A Backyard Haven Alamo Family Session

This wonderful family has traveled many miles throughout the San Francisco Bay Area for our sessions together over the years. This particular year, I had the joy of visiting them at home for this backyard haven Alamo Family session!

We were graced with the most beautiful light that warm Fall afternoon.  Maybe it was the brilliant blue sky? Or the abundance of fresh air? Or perhaps it was that view of the towering Diablo mountains hugging that property so perfectly?  It was difficult to discern what specifically did it. But I was undeniably unable to peel myself away from that blissful backyard space.

I was so excited to reconnect with them here this year. I learned that this home had whispered to them long before it was theirs, and that in some magical way, the stars had aligned and it had in fact become their own.

I wrapped around the front yard when I arrived that day and through the side gate. I was eager to evaluate the light and find those comfortable places for us to spend time for our portraits.  I surely did not have to look far! The perfectly-shaded, rolling backyard led to a raised outdoor lounge area. It was a peaceful sanctuary of sorts, framed by bushes bursting with blooms ~ the delicate white petals scattered like confetti across the ground. What a magical place to start our photographs with the little girls! I couldn’t wait. 

That sister bond is such a special one. The girls are unreal. They are silly and sweet … and really just such fun together.  Little Ella recently had her ears pierced and proudly gushed that she shares her earrings with her big sister Lily. You would think maybe Lily would give a smirk or an eye roll at her little sister’s outward admiration. But, no. She put her arm around her little sister and pulled her in for the sweetest, heartfelt hug. I melted, for the first of many moments, that afternoon.

We chatted about all things as the girls, barefoot in the grass, eagerly chimed in with heaps of creative ideas for their pictures. They told me all about their new pup ~ a petite, Cavalier King Charles named Daisy who had recently made her debut! It was clear that everyone was completely smitten (even Sebastian looked at her with such adoration, despite thinking that day when they chose a pup, that he was quite possibly coming home with a German Shepard). She lay perfectly perched on Mom’s lap for those family portraits ~ so calm and squeaky clean after her morning bath. After an extended (and quite impressive!) well-behaved bit, she just could help herself and playfully popped up! She raced up and down those tree-lined hills behind them ~ her bath, a distant memory, with that happy mischievous smile!

I absolutely love the pace of these home sessions. Families wander in and out of frames. I can photograph the children while Mom and Dad relax and enjoy some lunch .. and then photograph Mom and Dad while the kiddos play in the grass. Moments have a way of naturally just unfolding with ease.

I was lucky enough to grow up surrounded by aunts, uncles, godparents and grandparents ~ many of which lived right within two streets of us. My mom, for the longest time, would walk next door to see her sister for a daily cup of afternoon tea. I was reminded of these sweet impromptu visits when Sebastian’s father walked through their back gate that afternoon with a plum tree in his arms as we were taking portraits. There were laughs and hugs before he quietly slipped back off.

This home just felt so good.

It was a perfect afternoon that came to a close under a dusty pink sky. Thank you Zahedis for allowing me to share in some of your magic! You are such a gift. ~ Kent Avenue Photography

Kodak 400 scanned by the wonderful Richard Photo Lab.