Guerneville Photographer, Russian River Valley Photography

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Tips for Family Photo Sessions|Russian River Valley, California

by adminupdated on October 3, 2018October 3, 2018

Family Photography on The Russian River

Ok, you found a photographer that matches with your style and you’re all scheduled for photos, now what? What to wear? Will my kids cooperate? Will my spouse cooperate? Should I go on a diet? So many questions are now making this whole thing you wanted to do a bit stressful. I am here to tell you no more of that! This does not have to be and should not be anything to get you panicked over. I have photographed children and families for over 4 years now and I have some inside info to make this smooth sailing!

Choosing a Location:

I live in Guerneville, Ca and I love this area. I have fell in love with photographing in the serene sunset light as it spreads across the beautiful backdrops here. The river, the redwoods, the coast, open fields, mountain tops we have it all here! While I love this area I am happy to accommodate an area special to you/your family, just ask.

What to wear….

It is important to put thought into your outfit planning however, I also very much encourage you to not stress too much. Keep it simple and comfortable. If you wear dresses and heels fairly often by all means wear your dress/heels. If you’re a jeans and boots kinda girl, do it! I want everyone to be themselves in photos. If you’re uncomfortable it will show then I have to get all “hey, none of that grumpy face stuff here” during the session ;). I do have some easy Do’s and Don’ts that will help you choose your outfits

Do:

-Plan ahead

-Choose neutral colors (gray, brown, blue ect)

-Think head to toe (hats, scarves, shoes,)

-Layering is an easy way to look more put together (vest, cardigan, jean jacket)

-Accessorize! little embellishments can make big improvements (jewelry, hair clips, headbands, suspenders, hats)

-Dress for the weather

-Consider your location in your outfit choice. Think not only color but setting too, choose colors that contrast the surroundings, I want you to stand out not blend in to the area.

-Coordinate colors of family members outfits so they look nice together. (remember the color wheel you learned in art class)

-Remember to consider textures of things, different textures can really add dimension to your photos.

-Check out my Pinterest Board with great color scheme ideas

Don’t:

-Match everyone in the same outfits (Don’t worry I’m guilty of it too, but let’s live and learn from that fad)

-Wear clothes that are too big or too small

-Force your kids into something they don’t like. Instead offer them color choices and let them help especially older children/teens.

-Don’t wear clothing with logos,words, or busy prints.

-Avoid neon colors.
-Don’t experiment with makeup you do not normally wear.

Ok on to the next big issue that almost every parent worries about for the photo Guerneville, Photographer, Russian River Valley, Sonoma Coast session…their kids! First of all let me say this I have 4 boys..yes 4! Ranging from 7-18 and I have seen a lot of interesting things from them so please do not worry about your kids being kids at photo sessions. Anyone who photographs kids knows that kids are not perfect little statues that sit and smile. I promise your child is not the only one to cry, run away or give me the stink eye lol. However, at some point they end up thinking I’m not so bad and that’s when I put my ninja/photography skills to work and get awesome photos. FYI all this applies to husbands too or maybe it’s your wife who knows, right? Regardless of who or why, I get it and I won’t judge, I promise. I actually see it as a challenge and want to work even harder to make sure they end up being the one they want to call next time photos are needed. I love what I do and I like everyone around me to be in on the fun I’m having.

Last I want to chat woman to woman with all you ladies reading this. Women are all too often so incredibly hard on themselves. Here you are in a photo with your amazing family and you find something wrong with yourself in it. Stop it, please…pretty please 🙂 Cherish the beauty of the whole picture. You’re beautiful! You are incredibly lucky to have this family whether it is 1 person or 20 beside you, they love you! Rest assured that I use various techniques such as lighting, poses and the right lenses to flatter you and your family so everyone looks their best. If you tell me ahead of time any specific concerns you have I will be extra aware of that and ensure you look your very best. The best photos come when you relax and trust me to capture you being the beautiful person you are naturally with your family.

Ps years and years down the road when your babies are grown they won’t care if you’re overweight, too thin, bad hair style ect. They will simply see a photo of their family. The same way you cherish photos of your loved ones, you too are loved and cherished for who you are not how you look. 🙂

I hope this helps take some of the pressure or worry out of your next family photo session. Please feel free to comment below any other questions you may have. Also if you have a great photo session tip please share.

