Online Intro to Photography
Posted on April 25, 2020
Now offering
Intro to Photography – an online interactive class
How many times have you picked up your camera and have felt disappointed with the outcome? It’s because that camera can’t read your mind, it doesn’t know the vision you have.
My goal in teaching these classes is to help you be able to capture what you see with your camera. No more disappointment!
So, grab your camera, your computer and join us for 3 classes, each 45 minutes!
You’ll be emailed with available dates and times after registering and you never know, you might even get a 1 on 1 class with me!
Here’s where you can REGISTER.
Alaina Nunez Photography
(562)400-2579
Website / Instagram / Facebook / Pinterest
You can also find us on YELP!
Why Hire a Birth Photographer {La Mirada Birth Photographer}
Posted on March 11, 2020
It could be, the feeling of knowing that these moments are few and far between.
That. is. birth.
I seriously am in awe of how God created our bodies.
Everyone is created for a purpose by our Divine Creator.
So the question you should ask yourself. Why do you want this birth photographed? How important is having this birth story documented to you? That’s the more important question.
I’d love to chat with you about how you are hoping to have this fleeting time in your life documented! Fill out the form and I’ll get back to you soon!
Looking forward to meeting you and telling your beautiful story!
Alaina Nunez Photography
(562)400-2579
Website / Instagram / Facebook / Pinterest
You can also find us on Google and YELP!
Coverage areas include: Los Angeles County, Orange County, Irvine, Newport, La Mirada, Whittier, Brea, Fullerton, Anaheim, Anaheim Hills, Corona, Long Beach, Lakewood, Seal Beach, Huntington Beach, Tustin, Orange, La Habra, Downey, San Clemente, Mission Viejo, Laguna Hills
Motherhood Memories – La Mirada Motherhood Photographer
Posted on February 17, 2020
Last year I was asking mamas who were still nursing if they would like to be in front of my camera and have some memories documented of this time. 
Macrae is a fellow photographer and homeschooling mama of three precious boys.
At the time she was still nursing two of her boys which I think is amazing! I have been nursing for the past 14 years with minimal time off and within those years I have never tandem nursed. For you mamas that have and do… you’re amazing!
There’s just something so special about the sweet connection a mama and her little one share during these nourishing and comforting times.
This moment right here… this encompasses the #boymom life exactly!
Alaina Nunez is the professional photographer who specializes in documenting unforgettable moments in an organic and documentary way. Home is in sunny Southern California with her husband and 6 children. They love road trips so if you’re not in the area and looking to have Alaina document your family or intimate wedding Contact her about her travel schedule.
Coverage areas include: Los Angeles County, Orange County, Irvine, Newport, La Mirada, Whittier, Brea, Fullerton, Anaheim, Anaheim Hills, Corona, Long Beach, Lakewood, Seal Beach, Huntington Beach, Tustin, Orange, La Habra, Downey, San Clemente, Mission Viejo, Laguna Hills
Lessons from 2019
Posted on December 31, 2019
Made it to day 365 of 2019!
My birthday is October 30th so ever since I was little I was always looking forward to my 30th birthday. I wasn’t wishing I was 30, but always knew I would get there… so when I turned 30 I wasn’t shocked and like, “oh my gosh! I can’t believe I’m 30!” Like I was seeing from so many others.
Now, when I turned 31 I felt a little thrown off like, “Well, I was prepared for 30, but 31 came out of no where!” I know it sounds silly but I think that is how a lot of things in life are. You prepare for the wedding but what about the marriage? You prepare for birth but what about the 4th trimester? You prepare for having a plethora of learning tools and creating just the right environment for free play but what about the tantrums and meltdowns or the hangries!?! Everyone talks about the terrible twos but what about the stubborn threes?
I think we tend to get tunnel vision on the short term goals so when we hit them we’re kind of floundering on what happens next…
I hope you don’t misunderstand me. Short term goals are great! And when you hit them it’s invigorating and a time that should be celebrated! But I do think we need to see what our long term is. What is the ultimate goal? Because the ultimate goal is what directs our daily path.
My ultimate goal is to love my husband and show my children Jesus (to love like Him, serve like Him and take the time to spend time refreshing my soul like Him). To pray for my clients and help them to see how blessed they are (immediately and years from now) by using my talents that God has given me to share. To raise awareness of amazing causes and document those who might otherwise go unnoticed.
I see much, I feel deeply and I am fully aware of the limited time I have, so I want to make the most of it.
The lessons I learned walking through 2019?
I have to be truthful here… I was this close and I mean this ** close to just saying, “I’m done”. I was feeling pulled in too many directions. I was ready to close the doors on Alaina Nunez Photography once I was done with current obligations.
