Meet the Wood Family! This is one fun, sweet, beautiful loving family. Kate has the patience I think many of us wish we had, which makes her an amazing kindergarten teacher. You can see that the love her and her husband Jo have for each other really influences their children. All 3 of their children are so polite and kind.
Their family photo session took place in the gorgeous Armstrong Woods State Park in Guerneville, California. What a fun a magical place for family photos! We spent part of the session doing posed photos. I enjoyed getting to see them have fun together and create family photos they can treasure.
Once we got the posed shots finished up I wanted to capture some more documentary or lifestyle images of them exploring together as a family. This is usually where I end up with my personal favorite images. I can definitely appreciate the posed official photo on the wall but having those real moments with genuine smiles is the best in my opinion :)
Lifestyle Family Photos in the Redwood Forest
I am sure the Wood family will have many more fun adventures ahead together. As they adventure through life and kids grow they will always have these photos to look back on.
If you would like to have your own custom photography session for your family please contact me today.
I love being able to work literally in my own backyard. All of Sonoma County is beautiful no doubt. However, my heart lies here on the Russian River surrounded by ancient majestic redwood trees and awesome people both long time locals and tourist alike. This session was one I had envisioned since the first time I discovered this beach here in Guerneville. I was thrilled when Sarah chose this location. When they arrived for their session I found out that Sarah’s husband Ezra, actually grew up nearby and had spent time hanging out at this very beach, how cool! It was the perfect location for their family photographs.
A documentary approach to a family photo session like the Deering Family’s is not only my favorite way to capture images, it is a great option to alleviate the stress and anxiety that can come with the idea of a family photo session. I use my all mighty photographer super powers to get a feel for who you and your family are and then do my best to help bring that out in your photos. You get to have fun, play with your family and be yourself.
Some families are shy, some adventurous and some are really silly. Every family is unique and I love being able to see the differences and then capture them. I start my sessions by giving a little direction as to a good place to stand or say something like “hey, do you know how to play ring around the rosies?” or declare a silly face making competition. You can see these two little cuties seemed to enjoy that.
While having fun I mix in a few “posed” shots too. I believe in having photos on the wall that you can look back on remembering how it was for real, not necessarily a perfectly posed photograph. Emmett is like a lot of 6 year olds and loves pokemon cards! When it came time for a photo of him alone I thought it could be fun to incorporate that. He liked the idea and his parents will treasure that sweet little grin forever..win, win!
Since they are such good sports they wrapped up their session with a group family Pokemon card shot…how fun is that?!
Lets plan your family photo session experience today!
Meet the Coel family! Michelle contacted me about a family maternity session and also wanted to have photos of their son Christian for his birthday. Maternity photography sessions hold so much excitement. It does not matter if it is the first child or 10th…everyone is anxiously awaiting of this new life coming. Mothers are glowing and I say this honestly they look amazing! Even if they may feel they don’t they do. I have yet to photograph a pregnant woman that did not look gorgeous. We chose one of my favorite Sonoma County Regional Parks for their session location. The light and scenery never disappoint.
I really enjoyed getting to know this sweet family and capturing the last photos of them as a family of three.
The bond between mother and son is like no other, it warms your heart and soul to see how much they love each other. Playful Christian would run only so far before running back into his mamas safe arms.<3
Christian was a little shy at first and I don’t mind that one bit. It gives me a chance to get to know my clients better when I put the camera down a bit and take some time to talk and play. I know it is worth it to take the time to have him feel comfortable around me and get beautiful photos than rush it and force him only to end up with something not as sweet as these images. These are the moments of a soon to be big brother and 5 year old captured forever.
I have to share one of the things that I loved to hear from Michelle when we were setting up her session was how she heard that I offer prints and she really wanted to be sure she had her photos to display. Yay! Then she shared with me how her maternity photos from her first child are still on a disc, eeek! I know that is all too common I totally get it! It is so easy to feel like you had them done and you will print eventually, when you have time, the next time you see a great deal from your favorite place to print only to then find yourself years later with them on a disc and then you feel like it is too late. First it is never too late print them anyways, please please please!! Second avoid that in the future by having a full service photographer 🙂 You will want to look back on these photos and having quality prints is the only way to ensure you can see them later. Since I started photography the disc drives are not being part of computers just as floppy disc went away. Technology is always changing and we can’t keep up. Ok sorry to go on and on but I do feel as a professional it is important to remind everyone of these things 🙂
I will leave you with this the Coel family. Thank you Michelle, Will and Christian for having me photograph your family.
What is Fall without a trip to the local pumpkin patch?
I fondly recall the Fall adventure with my 3 older childrens kindergarten classes to the pumpkin patch. My youngest “baby” is now in kindergarten (still hard for me to accept). I had been truly looking forward to helping chaperone this fun experience.
