Sundown in the Tall Grass

Inspiration Series • Open Hills • Marin

Open hills and trails headed in all directions. Untamed grass taller than your kid. A local’s favorite.

The San Geronimo Open Space is an incredible mix of accessibility and all the quintessential things that come with rolling California oak hill country.

For a short period of time during spring, untamed grass stretches overhead just steps from where you park your car. Gold light catches the tops of the stalks at sundown. Kids disappear into it, then reappear laughing. It won’t last — the grass gets mowed, and this experience goes with it.

The Basics

  • Location: San Geronimo Open Space, San Geronimo Valley
  • Duration: 60 min
  • Effort: 3 – Easy
  • Suggested Medium: Digital
  • Best For: Family, Maternity
  • Logistics: Seasonal
  • Cost: $995
Check Availability

The Session

We start slow, with a little tour of the space. The pond, the horse pasture, maybe we meet the horses if they’re out, and my favorite oak tree in the world.

There’s also a quiet nook for a few full family portraits if you’re looking for that.

Then we get to roaming, running through the grass. Laughing, falling, playing hide and seek, lying together in the middle of a field.

Photographer

DAVID ENLOE
(HE, HIM)

Easygoing, grounded.

David crafts experiences rooted in presence and quality time with your people.

More about David

Field Notes

✎ Ancestral territory of the Coast Miwok — by some accounts this group was called Sa-ta-ko, live oak people

✎ From 1965 until 2018, this was a golf course — the space is actively rewilding

✎ San Geronimo Creek runs through the property, one of the last coho salmon runs on the Central California coast

✎ A favorite spot for dogs to run off-leash — must be comfortable with dogs

Close-up of folded knitted sweaters on rustic wood, showcasing texture and warmth.

Come Prepared

Think of this like heading out for a long walk with good company before a casual dinner. Comfortable enough to move in, but something you feel good in. Open landscapes mean people notice what you’re wearing, so a little intention goes a long way.

Texture and layering do a lot of work as the light changes. Scarves and shawls add movement in the wind. Guys tend to look great in jeans or chinos, sturdy boots, and a neutral shirt. For everyone else, a flowing dress or chunky knit works well. Avoid anything too precious since you’re still hiking.

Colors that echo open landscapes tend to work well. Cream, ochre, dusty olive, and warm rust are natural fits. Strong blues and teals offer contrast against sky. I love using kids as a place for contrast, a lighter top or subtle pop of color draws the eye in a wide open setting. Secure anything loose. Wind has opinions on headlands.

Don’t forget your kids, your partner, or your dog. Beyond the obvious, here’s what’s worth throwing in the car for this one.

Water
Snacks
Wipes
Scarf or colored silk for kids
Water & collapsible bowl for dog
Waste bags

A straw bag and towel on white sand beach, perfect for a relaxing day outdoors.

Location Specifics

Shade

Some near oaks, but mostly open sky.

Terrain

Walk: 0.5 mi RT | 100 ft gain | paved path + dirt trails

Restrooms

Porta potty at parking.

Dog friendly?

Off-leash ok.

Cell service

Parking

Roadside, easy.

Bring water

None available on site — bring your own.

Orange sun watercolor art background
Seasonal notes

Spring only — offered while the tall grass lasts.

Check Availability

Questions. Answered

These experiences are built around real conditions — tides, light, flower blooms, coastal weather. A little fog or wind is often part of what makes them feel alive. Unless your experience includes Sunshine Insurance, we’re going to lean into what Mother Earth sends our way.

If conditions look truly unworkable or unsafe — typically a rain forecast of 30% or greater, or any weather warning — I’ll cancel and issue a full refund so you can book another date.

Depending on my availability and the realities of that particular experience, a reschedule may be offered.

If you need to move your session to a new date, a rebooking fee of 20% of the total session fee applies. Any payments already made can be credited toward an available session within six months of the original date.

If you cancel without rescheduling, payments already made are non-refundable.

If illness or something unexpected comes up, get in touch. I’ll always aim to handle things fairly and thoughtfully.

Each experience is thoughtfully paired with the medium, so check the top of the page to find out which one applies here.

Film is slower and more intentional. I take fewer frames and commit to the moment. The results tend to have a softer, more timeless look, with natural grain and texture. You may see a frame that’s slightly soft or imperfect in a way that feels human. That character is part of what people love about film.

Digital gives me the freedom to shoot a lot. That means I can work quickly with moving kids, handle low light, and deliver sharp photos in a wide range of conditions. It also gives me the luxury of finding the best split-second moment during editing.

If you want clean, sharp, and technically consistent, digital is the better fit. If you want something tactile, nostalgic, and emotionally textured, film is the one.

Photos for digital sessions are delivered within 4 weeks. If you purchase Rush Delivery, they are delivered within 7 days (sometimes less, ask for current availability).

Please allow up to 8 weeks for the delivery of videos and analog film photos.

Not every experience includes Sunshine Insurance — check The Basics section at the top of the page to see if it’s part of yours.

Typically, I don’t reschedule for fog or overcast — coastal weather is part of the experience. Sunshine Insurance changes that. If your session includes it, you can reschedule up to twice at no additional cost if conditions aren’t cooperating.

Let’s pick a date

Sundown in the Tall Grass is a spring-only experience, offered on select evenings timed around sunset.

Ready? Choose a date below and you’ll receive a booking file by email — agreement and invoice together. Your spot is confirmed once the retainer is paid.

***Selected dates are held for 24 hours pending completion of the booking file.

Deliverables

  • Session Length: 60 min
  • 40+ digital images
  • (or) 30+ film scans
  • Immediate family + 2 extended members included
  • Print release
  • Shareable online gallery available for 30 days
  • Cost: $995
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