Guerneville Photographer, Russian River Valley Photography

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Tips for Family Photo Sessions|Russian River Valley, California

by adminupdated on October 3, 2018October 3, 2018

Family Photography on The Russian River

Ok, you found a photographer that matches with your style and you’re all scheduled for photos, now what? What to wear? Will my kids cooperate? Will my spouse cooperate? Should I go on a diet? So many questions are now making this whole thing you wanted to do a bit stressful. I am here to tell you no more of that! This does not have to be and should not be anything to get you panicked over. I have photographed children and families for over 4 years now and I have some inside info to make this smooth sailing!

Choosing a Location:

I live in Guerneville, Ca and I love this area. I have fell in love with photographing in the serene sunset light as it spreads across the beautiful backdrops here. The river, the redwoods, the coast, open fields, mountain tops we have it all here! While I love this area I am happy to accommodate an area special to you/your family, just ask.

What to wear….

It is important to put thought into your outfit planning however, I also very much encourage you to not stress too much. Keep it simple and comfortable. If you wear dresses and heels fairly often by all means wear your dress/heels. If you’re a jeans and boots kinda girl, do it! I want everyone to be themselves in photos. If you’re uncomfortable it will show then I have to get all “hey, none of that grumpy face stuff here” during the session ;). I do have some easy Do’s and Don’ts that will help you choose your outfits

Do:

-Plan ahead

-Choose neutral colors (gray, brown, blue ect)

-Think head to toe (hats, scarves, shoes,)

-Layering is an easy way to look more put together (vest, cardigan, jean jacket)

-Accessorize! little embellishments can make big improvements (jewelry, hair clips, headbands, suspenders, hats)

-Dress for the weather

-Consider your location in your outfit choice. Think not only color but setting too, choose colors that contrast the surroundings, I want you to stand out not blend in to the area.

-Coordinate colors of family members outfits so they look nice together. (remember the color wheel you learned in art class)

-Remember to consider textures of things, different textures can really add dimension to your photos.

-Check out my Pinterest Board with great color scheme ideas

Don’t:

-Match everyone in the same outfits (Don’t worry I’m guilty of it too, but let’s live and learn from that fad)

-Wear clothes that are too big or too small

-Force your kids into something they don’t like. Instead offer them color choices and let them help especially older children/teens.

-Don’t wear clothing with logos,words, or busy prints.

-Avoid neon colors.
-Don’t experiment with makeup you do not normally wear.

Ok on to the next big issue that almost every parent worries about for the photo Guerneville, Photographer, Russian River Valley, Sonoma Coast session…their kids! First of all let me say this I have 4 boys..yes 4! Ranging from 7-18 and I have seen a lot of interesting things from them so please do not worry about your kids being kids at photo sessions. Anyone who photographs kids knows that kids are not perfect little statues that sit and smile. I promise your child is not the only one to cry, run away or give me the stink eye lol. However, at some point they end up thinking I’m not so bad and that’s when I put my ninja/photography skills to work and get awesome photos. FYI all this applies to husbands too or maybe it’s your wife who knows, right? Regardless of who or why, I get it and I won’t judge, I promise. I actually see it as a challenge and want to work even harder to make sure they end up being the one they want to call next time photos are needed. I love what I do and I like everyone around me to be in on the fun I’m having.

Last I want to chat woman to woman with all you ladies reading this. Women are all too often so incredibly hard on themselves. Here you are in a photo with your amazing family and you find something wrong with yourself in it. Stop it, please…pretty please 🙂 Cherish the beauty of the whole picture. You’re beautiful! You are incredibly lucky to have this family whether it is 1 person or 20 beside you, they love you! Rest assured that I use various techniques such as lighting, poses and the right lenses to flatter you and your family so everyone looks their best. If you tell me ahead of time any specific concerns you have I will be extra aware of that and ensure you look your very best. The best photos come when you relax and trust me to capture you being the beautiful person you are naturally with your family.

Ps years and years down the road when your babies are grown they won’t care if you’re overweight, too thin, bad hair style ect. They will simply see a photo of their family. The same way you cherish photos of your loved ones, you too are loved and cherished for who you are not how you look. 🙂

I hope this helps take some of the pressure or worry out of your next family photo session. Please feel free to comment below any other questions you may have. Also if you have a great photo session tip please share.

See you soon!
-Jess

Guerneville Photographer, Russian River, Photography

Russian River Photographer, Guerneville, Photography

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Aubrey is 3!| Sonoma County Coast| Russian River Photographer

by jessicacollinsphotoupdated on September 26, 2017August 23, 2017

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.

Child Photography, Documentary Photography, Family Photography, Guerneville, Lavender fields, Russian River, russian river vacation, sonoma county, Spring, Wine Country

Love in the Lavender Fields| Russian River Valley Family Photographer

by jessicacollinsphotoupdated on September 26, 2017July 18, 20171 Comment

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.

