San Juan Capistrano Maternity Photographer | E & J
This beautiful couple is welcoming their first baby into the world in just a few weeks and I couldn’t wait to capture their maternity photos in the fields of San Juan Capistrano. Glowing mama borrowed wardrobe from my collection and I’m so happy she did. Look how gorgeous these dresses look on her. I absolutely love her bare belly in this gorgeous two piece tulle ensemble too.
Poppy Lea Photography is a motherhood photographer in Orange County who specializes in maternity, newborn, baby, motherhood sessions and family photography in the Orange County area, including San Clemente, Dana Point, Laguna Beach, Newport Beach, Laguna Niguel, Irvine, Mission Viejo, Aliso Viejo, Rancho Mission Viejo and Costa Mesa.
This will give you a glimpse into what you will receive when you commission me as your maternity, newborn, baby, motherhood or family Photographer in Orange County. If you would like to see what an entire gallery looks like, please don’t hesitate to ask. My favorites are posted here, but all of the images you receive are worthy of being in a frame or an album! If you are you interested in a custom portrait session with Poppy Lea Photography and would like more information, please CLICK HERE to see the experience.
For investment information, please click HERE.
If you would like to reserve your date on my calendar, please click on the contact button above or email me directly at poppyleaphotography@gmail.com.
Sessions are currently booking into 2020, so please inquire when you know you’d like a session. I find such joy in capturing a family’s story and would be honored to help you tell yours! xoxo- Laurel
Dana Point Baby Photographer | Everett Sitter Studio Session
This little one was born just 10 days before we moved into our new house and just happens to be my neighbor. How did I get so lucky! Everett just might be the happiest little man ever. He was 5 months old during our session and the studio was the perfect setting for our session. Baby’s do so well in the studio because they can really focus on me and the camera rather than distractions around us. Little Everett is just so easy and happy.
Poppy Lea Photography is a motherhood photographer in Orange County who specializes in maternity, newborn, baby, motherhood sessions and family photography in the Orange County area, including San Clemente, Dana Point, Laguna Beach, Newport Beach, Laguna Niguel, Irvine, Mission Viejo, Aliso Viejo, Rancho Mission Viejo and Costa Mesa.
This will give you a glimpse into what you will receive when you commission me as your maternity, newborn, baby, motherhood or family Photographer in Orange County. If you would like to see what an entire gallery looks like, please don’t hesitate to ask. My favorites are posted here, but all of the images you receive are worthy of being in a frame or an album! If you are you interested in a custom portrait session with Poppy Lea Photography and would like more information, please CLICK HERE to see the experience.
For investment information, please click HERE.
If you would like to reserve your date on my calendar, please click on the contact button above or email me directly at poppyleaphotography@gmail.com.
Sessions are currently booking into 2020, so please inquire when you know you’d like a session. I find such joy in capturing a family’s story and would be honored to help you tell yours!
xoxo- Laurel
Dana Point Photography | Using affirmations in business
Have you ever used affirmations and manifestations in business? If this was an Instagram pole, I’d love to hear how many of you use affirmations in your daily routines. Not going to lie, I was (and kind of am) a huge disbeliever. I’m trying to believe in it and I’ve been practicing daily but it’s hard to get on board without concrete evidence. I’m a stats gal, I like numbers and concrete proof of things. This whole thing seems very mystical to me. New and unknown but I’m into it. I love learning and I’ve been doing tons of work with transformational journaling.
Well if you’re new into affirmations and transformational journaling you should go watch this class by Liz White. In the meantime, I’m sharing my affirmations with you guys so you can use them as inspiration or just copy them and use them straight off my site. Whatever works and helps you!
It’s okay to be me and I feel confident, energized and full of life.
I am so happy and grateful now that I have abundance and prosperity in life.
Each day I get better and better and feel confident in the direction of my business and the clientele that is attracted to me.
I am inviting in abundance.
I am inviting prosperity.
Here are a few blank affirmations you can fill in the blank too.
I trust life to work out and I feel…
I am more than enough and I feel…
It’s okay to be me and I feel…
I trust life to work out and I feel…
Guys I am no specialist so if you’re reading this and laughing please give me some grace. Next on my list of things to research is Palo Santo and energy clearing crystals.
