Reader, Gamer, Future Ass-Kicker!

I predict that this bright kid will innovate and create BIG things in the very near future. At our last photo shoot we spent way more time playing games, laughing, and chatting than taking photos. She is a wildly impressive reader, a strong big sister, and a totally badass gamer who loves competition and swift critical thinking while simultaneously being patient and kind. 

It is hard for me to think about having kids until I have certain things just right. (I'm sure my sweet Jewish Mother just rolled her eyes and sighed a long, heavy sigh.) That said- I'll admit that this smarty makes me SO excited at the thought of someday teaching and growing with someone who's creative thinking blows my freakin' mind.

With kids on the brain, I want to invite you to checkout an amazing therapeutic child abuse prevention/intervention program I had the pleasure of working with years ago, The Child Development Resource Center of the Central Coast. They are an amazing nonprofit and community program providing tools, therapy, and support to strengthen families and help them feel/be safe. You can donate towards therapy sessions for kids and parents in scary situations, volunteer/play/make art with the kiddos, and send over art supplies, books, etc...  

Check these lovely angels out!! --> (CDRC FB) (CDRC Twitter) 

<3 Samaria

Kiddo Party! Film and Digital Images.

Almost two years ago I photographed Natalie and Josh's wedding and had so much fun with them and their families. A few weeks ago, I got to take photos of their nephew's first birthday party and see some of the family again!  It was the shared party of two charming little boys Carson+Braxton. Enjoy!

Beautiful Natalie below...

Mamiya photo of Natalie's sweet Mama and her Grandbaby, Carson!

Mamiya photo of Taryn...Carson's quiet, but very photogenic big sister. I like the concentration on her face while playing in the sand.

  

Mamiya shot below:

 

Anniversary+family photos in Mission Beach

A dear friend from high school asked me to document her sweet family while they were in San Diego celebrating her parent's 30th anniversary...so cute!! Congrats to Judi and Steve on 30 happy years, and lots of  beautiful grandbabies to show for it! =)

 

  

Jax+Stevie | Family Photos. North Park

I love morning light, and sweet siblings! =)

These inside shots are in my small shooting space...it's not quite done- but it's cozy, and great for kiddos! =)

Little Marley in San Luis Obispo.

This is Marley. She has two sweet parents who I have known for a long time. Here are some photos I took of this little love a year ago...she has grown so much! (Marley's First B-day photos) Enjoy!

Happy 2nd B-day, Marley!

Here is one shot of a sweet little love who turns two today. More to come!

Family trip to Rochester, New York.

Isn't my Dad adorable??

One frame. Kiddo photos | The Sprouting Blog!

Happy Friday, friends! It's been a busy week, and I am heading out of town for a wedding this weekend- but will be back on Sunday night! Here is one shot from a recent family shoot...I love how relaxed she is in front of a camera=) Enjoy the day!

Baby James, photos in North Park

Little Amelie photo shoot. Ocean Beach, San Diego

Amelie already loves cameras!

Hanukkah baby

I got to photograph little Gracie for her family's Hanukkah card...how cute is this sweet kiddo??

She LOVES her mama!

Sweet little family, San Luis Obispo

I have known this family since it was just Ryan and Anne, and now they have two little loves. Carter is so good with the baby-little Mason loves his big brother! I have a few photos of Carter as a newborn...I can't believe how big he is now. Enjoy this cuteness!

Little baby girl

My dear friend Amanda is having a baby girl...I can't wait to meet her!!

Marley Joy

I just got home from a trip to San Luis Obispo where I got to photograph a handful of really great people...Here are three of them! Marley, Madison, and Colter are a ridiculously cute little family-thanks for spending the afternoon with me! Marley is a diva, in case you couldn't tell.

Cute lil' Tom's!

Little Ellis, Newborn Photos.

We got to document Dana and Jesse’s wedding last December. Almost to the day a year later I got to meet their sweet baby boy. Congrats to the sweet new parents, and Happy Anniversary!

Dana+Jesse Pre Ellis=)

Amelie turns 3.

Two of my talented friends had a daughter three years ago. She is a very particular libra who reminds me to appreciate little things like a nicely lined up row of crayons.  She is one of my very favorite people.  Happy 3rd birthday again little lady...Good baby making Boun+Adam!=) Oh...and Boun designed this adorable invitation...hire her!!

Happy Birthday Hudson!

Little Hudson, I hope your first birthday is as wonderful as you are! Be good for Mom and Dad today so they can take hundreds of pictures of just how teeny and perfect you are. I am so glad you were born, Happy Birthday little love!  Now go convince Mom to get you a little sister for your birthday! =)

{Hudson's Sweet Family}

Shepard Fairey in South Park, day two

There has been a lot of really beautiful progress on the mural in South Park, and it looks like it will be finished late tonight or tomorrow sometime. It is SO amazing to watch this artist and his team work. It's just so challenging for my brain to wrap around a workspace that large in size...it makes me a little dizzy just thinking about it. Here are two photos of Shepard and one of his sweet daughters. She was such an articulate little lady who obviously loves her Dad quite a bit. She told me all about her two smallish dogs while petting Oscar{my long-haired chihuahua} and kept reminding her Dad to wear his hat in the sun. Kids are the best.

Balboa Park, golden light and sweet kiddos

Photographing these beautiful people makes me happier than I could possibly explain. I feel like I was just taking Wyatt's newborn photos, and now he is about to be two! It is so odd how quickly time passes, and how fast teensy little babies turn into people that talk, run, and think for themselves...so weird! I give to you the handsome Luke, the sweet Peyten, and the charming baby Wyatt!

Learning how to use the Holga! =)

Why are Grandparents SO cute?!

"What children need most are the essentials that grandparents provide in abundance.  They give unconditional love, kindness, patience, humor, comfort, lessons in life.  And, most importantly, cookies." ~Rudolph Giuliani

I have been with my Grandma for a few days in New York, and I have been thinking nonstop about how important family is. I have been so enjoying listening to her stories, joys, and worries about what's next.  Also, hearing her speak so fondly of my sweet romantic Grandpa Max who she misses dearly, has been so wonderful and I am SO grateful to be spending this precious time with her.

Here are a few photos from two recent weddings of really lovely Grandparents who totally stole my heart, just as my Grandma Lee has=)

Rough housing with his energetic grandson=)

I love her expression. So proud and so in love with her Granddaughter.

Grandparents+technology=CUTENESS!! She was texting!

If you are lucky enough to still have your Grandparents around, give them a call, send them a love note, or if you are amazingly lucky enough to be near them-(gently) squeeze the heck out of them and tell them thank you for everything they did for you and your family.

After all...there would be no you without them.

Contact us|View more work|About Samm+Nick|Old Blog