Walnut Creek Family Portrait Session: The Garcias

Some people simply embody a feeling or an action. Cynthia is a wife, mom of soon to be three, friend, and daughter, and she embodies a hug. A long warm hug that wraps you up to make you feel safe, heard, and cared for. Cynthia is that feeling when someone is rubbing your back when you don't feel well: she lets you know everything is going to be okay whether it's with her words, actions, or listening ear.

I have known Cynthia since college, when we were big eyed, eager undergrads at Cal (Go Bears!) and when everyone knew that Beto ADORED her but hadn't made his move. To have attended their wedding and watching their family grow has been a delight. To see them both grow into new life roles and raise gorgeous and kind children makes me a proud friend. With their third baby on the way, Cynthia and Beto wanted to capture this special season in their life and include the whole family at a session at Heather Farm Park in Walnut Creek.

Cynthia, thank you for always trusting and believing in me from my photography day 1! I can't wait for the whole family to come down to San Diego! xo, Evmo

Arts District Los Angeles Maternity Session: Estee and Jose

When Estee, Jose, and I Facetimed to discuss wedding photography for their big day, I knew this was my ideal couple to work with: Estee and Jose are truly a team, evident in their equal involvement with me as we planned their day. They are foodies at heart, immensely value family, hard work and education, and absolutely love each other. Jose is a romantico, and how these two danced Mexican banda at their wedding reception, cheek to cheek, as if no one else was there, made me admire them even more. When I delivered their photos and album, I was sad: with no more 'business' reasons for us to interact, I remember thinking, 'I hope we can be friends.'

To my heart's content, we kept in touch. When Estee told me that they were expecting their first child, I was thrilled. When they asked me to photograph their maternity session, I was honored.

Once again, the three of us planned for this very special shoot, and Estee had a vision of what she wanted: the Arts District in Los Angeles would serve as one of the backdrops to their shoot. We would include the 'Bloom' mural from Oakland-based artist Allison Torneros because Estee and Jose met and fell in love in Oakland, so the town (no pun intended! Ha!) is an important part of their love story. Equally important, Jose and Estee are from Los Angeles, making this baby a proud second generation Angeleno to be, so catch Downtown LA in the background in the second part of their maternity session.

Come the afternoon of their shoot, Los Angeles was bizarrely chilly, but the universe knows what it's doing: as we began shooting in front of Bloom, Mexican banda starting playing from a nearby food truck. Cue the perfect opportunity for these lovebirds and soon to be parents to dance to stay warm. Just like these two make each smile and laugh, make each other feel safe, I just know this Angeleno baby is going to be SO loved.

Estee and Jose, I ADORE YOU! Thrilled is an understatement for how I feel about the soon arrival of Baby Hernandez! Thank you for allowing me to continuously be in your lives, as your photographer and friend. Con mucho carino, Evelyn

Los Angeles Family Portraits: Estrella and Estevan

A year and a half ago, Estevan, Estrella, expecting their first child, and I had a grand ol' time during their maternity session in La Jolla. These two are the epitome of graceful and fun, calm and understanding, full of gratitude and class. Today they are amazing parents to a beautiful little girl and are expecting their second baby! Time for maternity session round 2, but remixed!

See, having grown up with a grandparent in my home for many years, I know how 'it takes a village' to raise a child rings true and how much of a blessing it is to have a close relationship with a grandparent. This is one of the many reasons we included Estrella's gorgeous mother, Rebeca, in this maternity and family portrait session at Kenneth Hahn State Recreation Area in Los Angeles. Rebeca plays the important role of grandmother, mother, and support system to all.

Estrella and Estevan wanted their second maternity session to include lots of greenery so Kenneth Hahn State Recreation Area was the perfect backdrop for their vision. With great paths for them to stroll as a family, Big-Sister-to-be finally gave me a smile!

Estrella and Estevan, I'm beyond flattered that you asked me to document a very special time in your lives for the second time. I love how you deeply value each other, your growing family, and those around you. Can't wait for Baby E's arrival! Un abrazo, Evelyn

Balboa Park Portraits: Richele

RADIANT. If I had to describe Richele in one word, RADIANT is what comes to mind. This girl has energy for days - and nights, as evident with her ability to dance any night away - and she shines her light and warmth on everyone that crosses her path. Richele is the person who is about inclusivity, bringing people together, building community. This is in fact how our friendship started: she invited me out to dance when I didn't know how to dance and without hesitation introduced me to people to ensure I had a great time.

Richele has taught me how to be a better friend by leading by example: Richele is an attentive listener, empathetic, and amazing at follow up. Richele prioritizes celebrating others, so today, I celebrate her as 2021 marks a big birthday for her. What better way than to document her in this moment in time than with photos of her at iconic Balboa Park in San Diego, the place she's called home and grown so much in these last couple of years.

Richele, I dedicate every Justin Bieber bachata remix to you hahaha Thank you for being a phenomenal friend! You are truly ride or die! I adore you! - Evmo

San Diego Surf Inspired Session: Hannah and Casey

Casey asked, "Did we move to San Diego and become models?" and I replied while laughing with, "Yes, Casey, yes you did!" Let me back up: Hannah and Casey moved to San Diego from Milwaukee via San Antonio and to their surprise, really took to surfing! I have been wanting to shoot a surf inspired session and these two were the perfect models: FUN, in love, and willing to show me all of their bathing suits so we could pick out the best match!

Hannah and Casey, I'm so happy to have you in San Diego! Hannah, you know I can’t remember life without you HAHA! Can't wait to do this again ;) xo, Evmo