Sonoma Valley Family Session // Sonoma, CA

This session might take the cake for favorite family session of 2018. I always love shooting in California so being able to shoot sessions while visiting family and friends is always a bonus! There is something special about that golden California light and I especially love that I don’t typically have to worry about having a rain plan. This session took place in the middle of November, a time when I rarely shoot outdoors in WA because it’s either raining or too cold to be outside without a heavy jacket. While we did have to deal with heavy smoke that day, we were still able to shoot. This was a special session for me not only because it was for a good friend and fellow talented photographer, but because I knew it represented a special time for her family. It had been awhile since they had family photos taken and most of their recent photos were either self portraits by Danielle or mommy and me sessions. We weren’t sure if we were going to be able to get Aaron in the frame that day due to his work schedule, but I’m so glad we were able to make it happen. Shooting for other photographers is always a little nerve wracking, but I absolutely love this family and we had so much fun that it didn’t really feel like work at all. We got ready together and cruised out to one of their local spots and just walked around the park and laughed at ourselves. When Peyton told me after the session that this was her favorite family session, I knew we had done something right. It’s only been a few months, but I’m already trying to figure out when I can go back so I can see these faces and shoot in that gorgeous Cali light again! Love the Navratil fam and these photos so very much.