Sundin Photography

Princesses and Pirates, Butterflies and Baseball | San Diego Family Photography

Ginette — Mon, 23 Sep 2013 18:24:37 +0000

“I know it is the beginning of the photo shoot and you just got here, but will you lie in this patch of weeds?” I ask hesitantly with a look of *please please please* all over my face.

“Sure!” she says with a smile on her face, “I’ll do it!”

And that ladies and gentlemen is why I love Alexia and PJ. These two are up for anything!

We had so much fun going from one little “set” to the next, trying to make all of our Pinterest dreams come true. I loved watching the visions, plans, and dreams all come to life before my eyes. And I had so many more plans and visions for this family, but alas our time slipped by so fast and the tears of overtired kiddos started to flow. I wish that my clients would want to stay all day with me and that kids would never get tired! But I am sure loving these ones that we got….and it gives me so much to look forward to next time!

Then there were pirates!

A bit of follow the leader…

and we climbed logs…

had some snuggle and kissing time…

and even tried to sell a sister!

But since we couldn’t sell her, we turned her into a butterfly.

And the last vision was capturing the family “team” playing a bit of baseball. As one of their favorite family activities, I loved when Alexia suggested it! And to my surprise and amazement, McKay, only 2.5, is quite a great batter! And I hear he is quite the fan too! Although when I asked him what he wanted to be for Halloween, I was surprised to hear that it was not pirate, or baseball player, but a woolly mammoth. It seems Ice Age has won his heart *almost* as much as baseball.

Thank you so much S family! I am beyond honored that you have made me a part of you family vacation for 3 years in a row now! I can’t wait to see what tells the story of your family next year!

Best Buddies | San Diego Family Photography

Ginette — Sun, 22 Sep 2013 04:55:07 +0000

“Will you let your sister help?” I asked, “Of course” Madelyn said, “she is my BUDDY.”

And that was exactly how it went.

The first time I asked Madelyn to give her sister a hug, it was like it opened up the flood gate of hugs; I never had to ask again. Madelyn takes care of her sister, but not in a bossy way. She is kind, caring, and affectionate….she truly treats her little sister like her best little buddy. Sierra Ava looks up to her sister. But don’t be fooled, she is not a puppy dog who follows her sister anywhere and does everything she says….no, not like that. Sierra Ava is smart, spunky, and her OWN person, but you can see the admiration and love for her sister just overflowing out of her.

And I have no doubt where Madelyn and Sierra Ava get their awesomeness from; Matty and Jean are no chopped liver. It might have been a while since these two love birds took a picture together, but they sure do know how to make each other laugh. And I have been married long enough to know that laughter really is good medicine.

I was so glad to see this family again…they have grown up from two years ago…but if you ask me…they have only gotten more awesome with age! The only hard part about this photo shoot was narrowing down my favorite pictures to show you!

Never been sad about Dayla not having a sister…until I hung out with these two. They melted my heart again and again.

Usually when I do a shoot at Balboa Park I like to stick with the secret spots. However one exception is that I have always wanted to do a picture in front of this beautiful (and very often photographed) blue door…and was so excited when Jean said it was at the top of her want list too! I LOOOVe all the colors in these:

Jean told me that one of the girls favorite things to do right now is pretend, so we had to capture a little of that. Matty lept right in with ease. The picture below on the left is just a little campfire, the other 2 are just 2 of my favorites…

The girls were playing so well…so we sneaked away for some couple time. When was the last time you were photographed with your love? Your wedding? Let’s capture you two at your next photo shoot! Why not have a little fun remember what it was like when “the family” was just the two of you?

Matty and Jean… your family steals my heart. I had SO MUCH FUN laughing, playing, running from place to place with you guys. Thank you!!! I can’t wait until next time!!

More Cake | Laguna Niguel Family Photography

Ginette — Sun, 15 Sep 2013 03:48:33 +0000

They are not uncomfortable one bit in front of the camera, but I have to tell you, surprisingly enough, that is not the thing that I love the most about Chris and Jodie.

