Jack & Lola Photography

A Henry was born...

2011-12-21T08:49:00.000-08:00

Time

Never has it felt so against me.

In these past few months I have been letting this blog stew tenderly in my mind. With each precious moment, of which there are so many, I have made a mental note to add it to the pot. At night when I'm rocking in a dark nursery, with only a sliver of light stretching out from the door to greet us, I want to collect the silence. After my son has had his fill and curls up into my chest, drunk with milk, I want to add the contentment. While gently lowering myself and my 4 week old into a warm bath, a moment I've looked forward to since forever, I note to add my confidence.

When it seems he can cry no more and throws another hour of it in the ring, I want to add my patience. While I hum

songs to him at the changing table and he grins wildly at me,

I note to add this joy. When walking about town and a

stranger stops at his cuteness, I want to add my pride. In the evening when Keith comes home to find his son is still awake

and complete elation lights up my boy's faces, I want

to add their adoration...

But like I said, time is against me. At two months old I see this chubby baby where my stretched out little newborn was, and I just want to bawl. I can't imagine him not being as perfect as he is or being as happy

as he makes us at this very second. So, the thought of time passing, becoming something else,

moving one step closer to the day when he will no longer be

my sweet noodle, kills me. All the while I am

hovering in each moment, never wanting to miss a thing (or to forget it to share/archive) and the list grows longer and longer; right along with the list of chores to do, people to call, etc.

There was no preparing for this, every mothers advice stating as much is true. There are no words for this love.

And so my friends, Henry Porter Yeomans has arrived. And with him he has brought more love, fear, passion, joy and gratitude than I have ever known. Yes, I am addicted to this point in my life, to my sweet joyful son, to the man I married and now love more than I ever thought possible; and like an addict, I am desperate for these quiet days with my son like nothing I've ever wanted before. It's truly amazing...

that anyone can be this happy. And while he changes daily, getting more rolls by the minute and his red tuft of hair in the front longer, I change too. I'm one of those women I could never see

myself becoming - an obsessed mommy who doesn't seem to find

the time to brush her hair, but

has all the time in the world for her baby (or anything

remotely related to said baby).

Welcome my darling son, I hope the world for you

(and also that you don't grown to resent this mommy/shadow

you have).

Henry Porter Yeomans

10-16-2011

5:10 am

7 lbs 14 oz

22 inches

Long Beach, CA

best. thing. ever.

We love you noodle.

October Boys

2011-10-07T06:46:00.000-07:00

We were born before the wind

Also younger than the sun

Ere the bonnie boat was won as we sailed into the mystic

Hark, now hear the sailors cry

Smell the sea and feel the sky

Let your soul and spirit fly into the mystic

And when that fog horn blows I will be coming home

And when the fog horn blows I want to hear it

I don't have to fear it

And I want to rock your gypsy soul

Just like way back in the days of old

And magnificently we will flow into the mystic

When that fog horn blows you know I will be coming home

And when that fog horn whistle blows I got to hear it

I don't have to fear it

And I want to rock your gypsy soul

Just like way back in the days of old

And together we will flow into the mystic

Come on girl...

Too late to stop now...

Into The Mystic - Van Morrison

October

It's always been a wonderful month...fall creeps in, we start to spend more time at home in the evenings, I cook things in my oven again after the hot summer hiatus, and best of all, Keith's birthday.

This year is different.

It's better.

It's a double birthday month.

I love to celebrate my husbands birthday mostly because he is so terribly modest, and never expects a thing. But this year, October arrived and it sent us both into a fraz of excitement and anticipation for reasons entirely new. Our little boy will be here any day and to say we are thrilled is the understatement of the year! Keith hovers around my every move, waiting to the birth process to begin, and had I not reminded him, he would have totally forgot his birthday this year : )

I, of course, think Keith is the most fabulous person in the world. He is hysterically funny and half the time isn't even meaning to be. He is thoughtful and genuine in a way that makes me strive to be a better person in every way I can. He is loyal and loving in a way that teaches me daily what it means to really be in love and loved. He makes sense out of madness, listens like a mother and builds you up like a father. He is charming, honest, handsome, and kind. He rules my hearth and heart and is the guardian of everything I value in this world.

Together we have created a boy child and any day now we will see his tender face. We will cover him with all our pent up adoration and whisper to him his name: Henry (ruler of the hearth) Porter (guardian), a boy destined to be an October boy; just like his father. The lion hearted Yeomans boys.

