La Crescenta Pregnancy: Anita + Ben + Baby

Babies!

I love when I get to photograph people I know, because knowing someone’s back story and how they got to where they are now brings me inside their world emotionally. That’s one of the reasons that when I meet new clients I try to get to know who they are, what they love. I may never really utilize the facts I know about them in my photos, but it helps the people on both sides of the camera feel comfortable enough with each other to share the kind of tender moments I capture.

Once in a while, I have the opportunity to photograph people I have already known for years like Anita and Ben. I met Anita in a ballroom dancing class a few years back that we took with a mutual friend. Stumbling all over a stranger’s toes for a couple hours a week will either make you flee embarrassed from the class or earn you a new friend. I’m glad Anita and I chose the latter course, stubbed toes and all.

She and Ben had already been dating for a number of years by that time. I got to share the joy of the engagement announcement, wish them well on their wedding last year, and now celebrate with them their soon-to-arrive baby girl.

I am incredibly honored that they asked me to document their joy and anticipation. I am even more honored to get to share these emotions with them.

Ben just got this tattoo a couple weeks ago. The symbols are Anita’s Chinese name and the symbol for beauty and peace. In other words, “Beautiful Anita.”

I have no idea what the history of this brilliant old stone building is. Honestly, I kind of found it by accident. I was looking around La Crescenta for some scenic natural photo locales, and stumbled across this park with the building, a miniature vineyard, and luscious cypress trees — all of which make for luscious backdrops. Los Angeles, truly hosts some unexpected treasures.

Congratulations, you two.