I was asking God to show me if this business should continue and if so what direction He wants it to go in.
I don’t want to give my leftovers… My children don’t deserve my leftovers, my clients don’t deserve my leftovers and my husband for sure doesn’t deserve my leftovers! I am not a perfectionist but I am definitely one who carries high expectations for myself.
This past year has been the slowest year I’ve had in a long time. Being an artist, I’m pretty accustom to the wave of clients that come throughout the year but after awhile it can be demotivating and super discouraging.
December came and I felt this renewed vision. I was asking God to show me if this business should continue and if so what direction He wants it to go in.
My kids and I have these great conversations one the couch at least once a week. I think I’m impacted by them more than they are but even if they just hold onto snippets of these moments I know the memories of these conversations will come to mind at the moments they will need them. We were talking recently about why it’s important to have respect for yourself. The main consensus was, “Because if you don’t, no one else will.” I said well… You can’t control what other people say and do but you can control what you say and do. So then I repeated my question, “Why is it important to have respect for yourself?” They couldn’t think of anything other than trying to reword their first answer. I told them, when God created you, He didn’t just speak and you were there like everything else He created. No, He took care to “weave” you together with your hair color, eye color, gender, skin color, character traits, strengths and weaknesses. You are created in the image of the Almighty. You are created to do mighty things even in your weaknesses. If you respect the Creator then you will have respect for the created and be in awe of it. You are created to do amazing and mighty things because the Almighty made you. If that doesn’t deserve respect, I don’t know what does.
So with that, I have an appreciation for the 2019 business blight. It was a good year of emotional and spiritual growth. Pouring into myself, my marriage, my family and the clients and students that I was pleased to be with.
My husband is my life partner and now will be my business partner. I’m pretty excited about that!
So 2020… I won’t be floundering when the clock strikes midnight or when I wake up tomorrow to celebrate “Nunez Day” with my family (I’ve told you about Nunez Day right?). I’m ready. I’m ready to see the sights and enjoy the company. And when I don’t know which turn to make… I know Who to ask for directions.
Alaina Nunez is the professional photographer who specializes in documenting unforgettable moments in an organic and documentary way. Home is in sunny Southern California with her husband and 6 children. They love road trips so if you’re not in the area and looking to have Alaina document your family or intimate wedding Contact her about her travel schedule.
Favorite Moments of 2019 – La Mirada Photographer
Posted on December 12, 2019
Just a snapshot of the year in photos.
This was just a snippet of the year. You can see my Best Nine of 2019 Here.
Alaina Nunez is the professional photographer who specializes in documenting unforgettable moments in an organic and documentary way. Home is in sunny Southern California with her husband and 6 children. They love road trips so if you’re not in the area and looking to have Alaina document your family or intimate wedding Contact her about her travel schedule.
A Family Session – La Mirada Family Photographer
Posted on December 11, 2019
I’m very thankful for the people that I’m able to meet because of my profession.
I don’t just want you to have cute pictures, I want you to have a fun family outing. I want your kids to know that photo sessions aren’t scary, boring or no fun.
You can’t tell but it was during the fall heat wave here. Remember, we were getting 90 degree days just after we were getting use to some 70 degree weather?
This precious girl here is a sharp one, full of ideas and information.
One of my favorites from their session. Love when mama gets to be in the photos with their loves.
And of course I always make sure mom and dad get a few moments with just the two of them.
I’m a pretty easy going person and will allow the kids time to warm up to the fact that I’m going to be taking their picture and it’s ok. That’s when the weight of expectations is lifted and the real smiles come out.
Alaina Nunez is the professional photographer who specializes in documenting unforgettable moments in an organic and documentary way. Home is in sunny Southern California with her husband and 6 children. They love road trips so if you’re not in the area and looking to have Alaina document your family or intimate wedding Contact her about her travel schedule.
2019 Limited
Posted on September 18, 2019
Hi Friends!
So life has been very full and busy with baseball and theatre in our family.
We also started our 10th year of homeschooling and we are so blessed to be surrounded by amazing families that motivate and encourage our children and us.
Real quick, I just wanted to tell you about this year’s Limited Edition Sessions!
There’s 3 packages and they all include the session fee. Session times will be in the morning (sunrise) or evening (sunset).
The thing is, I have a very limited amount of dates available. Once these are grabbed up I truthfully can’t add anymore to our calendar.
So I hope that those who want a session will be able to snag one! And those that don’t… Well, we’re still friends. 😉
You want to remember this moment.
You want your children to be able to re-live this moment.
