Hey everyone!

It’s been a while since I last updated the blog, but I’ve been busy with some amazing photo sessions that I can’t wait to share. Most of my recent shoots have taken place on the gorgeous SoCal beaches and in bustling city scenes, and I’m thrilled to announce that I’m expanding my service areas to cover all of Southern California!

So, what does this mean? Instead of focusing just on Bakersfield, CA, I’ll now be splitting my time between these fantastic spots:

• Bakersfield, CA
• Los Angeles, CA
• Orange County, CA
• San Diego County, CA
• California Central Coast

I’ve always loved exploring new places, and there’s so much more to Southern California’s beauty than just what’s around Bakersfield. Don’t get me wrong—I adore my hometown and there are some hidden gems here, but now that my kids are a bit older and I have more flexibility, I’m really excited to get out and shoot in these stunning locations more often.

Lately, beach sessions have been my absolute favorite. There’s something so liberating about the beach—lots of space to move around, the chance to get a little sandy and wild, and the extra fun of seeing clients splash around in the water. It’s all about capturing those carefree, joyful moments, and I’m looking forward to creating more of them with you in these beautiful new spots!

Before I dive into sharing an incredible beach session that I’m totally in love with, I wanted to take a moment to talk about something that can really affect the vibe and outcome of your photos: the weather.

Unexpected Weather: Does this mean our shoot is ruined?

I get it—weather can be a huge source of stress. It’s something we can’t control, and it’s easy to worry about how it might impact your shoot. But here’s the thing: instead of stressing over it, try to embrace whatever weather comes your way.

This shoot is a great example of how “bad weather” can create an pleasantly unique outcome.

Now, this couple probably experienced the same anxiety about the weather that anyone else would have.

Imagine this: you’ve been counting down the days for your sunrise beach photo session. You’ve planned everything meticulously for months. The night before the shoot, you drive three hours to get to the beach, check into a hotel, and wake up at 4am to do your hair, makeup, and handle all the last-minute details. You picture yourself frolicking on a golden beach, with the warm rays of the sun kissing the misty waves and bathing you in a heavenly glow.

But when you arrive for your session, you find out that the sun is nowhere to be seen. The sky is overcast, and your sunlit dream isn’t going to happen. It’s a moment that could easily lead to disappointment or frustration. However, instead of letting it ruin the session, this couple decided to roll with the unexpected turn of events. They embraced the cloudy weather, no complaints were made. Just good attitudes and a focus on their love for each other.

When I first realized that the sun wasn’t going to make an appearance during the session, my initial reaction was to feel a bit anxious. I couldn’t help but wonder, “Will they be disappointed? Have they invested all this time, money, and energy only to miss out on the vision we planned for?” Of course, I kept these worries to myself, but I think most photographers can relate to the anxiety of wanting to meet their clients’ expectations. Even elements beyond our control can make us nervous.

Once that initial concern subsided, I started to see that the foggy conditions were actually working in our favor. The deserted morning beach, the tide rolled back just right, the beautifully patterned sand, and the couple’s simple outfits all came together to create a unique and stunning mood that we couldn’t have achieved with clear skies. The fog added a dreamy, ethereal quality to the images that was truly special.

And this wasn’t an isolated incident. I’ve had several sessions where unexpected rain turned into some of my favorite shoots ever. There’s something magical about the way rain can enhance a photo, and occasionally, a beautiful rainbow appears after a shower! The vibrant rain clouds at sunset can add a dramatic flair to your photos, and for those who are up for a little adventure, romantic photos in a torrential downpour can be extraordinarily beautiful.

Sometimes, the most memorable and striking images come from embracing the weather, whatever it may be. It’s all about making the most of the conditions you have and finding beauty in the unexpected.

So, for your next shoot, try to come in with an open mind. Envision what your shoot just MIGHT look like with some fog, or even some rain. Maybe even go so far to pick out a “bad weather” outfit if your first choice is centered around sunny skies. If some fog, wind, or rain rolls in unexpectedly, I challenge you to embrace it! I truly think you will be pleasantly surprised.