With a father like Keith, my son will grow to be a far better man than I could ever imagine. And for this, and so much more, I am more happy today than I was yesterday, and expect only to surpass it tomorrow.

Happy Birthday, Keith.

Thank you for all you do,

all you have done,

and all that we will become.

( Keith's little love note I found one morning)

(our first clothing item we bought the day we found out we were expecting a boy)

I can't wait .

XoXo,

Lyndsey and lil' Henry

The wait is up...

2011-08-28T21:58:00.000-07:00

In the early hours of a hot August morning, a boy was born. Round flush cheeks, dark twinkling eyes and a little mouth that looks ready for a kiss...a boy was born.

Jackie and I have been sharing our journey as new mothers over these past several months, and I've thanked God more than once to have her first at bat status flanking mine ; )

We announced our growing families together with our ecstatic husbands at a dinner party in the winter and watched as our bellies, thick fingernails, and love for food trucks grew side by side, month after month. We have vowed to support one another, watch our boys play together, and keep the other in check for the occasional need of a haircut/shower/changing out of pjs before the evening that will surly become a new part of our lives as we step into motherhood. I love both her and her amazing husband, Rion, and couldn't ask for better parents in training partners for Keith and I.

After months of planning, little baby Zimmerman decided to join the world today! He is so beautiful and sweet looking, I can't WAIT to get my hands on him. Congratulations to the new mommy and daddy...I can't imagine the love and happiness you must be feeling as you bed down tonight with your darling son. God bless you three. Life is grand, and what a great day to be born!

We love you Zimmerman Family!!!

Xx,

Auntie Lynds, Uncle Keith, and baby Henry

Waiting for baby Piper

2011-07-13T09:53:00.000-07:00

There is always something special about seeing someone you knew as a child, pregnant. Miranda and I grew up together, and when the opportunity to photograph this stunning redhead pregnant with her first little one, I was so honored and totally thrilled!

My best friend, Jessica, gave us a hand as we set out to romp through the woods, catch up, giggle at our somewhat unsteady swollen stature, and reminisce. She is a natural in front of the camera and truly glows with motherly love for her little one.

Congratulations again, Miranda!! You are going to be the best mommy, and that little girl will be the best dressed sweetheart on the block. Not much longer now... keep me updated!

Xx,

Waiting for baby Levi

2011-06-30T11:09:00.000-07:00

Allie and Jeremiah are an ADORABLE couple. Seriously, adorable. We met up for

our first shoot together in the Manhattan beach area, and the great light and weather

could only shadow the genuine excitement and love they share during this amazing time in their lives. This was not a couple I had to pose...Jeremiah looks at his girl, and mother-to-be, with such incredible love and tenderness I must have burned through a whole memory card easily in the first 35 minutes!

Allie is a stunning gal and she laughed with Jeremiah and softly rubbed her belly the entire time we spent together. She made this job SO easy ; )

Oh, what a gorgeous mama you are, Allie!

This little guy will be spending a lot of time at the beach when he arrives! His daddy is quite the surfer and it was so great to see him in action as the sun set and our shoot ended.

Congrats on your new little one!! I can't wait to meet him next month, and thank you for letting me be a part of this amazing journey.

Xx,

Baby Esme

2011-06-15T16:23:00.000-07:00

Sweet little Esme is such a precious baby! This was my second shoot with the Lee family, and I was so thrilled to see them and the new baby again!

Big sister, Kate, is such a wonderful little love! She is a great helper and treats our shoot like play dates ; )

* I love this shot of Kate with her chocolate muffin.

Thank you for a lovely morning Lee family! I always enjoy our shoots and your two girls are such a blast to photograph. Looking forward to seeing you again in a few months!

Xx,

Bella Anne

2011-06-06T13:00:00.000-07:00

So much fun...as always : )

Golden Memories

2011-05-30T11:49:00.000-07:00

Today is special. Today is golden...

Today I want to remember things that might hurt, to embrace a part of my life that used to feel damaged or broken. Today I want to be thankful for blessings that took me 31 years to see.

A week ago I was in the middle of a deeply personal conversation with one of the dear sages in my life. We were discussing death, and how one moves in it, grows from it, and above all - celebrates the life within it. In our own ways, death defines us. A little or a lot, and each in our own way.

