The spirit of reflecting is an activity one should do periodically because it is almost always accompanied by optimism and hope. It is a time to say au revoir to the things that don't serve us well, and make more space for the things that lift us. My last Lifestyle Family Shoot for 2025 was of Carol's beautiful family in the South Bay. Carol's shoot had it all -- sweet tender moments to falling over silliness -- all wonderful slices of time I was honored to capture.

It is a true honor to capture all chapters of a family's story, not just the happy milestones. I've watched babies grow into adults,...

"Ms. Annie! Ms. Annie! Watch me run!" I remember this little Kindergartener would always say that to me during morning recess when I...