Liz and Tom – Los Gatos Maternity Portrait Photography Session

Liz and Tom were expecting a baby girl in about a month so they came into my studio for Liz's maternity portrait session. We started a bit early to have Liz's make-up and hair done by Audrey, a wonderful local make-up artist and a new mom herself!

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Liz was a dream to work with; she was organized, responsive to my wardrobe suggestions, and trusted me to try some new concepts I had been working on.

Oh, and she is simply beautiful!

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I love this image of Tom because you can tell the love he has for his ladies.

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Liz was so serene and lovely, awaiting her baby girl's arrival.  Pregnancy is such a finite and extraordinary time, which is why maternity portrait sessions hold a special place in my heart.

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Liz and Tom, thank you so much for allowing me capture these moments for you and for your baby girl to look back on someday.

Make-up and Hair by: Audrey Mendoza

Happy Mother's Day 2016

I dedicate this post to my strong, beautiful mom who is always watching over me;

my loving and thoughtful mother-in-law who goes out of her way to take care of us;

and all the mothers out there, family and friends, clients, and strangers with whom I exchange understanding nods when I'm out and about,

who are strolling, sprinting--or, in my case--stumbling, on this path of motherhood alongside me.

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Happy Mother's Day.

Baby D - From Newborn to 1 Year Portrait Sessions

I am so excited to finally share these images of Baby D. Throughout the past year, I have had the amazing opportunity to photograph Baby D from his newborn days through his first birthday!

Baby D was one of the first babies to be photographed in my new studio space.  Pat and Carol (and Carol's mom), were so gracious and patient as I photographed little Baby D in his first week out of the womb.

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Although it was over a year ago, I vividly remember Baby D's newborn portrait session.  It was cold out that day.  Pat spent a lot of time entertaining Baby D's big sister.  Carol was totally prepared with wardrobe changes, hair pins, and a packed lunch.  And Carol's lovely mother sat right next to me, making funny faces so that we could capture this image.

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I will always think back on Baby D's newborn session with fond memories.  (I still can't get over how little Meadow looks in this photograph!)

It is extraordinary how much babies grow that first year.

By month 6 (well, technically 7), Baby D was sitting and smiling...

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... and sitting in a basket.

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All cute babies should be carried around in baskets decorated with balloons, don't you agree?  I love Baby D's gummy smile in this image.

By his 1 year portrait session, Baby D was standing!

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And walking!

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And carrying heavy objects around!

I don't think I have ever seen a one year old baby eat his cake with a fork and spoon, but Baby D is a proper little man.

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"Who, me?"

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To Pat, Carol, Meadow and Baby D, thank you for trusting me to capture this year of your family's story.  It was so rewarding seeing your children grow and I am deeply, incredibly, truly honored!

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Blossom Birth & Family Fair – Palo Alto Event Photography

Once again, I had the privilege of documenting Blossom Birth's Annual Family Fair this past weekend.  Blossom Birth and Family Fair 2016 Harvey Kaarp Palo Alto Kids Family Pregnancy Baby I don't photograph many events anymore but, once in a while, I have the opportunity to and I remember how much fun it is!

The morning started with the talented Andy Z performing with his good friend, Como C. Llama.

Blossom Birth & Family Fair 2016 by Lena Wang Photography (Events)-5As usual, the pair brought down the house with their clever banter and funny songs.

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A Mother's Day Achievement award was presented to the Nursing Mothers Counsel.

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Which was then followed by an insightful and invaluable talk by keynote speaker, Dr. Harvey Karp (yes, THE Dr. Harvey Karp).  The tallk, entitled, "What makes Toddlers Tick? Tips and tricks to raise happy, respectful, well balanced tots!” was given to a packed room!

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I have yet to successfully implement his methods, but I will keep trying.

Exhibitors set up throughout the venue so that families could connect with wonderful local pregnancy, birth and parenting resource and service providers.

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With a Music Together class, storytime with the Palo Alto City Library, baby and toddler signing with Touch Blue Sky, an ice cream sundae bar with MommyNearest, a diaper changing area with Earth Baby, a raffle, and more... this little one got tuckered out.

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Thank you to the hard-working individuals at Blossom Birth for putting together this incredible event for all the families and soon-to-be mothers and for allowing me to capture it all.

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Baby V – Mountain View Newborn Baby Portrait Photograpy Session

Baby V came into the studio with her mother and maternal grandmother. Mountain View Newborn Baby Portrait Photographer Los Gatos Baby Girl San Francisco Bay Area (1)

Megan, Baby V's mom, is originally from Tennessee and she has that twinkle about her.  She speaks in a tone that is comforting and sincere.  And she's genuinely kind.  So it was wonderful that I got to meet Megan's mom as well, V's maternal grandmother.  Meeting Mrs. Bronwyn made it clear why Megan is the sweetheart that she is.

Mrs. Bronwyn and I bonded over our love of holding newborn babies and our plans to become cuddlers someday.  Also, Mrs. Bronwyn was key in calming Baby V when all Baby V wanted to do was nurse.

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Thank you, Megan and Mrs. Bronwyn, for bringing little Baby V and allowing me to photograph her.  It was such a pleasure meeting you all.

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Baby F - Santa Cruz Newborn Baby Portrait Photography Session

Louis and Rosa brought Baby F in for her newborn baby portrait session.  She was tiny and so dreamy. Santa Cruz Newborn Baby Girl Indoor Portrait Photography Los Gatos San Francisco Bay Area (4)

Baby F has three older brothers to look up to.  These boys are such a joy to work with and I loved watching them dote on their sweet baby sister.

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I found this oyster shell a while back and just had to get it for Baby F's session.

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You know, because Louis loves the ocean, Baby F is the first baby girl of the family, hard to find, precious, a gem.

It makes sense if you think about it long enough... or, at least, it did to me in my head at the time.

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Thank you, Louis and Rosa, for allowing me to photograph Baby F in all her newness.  I am so happy for your family and I can't wait to see all the amazing things Baby F will learn from her big brothers... like how to play soccer and the fine art of sandball-making.

Baby J - San Jose Newborn Baby Portrait Photograpy Session

As late as it may be, I could not resist posting about my portrait session with Baby J. Willow Glen Los Gatos Newborn Baby Toddler Photography San Francisco Bay Area Maternity (2)

He was tiny and sweet and such a joy to photograph.

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Baby J has a big sister and they are just the most adorable pair.  You could tell how much L was in love with her baby brother.

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Thank you, Kimberly and Mike, for allowing me to photograph your lovely children!

Kendra - Los Gatos Maternity Portrait Photography Session

Kendra had her maternity portrait session in my private studio. Although already a mom to one baby girl, she had not taken any portraits while pregnant.  I was honored that she trusted me to capture this moment in her life, on her second time around.

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I think this image captures Kendra so well: serene and simply beautiful!

K joined her mommy for a few images.  This is one is my favorites.

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There is something so special about a mommy and her first-born.  (I believe, after this, K sang and danced to some Taylor Swift for us... it was amazing.)

Thank you, Kendra, for allowing me to photograph you and your growing family!

Thank You!

This year was a big year for Lena Wang Photography, with many ups and a few downs.  As this year comes to a close, I wanted to take some time to say a very heartfelt "THANK YOU!" to each and every one of my amazing clients this year. It means a great deal to me that you have welcomed me into your lives,  trusted me to capture this time with your children, and allowed me to share in this journey with you; even if for a mere moment.

Here are some of my favorite images from 2015.

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Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas spent with your families and a blessed New Year.

Here's to 2016!

Sincerely, Lena Wang