Gracie is a highly creative, vivacious, delightful and whip smart little girl. She's the kind of kid who can relate to and converse with adults without any reservations whatsoever, very at ease with the adult world, very poised and mature, and yet, is still utterly and completely a fun loving, playful, exuberant little kid. It's a most delightful blend and she and I always have a grand ole time at our shoots together. The shoot is nearly always 90% Gracie time and then we squeeze in a handful of family shots at the end (per mom's request) so Gracie and I get to just wander around the house/property and PLAY. I have such a fondness for the idea of play in kids' lives and how we've removed play from so many aspects of their childhood and how incredibly important play is to their development, so being around a school aged child who can still tap into her imagination and play and have fun at a shoot is a real treat for me. When we started off I found this great chair in a room that had incredible light and rather than just "pose" Gracie on the chair, I decided to let her discover all the many different playful ways she could "exist" on that chair and by letting her just play around with her imagination I was able to capture "posed" images of her being 100% herself that represented everything that is so wonderful about Gracie: that electric smile, that think-outside-the-box brain, and her desire to entertain at all times. Just so Gracie. And don't even get me started on the trampoline surrounded by trees with a view of the Pacific Ocean. It's as dreamy as it sounds. Every year that I get to spend with Gracie and her family I get to watch her evolution, her growth, and I'm really getting to see the kind of woman she will one day become. Strong, self assured, incredibly bright, personable and friendly but nobody's doormat, she is a force to be reckoned with and yet has all the charm and wit in the world. My kind of girl. Kel & Wes, thank you for this wonderful tradition of ours and the opportunity to chronicle your amazing daughter's journey in this world! And thank you for being SO good to me every single time, I just LOVE you all!! xoxox
Brendan & Claire
Oh my heart.... You all know that my daughter has always been my one and only muse, but if there was EVER another child on the planet who would be able to rival the way she makes my camera sing it would be Claire. On top of that, the dynamic between Claire and Brendan is SO reminiscent of my two kiddos that it always gives me deja vu' s when I'm photographing them. The icing on the cake is my unparalleled love and affection for their parents, Janice being the mightiest little force of nature in the most petite and delicate little frame you ever did see. I call her the "secret weapon", nobody would suspect her of anything! Needless to say, I am crazy about the whole family and we always have a TON of fun! The stress of having our first location be unexpectedly closed upon arrival, and then our second location have a rare special event and also closed, and then scrambling for a Plan C was handled with complete ease because they just know and understand my approach to this style of imagery. That it has nothing to do with the quality of the backdrop and everything to do with the quality of the family dynamic (and a photographer who understands timing, lighting, and how to engage kids! Ha!). Regardless, the hiccups were no deterrent and, as expected, the shoot went off without any more hitches once we were underway! I love clients who trust me so implicitly and unreservedly. It makes my heart swell! They also just get it when I let something slide, that there must be a method to my madness. One example is a standard situation where one kid decides to make a silly face and then realizes the POWER they have insomuch that they could make this ridiculously unattractive face the ENTIRE shoot sending the parents and photographer into a panic and mad frenzy to end the behavior. Now, for me, when that happens with a sibling shot at play, I roll with it because I know that the other sibling is going to look over, see that face and crack up. And what you get out of that is a little sister looking at her big brother like he's the best thing since sliced bread, and you know what? That shot is CLASSIC sibling lore, the shots that they will fall over themselves looking at later on in life. Those shots matter just as much as the "Holiday Photo" shot. They tell even more of a story of the sibling dynamic and interaction than the more posed images. Those images with the knowing LOOKS, the unique and special magic inherent within that specific family unit, I live for those. They're my O2. And this family gives me those shots over and over and over again. And I love them for it.