Nothing has shown me more about life and myself, than my sister's passing. Those of you who know me well, know this part of me. I don't wear it like a stain or a tear...rather, I try to celebrate it. For she was a treasure to celebrate. I couldn't always do this. Getting here was hard, something I still work at. But I never doubted this was where I needed to be. Not just for me or my family, but for her. What good can come from a life lived only to have it's passing eternally morned? I preach, I know...but this is something that has caused me so much time and energy. And it's never 'easy.' The work is never done. But there is a beauty to it and a grace that is freeing in ways I can only begin to know. Although it's hard, I know I must let go of the pain I feel from her death and hold on to the joy I feel from remembering her life. In this way, I feel closer to her. In honoring her life, I am able to live with her still.

I share all of this today, because today is not only a day of mass memorial, but today would have been her golden birthday - 30 on the 30th. Given the wonderful changes in my life, I find myself in reverence of her memory, and the love that I've managed to find there. It's humbling and peaceful, despite the recurring swells of pain and grief. I used to feel like this day was a day of sadness, that I should mourn her with my tears the pain of my loss...but it took a good friend remembering her with love and the purchase of some lilacs years ago to end that cycle. Instead, today is now for me a day of celebration and joy. And to feel this is to still love her. To know her. To say, SHE WAS HERE AND I'M SO THANKFUL FOR THAT!

I try to buy a plant each year or sit outside in silence in quiet happy conversation with her in my mind. This is the way to remember. This is the way to hold memorial. Through love and celebration of life.

To Brooke on her 30th,

Thank you for the love and joy you brought into my life. Thank you for the knowledge and compassion I have learned from your absence. You were silly and stubborn in your life with us and I will try to be silly and stubborn in how I remember you.

Missing you always,

Lyndsey

Me (age 5), Brooke (age 4), Mom and little Abbey ( age 1 1/2)

Brooke(2) and Me (3) and the bug.

Thank you for giving my rant an audience. I hope I've not offended anyone. This is just my personal take on the process of grieving and celebrating life...a deeply personal journey. My message, I hope, is that no matter how long your journey takes, you aim for and end up in a place of love and celebration.

Welcome Sweet Baby Charlotte!

2011-05-25T12:32:00.000-07:00

Charlotte Robin Trent

Greeted the world

March 1, 2011

10:19 am

7 lbs. 10 oz.

201/2 Inches

Proud Mommy, Roxanne, and doting daddy, Ryan!

As always, baby shoots are amazing...and this one was no exception :) Charlotte is beautiful from the cleft in her chin (just like daddy) to her thin lovely feet!

I am enjoying these types of shoot so much more knowing that the glow I am lucky enough to witness at homes like Ryan and Roxy's will me mine too some day soon!

Thank you for letting me share in your blessing - and congrats again!!

Xx,

Lynds

Happy 3rd Birthday Nicholas!

2011-05-20T09:25:00.000-07:00

My sweet Nicholas,

This birthday is a special one. All who know and love you are so thankful to have you here, doing as well as you are, and filling our lives with so much love and happiness. I can't wait to see you in just a few short weeks...I still can't believe how fast these three years have flown by. You are my hero darling boy and I love you with everything I got!

Happy Birthday!

To read more about Nicholas, his family and his battle with SMA, check out their family blog!

http://familywithgusto.blogspot.com/

Keith and Lynds have a plus one!

2011-04-20T10:12:00.000-07:00

This January I was tired, realllly tired. But who isn't? January marks the organizing of a new year, the coming down from the holidays, and for me, a big breath of air after a busy work season. But there was something more to this fatigue; we soon discovered I wasn't only making room for 2011, but our first child.

Time stood still that day. We made breakfast with dumb grins slapped across our faces, watched each other with new wonder and love, and mostly, attempted to wrap our heads around the world we just fell into.

Keith and Lyndsey are having a baby.

My first trimester was no walk in the park. I had these mother earth kind of expectations...funny, how in the WORLD could I assume to know what all this might be like!?

I was nauseous all the time, I slept like a bear, and when possible lived in my tub with oranges to snack on and books to read. I cried a lot too...mostly happy tears sprung from random TV commercials, music on the radio, or when I'd get off the phone with friends and family I miss terribly. Please don't get me wrong...under it all was a wash of excitement and a happiness that I could conceivably drown in. But again, I was not expecting the roll tide of emotions that marked this glorious step in our lives.

