It is hard to believe this adorable sweet girl is three years old already!! I remember putting her in a little basket and taking newborn photos of her like it was yesterday. Now she is running, talking and playing like a big girl. I loved the drive down to Goat Rock beach, as soon as Aubrry could see the waves she was saying “ocean ocean ocean” It was adorable!
I had so much fun capturing Aubreys personality and fun at the Sonoma Coast. If you are in the Russian River area or surrounding areas I would love to capture all your precious moments. Please contact me today to schedule your custom session.
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.
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.
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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!
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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.
