I had been looking forward to this newborn session for weeks! I’ve known this family since their oldest was born and couldn’t wait to photograph their newborn, Parker. Her newborn session was technically on the 11th day because of a reschedule due to jaundice. Even though she had a little trouble falling asleep, I managed to capture a few tiny whimpers and tender kisses from big brother. Such pure love and happiness fills this home.

Elizabeth is a graphic designer & natural light photographer, specializing in lifestyle portraits for families in the greater Los Angeles.
To see her portfolio and additional information, please visit the main website at: www.emadesign.net. Thanks for looking!

Most guys know how hard it can be to plan a proposal–just getting it right and making it memorable. Most women know how much time is involved in planning a wedding. Well, just imagine planning both and pulling it off without the bride’s involvement. Last month I had the honor to photograph months of planning done by one man to surprise his bride-to-be, and what a surprise it was!

My husband works with the groom, Brandon, who for the last few months planned, toiled and concealed the surprise from his future wife, Rebekah, to give her the shock of her life. After a roller coaster of emotions, the bride and groom were engaged. And after a record short engagement of twenty minutes, an announcement of a wedding was underway! Approximately 100 people came together on hillside ranch in Leona Valley, California to watch as two families became one. And who better to preform the surprise ceremony than the bride’s father and groom’s father, who are both ministers.

Under a full moon lit sky, the newly married couple joyfully celebrated and danced the hours away. A tip to those planning weddings, Brandon jokingly noted towards the end of the evening, “it’s surprisingly easy to plan a wedding when you don’t include the bride in any of the decision-making!”

Elizabeth is a graphic designer & natural light photographer, specializing in lifestyle portraits for families in the greater Los Angeles.
To see her portfolio and additional information, please visit the main website at: www.emadesign.net. Thanks for looking!

Elizabeth is a graphic designer & natural light photographer, specializing in lifestyle portraits for families in the greater Los Angeles.
To see her portfolio and additional information, please visit the main website at: www.emadesign.net. Thanks for looking!

Aidan’s family are loyal customers, but this officially marks her own debut into the glamorous world of acting. I was amazed by her poise and ease in front of the camera. No doubt, she will make a fine little actress! Take a look at some recent head shots I took earlier this month.

Elizabeth is a graphic designer & natural light photographer, specializing in lifestyle portraits for families in the greater Los Angeles.
To see her portfolio and additional information, please visit the main website at: www.emadesign.net. Thanks for looking!

The Ogden family was so sweet and I’m lucky I was able to squeeze their session in before the holidays. Each family is beautiful in their own special way and I strive to capture their uniqueness. These boys were a less rumbustious that I’m used to, but little sister made up for their quietness. Twirling around in her cowboy boots; it’s no surprise that her big brothers adore her.

Elizabeth is a graphic designer & natural light photographer, specializing in lifestyle portraits for families in the greater Los Angeles.
To see her portfolio and additional information, please visit the main website at: www.emadesign.net. Thanks for looking!

This quaint bridge overlooking natural oak groves, rolling hills, and paved pathways is one of my favorite locations for family sessions. However, It was a chilly windy December evening, but the Shinkarik family were troopers! By the photos below, their bond was apparent and grateful for the opportunity to capture their family.

Elizabeth is a graphic designer & natural light photographer, specializing in lifestyle portraits for families in the greater Los Angeles.
To see her portfolio and additional information, please visit the main website at: www.emadesign.net. Thanks for looking!

What’s more fun than chasing these boys around a Christmas tree farm during the holidays! As a parent of two balls of energy, I know the secrets in grabbing their attention and capturing those giggles that make it all worthwhile. Happy Holidays!

Elizabeth is a graphic designer & natural light photographer, specializing in lifestyle portraits for families in the greater Los Angeles.
To see her portfolio and additional information, please visit the main website at: www.emadesign.net. Thanks for looking!

After the mild temperatures of October I can hardly complain, but November’s chilly weather arrived with an unmistakeable message. Despite the gray skies, I was thrilled to photograph the Hall family on their front brick steps. It was a beautiful, and personal, backdrop for this year’s holiday portraits.

