Tanner Family Portraits

Today was such a fun portrait session! Our amazing realtor, Jack Tanner, and his family took me up on our Fall Special to raise money for the Kenya mission next year.

Meeting the other half of his family (his lovely wife and beautiful son) was such a joy! Their joy and contentment as a family was so visible during the shoot - they made my job easy to capture them as they really are.

Thanks for a wonderful morning Tanner family!

Enjoy the sneak peak at my favorites:















Blessings,
Christine Lee Smith

Zynette's Portraits

Saturday I had a great time photographing an old high school acquaintance, Zynette, in Long Beach's Shoreline Village.

After seeing my work from last year with another former classmate, Sarah, Zynette contacted me to help her capture this special time in her life, having completed her MA degree and recently becoming a U.S. citizen! Congrats girl! That's a lot of hard work and you have only excelled at the things you've committed your mind to completing.

I must say, Zynette has been one of the most daring people I've photographed. She was willing to try just about anything - from jumping and basic acrobatics in front of the melodrama theater with a few of the actors standing out front to trying on hats at The Village Hat Shop (who graciously allowed us to use their store, and hats, for some of the photographs).

Blessings,
Christine Lee Smith

Jeffries Family

Thank you Jeffries family! You guys were so amazing to work with last week. I had a blast taking pictures of you all; especially your wonderful kids - Jacob, Jeanna and Joshua.

Here's a little preview of some of my favorites from their session here in Long Beach at the Los Cerritos Park.

Sweet Berries and Sarah's Photos

I'm amazed at how the internet is often the medium for reuniting people who've lost touch. Such is the case for Sarah and I; we both went to the same high school and graduated the same year (which will remain anonymous thank you very much!), but it wasn't until she contacted me on myspace that we were able to hang out and catch up on the last several years.

Sarah invited me to photograph her as she enters a new phase of life. When I asked what she wanted her photos to convey her answer was, "Thankfulness." So we spent the afternoon in Seal Beach, CA shooting the sunlight away and talking about the wonderful new adventures God has in store for her.

Thank you, Sarah, for a wonderful afternoon (and for the yummy green tea frozen yogurt via Sweet Berry Bliss)!

Here's a sneak peak of some of my favorite photos from the afternoon...

Virgil's Photo Shoot

A good friend of mine approached me recently about getting some "good photos" taken. So we hit the road (at Downtown Disney) and here are a few of my favorite results...

Thanks Virgil for the great location idea!

Bogich's Lifestyle Portraits

I'm amazed at this family.
Their dedication to each other and the love they share is amazing. It's written all over their smiles.
When they invited me to come take some photos of their two kids I was so excited - knowing what a blessing it would be to have a little fun with them, and their dog Sam.
Take a peak at a few of my favorites...

Jetmore Family Portraits

What a fun family... Here are some of my favorites from last week's shoot with the Jetmore family here in Long Beach at their lovely home.

Long Beach Poly High School Prom Portraits

My, oh, my... So I didn't feel that old until I realized my senior prom was eight years ago. However, it was wonderful celebrating the youth of these Long Beach Poly students.

Our second shooter, Claire, got to have most of the fun last Sunday though, as she went to one of the student's homes where a lovely dinner was served to the prom goers and we got to take their pics.

Here are a few of my favorites...

Location Portraits with Derek

Sunday I got to work with a super guy named Derek who called us to do some location portrait work. We went down to Seal Beach in California to get some great shots on the sand and along the main street.

It was great working with Derek and his shots turned out amazing. Just take a look at a few of my favorites from the day...

Phillips Family Portraits

The most fun I could have had on a Sunday afternoon was had photographing the Phillips family. Dan and Luann started as neighbors, soon became friends and are now considered family; and this past weekend they invited us to meet their sons, daughters, sisters, grandpa and grandson. Of course, the camera came, too.

Below you'll find a few of the results. I'm sure you'll quickly see how much love this family has for one another.

Kane-Kaufman Family Photos

I don't think I've ever had this much fun... The Kane-Kaufman family was so great to work with - and for what better reason - the 50th anniversary of the two wonderful people who started it all!

Thank you to everyone of you who made me feel so welcome in your home!

PS. To whomever made the fabulous cookies that were sent home with me - they were amazing! - and I would love to have your recipe.