There is no better time to take family photos then when everyone is together for Christmas! In the case of our dear friends, the Cards, they decided to take advantage of all their kids being in town to get some family portraits. We were thrilled to get to hang out with this amazing family and artistically push ourselves to create some unique art for them.

Old Town Orange Family Photographer. Lifestyle Family Photographer. Irvine Family Photographer. Family Portraits.

Fact: Adorable families call for equally precious family photos.

Melissa is such an incredibly, beautiful sweetheart! We first photographed her a few months ago right after she found out she was pregnant when she chose to put on her wedding gown for a trash the dress shoot. You can see her session in the fountains HERE. We couldn’t wait for her and her hubby’s little girl to show up and to get to photograph the newest beauty in their family!

And here we are…get ready for the most adorable little girl and her equally sweet pink and mint inspired nursery!

Once in awhile, there are moments that change me as a photographer. Moments that make me stop and really take in the importance of my job. They leave me in awe and gratefulness. The photos you are about to see are of one of these moments.

After we finished the above newborn and family photos, I suggested that Melissa and I take some “skin on skin” photos with her little girl. Tender, sweet moments between a mother and her child. With the help of the new daddy, I posed and lit the scene to reflect a calm and natural state. I chose to pull back and shoot wider for some of these because I really wanted to capture their bedroom. I photographed these photos in black and white, because I feel like it captures the heart and emotions better than color. Halfway through this portion of the  shoot I just had to stop for a moment and take it all in. It hit me that these photos are going to be so precious in years to come as little Brenna grow up. For Melissa, these moments with her first born child are ones I’m sure she will never forget…and I will not either. -Kristin

Pink and Mint Inspired Nursery. Elephant Inspired Nursery. Lifestyle Family Photographer. San Diego Family Photographer. San Diego Newborn Photography.

Behold! The most “awesomest” and “bestest” pastor’s kids in the world!

A few weeks ago we had the privilege of watching our pastor and his wife’s kids overnight while they went away for a night together. As a surprise for their parents, we suggested that we all go to the park and we take a few photos of them as a gift for their parents. The kids were thrilled at the idea! They even helped each other pick out their best clothes to wear.

Carson, Henry, Natalie and Peter were a complete blast to photograph! And (so we are told) they had a great time too! We literally just let them play around their local park in Irvine for an hour as we took photos and played with them. So fun!

After the session, we loaded the photos to our computer and the kids all agreed on which photo would be given to their parents. Days later they presented their parents with the custom black and white print!

Aren’t they just the cutest?!
“Can we see the photos?”

This photo is the one the kids chose to have printed and give to their parents. Didn’t they pick a good one?!?A quick iPhone photo of the kids holding their finished print.

We first came into contact with Jessica and Trevor at their cousin Chris’ wedding last year. Although Jessica and Trevor live in Phoenix, they jumped at the chance to have a family portrait session while they were out in California for her grandmother’s 80th birthday party! Jessica, a former softball Olympian for Greece, wanted to incorporate her and Trevor’s connection to softball and football into the session. We arrived at the Arlington Heights Sports Park for an afternoon of running kids, laughter, and a few meltdowns. Birthday girl, Grandma Helen, was even invited to pop in for a few photos. Aren’t they a gorgeous family? Leave a comment.

All photos are property of Smetona Photo and should not be used without written permission.

Reality hit us this morning when we woke up to see the devastation in Japan. Cars, home, boats, trains and people were destroyed and washed away in the events of the earthquake and tsunami. Millions have lost everything and we want to help!

Starting today and for the next 2 weeks, donate any amount below and you will get a free 30-minute mini session.
If you can donate over $50, we will give you a free 1 hour session.
If you donate over $100, you will get a free 1 1/2 hour session and a disk of all the photos!

50% of each donation will be given to the World Vision Disaster Response Fund for Japan.

Let’s bless these people graciously, because we have been blessed with more than we deserve.

Pray for the people of Japan!

Please, let us know if you have any questions or problems.
info@smetonaphoto.com
949-648-3781