The Details:
These sessions are no longer available. Check out the family mini sessions that will be offered in 2020!
Locations need to be in La Mirada.
By purchasing one of these promotional sessions you are agreeing to:
*Complete an In person reveal/ordering appointment approximately 2 weeks after your session date.
*Understand there are no refunds. You must let Alaina Nunez Photography know at least 48 hours before your session date if you need to reschedule.
*Additional images can be purchase for $55 each or bundled for the best price.
*Other prints and products will be available to purchase during the ordering appointment.
*Session needs to be completed by November 30th, 2019
*Session location limited to 15 miles of La Mirada, CA.
*These are note valid for newborn sessions.
*Session date, time and location will be agreed upon by the photographer and client.
Blessings,
Alaina
Learning to See – La Mirada Family Photographer
Posted on March 24, 2019
Home is a privileged place to be.
I have struggled with being content while being at home. I was constantly on the go when I had 1 little one, then I had 2 little ones and that didn’t slow me down one bit. Then I had 3 little ones and oh my! I barely left the house for almost a year. My third child thought the car seat was going to eat him and would scream if it was more than 5 minutes (he never had that precious muted newborn cry). Depression? I saw it, felt it, lived it. It was a time that I vaguely yet vividly remember, if that makes sense at all.
Have you read “The Life Giving Home” by Sally Clarkson? I highly recommend it!
I love how Sally describes home. She calls it,
“…the haven of inspiration, where the art of life is expressed and taught.
…the place where the whispers of God’s love are heard regularly.
…the place where stories of heroism, sacrifice, love and redemption are heard, embraced and celebrated.
…a place of ministry.
Home should be the very best place ever to be.”
I love that so much! Home should be the very best place to be. So why are we always trying to get away from it?
I want to remind you, you are NOT just a mom. Get rid of the “just”, because I’m going to tell you who I am as a mom and I know you are also this kind of mom too.
I am a warrior, armed with my little tender shoots that with my guidance while they are young and God’s covering, will grow up to be strong branches. So when the time comes for those branches to be turned into arrows, they will fly far (can’t shoot a flimsy branch very far) and wherever they land they will impact the world greater than I ever could, all for God’s glory; if I am faithful with the little. -Luke 16:10 “Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much…”
Photo credit to my hubby at the reptile zoo with all my nature loving mama friends
Documentary or storytelling photography captures what is good, what is truth.
God didn’t tell the prophets and writers to only put the clean, tidy and good parts in the Bible. We read about the mess ups, untidy, ugly parts because those parts make the Light shine brighter. The goodness of God unmistakable and undeniable. I love how honest documentary photography is.
Those hard days are there for my growth and my children’s character training. The easy days are the reminders, the little peak into what all this hard work produces if we don’t give up.
Sally Clarkson quote:
“I have learned to see others through the eyes of God, to look at their heart, to seek to see their God-crafted beauty of personality and dreams, rather than judging them by performance or perfect behavior.”
When we slow down to notice and observe our children, their character and their features we are affirming to them that God created them just the way He intended to. He never, ever makes mistakes and though we all are imperfect sinners we are who we are suppose to be and it should be celebrated and documented. When I’m taking a picture I must be intentional. It forces me to slow down. Really, slow down, take a deep breath and start observing my surroundings. It’s hard when I’m on survival mode but that is actually the best time to start.
I’ve always been a pretty observant person. I think that is a “quiet” persons strength (anyone else an infp?). But as my to do list expands my observation skills become mediocre at best and my patience grows thinner and thinner. Photography allows me to put my blinders on, and focus on what is right in front of me and what is most important, which is this moment, right now.
This is what a Family Story Session is all about. My goal is to document your family culture and interactions.
Having a portrait session is usually the end result of all the hard work. I want to not only capture that but more so, capture that prep work. I want to document your family doing what your family does, whatever that might be. It might be, meal prepping, living room dance party, house work, yard work,chilling on the couch, reading stories, playing games, or being together yet doing separate things. This is your family and all families will look different.
If this sounds like the type of session you would love for your family click the Contact Alaina link and fill out the form. I would love to tell your family’s story with a Family Story Session.
Blessings,
Alaina
Birth Stories and Postpartum Recovery (Orange County Birth Photographer)
Posted on February 12, 2019
I’ve been a professional photographer since 2010 but didn’t start documenting birth stories until 2013.
My friends were always pregnant right at the end of my pregnancies or just after I had a baby. So when they had their babies I was ready with my camera! I focused on maternity and posed In Home Newborn sessions. I’m so thankful for all the friends that allowed me to work on my skills with their families!