Janice and Jonathan, thank you for the gift that is your family. I adore you guys. Thanks especially for raising two amazing, secure, kind, loving, sweet kiddos who will help make this world a better place. xoxoxoxoxo
Pam, Josh, Connor, Michaella and Isabelle
If there was ever any physical manifestation as to how the past decade of photographing some of my absolute favorite families were to be shown in photographic proof it would be a before and after picture of a scrawny little 10 year old Connor as compared to this 6'4 fourth year college HULK that showed up to this shoot. I was even more taken aback this year than last year and then just as I'm gathering my bearings, I turn around and there is "little" Michaella standing next to her mom and PRACTICALLY the same height as her. NO. Just NO. You kids are NOT allowed to do this to me!!! Talk about an evolution.... I'm really seeing the dramatic changes this year more than any other year. The majority of my clients are clients I have had around a decade now, some more, some less, but all hovering around that ten year mark. And it's just really blowing me away. The legacy of all these shoots, the bonds we have developed, the friendships I've been blessed with, the honor of chronicling these kids as they grow and it suddenly occurred to me for the very first time that there may actually come a time where I will be photographing these kids' weddings, pregnancies and babies of their own. And that's when I kind of emotionally fell apart. Talk about full circle. Anyway, I am digressing but this past month of shoots has really hit me hard in the feels. Deep breaths..... lol!
I love this family's energy and sense of humor. They love to laugh and play off each other and, like most family's, there's one total NUT in the family (cough*isabelle*cough) who helps keep everything fun and light and playful. Gotta love the nuts. :)
Pam & Josh, thank you so much for continuing this LONG tradition of ours, it means the world to me. I hope you LOVE this year's images!! xoxoxoxo
Allison, Dan, Alex, Ethan & Olivia
Oh how I love thee!!! This is another long time family who believed in me way back when I was but a mere fledgling and emerging artist with absolutely no formal training, experience, education or any credentials whatsoever to justify putting themselves whole heartedly in my hands... and yet, they did. Without reservation. And we instantly clicked and I fell in love with their bubbly and playful kids and their genuinely authentic love and affection for each other and, as they say, the rest is history. I have had the good fortune and opportunity to document so many important moments and events in this family's life and I have grown so incredibly fond of them over the years that their children's achievements are as exciting and emotional to me as my own kids'. I've watched these kiddos grow up and have been able to document their beautiful journey along the way. They are such a vibrant and easy going family that we always have to find a balance between the more structured (this is why I'm here) Holiday photos and the (more accurately representative) goofing off pictures! Naturally, we started out in the treehouse. Doesn't every family shoot start in the treehouse???!!! And then moved on to the rest of their brand new home, which was a long term labor of love for the entire family. This is gonna be a long blog post with tons of images so give it time to load if it's taking a while! They could all be professional models so I wasn't short on imagery.... :)
I love you all SOOOOO much! Thank you for always being so warm and welcoming and being your authentic selves. You guys make me (and my camera) very, very happy! xoxoxo
Alice, May & Clara
This family is very near and dear to my heart for quite a number of reasons. When you see the images of the girls you'll understand why I adore them so very much. They are absolutely delightful, vibrant, funny, happy, charming, bright and effervescent little girls. Marta & Richard are two of the nicest human beings I have ever had the pleasure to meet and their appreciation for my work is evidenced by the fact that they graciously fly me out to London every two years to take family photos for them. I cannot even begin to express how much I look forward to these trips which I consider my "once every two years" vacation since I get to not only play with them for a couple days in London but then I also get to visit family and friends in Paris afterwards. It's the highlight of my year every single time. These sweet girls make me feel so warm and so welcome, jumping into my arms upon my arrival and very much letting me fully integrate into the family throughout my stay.
I am so blessed to have met this wonderful family and can't wait to see them again in two more years! This year was a HUGE transition from the last time I saw them. Little Clara went from a 3 year old toddler to a little girl with SO much to say! Each of them have such distinct little personalities and I honestly could just listen to them talking with their ridiculously adorable British accents ALL DAY LONG and be perfectly content. Even when they just say "I need to go to the loo" I kind of melt into a puddle of adorable-overload. They're just that cute.
