Zayd and Anaya: Children’s Lifestyle Portrait Session

Jewelle and Bilal are a fabulous couple that are as down to earth as they are lovely. They have a beautiful story that probably would require a much longer blog post. They have been friends for years before they became a couple. If you haven’t noticed yet, that is a recurring theme in my idea of cool couples – love built on the foundation of friendship. They are definitely a power couple in the sense that they are both very intelligent, well educated, and friendly. I doubt Bilal would call himself this, but I personally think that Bilal and Jewelle are both charming in a very composed and relaxed sort of way. 

In addition to everything this couple already brings to the table…add two super endearing children. Zayd is 5 years old and probably since he was 3 days old has had the most phenomenal things come out of his mouth. 🙂 In fact, Jewelle’s Gmail status often is a witty quote from Zayd! At a baby shower recently he asked me, “What is your favorite season.” I was a little taken off guard but I replied, “I think summer.” I don’t know why I said that considering it isn’t my favorite season…it is just the first thing that came out. What? He had my a little flustered LOL! Anyways, this little heartbreaker’s response?? Zayd says “Oh, I thought it would be spring because that is when the flowers bloom.” And of course, like the girl that I am, I completely awwwed and gushed over him. Watch out ladies 🙂

I am not kidding when I saw Zayd is super sharp, observant and very logical….he likes to make sense of the world around him…all while being an energetic and imaginative young boy. Oh, and he is so caring and protective of his little sister, Anaya. Much like her parents, Anaya is full of personality. Though she was a little sick during our shoot, she was in a good mood the whole time! I imagine she is a cheerful baby most of the time. Anaya definitely has a special connection with her big brother…just in the way she looked at Zayd was with complete uninhibited admiration. Anaya has this adorable smile where she sticks out her tongue while smiling…you’ll see in the images below. Too cute! If she’s anything like her big brother, I cannot wait to see what adorable things she has to say. Watching Bilal interact with his daughter was such a pleasure because he is just so sweet with her.

We spent a really fun and relaxed day shooting at the Khan home as well as at Balboa Park. I’d like to thank them for their patience, cooperation and continued support. And I cannot wait for Anaya’s first birthday party coming around in just a week!

Here are some of the photographs from our day together: