This session was really something special. I’ve photographed this mother and her son almost every year since he was a newborn, and I honestly can’t believe how fast kids grow! Watching their mother-son bond deepen year after year has been the kind of thing that makes this job so rewarding.

This time, we added a new twist. Her sister came along with her baby, and suddenly it became a whole family moment. Seeing the cousins together, even with the age gap, was the sweetest surprise. They were so sweet with other, and you could already sense that cousin connection forming!

Filoli Gardens, just south of San Francisco, is one of those locations that always delivers. With its formal gardens, wide paths, and bursts of color in every direction, it feels like stepping into a painting. The backdrops are so rich and layered that they look incredible in prints and even better on the walls at home. I mean just look at these beautiful pathways and the fountain details!

One of the things I really love about working with the same families over time is how natural it all starts to feel. This mother-son duo knows exactly how to relax in front of the camera. They know that I love creating a mix of posed shots along with my favorite candids that really capture some sweet moments interacting with the environment. Of course, you really can’t go wrong with Filoli Gardens as the environment!

Thinking about doing a session like this? I’d love to help you plan something that feels meaningful to your family. Whether it’s at Filoli or somewhere else close to your heart, I’m here to create something beautiful together. Reach out here.