Russian River Photographer, Guerneville Wedding. Guerneville Elopement, Russian River Elopement

Russian River Getaway Photo Session

Barbara and Dave contacted me regarding a couples photo session while they came to visit from Texas. As soon as Barbara mentioned blue hair and tattoos, I knew they were my kind of people!

There is so much beauty here in the Russian River they decided on doing a session above the redwoods as well as the Sonoma County Coast. Once I met them I quickly came to the conclusion they would fit in great here in Northern California. Funny thing is they will actually be moving to this area for work soon and I am so excited to welcome this fun, outgoing totally in love couple to the Russian River!

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I had so much fun showing them one of my favorite locations above the redwoods and having Barbara conquer her fear of heights hiking down the pathway to one of my favorite beaches…she was a true trooper!! I loved how much we all laughed and adored capturing the pure true love these two share. If you would like to schedule your own couples session please contact me here.

Russian River Wedding Photographer, Russian River Wedding
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Guerneville Photographer, Russian River Valley Photography

Tips for Family Photo Sessions|Russian River Valley, California

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 Coastsession…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

Russian River, Elopement, Intimate Wedding, Photographer

Elopement On The Russian River| Joyce and Natalee

 

Elopement in Guerneville, Ca

I knew right away when I met Joyce and Natalee their wedding day was going to be beautiful. They both radiate happiness, love and fun. Their chosen wedding venue Armstrong Woods. Armstrong Woods is an exceptionally beautiful California State Park right here in Guerneville. I had met with Joyce and Natalee when they came up to visit the park a few weeks before the wedding day. We planned out areas they liked and we talked about the best time for lighting of their photos. I was super excited for their big day!

I remember waking up the morning of Joyce and Natalee’s wedding day to the sounds of down-pouring rain. I can’t speak for all photographers but I actually welcome and embrace various weather and situations as it pushes the creative side in me to create something new and exciting. However, when it comes to weddings I do not ever want my couples to feel stress on their day from rain or anything else. Luckily the skies dried up and aside from a minor move around some giant puddles for the ceremony all worked lovely!

Wedding Ceremony in Redwood Forest

The ceremony looked like a fairytale under the majestic giant redwoods.I loved the way they included the children in their ceremony. The light came shining through the trees like clockwork as if shining extra love on to the vows they said to each other. It was absolutely perfect!

 

Russian River, Elopement, Intimate Wedding, Photographer Russian River, Elopement, Intimate Wedding, Photographer Russian River, Elopement, Intimate Wedding, Photographer

Russian River, Elopement, Intimate Wedding, Photographer

Let the Adventure Begin

In case gorgeous sun light, 2 beautiful brides, 2 beautiful children and the redwood forest aren’t enough awesomeness for you…I give you the adventure!

Joyce and Natalee are so awesome! When I mentioned going to the top of a mountain for photos they both agreed and I was stoked! I had a vision of how it would go. However, the settling rain clouds and golden hour light way surpassed my expectations to highlight these gorgeous newlywed wed ladies! They were such good sports, so in love and willing to hike to the edge of a mountain for these beautiful photos. I could seriously post their entire gallery on this blog because I love it that much! I try to stick to the highlights though and leave the entire gallery private. I hope you enjoy these as much as I do.

Russian River, Elopement, Intimate Wedding, Photographer

Russian River, Elopement, Intimate Wedding, PhotographerRussian River, Elopement, Intimate Wedding, Photographer

 

Thank you Natalee and Joyce for having me capture your amazing wedding day! I wish you and your family the very best life full of fun and adventure.

Russian River Valley, Guerneville Ca Photographer

 

Are you looking to get married here in the Russian River Valley? Guerneville has beaches, Rivers, Redwoods and so much more and I would love to photograph your elopement or intimate wedding. Please feel free to contact me here

 

 

Venue: Armstrong Woods

Hair/MUA: Desiree Duncan @ West Sonoma County Style Bar