See you soon!
-Jess

Guerneville Photographer, Russian River, Photography

Russian River Photographer, Guerneville, Photography

Guerneville Photographer, Wedding Photography, Russian River

Guerneville Family Photography, Russian River Photographer

Russian River, Elopement, Intimate Wedding, Photographer

Documentary Photography, Elopement, Guerneville, Redwoods, Russian River, sonoma county, Uncategorized, Wedding

Elopement On The Russian River| Joyce and Natalee

by jessicacollinsphotoupdated on March 7, 2018February 28, 2018

Elopement in Guerneville, Ca

I knew right away when I met Joyce and Natalee their wedding day was going to be beautiful. They both radiate happiness, love and fun. Their chosen wedding venue Armstrong Woods. Armstrong Woods is an exceptionally beautiful California State Park right here in Guerneville. I had met with Joyce and Natalee when they came up to visit the park a few weeks before the wedding day. We planned out areas they liked and we talked about the best time for lighting of their photos. I was super excited for their big day!

I remember waking up the morning of Joyce and Natalee’s wedding day to the sounds of down-pouring rain. I can’t speak for all photographers but I actually welcome and embrace various weather and situations as it pushes the creative side in me to create something new and exciting. However, when it comes to weddings I do not ever want my couples to feel stress on their day from rain or anything else. Luckily the skies dried up and aside from a minor move around some giant puddles for the ceremony all worked lovely!

Wedding Ceremony in Redwood Forest

The ceremony looked like a fairytale under the majestic giant redwoods.I loved the way they included the children in their ceremony. The light came shining through the trees like clockwork as if shining extra love on to the vows they said to each other. It was absolutely perfect!

Let the Adventure Begin

In case gorgeous sun light, 2 beautiful brides, 2 beautiful children and the redwood forest aren’t enough awesomeness for you…I give you the adventure!

Joyce and Natalee are so awesome! When I mentioned going to the top of a mountain for photos they both agreed and I was stoked! I had a vision of how it would go. However, the settling rain clouds and golden hour light way surpassed my expectations to highlight these gorgeous newlywed wed ladies! They were such good sports, so in love and willing to hike to the edge of a mountain for these beautiful photos. I could seriously post their entire gallery on this blog because I love it that much! I try to stick to the highlights though and leave the entire gallery private. I hope you enjoy these as much as I do.

Thank you Natalee and Joyce for having me capture your amazing wedding day! I wish you and your family the very best life full of fun and adventure.

Are you looking to get married here in the Russian River Valley? Guerneville has beaches, Rivers, Redwoods and so much more and I would love to photograph your elopement or intimate wedding. Please feel free to contact me here

Venue: Armstrong Woods

Hair/MUA: Desiree Duncan @ West Sonoma County Style Bar

Redwoods, Russian River, russian river vacation, Sonoma Coast, sonoma county, Spring, Summer, Wedding, Wine Country

Erin and Dave’s Wedding in the Redwoods | Russian River Valley

by adminupdated on March 5, 2018February 16, 20181 Comment

I am a bit behind on getting recent weddings blogged but it is finally time to share with all of you! The last year I have been working very hard on expanding my business into being the best Russian River Wedding Photographer I can be. I love living here in Guerneville, Ca, it is a naturally beautiful place. I am looking forward to working with local and visiting couples who choose to say “I do” right here along our gorgeous flowing river and underneath the majestic giant redwoods.

It is beyond an honored when asked or even considered to photograph something as important as someones wedding day. When I first spoke with Bride Erin and heard how she envisioned her wedding I knew that it was a perfect fit. I was over the moon excited when her and her then fiance Dave decided to hire me to be their wedding photographer. I could not wait for the Wedding in the Redwoods of Occidental, Ca.

Dave and Erin are a beautiful couple that enjoys cycling, traveling and soaking up all the simple beauties in life.They are super relaxed and kind, seriously they had the most low stress wedding I have ever witnessed. Erin is also a designer which made my little detail loving heart super excited to see what she would create.

The Wedding Day has arrived

They chose an amazingly beautiful venue called “The Grove” for their ceremony. The Grove is a private residence owned by The Union Hotel. The venue was a beautiful fairy-tale like estate that provided the perfect place for everyone to get ready. Shay had Erin and her girls looking absolutely stunning!

