A Fall Golden Hour Family and Maternity Shoot

I always mourn the loss of the long days of summer when we shift to fall and evening starts to creep up earlier and earlier. I think it’s left over from growing up in the northeast, where the end of those long days meant real cold was coming.  But I have to admit, as a family photographer, there is a pretty delightful silver lining to the shorter days.  Not only are the fall and winter sunsets gorgeous, filled with the most perfect light, but they happen early enough that your little ones can stay awake for them.  Not to mention, now that I’m in Los Angeles, there’s no cold weather to fear.

My first goal from a session is to tell the story of who your family is right now. Often that means an in home shoot, but it doesn’t have to. Sometimes a family, like this one, tells me that they are most at home when they are playing and exploring outdoors. Part of the joy of working with a family is learning about them and tailoring a session to who they are.  With an active two year old, I didn’t just want a pretty spot, I wanted a place that was engaging and fun.

What a delight this family was! Mama’s pregnant belly didn’t hold her back from anything. She was game to hike, climb on fallen trees, dance and play and the rest of her family joined right in. I really let their happiness, connection, and the beautiful light be the stars of the show.