When Lover’s Lane is your Back Yard

I’ve gotten to know this family over the years. I first met them for this in-home family session with the grandparents, then I photographed their wedding at Swedenborgian Church as well as their Sonoma reception & barn party.

And we’ve reached a level of comfort that makes our time together easy, unguarded. Their son knows me by now, and I can start snapping photos the moment we arrive. Mom and dad know that there’s no need to perform…we just let the morning unfurl and pause here-or-there for beautiful light or a magic little moment.

This morning we chose Lover’s Lane, the Presidio Wood Line. They live only a few blocks away, so we met at their home and walked together. We followed the Wood Line sculpture, invented a game where eucalyptus seeds were currency — the rules are fuzzy now — and ended at a little Presidio neighborhood playground that only locals would know about.

It was a warm Spring morning, and the light was soft. There was no one around. Family photo sessions don’t get easier than this.