, I’m pretty sure I’ve felt it too. And every time I knock my head against the keyboard, I have to remember that others are probably doing the same thing all across the internet. In a world that is so connected, it’s easy to feel more alone than ever, particularly for someone shy like me. I have a tough time reaching out to others and asking, “Have you ever felt this way?”

But when I do, the reward is priceless.

Just to wet your appetite, here's a sneak peek for what's coming up on the bloggy blog in the next few days - the absolutely adorable Phillips family. There's a LOT more cuteness to come from these guys so we'll see you right back here tomorrow!

Hugs,
Erin

Jeff, Meredith, and Keira | Aliso Viejo, CA

Erin — Fri, 17 Sep 2010 16:41:16 +0000

Remember all of those big moments in life? When you first meet that person that sends your whole being into a tailspin? That first date when he didn't kiss you at the end but he wanted to so badly? And the time he looked at you and realized he was falling madly in love? Do you remember how you burst into tears when he proposed and forgot to say yes because you were so happy? And then slipping into your dress on your wedding day, and holding your breath as you walked down the aisle so you wouldn't cry - again?

I don't know what it is about these moments in life, but these milestones are like the heartbeats of life. They give us memories to cherish and like rocks across a river we make safely it to our destination knowing that we felt every single one of them fully and deeply. And the best part about hopping to the next stone in the river is that you get to grab the hand of the one you love and make the leap together.

If you've been around our website or blog before, you already know the fabulous Jeff and Meredith. We photographed their wedding back in 2008, and they've either been guests or in the wedding party of half a dozen other weddings over the years. The absolute best compliment we ever receive is when our couples refer their friends to us, and when it comes to Jeff and Meredith, their friends have always been our most favorite weddings of the year. So when these two gave birth to the first little one, Keira, we headed up to their brand new house and dropped in for a little visit.

Friends and Family: To be notified when the rest of the images are online, please sign the guestbook here.

Meredith is one of the most adorable and stylish people I know, and she's surrounded by adorable and stylish family and friends. So when it came time to fill Keira's closet, she had plenty of aunts to help her out!

I loved the theme and colors of the nursery. Meredith is a school teacher so she had all summer to work on the decorations and prep.

And here's the little Keira! One of her aunties made this hat for her which I absolutely love!

Meredith designed and made this mirror herself. Yeah, she's pretty rockin'.

I just love these two! I can't tell you how amazing it is to still be close to our couples after all this time.

What a precious little treasure.

What family would be complete without two precious mini Australian Shepard pups? Mango was such a good photo assistant for us.

We almost didn't recognize Jeff with his short hair. He had just cut it short, so we're taking a vote on whether we like the long or short hair. He looks so good with both - I can't decide!

The gorgeous Meredith.

Keira is so tiny!

See what did I tell you? Mango was the perfect assistant that made sure every little hair on Keira's head looked perfect.

And she made these two laugh, which was a great bonus.

Sierra kept everyone calm and chill. Or maybe that was just her?

These three are my favorite. Love, love, love.

Meredith was prepared with plenty of outfits, so we played some dress up with our sleeping baby.

This was my favorite outfit. What little girl doesn't have a pink tutu?

Tiny hands and tiny toes...

Can I look THIS GOOD after my first child? Seriously Meredith, I don't know how you always look so amazing!

Ha! Keira had a burst of energy in her sleep!

Aaaaaand then she was out again. And the dogs kept watch, as per our doggie assistant agreement.

I love these last few images. I feel like this is so real - just hanging out in the nursery with your pups, ooing and ahhing over your little girl.

Oh Sierra, you crack me up!

Jeff and Meredith: You guys have always meant the world to us and we can't thank you enough for being a part of our lives! You two bless us more than you know, and we can't wait to watch little Keira grow up. Love you tons!

Hugs,

Erin

Eran, Kelly, and Jude | Point Loma, CA

Erin — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 18:08:01 +0000

After the ceremony and the dancing, the presents and the honeymoon, the journey of your love story continues. A new home, new habits, some new date nights, and lots of new adventures. Before you can even start breathing into your new life, six months passes with the clink of champagne over a homemade dinner and a midnight movie. By the time the first anniversary arrives, your lives have begun to fit themselves together. Like a big, soft chair next to a warm fireplace, you begin to melt into the comfort of being together. This is when it starts getting good, my friends. After a bit of time to work out your new existence around another person, the fiery love you shared during the excitement of starting a life together starts to transform into deep passion. Then deep passion becomes intense adoration. This lovely adoration for each other will be your companion for the rest of your time together.

Friends and Family: To be notified when the rest of the images are online, please sign the guestbook here.

I love being a small witness to the lives that our previous couples share together. To be a part of their continued journeys is such an honor and a blessing for us. We photographed Eran and Kelly's Fourth of July wedding back in 2007, and at their three year anniversary their first baby boy, Jude, was born. I was so excited when Kelly asked us to come photograph some newborn portraits of Jude. We don't photograph babies very often, but when it comes to one of our favorite past couples, we just couldn't pass this up!

