Look Who’s One! Children Lifestyle Photographer, Santa Barbara

rebecca April 28, 2015

It’s the first major milestone and such a fun time for mom, dad, grandparents and family. I love 1-year photo shoots for so many reasons - kids at this stage are bubbling with curiosity, usually happy and giggly, and their mostly toothless grins can melt even the most stoic heart.

This sweet girl was no exception. Although she was a little under the weather, you would have never known! She laughed, smiled, and crawled around this awesome vintage Ford truck that her Grandpa drove to the photo shoot. Between her sunny disposition, stunning blue eyes, and this amazing old truck we had the makings for a most amazing shoot!

Little Lucy, Santa Barbara Baby Photographer

rebecca April 17, 2015

What a doll!! This sweet little lady (and her family, of course) came for a visit a few weekends ago. I was so excited for my dear friends when they announced the birth of this adorable girl. Their family of four is now complete! This little girl could not be more lovable... Talk about the happiest baby on the block! With my youngest turning two this last February, I was so excited to have a baby in our house again... How could I resist dressing her us and staging an impromptu photo shoot!

Puppy Time! Santa Barbara Portraits

rebecca April 15, 2015

As a lifestyle photographer I normally work with children, so when this dear couple asked me to take pictures of them with their little pup, it was the little kid in me that said yes.

In the 10 years I’ve been doing portraiture I rarely work with animals, but I’ve found that puppies and children share one major trait in front of the lens: they run the show! If they are bored, you will know it. If they are grumpy, you will know it. If they are having a blast, watch out for cuteness overload!

I made my silly noises, ran all over the place and rolled on the ground with this sweet rascal - anything to get that priceless, authentic expression that lets you see inside his personality. I had a blast with this furry friend and his humans!

The Zen of a Newborn Portrait Session - Santa Barbara, CA

rebecca March 25, 2015

Being a successful newborn photographer isn’t all about technical prowess, though that helps. Truly it’s the energy you bring to the shoot. Especially with the newest of new, like this little nugget, who at just seven days old was a picture of sweetness.

Calm, caring, peaceful. There’s a meditative calmness to spending hours posing these sleeping babes and coaxing them gently, quietly to sleep when they rouse.

With her two sisters lending a helping hand, she settled right in and let me capture some adorable moments! I just love that she snuggled up with the family dog - not an easy combination to photograph and so gratifying when everyone’s in the flow and it works out.

Sister! Sister! Santa Barbara Maternity Photographer

rebecca March 20, 2015

Lucky is the littlest girl who will round out this family of five. As this family eagerly awaits Baby No. 3, these two darling girls couldn’t be more excited to be her big sisters! Her sweet mama could not be more beautiful, graceful and strong. And daddy, though technically outnumbered, loves them each like it’s going out of style.

Three sisters under one roof truly reveals the bonds of family. Each girl her own unique person, inextricably tied to each other. I’ve photographed this sweet family for the last four years and I just can’t wait to watch how they all grow together.

Bohemian Baby Rhapsody, Santa Barbara Newborn Photographer

rebecca March 18, 2015

Spring is such a delightful time of year. Filled with newborns left and right, I always love hearing all the birth stories of sweet new life entering the world as the wildflowers bloom here in Santa Barbara.

These dear friends are always fun to photograph. After waiting anxiously for 9 months, I was so excited to meet this little man and document this special time for them.

This mama’s sense of style always adds so much to our sessions. Her home is gorgeously modern with a bohemian touch - so warm and welcoming with pops of color and orange accents. I love how effortlessly put together she always looks, with just the right mix of coastal California boho panache.

Sweet Little Surprise, Santa Barbara Newborn Photos

rebecca March 17, 2015

With 5 siblings awaiting his arrival, you can bet this little peanut was loved from the start. As with most of my newborn clients, I like to do newborn sessions at home so mama and babe are comfortable and relaxed. This family's house was just stunning and had the most beautiful natural light...I could not ask for more!

Mama had the most adorable nursery prepared which helped inspire so many of the photographs. The color palette was so subtle and gorgeous. Grey, white, cream, silver and highlights of gold made for some truly beautiful images that capture the purity of a newborn!

I just adore this family (now 8 strong!) and had the best time documenting the arrival of this sweet little surprise.