When Erin put her dress on it was hard to say who was most excited her, her mother or her sweet little niece. These special intimate moments shared by close friends and family are the real, raw, moments that I wait and prepare for. Standing just far enough away that they forget I am in the room I carefully document the most precious times.

I loved how sweet it was that Erin and Dave decided on a being together in the same house as everyone got ready. Once she was in her dress and fully ready she stayed hidden from Dave until the first look.

The Ceremony

Once everyone was ready it was time for the ceremony to begin! All their closest friends and family gathered outside under giant redwoods. It was serene and stunning.

An extra special part of the ceremony was when Dave and Erin invited their guest to give them advice and words of wisdom for their life together. Very unique and fun idea.

Sealed with a kiss and officially Mr. And Mrs. Mongan!!

The formal photos for Erin and Dave could not have been more lovely. The light and scenery along with such a beautiful couple created absolute magic!

The Reception

Now on to the celebration! Reception was held at The Union Hotel Restaurant in Occidental, Ca. They had such an outgoing and fun group, it was a blast capturing all the fun and dancing had by all. How about this sweet turned hysterical Father Daughter dance? Love, love, love it!

Who needs cake when you can have a giant sticky bun from Wild Flour Bakery?!

What a great wedding and a great group of dancers!

Congratulations Mr. and Mrs. Dave and Erin Mongan! I wish you a lifetime of love, happiness and adventure together. Thank you so much for having me capture your magical day!!

Do you need a Russian River Wedding Photographer? Click here

Second Shooter Melissa van Ruiten Photography

venue and food by Union Hotel Occidental

hair/makeup by Shay

wedding dress by watters

flowers purchased at Sequoia Floral, Santa Rosa

bouquets/arrangements done by family & friends

Decor by bride and FOB

Favors by MOG

Desserts by Wildflour Bakery and Oliver’s Market

Music by DJ JSink at Two Way Mobile Entertainment

Child Photography, Documentary Photography, Family Photography, Guerneville, Lavender fields, Russian River, russian river vacation, sonoma county, Spring, Wine Country

Love in the Lavender Fields| Russian River Valley Family Photographer

by jessicacollinsphotoupdated on September 26, 2017July 18, 20171 Comment

Nothing says or should I say smells like summer in Sonoma County like the lavender fields. I have a love for lavender and even my first year in business I knew I wanted to utilize the unique opportunity we have locally to photograph people in the fields. I have visited a few different local farms around the county and all are lovely. Maybe I am a little biased now living in West Sonoma County but I have to say my favorite hands down is my recent find of Lynn’s Lavender & Lotsmore. This place is a gem like no other. The adorable gift shop (made entirely out of old doors), the vineyards and other flowers along with of course lots of lavender are heaven! However, what truly stole my heart was the owner Lynn, she is one of the the sweetest and kindest women I have ever met. She was so welcoming and willing to share her knowledge and her beautiful farm with me. I could honestly go on and on about Lynns farm but I think I will save that for it’s own post soon.

I was honored to be contacted by Jessica to do her family photos. I met her a few years back when her little gal Isla was just an infant and we did newborn photos, and then again for her first birthday party (which was totally adorable!!). It was great to finally have mom and dad officially in on a session too. The lavender fields at sunset brought the most gorgeous light. The setting was so peaceful and perfect for a family to play together and create some beautiful memories in. Here are a few of my favorites from their session.

Jessica and Eric have so much love for little Isla it was really beautiful to see and capture the bond they both have with their baby and as a family.

As the sun sank down the light became even more magical. These are the moments you treasure forever with your children.

Isla is one lucky gal and clearly the center of their whole world ♥♥.

Of course we have to have lots of silliness and fun when playing in the lavender fields. I loved this one of her with her hands up, you can’t tell me you all don’t feel that way come the end of your work week right?!

The award for the best big belly laugh goes to this pretty girl…

Family is not an important thing it is everything.

-Michael J. Fox

If you would like your own family photos taken here in the Russian River Valley (or surrounding area) contact me today. I would love to plan the perfect session for you. Also please stop by Lynns Lavender farm and check out all the amazing stuff she has to offer in her gift shop, be sure to tell her I sent you.