I watched my tummy in the mirror like a hawk, waiting for some indication that someone was making a nice cozy home in there...but nothing.

Then one morning I woke up and didn't need to put my head in the toilet. In fact, I felt like I could run around the block a few times!! I padded to the bathroom and BAM, there it was: baby Yeomans was starting to show. What a blessing week 13 was.

We are now at 16 weeks, and what everyone says is true: the second trimester is heaven. I can eat, work out, have a social life again, and enjoy the new found vigor Keith and I share in renovating every inch of our four walls. We are almost half way there and that much closer to meeting our little babe...wow, life really is amazing.

To be continued...

XoXo,

* Also, a very BIG thank you to all of my clients who patiently rode the sick wave with me : ) You are all the absolute best, and I can't thank you enough!

Livingston Family

2011-04-07T20:07:00.000-07:00

I love working with other creative types...

especially when it's a client! Jan is the beautiful mother to Lila and little Stella. She and her husband, Marsh, have such a lovely home and great ideas, our shoot hardly felt like work at all!

Thank you for a wonderful day gang!

I'm super excited for our next shoot together in

the months to come.

Xo,

Little Abigail, 6 months.

2011-03-04T10:04:00.000-08:00

What a smile!!!

It was great to see the Schildhouse family for Abigail's 6

month shoot at the end of January. She never fails to give

me the most dazzling smiles and she is the light

of her mommy and daddy's life...all of this makes

for a such a fun shoot. Can't wait to see her

at her 9th month!

Xoxo,

Polaroid, projects, and peas...

2011-01-27T18:12:00.000-08:00

For the holidays my grandmother gifted me a book that I "inhaled" as

she inscribed I would...

A Homemade Life

by Molly Wizenberg

A charming memoir about a girl, food, family and how she made all

of them work for her as a J-O-B. In the book she starts by sharing

where the tale takes professional root:

http://orangette .blogspot .com/

A food blog full of hearthy warmth, stories from her family's kitchen and her growth along the way. I was looking at her blog the other day, and was pleased to see some stunning food photography...on POLAROIDS!

I'm in a bit of a Polaroid kick these days, having just designed a polaroid save the date for my dear friends Brian and Ashley myself,

I felt inspired to take on my own polaroid love.

For 2011's photo project, I have decided to create a collection of

polaroids as the months go by. Super simple, no real big meaning

lying around anywhere...just life as it is. I feel like we never really know what the big meanings are till time gifts us

perspective to see it anyhow...so here we are:

January 2011

*Burbank hills, CA

This will be my homage to keeping it simple this year. Being present

is the new multi-tasking ; )

“A bird doesn't sing because it has an answer, it sings because it has a song.”
- Maya Angelou

Cheers to keeping it real, polaroids, and of course,

Ms. Angelou.

Chicago { part 1}

2011-01-16T23:42:00.000-08:00

I love Chicago.

The quiet bustle.

The charming grit.

The everyman feel....

...and the brick - who doesn't LOVE the brick!?

It was a work/play trip.

I was lucky enough to meet a

great group of actors that attend DePaul's theatre

program and looking for new head shots!

And I got to spend time with my old friends, the Gaspar Family!

... and meet baby Nina...

...and love up on sweet Maeve.

I love this family.

Each morning I would come down to Mary's beautiful kitchen for coffee,

chit chat, and on this trip, a little Arial music complements

of Maeve, " you be Sebastian?".

As always, they are the perfect hosts.

Here are a few of Derek's head shots!

And my beautiful buddy, Mary.

*Can you believe she just had a baby 5 months ago!?

SO much fun! More to come and thanks Mare and Der

for a great week!

Ashley and Brian 4/ever

2011-01-14T22:29:00.000-08:00

I love love.

Especially when it's someone I love's love.

Ash and Bri

09-17-11

Hooray love.

Love for the Bay.

Love for the silly.

Love for spending time...in love.

Love for passion.

Love for smoochin'....

on a bridge.

Love for the beach.

Love for the future.

Love to you both.

Congrats.

(And thanks for all your help Keith!)

Xo,

Ending the year in Nor Cal {part 1}

2011-01-03T19:45:00.000-08:00

Over the river and through the woods...