Dana Point Photography | How to use and apply my presets?
The presets I created a few months back have been a huge hit. All good reviews and with a little help they are super easy to work with. Super easy to turn your plain iPhone images to bright and airy! Here are some simple instructions for using these on your phone with the free Lightroom app.
Installing your New Presets
Step 1: Save image (Bright White Presets.dng) attached here to your phone photo gallery.
Step 2: Open the Lightroom Mobile CC App
This step is really easy. Just open your free Lightroom app. Once it's open, you can add the DNG/Preset files (next step).
Step 3: Add the DNG/Preset Files - To add a preset, click on the (...) Settings option in the top-right corner of the app.
Choose the Add Photos option.
On the next screen, choose the location you will be pulling your DNG/Preset files from. If you have saved them to your phone, choose "From Camera Roll". If you have saved them to a cloud storage option, choose "From Files".
Select the DNG/Preset file you would like to import. NOTE: Preset files are DNG files. When you initially open the image, you may get an error that says, “Cannot Load File”. This is normal. Press the check mark in the corner anyway.
Step 5: Create Lightroom Presets from the DNG Files.
Click on one of the newly imported files, then click on the three dots inside a circle in the upper right-hand corner of the screen. From there, choose “Create Preset” from the menu that appears. Give your preset a name. We recommend to type the same name that is on the front of the preset image (to keep things simple). You should also put the preset in a Preset Group. By default, it will be in the User Presets group. Creating a new group with your new collection’s name will keep the presets from each collection together.
Using Your New Presets
Now for the FUN part!
Select an image in the Lightroom Mobile App that you would like to edit. Swipe left on the bottom options until you see "Presets" and tap on that option. It will open with your most recently used preset collection. By tapping on the collection name, you can choose the new collection you just installed.
Click on the preset you'd like to use. When you are finished adding your preset, click the check mark in the lower right corner.
NOTE: Our presets will not change your exposure or white balance, since those settings can vary with each image. We encourage you to make those adjustments as necessary after choosing your preset. For this preset I suggest lifting your exposure quite a bit to give you the bright and airy look.
Poppy Lea Photography is a motherhood photographer in Orange County who specializes in maternity, newborn, baby, motherhood sessions and family photography in the Orange County area, including San Clemente, Dana Point, Laguna Beach, Newport Beach, Laguna Niguel, Irvine, Mission Viejo, Aliso Viejo, Rancho Mission Viejo and Costa Mesa.
This will give you a glimpse into what you will receive when you commission me as your maternity, newborn, baby, motherhood or family Photographer in Orange County. If you would like to see what an entire gallery looks like, please don’t hesitate to ask. My favorites are posted here, but all of the images you receive are worthy of being in a frame or an album! If you are you interested in a custom portrait session with Poppy Lea Photography and would like more information, please click here to see the experience.
For investment information, please click HERE.
If you would like to reserve your date on my calendar, please click on the contact button above or email me directly at poppyleaphotography@gmail.com.
Sessions are currently booking into 2020, so please inquire when you know you’d like a session. I find such joy in capturing a family’s story and would be honored to help you tell yours!
xoxo- Laurel
San Juan Capistrano Newborn Photography | Townes Outdoor Newborn
Ready to see a gorgeous family in pretty sun drenched San Juan Capistrano with a tiny newborn! This stunning family has come back to me year after year to photograph their birthdays, holiday cards and everything in between. When I found out they were expecting another little babe, I literally jumped up and down! You all know I love babies, but watching my past clients family grow is just that much sweeter!
How cute and proud is this big brother? He’s so sweet with his new little sister!
Poppy Lea Photography is a motherhood photographer in Orange County who specializes in maternity, newborn, baby, motherhood sessions and family photography in the Orange County area, including San Clemente, Dana Point, Laguna Beach, Newport Beach, Laguna Niguel, Irvine, Mission Viejo, Aliso Viejo, Rancho Mission Viejo and Costa Mesa.
This will give you a glimpse into what you will receive when you commission me as your maternity, newborn, baby, motherhood or family Photographer in Orange County. If you would like to see what an entire gallery looks like, please don’t hesitate to ask. My favorites are posted here, but all of the images you receive are worthy of being in a frame or an album!
If you are you interested in a custom portrait session with Poppy Lea Photography and would like more information, please click here to see the experience.