There were SOOOOO many favorites that I couldn't fit them into a regular blogpost and even had a hard time narrowing a slideshow down to fit into one song but I did finally pull it together!
CLICK ON THIS LINK TO ACTIVATE THE SLIDESHOW.
Avery, Quinn & Morgan
This is another one of my long time families. I've documented all three pregnancies and births. I get to see them every two years and it seems like a lifetime goes by between every shoot as the girls go from infant to toddler, from toddler to preschooler, and preschooler to elementary school. I got all emotional seeing them this last time because the changes were so acute and dramatic. But even with all that time in between, it's like no time has ever gone by as we instantly fall into such an easy and happy groove! Kevin and Carly are the most remarkable parents. They understand that childhood is this magical time, where exploration and imagination are key elements. They have always understood what it is that I do with my photography and given me free reign to "do my thing." That implicit trust allows me the freedom to shoot organically and delve deeper into the layers of what I am trying to accomplish. Avery, Quinn and Morgan are such secure, happy, curious, delightful little girls, so willing to be open and letting me into their world, practically taking me by my hand and inviting me in so I can capture the real essence of their dynamic and their incredibly loving family.
I delight in these kinds of shoots, children having fun, siblings interacting, families being themselves, having the time to be a participant and an observer. I get to have little hands reach out for mine as we walk from one location to another... I've been blessed with so many clients who have really given me that trust and freedom to photograph things the "Pascale" way. My busy season is ramping up and I'm so excited to see all my long time clients again, this is my season of bearing witness to all the growth and development that all "my" families have experienced over the past year and that makes it my most favorite time of the year. :)
Kevin and Carly, thank you for being so absolutely incredible and for putting three such beautiful, caring, loving, charming little girls on the planet.
Ava & Bella
This time of year I start to get my super long time clients, those who know well enough to book me a year in advance to get their coveted Fall Season shoot, those who have been with me since the start 10+ years ago when I launched this little business of mine. These are my "not my first rodeo" families. We can take on any challenge. You know, like the Boardwalk on their Monday night dollar night promotional evenings.... yeah, that's right. We did that. And survived. :)
I would never do something like this with a new family, it takes a huge degree of trust and established communication and mutual comfort for an undertaking like this not to turn into complete disastrous pandemonium. We rocked it, basically. Despite the fact that there were 2.6 billion people there. Despite the heat, the crowds, the noise, and the DREADED color casts basically EVERYWHERE. You photographers know what I'm talking about.... :)
These girls are like family to me. I've known them from their very beginnings and I get to watch them grow, bear witness to the journey of their childhood and it's a privilege I never take for granted with all my clients. This is the part that holds the most meaning to me because I really, really get to know these kids in a really meaningful and significant way. And that trust, that bond, that knowledge of WHO they are, allows me to capture the REAL them. It's just the best thing ever, basically. And these girls are FABULOUS. Full of spunk, fierceness, vitality and passion. They have a zest for life and I love being around them. It was also really sweet to see how especially close and tender they were on this shoot. Bella, initially afraid of the Sky Tram, started off completely nestled into her sister, whose protective embrace gave her the confidence to eventually peel away and start dancing and singing along to the music blaring from the speakers. As a mother, it was adorable to watch and as a photographer it was a treat to document.