...to grandmothers house we went. This year for Christmas we packed up the car and drove up to Sonora, CA for Christmas. I love road trips with Keith. Fun snacks

stashed away in the back, ipod mixes, cool air, and giggles. We had

a wonderful time visiting with our family, the Tanners and the Taylors.

Gram hosts like nobody else I have ever met.

Thank you so much for a memorable holiday Gram and Pops!

I am packing for a fun trip to Chicago to visit the Gaspar family and

snap a few head shots! More to post later : )

...and HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

XoXo

The Park Family Holiday

2010-12-28T20:39:00.000-08:00

The Gustafson Family ... life in a contact sheet.

2010-12-23T10:33:00.000-08:00

Piglet sidled up to Pooh from behind. "Pooh!" he whispered. "Yes, Piglet?" "Nothing," said Piglet, taking Pooh's paw. "I just wanted to be sure of you." ~A.A. Milne

I share my images and feelings about this family often. Sure, she

is my dearest friend, and her children are little stars in my sky,

and she continues to amaze me every year we grow a little older...she grows better : )

This contact sheet was a little challenging. For one, I have SO much material, and two, my desire to make it 'perfect' for her is much like my desire to hand make my 5th grade boyfriends valentine...a hot mess.

Here you are my dear. Merry Christmas and I love you

all SO MUCH - hot mess and all!

Ryan and Roxy are havin' a baby!

2010-12-20T20:23:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas Austin Gregory!

2010-12-16T20:10:00.000-08:00

I don't know that there is any better job than being

a nanny to a boy you love.

Austin is...

...so special.

And he loves his blankie.

I love you my little

sir.

Merry Christmas sweet boy.

Bella Anne turns 1 !

2010-12-09T19:55:00.000-08:00

The Allen Family Holiday

2010-12-01T21:44:00.000-08:00

I loved working with this new family! Walker and Ila are both so

adorable, candid, and SO excited to introduce me to their

new puppy, Bentley :) Thank you for spending your morning with me; you

have a gorgeous home! Have a great holiday

Allen Family~

xo,

The Aschenbach Family Holiday

2010-12-01T17:56:00.000-08:00

I have had the pleasure of photographing this family for as long

as I've been in business. Little Ava has grown into such a beautiful and silly little girl! As you can see, they are expecting a baby; making this holiday extra special. Courtney, Corey and Ava, I am so thrilled for your January arrival, and I can't wait to meet your little man!

Much love

The Gustafson Family

2010-11-30T00:02:00.000-08:00

This is the house she grew up in. Where she dreamed of

the life she would have, the love she might find

the woman she hoped to be.

And years later here is she, with everything she

ever wanted.

A husband, father, friend that loves her

and their children.

A little boy and baby girl that are the light

of their lives.

Nicholas is amazing.

He loves cars

boats

bubbles

baths

Nemo

balls

and a delightful gang of penguins

that rock up and down a little icecap singing

the sweetest sound (* wa, wa wa wa...) to

name a few.

he loves to laugh with his daddy

...snuggle with his mommy.

And he adores his Grammie.

The Gustafsons

Hello baby Ella!

Isn't she the cutest!!

I can't wait to see who you are little

Ella girl!

I am lucky to know you all and even more lucky to

call you friends.

Congratulations on the arrival of little Ella

and I love you all to bits!

Please...and THANKFUL.

2010-11-25T11:35:00.000-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving to you all!

...a few things I am thankful for...

An art I love

...sometimes hate,

strive to perfect,

and am inspired by every day.

Thinking local.

I have always loved to cook. But not

until after reading this book had I put

much thought/effort into seeking out

foods that are good to the masses

and great for my family.

Animal, Vegetable, Miracle by Barbara Kingsolver

Long Beach has many wonderful farmer markets and I'm

able make better choices for my family

far easier than I'd ever expected.

Food for thought.

Technology...if I have to - and I do.

I was ignorant to the amount of savvy I'd need

to start my business. I always say I'm more of an artist

than I am a business woman. That is quickly becoming

a statement of the past.

I am so thankful for all the patience my friends and

family have shown me as I race along the learning

curve of a digital business owner.

Keith.

Thankful is not even close.

I adore you

I learn from you

laugh with you

dream with you

life

better

...with you.

Thank you for loving me.

Finding a balance.

24 hours...after sleep, emails, phone calls,

editing, working, and shooting there isn't much time left.