For investment information, please click HERE.
If you would like to reserve your date on my calendar, please click on the contact button above or email me directly at poppyleaphotography@gmail.com.
Sessions are currently booking into 2020, so please inquire when you know you’d like a session. I find such joy in capturing a family’s story and would be honored to help you tell yours! xoxo- Laurel
Newport Beach Family Photographer | 10 Most Asked Questions About My Marriage
Photo by Katie Lamb
Some of the questions I get the most often are not about photography at all. They’re about mom life, marriage, business growth, cooking and style. That last one is laughable to me but I guess I have perfected the art of getting ready without getting ready.
Today I am answering the top 10 questions you guys have been asking about our marriage. No marriage is perfect and ours is no different but we are loving and honest and happy and that’s all that matters.
How long have you been married? We’re right in the middle of our SEVEN year itch and not feeling itchy at all. If anything we’re actually better than ever right now. Maybe it’s quarantine or the fact that life is crazy and we need each other but we’re happier now than ever before.
Where did you meet? We met in VEGAS in the summer of 2009 at a club (Excess, if you must know) at 12am, most assuredly intoxicated. After that trip, we didn’t see each other again for a year and a half when he drove to Arizona. We went to a Cardinals game and the zoo and we were hooked on each other.
You both seem chill, who’s the disciplinarian? We both are. We are actually pretty strict with our kids. Our thought process is that if we are strict with them when they are young then we won’t have to be as much when they’re older. Nixon is 10 and he’s a really good kid. Who knows though, we’ll see how it goes with the other kids as they get older. You never know if you’re doing it right until they’re old and in therapy anyways.
How do you stay connected after 3 kids? We do date nights every Saturday and switch off who plans it. It’s not anything big and right now they’re all at home dates but it still counts. Just brings the focus back to each other at least once a week so we can talk and catch up. We also do an app called Lasting. It initiates questions and discussions with each other. It’s about $100 a year but cheaper than marriage counseling.
What does Brad do? He’s gone a lot. He is an ocean lifeguard for the County of Orange beaches. In the summer, he is gone a lot. 12 hour days, in the sun all day and totally toast when he comes home. In the off season he works less though to make up for it. He is 1 of 4 permanent guards that work year around and his job is a dream come true for him and a lot of other people.
Do you travel with the kids? We love to travel and always will. Last year we went to the Bahamas and Yellowstone with the kids (8,3, and 8 months at the time), while it was so fun. Flights with young kids are not fun and we won’t be doing anymore East coast trips until Poppy is at least 5. We love to camp as family and do that a lot as well as take one big trip a year!
Any more babies for you guys? NO NO NO! Poppy is the final chapter our baby book and we are thrilled to be moving on. We need some much needed freedom that comes when your kids get older!
Who cooks and how to eat so healthy? Laurel cooks veggies and sides and if we’re making meat (more on that in a sec) Brad will handle that. We eat vegetarian 6 nights a week, the kids don’t even notice. Laurel is vegetarian all the time but Brad and the kids eat meat when we go out to eat or on special occasions. If someone asks for meat, by no means will I decline them but they just don’t notice we eat a shit ton of veggies because thats all they’ve ever known.
How do you stay so active with 3 little kids? Just do it. Don’t overthink it. You’ll be tired, they’ll be tired but kids can do a lot more than we give them credit for. Push them, don’t let them give up and carry their bike after 10 minutes, make them ride longer. Maybe thats mean but we push our kids to do their best and only give up if you absolutely can’t go on. In turn our kids are beasts!
What do you do for fun? Anything outside, anything active, anything with food or anything by the water. We’re pretty easy if any of those are covered!
XO- Laurel
Dana Point Motherhood Photographer | Top 10 Mother's Day Gifts for 2020
Mother’s Day in quarantine. Really? We can’t even get a good brunch buzz on the one day of the year that it’s allowed. Well shit.
Hopefully your hubby and kids know they need to step up their game this year to make up for the last 7 weeks being quarantined together. I’ve done by best to make an easy list to help them out!
This one is an obvious plug but come on guys, you’re on my website. A gift card for a photoshoot is really the only thing a mama wants anyways. Throw in hair and makeup with it and they’ll love you forever. You can purchase a 50% off gift card here.
