Welcoming Baby J — And Celebrating Big Brother SThere is nothing I love more than welcoming back families I’ve photographed before. Two years ago, I had the absolute joy of photographing big brother Sebastian as a newborn, and now I’ve had the honor of capturing his new role as proud big brother to sweet baby Julian. Repeat families truly fill my heart — watching your family grow is one of the best parts of this work.
Baby J arrived just in time for the coziest season, so of course we leaned into all things fall. Warm tones, soft textures, and a sprinkle of pumpkins made the perfect setup for this November baby. And with the holidays right around the corner, we added a simple, sweet Christmas setup to get this family ready for the upcoming season of celebration.
This session resulted in a very large gallery — over 120 images! Honestly, far too many favorites to choose from. Big brother  brought all the smiles, and baby slept like a dream, making it one of those sessions that just flows with ease and sweetness from start to finish.
A huge shout-out to Mom, who did an incredible job with wardrobe selection. The soft, coordinating tones photographed beautifully and created such a timeless look for their family portraits. Styling truly makes all the difference, and she nailed it!
If you’re expecting a baby in 2026, now is the perfect time to secure your session. Getting on the calendar early means one less thing to think about once your baby arrives — because we all know how wonderfully busy life becomes. The besttime to book your newborn session is during your second trimester.
I can’t wait to meet the new babies — and welcome back the wonderful families — who will walk through my studio doors in the year ahead.
Book your 2026 newborn session now and let future-you breathe a sigh of relief!

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.

Book a micro mini session today.  Click on this link for more details

https://jessicamccoyphotograhy.bigcartel.com/product/summermini2025

One of the most wonderful things about photographing families in my Downtown Martinez studio is that sessions here are flexible, cozy, and beautiful—no matter what time of day we shoot. This indoor space is temperature controlled (hello, comfort!) and full of soft, natural light, making it a perfect environment for little ones and parents alike. Whether it’s chilly outside or blazing hot, our studio is always just right.
I recently had the joy of photographing the Wong family and their sweet 11-month-old baby girl. She was the picture of calm curiosity, taking in every moment with those big, beautiful eyes. Her parents were equally lovely—kind, relaxed, and connected, which made this session so special to photograph.

The neutral tones they chose for their outfits added to the timeless, airy feel of the images. Wardrobe styling is always included with each session, and I’m here to help with outfit choices for both adults and children so you never feel unsure about what to wear.
If you’re thinking about booking a family session, now is the time! Fall sessions book quickly, and studio sessions like this can be done any time of day, making scheduling so much easier.
📍Located in the heart of Downtown Martinez, CA, my studio is easily accessible for families from Walnut Creek, Lafayette, Pleasant Hill, Concord, Benicia, and the greater Bay Area.
Let’s create images that feel warm, honest, and lasting—just like this sweet session with the Wongs. Don’t wait until fall is full. Reach out now to secure your spot!