Mother and Daughter Portrait Shoot in Santa Monica, California
When Kristi emailed me to book a family portrait, it was a particular moment in their lives. Their eldest daughter had just graduated from high school and soon would be off to college.
Kristi, who lives in Washington DC had planned a summer vacation for herself and her two daughters, Annabella and Alessandra, in Southern California, traveling to Santa Monica, Palm Springs and then Carmel where the family has a summer home.
Alessandra had been accepted at a university in London and would soon be starting a new chapter in her life. The family portrait would capture them on the brink of a major change. We had initially thought of shooting in the desert, in Palm Springs or higher up at Joshua Tree, but with temperatures soaring well above 100 degrees Fahrenheit, we ultimately decided on the cooler coastal climate of Santa Monica.
As we planned the shoot, we created a Pinterest board together, selecting the clothing they would wear. Since the three woman had individual styles, we decided to keep it simple, which is always the best choice for family photos. We decided that they would all wear white, but that the wardrobe decisions would be individual.
We started early in the morning at the Santa Monica Pier while it was still empty. Santa Monica is super colorful, making it an ideal setting for a fun photo session. The family rode their bikes over from the hotel, and loved the area.
I was delighted that the photos captured each individual personality as well as their interaction as a family.
Kristi’s selections from the shoot will be framed to hang on the walls of her home, reminding her of that sweet summer morning while she waits for Alessandra to return from London at Christmas.
