Kristine Andrews Photography Blog

A New View

2009-11-26T14:26:00.000-08:00

I've spent a good portion of my beach going days either at or looking at this beach- but I've never photographed there. I was always nervous about not having any shelter from the sun. It was a bit of a chanlenge, but it was worth it. The view down the coast line was beautiful! That's the Ritz Carlton up on the hill in the background.

Poor "S"- all he wanted to do was play in the water. (By the way- "S" is not the toddler, that's little Mr "A"!! LOL!)The waves were pretty good and he was determined to get in an evening session of surf. I think I burst his bubble on that one.

Big Dogs!

2009-11-26T11:09:00.000-08:00

Someday I'm going to convince the "D" family to get two chihuahuas instead of the two big golden retrievers they have! Just think how much easier they would be to photograph. It is not an easy feat to get two big dogs and two little kids to look at you all at the same time!! I've got mom and dad and the older girls pretty well trained though :0)

Beach Light

2009-11-18T06:04:00.000-08:00

It always amazes me how different each beach photo session is. One day, the sun might wash everybody out, the very next day it might make everyone glow and then the day after the shadows might be too harsh! Different skin tones photograph completely different at the beach too. Sometimes I spend hours trying to take out some of the reds that the sun brings out in people's skin, other times it's too orange! And sometimes...I just get lucky! The "H" family is one of those "just get lucky" times. And what a sweet family too! Poor Dave...I mean Mark!! I think I called him Dave 50 times! So many times it became a joke! Thanks for putting up with me!

Welcome to So Cal!

2009-11-15T08:38:00.000-08:00

Another great beach day! We had to cancel our first appointment because it was super foggy again, but this afternoon ended up being perfect!

This sweet family is celebrating their first Christmas in So Cal having just moved from the East Coast! I love that they have eaten at Wahoo's Restaurant more times in the 3 months that they have been here then I have in the last 3 years! And I love Wahoo's!

I had a great time photographing them! The boys were full of pep and...boyness! Little Mr "G" was a big ham, even though he tried to hide from my camera when ever he could! And big Mr "G" was a sweetheart!

Admired

2009-11-12T20:47:00.000-08:00

I was elated to photograph my friends and neighbors the "W" family this year. They both have been working so hard! "J" is enrolled in the fire academy and well on his way to following a life long dream and becoming a fireman! And "R" is one of those gals that just does it all! Church secretary and Sunday School/VBS organizer extraordinaire! She is so creative! And both girls are so sweet and well mannered (even if one is now a teen!).

Fun in the trees!

2009-11-12T16:03:00.000-08:00

What a unique spot for a Southern California photo session! I get a little burned out on the beach photos, so I'm always excite when someone requests something a little different. The "P" family asked me if I could come out to where they live and photograph "L" in the forest by their house. I've driven by and have seen the forest of trees planted in their neighborhood for years, but never took the time to investigate. Boy was it cool! A total kids' dream! A creek, a bridge and lots of dirt and rocks. And oddly enough for November- mosquitoes! Luckily, I've never been their favorite meal.

A New Favorite Location

2009-11-03T21:31:00.000-08:00

Oh! I'm so happy the "H" family introduced me to this new location in the Dana Point area! It was really cool (except for the friend I found and almost stepped on! See the last photo.) Originally "T" called me and said she wanted a pumpkin patch this year (this is my 3rd year photographing her family). I thought it was a really fun idea...until I tried to find a pumpkin patch that would work! They are all filled with people and distracting backgrounds- imagine that! Then her sister remembered this really cool area with maple lined streets and a beautiful little park- perfect!! I loved it! But next time I will watch how close I get my feet to the wildlife!

He was just a baby! About the size of my fist (which I hear is the most venomous!) He never even rattled- even when my foot (in flip flops!) was only 12-18 inches away!! Oh the things I will do for a good shot!!

Park Time

2009-11-01T13:40:00.000-08:00

I'm a little behind posting previews! Sorry!

I had a lot of fun photographing the "M" family at their local park in Newport Beach. Last time I photographed them, Little "G" was hanging out in mom's tummy still! What a cutie he is- love the red hair! I love that all the kids have such different hair. One brown and curly, one blond, one brown and straight and one red! How fun!

Boys

2009-10-24T22:33:00.001-07:00

I love boys! I'm so glad I don't have any of my own to shoo off the roof tops, but boy are they fun to hang out with! These 3 were just the kind that almost makes you wish you had one or two (or three?) of your own at home. (But I think I'll stick to my girls just the same!). They were just adorable!

The littlest- Mr. "S" was so cute- he would say "cheese" every time mom would tell him to smile. The oldest- Mr. "J" was done with me after the first 10 minutes of having to smile- but he held in there pretty good until the end. And Mr. "M"...look out girls, he'll be a heart breaker!

Hurry Hurry Hurry!

2009-10-20T21:29:00.001-07:00

I Love the Beach, But...

