What a gift to recently be introduced to the dreamiest cove in one of my all time favorite seaside towns for this perfectly misty, Carmel-by-the-Sea Family session!
As soon as my plane landed back in CA that Fall afternoon, I excitedly picked up my rental. I grabbed some fresh sushi for the road (and an extra large water to rehydrate after that cross county flight) and headed directly over to the coast. I can’t tell you enough how much I longed to see that Pacific Ocean that I had been missing so incredibly much. I was looking for something in particular that day and was prepared to find it.
I drove up and down the 17-Mile Drive hugging the coast by Pebble Beach. With each and every familiar jaw dropping turn, I hoped that this was quite possibly going to be the spot. There was someplace specific I was looking to take some Family pictures that Fall. I just couldn’t seem to find it.
However, my friend Willow soon swooped in and changed everything.
During a chat that day, she exclaimed she knew exactly the place I had been describing. And boy was she right. I pulled over to the side of the road when she texted me the video that she took at sunset from her little town. I was in complete awe. This was it. I played the video over and over and over. I was mesmerized. I could not have been more grateful. And excited!
Carmel is one of those places that can take a moment to catch your breath. At least it does for me. I have always been extra sensitive to my environment. I am especially sensitive to light. And temperature. And color. And texture. And this warm, light-infused, dreamy coastal enclave checked all the boxes and then some.
I could tell you story after story after experiencing it’s magic over the years. Of conversations with local artists as they setup their easels facing the water. And widowed neighbors walking the shoreline barefoot, enjoying the eucalyptus-scented ocean breeze and expansive views. Of visits with young families as they built sandcastles on the hill. And a handsome LA musician spreading his mother’s ashes in the place where she grew up as a child. I met a local woman who eagerly shared with me her basket of collected NY Times from the backseat of her vintage Mercedes station wagon and all the exciting bits about her upcoming retirement to France after a 40+ love affair with Carmel.
I mean, this place. It pulls you in with both hands. It makes you feel something ~ quite possibly, everything. It’s truly beautiful on every level. I love it with with my whole heart. And to share an afternoon here with so many families this season, like the Dinsmore family, made it even that much more memorable!
Kristin is a wonderfully talented Bay Area photographer, whose path I had the pleasure of crossing many years ago! I have photographed her growing family several times, both at their beautiful home and in my own sweet little South Bay neighborhood. This particular afternoon, she was kind enough to meet me at the cove as we celebrated this time in her family’s lives.
The waves lapped at the shore and there was a coastal mist that might otherwise have appeared a bit bothersome. But here, no. It only seemed to add to the dreaminess of this little artist colony, as it swirled about the Cypress trees and settled gently over the sea. There were large pieces of sun-bleached driftwood strewn about and trees that whimsically grew right out of that c-shaped stretch of sugar like beach. There were oversized crumbling rock formations and otters floating playfully on their backs out in the water, as Carmel Valley’s Santa Lucia Mountains stood proudly in the distance. It was like something out of a dream, really.
We played until sunset that day and then drove into the village for dinner, tucked neatly away in a storybook-like courtyard. My heart was full. Thank you Dinsmores for sharing your hearts with me! And for that burger. That was pretty good to. Love you tons. ~ Kent Avenue Photography
Kent Avenue Photography is a Newborn, Maternity, Family & Brand Photographer sharing time between the San Francisco Bay and Charlotte, North Carolina areas. We serve the following cities, including but not limited to, San Jose, Los Gatos, Willow Glenn, Portola Valley, Palo Alto, Mountain View, Morgan Hill, Gilroy, Uptown, Ballantyne, Myers Park, South Park, Matthews, Plaza-Midwoord and Dilworth.We specialize in ultra-relaxed, home & outdoor Lifestyle Sessions and would love to photograph your family or brand! To see more of our portfolio, please take a peek here. If you would like to reserve your date on our calendar, please feel free to contact us here or email us directly atinfo@kentavenuephotography.com We are thrilled at the chance to work with you!
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