Sacramento Family Photographer | Topher + Oscar

This family. It started out as a mini-session and ended up an hour long walk along the river, chatting, chasing their adorable son, and getting to know each other. I can’t even describe how much fun it was photographing this crew. They adopted little R and he is their whole world. The way this boy lights up when he’s around his parents is the absolute best.

We met near the river, close to their home. They like to walk here in the evenings and spend time enjoying Sacramento. I love when my families choose a spot that has some sentimental value. It makes the photo session easier and the images mean more. Little R knows this area and feels comfortable there, so it was easy to capture his real personality. Children are creatures of habit. If I can’t come into their home for photos I enjoy taking them to a spot they feel 100% comfortable. This means anywhere outside for most little ones. They need to be able to explore and run and play while we take photos. Hands down, my favorite images are those showing real emotion and that only happens when I can get a child to open up and be themselves.

This boy likes to run. Fast. We played and laughed and I captured some really awesome images of him, full belly laughing. His sweet face and spirited personality were awesome, and reminded me of my own kids. I can’t even imagine how much fun every day is in their home. I am so happy for this family. Their adoption, beautiful life, and son are everything. I follow them on Instagram and enjoy watching this child grow up. I hope they have a wonderful year and I look forward to “seeing” them online and watching their family adventures!

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January 23, 2018January 23, 2018

Day in the Life Folsom Family | Liz + Joe + Addie

These people are just the best. I first met Joe and Liz way back when for their engagement and wedding. They started their family soon after. I got the chance to meet their daughter when she was still a budding little bear in her mama’s tummy. Liz wanted to do something different for their family holiday photos. She decided a “real life” session, baking cookies (which they brought to a holiday party that afternoon), playing, and snuggling, would be perfect. I met up with them in the morning and hung out for a few hours. It was pure joy watching them laugh and enjoy each other’s company.

I love how easily Liz and Joe love each other. They are so fond of the other and it shows. Little Addie is a spit-fire. Which is really no surprise considering her mother. It was hard to pull myself away and stop shooting. There is something so raw and full of life in a “day in the life” session at home. This little girl was absolutely herself. No holds barred. I know I have mentioned this before, but it is so easy to be home for your family session. You do not need a model-home perfect house. You only need YOUR home. Everything in your space has meaning to you. Documenting one day of semi chaos is so much more personal than any other session could be. By letting go of the idea of false perfection you allow the most intimate, sweet, and perfectly real moments to happen. All while surrounded with the people that matter most.

Thank you to Liz and Joe for having me back to photograph their family again and again. I absolutely love seeing families grow, and it is always a blast hanging with these two!! It is all Pitbull singing, dancing, good times and I adore you all!!

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January 9, 2018

Lake Tahoe Family Photography | Lexie + Jose

I met up with this adorable family in Lake Tahoe for a family session. We started out at their family cabin near South Lake. After running around the backyard, which was perfectly woodsy, we headed out to the lake. Lexie and Jose have two sweet daughters. The girls were absolutely amazing during their session. They took a quick minute to warm up to me and my camera, but once they were comfortable they were the best!

The best photos come from letting the little ones be themselves. Kids need to be able to run around and play during a family session. I encourage the silliness and playful family hugs. Lexie and Jose have a really awesome relationship with their girls and it was easy to capture all of their love.

Our time at the lake was lovely. The girls played in the sand while the sun set over the Tahoe mountains. We kept the session light and easy, allowing the little ones to get all sandy and dirty. Their shoes kept falling off and the air grew colder as the sun went down, but it was a fabulously fun evening. I admire the way this family interacts and it was a joy to photograph them!

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