Desi Baytan Photography

Early Spring Anniversary Celebration

This early Spring anniversary celebration with Chiali Meng and her family had all the right ingredients for a fabulous family portrait session. First of all, this location is so unique.  The location looks like this only but once a year in early Spring. When the almond grove starts blooming in this time of year it looks like a wintery scene. It’s so beautiful and surreal that it felt I was in another world. The most amazing thing is that Chiali styled this herself. I was so glad to be a part of it and the results are breathtaking. Happy Anniversary to this lovely family on their early Spring anniversary celebration!

Snow on Mount Baldy

When the rain storms came recently,  we knew there was snow on Mount Baldy. Luckily it’s only a short drive away to this mountain getaway. Armed with hot water thermos and hot cocoa, we journeyed to the slopes to enjoy our favorite past time in the snow – sledding. And sure enough it was beautiful up there with clean, crisp air and trees that stood mightily over the snow covered ground. We had an amazing time, met some new friends and I got to take photos to remember it all.

Palos Verdes Engagement Session with Ilysa and Matt

I love this Palos Verdes engagement session I did with Ilysa and Matt. The view from the bluffs of Palos Verdes is to die for. It’s an amazing scene especially when the sun hangs low over the horizon. To start off we photographed at the famed La Venta Inn. This gem of a venue overlooks the Pacific Ocean as well as all of West LA from Redondo to Santa Monica.  And what better way to celebrate an engagement with a bottle of champagne which Matt brought along for their celebratory toast. I can’t begin to describe the warmth of the light that cast along the craggy shore of the beach. So sit back, relax and take in all the beauty of this magnificent location.

Los Angeles Maternity Photography at the LA Arboretum with Marie and Hailin

This Los Angeles Maternity Photography at the LA Arboretum is a favorite of mine. Perhaps it’s the location. Maybe it’s the beauty of the Arboretum. Nonetheless, with Marie and Hailin, their tenderness really shown through and made the difference in their pictures. It’s simple to see how in love they are and how excited they are for Olivia, their soon to arrive baby girl. I look forward to meeting her at my studio for her newborn photos.

Saddlerock Ranch Wedding with Hagar and Michael

This gorgeous Saddlerock Ranch wedding is one for the books. What better place to wed than Saddlerock Ranch in the rolling hills of Malibu. Hagar and Michael exchanged their vows on top of a hill surrounded by a breathtaking vineyard setting and wide open spaces. There’s no shortage for romantic portraits here. Hagar, loves animals especially horses. Not surprisingly, she drew inspiration from an equestrian photo shoot I did with Nancy Teasley of Oak and the Owl. With garlands made of eucalyptus that run the length of the tables, light pink and orange roses add a softness and airiness to the setting. It’s no accident Nancy’s name and work often grace the pages my blog. She is one of the best floral designers. After this amazing shoot, I can’t wait to do another Saddlerock Ranch wedding.

Credits:

Venue:: Saddlerock Ranch at Malibu Family Wines | Coordinator:: Susan Tosounian Especially For You Events | Florist:: Oak and the Owl | Makeup/Hair:: Kat Laskey Absolutely Beautiful Brides | Rentals:: A Rental Connection | Catering:: Whoa Nelly Catering | Valet:: SoCal Valet | 

Old Town Pasadena is one of my favorite places to go. It’s where my studio is located and it’s where I do my photo shoots and studio portraiture (go to creativestudio321.com to see my studio) . But when I’m walking about Old Town, my favorite thing to do is photograph the people on the street. I just love the way they dress, and frankly, there are a lot of groovy people walking about strutting their style. So I thought, why not show them off? This post is dedicated to those I had an opportunity to meet on the streets of Colorado, Green, Fair Oaks, and the alleyways of Old Town Pasadena. Thank you everyone for the lovely encounters!

 

Makeup by Joyce Luck Style Makeup

Katrina and Jordan enjoyed an intimate setting for their engagement at our Studio in Old Town Pasadena.  Soon after, we walked the streets for some outdoor shots. At the Burlington Arcade this handsome couple shared a salted caramel ice cream float from Float, an adorable little coffee shop. If you’re wondering about Katrina’s beautiful curls, credit them to Kelly Zhang. I’m excited and looking forward to their wedding at the Athenaeum.

Who doesn’t like horses? I mean, they’re beautiful and mystical creatures. These are beautiful pure bred Arabian horses from Cal Poly’s W.K. Kellogg Arabian Horse Center. My kids and their friends got to see them the day before the opening of the annual Pumpkin Patch festival at the Farm Store at Kellogg Ranch. They had just arrived into their corral and just like the kids, they were just as spunky and energetic. And from what I can see, the excited kids were filled with wonder by the sight of these curious creatures.