Tom & Shannon's Family Portrait Session- Chico CA Portrait Photography

Ever since last year I have been excited about getting together a family portrait session for one particular family: My Uncle, Tom, his wife Shannon and my two beautiful cousins Fiona and Amelia. Last Christmas, my gift to them was a family portrait session. It took a while, but we were finally able to schedule our fall portrait session here in Chico, CA.

Although the weekend we scheduled the shoot turned into a slightly rainy weekend, the overcast skies helped create a soft lighting effect. And, although it was a chilly day, it did not stop us from taking pictures all morning. We started at Chico State with a few books, a step stool and their new puppy, Charlie, even made an appearance in a few photos. Everyone was really excited about the photo shoot - the girls were finding their own "spots" and coming up with creative poses for the camera. After the first 1 1/2 hours of photographing we all started to get a grumble in our stomachs, but as we looked up at the sky we knew we had to keep photographing or we might get rained out. We loaded up into our cars and headed over to 5-Mile Park.

5-Mile park has a beautiful grassy area covered with trees that I was thinking would be a great spot for fall-colored photos. We lugged out a couple more props - a white bench and an old ladder. I had so much fun with these end-of-the-session photos! As it turned out, the entire morning was successful - we got some great pics and kept dry!

Here are some of my favorites! Thanks Tom, Shannon, Fiona and Amelia for the amazing family portrait session and the wonderful visit.

Chico CA. Family Portrait Photography- Kim's Family Portrait Session

Over the weekend I had a family portrait session scheduled with Kim and her family. For the portrait session we knew we would want to capture the fall colors in the backgrounds of their images, so we decided Chico's Bidwell Park (1-Mile Swimming Hole) would be a perfect location. The leaves are gorgeous this time of year. We found ourselves a nice spot along the creek and took photos there for a bit. Since this was just a short portrait session we didn't spend much time out along the creek - we took the photos we needed then moved on. I brought a cute little white bench for them to all sit on. Here are some of my favorite images from the family portrait session. Thank you Kim & Family for the amazing time!

Truckee CA. Portrait & Engagement Photography- Nikki & Jason's Family Photo "Shoot Out"

Nikki is a long time friend of mine and sister of one of my recent brides, Dana. She contacted me for a portrait session just after her sister's wedding. She wanted to take family photos with her fiance, Jason, and their two Boston Terriers, Dexter and Zoey. Of course I was more than excited to get the opportunity to photograph the couple and their dogs, so I made plans to drive up to Truckee for the photo session.

Nikki said she had a great location to shoot near Russell Valley. As we drove down a dirt road to the location, I got really excited when I saw what would be a photographer's dream location. An old base camp for sheep herders, the camp is still used but, lucky for us, the camp is closed down at this time of year. We started taking pictures along the old buildings, some with the dogs and some with out. This quickly turned into an engagement style photo shoot. However for this couple a big wedding was not important to them. Shortly after this engagement/portrait session I saw the news, 11-11-11 would be Nikki and Jason's wedding date. SO CONGRATULATIONS TO THE NEWLYWEDS, NIKKI AND JASON!

Just as we were nearing the end of the portrait session, Nikki reminded me of some props she brought along for the session. An antique rifle, a pistol, plus the attire they go with - yes, chaps! I had so much fun with the couple and at the new location. Thank you Nikki and Jason for the awesome portrait session, congratulations again on your marriage. Here are some of my favorite portraits of the two of you and your little family.

Chico, CA. Wedding Photography- Charise and Cody's Engagement Session

I have been so spoiled this year with amazing clients. Charise and Cody were referred to me from one of my favorite photographers, Vinnie. Happens to be, Vinnie will be a member of the wedding. I knew before I met the couple I was going to like them, and it was true, the day of our initial meeting, me and Charise just talked and talked. An hour into our meeting we decided we better finish up the rest of the paperwork when we do our engagement session because we could keep talking wedding details and engagement session ideas for hours.

As the engagement session neared it was time to decide on a location, lucky for me, Chico does not have a shortage of awesome locations for outdoor portrait photography. We decided we would start our session at the Genetic Resource and Conservation Center. Located right in Chico, the facility provides a wide array of foliage, including a bamboo groove. We played around at this location for awhile but I was really excited for the second half of our engagement session.

Cody is the proud owner of a Ford 28 Model A Roadster Pickup. When we met for the first time it was decided no matter what we did for the engagement session, in someway it would have the truck included. We decided that Orange St. would be perfect location for the second half of our session, a popular location for wedding and portrait photography. We spent the rest of the evening shooting around this location, with the truck and with out. As the sun started to come down it was time to wrap up the session, the trucks headlights are out of commission and Cody had to get it home.

Thank you Charise and Cody for the amazing engagement session, I can not wait to photograph your special day.