First Birthday Session | Sacramento, CA

This little sweetie Melanie turned one! I took her newborn photos last year and the next thing I know she needs another photo shoot! I think these photos speak for themselves. We had a lot of fun setting up this adorable tee-pee and boho floral setting just for the special first birthday girl. I think mom did a spectacular job picking out all of these items, it just turned out so cute. Enjoy!

We had to take some photos at home also, such an adorable watermelon first birthday party theme!

Country maternity session | Raymond, CA

Raymond is a little town on your way to Yosemite where the hills roll on and on. It is right next to the town I grew up in, so it is comforting to drive and see mostly pistachio orchards and pastures of cows grazing. These are my nephew’s friends and we had such a nice evening celebrating the coming of their little one. Such a blessing.

Fall Kids Portraits | Sacramento

I’m here to tell you there is such a thing as a stress free photo shoot. It might be full of silly faces and funny noises….and you might need a nap afterwards…but please make a vow to let your next kid’s photo shoot be worry and stress free! I have a few tips that make things easier with little ones.

  1. Yes to bribes and no to threats. Don’t fill the kids head with pending punishment if they don’t behave perfectly…make it sound like something extremely fun and follow up with a little bribe if needed.
  2. Let them pick out their clothes. YES! Don’t worry, it will be from a few outfits you have selected. Make sure you are happy with anything they choose (from the pre-picked and pre-approved outfits). This gives them some control over what is going to happen.
  3. Keep things light and let the photographer take the lead. I usually have some warm up time to talk to the kids to get a feel for what they will allow.
  4. Back up the silliness. I love it when parents or family members join in on the goofiness to get some genuine smiles and laughter. Play, tickle, joke around…just be silly. Your kids will have more fun and you will get happy photos and not forced smiles.
  5. Let go of perfection. No kids are perfect or behave perfectly. Let them be kids and I promise we will get some great photos that you will love forever!

I’m a Sacramento family photographer. Click HERE to contact me about Fall 2021 mini session dates and times.

xoxox,

Julie

Heavenly at Tahoe wedding

Tahoe…there’s nothing better than that blue blue of the water and well, pretty much everything about Lake Tahoe is amazing. Not to make other weddings jealous, but Tahoe weddings are kinda my favorite.

My friend and fellow photographer, Anita Martin asked me to photograph a wedding with her up at Heavenly Resort so of course I had to! Anita is so fun to work with and just wicked talented (I went to Boston once so I can say wicked now). We drove up together, because, well, we both love to talk. When we arrived at “the guys” Lake Tahoe house, Anita and I parted ways, then I got to hang out and tag along with the fellas riding up the gondola to Heavenly Lakeview Lodge. This is seriously the way to go for a wedding, it is SO much fun. The ceremony site is on a cliff overlooking Lake Tahoe. I mean, come on, it is just the best place to say your wedding vows and then dance the night away.

Amanda & DJ Sacramento Engagement

This engagement session was so enjoyable, we laughed and just had a relaxed and fun time! I love it when the groom to be says at the end, “that is it? that was easy!”

Congratulations to this sweet couple, may you have a beautiful wedding and a long happy marriage!

Nestled in a grove of oak trees, this park in Natomas is minutes away from downtown Sacramento and one of my favorite little spots to take photos. The path leads you through large historic oak trees, which you wouldn’t know are there, just minutes away from the freeway.

Moroccan Styled Bridal Shower

Planning the ultimate ladies party is pretty fun when you can go over the top with a theme like Moroccan! Sometimes we go a bit more subdued for the wedding color palate, so it’s fun to live it up at the bridal shower. This private restaurant patio was a beautiful setting for a party. Many restaurants let you rent out their patio, so this is a great option!

Peruse these fun photos for ideas!