I knew I wanted to become a birth photographer after having our 4th child. I really wanted to have him at home but that didn’t work out with finances. He was my fastest labor ( 3 1/2 hours) and when we got to the hospital I thought I could walk (I had walked in with the last 3!). It was just like the movies when the characters are traveling on a long and tiring trek and they finally see their destination and have hope that it’s in sight… then the camera pulls back and they realize just how far that destination STILL is… yep, that was how I felt as I was standing outside of our car and my contractions weren’t letting up. I sat back down and told my husband he better just drop me off in the front.
When we checked in the nurse asked if I could pee in a cup and I told her no. Then they checked me and said I was ready. The midwives were delivering other babies and the Dr. was in the OR. So eventually they found a Dr and a couple pushes and our little Blake was born. I’m pretty sure he shot out. I did require a couple stitches because he came out so quickly and my husband had to sit down after crashing from the adrenaline high and feeling woozy.
I remember laying there, the Dr and I talking as she was stitching me, the baby being checked, my husband in the chair next to me almost passing out and the Dr asking, “Does he do this every time?” I laughed and said, “No, this is the first!”
At that moment I thought, “I really wish someone was here to document this!”
A year later (like I said, I was always pregnant on an off year) I had 3 friends who were expecting. They each liked the idea of having birth photos. Unfortunately when the time comes a lot of times friends don’t want to “bother” you or just changed their mind because, birth is an intimate thing and maybe they didn’t really want their birth documented in the first place.
My official first birth was a home birth for my friend Beth. This was her first home birth and my first birth (not counting the one I video taped when I was 16 for my moms friend).
The reason I’m writing this post is to talk about how birth photographs help with healing and closure.
Beth had numerous people in the room with her during her labor and delivery. She was totally fine with everyone there but she also knew it might be distracting so decided that she would keep her eyes closed the whole time and just let her body take care of what it needed to. She didn’t open her eyes until she was pulling her baby up out of the water.
She had her midwife and her husband there as her support. Her mom and dad were there to keep an eye on the kids and to offer any support necessary. Her grandma and aunt and 3 other kids were there as well.
After I delivered Beau’s birth story to Beth, she told me that having these photographs were so important to her. They gave her closure. Since she had her eyes closed the whole time she felt like she got gypped out of the whole home water birth experience, the birth experience she was so excited for. But after seeing the photographs she knew she had the birth story that she hoped for and didn’t feel like she had to “do it all over again.”
I’m so glad I was able to give that gift to Beth, just by being present and documenting the story that was unfolding in front of me!
Have you ever had a birth photographer document the Birth Day of your little one?
Would you ever want to have me photograph the first moments with your newest little one?
I’d love to chat with you about the birth experience that you’re hoping for and how I can help document that life changing day.
Contact me and we can set up a completely complimentary consultation!
Blessings,
Alaina
Alaina Nunez Photography
(562)400-2579
Website / Instagram / Facebook / Pinterest
Woodland Themed Baby Shower (La Mirada Maternity, Birth and Newborn Photographer)
Posted on January 28, 2019
I just love the woodland theme! You can dress it up, dress it down, make it for a girl or for a boy. It’s just so versatile!
The nice part is a lot of the decorations were things that were gathered from different households (Grandma, sisters, mama) or foraged from a nature walk.
I love the daintiness of these little flowers! Even though this baby shower was for a little guy, it brings the femininity back to the day. We’re celebrating mama too!
These little guys are just adorable!
Some of the wall decor was actually for the baby’s room so that worked out really well!
The forest-y looking wreathes were kept out from the Christmas decorations and used to decorate the food table. Wreathes work perfect to set bowls in! It’s always nice to know what is being served and these little clip on chalk board signs were great.
Guessing how much baby items cost! I guess it depends on where you buy it from and which brands you go for. 🙂
The games were found on Etsy (I’ll have to get back to you on who the seller is) but I believe it was 3-4 games that had some cute little woodland animals. One of the games was guessing what the baby animal is called. Did you know a baby hedgehog is called a piglet? Makes sense right?
Isn’t this cake adorable!?! It’s from, Lucky Treats in La Habra. I’ve heard so many good things about this bakery and actually, my family has ordered numerous cakes for special celebrations from there.
Some trail mix goody bags for the party favors was an awesome idea!
What theme are you doing for your baby shower?
Inquire about having that special day with family and friends celebrating you and your precious baby documented! Contact Alaina
Alaina Nunez is the professional photographer who specializes in documenting unforgettable moments in an organic and documentary way. Home is in sunny Southern California with her husband and 6 children. They love road trips so if you’re not in the area and looking to have Alaina document your family or intimate wedding Contact her about her travel schedule.