Tag: orange county family photographer

What Are You Most Proud of?

Posted on by cathleenmcgrathphotography

During the planning sessions with my high school seniors and their parents, we discuss everything. What kind of music do you like? Are you an avid reader? If so, what types of books do you like? What are you hobbies? We have a meaningful conversation about the high school senior. Why, you may ask?

High school senior photo with guitar at Huntington Beach Central Park

Although generations have commonalities or stereotypes placed on them, no single person is common. Even if we don’t show it to everyone else, we have interests that we are very passionate about. I make it my job to discover those passions and incorporate them in my clients’ senior portrait sessions.

Oftentimes, my client is involved in a sport, or music. It doesn’t matter how many things they are involved in, we incorporate them – this could mean multiple venues, going to a game or performance – I do that.

Baseball winning game celebration photo la habra high school

I am particularly proud of my Irish heritage and I love it when others are proud of theirs as well and include items that display that in their photos.

College senior photo at La Verne University wearing a Hispanic heritage stole

SPECIAL

During the month of September, I am looking for our musicians – if you are a musician and would like to incorporate your instrument into your senior photos, I will credit you $250 that you can use towards the session or prints/products!

Send me an email with the subject line – “MUSIC LOVER” (cathleen@cmcgrathphoto.com) and I will set up a consultation!

Beach high school senior photo surfer in san diego

What Can You Mark Off Your To-Do List?

Posted on by cathleenmcgrathphotography
family photo in oak glen
Oak Glen

It may only be September, but this is the perfect time to start thinking about and scheduling your holiday photos for October and November.

The slightly cooler weather and gorgeous colors of fall make for the most beautiful backdrops. With the holidays coming sooner than we think, why not take advantage of the extra time to go ahead and have at least one thing marked off your list.

We get booked up very quickly from October on, especially the weekends, so it’s best to start arranging your family photoshoot now to avoid the last-minute rush later.

Below are a few top tips for planning and creating the perfect fall family photoshoot.

  • Pick the perfect location. Spend some time picking out the perfect location for your shoot. If you really want to take advantage of the current seasonal changes, pick a spot with lots of trees so that you can incorporate those lovely fall colors into your photos. If you’re unsure about locations, just ask! We are happy to offer suggestions.
  • Add a few action shots. While it’s great to get some posed shots for your holiday card, throw in a few action shots and decide which shot you like best afterwards. Kids playing in the fall leaves make for some beautiful photos.
  • Plan your outfits. Matching outfits are no longer something you need to incorporate into your holiday photos but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t plan what you’re going to wear. Opt for solid, complimentary colors and stay away from busy patterns and logos.
  • Use the golden hour to your advantage. The golden hour takes place around 15-20 minutes before sunset. The light is soft and flattering.  If possible, plan your photoshoot around the afternoon golden hour.

This Month’s Promo:  To celebrate family, I am offering 10% off any size
fine art canvas or acrylic print.

Currently Scheduled Family Mini-Sessions:

October 15 – 2:00 – 4:30 – Yorba Regional

October 29 – 2:00 – 4:30 – Yorba Regional

November 19 – 2:00 – 4:30 – Murphy Ranch Park

November 26 – 2:00 – 4:30 – Yorba Regional

Or feel free to schedule a full hour family session!

BOOK YOUR SESSION

family photo at yorba regional park
Yorba Regional

How to Bounce Back After Your Summer Break

Posted on by cathleenmcgrathphotography
family photo mom and two boys having fun

Are you experiencing some post-vacation blues?

Here are some tips for getting back in the swing of things.

Work and School Routine Can Be Fun Too!

Transitioning from a blissful vacation to work and school again might seem like quite a daunting task but with the right planning and a little motivation, it can be done – and fun!

Here are a few tips to help get you started:

  • Set some goals. Outlining exactly what you hope to achieve in the coming month will allow you to break your to-do list into smaller, manageable tasks while still keeping the bigger picture in mind. Be sure to include “me” and “family” time in your list of goals!!!!  
  • Start your day right. How you start your day can make all the difference to how you feel about getting back into your routine. Waking up early enough to take your morning slow and eating a good meal can really turn your entire day around. Intentional deep breathing, meditation and stretching can really let you ease into your day and clear out the overnight cobwebs.
  • Refresh your space. Clearing away any clutter and getting organized is one way to get motivated about getting back to work and into your routine, and this is something that the whole household can get involved with. When this task seems overwhelming. I focus on one space at a time. What is bugging me the most right now?
  • Tackle that inbox. Sometimes your email inbox can be the scariest part about heading back to work but avoiding it will only leave you feeling more stressed. Don’t rush. Take your time to work through each email slowly, making a list of important tasks and notes as you go. Another tip is to sort you emails alphabetically, then you can get rid of groups of emails from the same entity.
  • Have some fun. Just because your vacation is over doesn’t mean you can’t still have fun. Set a date with friends or family, book tickets for a show or plan a hike. Having something to look forward will keep that vacation high going. Schedule a photo session . . . haha just saying!

