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Happy People

That huge smile makes he so happy. He’s a charmer this one, and has been since birth. I’m so happy I could photograph this whole family again.

Thousand Oaks family photographer
Conejo Valley family photographer
Thousand Oaks family photographer

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Family Fun

Families are messy, crazy, chaotic, frustrating, full of drama and strife, but at the end of the day they love each other fiercely. My children whine, and constantly bicker with each other, but when my oldest went away to school they were all in tears. It’s a crazy dynamic where you all drive each other crazy, but you can’t live without each other.

Below are 5 different families, all in the same location. Each one was a set of different personalities and dynamics, but they all kept me smiling and laughing behind the camera.

Westlake Village Family Photographer
Westlake village family photographer
Ventura County family photographer
Westlake village photographer
outdoor family photographer in Westlake village
sports photographer Westlake village

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In the Trenches

Being a parent is HARD. Children never ever ever stop needing your attention, love, help, guidance, money, and everything that you are. Of course it's not their fault. It's just the way they are. Parenting humbles you. It stretches you farther than you knew you could go, and yet it's just the small things that bring you big rewards. That first smile, the big hug or kiss on the cheek, or that tiny voice that says, "I love you." That can make it all worthwhile.

There are lots of boring, and mundane days as a parent. You pick up the toys for the thousandth time, and change the never-ending laundry cycles. Then, there are the days you wish life was boring. Those are the days that the temper tantrums never end, and the messes are gargantuan.  All your energy is sapped and you wish for just a boring day picking up toys.

Believe it or not these images are from one of those horrible days for this family. The session starts out rocky - the most rocky I've ever experienced. I was nervous that we wouldn't be able to get the family photos we needed. I know mom was extremely nervous. I love this session even more because you can't tell it started out with tears and anger because all you see is smiles and joy.

This just makes me believe even more in not having time limits for my regular sessions. Sometimes you just need time to adjust, time to relax, and time to figure out what will make everyone happy. This also reminds me that when your life seems too hard or too out of control you just need to be patient. It WILL get better. There will be smiles and happiness again.

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What a Difference a Year Makes!

I have been blessed with some amazing clients, and this family is one of them. I've been photographing their family from the very beginning of my business 9 years ago. This particular session was the 4th one for this year as we documented this little guy's first year. He's the happiest baby you've ever seen. For each session we've included the whole family - which is more than fine with me. Families are my passion. 

I love that they brought this red rocking chair. It's the same rocking chair his mom had as a child, and now all 3 of her kids have been photographed in it. It's much more meaningful than something I could bring for him to sit in. They also brought his favorite truck. His whole face lit up when he saw it come out of the bag. I know they will always remember him pushing this truck all over their house. Memories are powerful, and hopefully this photography can bring back some of the best ones for them. Happy 1st Birthday big guy! I can't wait to see you next year.

Family Photographer in Westlake Village
Family Photographer in Ventura County
Family Photographer Thousand Oaks
Family Photographer in Camarillo California
Oak park California Photographer
Camarillo Family Photographer

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Twelve Years Old

This girl is just excited about life. She's happy to go anywhere, meet anyone, and just smile. She She still snuggles close to me when we have the chance, and loves to talk my ear off. She has such enthusiasm for life! I admire that so much.

She turned 12 recently. Her teen years are fast approaching - too fast. I'm not ready to let go of my little girl. I used to think all those moms who whined and complained about their kids growing up too fast were lying, but it really is hard to let go. It's hard to move on to a new stage when you're perfectly happy where you are. No matter how old she is, I love watching her grow. I love all of her, and I'm so happy to be her mom.

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And the and winner is....

Every year I try to give back a little by photographing a deserving family that has been nominated by a previous client. The images in this post are from my 2016 session.

A few weeks ago I asked people if they knew someone who could use a break, or something to brighten their day. Your responses were overwhelming. THANK YOU to everyone who responded. It speaks to your kind hearts that so many of you took the time to do it. Here are a few snippets of the entries:

"He is hard working - works 7 days a week. After working an 8 hour shift he comes home and works another 2-4 hours. Alex and his girlfriend deserve to have beautiful pictures..." 

"She is always the first person to make sure everyone else is taken care of. I just can't say enough about how wonderful she is."

"Baby A has been a true blessing to our family. He is a true fighter as he has undergone 3 surgeries. (He) is now 14 months old and a healthy handsome boy. His parents had a very difficult first year and I think a photo session with their little warrior baby would be great for them as they can treasure it forever."

This mother of 4 beautiful children was burned by her husband and has suffered a great deal.

"Wendy is an amazing mom to 3 kids, one of which has special needs. She works so hard (along with her husband) to make sure they have what they need and is a sweet and caring person."

"She is a survivor of Domestic Violence and is raising her 2 children as a single parent. One of her children has autism among other disabilities and she has had to learn very fast what it means to be a mom and put your wants and needs on hold while raising your children. She now has a part time job and is on her own and is raising those kids on her own. She has a very low income so having family portraits is not in her budget but I know she would love to have them!"

"She is chronically and terminally ill with an invisible illness. Next month is her "6 yr anniversary" and she keeps going, but it isn't the same as life going on and friends and family moving forward. I would like to give her sweet 16 pictures, give her something that many families & girls have, let her FEEL beautiful and special and most of all... not forgotten. "

"She is forever doing for others usually behind the scenes never thinks of herself .. she is a relentless force for good in our community."

"He is my kids (4kids under6) best friend. this man does a ton of volunteer around Moorpark and is truly my sanity when i lose my mind being mom. A picture of him with his great grandkids would be amazing!"

"She's a hardworking single mother of 2 and she recently lost her car in this weekends storm...."

"He was hit head on by an out of control driver that crossed lanes on the old 118, nearly killing him and keeping him in the ICU for 33 days. He is still recovering 10 months later with another surgery needed to be able to properly walk again as his right foot was almost amputated. He had to close his business which was his pride and joy as he is not able to work anymore."

"Even in a tight spot, she offered to help me out with the kids for free(of course, I wouldn't let her) Anyway, they're a thoughtful and beautiful family of four. I just think they would be thrilled if this opportunity came up for them."

"She had a difficult childhood, she got pregnant when she was 15, placed her baby for adoption without parental support, finished HS without parental support, bounced around for a few years before she figured out she needed to make her own way. She married a great guy a few years ago, she went to school to become a nurse, then had to fight cervical cancer, now is healthy, but they are struggling financially, living with his dad and grandma. AND they are expecting their first son in April!!"

"He is a special teenager with dyslexia who is turning 18 and graduating high school and who works very hard to overcome disability and became a Jr member of the Magic Castle in Hollywood at age 15."

"She is a single mom who was in a abusive marriage and is going though a nasty divorce where her x is still trying to control her and be little her.... She always helps others and never asks for anything back."

"She fell in love with my Christmas Card and said that she wanted to have something like that for her family."

It was just too hard to choose from the entries so I put all of the names in a bowl and had my 7 year old choose a name. Kortney Baker's name was chosen, and she and her 2 children will be photographed soon. Thank you so much everyone for your entries! I may be able to squeeze in a couple more this year if I have time. I'm looking forward to it!!

Keep being wonderful!   -Julie

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