Jewelry. The name necklaces, initials, birth flowers, etc. They’re all the rage. Made By Mary is where I get mine and I love the quality and style. You can’t go wrong with this.
Speaking of jewelry, if mama wears multiple necklaces, you HAVE to get her a Necklet. It’s a sweet little addition that keeps her chains from getting tangled all day. Just trust me on this one.
Snuggly blankets and slippers are always a good idea. This blanket from Barefoot Dreams are literally the softest thing I’ve ever felt. Cute summer slippers, you know because we’re stuck at home anyways are perfect too!
A meal delivery service complete with dad and the kids making the meals for the entire week. Can you even imagine? This would be good enough for the whole year! Home Chef makes yummy, easy kid friendly meals too! Don’t just buy the kit and expect her to cook it, that won’t end well for you.
Easy on the budget? This keyring is only $6 and is one of my favorite things in the world. Mom hands are always full and this makes it easy to hold on your arm and easy to find in the Marry Poppins bag.
CDB balm and oils. Well because we all know she needs it right now. CBD oil doesn’t make you feel high at all, it’s great for anxiety, insomnia, stress, etc.
This cute craft is easy to make and she’ll be happy she has it to remember this weird time.
A hotel room, a case of wine and a box of pizza could actually make her love you more, just saying.
Lastly this Loopy phone case, is my mom necessity. Helps me from dropping my phone all the time, or letting tiny hands knock it out of our own plus its cute!
I can’t wait to hear what you get, be sure to tag me on Instagram! XO- Laurel
Poppy Lea Photography is a motherhood photographer in Orange County who specializes in maternity, newborn, baby, motherhood sessions and family photography in the Orange County area, including San Clemente, Dana Point, Laguna Beach, Newport Beach, Laguna Niguel, Irvine, Mission Viejo, Aliso Viejo, Rancho Mission Viejo and Costa Mesa.
This will give you a glimpse into what you will receive when you commission me as your maternity, newborn, baby, motherhood or family Photographer in Orange County. If you would like to see what an entire gallery looks like, please don’t hesitate to ask. My favorites are posted here, but all of the images you receive are worthy of being in a frame or an album!
If you are you interested in a custom portrait session with Poppy Lea Photography and would like more information, please click here to see the experience.
For investment information, please click HERE.
If you would like to reserve your date on my calendar, please click on the contact button above or email me directly at poppyleaphotography@gmail.com.
Sessions are currently booking into 2020, so please inquire when you know you’d like a session.
I find such joy in capturing a family’s story and would be honored to help you tell yours! xoxo- Laurel
Orange County Newborn Photographer | COVID-19 Precautions and Procedures
I am almost giddy at the thought of starting to photograph your beautiful families again. It’s been a long six weeks without working. Good news is we are finally legally allowed to shoot outdoor sessions in California again so I am starting to book outdoor family, maternity and newborn photos in May 2020 in Dana Point, San Juan Capistrano and Newport Beach.
For outdoor sessions, there are still some new precautions in place.
There will also be some new procedures put in place for the studio to keep your sweet families safe so be sure to check out the info below and feel free to email me anytime with questions! Studio sessions are only available 2x/week so they are filling up extremely fast.
Poppy Lea Photography is a motherhood photographer in Orange County who specializes in maternity, newborn, baby, motherhood sessions and family photography in the Orange County area, including San Clemente, Dana Point, Laguna Beach, Newport Beach, Laguna Niguel, Irvine, Mission Viejo, Aliso Viejo, Rancho Mission Viejo and Costa Mesa. This will give you a glimpse into what you will receive when you choose me as your maternity, newborn, baby, motherhood or family Photographer in Orange County. If you would like to see what an entire gallery looks like, please don’t hesitate to ask. My favorites are posted here, but all of the images you receive are worthy of being in a frame or an album! If you are you interested in a custom portrait session with Poppy Lea Photography and would like more information, please click here to see the experience. For investment information, please click HERE.
If you would like to reserve your date on my calendar, please click on the contact button above or email me directly at poppyleaphotography@gmail.com.
Sessions are currently booking into 2020, so please inquire when you know you’d like a session. I adore capturing a family’s story and would be honored to help you tell yours! xoxo- Laurel