When it comes to getting back into routine, start small, start slow but start! Once you get going, you’ll very quickly own your days and routine once again. Also, don’t dwell on it. Just do it one step at a time.

Promo: If you schedule your family October or November mini-session by August 31, you will receive a complimentary mounted 11×14 print.

Happy New Year!

Posted on by cathleenmcgrathphotography

Here’s me just blathering on about nothing really – enjoy!

The after party!

I love New Year’s! With one exception – I don’t like losing the joy of Christmas lights! New Year’s Eve for me is a closing of a door and an opening of another.

It’s a mind set for me. It really is just another day on the calendar – all it really means is having to remember it is 2022, not 2021, when writing the date. But as the manager of a my life and business, it kind of gives me a little bit of a do-over – fresh slate – a starting line to start over with the lessons I’ve learned from the previous year under my belt.

Resolutions – oh heck no – I gave those up years ago. I think about 20 years ago I made the resolution to not make anymore resolutions! It’s the only one I actually stuck to! Instead, it’s goal setting time. It’s time to create big ideas and dream. I actually start in October, but December really lights a fire under my butt.

I was listening to a Donald Miller podcast episode yesterday – Business Made Simple – and he talked about writing those big dreams out – those goals for the year and reading them every single day when you get up – oh shoot – was that him or Jon Acuff’s All It Takes Is a Goal . . . UGH I’m pretty sure it was Donald Miller LOL I listen to a lot of podcasts! Okay – it was Donald Miller – he has a cool six-week series starting January 6 – Hero on a Mission. ANYWHO . . . dream big and review it every day to keep yourself in that headspace.

One of the things I would like to adjust are my mornings. I have no ritual per se – getting out of bed is an act of God, so that’s my ritual. I love the idea – that many mentors have advised – of starting the day with high vibrations. And what could be more high vibrational than focusing on your dream – your big goal? And drink that down with being grateful. Wow – I think that would be a great way to start the day off right . . . and then refrain from road rage on the way to the office . . . just saying.

I am so grateful for my family, those that have entered my life in the last two years, and those that have stuck around. I am beyond grateful to my cheerleaders that try to get me business every opportunity they can; those that believe in me and push me forward; and clients that return every year and have become friends. I am grateful for all of the love and support I have received from so many. People have been very kind to me even when I’ve dropped the ball. It’s actually been quite a kind year for me – it’s allowed me some space to sit in all the emotions that have come up and work through them – and trust me – ALL the emotions have come up! Being grateful is super easy for me.

Goals and Dreams – so if you believe in the whole birth-sign thing like I do – you will understand my struggle around setting goals and dreaming big. The Pisces in me can dream big and live like there is an endless supply of money and time – she’s kind of irresponsible, but creative and happy – a joy seeker. The Capricorn in me – my protector – is practical and kind of jerk and brings me down. She immediately jumps in to my “dream time” and says, “Yeah that’s great – how the heck are you going to accomplish It? What’s the plan?!” She is just really worried about living on the street and can’t think about anything that isn’t the picture of security. She really doesn’t like to take chances.

So dreaming big is really difficult for me – I mean like REALLY difficult. I would love to hear in the comments below if you face the same challenge or different challenges, and how you break through them. Danielle Dowling has actually been quite helpful. Early last year I participated in her six-week program Hello Joy and gained a lot from it, but as we all know – you must practice practice practice – or it will not stick. She came up with a fun side project to do on your own – Dreamscape December Journal – she even created a special essential oil blend to go with it! My journal is a work in progress – as is life, but I like that. I did it last December and have picked it back up to continue it! This journal will be what I look at every morning to remind myself what I’m moving towards.

