Pumpkin Patch Time!| Sonoma County Child Photographer

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.

 

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.

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.

 

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!

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!!

Family Photographer, Sonoma County, Russian River Valley
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.Jess Signature Blog

 

 

 

 

 

Woodruff Family Maternity Session| 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!

Sonoma County Photographer

Child Photographer, russian river, Sonoma County California

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

Family Photographer, russian river, Sonoma County California

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.Family Photographer, russian river, Sonoma County California

 

Family Photographer, russian river, Sonoma County California

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.

Child Photographer, russian river, Sonoma County California

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.Child Photographer, russian river, Sonoma County California

As the sun set there was a natural magical light that arrived which I could not help enhancing with a little fairy magic :)Child Photographer, russian river, Sonoma County California

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

Lovely Lavender| Sonoma County Child Photographer

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! Jess Signature Blog

 

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Lavender field Photo sessions by Sonoma County California Photographer
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Lavender field Photo sessions in Sonoma County California
Adorable Sisters Miss Aria and Miss Shelby along with their gorgeous mommy.

Santa Rosa, California, Photographer

Coastal Camping|Ocean Cove, California

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!

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This is the view of the cove right at the campground. We had a blast exploring this area.
Documentary, Photographer, Sonoma County, Ca. Photography
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.

 

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Fun around the campfire!

It was not long before all the cousins were off and playing. Climbing and racing around the campground.

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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).

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Exploring the tide pools in the cove
Documentary, Photographer, Sonoma County, Ca. Photography, ocean cove
If you ever want to entertain kids of all ages..tide pools!
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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 😉

 

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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!family photographer, sonoma county, camping, documentary Photography

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”.

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Exploring the magical coastal trees
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Breathtaking what mother nature creates.
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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.

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We got back in time to watch the most amazing sunset right from our campsite.

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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 sonoma county camping, photographer, santa rosa, ocean cove

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.family photographer, sonoma county, california coast, photography

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Wind Sailers had washed up all over the cove that morning
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another 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

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