2009-10-19T21:57:00.000-07:00

I love the beach! I am a total beach girl! But this time of year, I am so happy when someone wants to do photos someplace other then the beach! It's such an adventure! There are so many really unique places to do photos here in Southern Orange County. Sometimes it's hard to pick one! Luck for me, the "M" family knew what they were looking for. We had done their photos on the beach last year (on the windiest day in history!- see "a Blustery Day" posted here) No wonder they chose something other then the beach!!
I have to add that they are the darn cutest family and so sweet! I was tempted to take the littlest, little "N" home with me. Not that they aren't all adorable- but he is a heart stealer!
I love this! It captures all three of their personalities! With little Ms. "M" trying to be coy and pose with the flower!

I may swap this one out for another favorite as I go through them, but I like that this captures the idea of being away from the beach- even if it was at the end of the shoot and the girls were getting "done" with me and smiling! They hung in there for such a long time!! I was really impressed!

Nobody Said Anything About Fog!

2009-10-19T14:53:00.000-07:00

Saturday was suppose to be warm and sunny here in So. Cal. There was never any mention of fog in our forecast! I think I started trusting that weather man a bit too much! Anyway, the fog rolling in THICK! None of that high level June Gloom- no, this was thick and low. Like something from a scary movie. Like I've said before, cloudy skies can make for great photos- but no so for fog. The water droplets get captured by the camera and make it look grainy and not sharp (this can happen when the waves are big too because of the spray!).

We decided to make a go of it anyway, even though poor "L" looked like she was going to burst into tears any moment. A make up session is in the planning, but I don't think these turned out pretty good too.

That Tricky Weather Man

2009-10-11T14:21:00.000-07:00

The weather man said it was going to be cloudy and gloomy. "A thick marine layer" he said. That's the keywords for "yucky" here along the California coast- especially in Orange County. But it ended up being a beautiful day! And as the even drew closer and closer I thought for sure the sky was going to cloud over at any moment (which by the way, sometimes makes beach photos even better). But the beach I had planned on shooting the "V" family at is one of those that can be real hard to pull off on a clear, bright day- so I was getting nervous. But luck was on my side tonight! The perfect amount of cloud cover (aka June Gloom) moved it. Just enough to give us some soft light, but not so much that we missed out on the spectacular sunset!! It was the perfect combo!

Not my favorite photo of the bunch, but it was such a beautiful sunset shot that I had to post it! I'll add my favorite photo later.

Someone Was Not So Happy to See Me!

2009-10-09T17:00:00.000-07:00

Little Miss "P" was not at all happy to have her photo taken while we were trying to get a good family photo for the "D" family Christmas card!! That little munchkin cried almost the entire time! But the part that really got me was that as soon as I packed away my camera and we called it a day, she looked right at me and gave me the most picture perfect smile! I had to laugh! Here I thought maybe she didn't feel well or was tired... oh no, she was having fun with me!! Too funny!!

We ended up getting a couple good ones. And big sister, Miss "D" was such a good sport through the whole thing! So was dad, who really just wanted to be at home watching the playoff baseball game!! LOL!

Luau Time!

2009-10-09T16:47:00.000-07:00

I just had to post a few shots from the Dale Velzy Luau we went to. There is a surf contest during the day (was too lazy to bring the camera) and the luau at night. It's always a unique experience! A great mix of old and new surfers and the food and "jungle juice" are always great- not to mention the entertainment. This year was the best it's been as far as the hula dancers go, but we did miss having a band afterwards.

So if you are ever in Dana Point in October and want some good hawaiian style food and entertainment, stop by the Dale Velzy Luau in the harbor!

Getting Ready for the Holidays!

2009-09-16T16:03:00.000-07:00

Time to start thinking about the holidays!

Book early to get a good spot! Weekends always go quickly! Please check the "Availability" section on my website for available days. Sunset beach sessions will take place around 5:00pm. All holiday orders must be placed by November 15th to ensure holiday delivery.

Don't forget there is more then just the beach to choose from (although it does make those relatives in Wisconsin really jealous!). There are some great parks here in Dana Point and Laguna Niguel, both green and rustic, as well as some unique locations in San Juan Capistrano and San Clemente to choose from. We can even do a photo session at your home.

"Digital negatives" are available for purchase for those who prefer to order their own Christmas cards through places such as TinyPrints.com or Costco. I also offer a wide range of cards, custom designed for your family. Contact me for more information.

A Sad But Sweet Story

2009-06-25T12:50:00.000-07:00

I was so happy to be able to photograph the "W" family the other day! Their youngest, little "B" is fighting cancer! Leukemia to be exact- although I'm not sure which form. They found out in April and the poor little guy has gone through hell since then! Unfortunately, it's not over yet- but at least it's looking darn good.
The saddest thing was that mom asked me to photograph the whole family while little "B" was home from the hospital because they didn't have any family photos! None of all of them together! I'm so happy we were able to get a few good ones of them before little "B" had to put his germ mask back on and head back inside.
You can follow up on his progress on a blog his parents posted http://benji-walters.blogspot.com/

Opps! Time to Play Catch-Up

2009-05-14T21:35:00.000-07:00

It's been too long since I've updated my blog! Life has been busy!! Some of you who know me already know- I've been homeschooling my youngest for the past few months. It's a long story that I'm happy to share with anyone who really wants to know- but I won't bore the rest of you!

