Sometimes life gets ahead of me. I am currently working on some exciting new projects and while I was gathering material, I had the pleasure of uncovering so many Family sessions from over the years that I have yet to blog! Like this early Fall session at beautiful Gamble Gardens; a session that came at such an extraordinary time.

I experienced such a wave of emotions even just revisiting these images with this incredible family. Our time together was special for so many reasons as we were still feeling the repercussions of that emotionally-charged 2020. Like many of us, I craved human connection so very much. I missed exchanging smiles, and conversation … and hugs. So seeing those kind faces, and experiencing their love for one another from behind the lens was moving on another level.

You could tell they had been through so much that year together. And with that stress and that tension, came almost this silent exhale of sorts. They appeared to just effortlessly fall into one another. There was that unique kind of comfortability and intense love that can be a blissful byproduct from emerging out the other side from a challenging situation. They are strong. They are resilient. And they feel such a deep love for one another.

And this is why I love Family sessions. Each year is different. Life is unpredictable. There can be bumps in the road that may send us off the path a bit, and others that may launch us into moments of complete bliss. I think that each piece deserves to be recognized and celebrated. These are the chapters of your family’s story. And there is no other story like it. Thank you Blacks, for spending the afternoon with me on the heels of such a trying time. Your love and light were not only such a pleasure to capture … but honestly healing in so many ways! ~ Kent Avenue Photography

This Charlotte Home Newborn Session was held right on the heels of Spring. This is always such a beautiful time of year ~ growth, new beginnings and new life. Little Alex, you could not have timed your arrival into the world more perfectly!

We decided to make the most of the fresh air and warm sunshine that early afternoon, setting up our hand-painted backdrop right on the open patio. Katie made us the most delicious charcuterie to enjoy as we listened to music and captured some images of the Hudsons with their firstborn child. I loved chatting and getting know this wonderful young couple more. Their story goes way back. It was pretty awesome to hear! Kinda like a movie really … and I am sucker for all those kinda movies! It was clear that the deep love and strong friendship they have built over the years is now woven ever so intricately into the fabric of their lives. 

I know they are enjoying every bit of this handsome little guy who is already such a huge part of their family! They know that these early newborn days will go by so quickly. They are probably a bit of a blur already ~ a pretty exhausting (heart-swelling) blur.  Those teeny, tiny features will soon change. His wispy eyelashes, little lips and papery thin nails will soon become a memory ingrained on their hearts. These are the memories, within that hazy glow, that I never ever want to fade.

My goal with Newborn photography is to help preserve these simple, blissful, fleeting moments. Nothing is rushed or forced. We take moments as they come, celebrating every last bit! Thank you so much Hudsons for sharing this wonderful time in your lives with me! ~ Kent Avenue Photography

Of all the days on the calendar to gather for this coastal Carmel Family session, our date happened to fall on Mom & Dad’s anniversary! I felt especially excited (and honored) to capture their love and their three wonderful children that very special day. We headed out to the coast to celebrate all things family … and these two beautiful people who started it all.

The air was crisp and you could hear the ocean gently lapping at the shore. Brilliant slivers of warm light cut through the fragrant, coastal-lining Eucalyptus trees, creating beautiful shapes on that Pacific-facing beach below. We made our way up the embankment, meandering along the winding gravel pathways, through the tall trees, until we came to the entrance for that hidden gem of a spot. Holding tightly to the little one’s hands, we slowly and carefully worked our way down the steep set of rickety, wooden steps …. to the larger sandstone steps … until our toes finally hit the white sand of that whimsical, Peter-Pan-like, coastal alcove. There is rarely a soul down on this beach, but we surprisingly had the pleasure of some company that day, so we tucked ourselves back into a little protected pocket to have some fun and capture some images together!

Later as the sun began to slip closer towards the horizon, we worked our way back up the steps and out along the bluffs, to enjoy the sunset at a higher elevation and take in all the local birds who came to gather on the massive rocks in the distance. And by “all the birds”, I mean quite literally, all 3,000 of them. The spectacular view that late afternoon was really and truly like something out of a dream ~ the most beautiful lavender ombre sunset, a periphery of tall Cypress and Eucalyptus trees perched atop bluffs that dipped down to magical coves, magnificent rock formations, and a vast expanse of ocean whose surface danced with the twinkling light of the setting sun. It was breathtaking.

Funny enough, in all the loveliness that unfolded that day, the most beautiful moment to me by far, was at the very end ~ a moment that was a bit ‘uncomfortable’, but a moment that otherwise spoke volumes. On our walk back at dusk, there was a swarm of large bugs that seemed to descend on us. We attempted to shoo them away, however much to our dismay, they seemed to want to stick around and enjoy our company!

