Some families start out as clients… and then, without even realizing it, they turn into your people.
The Foret family is absolutely one of those for me.
I’ve been photographing them since Crew — the little guy — was just 6 months old, and watching him grow into the sweet, confident boy he is today has been one of my greatest joys as a photographer. But let’s talk about big sister Corafor a minute, because our story started out just a tiny bit rocky… in the best way.
At their very first session, Cora was a sweet little 2-year-old, and I was doing what I do — trying to gently help her get comfortable on mom’s lap. What I didn’t realize in that moment was that Cora was not ready for a photographer to get handsy with her right off the bat. I immediately offended her, and our friendship had a very rough start 😅
A good reminder that sometimes kids need a minute… or ten… before warming up!
Fast forward to now, and Cora is one of my little besties. Watching her confidence grow, seeing her personality shine, and knowing she feels safe and comfortable in front of my camera means the world to me.
Sessions with the Foret family never feel like “just” a photo session. They feel like a hangout.
We catch up on life, laugh, update each other on what’s new, and somewhere in between all that — we create beautiful images that freeze time for just a moment.
That’s one of my favorite parts of what I do: building relationships that grow alongside your families. Getting to document not just how your kids look, but who they are becoming.

This session brought together the Guthrie parents, their twin daughters, both husbands, and all the kids—making it a true celebration of family. Coordinated fall tones blended beautifully with the natural setting, giving the images a timeless, relaxed feel. From grandparents smiling proudly at their growing family to sweet moments between parents and their little ones, every combination told part of their story.
The kids were the stars in the best way—curious, playful, and full of personality. We kept things easy and fun, allowing them to explore while capturing genuine smiles and interactions. And of course, no family session would be complete without their lovable dog, Mammoth, who happily joined in and added even more character to the photos.

Sessions like this are a reminder of how important it is to document these seasons of life. Kids grow quickly, families change, and having images that show everyone together—especially grandparents with their children and grandchildren—is something that becomes more meaningful with time.
The Guthrie family was such a joy to photograph, and I’m so honored to help preserve these memories for them here in Martinez. These are the kinds of images that will be looked back on for generations. 🤍

A Family Session with the Olson’s at the Berkeley Botanical GardensThe Olson family’s photoshoot at the Berkeley Botanical Gardens was an absolute dream. With so many diverse landscapes tucked into one location, it felt like we were able to travel to multiple destinations in a single afternoon. Ollie and Alice were full of energy and curiosity, which made the session all the more fun—exploring new corners of the gardens together as I captured their natural smiles and sweet family moments.​

We started in the lush greenhouse, where the warm light filtered through the glass and surrounded them with vibrant greenery. It was the perfect spot to capture their connection as a family of four. From there, we wandered into the desert cactus garden, filled with unique textures and striking plants that created such a fun contrast to the softer greenhouse tones. Ollie was fascinated by the tall cacti, while Alice cuddled close to her dad, and I couldn’t help but smile at their little adventures.
Another favorite stop was the California native section, which offered a totally different backdrop with green trees, shaded trails, and ferns. This area felt calm and timeless, giving us such a beautiful variety of photos to add to their gallery. It’s amazing how much the Berkeley Botanical Gardens has to offer in just one visit—it truly feels like multiple worlds all in one.
One thing to keep in mind when planning a photoshoot here: the gardens close at 5:00 pm, so all sessions must take place earlier in the day. The soft afternoon light filtering through the trees and greenery makes it more than worth the earlier shoot time.

✨ Mini Sessions Announcement ✨
I’m so excited to share that I’ll be offering mini shoots at the Berkeley Botanical Gardens on Friday, October 17th! These shorter sessions are perfect for families, couples, or anyone who wants to capture updated photos in a stunning location without committing to a full session.
Spots are limited, so be sure to grab yours early!
👉 Click here to book your Berkeley Botanical Garden mini shoot
The Olson family’s session is proof of how magical this location can be. I can’t wait to capture more families here and create timeless memories among the cacti, ferns, and greenhouses.

This beautiful fall day in Danville was all about family — and the Barnum crew showed up with full hearts and big smiles. The parents brought their two daughters, their husbands, and all the grandkids for a morning full of laughter, snuggles, and golden light.
I love sessions like this because they tell a full story — not just of one family, but of generations. Watching the grandparents hold their grandbabies and seeing everyone together in one frame is something truly special. These are the photos that will be cherished for decades — the ones you’ll look back on and remember exactly how little the kids were, how everyone fit perfectly in that moment.
So often, families wait for “the perfect time” to take photos, but the truth is — now is the perfect time. Including grandparents in your session makes it even more meaningful. There’s something so beautiful about documenting that bond — the joy, the pride, and the deep love that ties everyone together.
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The Barnum family radiated warmth, and their color palette of cozy rusts, greens, and soft neutrals fit the season perfectly. It was one of those sessions where you could feel how close everyone is, and I’m so happy they chose to capture this chapter together.