The journey starts with all the kids loading on to the bus. As mentioned this was not my first go round at a kindegarten field trip therfore I opted to drive myself;) I love those kids but the loud, stuffy, smelly bus full of germs…ya not so much. ha!
This was a new Pumpkin patch for me. It was a lovely scenic drive from the Russian River area across Sonoma County over to the rolling hills of Petaluma.
Peter’s Pumpkin Patch has it all! They are a real working dairy farm, how cool!? The kids where greeted by a sweet little lady farmer (I missed her name but she introduced herself as farmer ___). She explained the kids would need to
work like real farmers and they would be paid with ice cream! The kids LOVED that idea.
They got right to work first visiting the sweet calves the farm had. The calves weren’t camera shy at all and get a look at those eyelashes…..No mascara needed for those lovelies!
Next up it was on to milk the Dairy Cows! The kids, while somewhat hesitant thoroughly enjoyed getting to be up close and see how to milk the cows. Squeals and giggles filled the air as each child had a turn with the farmer learning the proper technique.
Documentary Photography
Documentary Photography
Documentary Photography
Documentary Photography
Soon after they loaded up and headed out on the tractor pulled trailer to find pumpkins. I found it extra cool they actually had to pick the pumpkins (no pre cutting here). They all spent time carefully browsing the patch for the perfect pumpkin.
Documentary Photography
Documentary Photography
Documentary Photography
Documentary Photography
Then it was time for the next job…digging up potatoes! I think us adults had as much if not more fun than the kids with this. The kids collected 3 potatoes each. I personally grabbed a few more to purchase for my family. (they made excellent mashed potatoes!) The farmer here was also fantastic. He explained all sorts of fun potato farming techniques and facts to us.
Documentary Photography
Documentary Photography
It was time to head back up to the main area of the pumpkin patch where the kids fueled up with lunch before tackling the corn maze and corn pit. If you have never played in a corn pit, just do it! They are awesome!
Documentary Photography
Documentary Photography
Documentary Photography
After all that playing the Farmers made good on their promise and paid the kids with their fresh homeade ice cream! A choice of vanilla or pumpkin flavor was offered. I could not pass up on the ice cream myself and purchased a cup of the pumpkin. As I write this I still am craving more, it was so yummy! It was almost like a pumpkin cheesecake filling. Absolutely delicious!!
Documentary Photography
All good things must come to an end so after a few more runs up and down the giant hay pyramids back on the bus they went. All in all a pretty awesome day. Beautiful weather and a very cool pumpkin patch.
I hope you all don’t mind when I share some of my personal stuff here on my blog. I find it fun to share with you all how I document my own everyday life magic. Also I’d love to hear about your favorite Sonoma County pumpkin patch or other Fall traditions you may have Please share in the comments section below.
If you are interested in scheduling a Fall Family Photo Session please contact me here. I have an awesome Mini Session Deal going at the moment. I will also be having Tree Farm Holiday Photo Sessions very soon as well. I look forward to hearing from you.
Serenity, peace, love, joy…just a few words I could use to describe this photo session. When Kylie asked me to capture her pregnancy I was honored. We worked out a plan to do the first part of the session with only her at a very special location. This is on her families private property in Sonoma County, Ca. Have I said how much I love being here in the Russian River area? There are so many impeccable photo spots tucked away out here it is an absolute dream to work in my “backyard”.
Unfortunately Kylie lost her mother not too long ago. While it is difficult to not have your mother at your side physically as you have a child yourself there is no doubt Kylie’s mother is with her in spirit and watching over her closely. This luscious creek beneath the redwoods is where Kylie use to play with her mother when she was young. She has many special memories here. She brings her daughter here now and plans to bring her son when he arrives.
I love to capture the magic people have…the things that make them laugh, cry and FEEL. The reflections upon the water, the warm light seeping through the trees as the cold water rushed by was the perfect scene to show off how stunning motherhood is for Kylie. It was all the magic I could hope for and more.
Later that evening I met with Kylie, her husband Jason and their daughter Shyanne. We again had a lovely backdrop with this rustic barn and lovely Fall sunset light. Sonoma County is known for its wine and that means vineyards so how can we not take advantage of those being nearby? This family had me laughing so much! How adorable are they? Dancing in the Vineyards they look like pros. Shhh don’t tell that Jason looked at me like I asked him to fly to mars when I asked them to twirl and dance together haha! It was a great time!
Another favorite moment from their session was creating a special request Kylie had with the necklace she has in remembrance of her mother with her growing belly. As it came time to take this special photo the sun came shining down a loving light around Kylie.