As we scooted down the path to try to get away from them, I saw Mom with one child in hand, look ahead to Dad glancing back with two children in hand. I was blown away with how quickly in that one moment (with very few words exchanged) they were able to convey to one other how to best care for and comfort their kiddos. You could feel right then and there what a force they were together, how beautifully entwined their lives were, how well they knew their children and how well they knew one another. It was awesome.

Thank you Stefanis for such a wonderful night. Thank you for celebrating your anniversary with me and for showing me the power of family. I really appreciate you all so very much. ~ Kent Avenue Photography

A rugged landscape, brilliant sunshine that warmed from the inside out and a family whose blinding love and incredible energy spilled from every part of their being. This Monterey Peninsula Family session filled my cup in so many ways!

Admittedly, I had been terribly homesick for California. I was eager to return to see friends, visit those local artisanal spaces that held such a special place in my heart, and have the incredible opportunity to work with those families who had commissioned me to create meaningful family art for their homes.

After a fairly quick, cross-country flight (blissfully reading through all the design magazines that had piled up at home and one of Jay Shetty’s inspirational books) we arrived. The plane glided through the valley and descended through the undulating, golden hillscape. We slowly taxied to the gate and gathered our belongings as the door swung open and the ladder extended to the blinding pavement below. I emerged into the warm sunshine, feeling instantly calm as I drank it all in.

Every part of the country offers such unique experiences and perspective. It is the west coast that had me at the landscape. Those dramatic lines, curves (and crumbles) of that Pacific-facing topography make for such beautiful backdrops. I was staying a bit farther south with a wonderful friend during this trip, so I had the pleasure of shooting at some different coastal locations. I had hiked down this way for years, however it always seemed a bit far to take families for sessions. However, the timing of this trip was perfect.

We couldn’t have asked for better weather that afternoon. It was magnificent. I requested we meet a bit early so that we could take our time. I did not want anyone to feel rushed in the event that we had unexpected kinks with beach traffic. Surprisingly, we had plenty time! We decided to park and take the children out along the cliffside to see the seals below. Their open mouth smiles said it all. Awesome was an understatement ~ spiritual was more like it. I shook my head in utter disbelief trying to take it all in.

After some time enjoying the view, we hopped back in the car and made our way down along the coast to that sun-drenched beach. We basked in the sun capturing moments, while the children laughed, exploring the tide pools and the layers of bleached driftwood that had washed ashore.

Love, in my humble opinion, is one of the most rewarding elements to capture. There is something unique and incredibly powerful about every single stage. Young love has the power to move mountains. Bearing witness to this, breathes life into your soul. It is magnetic. It is open, uninhibited and wildly beautiful. That shared sparkle in their eyes that day said it all. Thank you Hrncir Family for inviting me into your world and allowing me to capture a little bit of that brilliant love you share! I was moved beyond words. ~ Kent Avenue Photography

Fall in love with someone who is both your safe place and your biggest adventure. ~ Atticus

This beautiful St.Louis Family session at the handsome Missouri History Museum in Forrest Park was an exciting one for me! It was my very first visit to this vibrant city ~ and an opportunity to catch up with the wonderful Miller Family. I couldn’t wait to give them a hug and hear more about their recent relocation, teaming with heaps of adventure and great opportunity!

I had the pleasure of being introduced to the Millers many years ago when when my business was in it’s infancy back in the San Francisco Bay Area. Melissa has been incredibly kind to me over the years in helping to expand my network and grow my business. I am so grateful for all her help. I truly credit my gracious clients/friends for my growth; they are everything.

Following the pandemic, we both found ourselves relocating east from California. I am now based in Charlotte and the Millers in St.Louis. While I still travel back to the Bay Area quarterly so that I can continue to serve all my wonderful west coast clients, I had never traveled to St.Louis before. So this year, when they invited me to come see them in their new city (only a short flight away), I was so excited!

The consummate hostess, Melissa invited me to Casa Don Alfonso at the Ritz-Carlton for a little brunch that morning so we could catchup on all that had transpired over the past year. It was so nice to see her so happy in her new city. I loved hearing all about her beautiful design work, her husband’s exciting new job opportunity, their stunning home remodel and how the children are settling in, enjoying their school and their growing network of friends. It was brilliantly clear, that this was a very special time!

Later that afternoon, we met at the museum for this St.Louis Family session, capturing some moments together on those great limestone front steps. As the sun began to set, we made out way down the grassy hill, enjoying those final bits of light by the glistening lake. What a day and what a city. Welcome Home Millers ~ St.Louis is so lucky to have you! ~ Kent Avenue Photography