A Gamble Gardens Family Session

There’s something special about those warm afternoons when families come together ~ setting aside life’s constant motion to pause and celebrate love. This particular Gamble Gardens Family Session was one of those beautiful reminders of what truly matters. Having had the honor of photographing this wonderful family multiple times over the years, I always look forward to seeing them and catching up on all the ways they’ve grown!

Gamble Gardens is a little neighborhood gem tucked away in Old Palo Alto ~ a historic two-and-a-half acre property that feels like a hidden jewel box with year-round beauty. With it’s winding pathways through rose gardens, herb gardens, and that dreamy wisteria, it’s a special spot where you can breathe a little deeper. Those meandering trails through the cutting gardens and demonstration beds create such a relaxed, layered backdrop for capturing families.

As I arrived that day, I watched them pull up and hop out one-by-one from their Sprinter van ~ a stylish mobile workspace of sorts that allowed Dad to seamlessly transition from his workday as they made their way through that Bay Area (sometimes erratic) traffic to our session. I know he had pulled some strings and scooted some things around, making sure he could be fully present for what mattered most that afternoon. There’s something so touching about watching someone find creative ways to show up for the people they love, making it all work so beautifully.

The property’s rich legacy embraced us as we moved from the rose garden to those peaceful more shaded niches under the mature, tall trees. Mom looked absolutely stunning as always ~ effortlessly beautiful in a cream romper, her relaxed waves catching the light just right. There was a quiet ease about her, an elevated minimalism that felt both modern and timeless. And Dad, so dapper and playful, kept the mood light with sweet (and silly!) jokes about stealing kisses from his beautiful wife. There’s this spark between them that’s just so special to witness.

Their youngest, wide-eyed and always so go-with-the-flow, brings that sweet, endearing energy that little ones so wonderfully possess. Their daughter had been treated to hair and makeup for the occasion and looked absolutely beautiful! As she became more relaxed and comfortable, she was so impressive at leading the session with her creative input on where would be nice to shoot – pointing out the prettiest spots and sharing her vision for their photos. And their handsome oldest? Well, anyone who works with teenagers knows they’d often rather be anywhere else, but gosh, he really showed up for his Mom and Dad that day, and that was pretty awesome.

What struck me most was the underlying current of love and respect that flows through this family ~ Mom’s gentle kindness, Dad’s playful affection and thoughtful approach to making this happen despite his busy day, and the way they all showed up for something that mattered. Thank you Jissers for trusting me with your afternoon and for reminding me that love is always worth celebrating! ~ Kent Avenue Photography

Portra 400 scanned by the wonderful Richard Photo Lab.