I adore capturing Kylie and her daughter together. They have a very special bond and it is easy to see how much love they have for each other. Baby Levi is one lucky baby to be born into such a fun and loving family. Be sure to check back in with my blog soon to see baby Levi in a lifestyle family newborn session.
Having fun and being able to provide families with meaningful photos they will treasure forever is what I strive for in every session.Want to schedule your own session? Contact me today. I would love to capture the magic of your life!
Last year I had the pleasure of working with a few Teens and High School Seniors. I had so much fun working with this age group I decided to launch an official Senior Rep Program this year. I received a lot of great applicants but when I saw Seanna had applied I was super excited. I had worked with her before doing a family photo session. I knew Seanna had a great attitude, is hard working, kind and outgoing plus she is a natural in front of the camera! Of course she was chosen to represent my brand to other Sonoma County High School Seniors.
Seanna attends Casa Grande High school in Petaluma California (go Gauchos!!). The day came for her session and it was a perfect day! She had chosen a place her family enjoys together Cornerstone Sonoma. Unfortunately, despite checking in with this location we were only able to photograph for a short time before a private event started and we had to leave. Sometimes we can not control everything when using public locations. While this was a bummer I am one that chooses to roll with things and make the best of it. We decided that rather than reschedule we could check out another location. One reason I really wanted to work with this age group is because they are so creative and resourceful. Within minutes Seanna had found another location that she liked. I checked it out and felt it would work great as well so we packed up and headed to it. I have to say I was IN LOVE with this place as soon as I saw it. The gorgeous glowing light and rustic country scene was breathtaking and so worth driving up to. I felt this location really fit Seanna’s style perfectly!
Seanna looks stunning in all her images but I’d like to share some of my favorites of her with you all. I could not be prouder to have this lovely young women working with me this year. Be sure to see Seanna if you have any questions and she can even hook you up with a way to get a special gift from me when you choose me to be the one who captures your high school senior portraits! Get on my schedule by clicking here
I look forward to capturing the magic of your life!
Meet the Murillo Family! I have wanted to do a session for some time now out at the Russian River in West Sonoma County. It is such a fun and gorgeous place we are lucky to have this gem so close by. When mom Alysia was into the suggestion at our pre-session consult I was super excited. We discussed the perfect spot and then went over outfits and accessories to compliment the location.
The day finally arrived and we had the most perfect weather to go with everything else we had planned. It was not too hot, not too cold and just enough breeze to add some great motion to their hair and mom Alysia’s dress.
Working with the Murillos it was clear that their little girl is the light of their lives. I really enjoyed capturing the love they have for each other.
Little Sofia was a photographers dream not only adorable but happy, playful and willing to be directed in her play to make for some fantastic images! Here she is enjoying the cool water on her toes.
Life is too short to stay clean and dry when their is fun to be had so mom decided to join her. I could have dedicated their whole session to this sweetness.
As the sun set there was a natural magical light that arrived which I could not help enhancing with a little fairy magic :)
I could not have been more happy with the way this lovely family session turned out. Thank you Murillo family for trusting me to document the joy of your family.
Want your own Summer Fun Photo session at the river? You can contact me here to schedule. I look forward to capturing the magic of you and your loved ones soon!
Calming breezes brush your cheeks and whisp your hair gently, the sweet aroma of lavender fills the air along with the low hum of buzzing bees that almost can lull you to sleep. It must be June in Sonoma County, California and you most likely are strolling through the breathtaking gardens of Matanzas Creek Winery. Last year in the late Spring I went to visit the winery, I was greeted by a friendly and welcoming staff. I really enjoyed not only the wine but the grounds are absolutely breathtaking. Northern California’s wine country is full of beautiful estates but I really feel this one stands out. The estate grounds at Matanzas Creek are filled with unique family friendly areas to enjoy and explore. Some of the highlights include a Bocce Ball court, fountains, peaceful picnic areas, sweet little wooden bridges, rustic barns and of course one of the most prestigious lavender fields in the Bay Area. When you become a wine club member you gain exclusive priority access to visit the winery and discounts to their more than impressive events such as Days Of Lavender and Wine. I could go on and on about this gorgeous place but instead I will say I highly recommend the next time you have some free time go experience it for yourself.
Now that I have told you all about the location let’s get to the super fun part…the amazing unique photo sessions that I offer here. Having access to this location is an absolute dream. I offer a very limited amount of sessions here while the lavender is vibrant and in it’s full bloom. This peak blooming time occurs at the end of June and into early July each summer. I am happy to provide you a professional, fun, quality experience that gives you images that you will love and cherish forever. Here are some beauties from last years sessions. As you can see from my images I strive to capture emotion and who a person is in my images, no boring poses and overly bright flashes in your childrens eyes here. It is not to late to contact me and schedule your one of kind experience with Jessica Collins Photography. Happy to be your premiere West Sonoma County Photographer. I look forward to capturing the magic of your life in the lavender fields this summer!
