Lauren [Santa Monica Family Portraits]

SANTA MONICA FAMILY + CHILDREN'S PHOTOGRAPHY

The gift of an image is unique. It's one of a kind, its value always holds, and its memory never waivers with age.

When Eric approached me to photograph his soon-to-be two-year old daughter, Lauren, he did so with a wonderful premise -- the premise of a gift. Not only would we commemorate the dawn of Lauren's second year in pictures, but the images would also be presented to his wife as a surprise slideshow on Lauren's birthday. She would know nothing of the shoot, until shown the photographs.

Understandably, I was really looking forward to this shoot. I loved that everything was conceived as a surprise, and I love that we were able to create such a special secret. As a photographer, it's always an honor to be an integral part to such a personal gift. I'd like to thank Eric for letting me share this gift here for others to enjoy.

Today is Lauren's birthday. Happy Birthday. To your mom -- I hope the images prove a worthy surprise.