This was no easy feat. We were in a drought-stricken land, that never cared much for fall in the first place. Sure a few trees could change colors, and they’d certainly be admired, but this wasn’t the fall folliage that inspired (most) people to take a trip to see it. But since I had flown over from Maui to Southern California to work with some clients, I found every crimson, yellow and gold leaf quite wonderful, and I was even inspired.  On that note, I also found the ability to wear boots and sweaters both exciting and even necessary. (Disclaimer to those in the Conejo Valley: The lady around town wearing a beanie– not a fashion statement, just a girl adjusting to anything under 80-degrees.)

Back to no easy feat… I was trying to create family portraits that reflected a beautiful fall day, regardless of how dry it was.  (And it was really, really dry.)  I have been photographing the C. famly for 5 years now, and when I asked if they were up for a slightly different on-location photo shoot, being that the kids are now in 7th and 5th grade, they were game. Plus, way back when, the first time we shot, I taught mom J. how we go about putting together wardrobe and outfits and she has been amazing ever since. This year she went with a fall color palette that she pulled from the embroidery on her daughter’s tunic.  I love how she coordinated everything, and the pops of color the wardrobe brought. For their photo shoot I wanted it to tell their story of now and to personalize it, so we incorporated their new hometown, said “hello” to horses and passerbys and one of my earliest childhood friends–bonus!, took photographs, and enjoyed the process of family portraits. We even finished with a little dance party. #goodtimes

Children really do imitate what they see their parents doing… so fun to be taking some portraits of mom and dad (which I often try to set time aside for) and then turn around and see their kids like this. 🙂  And how cute are mom and dad?!