Photography Archives - Russian River Photographer

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.

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.

Tag: Photography

Love in the Lavender Fields| Russian River Valley Family Photographer

Pumpkin Patch Time!| Sonoma County Child Photographer