journal

We met beneath the large trees surrounding the expansive historic property for this sun-drenched, Filoli Gardens Family session. It was one of those afternoons where everything just felt easy. The sunshine was glorious, Filoli was overflowing with blooms, and I was going to see the Salcedo family!

I’d arrived early, resting on a park bench in the shade, soaking in the warmth and quiet. The front lot was closed, pushing me to overflow and a longer walk in. But somehow, even that felt perfectly fine. Often times, the best afternoons begin with a little detour.

When they rounded the corner, there was such lovely energy. There always is. That wonderful ease that comes from years spent together. It’s funny how relationships evolve, isn’t it? There’s a rhythm ~ a beautiful ease. An afternoon with just the loveliest people.

Gwyn has this soft-spoken, happy presence that just radiates warmth. Sparkling eyes, tiny freckles scattered across her nose, and that genuine smile that makes everyone feel good. She chose a beautiful, bright-white, eyelet dress paired with strappy gold heels. You could feel the care she’d taken organizing everything so beautifully. Jon has this wonderful, easy energy and genuine appreciation for the leisurely pace of our time together. You can see how much he savors these moments with his family. And Dylan? She is just unbelievably cool. Incredibly sharp and articulate beyond her years, she keeps up with her parents effortlessly ~ matching their wit and humor with this wonderfully silly, kind spirit. She’s an actress, and you can feel that creative energy radiating from her. She always shows up with the most genuine smile, and her delightful sense of humor had me laughing all afternoon!

We wandered from the main house back toward those oversized, iron garden gates. The estate was bustling. Locals leisurely wandering around appreciating the beauty, artists with easels painting blooms and others dressed as whimsical anime characters stopping for their own storybook images throughout the gardens. We dipped under the massive arbor bursting with heaps of white roses, their delicate petals spilling onto the crushed limestone walkway below. Stopping at the garden beverage cart for some celebratory champagne to take along our walk, we cheers-ed to sunshine, bubbly, and family!

Jon affectionately kept occasional tabs on the Sunday Chiefs game between portraits ~ apparently he’s always loved them (even before Taylor & Travis, Gwyn laughed.) What really got me though? While I was photographing his girls, I glanced up to see him looking on at them with such pure adoration. It was one of those quiet, beautiful moments that said everything. Their stories together are woven with such genuine connection. Throughout the session, they’d fall into each other laughing ~ you could feel the years of shared experiences, secrets and silliness between them. A warm deep connection and a gentle love, that was so beautiful and moving to witness. They genuinely enjoy each other’s company. No pressure, just presence. They’ve found such a wonderful community in the Bay Area, savoring all the exceptional culture. And they love exploring the world together as a family (they lit up sharing where their year had taken them, creating adventures and memories that will last a lifetime).

We stayed until the last minute, moving through those colorful spaces and soaking in that late afternoon dappled light. I am reminded always, that this work is such a gift. Celebrating families as they are, open-hearted and present, as they embrace the joy of being together. The Salcedos have truly mastered this art. Thank you, Gwyn, Jon, and Dylan, for sharing your hearts with me once again! I count down to seeing you each and every time. ~ Kent Avenue Photography

Serving Charlotte, the San Francisco Bay Area & Santa Barbara
with timeless, story-driven Family photography since 2012.

There are some families that teach you so much about what love truly looks like. Not in grand gestures or those overly-orchestrated perfect moments, but in the quiet, steadfast act of showing up ~ of making time for what matters most, of prioritizing connection above all else, and of creating tangible memories to share with their children as they grow. This beautiful family has invited me into their story many times now. And each time, I am reminded of what an extraordinary privilege it is to witness their journey ~ to watch their three boys grow, to see the depth of their devotion to one another, and to capture the love that lives so abundantly in the spaces between them. This misty and magical Hillsborough Family session held it all.

This particular afternoon, we gathered at their hillside home perched high above the Bay Area. That soft, magical marine layer had slipped inland through the Peninsula’s natural gaps and settled gently over the hills ~ a silvery, suspended haze that clung to the oaks and stone, transforming their property into something that felt almost otherworldly. It’s the kind of atmospheric magic where elevation and wooded ravines conspire to create the most luminous, velvety light.

Their home is a sanctuary of sorts ~ a front yard with handsome oversized potted olives, a staircase beautifully etched in stone, framed by vine-heavy pears and heaps of lavender, leading to a quiet oak bench on a lifted embankment overlooking the yard. On clearer days, the views out back stretch all the way across the bay to San Francisco. But that afternoon, the mist softened everything, creating the most beautiful, diffused light that wrapped around faces gently and made everything feel a bit more intimate and cozy … and tender.

Mom looked absolutely stunning. And yet, she didn’t hesitate for a moment to settle outside in that light mist to play with her boys. Dad, too. They were focused entirely on something far more important ~ their connection with their family and ensuring their boys were happy, comfortable, and enjoying themselves. That’s the kind of selflessness that takes my breath away.

We settled into their rhythm. There was laughter. There was play. There was the beautiful chaos that comes with three boys and all their boundless energy. And there was Aedan ~ who is so deeply loved by his brothers that it radiates from every frame. Sebastian and Luka are so deeply drawn to him, wanting to snuggle him, sit beside him, hold his hands. Their affection for their brother is pure and instinctive. There’s no hesitation. Just this beautiful, uncomplicated love that flows so naturally between them. Watching them together ~ the way they all gravitate towards one another ~ it’s impossible not to feel the profound bond this family shares.