The 4th Trimester, Santa Barbara Baby Photographer

rebecca March 13, 2015

This little nugget was so fun to photograph. Those sweet cheeks! That handmade beanie! The chubby little arms and legs! Ahh! Love! As he kicked his legs and suckled on his hand, I couldn’t help but reminisce about my two boys at this age.

At about 3 months old, babies really start to come into their own. As their senses and bodies become more developed, you can finally start to see flashes of the personality that’s brewing inside. And it just never ceases to amaze me how quickly they grow and soon become running, stomping, talking kids.

I love babies at every age and feel so lucky to get to work with these wee ones. Documenting their miraculous growth and evolution as people truly touches my heart.

Soul Sisters, Santa Barbara Kids Photographer

rebecca March 6, 2015

I started photographing these sweet girls almost 5 years ago when I dove head first into the world of children's photography. Each time we have our annual holiday photo shoot, I love seeing how much their relationship has grown. These two are especially kind and gentle with each other... Their energy is calm, loving and silly in all the right places. Being a mom of two rambunctious young boys, I forget that girls really are such different creatures. And you can really see it in their photos.

Be My Valentine, Santa Barbara Children's Photographer

rebecca February 14, 2015

Good morning and Happy Valentine's Day! Today I am reminded to cherish all that I love in this beautiful world, from my amazing family to our furry four-legged friends. I love you all to infinity! XOXO

Sneak Peek, Valentine's Day Mini Sessions

rebecca February 12, 2015

Happy early Valentine's day to all! These adorable images were taken at my annual Valentine's Day Mini Sessions held last week! I knew this red umbrella was going to come in handy... The perfect touch to this sweet outfit!! Love!

The Waiting Game, Santa Barbara Maternity Photos

rebecca January 25, 2015

This special family is expecting their latest addition any day now! The waiting game is so bittersweet...cherishing those last few days before the birth...the flood of emotions from excitement to nervous anticipation and exhaustion...not to mention enjoying the last moments as a family of three. In just a few days, life will take on a new shape and pace, and of course a mama’s heart just explodes with even more love!

You wouldn’t know it from looking at this glowing woman - she is the picture of relaxed happiness, even with one toddler running circles around everyone. Without an ounce of makeup and her hair still wet from the shower she took just minutes before I showed up, this mama exudes natural beauty. I love the golden colors and tones in their photos - you’d never guess it’s winter here in Santa Barbara. I can't wait for her to give birth so we can do the newborn shoot!

Birthday Girl, Santa Barbara Children's Photographer

rebecca January 22, 2015

I wish a Happy Birthday to this sweetheart who celebrated her first year of life this last January! I always look forward to 1-year-old photo shoot, they are always so fun to photograph! Although I usually don't have a ton of time before they lose interest in all my silly noises and funny faces, the time I do have is magical! It makes my days to capture their innocence and wonder... So sweet! XOXO

What to Wear, Santa Barbara Family Photographer

rebecca January 19, 2015

What to wear is one of the most frequently asked questions in portraiture. My answer is pretty simple: keep everyone coordinated, but not matching. I usually tell my clients to choose a color palette of 3 to 5 colors and have everyone dress in varying shades and tones of those colors. Most importantly, be comfortable and like what you’re wearing. Unless you’re going for a themed portrait, your clothes should look natural on you and reflect what you would wear during your day-to-day or when you get dressed up.

I have photographed this sweet family for two years now and as their brood grows, so does the level of cuteness. Talk about kids with style! Mom definitely knows what she’s doing.

I love the eclectic urban look on these five. With two rambunctious boys and a sweet little toddler, their outfits were totally appropriate to let them run around and not worry about messing up their clothes. If you need a little wardrobe inspiration, check out my Pinterest board for fun ideas and color schemes: https://www.pinterest.com/rebeccafarmer/clothing-inspiration-what-to-wear-for-your-family-/

This little girl’s cowboy boots are just too adorable! I think I may need to go out and buy myself a pair.

Outdoor Santa Barbara Family Photographer

rebecca January 12, 2015

I’ve worked with this lovely family for a few years now - before their sweet baby girl arrived. I photographed her newborn session, their extended family over the holidays a few years back and numerous other family shoots over the years. These kiddos are so fun to photograph and I love chasing after them during our photo sessions, but they already know all the tricks I have up my sleeve. As a child photographer, I try to mix it up to get authentic laughter and smiles, but it is not always an easy task. These brothers give me a run for my money since they know my funny voices and all my jokes. I’m already dreaming up the next round to see if I can outsmart these clever boys...