After this photo shoot I was trying to put into words why I love to be with this family so much, and I realized the truth: Jodie is the kind of mom I want to be.

Jodie not only loves her kids, but she has FUN with them. She seems to take them in, cherish them, adores the things they do and who they are, and she laughs with them in such an easy way. When her son is crying about a silly toddler thing, she can see past the tears into the hilarity of the situation and laugh about it. (I can too…but not when that kid is MINE for some reason) She asks me to capture them with their binky, or their stuffed animal, or crying….the things that are REAL. I never feel like she is looking to capture a family that they are not, or imitate what the Jones’ are doing, but that she just wants to remember each and every little details about who her kids REALLY are.

I LOVE THAT. I love that ease, joy, freedom, and security.

And Chris is the kind of dad who can’t wait until his boys get into their “bug phase” so that he can collect bugs with them. And that is AWESOME.

And the two of them together laugh a lot. They both balance one another and also mirror each other in the most perfect of ways. Two puzzle pieces, with two little puzzle pieces…making this one big fun puzzle picture. I love hanging out with them…..the weight of life seems to melt off me. I want to come home and build more forts and eat more cookies.

Come laugh and read with us…and be inspired to catch bugs, laugh at tantrums, and eat more cake.

I thought it would be fun to share this side by side above. The left is what I affectionately call my “for grandma” shot, and the right is what I would like to call my “Sundin Photography style portrait”

This photo session was for Oliver turning one year old…so we ended the session with a little smash cake. I have to say I do love the sad face that came when brother wanted to come over and share the cake.

Thank you so much Jodie and Chris! I adore you both and your family and I can’t wait to see you again next time!

2013 Holiday Mini Sessions

Ginette — Thu, 01 Aug 2013 21:18:00 +0000

How is it that I am so lucky to have clients like you, and so blessed that you have filled up my plate FULL? Thank you to each and every one of you who booked a session in 2013; all full size sessions for the remainder of 2013 are booked. THANK YOU SO MUCH.

However, if you don’t have a Sundin Photography session booked, don’t despair!

Holiday Mini Session booking is NOW OPEN.

Space is limited. Locations and times will be filled on a first come first serve basis. Times will be available in the evening for all locations and also the morning for some. Please email Ginette at sundinphotography@gmail.com to reserve your spot. I can’t wait to see you and play with your family!

Mini Sessions

$175

More Details:

Mini sessions will last 30 minutes and are perfect for getting the latest family picture for your holiday cards! Sessions will include a mixture of posed and natural family photos. Things will move quickly, so please ensure you arrive 10 minutes before you session starts so we don’t lose any of that precious family picture time.
Mini Sessions are limited to families of 5 or smaller.
All images from the Mini Session will be up in an online gallery for your viewing 7 days after the session.
The Mini Session will include three (3) digital images for your holiday card needs. The files will be full resolution and will be emailed to you as soon as you contact me with the image selections. These images will come with a print release so they are yours to have, share and enjoy.
Sessions are booked on a first come, first serve basis.
Session fee can either be collected via credit card before your session or by check at your session.
When you book, I will send you a contract, more details, tips for what to wear and shoot location and answer any other questions you might have.
Prints will be available at listed price for purchase as will a CD with all the images from the session.
The session includes a $25 print credit that you can apply towards the purchase of CD of all images from your session or toward prints.

Writing a Story | San Diego Family Photography

Ginette — Sun, 21 Jul 2013 00:03:34 +0000

I asked their story. I am loving stories recently; becoming obsessed with seeing stories in everyone; seeing them weave, wind, and write before my eyes. So it goes without saying that I was excited to hear Jennifer and Mike tell their story.

Although this time in my excitement, my obsession began to take over my sense. Every time they finished a sentence, I would jump in and add in what I thought would happen next. “So he followed you…or you followed him…or….” And get this…every time I guessed what the next part of their story would be…I was wrong. EVERY.TIME.

