Fairy Portraits

I was lucky enough to have a wonderful friend who runs Too Cute in Burlingame. She put up some fairy portraits I had taken last year. The portraits got so much attention we decided to do a sitting session for fairies in training. Being totally selfish, I had a complete blast. Please watch the the movie look at the pictures. I am so proud. Goofy I know but I am in love with these pictures. I even got Miss O to sit on a toad stool. Even starting to think about doing fairy portrait parties...we all need a little magic now and then.

Monica Michelle

www.ilovewhiterabbit.com

Max's first Baby Photo shoot!

Max is here! I had an idea of how gorgeous he would be since I have been doing his mom's maternity session. I was completely taken off guard. Those sparkling eyes and kind face. He already seems so wise. Such a lucky boy to enter a wonderful family. I feel so lucky to be there to catch these moments. Moments like trying to get their German Shepard to be in the portrait who promptly rolled over in every picture to show us her belly. All of the portraits were taken in Max's new home. This is usually how I do newborn sessions since it can be difficult to travel with a newborn and many new moms do not feel up for moving.

Welcome to the world beautiful boy and I look forward to watching you grow!

Monica michelle

www.ilovewhiterabbit.com

Smitha Maternity Portraits

I got a call from Smitha a few weeks ago and I have been looking forward to our session ever since. She and her husband showed up and we decided to have some fun over at San Mateo Central Park (fortunately only a few minutes from my studio). The light was amazing so we used only available light. We went from my favorite wall, to a sun drenched patch of grass, morning glory wall, and of course the rose garden. We finished at my home studio where Smitha had brought fabric she had used in her wedding. It made a gorgeous body wrap. I have to wait three more weeks to meet their son. With such gorgeous parents this little boy can only be a stunner.

Monica Michelle

www.ilovewhiterabbit.com

Thank you Maternal Instincts

Kat Gordon is a genius. No this is not me being nice. She is amazing! I had taken an ad outin a magazine and got less responses then I would have liked. Kat sat down with me and the magazine past issues and helped me design the most amazing ad. Her skills with simple phrases really make the look. My wonderful graphic designer handled the rest (so happy I brought a graphic designer on staff!) If anyone out there is a business owner or works for a business that markets to moms Kat from Maternal Instincts is NOT a luxury item. She is not someone to call when there is more money. Great copy is important (this is coming from a photographer so you know I mean it). 

The Ad will appear in Bay Area Parent Peninsula  the November.

Monica Michelle

www.ilovewhiterabbit.com

Ayoob Family portrait

Jp has cheeks that made me gasp when I first saw him. His mom Lisa took him into my studio and wanted to wait for a shoot when her husband could be with them. I begged to start his shoot before the cheeks got smaller. I am so glad she agreed. From J.P..'s last shoot only a month ago to the family shoot his face had changed. 

What a darling cutie!

Monica Michelle

www.ilovewhiterabbit.com

Bay Area Parent November Cover

I have to give a huge thanks to the Carvajals. They absolutely saved me. I was in desperate need of an adorable boy in the East Bay who would be on the cover of Bay Area Parent. I remembered Brian from a previous shoot and from being in class with my son. I called his mom and dad and asked=0) It was wonderful to see the whole family again, including a new little one I had never met before.

We photographed at the Oakland Zoo, which I had not been to since I had moved from the East Bay. If you ever have the chance head out that way. I think it is the best zoo in California after San Diego. Incredible open areas and a kid's zoo area that keep toddlers on up entertained (yes I have used my son as an excuse to climb on the spider web).

The Zoo was wonderful allowing us full access to the goat area. Brian and his brother Johnny had a great time learning to groom the goats and the goats were very grateful for the attention.

Monica Michelle

www.ilovewhiterabbit.com

New Baby

This is going to be short and sweet. I adore photographing brand new babies! This little guy stole my heart as I am sure he will yours!

Massage Supply Studios

I met Leslie a year or so ago when I was a very different shape (round VERY round thanks to my lovely Olivia).  I had seen her on TV but nothing prepared me for the gorgeous amazon in front of me. Leslie is force of nature with one of the most brilliantly wicked smiles I have ever seen. I was honored to take her portrait and thrilled to be her friend. She makes everything an adventure. Even for you non masseuses everyone must visit her store San Francisco Massage Supply Company. The oils and products can be used by the non professional for relaxation or.....;)

Monica Michelle

www.ilovewhiterabbit.com

Protege Photo Shoot

Yesterday was fantastic! I got to photograph Stephen Jackson and Al Harrington  for the clothing and shoe line Protege. My lighting director/assistant/ right hand Candi and I had an amazing time. The shots are fantastic and as always the guys were amazing funny, and very photogenic. I have many jealous female friends. I am so glad they asked me back for the second round of pictures and used the last session in their ad campaigns.

Monica Michelle

www.ilovewhiterabbit.com

Flo & Kristin Hakone Gardens Wedding

On Sunday morning I went to my parent's house. I usually do. It is our family mornings.  I have been having a busy week and I was gearing up to leave for Flo and Kristin's wedding. My mom sat me down in the living room and said, "I think you should watch this first." It was a DVD of photos from when my father was a baby until my daughter's birth. It amazed me how a life can take shape. My father went from a dark curly haired toddler to a grown man with his hand on his daughter's shoulder a second before she walks down the isle. I admit I cried.  It was also a perfect start to the day that I was a trusted witness to the start of a new family. I felt honored and a bit humbled.

Flo and Kristin are fantastic people and I knew from the moment I met them how much I wanted to be their photographer. ( I have a feeling I chose them as much as they chose me). I knew at their engagement shots how unique and strong their bond is. I also knew I could get Breck girl to smile with the proper teasing and prodding and I can always count on Flo to be the fun balance. Can we say soccer game..at the engagement shoot and yes, on the dance floor.

Their wedding was amazing. I knew it would be with Anita Nunes from Nostalgia Events as their wedding planner, nothing could go wrong.  Parsley Sage Rosemary and Thyme did the best job of catering. (Seriously this is not me being nice to another vendor I have never seen such service, great food, or attention to detail...a server hiked to find the bride's and I to feed us!). 

I feel like I have been writing this entry to long and if I go on much longer I will become a bit of a sap. I adore Kristin and Flo. The ceremony was beyond moving and watching two people so meant for each other take this step forward  was an amazing thing to witness.

Monica Michelle

www.ilovewhiterabbit.com

650.787.2799

Miss Brooklyn Growing Up

This is why I love one year packages. It is completely selfish but I adore really getting to watch babies grow up. The first time I photographed Mz Brooklyn she was seven days old (not counting maternity portraits). It is amazing to see how much she has changed in just weeks. She is holding her head and her little bright eyes don't miss a beat. I was able to photograph Brooklyn Monday morning just before her grandparents had to fly out. I am so happy not only to know Cara and Jay but getting to meet their entire family has been a treat. As always I am looking forward to my next shoot with Mz Brooklyn.

Monica Michelle

www.ilovewhiterabbit.com

650.787.2799