The Lovely Miss AubreySweet Miss HollandBeautiful Sisters, Miss Carissa and Miss AlexisAdorable Sisters Miss Aria and Miss Shelby along with their gorgeous mommy.
I will be honest I am not much of a camper. It is a lot of work to pack up and prepare for lack of everyday living essentials with a big family. So it really is not my idea of a vacation to say the least. My family however are all well seasoned campers who really love it so I tag along once and awhile. This year we went for mothers day weekend which also happened to be my youngest brothers birthday. I have to say I was pleasantly surprised how much I enjoyed myself on this trip. I think it is no coincidence that now both my brothers families and my parents all have campers which had room for myself and my boys lol. I am telling ya “glamping” is the way to go!
This is the view of the cove right at the campground. We had a blast exploring this area.Our first trip down into the cove.
My boys and I arrived on Saturday around lunch time. Everyone else had been there the day before. (remember I said I am not a camper lol) We dropped our stuff at the campsite and took off to the cove to explore. We had the whole place to ourselves, such a treat!
After we explored a bit we headed back to the campsite to find the rest of the family. The boys apparently got hungry and decided to roast up some hot dogs and marshmallows around the campfire.
Fun around the campfire!
It was not long before all the cousins were off and playing. Climbing and racing around the campground.
Climbing, riding and running free!
The kids all decided that we had to return to the cove as the tide went out so we went back down to explore together. They spent so much time down here having the most fun! They flipped over rock after rock each one just as exciting as the last. Lots of squeals and shouts of finding “the most crabs ever”, sea snails and anemones. They has buckets full of little crabs (released back into the areas they had been found when done of course).
Exploring the tide pools in the coveIf you ever want to entertain kids of all ages..tide pools!A few of the tiny crabs we found and a hermit crab
After all the tide pool exploring the kids were ready to head back to camp. They caught a ride with the guys coming back in the campground from a day of fishing. The kids apparently caught more than the fisherman this day 😉
Campground fun.
What is camping without an attempt to pop jiffy pop on the fire, right? Our first try was an epic fail but after a long wait and smoked filled eyes we managed to have success!
As the sun was getting close to setting we decided to explore the other side of the campground. Who would have known we were about to discover a scene out of a fairytale. We found the coolest area a little bit off the path full of trees that seemed to form an enchanting hut like play structure. Grown ups and kids alike all had so much fun here.The wood grew in all sorts of fun twisting and turning ways. One of my nieces even said it was like “Alice in Wonderland”.
Exploring the magical coastal treesBreathtaking what mother nature creates.Believe it or not this was the best photo I could get of all of them together haha!
After lots of fun we decided to head back to camp. We were lucky enough to find a special little lady bug on our way. Ladybugs are very special to our family so I had to include it.
We got back in time to watch the most amazing sunset right from our campsite.
Nothing better than an sunset over the ocean!
You would think after all this in one day these kids would be tired…but no such thing! Now it is time to attack the birthday boy! haha
After a good nights rest we were now ready to head down one last time to the cove for some fishing before we left. Grandpa was teaching the boys how to fish while the rest of us explored and collected beach treasures.
Wind Sailers had washed up all over the cove that morninganother peek at the coves tide pools
All in all I think it is safe to say a fun time was had by all! I can not wait to return, even if I am not a “camper” this was a blast and may have converted me. I highly recommend you go check out Ocean Cove if you ever need a place to camp on the Sonoma/Mendocino Coast. The place was well maintained, family friendly and the staff I met was very nice and helpful. If you are interested in having your own camping trip or vacation documented feel free to see more info here on documentary sessions. I would love to tag along and capture your family fun! Ready to schedule now? Click here
Attention local High School Juniors, yes you class of 2017!!
I am currently looking for outgoing, interesting, stylish, social and fun students to join my Senior Rep program. If you think this is you hurry on over and APPLY HERE. Applications are accepted until April 30th, but the sooner the better. I will be looking for students from all Sonoma County High Schools. Neighboring Counties can also apply.
You will get the opportunity to earn discounted sessions, product credit, prizes and even cash! Who can’t use a little extra cash, right? All you have to do is help spread the word to all your friends and classmates about your experience with Jessica Collins Photography.
I will be announcing the chosen reps on May 1st! I can’t wait to meet all of you and be part of such an amazing time in your life as you finish such an important chapter.
Once we got the posed shots finished up I wanted to capture some more documentary or lifestyle images of them exploring together as a family. This is usually where I end up with my personal favorite images. I can definitely appreciate the posed official photo on the wall but having those real moments with genuine smiles is the best in my opinion :)
