Valerie Kendal

SANTA MONICA FAMILY SESSION | JONATHAN BEACH CLUB | LOS ANGELES CHILDREN & FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHY | V. KENDAL PHOTOGRAPHY

When Thea and Danial initially hired me to shoot their boys double birthday party at the Jonathan Beach Club -Santa Monica, CA., she wanted to make sure that we would be able to also capture a few "traditional" photos of her family.

Because I'm confident in my ability to work with children of all ages, even during those category 4 toddler meltdowns - I assured her that what she wanted could be done in a short amount of time (about 10-15 minutes), and I'd happily capture those pre-party moments before her guests arrive.

I can't begin to tell you how often I hear my clients say, "we don't have any photos of our family," or "all we need are a few good shots for holiday cards."  Trust me....I get it!  With parents busier than ever and the evolution of the smartphones, it's likely not on your radar...that is until the you actually need it. This my friends is one reason why the holidays are most children and family photographers busiset time of year!

My thoughts are actually quite simple, as much as I enjoy the personal and unique nature of creating a custom shoot for my clients, there's a time and place for everything...including both "traditional" and "on-the-go" photo ops.   

Maybe you hired us to shoot a milestone Birthday Party OR perhaps to document your daughter's Bat Mitzfah, whatever type of collection you've purchased with us, clients can always rest assured that I will put them first, asking that we set aside some time for an impromptu freestyle/pre-party capture with those you love most.

With the holiday season upon us, I will be holding several on-location Los Angeles mini-sessions this season. Mini Sessions the straight forward alternative to our more traditional photography sessions. 

Details will be announced within the coming weeks. Be sure to stay close and follow us on Facebook and Instagram for more. We'll be sure to fill you in quicker than you can say monkey!

Until then...meet this super cute family and take a look at just how much fun we can have during an impromptu family photo session.

Beards + Ink | Los Angeles Lifestyle Rooftop Shoot | Los Angeles Lifestyle Photographer | Valerie Kendal

Beards...they grown on you.

I came across a few out-takes from a shoot we did a while ago with Cynthia and her fiance' Mark (more from that shoot after this post) and wanted to share a few of Mark on his own. Side-note...he has a big camera tattoo which I think is pretty cool and totally deserves a post all to himself. 

More from the shoot soon....

XOVK

Newborn & Family Lifestyle | Home Sweet Home | Los Angeles Maternity & Newborn Photographer | Valerie Kendal

There is something to be said for sincere clients that value your creative efforts and the art behind your work.  Simply put, Christy and her family were lovely in every way. 

When clients are prepared and do their homework, their heart is invested and they value the gift that you as the artist and hired professional are providing them with. Expectations are aligned and sessions become what feels effortlessly seamless. Some may refer to it as work, but this "work" becomes fun and allows creativity to make its "Grand Entrance".  When four of your little clients are all under the age of 6, this undoubtedly becomes everything!

Thanks so much Christy and family for the wonderful opportunity.  Working with your entire family, Grandma and Auntie included, was truly a lovely experience.  I can't wait for sweet Hyacinth's next milestone!

Oh happy day :)