Although I enjoy meeting families from all around Riverside and Orange Counties, there is something extra special about photographing in my own city of Corona.  As we meet new people here, we all realize that we are connected somehow through a child’s activity, church or mutual friends before we actually meet in real life. This family is no exception. I had not met them before they scheduled a photo session, but we have many mutual friends and go to the same church. It’s like we were friends before we knew each other. THAT is what I love about this city.

That is not entirely what this post is about, just a rabbit trail.

When they first scheduled this session, it was intended to be just for their kids. I was told that it had been a long time. As we emailed about the details of the session, I planted a seed that mom and dad should be in the photos. She said they would think about it. In later emails, I persisted. If not for her, but for her kids.  Your kids love you just as you are, right now, today, in this moment. They will also cherish the photos of their family together for a very long time. Finally, mom and dad agreed that they would be in the photos with their kids. Sweet!

We decided to shoot at a well known location in Corona – Dos Lagos. It is a outdoor shopping/restaurant location in South Corona. People love it because of this unique bamboo bridge. (FYI for local friends and photographers – you need to have a permit/permission of sorts before you shoot here. Check in at their business office for more info.) It just has a cool feel to it. When they showed up, they were perfectly dressed for the location and to suit their personalities. I think they looked great! (Totally random that I also showed up in grey and black. Must be a Corona thing.) They all warmed up to being in front of the camera like pros and it ended up being a really fun and easy session. They even took behind the scenes photos of me shooting each of them that several of my friends reported to me…you know because we all know each other.

I can’t wait to see their 20×30 gallery block above their fireplace.