This is what showing up looks like. It’s making the time, even when life feels impossibly full. It’s prioritizing these fleeting afternoons together, knowing that childhood moves quickly and these days will someday feel like treasures. It’s putting your children’s joy and comfort above everything else. It’s the teamwork, the partnership, the shared commitment to creating something meaningful for your family. Mom and Dad could have waited for a sunnier day, for a less complicated season, for a moment when everything felt easier. But they understood something profound ~ that the act of showing up itself is a gift. That these images aren’t just about capturing how they look, but about preserving how much they love. On this misty afternoon in the hills above San Francisco, they paused. They showed up. They chose connection. And together, we created tangible memories that will become family heirlooms ~ reminders of this chapter, this love, and the beautiful life they’re building together. In my humble opinion, that is pretty much everything. ~ Kent Avenue Photography

These wonderful faces make me so happy!  I was so excited to see them that day for this sunset Carmel-by-the-Sea Family session. I wondered how they had been … and how much they had grown? Where had the past year taken them? What are their interests now and what are they excelling in? Where are they the happiest? 

Individually, they are so different from one another. Collectively, they fit together perfectly. They really are just the coolest; I thoroughly enjoy chatting with them. They are talented, and funny, and kind. I love Perrie’s sass and confidence, Porter’s curiosity and imaginative spirit, Prescott’s incredible warmth and magical energy, Pierce’s intense gaze and huge heart … and Parker’s strong, nurturing (best oldest-brother) presence.

And somehow Mom and Dad, in the midst of it all,  are always so calm and collected … and such fun! I don’t think I will every fully understand how they do it all. What a wild and beautiful ride! I am truly in such awe of them and this wonderful team they are building together. 

That late afternoon on the beach, those handsome kiddos, bundled in their sweaters and layered jumpers, leapt into formation, hand-in-hand along the boulders, from oldest to youngest. I looked up from my camera in disbelief. While I hadn’t yet said a thing, there they were, smiling and ready to go! I was so taken aback, I quickly started snapping the shutter before I even had my glasses on. Confused, looking through my watery viewfinder, I quickly popped on my frames and those wonderful smiles perfectly came into focus. 

I recently discovered that little Perrie has a thing for pelicans (though I’m unsure if this was a brief phase or still ongoing). It was pretty ironic, as that beautiful beach was practically a sanctuary for them! As we explored throughout the rocks, teetered along large pieces of bleached driftwood and danced over a pebbley-layered (somewhat ouchy!) underfoot … they flew overhead in formation. One pod after the next … with Perrie’s little smile lifted to the sky. I remember smiling and thinking that perhaps this serene and serendipitous moment might be ingrained in her memory for a very long time …

The kiddos are so comfortable with taking pictures and are always so easy and accommodating. However my favorite part, is that they are always down for an adventure. I love hearing their silly stories and seeing those more hidden parts of their personalities shine as we explore!

Towards the end of the evening as the sun was setting, we all walked back toward the wooden staircase at the top of the beach, stopping at the ultra-steep embankment that had been carved out by the tides over the past hour. The kids got such a kick out of it! They mischievously glanced over at Mom and Dad, wondering if it was ok to slide down? After they both smiled and nodded, the kids took off runnnnning. They spent the next 15 minutes laughing, and tumbling, and surfing the sand dunes at sunset. I stood there looking on, thinking how incredibly lucky this beautiful bunch is to go through life together. What a gift!  ~ Kent Avenue Photography

It was a cool, blue-skied late afternoon. We decided to meet along the periphery of that charming, fairytale-like neighborhood that sat perched high above the Pacific, for this picturesque Carmel-by-the-Sea Family session.

After parking, we made our way across the narrow, winding road that traced the edge of the ocean, heading toward the tall wooden staircase that descended to the beach. Local couples, bundled in their down Patagonias, strolled hand in hand along the coastal bluffs, their dogs happily pulling them down the cypress-lined, gravel path. With smiles, they waved to neighbors (and to us!) as we passed, embracing the warmth of that picture-perfect afternoon.

We eagerly made our way down the planks to that idyllic cove with the sounds of the sea lapping at the shore and the breathtaking views of Carmel Valley and Point Lobos beyond.  It was enough to leave you both completely breathless and reinvigorated all at the same time! 

I spent the afternoon catching up with these beautiful friends of mine … telling silly stories of our previous photography sessions together and how the past year had written itself with all sorts of serendipitous twists and turns.

Our portraits began in the late afternoon shade of the boulders and then ventured out to those brilliant, sun-soaked spaces in the open. Laugher echoed from that sweet cove as we explored throughout the rocks, slipping and sliding into those beautiful backlit pockets.

There is no stopping these little ones! They kept on, lost in play, as the ethereal fog began to drift in off the water. They truly are the very best of friends and have such fun together. Their infectious spirit always has me so excited to see them! There were special requests from Addie for a picture dancing in the rocks and another from Quinn of an image captured with her beloved stuffed owl.  Jack took it all in as he sat comfortably in the sand, watching his sisters with that magnetic sparkle in his eyes and newly toothless grin.

Mom and dad burst into laughter behind us. I turned around to see that Mom’s dress strap had somehow completely snapped off! Looking over at me through fits of laughter, her eyes read “Uh-oh! Now what?!”. I was convinced that her avant-garde, one-shouldered look, only added to these painterly seaside portraits. Perfect is overrated. Pretty backdrops are ok. However pretty backdrops with memories attached, breathe life into these still images in ways that I could never, ever have planned!

After chasing that last sliver of light, we made our way back towards the wooden staircase ~ sandy feet, windswept hair, and cheeks that ached a bit from laughing. I am not quite sure what I did to deserve crossing paths with such friends over the years. Grateful would be an understatement. Above all, it is these very connections that make this creative path more fulfilling than I could ever adequately express!  ~ Kent Avenue Photography

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 too. Love you tons. ~ Kent Avenue Photography

Kodak Portra 400 scanned by the wonderful Richard Photo Lab.