Without my husband I would be a crazy person. Thank you

Keith for giving my life balance when I can't.

Coffee.

Dear Lord, THANK YOU!!!

Family.

Love you all so very much!

Holiday Shopping with a Cause

2010-11-25T09:57:00.000-08:00

When you are checking people off your list this year - please

consider shopping here to support SMA research:

http://shoptoendsma.we-care.com/

There are tons of vendors to choose from and a portion of

your spending goes to SMA research via the

Gwendolyn Strong Foundation.

Have a wonderful holiday season and I hope you all feel the joy

of giving, hope, family, and love in the weeks and new year to come!

Xo,

The Lafko Family Holiday

2010-11-20T22:00:00.000-08:00

Hello little tooth!

My hubby Keith was a great help!

He adores this little guy

and honestly can't keep his paws off him : )

This costume was a fantastic find Joyce! If not for daddy,

he would have just look like a sad little roo (not a fan

of mommy's 'great find'). Bruce always can

get Sebastian to laugh : )

Oh Sebastian...could you be

any cuter!?

The Brummel Family Holiday

2010-11-17T19:45:00.000-08:00

The Hong Family Holiday

2010-11-16T22:00:00.000-08:00

A Fan of...

2010-11-11T08:37:00.000-08:00

http://www.whatkatieate.blogspot.com/

*This post/pictures were shared from the authors blog, http://www.whatkatieate.blogspot.com/

As I sit here I am sporting some fetching green socks, pj bottoms that look like they were created by/for Dr. Seuss, a sweater coat and hoodie, and finally, a coral pink scarf....

...oh the hotness.

But hot, it is not. LA has finally caught up with the season and the city is brisk, clear ( haze free) and windy. Each morning Keith and I will argue about who has to make the coffee. It's not the making of the coffee that has us rolled to our respective sides of the bed, but the freeeeezing wood floors and stone tile that greet us while we brew. *EW

The fact that I'm writing this tells me two things:

1) I've gone completely native.

I can no longer call myself a northwest gal. They would tan my hide for the complaints being made.

And I would deserve it.

2) It's time to start cooking some tasty, soul hugging, hearth warming food.

What Katie Ate is such an incredible site, I really can't say enough about it. This am I found this post and decided this is to be what is for dinner. The images themselves are enough to inspire, even without the chilly weather, no? That Aussie can cook! ( and write, and photograph...).

I say to all of you foodies out there: tonight, roast a veggie, perfume your house in the goodness of the earth, save some money ( such an inexpensive meal!), and cozy up with your loved ones.

Enjoy!

Happy Birthday Elizabeth!

2010-11-10T11:59:00.000-08:00

Happy birthday to my sweet friend Elizabeth!

...a little ditty about Rachel and Adam...

2010-11-08T11:04:00.000-08:00

Congratulations Rachel and Adam!!!

Rachel and I grew up together. We shared clothes, boys, and passed notes as we bloomed into women. We drove her mother crazy with her Elton John record that we would boogie about her attic bedroom; and roar in fits of laughter at one another. We drove my mother crazy simply because we never ate enough ; )

Rachel came down to Long Beach a few years ago with her new beau, Adam. I was in heaven visiting with this long lost friend and seeing her with someone that made her so obviously happy! I liked him right away, he is easy going, charming, and every other word out of his mouth is a laugh.

Perfect for Rachel.

I was so pleased to be able to spend a dreary NW afternoon with the two of you love birds. You are an incredible couple...and Bailey is soooo adorable! Consider yourselves lucky that I didn't nab that little puff ball of yours ; )

Cheers to all the joy that love will bring you; and may you continue to grow and be happy in love.

xoxo

To people we meet along the way...

2010-11-05T23:30:00.000-07:00

I have to be honest with you. Being an artist ( even saying that is strange!) is a tough gig. My confidence is liken to that of my former 13 year old self; full of loathing and doubt one minute, and gun-blazing pride the next. One of the rare things I have found to even out these maniac moods, is an incredible colleague...

...enter Charla.

She found my blog ( we don't know how or when) and made some very kind posts about my work. Intrigued by attention from someone other than my mother or my best friend ( LOVE YOU GUYS!), I looked her up:

Charla was a) a photographer, b) from Washington and c) lived in Long Beach...um, hello!? Staying true to the Lyndsey way, I wrote her a long winded and overly metaphorical email expressing my desire to meet her, get to know her, be her new photog buddy, and live happily ever after.

