As a Central Coast family and portrait photographer I’ve had the privilege of photographing families coming together against some of the most picturesque backdrops California has to offer. Recently, I had the pleasure of photographing a beautiful family amidst the rolling hills and fields of golden light of San Luis Obispo’s countryside. I photographed Bonnie and Beau’s wedding at the beautiful Tiber Canyon Ranch over 12 years ago. Ever since they had their first child I’ve been documenting their family every year. It’s a joy to capture all the love of the wedding day and even more of a satisfaction to be a part of the couples growing families along the way.
Each year Bonnie selects a different theme, setting, clothing options, and locations on the Central Coast. For this session we all decided on a charming ranch nestled on the outskirts of San Luis Obispo in the Edna Valley. The expansive fields, majestic oak trees, and even a ranch horse photo bombed our session.
For anyone planning a family portrait session on the Central Coast I believe Bonnie and Beau’s family exemplifies how to have a successful time. Over the years a few things stand out to me. First, they plan well in advance, securing their date and formulating a theme, location, and setting. They’re wonderfully purposeful and intentional, yet flexible and spontaneous for each of our sessions.
Bonnie is wonderful at ordering clothes that match the theme and setting. Even with the work of getting all the kiddos ready and showing up on time, it always proves to be a fun-filled time with a lot of laughter and connection. Interacting naturally and not having unrealistic expectations with children is essential to a successful session, and Bonnie and Beau’s family does this so well.
It’s photographing families like this that remind me why I love what I do. If your looking to document your family’s journey amidst the natural beauty of the Central Coast, I would be honored to capture your story. Contact me to discuss how we can created timeless photographs that reflect the essence of your family.