Holiday Mini Sessions, Santa Barbara Children Photographer

rebecca January 8, 2015

Nearly 10 years ago when I graduated from the Brooks Institute of Photography and started my journey as a freelance photographer, I never imagined that I would be blessed with such a strong and amazing clientele that would come back year after year. Fast forward to the 2014 holiday season when I was so busy I could barely catch my breath. How things have changed! I want to say a big warm thank you to all of my amazing clients... You allow me to do what I love in one of the most beautiful places on earth. I can’t say enough thanks for the gift of your support and belief in my work! Happy New Year!

This year with so many returning families, many asked for new ideas to enjoy their photos year round. So I’ve been busy making some very cool custom wall designs that allow them to showcase their images at home. The results are stunning and entirely personal!

This photo shoot was one of my Mini Sessions from November. This silly little girl really knows how to bring it! Bonus that her mom loves the creative process and always brings the best props. Her red scarf is such a simple touch, but adds so much to the images. Love these images!

Santa Babara Baby and Family Photographer

rebecca January 6, 2015

I have photographed this sweet family for four years now. We've celebrated many occasions from pregnancy to birth to the holidays. It is always such a pleasure. Watching and documenting the blossoming lives of all five of them is beyond special. Whether the first child or the third, the addition of a new baby is so exciting! Each little person adds to the family dynamic, offering new opportunities for emotional growth, deepening of the family ties and new relationships forming and evolving as the children adjust to their new roles. The youngest becomes the middle child, the oldest become a nurturer and both mom and dad have to find their new grooves as well.

I love seeing my clients’ families grow with each passing year. Capturing the fleeting magic of early childhood is just one of the reasons why I love my job so much. Aren’t you ready to have your next baby? ;)

Brand New and Beautiful, Santa Barbara Newborn Photographer

rebecca January 5, 2015

Happy New Year to all!! So far I’m loving 2015 and I hope you are too! Now that the holiday rush has come to a close, the kids are back in school, and all the holiday decor has been pack away for next year, I have some time to reflect on an amazing year and share some of the shoots that closed out 2014. Each year as fall and winter approach, my schedule gets a little crazy (to be honest, it is insanely nuts) and I find it hard to keep up with the blog and all the updates happening at the studio. So, please stay tuned in the next few week while I share some of my favorite shoots from the season! I hope you enjoy!

This sweet little guy was born in mid-October, just in time to join his family for the start of the holidays! There’s a beautiful magic to sharing our beloved traditions for the first time with our little ones. Personally, I’m always honored to work with a brand new baby... Talk about squishy sweetness! Just look at his beautiful face!

Keeping It Simple with Newborns, Santa Barbara Newborn Photographer

rebecca January 1, 2015

For the most part, I gravitate towards simplicity with my newborn photo sessions (I am not the biggest fan of over-propping) because it lets us focus on their sweet faces, tiny curled toes, delicate eyelashes and squishy little bodies - all of which are just so scrumptious! But when mama pulled out this tiny Santa hat for the shoot I just couldn’t resist. It was really appropriate given this little nugget was born just in time for the holidays!

After about 30 minutes of lulling this little one to sleep, he nestled in and I was able to capture some adorable keepsake moments for the family. His big brother was awesome - so caring and calm with his baby brother. Being a mother of two small boys it always melts my heart to see this profound sibling relationship forming.

Faithful Companion, Santa Barbara Newborn Photographer

rebecca December 20, 2014

Two of my favorite and most challenging subjects to photograph are animals and newborns. How these two posed so perfect and effortlessly together just astonished me. With most animals and newborns, you’d think that a biscuit and some milk would make them respectively happy enough to mellow out and sit still, but rarely is that the case. To my surprise, this sweet little girl and her protector were far from the norm... She just snoozed away while this little pup curled up next to her so calmly, so patient. I watched in total amazement as this unfolded before me! My job was done... All there was left to do was take the picture! Amazing! When I first showed up to the house for the shoot, Fido was racing in excitment. But as soon as his humans put their baby next to him, he instantly transformed into the most calm and gentle protector. Exuberant one minute and seriously well behaved the next. I love the warmth of these images and the promise of the unconditional love that’s already forming!