Dawn Tacker

Noah, age 16 months, loves dancing, climbing the stairs, racing up and down the hallway with his shopping cart, and in general running big circles around anyone over three feet tall. I can see how parents David and Tristine stay so fit! His enthusiasm for life is infectious, and was a welcome reminder of the […]

Two baby boys, twice the love! Please join me in welcoming nine month-old brothers Sebastian and Christian and their family to the blog. With “big brother” Sunny the Dachshund, not only did I get my baby boy fix, but my doggie fix, too. Many thanks to Jennifer and Horst for the pleasure. Big hugs to […]

The Jackson Family - December 2006

I rarely use the blog to publish personal appeals, but I think you’ll agree that this one is worthy, and is very close to my heart. Our friends Garry and Suzy Jackson, along with children Wesley (age four) and Molly (age 3), are looking to expand their family with an […]

Perhaps I should have titled this post “The Dillinger and Daniel Show.” Daniel’s big “brother” Dillinger nearly stole the show at our family portrait session today. He is an incredibly loving, well-mannered dog. He definitely added character, but don’t worry, Matt and Joy - it was a well-rounded portrait session and there are some non-Dillinger […]

OK, raise your hands if you know about Quail Botanical Gardens! Extra points if you have a family membership to one of the most magical places in the county. I love shooting here. There is a peace that surrounds you the minute you close your car door and you start wandering along the footpaths. Tobey […]

Meet sweet Lyla - a true baby rockstar. Not many infants will tolerate a stiff ocean breeze at sunset, much less naked baby photos as the sun goes down! Lyla was amazing. This is the first of a special series… more details in a few weeks! In the meantime, look for the starfish. Many thanks […]

I think I have a new favorite age! Meet Drew and Emma. I loved working with them, their parents, and their big chocolate lab, Moose. It was a beautiful evening at the beach yesterday, with the kind of sunset that makes you glad to live here. Many thanks to Loren and Roberta for asking me […]

He’s here! Congratulations to Nikki and Chris, and big brothers Max and Joey. Welcome to the world, baby Eli. It’s lovely to see the shifts in family as their hearts open up to embrace Eli; having a newborn is still a thrill for them. What a lucky baby.

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Nikki and Chris are expecting their third son. Older brother Max and soon-to-be-older brother Joey are pretty excited. Will she make it through the holidays, or will there be a Christmas delivery? I think regardless of when he makes his appearance, this will be one lucky baby. Nikki and Chris are so excited about having […]

Let’s give a big warm welcome for baby Julian! He came into the world just in time for the holidays. He is two weeks old, and a handful of happiness. I love watching new parents take care of their babies - it’s love at first sight, a beautiful emotion to witness. Thanks to John and […]

Meet my newest roly-poly, big blue-eyed, dog-loving baby subject - Nico! I am so thrilled that this will be the first of three sessions over the next year documenting Nico and his family as he grows. I *love* all of my little subjects, and it gives me so much joy to watch them grow. Thank […]

Best friends, confidantes, shopping pals… I love to think of these two growing up and the fun times ahead. Here are a few from Taylor and Avery’s portrait session.

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The fastest four years of my life, but the best years too! Our little man is four years old. Here are a few from a special session for my muse.

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For anyone wondering… we’re still in Carlsbad, tucked inside while we keep an eye on the news of the firestorms. So far so good… my heart goes out to those evacuating. Please stay safe, everyone.
Here is a session I photographed yesterday evening at Cardiff. The air was thick with smoke, but made for some amazing […]

Two sisters, two adorable dresses, and a whole lot of sand. Here’s how Hannah and Zoe spent their Saturday afternoon.

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Here is a sneak peek for Sacha’s family. She is a very active girl, always on the move and exploring her universe. I was constantly wondering what her thoughts were; even at eleven months old, you can tell she has a unique view of the world. Many thanks to her parents for the very fun […]

What do you do with two brothers having a “wild thing” sort of day? Bring them to the park and run them ragged! Here are some more of my favorites from Jamie and Will’s session. They climbed trees, swung from the bleachers, and literally ran circles around each other. Their mom thought about postponing this […]

Tempus fugit… time flies, my friends. Evidence below. Do not put off your children’s portraits any longer! “Baby” Charlie is now one year old, toddling all over and well on his way to becoming a Big Boy. Just a sneak peek for their mom tonight, more to follow.
Before:

After:

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Here’s Marley. She’ll be a senior in high school this year, then it’s off to college to study nursing. I’ll let the images say the rest… but I can’t help but add that she’s got a little Mona Lisa about her, doesn’t she? Thanks for indulging me, Marley. It was great spending time with you.

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We had a pretty special weekend up north. Once a year, the staff and volunteers at Hearst Castle can invite guests with them to swim in the Neptune Pool. Dave’s dad works as a guide at the castle, and his mom is a volunteer docent there - so the whole family was able to go. […]