I have dreamed of having a photo studio since I was a kid – I have a photo studio. I love it! So why do I find myself having to sometimes smack myself back to reality when I’m feeling down? I have this thing I’ve been working towards and dreaming about that has actually come to be, but I haven’t stopped to really give myself some credit. I just keep focusing on where I’m lacking – what I’m doing wrong – how to fix myself – all the what-ifs. Well baby steps – someday I will look back at today and see how far I’ve come.

While I am writing this, I just found out that Betty White passed on this morning. Talk about a crappy way to end this challenging year! I know she had to be ready, but I don’t think we were ever ready for her departure. She was such an inspiration and a Bold Brave Badass woman! UGH I’m so sad!

Today – I am grateful to tears (literally right now) for all the gifts in my life – including all of you.

Try to live next year with some reckless abandon, take good care of yourself – mentally and physically, honor yourself, learn to pause and love.

May 2022 bring you all joy, love and prosperity.

Here are a few photos from this past year:

Holiday Porch Portraits Victorian Style

Posted on by cathleenmcgrathphotography

When the porch portrait craze started at the beginning of COVID, I thought it was a great idea.  I considered joining in, but two things stopped me – I don’t like to do things that are trending and social pressure from other photographers to not do them – that’s all I’m saying about that . . . flash forward to the fall and we are still in a COVID scenario and it is family portrait season. 

I LOVE the Kellogg House at the Heritage Museum of OC!  I must have had a previous life in the Victorian era because I am so drawn to it.  Not everyone has a “porch” – I don’t – so I thought I would combine good ideas and passion, and create a porch portrait experience at the Heritage Museum of OC using the Kellogg House; while giving back to the Museum. 

WIN-WIN-WIN

The house will be decorated for the holidays and you are welcome to bring props. 

Date: December 5, 2020
Time: 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Address: 3101 W. Harvard St. Santa Ana, CA 92704
Cost: $175 – $50 being donated back to the Museum.
Includes:
15-minute session, three digital files printable to 8×10 or $125 print credit

YOU MUST RESERVE AND PAY FOR YOUR SESSION
PRIOR TO THE DATE OF THE EVENT
(No refunds if canceled five days or less prior to event)
SORRY – NO DROP-INS

Schedule Appointment

Generations of Love

Posted on by cathleenmcgrathphotography

This photograph is approximately 94 years old. It is my father, his father, his grandmother and great grandmother. My great great grandmother was born in 1866 in Illinois. My great grandmother was born in 1882 in Arkansas. My grandfather was born in 1901 in Illinois and my dad in 1926. I have this photo hanging on my wall and look at it every day. It is a piece of my history. (I’m so curious why my dad and grandfather were not looking at the camera hahaha – I bet my grandmother was on the side of the photographer trying to make my dad smile.)

Generation sessions show your history. Where you came from – who you came from. You can see the connection and the honor my grandfather and great grandmother felt for my great great grandmother. They wanted to make sure their family was documented for future generations. I’m so thankful they did this.

During the month of March our studio is honoring Irish History Month – by focusing our efforts on all family history – your history. We are looking for families with three to four generations to come in for a special photo session. If your loved one cannot come to the studio, we will go to them. We want to know and tell your story. Enter here and let us know why you want a special multi-generation photo session.

Four Generations of Love and Beauty

IF NOT NOW – THEN WHEN?

Posted on by cathleenmcgrathphotography

I know I’ve written on this subject before, but it’s a conversation I have often with friends.  “It’s just so hard getting everyone together.”  I bet if it was a wedding or a funeral, everyone would figure it out.

Family photos and individual portraits are so so important to our lives.  I know I’m uber passionate about photographs – I can’t help it!  When I find an old photo I haven’t seen before of one of my ancestors, I feel like they are reaching out to me from beyond to say hi and connect.  I get very excited and curious.

How special it would be to have a generation photo for future generations to know who we are and where they came from.  I treasure this photo.  This is my dad, grandfather, great grandmother, and great-great grandmother.  These are my people.  I feel a connection just through this photograph and the stories my dad would tell.  This is where I came from.

There is such a huge focus these days on our DNA – our heritage.  When I get started, I spend hours searching on Ancestry.com for hints of my ancestors’ lives.  Why make your descendants search and wonder who you were and where you were from . . . what you were like.  (#Existinphotos) Have portraits done and print them – regularly.  Photographs are representations of your life – freezing life at that moment.  It is our history that we can leave behind for future generations – not selfies that are just going to die with our phone or computer (#printyourphotos).