So then I closed my lips and let them just tell it. And it was great! With twists and turns and friendship and best of all…God’s hand bringing them together. They met at Duke. The reunited here in San Diego. Friends first…two friends in a city full of strangers. They hung onto each other and it wasn’t long before their friendship became more. In Mike’s words, “She finally let me date her.”

I loved it. Every word.

It got me thinking how many times that I do that with God; I try to write the story for Him. I try to add in parts, thinking that of course my part would be AWE.SOME. Praying for my version of the story. Praying that I could control what happens next. And the funny part? Just like Jennifer and Mike’s story, God’s version is always WAY BETTER.

Mike and Jennifer’s story was beautiful….and truly perfect because it was THEIRS. As I saw Mike in front of my camera with his girl, it was clear that he is just as smitten with Jennifer as he was back when he begged to take her out that first time. And now there are TWO girls stealing his heart! Mike loved stepping back and admiring his girls from afar so much I had to keep begging him to be in the picture! And when he got a hold of his little girl, he just kept admiring her and snuggling her and saying the most precious things.

Mike and Jennifer…thank you for telling your story….and letting me capture it.

This was a one year session for sweet Hannah so it seemed so fitting to capture all those sweet details that make her so “one”…

Ending the session with some balloons reminded me of the phrase: “saving the best for last”!

Don’t you just love her? EEK. Adorable.

I can’t wait to hear your story too!! And I promise I will just let you tell it.

The Wedding Chapter | Martin Johnson House Wedding Photography

Ginette — Sat, 29 Jun 2013 18:31:59 +0000

In life I believe we all have a story. Our books are being written, chapters complete with journeys, tales, and adventures.

This story, well this one is a love story.

Hold down the vomit, stop the rolling of the eyes…promise not to go back to your Facebook page just yet! I know you just woke up 6 times last night to comfort a crying child and you saw your husband next to you sleeping soundly and you decided not to wake him; you let him sleep. I know you know that love isn’t just a fairy tale or a feeling. I know you know what love looks like when it hits the pavement.

I guess that is why I admire and love Glenn and Stephanie so much. I guess that is why I am here showing you a wedding today, because I think they get that.

Stephanie and Glenn have the kind of love story that is my favorite kind. Not the kind that gets me nauseous at their overt naivety or the kind that makes everyone listening roll their eyes. No, their love story started as best friends…their love story is authentic and real and perfectly imperfect….and that is the best kind of story if you ask me.

My part in this story begins a year and a half ago.

I got a email from a girl who had found me. Not a friend of a friend, but a legitimate “find” situation. It was about three emails in that I knew I really liked this girl. A detail girl, a find photos of inspiration and email them to me kind of girl, and a girl that is so good with words that she can make them dance in front of your eyes.

Last June I was so excited to meet this girl, and I had the honoring of capturing some pictures of Stephanie with her boyfriend Glenn…but that wasn’t all…it quickly became one of the most amazing experiences of my life.

I was shaking like a leaf, he was cool as a cucumber, and she was completely surprised.

I got to be part of an incredible moment…a real, authentic, true love moment. I realized that it was in that moment, I was written into Glenn and Stephanie’s story. I couldn’t be more honored, more touched, or more elated.

Even now as I think about it, tears well up.

Stephanie and Glenn. Not just in love, but also best of friends. Not just excited about the wedding, but about the marriage that follows. Not just excited to join families, but join hearts….for forever.

Saturday, June 15 2013, another chapter in their love story got written. It was not only the most beautiful chapter, but it was profound, touching, and full of the most increible group of family and friends. Stephanie and Glenn both shined like stars, glowing in a way that rubbed off on everyone in their presence. There were nerves of excitement, there was tears of joy, there were words of truth and love, there were friends with stories and laughter that warmed every heart in a 100 foot radius. There were tender moments, comforting arms, laughter and joy, and many memories made. I am certain that this chapter will go down in history.

Stephanie didn’t forget to include something that reminded her of the sweet grandparents that were only there in heart and memory…part of her gorgeous handmade broach bouquet.

