Background of this Shoot | LA Family Photographer
In the bustling city of Los Angeles, amidst the glitz and glamour, lies a hidden gem where authentic family moments unfold against the backdrop of nature’s splendor. Horsethief Canyon Park (park at the location pinned/by the soccer fields) in San Dimas, CA (about 45 mins without traffic from the city) has become a sanctuary for countless families seeking to preserve their cherished memories through the lens of a camera.
For years, I’ve had the privilege of accompanying one special family (dear Sarah & Ben, whom I absolutely adore!) on their journey through life’s most magical moments. It all began with their engagement, where love blossomed amidst the whispers of Horsethief Canyon’s majestic trees.
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Compare Sarah & Ben at their 2020 wedding to their 2024 family photos! (My editing style has also changed, can you tell?)
As they exchanged vows and embarked on the adventure of marriage, I was there to document every heartfelt moment of their bridal portraits and wedding day photos.
But the story didn’t end there.
As their family grew and blossomed, so did our relationship.
From capturing the joy of their firstborn’s arrival to the laughter and chaos of raising a family, I became more than just their photographer—I became a friend, an observer on Instagram, and was asked to return again this spring to their most intimate moments through my lens.
As they gathered for their extended family photoshoot in the tranquil embrace of Horsethief Canyon Park, I was reminded of the beauty of continuity, of being witness to a family’s evolution over time.
Sarah & Ben still rock photo shoots. Their kids are adorable. Sarah’s parents are in love. The siblings kept me laughing and entertained.
The couple who once stood hand in hand under the golden rays of the sun in a backyard to get married now find themselves surrounded by their children, their parents, and their closest loved ones. It was a beautiful sight to see the growth of the family develop but the love stayed the same.
Here’s the beautiful family below. I’m in awe of the field and this first legacy photo.
Authentic Family Photography | How I Captured That Here
What sets authentic family photography apart is its ability to capture the essence of a family—their quirks, their dynamics, their love—in its purest form. It’s not about staged poses or forced smiles but about embracing the chaos and finding beauty in the imperfections. And nowhere is this more evident than in the candid moments shared between generations, the laughter echoing through the canyon, and the quiet moments of reflection amidst nature’s embrace.
As I click my camera shutter, freezing these fleeting moments in time, I can’t help but feel a sense of gratitude for this family’s unwavering loyalty. They could have chosen any photographer to document their journey, yet they continue to entrust me with their most precious memories, year after year. It’s a responsibility I don’t take lightly, and one that fills me with immense joy and gratitude.
Horsethief Canyon Park has witnessed countless family stories unfold within its tranquil borders, each one unique and beautiful in its own right. And as the sun sets behind the rugged peaks, casting a golden glow over our makeshift studio, I am reminded once again of the privilege of being a part of this family’s story.
So here’s to the loyal clients, the ones who have become more than just subjects in front of my lens. Here’s to the magic of authentic family photography, where every click of the shutter captures a moment that will be treasured for generations to come. And here’s to Horsethief Canyon Park, a place where memories are made, bonds are strengthened, and families come together to celebrate the beauty of life.
What better way to capture your life than through a photo session?