We had lunch one day and the rest is making history. I adore her, her 2 year old, Brooklyn, and her hubby, Dan. Long Beach and photography have never felt so welcoming ; )

My point here is this: tonight Charla sat down with me and basically gave this web space a total face lift. She did it beautifully and selflessly; and as I rolled about with little Brookie while she worked and shared her mastery of the web, I found myself feeling terribly blessed. Here is a girl that also appears to understand this phantom baby that occupies half of the brain, keeps us up late into the night and whose room is a perpetual sty... she too is rearing this phantom photo baby!

This pre-teen, wanna-be artist has found someone to sit with at the lunch table. ( Mixing my metaphors,it's kinda my thing).

Thank you Charla. You are such a treasure and I just love the heck out of you! Here is to many years of shared growth and joy in this art we both love so dearly!

Your fan,
Lynds

The Hubbard Family

2010-11-04T16:24:00.000-07:00

Hello Hubbards!

Madi

Alli

Lily (aka 'Pants')

These three sisters couldn't be more differentt

...but one is just as goofy as the next.

...just like their mom and dad!

While we were shooting, things got all northwest on us and we had to run for cover to escape torrential downpour!

(It's good to know some things never change)

Our shelter from the rain was an icecream shop

Then, the rain cleared, and we resumed our fun outdoors!

Thanks so much for a wonderful day Nik and Deja! You have a fantastic family and i adored meeting them! xoxo

Happy Halloween Bugs and Ghouls!

2010-10-30T20:07:00.000-07:00

* My lovely models are Cammie and

Miki Hong

Have a safe and

wonderful Halloween!

Sweet baby Abigail

2010-10-24T16:18:00.000-07:00

The Cox Family

2010-10-22T08:05:00.000-07:00

I sat next to him in the first grade, she was my partner in crime in choir, they are Mr. and Mrs. Cox. As I said before, Rob and Jayme go waaaay back. Photographing their family was so fun! They were down for anything and those boys...have you ever seen such gorgeous kids!? Aidan is the oldest and was like seeing a first grade Robert all over again! He is adorably smart, and if he can't jump off of it...he'll just climb it ; ) Alan is a TOTAL ham. He has this little sideways smile that just kills me! He will talk for hours miming his story as he goes. Both boys were a joy to get to know. Thanks for a great day guys, and I hope to see you sooner than later!!!!xoxo

Holiday Cards

2010-10-19T00:10:00.000-07:00

Tis the season...

for pumpkins

warm soups

thick jackets

and boots.

That is what most of you are up to. For portrait photographers, however, it is the deep nasty of our busiest time of year. We are living in our cars, cups piling up around us as we slouch in front computer screens, and trying desperately to get a pumpkin this year...well, at least that's what my life has been looking like! This is not a complaint, rather, the manic rants from a girl thick in what she loves.

This year I am only doing four holiday card options...last year, well, last year was a learning curve ; )Should you be interested in any of the four options below shoot me an email. Price fluctuates depending on size, design, and amount - so give me a holler and I'll get you a quote!

*click images to enlarge

Brave New Voices

2010-10-17T10:30:00.000-07:00

Conversation with Hosts Common and Rosario Dawson

*Be sure to scroll down, pause my music, and turn on the volume to watch this great clip!

It is Sunday morning. Grey clouds, pumpkin bread baking, coffee and emails...then this. Keith has the TV on HBO and I catch the trailer for Brave New Voices. It looks so wonderful I just had to share. Happy Sunday!

The Justis Family

2010-10-14T22:10:00.000-07:00

Linnea & Matt

Zain

Barrett

...and Skip

Balance

2010-10-10T07:41:00.000-07:00

...is everything.

Elizabeth Rose Gustafson

2010-10-04T16:17:00.000-07:00

Jessica and I used to dream about who we would be when we grew up. We would paint these future lives for ourselves where she would be a teacher, and I would be a singer. We would marry best friends like ourselves, and live next door to one another; barbecuing every weekend. Life took us down somewhat different paths in which the only backyard we share is the Pacific ocean...but we have remained as close today as we were as young girls. We said we would be there for the birth of one another's children; and when Nicholas Alan was born a few weeks after my wedding in 2008 we celebrated those milestones over the phone in the way we have grown used to.

