Laurel Francis 5/16/23 Laurel Francis 5/16/23

Crystal Cove State Park Family Session - Foulger Family

Okay this family beach session sealed the deal. I’m here!! This was the drive that I needed to really commit myself to being a family photographer.

Laurel Francis 5/11/23 Laurel Francis 5/11/23

Joanie Drew Burt

My first newborn session on the BEACH - and honestly, I LOVED IT!!

I was nervous how baby would do, I love my studio sessions. But, they didn’t want to make the drive out to Corona, and they didn’t want to do a home session. The beach was “the next best thing” which, turned out to be “THE BEST THING” - I absolutely loved how it all turned out!

Sweet Joanie loved her ocean wave lullaby, and she snuggled up as soon as we got down to the sand. Jacey and Andrew were so sweet as they took care of their new baby girl, and each other. Little Joanie is so lucky to have them as her parents. She is obviously loved.

I hope you feel that love as you get a glimpse into their family connection here.

Laurel Francis 4/6/23 Laurel Francis 4/6/23

Baby Nick

Baby Nick, do you know how long your parents waited for you? Do you know how much they love you? I just met you and I cried over you. You are so special. Thank you for coming to this earth. Heavenly Father sent you to amazing parents. They watch you with all the love in the world.

Their eyes sparkle as your little lips purse, as you yawn, and stretch your little arms high in the sky. Mommy kisses your head as you so easily snuggle into her. She counts, thanking God that He sent 10 perfect little tiny toes. 10 perfect tiny toes that belong to you. Her little Nick. Her baby boy.

Daddy holds your mommy as she cries over you. She’s a Mama now. He gives her sweet kisses and holds you both close. He holds you high in the sky, showing how proud he is to have you as his son. He calms you when you’re sad, and touches his head to yours. You are Nick, just like him. You are his little Nick.

Thank you mom and dad for letting me capture these sacred moments. I will cry everytime I look at them. Thank you for reminding me how precious and tender this life is. Thank you for loving your baby Nick, and helping me love my babies a little more

Laurel Francis 4/4/23 Laurel Francis 4/4/23

My Current Favorite MOM TIPS

Becoming a mom is a beautiful journey – one sought after & loved by so many. Nothing compares to holding your baby for the first time, the sweet smell of after bath snuggles & velvety baby skin. The JOY you feel when you watch your child learn something new or do something that was so scary or hard for them!

But, then the hard mothering days come crashing down like a load of bricks…or maybe a ball to the head, or stepping on a sharp lego…HAHA amiright???

My current fav “MOMMY TIPS” have been my saving grace in keeping my sanity & helping things to run a little more smoothly….especially now with more than one kid! Read on, I’ll share my young mom wisdom with you!

Laurel Francis 3/30/23 Laurel Francis 3/30/23

Cherishing Motherhood - Brunch & Minis

Laurel Francis 3/29/23 Laurel Francis 3/29/23

Family Photos at Tom’s Farm - Maddison Weeks Photography Session Swap

Family Photos at Tom’s Farm - Maddison Weeks Photography Session Swap — L E F Photo

Laurel Francis 3/7/23 Laurel Francis 3/7/23

Why you should take your family pictures in my STUDIO!

All the pros to taking family pictures in my STUDIO! Reach out to me at lef.photo so we can capture your family moments before they are just memories!

Laurel Francis 9/22/22 Laurel Francis 9/22/22

San Diego Temple Wedding - Roxanna and Mitchell

Laurel Francis 8/26/22 Laurel Francis 8/26/22

Fall Family Photos at Skyline Trail in Corona CA - Martinez Family

Laurel Francis 8/22/22 Laurel Francis 8/22/22

In-home Lifestyle Newborn Photos in Costa Mesa- Baby Maya

Laurel Francis 7/26/22 Laurel Francis 7/26/22

Family Maternity Photos at the Beach - The Francis Family

Macy is our rainbow baby. We got pregnant with her immediately after an early miscarriage. I felt a little disconnected in the beginning of her pregnancy. I was honestly a little mad that she had “taken the spot” of the baby we lost. I couldn’t understand it, and I didn’t feel the healing I thought I would by getting pregnant again. It didn’t feel real. I was grateful to be pregnant again, grateful my baby was healthy - but I lacked the connection.

Laurel Francis 7/19/22 Laurel Francis 7/19/22

Group Mommy & Me Session - Laguna Moms

Group Mommy and Me Sessions are where it is at! I have done it twice now and I’m really thinking about making this a consistent package I offer. We simply get a group of mommy friends and their babies together for a play date, set up a cute little backdrop or studio paper - either outside, or in a bright room in the house. Each mom and her kiddos take turns with short 10 minute sessions, capturing their sweet connections. All meanwhile the other kiddos and moms get to play together!

Laurel Francis 7/5/22 Laurel Francis 7/5/22

Creative Loft Motherhood Session - with Sally Martinez Photography

Sally is not only an amazing mother, she is also an amazing photographer that I am so lucky to create with. I am forever grateful for the moments she captured when my Macy was born, and these last nursing photos.

Laurel Francis 6/28/22 Laurel Francis 6/28/22

Laguna Beach Mommy & Me Session - Chandler Higginson

This was part of a group Mommy & Me session down in Laguna. But I had to highlight Chandler and her sweet babies because she is the best friend that I never knew I needed!

Laurel Francis 3/11/22 Laurel Francis 3/11/22

Mariana and Erik - Wedding at The Retreat, Corona

Laurel Francis 2/4/22 Laurel Francis 2/4/22

Life-style Newborn Photos - Anderson Family

Laurel Francis 11/15/21 Laurel Francis 11/15/21

Fresh 48 Hospital Newborn Photos - Corona CA, Macy

These pictures of our sweet newborn in our home mean the world to me. The way Daddy holds the family, and way the brother giggles when he looks at his new sister. The way Sally captured me holding our sweet new little girl, and all of the helping hands.