A Sunny Morning Family Photo Session in Fair Oaks
There’s something truly special about photographing a family for the first time, especially in the warmth of their own home. This past Sunday morning, I had the joy of meeting and photographing Lauren, her husband Gabe, their four wonderful kids, and their lively dog Percy, who, by the way, is named after the beloved character Percy Jackson from "Percy Jackson and the Olympians." The morning was filled with perfect sunshine, laughter, and a beautiful glimpse into their family dynamic.
A Picture-Perfect Setting in Fair Oaks
Fair Oaks was the ideal backdrop for our shoot. The family’s home, framed by the blooming colors of late spring, offered cozy spaces and shaded corners that captured both the warmth of the season and the closeness of their family. Shooting in and around a family’s home always brings an added layer of comfort and authenticity to the photos; the kids felt at ease, and Percy bounded around joyfully, adding a playful energy to every shot.
Meet the Family: Lauren, Gabe, and the Gang
Lauren, who had reached out to schedule this session, was beaming with excitement, and her warmth shone through in each photo. Gabe brought his steady, calm presence, a grounding force amid the happy chaos of family life. Their kids were an absolute delight—each with their own unique personality that came to life in front of the camera. And then there was Percy, their spirited dog, who brought that extra spark of life to the session, tail wagging and clearly enjoying being part of the family fun.
Capturing the Moments
From the start, it was clear this family shared a wonderful bond. We began with group shots, capturing them all together in their favorite spot on a bridge down the street. There was a mix of traditional poses and candid moments, like the kids giggling while Percy tried to sneak into every shot, eager to be part of the action. As the session continued, I was able to photograph smaller groupings: siblings together, parents with each child, and even some tender moments between Lauren and Gabe.
One of the sweetest moments was watching Percy nestle up to the kids, as if knowing he was the honorary fourth sibling. Percy was truly the star, and the kids loved getting him to pose with them, making for heartwarming photos that captured not only the family bond but the love they have for their loyal companion.
A Lasting Impression
A few days after sharing the images with the family in their private online gallery, Lauren texted and told me these photos were the best family pictures they’d ever taken—a wonderful compliment that left me with such a sense of gratitude. There’s nothing more rewarding than knowing these images will become cherished memories for them, preserving this season of life in all its joy and warmth.
Photographing this family was a reminder of the beauty found in everyday moments, the magic of laughter shared, and the unique connections each family member brings to the picture. I’m thrilled to have captured this special day in Fair Oaks, and I hope these photos bring as much joy to their family as our session did to me.
