That look

Love that look he’s giving her and adore those smiles!  Real connections make me smile:

Roon Brown Photography (Family Session)

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On Pandora: Flamenco

The perfect spot

I’ve realized (finally) that the “perfect spot” for a session (or for any other reason) doesn’t exist. Or maybe it always exists…no matter where we meet. I always seem to walk away from hanging out with a family thinking, “Yes! That was just the right spot for them!”, even when there is no way that could be true 100% of the time, right? But it IS always the right spot because they are together. They are together.

Roon Brown Photography {family session}

My Girl

As a punishment today, I told Naya she was going to lose 4 markers of my choosing. On my way out to get the markers, she says in her little 3 year old voice, “Any of ‘em, but NOT THE FUCHSIA!” That’s my girl.

Roon Brown Photography {Brown Life}

Roon Brown Photography {Brown Life}

Loyko Love

I can’t say enough complicated and perfectly wonderful things about this amazing life machine called The Loyko Family, to do them justice. Our family has continued to grow with them, learn from them and love them. As we all trip and stumble and sail through life with our kids, there are a few anchors who I can count on to be there. To hold us steady. Or at least remind us that we’re ALL flying. They are one of ours. I love them and am so grateful for them in our lives.

Roon Brown Photography {San Diego Family Portraits}

Roon Brown Photography {San Diego Family Portraits}

Roon Brown Photography {San Diego Family Portraits}

Roon Brown Photography {San Diego Family Portraits}

Roon Brown Photography {San Diego Family Portraits}

Roon Brown Photography {San Diego Family Portraits}

Roon Brown Photography {San Diego Family Portraits}

Roon Brown Photography {San Diego Family Portraits}

I’m head over heals for this one…feels good to create a portrait…a quiet moment of gorgeous. (Read about how I feel about Andrea here.)

Roon Brown Photography {San Diego Family Portraits}

Roon Brown Photography {San Diego Family Portraits}

Check out the Loyko’s ridiculously radalicious family businesses here: Rattle-n-Roll and The Inkorporated

On the trail

This is Whitney.

Roon Brown Photography {maternity session}

Family!

I have a small, very small, and VERY sweet family. When I married Rob I was lucky enough to expand my family and claim his as my own.

John is Rob’s cousin and he and Penny’s rad kids are our kids’ cousins. And our kids are all crazy about them and I LOVE that they are a solid part of our lives.

Here they are As they are: (LOVE you guys!!)

Roon Brown Photography {family portraits}

Roon Brown Photography {family portraits}

Roon Brown Photography {family portraits}

Roon Brown Photography {family portraits}

Roon Brown Photography {family portraits}

Roon Brown Photography {family portraits}

Roon Brown Photography {family portraits}

Roon Brown Photography {family portraits}

Roon Brown Photography {family portraits}

Roon Brown Photography {family portraits}

Roon Brown Photography {family portraits}

Roon Brown Photography {family portraits}

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On Pandora: Frank Black (LOVE THIS STATION!!!!!)

Comfort

Sara and I met 4 years ago. Actually our boys met, in the dirt at the park. I cannot think of just one word that describes how I feel about our friendship and the way she and her family make me feel. (That includes her parents whom we love.)

But I guess if I’m going to play the word game here are the Sanders: fun, laughing, smart, reasonable, smile, beer, crockpot, welcoming, relaxing, open, funny, family, comfort.

In welcoming Sawyer, their second boy, we decided to hang out and take some pictures. I hope the images capture some of the warmth their family has brought to ours. Love you guys!!!

Roon Brown Photography {Carlsbad Maternity Photographer}

Roon Brown Photography {Carlsbad Maternity Photographer}

Roon Brown Photography {Carlsbad Maternity Photographer}

Roon Brown Photography {Carlsbad Maternity Photographer}

Roon Brown Photography {Carlsbad Maternity Photographer}

Roon Brown Photography {Carlsbad Maternity Photographer}

Roon Brown Photography {Carlsbad Maternity Photographer}

Roon Brown Photography {Carlsbad Maternity Photographer}

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On Pandora: Beck

Seeing things

For the last (almost) 3 years I’ve been photographing primarily, toddlers and their families. Lately I’ve had the experience of taking photos of some children out of the 5 and under age range. And I’ve found myself engulfed in emotion. I’ve never had a problem quickly transporting myself back to my elementary years…they were vibrant, intense, magical years for me.

