Bay Area Parent Baby Cover Shoot

One of my favorite magazines called and asked me if I would be willing to shoot the cover for their baby issue and did I happen to know any pregnant women. Answer yes on both accounts. Svetlana came racing to mind and I knew I had to photograph her quickly since she is due in four weeks. The shoot was at Due maternity in the city and in the yoga studio in back cleverly named Hom. I have had an image bouncing around my brain of doing a maternity session in a yoga studio with the belly Surrounded by candles. My lucky day! Check out the cover of Bay Area Parent next month!

Monica Michelle

www.ilovewhiterabbit.com

Mr. Emerson: Newborn Portraits

Little Emerson was just under two weeks old when I went to take his newborn portraits in his home. He is an amazing little guy with loads of personality. For the technical people no flash was every used. I used available light and window light. I tend to do newborn portraits in their homes unless otherwise requested. As a mom I remember how terrifying it can be to drive your new one around. Aside from fears of crazed drivers there is a lot of packing and logistics when you add a new being. I also feel that newborns feel more confident in an environment where they know the smells and sounds.

Monica Michelle

www.ilovewhiterabbit.com

Tumbling Day Care: Best Gift for a Teacher Ever!

I met one of the most creative and kind hearted moms, Yumi,  the other day. She has two adorable boys who are both enrolled in Tumbling, a daycare in Palo Alto. She really wanted to do something special for the woman who owns the daycare. Yumi tried to explain what a special place this is and how incredibly kind the owner is to each of the children. She wanted to have a photo shoot documenting what a few hours in this wonderland is like. I have to tell all of you, I did not want to leave. I use to be a teacher and also a day care teacher for 8 years. I was beyond impressed. Mali was patient and kind almost intuitive of what each child needed. This last image was all of the children kissing goodbye. My only regret is that Mali is too far away for Baby O to go there.

Monica Michelle

www.ilovewhiterabbit.com

Amazing Wedding

I am so grateful to be a part of this wedding. Two people who absolutely glowed with happiness to be together. It was an honor to capture their day. I am always humbled when I get to be a part of such a momentous moment in someone's life. The wedding took place in Palo Alto. The flower girls were so adorable I think I may have overshot a bit. There was laughter and a few tears and some of the most beautiful people I have ever seen. Notice the feather's in the bride's hair. She let me know that in her culture feathers signify new beginings. I made sure to feature this gorgeous symbolism. 

This image was taken at the end of the bride's portrait session. Her best friend crossed the courtyard and the bride began to smile. "This is my soul" she told me. Their hold on each other says it all. They have obviously leaned on each other through thick and thin.

  Some of you have been so kind as to email and ask for more technical information. I use to be a writer so i tend to focus on the emotional. For those of you brave enough to ask for technical questions I shot this using a canon 5d and only available light. I ten to shy away from flashes especially during ceremony. If you use a lens with a low enough ap. it is entirely possible to get clean crisp detail even indoors.

Monica Michelle

www.ilovewhiterabbit.com

Introducing Little Miss Brooklyn

I was having one of those days where nothing seems to go right (my seven year old decided he is thirteen, a studio space I have my eye on is charging more then I was expecting, the usual) and then I opened my email. I received the happiest email I could think of. Jay emailed to let me know that Brooklyn was born! Healthy, happy, and a tad furry. Gorgeous girl born to two wonderful people. I had taken Cara's maternity portraits in what seemed like only a few weeks ago and here I am at their apartment taking their first family photos. Such a happy day and as always I very much enjoyed my time with Jay and Cara. All my best to your wonderful family and thank you for letting me document such a momentous occasion!

Monica Michelle

www.ilovewhiterabbit.com