Elizabeth is a graphic designer & natural light photographer, specializing in lifestyle portraits for families in the greater Los Angeles.
To see her portfolio and additional information, please visit the main website at: www.emadesign.net. Thanks for looking!

If you receive my email newsletter, you’ve already read last photo tip of the year: Important tools when shopping for a camera. If not, it’s never too late to sign up. Please, subscribe here! I’ll be sharing monthly photo tips, upcoming events, and special offers only available to newsletter subscribers.

Camera buying guide :: Important tools when shopping for a camera. photo tips :: nov/dec 2013 For many people, buying a camera isn’t an easy task. And the truth is, you can take great photos with a lousy camera and lousy photos with great camera. It’s not really a one-model-fits-all kind of product since picture-taking styles vary on the individual. Decide what’s important to you (e.g., size of camera, features, budget, how you will display your images, type of photographer you are). Below is a guide to help you determine the best camera purchase for your needs and budget. STEP 1: Point-and-shoot vs. DSLRCameras are generally divided into two main categories: Point-and-shoot and DSLR. Point-and-shoots are compact, lightweight, automatic settings, and easy to travel with. DSLRs (Digital Single-Lens Reflex) have lenses that are interchangeable, heavier, and include many more options for controlling the camera. While point-and-shoot cameras have their own advantages, they cannot compete with DSLRs in terms of image quality. STEP 3: Eliminate featuresThere are many components most people look for when selecting a camera: megapixels, image stabilization, and optical zoom.Megapixels: most new cameras have at least 16 megapixels, but it is only crucial if you plan on printing large professional prints. Image stabilization (point-and-shoot only): This is a feature that greatly reduces camera shake giving you the ability to take shots at slower shutter speeds and lower light levels. Optical zoom: Always consider “optical” zoom and turn off the “digital” zoom setting on your camera. Optical zoom gets up close and personal by using an actual lens adjustment and digital zoom adjusts the image in the camera itself. A good camera should have at least 3x “optical” zoom. STEP 2: Determine your budgetJust like the introduction above, your budget is determined on two questions: how will I use the camera and how will I use the photos (e.g., web, standard snapshots, large wall prints)? If you are considering a DSLR remember it’s not just about the camera body, lenses are equally important. Consider this when budgeting along with additional batteries, memory cards, and various accessories. STEP 4: Choosing the right camera brandOnce you’ve narrowed down your search to a handful of cameras, head over to a local camera store and play with the settings. A camera is similar to a pair of jeans. You’ve got to try it on and make sure it fits. The top brands today are Canon, Nikon, Sony, Olympus and Panasonic, with Canon and Nikon in the lead. By sticking with top brands, they’re not likely to go out of business (leaving you with a bunch of equipment you can’t sell off, upgrade, or repair).In conclusion, the secret to better photos isn’t just purchasing the most expensive camera equipment; it’s being able to develop your photographer’s eye. There’s no substitute for learning how to take great photos and understanding exposure.

This incredibly bright 3.5 yr old below is truly one of the sweetest boys I’ve photographed. It’s just too hard to resist those sparkly blue eyes and long curly eye lashes. His family battled a serious bout of pneumonia earlier last month, so I was quite relieved to see them all on the mend.

Elizabeth is a graphic designer & natural light photographer, specializing in lifestyle portraits for families in the greater Los Angeles.
To see her portfolio and additional information, please visit the main website at: www.emadesign.net. Thanks for looking!

Looking for a unique holiday gift for someone special this year?
Surprise them with a gift certificate for a portrait session! Elizabeth Bean Photography gift certificates are sold in any amount and can be customized for each client. Now through the end of the year, gift certificates are 50% OFF! (Redeemable in 2014 only.)

How to purchase ::
Simply contact me at: 661.476.2091 or email: elizabeth@emadesign.net to purchase your gift certificates!

From the moment I saw the yellow and turquoise combo on the Feldhaus family I knew it was going to be a fun session! They came all the way from Santa Barbara and ready to burn off some energy. Big sister smiled from ear to ear and did a great job keeping little sister interested in the camera.

Elizabeth is a graphic designer & natural light photographer, specializing in lifestyle portraits for families in the greater Los Angeles.
To see her portfolio and additional information, please visit the main website at: www.emadesign.net. Thanks for looking!