Kelly looks absolutely gorgeous for just having her first baby.

There is nothing more precious that a new father, especially when it's someone as sweet as Eran.

Jude is ADORABLE! Look at that little hand!

I don't think I've ever seen Eran without his Vans.

So cute.

I loved their Chargers bear. Go Bolts!

Absolutely precious.

The theme of their adorable nursery was definitely books, books, books - and I just might steal the whole idea because it was SO CUTE! PS I'm stealing it when I'm actually going to have a baby... which won't be for another few years. Phew! Let's not begin that rumor!

They definitely had all of my favorite books, too.

Ha! The top left photo is me testing my light for Jude, so Jeff gave me a little model. LOL.

I loved that they hung little baby clothes and sonograms by clothespins within some empty picture frames. What a cute idea.

What a peaceful baby.

I absolutely love these two!

Tiny hands and tiny toes.

Eran and Kelly: Thanks for sharing your little Jude with us! We are so excited for this part of your journey together and you guys are going to be AWESOME parents! Love you guys!

Hugs,

Erin

The Figlewicz Family | San Diego, CA

Erin — Wed, 14 Apr 2010 16:57:16 +0000

There's a lot to see between the moments of family. There's the fun moments, when Dad throws you 1,000 feet in the air because he's the strongest man alive, and you could fly all the way out into the solar system. Or when Mom lets you throw off your shoes and smear on strawberry flavored lip gloss like the grown up little girl that you are.

And then there's the chaotic moments that we all know about - when the kids just won't stand still because they want nothing more than to examine the ground for more fuzzy caterpillars or put on more strawberry lip gloss.

But don't forget the sweet moments too. When your newborn sleeps sweetly in your arms and everybody curls together on a picnic blanket just because its so safe and warm next to mom and dad. Between all of those crazy, fun, sweet moments, there's family. I can't explain exactly what it is, except that its a kind of togetherness. No matter what, you'll always be together. You'll always be a family that loves each other with a strong, thick, unmoving joy. And nothing can break the bond that brings you - and all of those life moments - together.

Casey and Andrea are fantastic photographers and amazing parents out of Palos Verdes, CA, and they officially have one of the cutest, most rambunctious, and FUN families in the world! We spent the day playing in the green fields of San Diego with their kids - Nathan, Dylly, and the newborn Carly - and it was seriously such a fun session!

Friends and family: To be notified when the rest of the images are online, please sign the guestbook here.

Andrea brought along the cutest props to play with, and they came straight out of her own house! In fact, I think these crates normally live in her kitchen... soooo, I'm gonna have to visit this amazingly cute home and definitely take a few notes! As soon as I saw the crates, I plopped the adorable Dylly on top and snapped my favorite images of the session. I love these!

Dylly pulled out some fierce model moves for me, which totally cracked us up!

Life has to be good with such a lovable big brother like Nathan.

Time for the girls!

Like I said before, lip gloss makes the world a fantastic place to live in - and there was a lot of it! So cute!

What a seriously beautiful family.

While the kids ran in circles out in the field (don't worry, there was a babysitter!) we spent some time with Casey and Andrea.

Andrea, you are gorgeous!

And pretty stinkin' cute too!

This series cracks me up.

Dylly loved hanging upside down, which I don't quite understand. But hey, when you're a kid, maybe the world just feels right upside down!

So why are Dylly's arms in the air?? Well, she's getting ready...

to FLY!! Ha!

Again?? Ok!

Here's Jeff's angle and it cracks me up!

Nathan had to get in on the action too!

But we can't forget the brand new Carly and her sweet glossy eyes.

While we hung out with Carly, Nathan found a caterpillar...

And he was pretty stoked!

Before letting the kids free from picture taking, we gathered everyone up for some "authentic" family portraits - in other words, what life is really like with three awesome kids. Again, the kids just LOVE being upside down!

Oh, and we can't forget that life requires a babysitter. I love this family!

Everyone together now! I think this is my favorite portrait of these guys. What incredible people.

We're not finished with these guys quite yet - tomorrow we'll be showing off our time with just Casey and Andrea, and let's just say this session kind of blew my mind! See you then!

Hugs,

Erin

The Leonard Family | Del Mar, CA

Erin — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 17:00:53 +0000

It was one of the nicest emails we'd ever received. We had never met Mark. We had never shaken his hand or even seen any of his images. But we somehow had seen his heart in an email. Through the internet void, we felt the passion in his words and the beauty in his soul. He had a love for ministry, a passion for youth, and a heart for photography. After his heartwarming, kind, and humble words, we knew we had to find a way to meet this genuine and wonderful person.

Jeff and I are extremely protective of our couples and their wedding days, and we are incredibly particular about the third shooters and assistants that we bring along with us. They have to fit our brand and our personalities. They have to have a servants heart and a humble attitude, not to serve us - not at all. But to serve our couples and their families on one of the most important and meaningful days of their lives. Mark has this heart, and when we had a wedding in his area, we couldn't help but ask him to come along.