Guerneville, Ca, Family Photographer serving the Russian River Valley

Child Photography, Documentary Photography, Family Photography, Forestville, Guerneville, High School Senior Photography, Russian River, russian river vacation, sonoma county, Summer, Wine Country

Throop Family| Russian River Valley| Family Photographer

by jessicacollinsphotoupdated on September 26, 2017May 16, 2017

Each October Guerneville Elementary School holds an awesome Halloween Carnival and fundraiser put on by the F.O.G.S organization. It is so much fun! Along with the fun of games and activities is a pretty impressive raffle. No joke the local businesses and families donate some fantastic items (do not miss it this year!). I added in a gift certificate for a mini family session and The lovely Throop family were the lucky winners!

I really enjoyed getting to meet Maile and her family. We actually had another location in mind when we set up her session. However a day or two before I messaged them saying I found this awesome place close by that had a great view and lovely light and asked if they would be interested. Thankfully they were and the evening sunset and gorgeous backdrop did not disappoint!

Here we have the sweet and sassy Miss Zoe being totally adorable!

Followed by the stunning Miss Micayla. She is such a natural in front of the camera and from what I could see an awesome big sister!

High School Senior photographer, Russian River Valley — High school Senior/Teen

I don’t like to let the parents think they can get away from the spotlight too easily lol. I also captured some shots of mom and dad being love birds together. Such a beautiful and loving couple. The light was perfection here along the Russian River.

Now images of the whole family together. I love capturing families connecting and relaxed in addition to the posed photos.

Russian River Photographer, Guerneville Family Photography

After all the official photos it was fun to also capture some always popular (with the kids) rock tossing into the river as the last of the sunset slipped behind the trees.

Russian River Valley, Family Photographer, Serving Guerneville, Ca

Thank you so much Throop Family for trusting me with your family memories! If you want your own family photos along the Russian River or among the Redwood Forest please contact me today…I cant wait to capture the magic of your life!

Child Photography, Documentary Photography, Family Photography, Guerneville, Mommy and Me Photos, Mustard Field Sessions, Russian River, Santa Rosa ca, sonoma county

Into the fields of gold|Mommy and Me Session| Guerneville, Ca Family Photographer

by jessicacollinsphotoon April 23, 2017April 23, 2017

Each year for a short time fields and vineyards of Sonoma County, Ca fill with dollops of gold as the mustard flowers bloom. The vibrant yellow sets the perfect backdrop for photo sessions like this one with CC and her mama Michelle. CC had a blast running, jumping, twirling and being silly.

I enjoyed waiting for all those special moments where I can capture the true connection and love these two share. Creating tangible memories for these two to both look back on someday warms my heart. I can’t wait for Michelle to send me a photo of how gorgeous these images look on her walls. I think the yellow backdrop and beautiful subjects will brighten and bring joy to their home 🙂

Thank you so much Michelle for trusting me with your family memories and allowing me to bring my creative visions to life.

Want your own mommy and me photo session? Contact me today and I would be happy to get you scheduled. I am based in Guerneville Ca and photograph all over Sonoma County and beyond. I would love to meet you and your family 🙂

Child Photography, Documentary Photography, Family Photography, Forestville, Guerneville, Mommy and Me Photos, Russian River, sonoma county

Stephens Mother/Daughter Session| Guerneville Family Photographer

by jessicacollinsphotoon March 20, 2017March 20, 2017

I have been photographing these girls for a couple years now and they never disappoint. I have watched them grow from little babies to toddlers and now young girls. They are always full of spunk and fun!! I always get excited when Christine (mom) contacts me for a session. This time I was really excited that Christine said she wanted a session with her girls! Christine is an amazing mother to 6 children. 4 boys and 2 girls. We relate on that being a mom of 4 boys but she tops me with having girls too haha. I really thought it was special to have a fun playful session capturing all 3 of them loving and playing together.

I really love to use this session as a great example of outfit choices. The color scheme is perfection they all compliment each other without being to “matchy” The layers and accessories really top things off. Most importantly you can see each person is comfortable in their outfit. It is important to dress in clothes you feel good in for your photos.

I love the love captured here of these lovely beautiful ladies! Thank you Christine for choosing me capture your family 🙂

If you are local or visiting Guerneville or anywhere along the Russian River area in Northern California I would love to capture you and your family! Contact me today to schedule your session.