This is my view of the story….

The “first look”

After the first look, we had to capture the friends that have been friends forever. The friends that make you laugh, make you cry, drink with you, and hold your hair back when you drank too much. The friends who know way more about you then you wish they did…but you are also glad they do.

The day was warm, the ocean breeze just barely dancing through the crowd. Stephanie and Glenn pledged their lives to one another. Right there with their family and friends they confessed how they know how love is sometimes a feeling, and sometimes a choice. They promised to always choose love, even on the hard-not-so-flowery-you-are-driving-me-crazy kind of days. They swore to choose love forever and never leave each other’s sides. They joined families, they joined hands, and they joined hearts….

And then the celebrations began!

Stephanie and Glenn, I can’t wait to see more chapters unfold. I can’t wait to hear of all the adventures written in the next few years. I am beyond thankful, honored, and so blessed to be a part of your story so far in the way that I was. Stephanie and Glenn, thank you, so much. Congratulations…and I raise my glass to many more beautiful chapters ahead in your love story!

Feet of Joy | Poway Candid Family Photography

Ginette — Fri, 17 May 2013 19:12:21 +0000

We first met over a pair of shoes. I imagine for you girls out there who love shoes, meeting and bonding over mutual love for a pair of shoes is no strange thing to you, maybe even a regular occurrence. But I can assure you that this is new territory for me, as 90% of the time I am wearing flip flops. This is where I know that I am probably going to lose 50% of my blog following…but I feel in the spirit of honesty I must admit this to you anyhow: I am just not a shoe girl. I know, I am so sorry. My sister-in-law is trying to heal this disease I have by giving me shoes as gifts. In fact, that is exactly how I fell in love with Born shoes…the shoes that I wear the other 10% of the time…and the shoes that brought Chelsea and I into immediate friendship.

It wasn’t the love of shoes that kept me there talking to her that day though, it was her smile, her laugh, her joy, her amazing positive energy, and her cute-as-can-be daughter Lucy. When she hired me for a photo session, of course I was over the moon.

Pat, Chelsea, and Lucy were all a perfect match of joy, energy, fun, laughter, and smiles. Lucy kept me on my toes though, literally. It seemed as though there was some kind of button that was pressed as soon as she started running. How else could one explain how her smile seemed to get bigger the fast her legs moved? It was a good thing that I was wearing my favorite Born shoes to keep up!

Meet Pat, Chelsea, and fast little Lucy….

Yes there were balloons and other things…but the real joy was in the running…

Look at that sweet angel face…

This next shot has to be my favorite shot of the day. I know that there are going to be a lot of you who don’t love it, and that is okay. It is not perfect because it was a quick capture, but I love it because it was all real. A real snuggle with mamma that was not prompted by anyone; quick, but sweet. And the snuggle was accompanied by dad’s hand of loving support on Lucy’s back, showing the safety, security, and love that a daddy offers a daughter. It was so tender in so many ways… and I had the honor of catching it. This is why I love what I do:

Whenever a family tells me how much they love to read together, I always want to capture it. I love capturing what your family loves to do right now, right where you are in this stage of life. For this family, it is reading…and it was obvious as soon as we started how much they all love this pass time.

Thank you Pat, Chelsea, and Lucy; I had so much fun running with you and capturing all that joy you have for your sweet little Lucy! I can’t wait until next time!

Preciousness | Alpine Newborn Photography

Ginette — Tue, 07 May 2013 00:30:20 +0000

Life is so fast sometimes. I think that is why there are so many old ladies who stop us moms in grocery stores, ignoring the fact that our child is in the midst of the biggest tantrum of their life to tell us, “It all goes by so fast, enjoy it now.” We look at those ladies and we think, “ENJOY!? THIS?!”

Every once in a while though we have the blessing of life slowing down around us and we get a very special moment, a moment in which we can see all that we have, the blessings instead of the tantrums; a moment that one of my favorite bloggers calls “Kairos” moments. A moment in which we can truly see the preciousness of life, of the now; a small spot in time that transcends all the difficult days and makes it all worth it.