That was a year ago, and ever since then we've been so excited to meet Mark's wife, Jill, and his two GORGEOUS girls, Maddie and Mackenzie. Mark is a fantastic photographer in Redlands - seriously check him out if you're looking for wonderful family photography with the kindest guy you'll ever meet. Since Mark is always the one behind the camera (I know the feeling), Jill wanted to get him in some family photos with their cute little girls, as well as shoot new head shots for their website, and we were happy to do it - to say the least. I was pretty much jumping out of my skin with excitement to photograph this cute little family! Today we're featuring the family shoot, and tomorrow will be the fabulous Mark and Jill.

Friends and Family: To be notified when the rest of the images go online, please sign the guestbook here.

Its mandatory with any family session to get that great set-up with the smiling faces and cute kids...

...but once that shot is over, we let the kids break loose!

Ewww! A kiss from daddy!

At two-years old, Maddie couldn't hold still, which was ok with us! How can you ever say no to a little blonde two-year-old with blue eyes, chubby cheeks, and pigtails? Its like not getting the chicken nachos on the happy hour menu - impossible.

My favorite moment of the day.

While Jeff chased after Maddie, I opted for the sickeningly adorable - and stationary - Mackenzie. This. is. the. cutest. baby. EVER.

Mackenzie loved grabbing the leaves off of the ground, which melted my heart into a puddle of girly, maternal mush. I can only imagine how Mark feels!

After plenty of squatting and running around, we brought the family back together for a few more set-ups. Kids get tired real quick. So you have to shoot real quick. We learned THAT real quick.

These guys had plenty of smiles left in them though, and I love these last ones!

Squishee-faaaaaace!!

Tomorrow we'll be featuring our shoot with Mark and Jill, so check back then for more Leonard family goodness!

Hugs,

Erin

Dave, Jenny, and Ivy (plus one)

Erin — Sun, 26 Jul 2009 20:45:40 +0000

Rocks are fascinating, mud is delightful, bugs are monsters, and nap time is constant.

Being a kid is, in a word, awesome. Dave and Jenny are some of our best friends, and their little girl, Ivy, is our little jewel. Jeff and I don't do family portraits very much at all, but when it comes to the most precious little girl in the world, we're there in a heartbeat. Now that Jenny is expecting their second child, Jeff took the three of them out for a session to document this special time in their family.

Friends and family: To be notified when the rest of the pictures go online, please sign the guestbook here.

Ivy was such the camera flirt the entire time! Here's daddy teaching her how to "show her teeth" for the camera. I think I just melted a thousand times...

Ivy loved to "squeeze her hands and smile" for the camera. It was ADORABLE.

Jeff took a few of just Dave and Jenny, who is due in just a few weeks with their second baby.

Ivy was so excited to play in the ocean. She had talked about it in the car the entire way to the session and she's LOVING it.

Show your teeth!

This was try number one to get Ivy to face the camera. I love her dirty legs from the beach and her mischievous eyes.

And here's what we were going for! Love it!

She's a daddy's girl for sure.

Dave, Jenny, and Ivy: We love you guys and you mean the world to us. We can't wait to meet the new little one in just a few weeks!

Hugs,

Erin

Eva Rose | Love at First Sight

Erin — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 23:20:44 +0000

Its the kind of love that I don't understand yet. But with one look, she knew that this was forever. With the first touch, he knew it too. As soon as his eyes fell on her beautiful cheeks and his fingers wrapped into hers, he was in love. He would do anything for her. She wanted to spend her every moment taking care of her darling.

But that's what happens when two becomes three.

Its something that I just don't feel yet. Without a child of my own, I can only witness a mother's loving touch instead of understand the meaning behind it. But witnessing is still so magical. Watching a new father hold his baby girl so gently and kiss her soft cheeks as if they were made of porcelain is such a sweet, soft intimacy.

Jeff and I do weddings. We love everything about a wedding day - the dress, the details, the rush - but we especially thrive on the moments. We don't do very many portraits, and we especially don't do many babies. So when the sister of one of our favorite brides asked us to do a newborn session, we decided it could be a great experience. While Jeff and I watch people fall in love all year long, there is something so different about the love for an infant. Its such a different kind of intimacy and I loved exploring all of the different ways to capture the softness of new life. I have so say that I fully enjoyed spending time with little Eva Rose. She is a DARLING and Jeff and I had such a fun time!

***Friends and Family: To be notified when the rest of the pictures go online, click here!***

Caitlyn (mom) had the nursery decorated so cute! I love details so I took the opportunity to indulge!

I think its pretty apparent that Eva has got a good hold on Daddy's heart. But just to make sure...

I love this family portrait. Riley, the dog, was such a sport and had to get in a few pictures - with accessories of course.

Getting a new diaper half way through.

I love these shots that we got of Paul (dad) and his daughter. I think we're gonna have a daddy's girl.

One of my favorites. It feels so peaceful.

Caitlyn and Paul: Thank you for allowing us into your home to capture the beauty of your baby girl! You two are amazing people and we are definitely up for some river rafting in Bend!

xoxo

Erin