West Sonoma County Archives - Russian River Photographer

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!

Maternity Photographer, Family, Russian River. Sonoma County, Ca — Maternity Photography

High School Senior, Photographer. Russian River

Documentary Photography, Family Photography, High School Senior Photography

Seanna Barker Class Of 2017| Sonoma County High School Senior

by jessicacollinsphotoon October 22, 2016October 22, 2016

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!

Sonoma County,High School, Senior Portraits, Photographer, Russian River — Sonoma County Senior Photographer

Sonoma County, High School Senior, Photographer. Russian River — Sonoma County Senior Photographer

Sonoma County, Senior Portraits, Photographer, Russian River — Sonoma County Senior Photographer

Child Photographer, russian river, Sonoma County California

Child Photography, Documentary Photography, Family Photography, Uncategorized

Family fun on the Russian River|Sonoma County, Ca Photographer

by jessicacollinsphotoon June 29, 2016June 29, 20166 Comments

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!

Santa Rosa, California, Child Photographer

Child Photography, High School Senior Photography, Uncategorized

Lovely Lavender| Sonoma County Child Photographer

by jessicacollinsphotoon June 1, 2016June 1, 2016

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!