I adore this family, they've been so good to me over the years and always supportive of my work and my kids. Thank you Tiffany and Don for letting me play with your girls every year! xoxo
Oliver
This is another beloved family whom I've been photographing since their maternity shoot (8 years ago!). They are the sweetest family ever, great fun and mom is an artist herself so she has a complete grasp on the language I speak when I talk about lighting, angles, composition, patterns etc... she and I are always "muy simpatico" as I'm setting up shots, she gets it. :)
Oliver is the perfect blend of Patricia and Leo. Aside from his insanely gorgeous looks (I think I regularly say "gosh, he's really a beautiful boy" about a dozen times throughout every shoot we do together), he's also a very charming, inquisitive, curious, adventurous, playful and funny kid. I've had the pleasure of watching him evolve over the years and I'm starting to see the man he will eventually become and it's such a treat to get to partake in that evolution from infancy forward. A real treat for me not only as a photographer but as a friend of the family. I delight in observing all the transformations that occur through all the many childhood stages. Oliver is just a really great kid - and his folks are pretty darn awesome too! :)
Mom picked a location that is a favorite spot for the family, an absolutely gorgeous spot in Nisene Marks parks that we hiked in to get to. Well worth the effort! I know we all know we live in Paradise out here in Santa Cruz County but it's these hidden gems of tucked away spots that remind us how truly blessed we are. Within ten minutes drive in any direction we can go from Redwood forest to the beach to wild-flower open fields to mountain tops to river beds... Just amazing. I can't imagine living anywhere else. This community is HOME.
Thank you Leo & Patricia for another wonderful afternoon! I LOVE YOU GUYS!!!! xoxoxoxo
Enjoy your sneak peek!
p.s. there is a whole series of images of Oliver making the most HILARIOUS faces every time you guys kissed. I couldn't post them all, but I know they'll make you laugh out loud. :)
Zoe & Alex
I couldn't possibly enjoy this family's energy and sense of humor more. We speak the same "language" where Bay and Thong completely understand everything that I'm doing and we laugh at the same antics and the shoot is just a roller coaster ride of laughs and craziness from start to finish. We are all just along for the ride and let things unfold how they may. There is no better argument against heavily posed, controlled, styled, planned and structured shoots than the results of this photoshoot. This is how I prefer shooting. I direct my clients for optimal lighting and composition/backdrop but then it's ALL about my engagement with them and their own interactions. That's the peanut butter to my jelly.
It goes without saying that few families laugh as heartily and frequently as this one. The running joke was how "utterly miserable" Zoe and Alex were throughout the shoot... lol! I warned Bay and Guy that the kiddos would "probably" get wet by the river but none of us imagined the full submersion that lay ahead. Luckily, Bay and Guy just rolled with it (despite not even knowing if they had a towel or change of clothes in the car!) and we ended up with some memorable moments and magical shots. I'm so grateful for clients who "get" what I do and don't just want "pretty" heavily posed pictures but prefer the real, raw and authentic representation of the craziness of life with kids. This is what it's all about. These are the moments that will be remembered.
Thank you to all my beloved and loyal clients for trusting me to capture the real stories and genuine personalities of your family. xoxo
Elizabeth & Scott
Elizabeth and Scott flew in from New York along with all their family and friends to celebrate their "Crunchy California Wedding" in Santa Cruz, a little beach town which holds many special childhood memories for Elizabeth.
Elizabeth is the epitome of the classic Hollywood beauty. I couldn't help but compare her to Katherine Hepburn. She had planned every last detail with precision and passion. Her dress and shoes almost as stunning as her. Scott was calm and composed, clearly eager to have her as his bride.
After the lovely and sweetly endearing ceremony by the pool at the gorgeous Dream Inn, we had just a few short minutes for some quick Bride & Groom shots and even though we were limited to the pool area, we made the most of it! Elizabeth was glowing from start to finish and you could just tell that her wedding day was everything she had hoped and dreamed it would be.
After some very heartfelt toasts and a wonderful original song serenade by Scott's brother, everybody got BUSY on the dance floor. Elizabeth and Scott had a live band, The Lucky Devils, who were simply AMAZING. The Dream Inn did a fabulous job with all the food and details. And the florist team at Fionna Floral, created the most stunning bouquets and arrangements I have ever seen. I got a little carried away at the start of the day with my ring shots on those floral arrangements, I just couldn't help myself, they were that beautiful!
Elizabeth & Scott, it was an honor to be able to photograph this day for you and capture the memories and moments that you will hold near and dear in your heart over the years. I wish you the very best as you continue along your life journey, now as husband and wife.
To watch the slideshow sneak peek, please click HERE.