When I am around Kathryn and Etienne, I often think of those Kairos moments. They are people with a unique peace and love about them…and Etienne’s way with words often gets me to stop and appreciate life and God in a way I don’t always slow down to do. I love this about them.

On April 20th I was scheduled a photo session with Kathryn, Etienne, their sweet little ones, their parents visiting from South Afrcia, and their newest addition, little Colette. Instead of a photo session, Colette decided to remind all of us of the fragility of a newborn with a little visit to Rady Children’s Hospital. She was and is okay, a strong healthy little girl, but I know that life slowed a little bit for all of us while she was in the hospital. I know we all were reminded how precious a little life is. I know for that week she was in the hospital, I was a little more patient with my kids and their tantrums, and when I tucked them in to bed and we prayed for little Colette, I also said extra prayers of thanks for my own little precious ones.

I thank God for his precious gifts, for little Kairos moments, and for this family that just a week later than planned, I was so honored to capture…

Meet Colette:

And Colette’s sweet brother and sister…

And meet all of the family who loves them to the moon and back:

Thank you so much D family!! You are such a blessing to our life!

Full Hearts | San Diego Baby Photography

Ginette — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 18:12:55 +0000

The world slows down. You have so much love overflowing out of your heart that it feels like you heart hurts a little…but it is a good hurt, a welcome hurt, an exciting hurt. You look at them and it you realize that somewhere deep in your heart you now believe in miracles.

I wish I could bottle up the love that was filling up the room, use my butterfly net to capture the delight in their voice, take my ziploc bag to contain the sparkle in their eyes; I’d package it all up and send it to you so you could have it too.

Nothing is quite like the baby stage in parenthood…sleepness nights, yes…but also love so full and so big that your heart hurts. I would be willing to bet that there are some full (and hurting) hearts in little Parker’s house.

Meet Kelly, Brent, and baby Parker:

Things did quiet down…more moments that make the sleepless nights worth while:

And those sweet little details that go away too fast…

… and the sweet smile and laugh will always make your day brighter now and when they grow…

Had to save these for last. I don’t usually tell you my favorites, but my mama heart over fills up with these. My favorite captures of the day…

Thank you SO much Kelly, Brent, and Parker for making me a part of your trip down to San Diego! You were such a delight; and please move here so I can watch sweet Parker grow with you!

Just Laugh | Del Mar Beach Family Photography

Ginette — Wed, 10 Apr 2013 15:30:42 +0000

Grandma always says to me, “In life you will either find you can either laugh or cry; in our family we laughed.”

I personally think that is one of my favorite things that she says, as I believe it is most wise, very sage advice.

I couldn’t help but think of Grandma’s wisdom when Sarita was telling me that with having three small boys, she finds herself learning more to just let go, roll with the punches, and laugh a lot. I think Sarita and Jason are both people who choose laughter; I love being around those of you out there who choose laughter, you make the world feel a lot brighter.

Recognize those laughing faces? Yes, you have met them a couple times before…but I am excited to introduce to you for the first time their newest addition…sweet, smiling, kissable little Judd…

Judd is a pretty cute addition to the family, isn’t he? I sure love these three little boys!

This next picture makes me happy for two reasons. First, I usually ask my clients if they want a “kiss shot”, but this one happened all on it’s own and that makes me smile so big…cause I love couples who know how to sneak a kiss from one another. And second because I was actually in the middle of changing settings on my camera and so I almost missed it (that is why the sunflare is a little intense in it…but I still love it!) I love it because to me it perfectly captures what life is like with three kids. Notice that the boys are not paying any attention (to either me or them)? Feel like your house at all?!

And I love kisses, but of course I couldn’t do a photo shoot with 3 boys without encouraging a little wrestling too…

Thank you so much L family! You know how I love your boys…I feel like I just fall for them more and more each time I get to see you!