Anyway- it makes for a full day!! So marketing the business has slowed to a crawl- which given the way things have been going in our country the last few months, has made for good timing. But don't for a minute think that that means I'm not available or I'm not working. Yes, things are slow- but Spring is always a slow time of year for me anyway- I'm gearing up for Father's Day and will be posting info on Mini Sessions in the next few days.... so be sure to check back- or even better, drop me an email and I will add you to the email newsletter list. Don't worry- I only send emails when there are specials or as reminders to book before the busy holidays. None of this once a day junk I get from some of the email newsletters I've signed up for in the past!!

Newest Addition

2009-05-01T22:05:00.000-07:00

The "C" family is proud to annouce the newest addition to their family- little Ms. "K"!! Sweet little Ms. "K" (who apparently sleeps all day long when I'm not around!! LOL).

The girls were so sweet with her! I love the image of the 3 of them! It's even better in black and white, but I didn't want to OD on black and white for this post. I'm a color kind of gal!

I haven't had a lot of opportunity to photograph newborns but I sure do love it! I could have spent all day capturing the sweet moments like these. It just makes you feel so warm and fuzzy inside. Almost makes you want to have another of your own- almost, but not quite :0)

Thank you "C" family for letting me be a large part of your afternoon!

Family Reunion

2009-04-24T21:44:00.000-07:00

I had the opportunity to photography the sweetest family the other day! They were all together to celebrate their dad's birthday. Two of the families had flew in from Washington and the other drove down from Central California. Later that afternoon they had a big surprise party planned! Wasn't that sweet! Tight planning made for tight timing on our shoot, but I think I got some shots they will love. I hope you guys had a wonderful party!

Mini Sessions Extended!

2009-03-13T16:51:00.000-07:00

I've extended the expiration date for Spring Mini Sessions to Monday, April 6th.

In case you haven't read below- Mini Sessions are miniature versions of a regular session that are only $50 for the session fee instead of the regular price of $175! There is a time limit on Mini Sessions that I do not put on regular sessions as well as a person limit of 4. Any questions? Email me!

Spring has Sprung! Time for Mini Sessions!

2009-03-08T13:25:00.000-07:00

Spring is almost here- but don't tell that to the flowers- they think it's already begun! Now that all the beautiful mustard and California poppies have begun to bloom it's time for Spring Mini Sessions! Mini sessions are smaller versions of regular sessions, meant for up to 4 people.

We will spend about half an hour together at one of various fields in the area, photographing your family. (Mini sessions are best for one or two people, but I will accommodate up to 4). Just like a regular session, you will have a private online ordering gallery from which to place your order in about two weeks.

Regular Flower Field sessions are also available. A regular session will last longer then a Mini Session (about 1-2 hours), can accommodate more people and will have more images to view in your online gallery.

Mini Sessions are only $50, Regular sessions are $175. Hurry though!! The flowers will only be in full bloom for the next couple of weeks so sessions must be scheduled before March 30th. Unlike in the past, Mini Sessions can take place at any time between now and March 30th.

Gotta love living in So Cal!

2009-02-24T11:08:00.000-08:00

Gotta love living in So Cal in February! I got to go down to the beach early this morning and shoot photos for the Marco Forest Middle School Surf Team/Surf Club and the weather was perfect!
Scott Weinhart- he's always lookin' for more sponsors! If anyone in the surf biz is looking for an up and coming surfer....

Merry Christmas to All!!

2008-12-21T21:58:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas!!

I hope that you have a wonderful, peaceful and enjoyable holiday- full of loving family, good friends, good food and great wine!!

Thank you so much to all of you who have visited my website and my blog. Feel free to leave a comment or two (or email me!). I hope that I can post your images here next year!

Here's to an AWESOME 2009!

PS- for those of you who watch my blog- you know sometimes I comment on how challenging some kids can be to photograph (adorable, but sometimes a bit challenging!) Well, I have forgotten to mention just how much more I would rather photograph the most challenging, rambunctious, crazed little ones rather then photograph my own girls (who almost did not live through this photo shoot!!!!)!!

PS- The older one is not Italian (talking with her hands), she's just 13!! and an audible "Uhhhhhh!" went with each hand jesture!! LOL! The younger one...well, she just egged her on when ever she could!! Needless to say.... I enjoyed a much deserved glass of wine that evening!

The "C" Family

2008-12-18T23:18:00.000-08:00

I've known the "C" family for many years- even worked for the very talented "T" (see his website http://www.tinology.com/) But I never realized just how much their daughter,"R" looks like Miley Cyrus!. It seems to be the season of Hollywood look a likes!! LOL!

(Sorry "R", but the look a like is too funny after my Michael Chiarello look alike!!)