When she and her hubby, Jeff, found out they were expecting baby #2 I was determined not to miss it. I hovered around my phone for weeks throughout the end of August and beginning of September ready to jump on a plane to join her for this incredible blessing. Baby teased us for weeks until finally, on September 15th, 2010 at 11:59am, she finally arrived. A quick labor and two happy

parents = Elizabeth Rose, Ella they called her.

A pink rose bud for a mouth, long spidery fingers, eyes like a kitten, roaming and alert, a cluster of dark curls matted to her little head and a pair of long elegant legs...Ella was born. She wont remember everyone's shock at her quick appearance, the smile on her daddy's face as he called loved ones to share that his daughter was here, the way she looked at her mother for the first time comforted by a voice she knew better than her own name, or the snotty shaking auntie that took photograph after photograph of her beauty...but we will.Always.

Congratulations to Jessica, Jeff and big brother, Nicholas! She is a beautiful baby girl, and thank you for letting me be there to bask in your happiness. Auntie Dee Dee loves her little Gustafson kiddies to the moon and back!

Soon I will post Ella's birth story photos for everyone to enjoy! Love to you all!!!

I have loved you all my life...

2010-10-04T13:41:00.000-07:00

While I was up north, I was very lucky to work with some old friends...some I hadn't seen since high school! As I was sitting here editing, I was struck by these three couples, and how incredible they are: all have been together for ten plus years!!!!

Nik and Deja

High School Love

I have known both of them since we were young. Nik is hysterical...like, wet yourself funny. His big smile and bear hugs are two of his adorable trade marks. Deja is as brilliant as she is beautiful. She is as kind and adorable today as she was when we were growing up. Nik and Dej had their first date January 1994...and the dates kept on coming - through bad haircuts, the tragic music of Ace of Base, and Bongo jeans, Nik and Deja fell in love. Today they have three children: twins Maddy and Alley and their youngest, Lilly ( or 'Pants' as her daddy calls her...why? We don't ask, it's Nik).

We met up on a rainy day (mad props to all the NW photogs...the weather is not always your friend!) but it made for some incredible images and unplanned stops. Like an ice cream shop to escape the torrential down pour where the girls, in sequins and tutus, ordered cones! It was here I was reminded of Nik's infamous appetite - whoa nelly...that's a big bowl of ice cream daddy-o! They parent like they love one another: with giggles, fun, praise,and an open heart. I see bits of both of them in each of their sweet girls. This is one of the many beauties of a good love...it repeats itself.

Matt and Linnea

Love at First Sight

Linnea drove a hot red car in 1996. She was outspoken, honest, funny and completely unaware how gorgeous she was (IS!)...I adored her, of course. We bonded in a stuffy geography class our Junior year of high school. Not long after graduation, I received an invitation to her wedding! She and Matt had met at a co-ed softball game (another one of Linnea's talents) for the local Police department. Matt Justis, and he was a cop - could it be more perfect!? Where once a fiercely independent girl had stood, an inseparable pair remained. They set down local roots, have two insanely adorable boys, Zain and Barrett (Bear), and a sweet pup, Skip.

For our shoot, we took their boat out on the water to an island on the Columbia River. Being outdoorsy types, this allowed me to really capture them just as they are in life...a fun family with big love for one another. It was great to get caught up with Linnea and meet her Matt. He is a smart, handsome, and doting hubby; the kind of guy parents want their daughters to bring home. I always saw Linnea traveling the world and living her life out loud...she does, only she does it with her true love, Matt, by her side.

Robert and Jayme

First Love

These two have been inseparable for as long as a boy could like a girl. Robert was a gangly athlete in school, and pretty much excelled at anything he tried (still does!). When Jayme moved, and started attending our school in Junior high, this small town was a buzz...who is that dark haired beauty? Boys chased her, but she only had eyes for Rob. I'm not sure when it happened, but all I know is that for many of us who know them, you can't say Robert Cox without thinking of Jayme. She cheered for him during both football and basketball season (he was a star at both sports) and he came to all of her choir events and soccer games. They were crazy for one another from the day they met, and seeing them all these years later it is clear that they haven't skipped a beat- love is a grand thing.

I had such fun photographing them and their two adorable boys, Aidan and Alan. They are just as in love and silly with one another as they always were...only now there are four of them!