Guerneville, Ca, Family Photographer serving the Russian River Valley

Child Photography, Documentary Photography, Family Photography, Forestville, Guerneville, High School Senior Photography, Russian River, russian river vacation, sonoma county, Summer, Wine Country

Throop Family| Russian River Valley| Family Photographer

by jessicacollinsphotoupdated on September 26, 2017May 16, 2017

Each October Guerneville Elementary School holds an awesome Halloween Carnival and fundraiser put on by the F.O.G.S organization. It is so much fun! Along with the fun of games and activities is a pretty impressive raffle. No joke the local businesses and families donate some fantastic items (do not miss it this year!). I added in a gift certificate for a mini family session and The lovely Throop family were the lucky winners!

I really enjoyed getting to meet Maile and her family. We actually had another location in mind when we set up her session. However a day or two before I messaged them saying I found this awesome place close by that had a great view and lovely light and asked if they would be interested. Thankfully they were and the evening sunset and gorgeous backdrop did not disappoint!

Here we have the sweet and sassy Miss Zoe being totally adorable!

Followed by the stunning Miss Micayla. She is such a natural in front of the camera and from what I could see an awesome big sister!

High School Senior photographer, Russian River Valley — High school Senior/Teen

I don’t like to let the parents think they can get away from the spotlight too easily lol. I also captured some shots of mom and dad being love birds together. Such a beautiful and loving couple. The light was perfection here along the Russian River.

Now images of the whole family together. I love capturing families connecting and relaxed in addition to the posed photos.

Russian River Photographer, Guerneville Family Photography

After all the official photos it was fun to also capture some always popular (with the kids) rock tossing into the river as the last of the sunset slipped behind the trees.

Russian River Valley, Family Photographer, Serving Guerneville, Ca

Thank you so much Throop Family for trusting me with your family memories! If you want your own family photos along the Russian River or among the Redwood Forest please contact me today…I cant wait to capture the magic of your life!

Child Photography, Documentary Photography, Family Photography, Guerneville, Mommy and Me Photos, Mustard Field Sessions, Russian River, Santa Rosa ca, sonoma county

Into the fields of gold|Mommy and Me Session| Guerneville, Ca Family Photographer

by jessicacollinsphotoon April 23, 2017April 23, 2017

Each year for a short time fields and vineyards of Sonoma County, Ca fill with dollops of gold as the mustard flowers bloom. The vibrant yellow sets the perfect backdrop for photo sessions like this one with CC and her mama Michelle. CC had a blast running, jumping, twirling and being silly.

I enjoyed waiting for all those special moments where I can capture the true connection and love these two share. Creating tangible memories for these two to both look back on someday warms my heart. I can’t wait for Michelle to send me a photo of how gorgeous these images look on her walls. I think the yellow backdrop and beautiful subjects will brighten and bring joy to their home 🙂

Thank you so much Michelle for trusting me with your family memories and allowing me to bring my creative visions to life.

Want your own mommy and me photo session? Contact me today and I would be happy to get you scheduled. I am based in Guerneville Ca and photograph all over Sonoma County and beyond. I would love to meet you and your family 🙂

Child Photography, Documentary Photography, Family Photography, Forestville, Guerneville, Mommy and Me Photos, Russian River, sonoma county

Stephens Mother/Daughter Session| Guerneville Family Photographer

by jessicacollinsphotoon March 20, 2017March 20, 2017

I have been photographing these girls for a couple years now and they never disappoint. I have watched them grow from little babies to toddlers and now young girls. They are always full of spunk and fun!! I always get excited when Christine (mom) contacts me for a session. This time I was really excited that Christine said she wanted a session with her girls! Christine is an amazing mother to 6 children. 4 boys and 2 girls. We relate on that being a mom of 4 boys but she tops me with having girls too haha. I really thought it was special to have a fun playful session capturing all 3 of them loving and playing together.

I really love to use this session as a great example of outfit choices. The color scheme is perfection they all compliment each other without being to “matchy” The layers and accessories really top things off. Most importantly you can see each person is comfortable in their outfit. It is important to dress in clothes you feel good in for your photos.

I love the love captured here of these lovely beautiful ladies! Thank you Christine for choosing me capture your family 🙂

If you are local or visiting Guerneville or anywhere along the Russian River area in Northern California I would love to capture you and your family! Contact me today to schedule your session.

Child Photography, Documentary Photography, Family Photography

Pumpkin Patch Time!| Sonoma County Child Photographer

by jessicacollinsphotoon October 25, 2016October 25, 2016

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.

Child Photography, Family Photography, Maternity Photography

Woodruff Family Maternity Session| Russian River Photographer

by jessicacollinsphotoon October 23, 2016October 23, 2016

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

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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!