About a month ago I was talking to a friend and I said I wanted to do a photo shoot of her and her daughters for marketing materials.  We set a date. Then a week before the session, when discussing what to wear, she casually threw out there the idea of wearing authentic Khmer outfits.  Needless to say, I was like, “Oh heck yeah!”  THEN, completely on a whim, her mom to her, “Well I want to do it too!”  Then BAM – I had a gorgeous group of women (and a baby) – three generations in authentic clothing from their country of origin.  My friend’s extended family wanted to do a shoot after they saw the images – my friend is so happy they did this.

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Friends, this is so so so important.  Don’t use the excuse that you have a hard time getting people together.  Pick a date a few months out, give me a call and just schedule it.  Another famous excuse is, “Well I want to lose weight first,” . . . really?  If you’re anything like me, that could be when you’re dead.  Your family loves you and wants you in their photos – don’t “weight” to be photographed.  It is my job to make you look the way everyone else really sees you – beautiful.  If you want to lose weight – great – take the photos and then schedule a special “look at me now” session when you lose the weight – problem solved.

Life is too short to not honor yourself and your life with beautiful photos of you and your family.

Don’t wait to be photographed.  If not now – then when?

Contact me now for a consultation – we will create something special for you.

No One Wants Pictures of Me or I’m Too Fat, Old . . . Fill in the Blank

Posted on by cathleenmcgrathphotography

Here is one personal story about why those objections are not going to fly with anyone . . . First of all – everyone who loves you wants pictures of and/or with you – so knock that off now.  You are who you are today and your photographer is trained in posing, wardrobe advice and post-production to help you look your absolute best – we know all the tricks!

So being a photographer – you would assume I am constantly taking pictures of my family – not with my phone.  You would also think that I would practice what I preach – and have a family photo that I’m in.  NOPE.

I CANNOT stand to have my picture taken.  I think I look horrible – yes that is the word I use – HORRIBLE.  Lots of shame going on with my self-image . . . I am not AT ALL the way I want to be remembered – or seen.  I’ve had 40-50 pounds to lose since my last child – 14 years now!  Okay so with that thinking – unless something drastically changes – like I actually get serious about my weight – my children won’t have a picture of me with them except for the little selfies we take and post on FB (facebook).

This past Christmas, I said okay this is stupid!  I need to take family pictures with me and my kids.  The ONLY portrait I have of me and any of my kids, I took of my first child and me when she was three – it was a self-portrait and it was fun and I still cherish it – I weighed 40 lbs less than I do today – it’s a big difference.  I’m a different person physically and it is upsetting – HOWEVER – it was more upsetting that I could possibly be in my grave before I took pictures with my kids – and the dog!

So being the photographer I am, I chose an outfit that would compliment my body the best, got clothes for the kids so we all coordinated and asked my photographer friend, Karen ReVelle Photography, to take our family photo!  I am so glad we did this and we will do it probably every year now – which is what I hear from other mothers that resist doing this.  As soon as their session is over and they see the results – they are thrilled and hooked!

Since we had a time limitation with light, I took some photos ahead of time of the kids while we were waiting for Karen.  All-in-all, we laughed a lot and it was great family time.

In my experience – the family sessions I do go like this – the family shows up, the kids are usually grumbling or look like it took some fighting to get everyone coordinated and out the door – during the session we have fun, laugh and then they go out for a fun meal.  Getting family photos done is not just something you REALLY need to do for yourself and future generations, or a chore, it’s something to do together and can be super fun.  Think about venues – places you like to go and schedule a family session there.  Make the session about your family’s personality.  One of my packages offers a longer session so we can do some lifestyle photos of kids playing, parents torturing their kids or kids torturing their parents – whatever.  This certainly does not have to – and should not be – a chore.  The more fun we have, the more receptive the kids will be to having their photos taken.

The next VERY IMPORTANT step to the family photo session experience is PRINT YOUR PHOTOS!  Get a folio box of matted images, photo album or book, framed wall art . . . GET THOSE IMAGES ON PAPER OR CANVAS and put them on your walls.   “Let’s sit around the computer and look at pictures,” said no one ever.  I can help you with this!  I can handle everything from concept to framing.

If I do your family session, we will talk ahead of time about what you would like the end product(s) to be and we will shoot with that in mind.  Then after your session, we will get together and go through your images and decide what goes where and how.

Any other objections you can think of to not take family or individual portraits?  Throw them my way and I will bat them down!