When I see a girl who is going through these years, I know not everyone’s experience is the same as mine, but I can’t imagine that girls on the inside are very different. I remember the torrent inside me: friends, boys, parents, teachers, learning, trends, recess, folded letters, the bus, MTV (newly launched), movies, boys, friends, friends, friends…

It is a distinct and emotional experience to photograph a child who is submerged in this same storm.

I realize that this gorgeous family session with Besty’s family is about way more than her older daughter. It was a chance for the adults to reconnect and to love up on their daughters. They are so obviously proud and enamored of them both! But the session, and photographing another older child was a reminder to me of how much I’m deeply enjoying the reminder of a time in my life when things were new and fresh and raw.

Roon Brown Photography {Family Portraits}

Roon Brown Photography {Family Portraits}

Roon Brown Photography {Family Portraits}

Roon Brown Photography {Family Portraits}

This is my absolute favorite from the day. It’s one of those images that makes me stop when I’m going quickly through a finished session. My first thought is usually, “whoa”…then, “really?”…then, “am I just tired that this is looking so rad to me?”…then, “will the family like it?”…then, “go with your gut, girl”. THat does it.

It feels like a Dolce & Gabbana advertisement to me…check out my “advertisement” rendition on my Facebook Fan Page here.

Roon Brown Photography {Family Portraits}

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On Pandora: Pink Martini

Minis are Big.

A mini is all I need to get some cool shots in Rock’n Sprouts’ back alley. Broken glass, big steps, steep ramps and driveways are no match for our little rockers.

Roon Brown Photography {Mini-Session)

Roon Brown Photography {Mini-Session)

Roon Brown Photography {Mini-Session)

Roon Brown Photography {Mini-Session)

Roon Brown Photography {Mini-Session)

Roon Brown Photography {Mini-Session)

Time to Breathe

This last month has been filled with new experiences for my family and for me. I’ll explain in further detail in another post…but for now, I can say that I look at our family through new eyes…through renewed commitments and with a lighter burden in life because I know now, with certainty, that people are truly all that matters when life comes down to slow motion moments.

You know those moments: When you saw the “A” on the first test you studied really, really hard for. Seeing the ball come to You over the net in the final game of the season, in the final seconds. Seeing your man come through the door of the restaurant on your 4th date after you knew for sure he was the One…butterflies and sweetness. When you felt the first real contraction of your first labor with your first baby. The day you find out the reason your grandma hasn’t had much of an appetite or much energy is because she has cancer. Walking into a workshop with dancers who you know are way better than you, but feeling unfailingly that being There is the right thing to do. Letting go of your daughter’s bike and watching her pedal down the path by herself…

I met with the Ryan family the weekend before having my latest slow motion moment. We decided to meet to do a (rare) beach session. The night was coming quickly and the kids were ready to run. The coolest thing about not being in a studio using a tripod or needed to set up a series of poses, (I totally suck at that), is that running is ok…and dancing…and just hanging out with your family and looking at each other with hyper awareness that you are a family is enough. It’s magic.

So maybe a family session is more than making sure to capture what we look like each year.  Maybe it’s more than a way to guarantee a rad Christmas card.  Maybe, using the opportunity once a year to really think about chosing the perfect photographer, location, clothing – that fits Your family, is actually a ticket to reaffirming your closeness, your awesome qualities as a family.

And seeing that closeness through the eyes of someone else has got to be another slow motion moment.

This is the Ryan family…right now!

Roon Brown Photography {Family Portraits}

Roon Brown Photography {Family Portraits}

Roon Brown Photography {Family Portraits}

Roon Brown Photography {Family Portraits}

Roon Brown Photography {Family Portraits}

Roon Brown Photography {Family Portraits}

Roon Brown Photography {Family Portraits}

Roon Brown Photography {Family Portraits}

Roon Brown Photography {Family Portraits}

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On Pandora: (a never ending stream of) Flamenco