Recently, I had the pleasure of capturing a playful, lighthearted photoshoot at San Francisquito Creek, a hidden gem in the Palo Alto area. The combination of dappled sunlight and the soft murmur of the flowing water made for a session filled with pure magic.
Nestled between lush greenery and shaded by towering trees, San Francisquito Creek offers an intimate, natural setting for family photography. It’s the perfect place for kids to splash, explore, and simply be themselves,.The soft, earthy tones of the rocks and water, combined with the golden sunlight filtering through the trees, make for a dreamy, storybook-like backdrop.
These are just a few photos from a family session that capture the joy with which the little girl enjoyed playing at the creek. Instead of posing, I led J lead the way—jumping across rocks, dipping their toes in the water, and discovering little treasures along the creek bed.
As J tossed pebbles into the water and chased each other along the banks, I focused on capturing her natural expressions—the laughs and the fleeting, quiet moments. These are the kinds of images that families look back on and instantly feel transported to that time in their child’s life.
One of my favorite things about outdoor, nature-based photoshoots is how they allow families to be fully present with each other. Without distractions, it’s just them, the fresh air, and the simple joy of the moment. The rustling leaves, the sparkle of the water, and the soft afternoon light all work together to create a setting that feels peaceful, warm, and full of life.
