The Bartel Family Portrait Session & Blossoming Almond Orchards

For several years, I have had the pleasure of photographing the amazing Bartel Family in a variety of settings. When Kathy contacted me about doing another family portrait session, I was beyond excited. We had originally talked about doing holiday photos, but after tossing a few ideas back and forth we eventually landed on a Spring Celebration themed shoot, using Butte County's fabulous almond orchards as the setting. Getting wonderful shots of the almond orchards in full bloom is difficult enough due to the short window of time before the blossoms fall to the ground, but then add the task of finding a day within that window that all of the family members, the photographer and her assistant can make it. We had to reschedule a few times because the blossoms were not ready, but eventually landed on the perfect day: not only were the almond trees absolutely gorgeous, but a swiftly approaching storm brought in a dramatic sky which we captured in a few shots just before sunset.

It is always so rewarding to work with people who are willing to step out of their comfort zone, or think outside the box. The Bartel Family could easily have decided it was too cold, or that they may get sprinkled on, and rescheduled the shoot, but they knew that the stormy, moody sky would make for some dramatic photos, and that the rain may actually knock all those delicate blossoms right off of the almond trees. Thankfully, we made it happen and here are some of my favorite photos from the shoot.